bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Several Screening Tests for Determination of the IgG Concentration of Foals with the Turbidimetric Immunoassay as Reference Method
Authors: Zandstra G.J. , Wijnberg I.D.
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing study

The measurement of immunoglobulins is important in foals, as individuals with evidence of failure of passive transfer are at increased risk of infection and death during the first month of life.

Objectives

To identify which test is most suitable for determining the foal's IgG concentration as applied in practice. A distinction was made between hospitalised foals and healthy low risk foals in the field.

Study design

Prospective study including 46 foals <7 days old, divided into 4 groups based on age and health status. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated manually. Significance was set at P<0.05.

Methods

Several screening tests were compared to the IgG concentration measured by turbidimetric immunoassay: serum and plasma total protein, albumin and protein spectrum including gamma globulin concentration (GGC) measured by chemistry analyser, total protein by refractometer, glutaraldehyde coagulation test and a semi‐quantitative enzyme immunoassay (SNAP). IBM SPSS Statistics 20A was used. A one‐way ANOVA with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for determining significant differences among tests and between groups. Correlations between the turbidimetric immunoassay and the screening tests were calculated using linear regression with a 95% CI.

Results

Group differences were not found. The most accurate alternative test was the combination of total serum protein measured by a chemistry analyser (R 0.83) and GGC (R 0.84) with sensitivity and specificity of 79 and 100% and 95 and 93% respectively. A total serum protein of ≥49 g/l and a GGC of ≥6 g/l corresponded with an IgG concentration of ≥8 g/l.

Conclusions

According to this study, the most reliable alternative test suitable in a clinical setting for the determination of IgG concentration was measuring total serum protein by a chemistry analyser in combination with serum GGC.

Ethical animal research: The research was approved by the Animal Welfare Committee of Utrecht University (approval number 2012.II.05.078). Explicit owner informed consent for inclusion of animals in this study was not stated. Source of funding: None. Competing interests: None declared.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Aerobic Respiratory Isolates From Young New Zealand Horses
Authors: Toombs‐Ruane L.J. , Riley C.B. , Rosanowski S.M. , Kendall A.T. , Benschop J.
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing study

Decreased efficacy of veterinary antimicrobials and increased prevalence of multi‐drug resistance (MDR) is of concern, but little is known of antimicrobial resistance encompassing the New Zealand (NZ) equine population. Recent concerns have arisen over the emergence of multi‐resistant bacteria [1], especially on NZ stud farms where antibiotics are frequently used for respiratory disease without veterinary input [2].

Objectives

To describe bacterial culture and antimicrobial sensitivity results from respiratory samples submitted of young horses (4 weeks to 3 years old).

Study design

Retrospective study of clinical pathology records.

Methods

A database search for isolates and sensitivity of respiratory samples from young horses (April 2004–July 2014) was conducted. The results of in vitro sensitivity testing by Kirby‐Bauer disk diffusion were tabulated for major bacterial species isolated. Multiple correspondence analysis was used to describe clustering of multi‐drug resistance (MDR) and selected demographic variables.

Results

237/289 eligible respiratory samples had at least one aerobic bacterial isolate. Most of the 774 bacterial isolates were Gram‐positive (68%). Streptococcus species were the most common genus isolated (40% of isolates). Sensitivity of Streptococcus spp. to penicillin, gentamicin and ceftiofur was >85%, but only 53% to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxone. Gram‐negative sensitivity to ceftiofur, tetracycline, and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxone was <75%. MDR was found for 16% of isolates and in 39% of horses.

Conclusions

Penicillin is an appropriate first‐line antimicrobial for use in most NZ young horses with suspected bacterial respiratory infection. However, based on findings of MDR, submission of samples for culture and monitoring of sensitivity should be used to inform antimicrobial selection.

Ethical animal research: Not applicable. Sources of funding: Massey University McGeorge Fund; New Zealand Equine Research Foundation. Competing interests: None declared.
Development and Evaluation of A Molecular Diagnostic Method to Rapidly Detect Histoplasma Capsulatum Var. Farciminosum (Causing Epizootic Lymphangitis) from Equine Clinical Samples
Authors: Scantlebury C.E. , Pinchbeck G.L. , Loughnane P. , Ashine T. , Aklilu N. , Stringer A.P. , Gordon L. , Christley R.M. , McCarthy A.J.
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing study

Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum (HCF), causing epizootic lymphangitis (EZL), is endemic in parts of Africa including, Ethiopia, Senegal and Gambia. Despite its high prevalence, impact on animal welfare and socio‐economic importance, there is little evidence upon which to build practical disease control strategies. The performance and availability of diagnostic tests currently used by clinicians is problematic. Methods such as pattern recognition of clinical signs and microscopy lack specificity and other reported methods are either not commercially available or not readily feasible in these settings (e.g. culture). This is a significant barrier to further understanding this disease within endemic countries.

