bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Network Characteristics and Salivary Cortisol in Healthy Older People
Authors: Lai Julian C. L. , Chong Alice M. L. , Siu Oswald T. , Evans Phil , Chan Cecilia L. W. , Ho Rainbow T. H.
Published: March 2012

Psychobiological research on aging in humans has been confounded by individual differences that have not been adequately characterized in the literature. This paper is an attempt to shed light on this issue by examining the impact of social network characteristics predictive of successful aging on salivary cortisol among 78 older Chinese people in Hong Kong. Eight salivary cortisol samples were collected each day for two consecutive days from immediately after awakening to 12 hours later. Two components of the cortisol diurnal cycle, response to awakening and diurnal decline, were examined in relation to social network characteristics including size, emotional support, and cultivation. ANOVAs with repeated measured were run to examine influences of the three social network characteristics on the cortisol awakening response and diurnal decline, with the effects of gender, age, socioeconomic status, and waking time controlled. Results indicated that those who spent more time and effort in developing and strengthening their social ties (i.e., those high in “cultivation”) exhibited a significantly greater rise in cortisol in the morning and a significantly steeper decline over the day, thus attesting to more effective activation and deactivation of the HPA axis. Network cultivation reflected a positive motivation to nurture social relationships more than the other two network characteristics. Its effect on cortisol might stem from the positivity underlying the motivation.
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Goat Isolate ofTaenia hydatigenain Turkey
Authors: Utuk Armagan Erdem , Piskin Fatma Cigdem
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to provide molecular detection and characterization of the goat isolate ofTaenia hydatigenafrom Ankara province of Turkey. For this purpose, PCR amplification of small subunit ribosomal RNA (rrnS) and partial sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) genes were performed in a one-month-old dead goat. According to rrnS-PCR results, parasites were identified asTaeniaspp., and partial sequence of mt-CO1 gene was corresponding toT. hydatigena. At the end of the study, we concluded that molecular tools can be used to define species of parasites in cases where the key morphologic features cannot be detected. Nucleotide sequence data of Turkish goat isolate ofT. hydatigenawas submitted to GenBank for other researchers interested in this subject. By this study, molecular detection and characterization ofT. hydatigenawas done for the first time in Turkey.
Magnetic Resonance Image-Guided Biopsies with a High Detection Rate of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Engehausen Dirk G. , Engelhard Karl , Schwab Siegfried A. , Uder Michael , Wach Sven , Wullich Bernd , Krause F. Steffen
Published: March 2012

Aim. To explore the potential of transrectal magnetic resonance image- (MRI-) guided biopsies of the prostate in a patient cohort with prior negative ultrasound guided biopsies.Patients and Methods. Ninety-six men with suspected prostate cancer underwent MRI-guided prostate biopsies under real-time imaging control in supine position.Results. Adenocarcinoma of the prostate was detected in 39 of 96 patients. For individual core biopsies, MRI yielded a sensitivity of 93.0% and a specificity of 94.4%. When stratifying patients according to the free-to-total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ratio, the prostate cancer discovery rate was significantly higher in the group with ratios less than 0.15 (57.1%).Conclusion. MRI-guided biopsy of the prostate is a diagnostic option for patients with suspected prostate cancer and a history of repeatedly negative transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies. Combined with the free-to-total PSA ratio, it is a highly effective method for detecting prostate cancer.
Fusion Pore Diameter Regulation by Cations Modulating Local Membrane Anisotropy
Authors: Kabaso Doron , Calejo Ana I. , Jorgačevski Jernej , Kreft Marko , Zorec Robert , Iglič Aleš
Published: March 2012

The fusion pore is an aqueous channel that is formed upon the fusion of the vesicle membrane with the plasma membrane. Once the pore is open, it may close again (transient fusion) or widen completely (full fusion) to permit vesicle cargo discharge. While repetitive transient fusion pore openings of the vesicle with the plasma membrane have been observed in the absence of stimulation, their frequency can be further increased using a cAMP-increasing agent that drives the opening of nonspecific cation channels. Our model hypothesis is that the openings and closings of the fusion pore are driven by changes in the local concentration of cations in the connected vesicle. The proposed mechanism of fusion pore dynamics is considered as follows: when the fusion pore is closed or is extremely narrow, the accumulation of cations in the vesicle (increased cation concentration) likely leads to lipid demixing at the fusion pore. This process may affect local membrane anisotropy, which reduces the spontaneous curvature and thus leads to the opening of the fusion pore. Based on the theory of membrane elasticity, we used a continuum model to explain the rhythmic opening and closing of the fusion pore.
An investigation into the causes of unexpected intra‐operative transoesophageal echocardiography findings*
Authors: Skinner H. J. , Mahmoud A. , Uddin A. , Mathew T.
Published: March 2012

