bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and limitations of targeting cancer stem cells and/or the tumour microenvironment
Authors: Yakisich Juan Sebastian
Published: May 2012

The existence of cancer cells with stem cell properties (Cancer Stem Cells, CSCs) and their association with tumor resistance and relapse has led to the search for active compounds to eliminate these cells or modulate their stemness in the hope of curing cancer. So far, three classes of drugs that target cancer stemness (Stemness Modulator Drugs) have been identified: i) drugs that selectively eliminate CSCs (stem cell targeting drugs); ii) drugs that decrease stemness (stemness inhibitor drugs); and iii) drugs that promote stemness (stemness promoting drugs). In addition, microenvironment modulating drugs aimed at selectively targeting the stem cell niche are being investigated and may represent an important class of drug for cancer therapy. This article will briefly review the current use of these substances and discuss the potential outcomes, challenges and limitations of treatment modalities using these classes of drugs for cancer treatment. Finally, a modular tumor model will be proposed as a guide to integrate our knowledge on the biology of cancer stem cell with that of the tumor microenvironment to promote a more rational development of anticancer therapy.
Microbial Deterioration of White Variety Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) under Different Storage Structures
Authors: Tortoe Charles , Obodai Mary , Amoa-Awua Wisdom
Published: May 2012

Post-harvest protection of white variety sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) has been dealt with rarely in the past, although it is comparatively easy to grow and has high consumer acceptability in Ghana. Microbial deterioration of sweet potato roots stored in three different storage structures was studied. The sweet potato roots initially cured for 7 and 14 days were stored in traditional, pit, and clamp storage structures for a maximum of 28 days. For the 7 days-cured sweet potato roots, the bac­teria population in the three different storage structures increased by 1.2–2.3 log cfu/g whereas for the 14 days-cured roots, the bacteria population was 0.1–1.0 log cfu/g within 28 days of storage. The fungal population in the 14 days-cured sweet potato roots was higher than in the 7 days-cured sweet potato roots by 0.6–1.6 log cfu/g for 28 days of storage. For both the 7 and 14 days-cured sweet potato roots, the sweet potato roots stored for 28 days in the three different storage structures had a higher microbial count compared to the sweet potato roots stored for 14 days. Aspergillus flavus was the most dominant fungal species occurring in all of the three different storage structures followed by A. niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Tricho-derma viride, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium digitatum, Cladosporium herbarum,and Aspergillus ochraceus, in that order.
Soybean Germplasms Evaluation for Acid Tidal Swamp Tolerance Using Selection Index
Authors: Kuswantoro Heru , Wijanarko Andy , Setyawan Dany , William Eddy , Dadang Ahmad , Mejaya Made Jana
Published: May 2012

Availability of fertile land on the island of Java in Indonesia decreases due to the shifting from agricultural land to non-agricultural land. Hence, an extensification of soybean culture to outer Java suboptimal land areas is needed, such as tidal swamp which occupies approximately 20.192 million hectares. The main limitations in this soil are soil acidity, Fe toxicity and excess water. To develop soybean varieties tolerant to acid tidal swamp, tolerant soybean gene resources are needed. Hence, glasshouse and field experiments were carried out to identify tolerant gene resources. The glasshouse experiment has been conducted using 185 genotypes of germplasm at the Indonesian Legume and Tuber Crops Research Institute, Malang, East Java. Selection was carried out by using a selection index method. The glasshouse experiment was followed by field experiment at the Belandean research station, Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, using the best 17 genotypes selected from the glass­house trial. Results showed that there was variability of response of each genotype to acidity and Fe toxicity. Therefore, assessment of soybean tolerance to acidity and Fe toxicity should be conducted by root growth. Based on selection index criteria, varieties of Lawit and Menyapa served as check tolerant varieties and showed lower growth than the 17 selected genotypes. In the field experiment, genotype MLGG 1087 was identified as the most tolerant and can serve as a gene resource tolerant to acid tidal swamp because it has the highest relative root growth on root dry weight, and the highest average of root and shoot dry weight.
Immunolocalization of Ricin Accumulation during Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.) Seed Development
Authors: Baldoni Aisy Botega , Araújo Ana Cláudia Guerra , de Carvalho Mayara Holanda , Gomes Ana Cristina M. M. , Aragao Francisco J. L.
Published: May 2012

Ricin is a dimeric glycoprotein that accumulates in protein storage vacuoles of endosperm cells of Ricinus communis L. (castor bean). The proricin travels through the Golgi appar­atus and co-localizes throughout its route to the storage vacuoles of developing castor bean endosperm. We report here the pattern of seed morphological and ultrastructural changes during various stages of seed development, associated with ricin accumulation. ELISA was used to compare the ricin content in mature seeds of four Brazilian commercial cultivars. ELISA and immunoelectron microscopy anal­ysis were used to study ricin accumulation during seed development from 10 to 60 days after pollination (DAP). Results have shown that no ricin could be localized in the endosperm cells in the early development stages (before 20 DAP) and only a few localization points could be observed at 30 DAP. However, a significant ricin localization signal was observed at 40 DAP in the matrix of the protein storage vacuoles. The signal increased significantly from 50 to 60 DAP, when ricin was observed in both the matrix and crystalloids of the protein storage vacuoles. Understanding ricin expression at the cellular level is fundamental for the development of strategies for gene suppression using molecular breeding approaches.
Structural Character of Sorghum Endosperm Transfer Cells and Their Relationship with Embryo and Endosperm
Authors: Zheng Yankun , Wang Zhong
Published: May 2012