Objectives

To validate a nested PCR method to confirm the presence of HCF in equine clinical samples.

Study design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Twenty‐nine horses with suspected EZL were included from topographically varied regions of Ethiopia. Clinical data, lesion location drawn onto equine silhouettes, blood samples and aspirates of pus from cutaneous nodules were obtained before treatment provided by SPANA clinic. Blood and clinical data were collected from a further 20 horses with no cutaneous EZL lesions. Giemsa stained impression smears of pus were examined microscopically. Aliquots of heat‐inactivated pus and blood were inoculated onto Whatman FTA cards and imported to the UK with Defra approved licensing. A nested PCR targeting the ITS region, was used to identify samples containing HCF and PCR products were sequenced.

Results

HCF was confirmed in heat‐inactivated FTA card pus samples from 24 horses, additionally, 23 blood samples were positive from EZL suspected cases. Bioinfomatic analyses suggested that there was diversity within the ITS region among these HCF products.

Conclusions

These PCR techniques allow the rapid diagnosis of HCF directly from equine clinical samples. The identification of HCF in blood raises questions about the pathogenesis of HCF in horses and warrants further investigation.

Acknowledgements

We thank the SPANA Ethiopia team; participating cart‐horse owners; the Ethio‐Belgian project; Addis Ababa University; Gabrielle Laing and the PHE UK Mycology reference laboratory.

Ethical animal research: Ethical approval for the project was awarded from the University of Liverpool and The College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University. Sources of funding: SPANA UK (registered charity), the Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool and an Sfam studentship. Competing interests: Dr Stringer was veterinary director at SPANA while this project was conducted and provided consultative and logistical input.
A Neglected and Emerging Helminthosis: A Case of Equine Fasciolosis
Authors: Getachew M.A. , Innocent G. , Reid S.W.J. , Burden F. , Love S.
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing study

Although fasciolosis is an important livestock disease worldwide, the public health importance of human fasciolosis has increased in recent years and it is recognised as an important re‐emerging zoonotic disease, its epidemiology and pathogenicity in donkeys, and the epidemiological role they may play have not been determined.

Objectives

To investigate the epidemiology and pathogenicity of fasciolosis in donkeys.

Study design

Cross‐sectional coprological and retrospective post‐mortem study.

Methods

Faecal samples collected from 803 randomly selected working donkeys from the central region of Ethiopia were analysed by a sedimentation‐centrifugation‐flotation technique. Further data on liver‐flukes and associated pathologies were obtained by routine post mortem examinations of 112 donkeys, subjected to euthanasia on welfare grounds or died. Data were analysed using a generalised linear model and multivariate binary logistic regression in R statistical package with significance level of statistical tests set at P<0.05.

Results

Infection prevalences of 44.4% and 41.9% were obtained in coprologically and post mortem examined donkeys, respectively, irrespective of their age. Both Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica were identified with the mean infection intensity of 30 flukes. Older donkeys (≥8 years) were found harbouring a significantly higher worm burden (P<0.0001). Gross and histopathologies of hyperplasia and thickening of the bile ducts, fibrosis of large portal areas and irregular bile duct proliferation and hypertrophy were noted.

Conclusions

The high infection prevalence of fasciolosis and the associated hepatic pathologies in working donkeys shows not only the susceptibility of donkeys and the impact it has on their health, but also indicates the important role they can play in the epidemiology of both livestock and human fasciolosis. These further demonstrate the need for these animals to be considered in the overall epidemiological studies and for sound control strategies and prevention of fasciolosis.

Ethical animal research: The research underwent ethical review and the use of animals was approved by the Directors of The Donkey Sanctuary. Consent of the owners was obtained to use their animals. Source of funding: The Donkey Sanctuary. Competing interests: None declared.
Longitudinal Observations of Silent Carriers of Streptococcus Equi in A Swedish Yard
Authors: Gröndahl G. , Båverud V. , Ljung H. , Melys V. , Aspán A. , Riihimäki M.
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing study

When managing strangles in horses, it is crucial to detect chronic infection with Streptococcus equi (SE), i.e. silent carriers.