There is uncertainty regarding echocardiography before cardiac surgery, especially with regard to timing and disease progression as well as potential errors. We investigated the causes of unexpected intra‐operative transoesophageal echocardiography findings by performing a 33‐month audit. We found that there were 50/797 (6%) unexpected findings that led to an alteration in surgical strategy in 34 (4%) patients. Of the unexpected findings, 25 (50%) were unrelated to pre‐operative pathology. After reviewing pre‐operative studies and reports, unexpected findings were found to be due to: reporting errors in 20 patients (44%); limitations in transthoracic compared to transoesophageal echocardiography in 14 patients (30%); disease progression in 10 patients (22%); and inter‐observer variability in two patients (4%). We identified six reports out of 797 (0.8%) that contained potentially serious errors. Surgical management changed in 18/20 (90%) patients in whom the unexpected change was due to reporting error, compared to 16/30 (53%) patients whose pre‐operative echocardiogram was correctly reported (p = 0.006). Our study suggests that pre‐operative echocardiography reporting errors are common and important.
Evaluation of the porcine ACSL4 gene as a candidate gene for meat quality traits in pigs
Authors: Corominas J. , Ramayo‐Caldas Y. , Castelló A. , Muñoz M. , Ibáñez‐Escriche N. , Folch J. M. , Ballester M.
Published: March 2012

Long‐chain acyl‐CoA synthetase (ACSL) family members catalyse the formation of long‐chain acyl‐CoA from fatty acid, ATP and CoA, thus playing an important role in both de novo lipid synthesis and fatty acid catabolism. Previous studies in our group evaluated ACSL4 as a positional candidate gene for quantitative trait loci located on chromosome X in an Iberian × Landrace cross. A DQ144454:c.2645G>A SNP located in the 3′ untranslated region of the ACSL4 gene was associated with the percentages of oleic and monounsaturated fatty acids. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the functional implication of this genetic variant. An expression analysis was performed for 120 individuals with different genotypes for the DQ144454:c.2645G>A polymorphism using real‐time quantitative PCR. Differences between genotypes were identified in liver, with the ACSL4 mRNA expression levels higher in animals with the G allele than in animals with the A allele. A SNP genome‐wide association study with ACSL4 relative expression levels showed significant positions on chromosomes 6 and 12. Description of positional candidate genes for ACSL4 regulation on chromosomes 6 and 12 is provided.
Association between circulating cytokine levels, diabetes and insulin resistance in a population‐based sample (CoLaus study)
Authors: Marques‐Vidal Pedro , Bastardot François , von Känel Roland , Paccaud Fred , Preisig Martin , Waeber Gérard , Vollenweider Peter
Published: March 2012

Objective

The associations between inflammation, diabetes and insulin resistance remain controversial. Hence, we assessed the associations between diabetes, insulin resistance (using HOMA‐IR) and metabolic syndrome with the inflammatory markers high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α).

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Participants

Two thousand eight hundred and eighty‐four men and 3201 women, aged 35–75, participated in this study.

Methods

C‐reactive protein was assessed by immunoassay and cytokines by multiplexed flow cytometric assay. In a subgroup of 532 participants, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to screen for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Results

IL‐6, TNF‐α and hs‐CRP were significantly and positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin and HOMA‐IR. Participants with diabetes had higher IL‐6, TNF‐α and hs‐CRP levels than participants without diabetes; this difference persisted for hs‐CRP after multivariate adjustment. Participants with metabolic syndrome had increased IL‐6, TNF‐α and hs‐CRP levels; these differences persisted after multivariate adjustment. Participants in the highest quartile of HOMA‐IR had increased IL‐6, TNF‐α and hs‐CRP levels; these differences persisted for TNF‐α and hs‐CRP after multivariate adjustment. No association was found between IL‐1β levels and all diabetes and insulin resistance markers studied. Finally, participants with IGT had higher hs‐CRP levels than participants with a normal OGTT, but this difference disappeared after controlling for body mass index (BMI).

Conclusion

We found that subjects with diabetes, metabolic syndrome and increased insulin resistance had increased levels of IL6, TNF‐α and hs‐CRP, while no association was found with IL‐1β. The increased inflammatory state of subjects with IGT is partially explained by increased BMI.
S. typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 retention and transport in agricultural soil during irrigation practices
Authors: Chen G.
Published: March 2012

During animal waste agricultural applications, the major concern is pathogen spreading, which may contaminate surface water and groundwater. Among the pathogenic microorganisms found in animal waste, Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 are of particular concern. When transported in sub‐surface agricultural soil, S. typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 are captured at the air–water–sediment interfaces through physical interactions. Because in situ colloids contribute to the formation of air–water–sediment, their mobilization affects the transport of S. typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7. The impact of irrigation rates on in situ colloid mobilization and S. typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 transport was investigated in intact soil columns collected from an agricultural site in Gadsden County of Florida, USA. The columns were irrigated with sterilized nano‐pure deionized water to mobilize the colloids in the soil by stepwise increases in flow rate. For each flow rate, after colloids were mobilized and steady state was reached, S. typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 were introduced. The cumulative amount of released in situ colloids increased linearly with the irrigation rates (R2 = 0.986–0.996) and transport of the bacteria was enhanced after colloid mobilization. Interactions of the bacteria with the sediments and the air‐water interface were characterized: these played an important role in controlling S. typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 retention in soil.
A new technique for measuring broadband dielectric spectra of undisturbed soil samples
Authors: Lauer K. , Wagner N. , Felix‐Henningsen P.
Published: March 2012