Endosperm transfer cells mainly occur in the epithelial layer of the endosperm and transport the nutrient unloaded by the maternal vascular tissue. They have wall ingrowths that can facilitate solute transportation. Here we report our further investigation of endosperm transfer cells in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). We observed endosperm transfer cells, embryo, and endosperm with different kinds of microscopes. Our experimental results showed that the distribution and configuration of endosperm transfer cells were fit for solute transportation, and they had a tight relationship with the embryo and endosperm.
Long-Term Storage-Dependent Changes in Seed Physiological Aspects of Hyoscyamus Niger from a Cold Desert Region of Trans-Himalaya
Authors: Sharma Shashi , Sharma Rajender Kumar
Published: May 2012

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger L.), an economically important medicinal plant, has an endangered status in Himachal Pradesh (India) that needs appropriate conservation interventions. We have examined seed physiological aspects of H. niger from Lahaul (Himachal Pradesh, India), a cold desert region. The freshly harvested seeds exhibited complete dormancy. Gibberellic acid (GA3) and chilling treatment strongly promoted seed germination which was accompanied by increased α-amylase activity. KNO3, NaN3 and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, also promoted germination. During storage, the seeds retained high viability even after a storage of 72 months under ambient conditions. However, they remained dormant during the entire storage period. The responsiveness of seeds to GA3 and chilling treatment gradually declined with progression of storage period. Concomitantly, the triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) reduction ability of seeds was lowered. The seed responsiveness to KNO3, NaN3 and SNP during storage increased until one year and decreased thereafter. With the progression of the storage period, seeds exhibited elevated lipid peroxidation and reduced catalase activity implying a role of oxidative stress in observed changes. The involvement of phenolics in seed dormancy of H. niger was not evident. The findings are of significance for conservation and cultivation of H. niger through seeds in the arid mountain region.
Effects of Sodium Nitroprusside Activity of Acid and Alkaline Invertases and Alkaline Phosphatase in Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud) Wats
Authors: Ganjewala Deepak , Nagaraja Chappidi , Nayak Manas , Devi S.
Published: May 2012

We investigated effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on sucrose metabolizing enzymes, acid, and alkaline invertase and alkaline phosphatase in lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud) Wats varieties i.e. Krishna, Cauveri, Nima and Cheerharit. Fifteen day old lemongrass tillers were treated with SNP (1 and 2 mM) under sunlight for four hours. Our results clearly indicated that SNP (2 mM) substantially decreased the amount of proteins in all varieties studied, with maximum values of 40% and 33% in Nima and Krishna, respectively. SNP (1 mM) significantly increased the amount of proteins 43% and 31% in Krishna and Cauveri, respectively. SNP (2 mM) rapidly and severely reduced the activity of acid and alkaline invertases in all varieties, except Krishna and Cauveri. However, the effect of SNP was more pronounced on acid invertase causing at 2 mM an inhibition of 37%, 35% and 28% in Cheerharit, Nima and Cauveri, respectively, whereas it showed relatively less inhibition in alkaline invertase activity 27%, 24% and 21%, respectively, in Nima, Krishna and Cheerharit. Alkaline phosphatase activity was only considerably decreased following SNP (2 mM) treatment in all lemongrass varieties studied with the exception of Nima, where a sharp decrease of 50% was observed. SNP (1 mM) also demonstrated similar effects on acid and alkaline invertases and alkaline phosphatase. These results clearly suggest that SNP affects acid and alkaline phosphatase activity and, therefore, has a role in sucrose metabolism in lemongrass. Alterations in alkaline phosphatase activity upon SNP treatment have several consequences.
Maize Silk Antibiotic Polyphenol Compounds and Molecular Genetic Improvement of Resistance to Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) in sh2 Sweet Corn
Authors: Guo Baozhu , Butrón Ana , Scully Brian
Published: May 2012

The flavor of sh2 super-sweet corn is preferred by consumers. Unfortunately, sh2 sweet corn has little genetic variation for insect resistance. In this paper we review the functions of two loci, p1 and a1. The P1 allele has a major role in sh2 sweet corn resistance to corn earworm, an allele that was lost in historical selection because of its pleiotropic effect on undesirable cob color and silk browning. The P1 allele has significant effects on biosyntheses of silk antibiotic compounds, maysin, apimaysin, methoxymaysin, and chlorogenic acid. The effect of a1 shows gene action for lowered maysin and significant epistatic action with p1. The dominant functional allele A1 causes anthocyanin pigments in aleurone, plant, and pericarp tissues; the recessive a1 allele causes absence of pigment in these tissues. If silk browning and cob color are critical factors for maysin production but lack the customer’s preference, then separating red cob and browning silk, which are controlled by the P1 allele, may be difficult if not impossible. One high silk maysin sh2 sweet corn germ­plasm, shrunken Zapalote Chico, has been released. There is some field corn germplasm with p1-wwr alleles, but the amount of antibiotic flavones and their potential as a donor need further investigation.
Orange and Pineapple Wastes as Potential Substrates for Citric Acid Production
Authors: Kuforiji Olubukola , Kuboye Adunola , Odunfa Sunday
Published: May 2012