Objectives

Evaluate diagnostics for SE carriers over time in a farm.

Study design

Longitudinal observational study.

Methods

Sixty‐three Icelandic horses isolated on an island were studied 4 to 26 months after remission of acute strangles, including repeated clinical examination and collection of blood, nasopharyngeal lavage (NPL), and guttural pouch lavage (GPL) samples. Twenty‐two horses were treated with penicillin locally and systemically. Serology for S. equi was examined by iELISA [1]. Nasopharyngeal lavage and GPL samples were investigated for S. equi and S. zooepidemicus by real‐time PCR [2].

Results

Thirty‐three per cent were SE carriers after 15 months, despite repeated penicillin treatment. In 16/18 carriers, GPL samples were PCR‐positive, but not NPL samples, whereas the opposite was true in 2 horses. Several carriers with persistent aerocystitis were not detected by 3 consecutive NPL samples. Five of 18 carriers were seronegative (27.8%) at 15 months. Following conservative treatment, 7 of these 18 carriers were still carriers at 20 months, 8 were negative, and 3 were lost for sampling. Only GPL samples were positive at this point, and only 1/7 carriers were seropositive.

Conclusions

To detect chronic carriers of strangles, RT‐PCR analysis from both GPL and NPL samples may be necessary. Serological screening at individual level often misses individual carriers in long‐term cases.

Ethical animal research: The testing was approved by the Swedish Ethical Committee on Animal Experiments and horse owners gave their informed consent for inclusion of animals in the study. Source of funding: The Swedish‐Norwegian Foundation for Equine Research. Competing interests: None declared.
Thyroid Hormone and Thyrotropin Concentrations and Responses to Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone in Ageing Horses
Authors: Breuhaus B.A.
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing study

Thyroid hormones (THs) decrease with age in healthy dogs and cats, although they tend to remain within established reference ranges. Thyrotropin (TSH) is increased in elderly people, with or without mild alterations in THs.

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that geriatric horses will have lower THs and/or higher TSH compared with younger horses.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Resting THs and TSH, and responses to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) were compared between young and old horses. Data from 71 normal, healthy horses that had participated in prior research projects were examined, and found to contain 42 horses 3–10 years of age, 16 horses >15 years and 10 horses >20 years. All samples had been assayed in the same previously validated radioimmunoassays. Statistical analysis was performed with commercial software.

Results

Although lower, THs were not significantly different between young and old horses when compared with the Mann–Whitney rank sum test. However, TSH concentration was significantly higher in horses aged >20 (median 0.52 ng/ml) or >15 years (0.44 ng/ml) compared to younger horses (0.33 ng/ml). TRH stimulation tests were performed in 19 of the younger horses, 7 of the horses >20, and 11 of the horses >15. Two‐way repeated measures ANOVA on ranks revealed no significant differences in TH responses to TRH. The TSH response to TRH appeared to be slightly greater in the older horses, but did not quite reach significance (P = 0.06).

Conclusion

Similar to reports in elderly humans, aged horses have higher serum TSH concentrations than younger horses.

Ethical animal research: All horses in this study were part of a NCSU IACUC approved study. Owners gave informed consent for their horses' inclusion in the study. Sources of funding: College of Veterinary Medicine North Carolina State University, USA Equestrian. Competing interests: None declared.
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Recurrent Airway Obstruction in Geriatric Horses and Ponies
Authors: Ireland J.L. , Christley R.M. , McGowan C.M. , Clegg P.D. , Pinchbeck G.L.
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing study

Respiratory disease is a common cause of morbidity in geriatric horses, with a high prevalence of respiratory clinical signs; increasing with increasing horse age. However, owners frequently do not attribute these signs to disease and may not seek veterinary attention.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in the British geriatric equine population using a risk‐screening questionnaire (RSQ) and identify factors associated with RAO.