A new coaxial line cell for the determination of dielectric spectra of undisturbed soil samples was developed based on a 1.625‐inch ‐ 50 Ω coaxial system. Undisturbed soil samples were collected from a soil profile of the Taunus region (Germany) and capillary saturated followed by a step‐by‐step de‐watering in a pressure plate apparatus as well as oven‐drying at 40°C. The resultant water contents of the soil samples varied from saturation to air‐dry. Permittivity measurements were performed within a frequency range from 1 MHz to 10 GHz with a vector network analyser technique. Complex effective relative permittivity or electrical conductivity was obtained by combining quasi‐analytical and numerical inversion algorithms as well as the parameterizing of measured full set S‐parameters simultaneously under consideration of a generalized fractional dielectric relaxation model (GDR). The measurement of standard materials shows that the technique provides reliable dielectric spectra up to a restricted upper frequency of 5 GHz. For the soil samples investigated, the real part of complex effective relative permittivityɛ′r,effand the real part of complex effective electrical conductivityσ′effdecreased with increasing matric potential or decreasing water contents. Soil texture and porosity affect the dielectric behaviour at frequencies below 1 GHz. For frequencies above 1 GHz minor texture effects were found. The presence of organic matter decreasesɛ′r,effandσ′eff. At 1 GHz, the empirical model ofToppet al.(1980)is in close agreement with the experimentally determined real part of the effective permittivity with RMSEs ranging from 1.21 for the basal periglacial slope deposit and 1.29 for bedrock to 3.93 for the upper periglacial slope deposit (Ah). The comparison of the experimental results with a semi‐empirical dielectric mixing model shows that data, especially for the organic‐free soils, tend to be under‐estimated below 1 GHz. The main advantage of the new method compared with conventional impedance and coaxial methods is the preservation of the naturalin‐situstructure and properties such as bulk density of the investigated soil samples.
Acquired, non‐amyloid related factor X deficiency: review of the literature
Authors: LEE G. , DUAN‐PORTER W. , METJIAN A.
Published: March 2012

Summary.  Factor X (FX) deficiency is a rare coagulopathy due to congenital deficiency (Stuart–Prower disease) or in association with primary amyloidosis. Acquired and isolated FX deficiency occurring in the absence of a plasma cell dyscrasia has only been infrequently described. After recently diagnosing and treating a case of acquired, isolated FX deficiency, we embarked upon a review of the literature to help guide clinicians who may face this clinical situation. The literature was reviewed to identify cases of isolated, acquired FX deficiency unrelated to congenital deficiency, use of vitamin K antagonists, or amyloidosis. There were 34 cases of acquired FX deficiency identified, occurring in association with malignancy, drug exposure and infection. The majority of described cases (38%) were preceded by a non‐specific respiratory viral illness. The initial presentation was variable, ranging from no bleeding to life‐threatening haemorrhage. Twenty per cent of patients had musculoskeletal bleeding resembling patients with haemophilia. Both the prothrombin time and the activated partial thromboplastin time were markedly prolonged in nearly all patients. In 26% of patients, a specific FX inhibitor was identified. Numerous therapies have been utilized in patients with acquired FX deficiency including high‐dose glucocorticoids, plasma exchange with fresh frozen plasma and intravenous immunoglobulin. In 18% of patients, the coagulopathy resolved spontaneously. All patients achieved a complete recovery. Acquired factor X deficiency is a rare disorder, commonly associated with a preceding viral illness and a circulating FX inhibitor. Although multiple treatment modalities have been described with variable success, in many cases, it is a self‐limited condition.
Dental pain in Brazilian schoolchildren: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: De LACERDA JOSIMARI T. , De BEM PEREIRA MARIANA , TRAEBERT JEFFERSON
Published: March 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 131–137

Aim.  To estimate the prevalence, intensity and associated factors of dental pain in 7‐ and 8‐year‐old schoolchildren in a Southern Brazilian city.

Design.  A cross‐sectional study was carried out involving a representative sample (n = 401) of schoolchildren of Tubarão, Brazil. The data were obtained through oral examinations, following WHO criteria. Dental pain was analysed using a specific questionnaire developed to measure it. Prevalence and intensity of spontaneous pain and pain caused by cold and hot food and liquids were analysed. Association studies were carried out using chi‐square test followed by nonconditional multiple logistic regression analysis to test for independence of association between outcomes and explanatory variables.

Results.  The prevalence of spontaneous dental pain and dental pain caused by cold and hot food and liquids was 31.7 and 28.1%, respectively. Females and schoolchildren who had visited the dentist at least once showed statistically higher prevalence of spontaneous pain and pain caused by cold and hot food and liquids. Eight‐year‐old schoolchildren and those presenting cavities in the primary dentition also showed higher prevalence of spontaneous dental pain.