Orange (pulp) and pineapple wastes were used as substrates for citric acid production by two strains of Aspergillus niger. A. niger strains NRRL 567 and 328 produced the maximum amount of citric acid (57.6% and 55.4%, respectively) at a moisture content of 38.9% in orange waste and the highest yields of 46.4% and 45.4% citric acid in pineapple waste at moisture contents of 54.4% and 63.4 %, respectively. The addition of 1–3% methanol to the substrates resulted in reduction in yield in both cases.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of the Methanol Extract from Anthocephalus cadamba Stem Bark in Animal Models
Authors: Chandrashekar Kodangala Subraya , Abinash Borthakur , Prasanna Kodangala Subraya
Published: May 2012

Background: Anthocephalus cadamba (Rebox) Miq. (Rubiaceae) is widely distributed throughout the greater part of India, especially at low levels in wet place. Traditionally the bark is used as tonic, febrifuge and to reduce the pain and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect of methanol extract obtained from Anthocephalus cadamba aerial parts, MEAC, were investigated in this study. Design and methods: The effects of MEAC on the acute and chronic phases of inflammation were studied in carrageenan, dextran and mediators (histamine and serotonin) induced paw edema and cotton pallet-induced granuloma, respectively. The anti-edema effect of MEAC was compared with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin orally. Results: The results suggested that MEAC possess potent anti-inflammatory activity. The acute inflammatory model showed that all the doses of MEAC effectively suppressed the edema produced by histamine, so it may be suggested that its anti-inflammatory activity is possibly backed by its antihistaminic activity. In chronic inflammatory model the effect may be due to the cellular migration to injured sites and accumulation of collagen and mucopolysaccharide. Conclusions: On the basis of these findings, it may be inferred that Anthocephalus cadamba is an anti-inflammatory agent and the results are in agreement with its traditional use.
The Role of Antioxidative Enzymes in Copper Tolerance Strategy of Mimosaceace prosopis farcta Growing in a Copper Mine
Authors: Boojar Masoud Mashhadi Akbar , Farahi Mehdi Hosseini
Published: May 2012

In this study, we determined the accumulation levels of copper in tissues and the status of antioxidant enzyme activities in Mimosa­ceace prosopis fracta against Cu-toxicity in a copper mine. We measured the level of chlorophyll and the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase by spectrometry, malondialdehyde and dityrosine by HPLC and the levels of Cu in tissues and soils by atomic absorption spectrometry. Total and available copper were at toxic levels for plants growing in contaminated soil (zone 1). However, there were no visual or conspicuous symptoms of Cu-toxicity in plant species. Excess copper was transferred into C. ambrosioides tissues. The Mimosaceace prosopis fracta accumulated Cu in roots and then in leaves, in which the leaves’ chloroplasts stored Cu to approximately two times that of vacuoles. In zone 1, the chlorophyll levels increased significantly in leaves of Mimosaceace prosopis fracta with respect to the same plant growing in uncontaminated soil (zone 2). The studied plants in zone 1 revealed a significant increase in tissue antioxidant enzyme activities in comparison with the same plants in zone 2. The levels of oxidative damage biomarkers of lipids, such as MDA and proteins such as dityrosine, were higher in tissues of Mimo­saceace prosopis fracta that were grown in zone 1 as compared to the same plant species in zone 2, though this difference was not significant. The levels of these biomarkers were higher in roots, stems and leaves, respectively, in both zones. There were significant differences between roots and leaves for these parameters. We concluded that elevation of antioxidative enzyme activities was a tolerance strategy in the studied plants that protected them against copper toxicity.
Biosynthesis of Triacylglycerols (TAGs) in Plants and algae
Authors: Cagliari Alexandro , Margis Rogerio , dos Santos Maraschin Felipe , Turchetto-Zolet Andreia Carina , Loss Guilherme , Margis-Pinheiro Marcia
Published: May 2012

Triacylglycerols (TAGs), which consist of three fatty acids bound to a glycerol backbone, are major storage lipids that accumulate in developing seeds, flower petals, pollen grains, and fruits of innumerous plant species. These storage lipids are of great nutritional and nutraceutical value and, thus, are a common source of edible oils for human consumption and industrial purposes. Two metabolic pathways for the production of TAGs have been clarified: an acyl CoA-dependent pathway and an acyl-CoA-independent pathway. Lipid metabolism, specially the pathways to fatty acids and TAG biosynthesis, is relatively well understood in plants, but poorly known in algae. It is generally accepted that the basic pathways of fatty acid and TAG biosynthesis in algae are analogous to those of higher plants. However, unlike higher plants where individual classes of lipids may be synthesized and localized in a specific cell, tissue or organ, the complete pathway, from carbon dioxide fixation to TAG synthesis and sequestration, takes place within a single algal cell. Another distinguishing feature of some algae is the large amounts of very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) as major fatty acid components. Nowadays, the focus of attention in biotechnology is the isolation of novel fatty acid metabolizing genes, especially elongases and desaturases that are responsible for PUFAs synthesis, from different species of algae, and its transfer to plants. The aim is to boost the seed oil content and to generate desirable fatty acids in oilseed crops through genetic engineering approaches. This paper presents the current knowledge of the neutral storage lipids in plants and algae from fatty acid biosynthesis to TAG accumulation.
Clonal Propagation of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) on Nodal Explants of Mature Elite Cultivar
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , Yang Guochen
Published: May 2012