Study design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Owners of geriatric horses/ponies enrolled in a previous cohort study were sent a postal questionnaire, combining a validated RSQ with questions regarding management, preventive healthcare, and respiratory‐specific clinical signs. An RSQ score of >0.87 was the positive cut‐off for RAO. Factors associated with RAO were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The useable response rate was 43.1%, providing data for 285 horses/ponies (median age 23.3 years). Coughing within the preceding year (27.0%) was the most prevalent owner‐reported clinical sign. Among the study population, the apparent prevalence of RAO using the RSQ was 20.7%. 10.5% of horses/ponies were reported to have veterinary‐diagnosed RAO (median age at diagnosis 13 years), of which 33.3% had a positive RSQ score. Data from 273 animals were included in the multivariable model, and factors associated with increased risk of RAO were ridden exercise ≥4 days/week (odds ratio [OR] 3.64; P = 0.005) compared to no exercise; residing on a farm (OR 4.99; P = 0.04) compared to residing on the owner's home premises and having had a respiratory infection within the past 12 months (OR 4.87; P<0.001).

Conclusions

Risk‐screening questionnaire score‐determined RAO prevalence was considerably higher than the proportion of animals previously diagnosed with RAO. This suggests under‐diagnosis of respiratory problems in geriatric horses, much of which may be unrecognised or undiagnosed RAO. Risk factors identified differ from those previously reported for the general equine population.

Ethical animal research: This study was granted institutional ethical approval from the University of Liverpool and the Animal Health Trust. Return of a completed postal questionnaire was taken as informed owner consent. Sources of funding: The original cohort study was funded by the Horse Trust and this study was funded by the Animal Health Trust. Competing interests: None declared.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Australian Virulent Rhodococcus Equi Isolates Collected Between 1991 and 2014
Authors: Allen J.L. , Herbert G. , Muscatello G. , Gilkerson J.R.
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing study

Bronchopneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi is an important disease of young horses throughout the world. Although early diagnosis and treatment improves the prognosis, this also increases the amount of antimicrobial usage and therefore increases the likelihood of resistance developing.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the level of resistance to commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents of 97 virulent Rhodococcus equi isolates.

Study design

Analysis of archived samples.

Methods

Virulent Rhodococcus equi isolates were collected between 1991 and 2014 from clinically affected horses and from air samples collected in the breathing zone of foals. Antimicrobial susceptibility of these isolates was assessed using a disc diffusion assay with a panel of agents. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for rifampicin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and neomycin using a novel resazurin‐based microtitre assay.

Results

Resistance to rifampicin was detected in 3 of the isolates (2 collected in 2013 and one in 2014) by both methods. The MIC for these isolates was 64 μg/ml (n = 2) and 16 μg/ml (n = 1). All isolates collected prior to 2013 had MICs<0.125 μg/ml, which was the limit of detection in this assay. Although no isolates were resistant to tetracycline, there was a general increase in MIC in isolates collected in recent years. No isolates were resistant to either neomycin or erythromycin, with MIC values ranging between 0.25 and 2 μg/ml for neomycin and 0.125–1 μg/ml for erythromycin.

Conclusions

The success of the macrolide‐rifampicin combination relies on the synergistic action of these 2 agents. Resistance to rifampicin will reduce the therapeutic efficacy of this treatment. It is of serious concern that the resistant isolates were all recently collected. Hopefully, recent research will lead to fewer asymptomatic foals receiving antimicrobials which will in turn reduce the likelihood of ongoing development of resistance.

Ethical animal research: All organisms in this study were received by the laboratory from diagnostic accessions. Sources of funding: Funding for the study was provided by Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and the University of Melbourne. G. Herbert was the recipient of a RN McCarthy scholarship from the Faculty of Veterinary Science. Competing interests: None declared.
Ultrasonographic Identification of the Pulmonary Veins in Adult Horses
Authors: van Loon G. , Vandecasteele T. , Vandevelde K. , Decloedt A. , De Clercq D. , Cornillie P.
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing study

In man, pulmonary veins (PV) are of major importance in atrial fibrillation pathophysiology as ectopy often originates in atrial myocardial sleeves extending in the PV wall. In addition, PV size on ultrasound is used to assess left atrial volume overload. In horses, PV anatomy and ultrasound have hardly been studied.

Objectives

To study PV anatomy and establish a standard approach for echocardiographic identification of the PV from a right and left parasternal view.

Study design

Anatomical and echocardiographic description.

Methods

Firstly, post mortem left atrial and PV silicone corrosion casts were made in 10 horses to investigate normal PV anatomy. Secondly, left and right parasternal ultrasound images and silicone casts were made in 3 horses, to compare images and casts.