Conclusions.  The prevalence and intensity of dental pain were considered high. The prevalence showed to be associated with female gender, higher age, the presence of cavities in the primary dentition and dental visit.
Stressor Scale for Clinical Research Coordinators: development and psychometric testing
Authors: Matsumoto Kazufumi , Sumino Kumiko , Fukahori Hiroki , Kitaoka Kazuyo , Kamibeppu Kiyoko , Nagamura Fumitaka
Published: March 2012

matsumoto k., sumino k., fukahori h., kitaoka k., kamibeppu k. & nagamura f. (2012) Stressor Scale for Clinical Research Coordinators: development and psychometric testing. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(7), 1636–1645.

Aim.  This article is a report of the development and psychometric testing of the Stressor Scale for Clinical Research Coordinators.

Background.  Job stress is viewed as a situation where working conditions interact with individual worker characteristics and result in disruption of psychological or physiological homeostasis. Clinical research coordinators, also known as research nurses, are professionals who play a central role in clinical trials. They face various problems associated with their responsibilities; however, few studies have reported on their stress. To manage their stress, it is necessary to identify the sources of stress (i.e. stressors).

Method.  The 56‐item preliminary instrument was developed based on literature review and expert discussions. A total of 589 clinical research coordinators in 186 hospitals in Japan were surveyed in 2011. Statistical analyses on construct and concurrent validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability were performed.

Results.  A six‐factor solution with 23 items was selected using exploratory factor analysis: ‘quantitative workload’, ‘conflict with investigators’, ‘ambiguity of work’, ‘conflict with other clinical research coordinators and with supervisors’, ‘demands from an affiliate other than the hospital’, and ‘difficulty in caring for trial participants’. Confirmatory factor analysis affirmed construct validity, with a demonstrated acceptable fit between the factor structure and the observed data. All factors had significant correlations with burnout and psychological distress, which indicated acceptable concurrent validity. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0·73–0·82. Intra‐class correlation coefficients indicated almost satisfactory test–retest reliability.

Conclusion.  Our new instrument has acceptable validity and reliability for evaluating job stressors for clinical research coordinators.
Seasonal differentiation in density‐dependent seedling survival in a tropical rain forest
Authors: Lin Luxiang , Comita Liza S. , Zheng Zheng , Cao Min
Published: March 2012

1. Density‐dependent survival is prevalent in tropical forests and is recognized as a potentially important mechanism for maintaining tree species diversity. However, there is little knowledge of how density dependence changes in fluctuating environments.

2. Across the 20‐ha Xishuangbanna tropical seasonal rain forest dynamics plot in southwest China, which has distinct dry and wet seasons, we monitored seedling survival in 453 1‐m2 quadrats over 2 years. Density dependence was assessed using generalized linear mixed models with crossed random effects.

3. When pooling all species at the community level, there were strong negative effects of conspecific tree neighbours on seedling survival over the dry‐season, wet‐season and 2‐year intervals. The proportion of conspecific seedling neighbours had a significant negative effect in the dry season, but not in the wet season.

4. At the species level, the effects of conspecific tree and seedling neighbours varied widely among species in the community and were significantly positively related to population basal area in the community over the dry‐season interval. In contrast, over the wet‐season interval, the effects of conspecific tree and seedling neighbours did not significantly vary among species in the community. Overall community‐ and species‐level results suggest that local‐scale negative density dependence (NDD) tends to be stronger in the dry than wet season in the Xishuangbanna tropical forest.

5. At the scale of the 20‐ha plot, we found a community compensatory trend (CCT), in which rare species had relatively higher seedling survival than common species in both the wet and dry seasons. A positive association between potential NDD and population basal area suggests that the CCT results from local‐scale NDD, specifically because of negative effects of conspecific tree neighbours.

6. Synthesis. Our results demonstrate that the strength of density‐dependent seedling survival can vary between seasons and among species in tropical forests. Future research is needed to assess the underlying mechanisms of this temporal and interspecific variation in NDD and its consequences for species coexistence and community composition.
Induction of apoptosis in sea bream fibroblasts by Vibrio harveyi haemolysin and evidence for an anti‐apoptotic role of heat shock protein 70
Authors: Deane E E , Jia A , Qu Z , Chen J‐X , Zhang X‐H , Woo N Y S
Published: March 2012

In this study, we exposed black sea bream, Mylio macrocephalus (Basilewsky), fibroblast (BSF) and silver sea bream, Sparus sarba Forsskål, fibroblast (SSF) cell lines to a recombinant Vibrio harveyi haemolysin (VHH) and investigated mechanisms involved in apoptosis. A decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, followed by an increase in caspase 3 activity, occurred within 2–8 h of VHH exposure, in both cell lines; however, VHH did not alter cellular levels of reactive oxygen species. As heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is known to prevent the onset of apoptosis in certain mammalian cells, we aimed to test whether such a protective effect is operative in VHH‐exposed fibroblasts. The amounts of HSP70 were elevated in SSF and BSF via an acute heat shock or an acute heat shock followed by a 6 h recovery. It was found that the VHH‐mediated reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential was suppressed in cells that had a 6 h post‐heat shock recovery, and the protective effect of heat shock‐induced HSP70 was attenuated following treatment of cells with the HSP70 inhibitor, quercetin. This study demonstrates how haemolysin causes cell death via induction of apoptosis and provides evidence as to the role of HSP70 as an anti‐apoptotic factor.
The susceptibility of diverse species of cultured oligochaetes to the fish parasite Myxobolus pseudodispar Gorbunova (Myxozoa)
Authors: Marton S , Eszterbauer E
Published: March 2012