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a very valuable tropical and subtropical fruit. However, guava micro-propagation are genotypes dependent, there are several problems associated with in vitro cultures of guava including browning or blackening of culture medium due to leaching of phenolics, microbial contamination, and in vitro tissue recalcitrance. A micro-propagation system using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), kinetin and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) was developed for guava (Psidium guajava L.) from mature cultivar. As part of this research various disinfection methods and plant growth regulators were tested in vitro. The most effective method involved treating explants in a 15% bleach solution for 20 mins followed by culturing them in MS medium with 250 mg/L polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). This method maximized the percentage of bud breakage (53.3%), while producing the minimum browning rate (18.3%) for the explants. The best observed proliferation rate (71.2%) occurred on the MS medium supplemented with 4.44 μM BA, 4.65 μM kinetin (KT) and 0.54 μM NAA. It produced the highest mean number of shoots (2.2). Shoots were then rooted (65%) when dipped in 4.9 mM Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) solution for 1 min and rooted plantlets survived (100%) after acclimatization to the greenhouse.
After One Year
Authors: Ochatt Sergio
Published: May 2012

It is now one full year since the first manuscript submitted to the International Journal of Plant Biology was published online [...]
New In Vitro Dna Polymerase Activity and Fidelity Assay Reveals Age-Dependent Changes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Golubov Andrey , Maheshwari Priti , Bilichak Andriy , Kovalchuk Igor
Published: May 2012

DNA polymerase is an enzyme that adds nucleotides to the growing DNA chain during replication and DNA repair. DNA polymerase activity and fidelity are important characteristics that reflect the ability of DNA polymerase to add nucleotides and then proofread newly synthesized DNA. We have developed a protocol allowing analysis of polymerase activity and fidelity using crude Arabidopsis thaliana plant extracts. It is based on the ability of DNA polymerases in the extract to elongate the fluorescently labelled primer annealed to a short complementary template. For analysis, fluorescently labelled products were separated on a denaturing polyacrylamide gel and visualized using a high performance blot imager. Analysis of tissue prepared from 5-, 12- and 21-day-old Arabidopsis plants showed an age-dependent decrease in polymerase activity, an increase in polymerase fidelity and a tendency to an increase in exo- (endo) nucleolytic activity.
Frost-Acclimation of Photosynthesis in Overwintering Mediterranean Holm Oak, Grown in Central Europe
Authors: Pflug Ellen , Brüggemann Wolfgang
Published: May 2012

As a consequence of global change, forestry in Central Europe has to expect and be prepared for an increase of hot and dry summers in the near future. In two model plantations of the Mediterranean holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) in Central Europe (Rhine-Main basin) we tested its potential as a future forestry tree for drought-threatened stands by studying its overwintering strategy under harsh winter conditions. During prolonged frost periods, chronic photoinhibition was developed, which lasted until the end of the frost period. Nearly all plants survived minimum temperatures of −16 to −18 °C and their photosynthetic apparatus recovered completely during late winter. A detailed study of the temperature dependence of chlorophyll (chl) fluorescence parameters of the OJIP test revealed statistically significant correlations between minimum temperature and maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (Fv/Fm), absorption rate/reaction centre (ABS/RC), dissipation rate/reaction centre (DI0/RC) and electron transport rate/reaction centre (ET0/RC) as well as with the deepoxidation state (DES) of the xanthophyll pigments. The DES correlated with Fv/Fm, ABS/RC, DI0/RC and ET0/RC. It is concluded, that from the point of view of the winter hardiness of the photosynthetic apparatus, Q. ilex should be further investigated as a potential future forestry tree also for very dry and warm stands in Central Europe under the scenarios of climate change.
Heat and Cold Stresses Phenotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana Calmodulin Mutants: Regulation of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Shunt Pathway under Temperature Stress
Authors: AL-Quraan Nisreen A. , Locy Robert D. , Singh Narendra K.
Published: May 2012