Results

Four major PV ostia were identified on the casts, draining specific lung areas. From a right parasternal longitudinal view, ostium III was identified between the right atrial wall and right pulmonary artery, and ostium II left‐dorsal to it. From a left parasternal oblique short‐axis view, ostium III, its antrum and side‐branches were used as anatomical landmarks (adjacent to the right atrial wall). Slightly more caudal, ostium II was visualised with, in one horse, its antrum and 2 branches. Ostium I was only seen in one horse, slightly ventral to ostium II. Ostium IV was always identified in cross‐section on a left short‐axis view, left to the pulmonary artery bifurcation.

Conclusions

A standard echocardiographic approach allows identification of pulmonary veins in adult horses. Left oblique and short axis views were superior although right long‐axis views also showed ostiums II and III. These data allow reference values to be established for pulmonary venous size and flow, and to investigate new treatment strategies for atrial fibrillation.

Ethical animal research: Post mortem study with owner's informed consent; ultrasound with owner's informed consent. Study performed following the local ethical guidelines. Source of funding: Ghent University (institutional). Competing interests: None declared.
Post Exercise Cardiac Troponin I Release and Clearance in Normal Standardbred Racehorses
Authors: Rossi T.M. , Pearl D.L. , Pyle W.G. , Maxie M.G. , Kavsak P.A. , Physick‐Sheard P.W.
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing study

There are currently no studies detailing cardiac troponin I (cTnI) release and clearance in normal horses post exercise using an analytically validated assay. These data are essential for selecting appropriate sampling times in equine athletes with suspected myocardial damage.

Objective

To plot the magnitude and time course of cTnI release and clearance, using a validated cTnI assay, after maximal effort.

Study design

Descriptive longitudinal study.

Methods

Five clinically normal Standardbred racehorses in full race training were included in the study. Physical examinations were performed on subjects and blood samples were taken via jugular venipuncture pre‐exercise. Horses were exercised in harness at race intensity in groups on a training track. A second blood sample was taken immediately post exercise and an intravenous catheter was then placed in a jugular vein. Hourly blood samples were taken for 24 h. All samples were collected in red top serum Vacutainer® tubes and allowed to clot for 30 min before being centrifuged and serum harvested. Serum samples were stored at −80°C until analysis. All samples were analysed using the Abbott ARCHITECT STAT High Sensitivity cTnI® assay.

Results

Mean resting cTnI level was 1.33 ± 0.6 ng/l (range, 0.82–2.33 ng/l). All horses exhibited an increase in cTnI level after exercise with peak elevation occurring 2–6 h post exercise (mean, 4.6 ± 1.7 h). Mean peak increase in cTnI level was 11.96 ± 9.41 ng/l (range, 1.72–23.76 ng/l). All horses returned to baseline levels within 24 h.

Conclusions

All horses experienced an increase in cTnI post exercise, with the peak occurring 2–6 h post exercise. Further studies are needed to determine the significance of these increases.

Ethical animal research: The study protocol was approved by the University's Animal Care Committee. Explicit informed consent was obtained in writing for all client‐owned animals. Source of funding: Equine Guelph. Competing interests: Dr Kavsak has received grants/honoraria/consultant/advisor fees from Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Point of Care, Beckman Coulter, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Randox Laboratories, Roche Diagnostics, and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. He is listed as an inventor on patents filed by McMaster University related to laboratory testing in acute cardiac care. No funding was received from the manufacturer of the assay evaluated in this study.
Extinction biases inQuaternaryCaribbean lizards
Authors: Kemp Melissa E. , Hadly Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Intrinsic qualities that might affect extinction risk are not well understood for lizards (suborderLacertilia), a highly diverse and globally distributed group of reptiles (orderSquamata). We use theQuaternary fossil record ofCaribbean lizards to explore a commonly studied trait, body size, and its relationship to extinction.

Location

TheCaribbean.

Methods

We compiled a body size database for over 300 species. We assessed whether the present‐day body size distribution of lizards differed from the body size distribution of the fossil record. We also compared body sizes of extant lizards with extinct lizards, and we used theInternationalUnion forConservation ofNature (IUCN)RedList to evaluate whether threatened species are larger than non‐threatened species. We examined whether there were geographic or phylogenetic biases to extinction in this system.