This study provides detailed information on the invertebrate hosts of Myxobolus pseudodispar (Myxozoa) and explores the susceptibility range of several species and analyses the relevance of the species composition of an oligochaete population. Our findings demonstrate that the oligochaete host range of M. pseudodispar is similarly wide as the number of vertebrate host species. Besides Tubifex tubifex and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, Psammoryctides barbatus and Psammoryctides moravicus were also found to be susceptible invertebrate hosts. The genetic characterization of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA of T. tubifex sensu lato revealed that lineages I, II and III are susceptible to M. pseudodispar, whereas T. tubifex lineage VI seems to be non‐susceptible. T. tubifex lineage V and L. hoffmeisteri specimens were positive in a M. pseudodispar‐specific PCR, but in most cases, the release of mature actinospores could not be detected. Hence, these non‐susceptible oligochaetes likely serve as `biological filters` as they remove myxospores from the sediment without producing actinospores. Together with the phylogenetic analysis of the susceptible and non‐susceptible oligochaete hosts on the basis of mt 16S rDNA sequences, the route of the development of M. pseudodispar in the oligochaete hosts was tracked by in situ hybridization. According to our findings, the gut epithelia seem to be a portal of entry of the sporoplasms, where the development of the parasite also takes place. The basal lamina seems to be involved in the migration of the parasite, and the worm’s cellular immune response is activated by the infection.
Synteny‐based mapping‐by‐sequencing enabled by targeted enrichment
Authors: Galvão Vinicius C. , Nordström Karl J.V. , Lanz Christa , Sulz Patric , Mathieu Johannes , Posé David , Schmid Markus , Weigel Detlef , Schneeberger Korbinian
Published: March 2012

Mapping‐by‐sequencing, as implemented in SHOREmap (‘SHOREmapping’), is greatly accelerating the identification of causal mutations. The original SHOREmap approach based on resequencing of bulked segregants required a highly accurate and complete reference sequence. However, current whole‐genome or transcriptome assemblies from next‐generation sequencing data of non‐model organisms do not produce chromosome‐length scaffolds. We have therefore developed a method that exploits synteny with a related genome for genetic mapping. We first demonstrate how mapping‐by‐sequencing can be performed using a reduced number of markers, and how the associated decrease in the number of markers can be compensated for by enrichment of marker sequences. As proof of concept, we apply this method to Arabidopsis thaliana gene models ordered by synteny with the genome sequence of the distant relative Brassica rapa, whose genome has several large‐scale rearrangements relative to A. thaliana. Our approach provides an alternative method for high‐resolution genetic mapping in species that lack finished genome reference sequences or for which only RNA‐seq assemblies are available. Finally, for improved identification of causal mutations by fine‐mapping, we introduce a new likelihood ratio test statistic, transforming local allele frequency estimations into a confidence interval similar to conventional mapping intervals.
In vitro antimicrobial activity of miconazole and polymyxin B against canine meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates
Authors: Boyen Filip , Verstappen Koen M. H. W. , De Bock Manuelle , Duim Birgitta , Weese Jeffrey Scott , Schwarz Stefan , Haesebrouck Freddy , Wagenaar Jaap A.
Published: March 2012

Background –  Meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) infections are increasingly reported in dogs, and these bacteria may be isolated from ear infections.

Hypothesis/Objectives –  The main aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of miconazole, polymyxin B and a combination of both against 24 canine MRSA and 50 canine MRSP isolates. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 12 other antimicrobial agents were also determined.

Methods –  All MIC values were determined according to a broth microdilution assay.

Results –  Acquired resistance was found to all tested agents, except for linezolid, miconazole and polymyxin B. The MIC values for miconazole and polymyxin B against MRSA were in the range of 4–8 and 8–64 μg/mL, respectively, while the MIC values for miconazole and polymyxin B against MRSP were in the range of 1–2 and 0.25–4 μg/mL, respectively. Using a combination of miconazole and polymyxin B, there was no evidence for enhanced in vitro activity of the combination (i.e. synergy) of both products. Nevertheless, MIC90 values of the combination of these antimicrobial agents and of a commercial product containing both agents were at least 1000 times lower than the concentration present in the commercial product.

Conclusions and clinical importance –  These results indicate that the topical use of a combination of miconazole and polymyxin B in a 43.5:1 ratio may have potential for the treatment of MRSA‐mediated and MRSP‐associated otitis externa in dogs.
Frequency of urinary tract infection in dogs with inflammatory skin disorders treated with ciclosporin alone or in combination with glucocorticoid therapy: a retrospective study
Authors: Peterson Andrea L. , Torres Sheila M. F. , Rendahl Aaron , Koch Sandra N.
Published: March 2012

Background –  Few studies have investigated the frequency of urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs receiving long‐term ciclosporin therapy.