Plants have evolved mechanisms to cope with changes in surrounding temperatures. T-DNA insertions in seven calmodulin genes of Arabidopsis thaliana were used to investigate the role of specific calmodulin isoforms in tolerance of plants to low and high temperature for seed germination, susceptibility to low and high temperature induced oxidative damage, and changes in the levels of gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt metabolites in response to temperature stress. Exposure of wild type (WT) and cam mutant seeds at 4 °C showed reduction in germination of cam5-4 and cam6-1 seeds. Exposure of cam seedlings to 42 °C for 2 h showed reduction in seed germination and survival of seedlings in cam5-4 and cam6-1 mutants compared to WT and other cam mutants. Oxidative damage by heat and cold stress measured as the level of malonaldehyde (MDA) was detected increased in root and shoot tissues of cam5-4 and cam6-1. Oxidative damage by heat measured as the level of MDA was detected in root and shoot of most cam mutants with highest levels in cam5-4 and cam6-1. Level of GABA shunt metabolites in seedlings were gradually increased after 1 h and 3 h with maximum level after 6 h and 12 h treatments at 4 °C. GABA shunt metabolites in both root and shoot were generally elevated after 30 min and 1 h treatment at 42 °C, and increased substantially after 2 h at 42 °C comparing to the control (no treatment). GABA and glutamate levels were increased significantly more than alanine in root and shoot tissues of all cam mutants and wild type compared to the control. Alanine levels showed significant decreases in all cam mutants and in WT for 30 and 60 min of heat stress. Sensitivity of cam5-4 and cam6-1 to low temperatures suggests a role of the CAM5 and CAM6 genes in seed germination and protection against cold induced oxidative damage. Increases in the level of GABA shunt metabolites in response to cold treatment after initial reduction in some cam mutants suggests a role for calmodulin protein (cam) in the activation of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) after exposure to cold, while increased metabolite levels may indicate involvement of other factors like reduction in cytoplasmic pH in cold regulation. Initial general elevation in GABA shunt metabolites after 30 min heat treatment in cam mutants suggests regulation of GABA level by cam. These data suggest that regulation by factors other than cam is likely, and that this factor may relate to the regulation of GAD by intracellular pH and/or metabolite partitioning under heat stress.
The Use of Radiotherapy in the Management of Follicular Cystitis Refractory to Conservative and Surgical Management
Authors: Trombetta Mark , Packard Matthew , Ferrara Dominic , Werts E. Day
Published: May 2012

Follicular cysitis is a proliferative benign lesion which can act locally malignant. Conservative management is best; however, when this fails, surgical resection is necessary up to and including cystectomy in extreme refractory cases. We present a clinical review and our results using radiation in this disease in a woman facing cystectomy.
Experiences of family members caring for tuberculosis patients at home at Vhembe district of the Limpopo Province
Authors: Sukumani Joyce T. , Lebese Rachel T. , Khoza Lunic B. , Risenga Patrone R.
Published: May 2012

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease which enters the body by inhalation and usually affects the lungs. TB is ranked amongst the leading infectious diseases worldwide, and in South Africa (SA) it has become an epidemic, because of its high prevalence. There are multiple factors that were found to attribute to the existence and spread of this disease. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe experiences of family members caring for TB patients at home, in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province. The study was qualitative, explorative, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual in nature. The population group selected for the study all comprised of family members caring for tuberculosis patients at home in Tshifulanani village. A purposive sampling method was applied in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews guided by three questions. Tech’s eight steps of data analysis were followed. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical issues were observed. The results of the study revealed that family members experienced difficulties when they care for TB patients at home. These difficulties included providing food, attending to hygiene needs, the lack of equipment, financial constraints as well as physical and psychological exhaustion. Recommendations were made concerning the provision food, attending to hygiene needs, assisting in the administration of medication, nursing practice and policy making.
Facilitating nurses’ knowledge of the utilisation of reflexology in adults with chronic diseases to enable informed health education during comprehensive nursing care
Authors: Steenkamp Elna , Scrooby Belinda , Van der Walt Christa
Published: May 2012

An integrative literature review of identified scientific evidence, published from January 2000 to December 2008, of the utilisation of reflexology as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities to promote well-being and quality of life in adults with chronic diseases was done to facilitate nurses to give informed health education during comprehensive nursing care to patients with chronic diseases. Selected accessible databases were searched purposefully for research articles (N = 1171). Pre-set inclusion criteria were applied during the study selection process. The methodological study quality was reviewed and appraised with appropriate tools from the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and the American Dietetic Association’s (ADA) Evidence analysis manual (n = 21). Evidence extraction, analysis and synthesis of studies (n = 18) were done through the evidence class rating and level of strength as prescribed in the manuals of ADA and CASP. Findings indicate statistically significant reduction in the frequency of seizures in patients with intractable epilepsy, an improvement of sensory and urinary symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis and clinically significant reduction of anxiety and pain in patients with cancer and fibromyalgia syndrome. These findings can be utilised by nurses to inform patients with these chronic diseases about alternative ways of treatment. Opsomming‘n Geïntegreerde literatuur oorsig van ge-identifiseerde wetenskaplike bewyse, gepubliseer vanaf Januarie 2000 tot Desember 2008, was gedoen oor die gebruik van refleksologie as aanvullende en alternatiewe behandelingsmodalitieit om welsyn en lewenskwaliteit te bevorder by volwassenes met kroniese siekte om verpleegkundiges te fasiliteer om ingeligte gesondheidsvoorligting te gee gedurende omvattende verpleegsorg aan pasiente met kroniese siektes. Geselekteerde toeganklike databasisse was doelbewustelik deursoek vir navorsingsartikels (N = 1171). Vooraf bepaalde insluitingskriteria was toegepas tydens die selekteringsproses. Die studie gehalte is nagegaan en beoordeel met toepaslike instrumente van die Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) en die American Dietetic Association (ADA) se Evidence analysis manual (n = 21). Bewys uitreksel, analisering en sintese van studies (n = 18) was gedoen deur die bewysklas gradering en vlak van bewysterkte soos beskryf in die handleidings van ADA en CASP. Bevindings dui op ‘n statisitese beduidenisvolle verlaging in die frekwensie van konvulsies by pasiënte met epilepsie, ‘n verbetering van sensoriese en urinêre simptome ge-assosieer met veelvuldige sklerose en ‘n kliniese beduidenisvolle afname in angstigheid en pyn by pasiënte met kanker en fibromialgiese sindroom. Hierdie bevindings kan deur verpleegkundiges gebruik word om pasiente met hierdie kroniese siektes in te lig omtrent alternatiewe maniere van behandeling.
Broiler trailer thermal conditions during cold climate transport
Authors: Burlinguette N. A. , Strawford M. L. , Watts J. M. , Classen H. L. , Shand P. J. , Crowe T. G.
Published: May 2012