Results

Quaternary extinctions were size‐biased, with a higher incidence of extinction in large‐bodied lizards; the same relationship exists between threatened and non‐threatened present‐day lizards. Biases in the fossil record do not drive this trend, as the body sizes of present‐day lizards do not differ from those preserved in the fossil record. While there is no geographic variability in extinction, we find that there is lineage specificity, as the majority of extinctions occur within the family Leiocephalidae. At the family level, size alone does not explain extinction trends for most families, but our data suggest that large‐bodied species in each family have a higher extinction risk than their smaller counterparts.

Main conclusions

Size‐biased extinction trends in lizards mirror phenomena in other taxonomic groups, but additional life‐history traits may play a role at the family level. We highlight the utility of fossil datasets in understanding extinction dynamics and underscore the urgency of a thorough assessment of extinction risk for insular lizards.
Multi‐season occupancy models identify biotic and abiotic factors influencing a recovering Arctic Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinus tundriuspopulation
Authors: Bruggeman Jason E. , Swem Ted , Andersen David E. , Kennedy Patricia L. , Nigro Debora
Published: September 2015

Critical information for evaluating the effectiveness of management strategies for species of concern include distinguishing seldom occupied (or low‐quality) habitat from habitat that is frequently occupied and thus contributes substantially to population trends. Using multi‐season models that account for imperfect detection and a long‐term (1981–2002) dataset on migratory Arctic Peregrine FalconsFalco peregrinus tundriusnesting along the Colville River, Alaska, we quantified the effects of previous year's productivity (i.e. site quality), amount of prey habitat, topography, climate, competition and year on occupancy dynamics across two spatial scales (nest‐sites, cliffs) during recovery of the population. Initial occupancy probability was positively correlated with area of surrounding prey habitat and height of nest‐sites above the Colville River. Colonization probability was positively correlated with nest height and negatively correlated with date of snowmelt. Local extinction probability was negatively correlated with productivity, area of prey habitat and nest height. Colonization and local extinction probabilities were also positively and negatively correlated, respectively, with year. Our results suggest that nest‐sites (or cliffs) along the Colville River do not need equal protection measures. Nest‐sites and cliffs with historically higher productivity were occupied most frequently and had lower probability of local extinction. These sites were on cliffs high above the river drainage, surrounded by adequate prey habitat and with southerly aspects associated with early snowmelt and warmer microclimates in spring. Protecting these sites is likely to encourage continued occupancy by Arctic Peregrine Falcons along the Colville River and other similar areas. Our findings also illustrate the importance of evaluating fitness parameters along with climate and habitat features when analysing occupancy dynamics, particularly with a long‐term dataset spanning a range of annual climate variation.
Climate and land‐use drivers of invasion: predicting the expansion of Vespa velutina nigrithorax into the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Bessa Ana S. , Carvalho João , Gomes Alberto , Santarém Frederico
Published: September 2015

The yellow‐legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) has been identified as a major threat to European entomofauna. Species distribution models have been used to assess its invasiveness risk. No studies were, however, developed specifically for peripheral regions, where unique biodiversity can be threatened by this species.

This study aims to address that particular issue by incorporating non‐commonly used drivers and by forecasting regions in Iberian Peninsula where the species has high risk of expansion. Climatic, anthropogenic and land‐use variables were considered. The species potential distribution was assessed using a generalised linear model.

Overall, the model predicted the northern regions of the Iberian Peninsula suitable for the species expansion. Only the driest regions at the south are conservatively predicted to not be occupied by the yellow‐legged hornet. Precipitation and temperature have the highest influence in Vespa velutina nigrithorax distribution, with land‐use also playing an important role in its expansion at regional scale.

These results highlighted the threat of this species to beekeeping activities. Due to high species richness and endemicity levels, peripheral regions integrated in Biodiversity Hotspots need special attention and control measures.
Thulium Oxide Nanopowders Obtained by Precipitation
Authors: Sidorowicz Agata , Wajler Anna , Węglarz Helena , Jach Katarzyna , Orliński Krzysztof , Olszyna Andrzej
Published: September 2015