Hypothesis/Objectives –  The goal of the study was to investigate the frequency of UTI in dogs receiving ciclosporin with or without glucocorticoids. A secondary goal was to determine whether bacteriuria, pyuria and urine specific gravity were good predictors of UTI, and if ciclosporin dose, concurrent ketoconazole therapy, sex or duration of therapy affected the frequency of UTI.

Animals –  Eighty‐seven dogs with various inflammatory skin disorders and 59 control dogs with inflammatory skin conditions that had not received glucocorticoids or ciclosporin for 6 months were enrolled.

Methods –  This study was retrospective. The first urine culture from dogs receiving ciclosporin was compared with control dogs using Fisher’s exact test. A logistic mixed model was used to test for association between a positive bacterial culture and duration of treatment, dose of ciclosporin, concurrent ketoconazole therapy and sex. The sensitivities and specificities for bacteriuria, pyuria and urine specific gravity were determined.

Results –  Twenty‐six of 87 (30%) ciclosporin‐treated dogs had at least one positive culture. Compared with 3% positive control samples, 15% were positive in treated dogs (P = 0.027). The sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 64.1 and 98.1% for bacteriuria, 74.4 and 70.9% for pyuria, and 56.4 and 65.3% for urine specific gravity. All other analysed parameters were not significantly different.

Conclusions and clinical importance –  The results suggest that routine urine cultures and assessment of bacteriuria by cystocentesis should be part of the monitoring for dogs on long‐term ciclosporin with and without glucocorticoids.
Cloning and characterization of SOC1 homologs in barley (Hordeum vulgare) and their expression during seed development and in response to vernalization
Authors: Papaefthimiou Dimitra , Kapazoglou Aliki , Tsaftaris Athanasios S.
Published: March 2012

A number of genes are involved in the vernalization pathway, such as VRN1, VRN2 and VRN3/FT1, whose function has been studied in barley and wheat. However, the function of the flowering and vernalization integrator SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1) has not been well studied in Triticeae, and particularly in barley. Herein, we cloned and characterized two barley SOC1‐like homologs, HvSOC1‐like1 and HvSOC1‐like2. Primary sequence analysis of the predicted HvSOC1‐like1 and HvSOC1‐like2 proteins showed that they are members of the type II MADS‐box protein family. Phylogenetic analysis placed the predicted proteins with other SOC1 and SOC1‐like proteins from different species neighboring those from other cereal plant species. Primary and secondary structures of the predicted proteins are conserved to each other and more distant to the recently identified barley ODDSOC1 proteins. Genomic organization of HvSOC1‐like1 is very similar to the Arabidopsis and Brachypodium SOC1 genes and localized in highly syntenic chromosomal regions. Regulatory cis‐acting elements detected in the HvSOC1‐like1 promoter include the CArG‐box, implicated in the regulation of SOC1 expression in Arabidopsis. Both HvSOC1‐like1 and HvSOCI‐like2 are expressed in vegetative and reproductive tissues and at different stages of seed development. Both are upregulated in a particular seed developmental stage suggesting their possible implication in seed development. Furthermore, HvSOC1‐like1 was induced in two winter barley cultivars after vernalization treatment pointing to its probable involvement in the vernalization process. The study of the SOC1 genes reported here opens the way for a better understanding of both the vernalization process and seed development and germination in this important cereal crop.
Understanding plant cold hardiness: an opinion
Authors: Gusta Lawrence V. , Wisniewski Michael
Published: March 2012

How plants adapt to freezing temperatures and acclimate to survive the formation of ice within their tissues has been a subject of study for botanists and plant scientists since the latter part of the 19th century. In recent years, there has been an explosion of information on this topic and molecular biology has provided new and exciting opportunities to better understand the genes involved in cold adaptation, freezing response and environmental stress in general. Despite an exponential increase in our understanding of freezing tolerance, understanding cold hardiness in a manner that allows one to actually improve this trait in economically important crops has proved to be an elusive goal. This is partly because of the growing recognition of the complexity of cold adaptation. The ability of plants to adapt to and survive freezing temperatures has many facets, which are often species specific, and are the result of the response to many environmental cues, rather than just low temperature. This is perhaps underappreciated in the design of many controlled environment experiments resulting in data that reflects the response to the experimental conditions but may not reflect actual mechanisms of cold hardiness in the field. The information and opinions presented in this report are an attempt to illustrate the many facets of cold hardiness, emphasize the importance of context in conducting cold hardiness research, and pose, in our view, a few of the critical questions that still need to be addressed.
Spermidine application to young developing peach fruits leads to a slowing down of ripening by impairing ripening‐related ethylene and auxin metabolism and signaling
Authors: Torrigiani Patrizia , Bressanin Daniela , Beatriz Ruiz Karina , Tadiello Alice , Trainotti Livio , Bonghi Claudio , Ziosi Vanina , Costa Guglielmo
Published: March 2012