Burlinguette, N. A., Strawford, M. L., Watts, J. M., Classen, H. L., Shand, P. J. and Crowe, T. G. 2012. Broiler trailer thermal conditions during cold climate transport. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 109–122. Thermal environments within broiler transport vehicles are dependent on ambient conditions and, if poorly managed, can be a welfare concern. To effectively manage broiler transport, the environmental conditions throughout vehicles must be understood. Under standard commercial practices, temperature and humidity levels in double-trailer broiler vehicles were examined for a range of ambient temperatures (−24 to 11°C). During warmer ambient conditions (9.8°C) trailer roof vents and side curtains were all open, which resulted in a narrowing of the on-board temperature range (10.3 to 16.7°C). As ambient temperature cooled side curtains and some of the roof vents were closed. This resulted in increasingly variable and more extreme thermal conditions, with heat and moisture accumulated along the midline of the load near the front of the lead trailer and near the back of the rear trailer. At an ambient temperature of −22.1°C trailer temperatures ranged from −20.7 to 21.7°C with an estimated 58.6% of the load volume being exposed to temperatures below 0°C. In addition, the trailer humidity ratio rose 14.0 g kg−1 above ambient and conditions approached saturation (RH>80%) in 55.2% of the load volume. These results support the need to find a means to remove moisture and redistribute heat on broiler trailers during cold ambient conditions.
Sequence analysis of a putative goose RIG-I gene
Authors: Li Guoqin , Li Jinjun , Tian Yong , Wang Deqian , Shen Junda , Tao Zhengrong , Xu Jian , Lu Lizhi
Published: May 2012

Li, G., Li, J., Tian, Y., Wang, DE., Shen, J., Tao, Z., Xu, J. and Lu, L. 2012. Sequence analysis of a putative goose RIG-I gene. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 143–151. Retinoid acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is a critical cytoplasmic RNA sensor which plays an important role in the recognition of, and response to, influenza virus and other RNA viruses. In the present study, A 3808-bp cDNA encoding goose RIG-I (goRIG-I) was cloned from splenic lymphocytes of geese using RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) techniques. The encoded protein, which is predicted to consist of 933 amino acids, has a molecular weight of 106.4 kDa and includes an N-terminal caspase recruitment domain (CARD), a domain with the signature of DExD/H box helicase (helicase domain), and a C-terminal repression domain (RD) similar to duck RIG-I (duRIG-I), human RIG-I, and mouse RIG-I. The goRIG-I showed 93.8 and 78.0% amino acid sequence identity with previously described duRIG-I and finch RIG-I, respectively, and 48.9–53.0% sequence identity with mammalian homologs. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that the goRIG-I gene is strongly expressed in the liver, lung, brain, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius. These findings lay the foundation for further research on the function and mechanism of avian RIG-I in innate immunity.
Expressions of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitor are modified by beta-adrenergic agonist Ractopamine in skeletal fibroblasts and myoblasts
Authors: Cha Ming C. , Purslow Peter P.
Published: May 2012

Cha, M. C. and Purslow, P. P. 2012. Expressions of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitor are modified by beta-adrenergic agonist Ractopamine in skeletal fibroblasts and myoblasts. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 159–166. The beta-adrenergic agonist ractopamine is known to promote growth and improve feed efficiency in animal production, in part by suppressing muscle protein degradation. This investigation aims to determine whether ractopamine modifies the expression of enzymes principally involved in intramuscular connective tissue turnover, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, in the principal cell types of skeletal muscle. Mouse skeletal muscle fibroblasts (NOR-10 cells) and myoblasts (C2C12 cells) were cultured with or without 2 or 10 µM ractopamine for 6 or 24 h. Cellular MMP-2 expression was increased (P<0.05) by ractopamine in both cell lines. Cellular MMP-3 expression was also increased in response to ractopamine in myoblasts (P<0.03). The amount of a tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP-1) in cell lysates of both cell lines was increased (P<0.05) by the 6-h ractopamine treatment. The extracellular expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 was increased (P<0.05) in myoblasts, but not in fibroblasts. The elevated TIMP-1 expression in medium is in the order of three times higher (P<0.02) than the increased activity of MMP-2 expressed by myoblasts at 6 h. In summary, ractopamine treatment results in a higher cellular expression of MMP-2 and MMP-3 as compared with the expression of their inhibitor TIMP-1. However, the increased extracellular MMP-2 activity is counterbalanced by the increased presence of TIMP-1. The findings show that ractopamine has the potential to alter connective tissue turnover in treated animals.
Ruminal degradability and whole-tract digestibility of protein and fibre fractions in fenugreek haylage
Authors: Doepel L. , Montgomery J. E. , Beauchemin K. A. , King J. R. , Acharya S. N.
Published: May 2012

Doepel, L., Montgomery, J. E., Beauchemin, K. A., King, J. R. and Acharya, S. N. 2012. Ruminal degradability and whole-tract digestibility of protein and fibre fractions in fenugreek haylage. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 211–217. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the digestibility of fenugreek forage compared with alfalfa in dairy cows. Alfalfa and two genotypes of fenugreek, Quatro and F70, were harvested and prepared as plastic-wrapped high-moisture bales. Fourteen weeks after baling, forage samples were obtained for determination of ruminal degradation and whole-tract digestibility. To determine ruminal degradation, forage samples were placed in polyester bags and incubated in the rumen for various time points (up to 168 h) in lactating Holstein cows. Digestibility in the rumen, intestine and the whole digestive tract was estimated by incubating samples in the rumen, followed by measurements of intestinal digestibility using the mobile bag technique in two non-lactating Holstein cows. Effective ruminal degradability of DM was lower for F70 than for alfalfa, while for ADF and NDF it was equivalent in all forages. Whole-tract disappearance of DM, CP, ADF and NDF was lower for F70 than Quatro. In general, Quatro and alfalfa were similar in terms of ruminal degradation and digestion in the rumen, intestine and whole-tract, while F70 tended to be of lower quality.
Decreased litter size in inactive female mink (Neovison vison): Mediating variables and implications for overall productivity
Authors: Meagher Rebecca , Bechard Allison , Palme Rupert , Díez-León María , Hunter Douglas Bruce , Mason Georgia
Published: May 2012

Meagher, R., Bechard, A., Palme, R., Díez-León, M., Hunter, D. B. and Mason, G. 2012. Decreased litter size in inactive female mink ( Neovison vison ): Mediating variables and implications for overall productivity. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 131–141. Farmed mink vary dramatically in activity: very inactive individuals rarely leave the nest-box, while others spend hours active daily, often performing stereotypic behaviour (SB). SB typically correlates with increased reproductive output, and inactivity, with decreased output. Our objectives were to determine whether SB or inactivity best predicted litter size (LS), and to test three hypothesized reasons for inactive dams’ reduced LS: H1, excess fat; H2, chronic stress (potentially underlying inactivity because fear motivates hiding); and H3, health problems. We assessed time budgets pre-breeding, scored body condition visually, conducted health exams, and assessed stress using faecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) and "glove tests" for fear. Results did not support H2 and H3: inactive females were no more fearful than active females (P>0.10), they excreted lower levels of FCM (P=0.033), and were considered healthy. As predicted by H1, inactive females had higher body condition scores (P<0.0001), which predicted decreased LS (P=0.040). However, path analysis determined this was unlikely to mediate the inactivity–LS relationship. Compared with SB, inactivity more consistently predicted both LS (negatively, P ≤ 0.038) and kit weight (positively, P ≤ 0.037). Therefore, decreasing inactivity in farmed mink, rather than increasing their SB or decreasing their body condition should most improve productivity.
Short Communication: An association analysis between one missense polymorphism at the SREBF1 gene and milk yield and composition traits in goats
Authors: Manunza A. , Zidi A. , Fernández-Cabanás V. M. , Jordana J. , Carrizosa J. , Belaifa E. , Urrutia B. , Polvillo O. , González-Redondo P. , Amills M. , Serradilla J. M.
Published: May 2012

Manunza, A., Zidi, A., Fernández-Cabanás, V. M., Jordana, J., Carrizosa, J., Belaifa, E., Urrutia, B., Polvillo, O., González-Redondo, P., Amills, M. and Serradilla, J. M. 2012. Short Communication: An association analysis between one missense polymorphism at the SREBF1 gene and milk yield and composition traits in goats. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 167–173. Sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1) regulates the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. Herewith, we have sequenced the near-complete coding region and part of the 3′UTR of the goat SREBF1 gene. In doing so, we have detected a missense c.353C>T polymorphism causing a proline to leucine substitution at position 118 (P118L). An association analysis with milk composition traits recorded in Murciano-Granadina goats only revealed a statistical tendency linking SREBF1 genotype and milk omega-3 fatty acid content. The lack of significant associations suggests that the P118L substitution does not involve a functional change.
Short Communication: Pet foods with yeast hydrolysate can reduce body weight and increase girth in beagle dogs
Authors: Kim Jae Hwan , Jung Eun Young , Hong Yang Hee , Bae Song Hwan , Kim Jin Man , Noh Dong Ouk , Nozaki Tsutomu , Inoue Toshitada , Suh Hyung Joo
Published: May 2012