Peach (Prunus persica var. laevis Gray) was chosen to unravel the molecular basis underlying the ability of spermidine (Sd) to influence fruit development and ripening. Field applications of 1 mM Sd on peach fruit at an early developmental stage, 41 days after full bloom (dAFB), i.e. at late stage S1, led to a slowing down of fruit ripening. At commercial harvest (125 dAFB, S4II) Sd‐treated fruits showed a reduced ethylene production and flesh softening. The endogenous concentration of free and insoluble conjugated polyamines (PAs) increased (0.3–2.6‐fold) 1 day after treatment (short‐term response) butsoon it declined to control levels; starting from S3/S4, when soluble conjugated forms increased (up to five‐fold relative to controls at ripening), PA levels became more abundant in treated fruits, (long‐term response). Real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that peaks in transcript levels of fruit developmental marker genes were shifted ahead in accord with a developmental slowing down. At ripening (S4I–S4II) the upregulation of the ethylene biosynthetic genes ACO1 and ACS1 was dramatically counteracted by Sd and this led to a strong downregulation of genes responsible for fruit softening, such as PG and PMEI. Auxin‐related gene expression was also altered both in the short term (TRPB) and in the long term (GH3, TIR1 and PIN1), indicating that auxin plays different roles during development and ripening processes. Messenger RNA amounts of other hormone‐related ripening‐regulated genes, such as NCED and GA2‐OX, were strongly downregulated at maturity. Results suggest that Sd interferes with fruit development/ripening by interacting with multiple hormonal pathways.
Dexamethasone does not reduce pain or analgesic consumption after thyroid surgery; a prospective, randomized trial
Authors: DOKSRØD S. , SAGEN Ø. , NØSTDAHL T. , RÆDER J.
Published: March 2012

Background

Post‐operative analgesic effect of a perioperative fixed dose glucocorticoid has been demonstrated in studies on different surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to look for analgesic and opioid sparing effect after thyroid surgery with a weight‐adjusted medium dose of dexamethasone compared with placebo or a higher dose. Further, to register other effects and side effects of dexamethasone in the 0–30 days post‐operative period.

Methods

One hundred and twenty patients scheduled for thyroid surgery were randomly assigned to three groups receiving either dexamethasone 0.30 mg/kg, 0.15 mg/kg or placebo. Pain scores at rest and on coughing, post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), consumption of opioids and anti‐emetics, appetite, sleep pattern, fatigue, mood, blood sugar, wound infection and dyspepsia were recorded.

Results

There was no effect of either dexamethasone doses on post‐operative pain or rescue opioid consumption. PONV was lower in the dexamethasone groups 2–4 h post‐operatively (P < 0.01). Blood sugar increased moderately from baseline in all groups, but significantly more in the dexamethasone groups (P < 0.01 at 2 h and P < 0.001 at 4 h). Minor improvement in appetite was shown with dexamethasone, along with a tendency towards less sleep and more fatigue in the 3–30 days period for the higher dose. No effect was demonstrated on other parameters.

Conclusion

Dexamethasone had no analgesic or opioid sparing effect in our set‐up after thyroid surgery. Dexamethasone reduced the incidence of PONV and led to a modest increase in blood sugar. A medium dose seems as effective as a higher dose.
Parecoxib mitigates spatial memory impairment induced by sevoflurane anesthesia in aged rats
Authors: GONG M. , CHEN G. , ZHANG X. M. , XU L. H. , WANG H. M. , YAN M.
Published: March 2012

Background

Inflammation in brain plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment. Anti‐inflammatory therapy may thus constitute a novel approach for associated cognitive dysfunction. The present study investigated the effects of parecoxib in the prevention of cognitive impairments induced by sevoflurane in aged rats.

Methods

Sixty‐six aged rats were divided randomly into three groups: control group (n = 22, sham anesthesia), sevoflurane group (n = 22, received 2% sevoflurane for 5 h) and parecoxib group (n = 22, received intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg parecoxib and then exposed to 2% sevoflurane for 5 h). Spatial learning performance was tested by Morris water maze. The expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 protein and ultrastructure of synapse in hippocampus were measured.

Results

Sevoflurane anesthesia impaired the spatial learning and memory in aged rats. Compared with sevoflurane group, parecoxib group showed shorter escape latency and more number of crossings over the previous platform area. Furthermore, parecoxib treatment also significantly prevented the synaptic changes induced by sevoflurane.