Kim, J. H., Jung, E. Y., Hong, Y. H., Bae, S. H., Kim, J. M., Noh, D. O., Nozaki, T., Inoue, T. and Suh, H. J. 2012. Short Communication: Pet foods with yeast hydrolysate can reduce body weight and increase girth in beagle dogs. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 207–210. Beagle dogs fed pet foods that included yeast hydrolysate (YH) were used in the present study to assess the possible use of YH as a functional anti-obesity ingredient in pet food. The change in weight and girth in the YH groups was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that in the control. Plasma malondialdehyde was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the YH groups compared with that in the control. Plasma levels of the reduced form of glutathione were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the YH groups than those in the control. Therefore, YH could be recommended as an anti-obesity functional feed source for dogs.
Dairy cows continuously-housed in tie-stalls failed to manifest activity changes during estrus
Authors: Felton C.A. , Colazo M.G. , Ponce-Barajas P. , Bench C.J. , Ambrose D.J.
Published: May 2012

Felton, C. A., Colazo, M. G., Ponce-Barajas, P., Bench, C. J. and Ambrose, D. J. 2012. Dairy cows continuously-housed in tie-stalls failed to manifest activity changes during estrus. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 189–196. While pedometers are effective for estrus detection in free-stall herds, their efficacy in tie-stalls is not established. The objectives were to determine if pedometers equipped with a behavior tag for monitoring lying activity (AfiMilk Pedometer Plus Tag system) can accurately record cow activity, and if they can facilitate estrus detection in dairy cows continuously housed in tie-stalls. Nineteen lactating Holstein cows were subjected to estrus induction with prostaglandin F2α, and 18 pregnant cows served as controls. Activity was monitored for 10 d using pedometers and 24-h video recording. Pedometer and video records were compared for 6 d surrounding estrus; stepping (rc=0.85; P<0.01), lying time (rc=0.94; P<0.01), and lying bouts (rc=0.89; P<0.01) were highly correlated. Progesterone concentrations confirmed that 17 of the 19 cows responded to estrus induction; 16 of those 17 cows ovulated. Changes in mean daily activity did not differ (P>0.05) between estrus-induced cows and controls, or in the estrus-induced cows in the 48 to 72 h preceding the day of ovulation. In conclusion, while the pedometers accurately recorded cow activity in lactating cows housed in tie-stalls, they could not facilitate estrus detection because cow activity did not significantly change during estrus.
Particle Scattering
Authors: Bastasz Robert , Eckstein Wolfgang
Published: May 2012

Atomic scattering lies at the heart of numerous materials analysis techniques, especially those that employ ion beams as probes. The concepts of particle scattering apply quite generally to objects ranging in size from nucleons to billiard balls, at classical as well as relativistic energies, and for both elastic and inelastic events. This paper summarizes two main topics in collision theory: kinematics, which governs energy and momentum transfer, and central‐field theory, which accounts for the strength of particle interactions.
Dynamical Diffraction
Authors: Shen Qun
Published: May 2012

Diffraction‐related techniques using x‐rays, electrons, or neutrons are widely used in materials science to provide basic structural information on crystalline matters. This article reviews the key elements of the dynamical diffraction theory and its main applications in materials research.
High‐Strain‐Rate Testing of Materials: The Split‐Hopkinson Pressure Bar
Authors: Gray George T. (Rusty)
Published: May 2012

Robust models that capture the physics of high‐rate material response are required for developing predictive capability for highly dynamic events. One develops a strength constitutive model for a particular material by measuring its mechanical properties over a range of temperatures, strain rates, and stress states. The samples of interest are loaded in compression, tension, or torsion over a range of loading rates and temperatures germane to the application of interest. Various mechanical testing frames are available that achieve nominally constant loading rates for limited plastic strains and, thereby, a constant strain rate. The standard screw‐driven or servohydraulic testing machines achieve strain rates of up to 5 s
−1
. Specially designed testing machines, typically equipped with high‐capacity servohydraulic valves and high‐speed control and data acquisition instrumentation, can achieve strain rates as high as 200 s
−1
during compression loading. To go even higher, we must employ projectile‐driven impacts that induce stress‐wave propagation in the sample materials. Chief among the techniques to measure the dynamic stress–strain response of materials is the split‐Hopkinson pressure bar. This technique is capable of achieving the highest uniform uniaxial stress loading of a specimen in compression at nominally constant strain rates of the order of 10
3
 s
−1
and true strains of 0.3. Stress in the Hopkinson bar is measured by using an elastic element in series with the specimen of interest. Stress waves are generated via an impact event and the elastic elements utilized are long bars such that the duration of the loading pulse is less than the wave transit time in the bar. In this article the principles of the split‐Hopkinson pressure bar, its data reduction, sample preparation, and limitations are detailed.