Conclusion

Parecoxib mitigates spatial memory impairment induced by sevoflurane anesthesia in aged rats. The synaptic morphometry change may be one of the mechanisms involved in learning and memory deficit.
Mechanisms and fitness effects of antibacterial defences in a carrion beetle
Authors: ARCE A. N. , JOHNSTON P. R. , SMISETH P. T. , ROZEN D. E.
Published: March 2012

Parents of many species care for their offspring by protecting them from a wide range of environmental hazards, including desiccation, food shortages, predators, competitors, and parasites and pathogens. Currently, little is known about the mechanisms and fitness consequences of parental defences against bacterial pathogens and competitors. Here, we combine approaches from microbiology and behavioural ecology to investigate the role and mechanistic basis of antibacterial secretions applied to carcasses by parents of the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. This species rears its larvae on vertebrate carcasses, where larvae suffer significant fitness costs due to competition with bacterial decomposers. We first confirm that anal secretions produced by parents are potently bactericidal and that their effects are specific to gram‐positive bacteria. Next, we identify the source of bacterial killing as a secreted lysozyme and show that its concentration changes throughout the breeding cycle. Finally, we show that secreted lysozyme is crucial for larval development, increasing survival by nearly two‐fold compared to offspring reared in its absence. These results demonstrate for the first time that anal secretions applied to carrion is a form of parental care and expand the mechanistic repertoire of defences used by parent insects to protect dependent offspring from microbial threats.
Expression of the Full‐length Coat Protein Gene of Tomato leaf curl Taiwan virus is Not Necessary for Recovery Phenotype in Transgenic Tomato
Authors: Sengoda Venkatesan G. , Tsai Wen‐Shi , De La Peña Robert C. , Green Sylvia K. , Kenyon Lawrence , Hughes Jackie
Published: March 2012

Transgenic tomato plants expressing full‐length (CPV1) and truncated coat protein (CP) gene (CPV2) of Tomato leaf curl Taiwan virus (ToLCTWV) were generated by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. Transgene integration and expression was confirmed by PCR and Southern blotting and Northern analysis, respectively. Resistance was evaluated both in plants of T0 and T1 progenies using viruliferous whiteflies under two different inoculum pressures (10–15 and 40–50 whiteflies/plant). Upon inoculation with ToLCTWV using viruliferous whiteflies, various levels of phenotypic reaction were observed. No complete resistance was observed in any of the plants tested. The reaction of the transgenic tomato lines carrying full‐length and truncated CP gene to ToLCTWV phenotype was (i) susceptible as non‐transgenic control, (ii) delayed symptom expression, (iii) complete susceptible (from delayed symptom expression phenotype) and (iv) recovered phenotype (either plants from symptom expression as non‐transgenic plants or delayed symptom expression phenotype). Dot blot quantification of the ToLCTWV using the replicase gene as a probe revealed that the recovered phenotypes accumulated a low level of ToLCTWV, and virus concentration was gradually reduced from 10 to 14 weeks postinoculation. The possible mechanisms of CP‐mediated resistance are discussed.
Identification of Stable Reference Genes for Gene Expression Studies Using Quantitative Real Time PCR in Buffalo Oocytes and Embryos
Authors: Kumar Parveen , Yadav Poonam , Verma Arpana , Singh Dheer , De Sachinandan , Datta Tirtha Kumar
Published: March 2012

Contents

The present study was aimed to validate expression stability of 6 housekeeping genes (viz. YWHAZ, SDHA, GAPDH, RPS15, RPS18 and RN18S1) in the oocytes and embryos of different stages in buffalo. A modified Trizol protocol was optimized for RNA isolation from as few as five oocytes. The expression level of selected genes was studied by an optimized real time PCR using DCT method and their stability of expression was evaluated by Microsoft Excel based visual application, geNORM. The analysis revealed that the RPS15 and GAPDH were the most stable genes across different samples. Also, the geometric mean of three genes (i.e. RPS15, RPS18 and GAPDH) were found suitable for normalization of real time PCR data from buffalo oocytes/embryos. The information would help in more accurate interpretation of gene expression data from oocytes/embryos towards understanding the molecular events in these cells during development.
Effect of Supplemental Feeding with Glycerol or Propylene Glycol in Early Lactation on the Fertility of Swedish Dairy Cows
Authors: Lomander H , Gustafsson H , Frössling J , Ingvartsen KL , Larsen T , Svensson C
Published: March 2012

Contents

The aim of this field study was to evaluate the effect of supplemental feeding with glycerol (GLY) or propylene glycol (PG) during early lactation on the fertility of Swedish dairy cows. Within 17 commercial dairy herds, 798 cows were randomized to three groups that were daily fed supplements with 450 g GLY, 300 g PG or nothing (control, C). The supplements were given twice daily during 0–21 days in milk as a top dress on concentrates. Data on calving date, insemination dates, gynaecological examinations, as well as breed, parity and monthly milk yield were collected. From a subset of 308 cows in seven herds, milk samples for progesterone analysis were taken twice weekly and used to determine the time for onset of luteal activity. The effects of supplements on the intervals from calving to first luteal activity (FLA), first AI (FAI) and conception (CON), respectively, were analysed using semi‐parametric survival models (Cox proportional hazards models) controlling for the effect of parity, breed, calving season, milk yield and the clustering effect of herd. There was no difference in time to FLA between the cows in group C and in group GLY or PG. No differences in time to FAI or in time to CON were found between cows in group PG and group C. However, cows in the GLY group tended to get their FAI later compared with cows in the control group but without at subsequent delaying of time to CON.