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of precipitation parameters on the morphology of obtained thulium oxide powders. Tm2O3 precursor powders were synthesized by precipitation method using 0.1–0.25M water solutions of thulium nitrate and 1.5M ammonium hydrogen carbonate water solution as a precipitation agent. The processes were conducted at different temperatures (25–50°C). The result showed that the morphology of the obtained thulium oxide (Tm2O3) powders depends both on the molar concentration of thulium nitrate and the temperature of precipitation. Small, round, loosely agglomerated Tm2O3 nanoparticles were obtained after air calcination of precursor precipitated at room temperature with the use of 0.1M thulium nitrate solution.
Glass Microspheres for Optics
Authors: Yano Tetsuji , Kishi Tetsuo , Kumagai Tsutaru
Published: September 2015

Preparation and application of glass spheres as resonators are discussed. Surface‐tension mold (StM) and localized‐laser heating (LLH) techniques have been developed to fabricate glass super spheres and true spheres, respectively. These prepared glass spherical particles have been examined to evaluate their suitability for whispering gallery mode (WGM) oscillators or laser cavities. Super spherical glass acts as a WGM oscillator using its equatorial plane. An equatorial circle roundness > 0.99 provides a high Q‐value to lead laser oscillation. LLH demonstrates its excellent capability to prepare “true spheres” on a transparent substrate under gravity. A tellurite glass sphere prepared by the LLH technique exhibits a few‐mW‐order threshold for lasing at the 1.06‐μm region. An added‐on terrace and an installed bubble in the sphere serve as an input/output gate and as a “non‐WGM” coupling input gate for laser action, respectively. Glass is showed to have strong potential with respect to both preparation and utilization of spherical shapes for optics.
Acetylcholinesterase‐inhibitor hydrolysates obtained from ‘in vitro’ enzymatic hydrolysis of mannoproteins extracted from different strains of yeasts
Authors: Spontón Pablo G. , Spinelli Roque , Drago Silvina R. , Tonarelli Georgina G. , Simonetta Arturo C.
Published: September 2015

In vitro inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of peptides obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of mannoproteins extracted from strains of yeasts was investigated. Yeast mannoproteins were extracted from strains belonging to the genera Brettanomyces, Candida, Pichia and Saccharomyces isolated from dairy products. They were obtained by heat treatment in citrate buffer and purified by affinity chromatography with concanavalin A. Each purified extract was subsequently hydrolysed with proteolytic enzymes (trypsin, pepsin, chymotrypsin and proteinase K) applied individually or in combination, thus generating smaller peptides. Inhibitory activity of the latter against AChE was determined. The molecular weight of mannoproteins, determined by SDS‐PAGE, was between 6.5 and 30 kDa. As regards AChE inhibition, a preliminary screening of all hydrolysed extracts was performed, yielding variable results with 59% maximum inhibition. Subsequently, when inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) was determined, the extracts showed higher inhibitory activity (between 6.75 and 12.3 mg mL−1). Results showed that the mannoproteins separated from yeast strains of food origin generated bioactive peptides by enzymatic hydrolysis, which can be of interest to the manufacturing of food with potential functional properties.
Malic acid and oxalic acid spraying enhances phytic acid degradation and total antioxidant capacity of mung bean sprouts
Authors: Jin Xiaolin , Yang Runqiang , Yan Xiaokun , Zhou Yulin , Wang Xinkun , Gu Zhenxin
Published: September 2015

In this study, effects of two organic acids spraying on the growth profiles, phytic acid content, antioxidant capacity, phytase activity and related genes expression during mung bean germination were investigated. Results showed that both oxalic acid and malic acid spraying were effective ways to improve the degradation of phytic acid by inducing phytase activity and the related genes expression, but no significant difference was found in phytic acid content between the two treatments. The contents of total phenolics and MDA (malondialdehyde) in oxalic acid spraying were higher, whereas ascorbic acid content and sprout length in malic acid spraying was higher. Both organic acid treatments could increase antioxidant capacities, but higher antioxidant capacities were found in oxalic acid spraying due to higher total phenolics content and antioxidant enzyme activity.
CLINICAL AND IMMUNOLOGIC SEQUELAE OF AIDS RETROVIRUS INFECTION
Authors: TINDALL B. , COOPER D. A. , BURCHAM J. , GOLD J. , PENNY R.
Published: September 2015

The Sydney AIDS Project is a prospective immunoepidemiological study of 911 homosexual and bisexual men enrolled between February 1984 and January 1985. Clinical, immunological, and serological studies are performed on these subjects every six months. At enrolment, 39.9% of subjects were seropositive for antibodies to AIDS retrovirus (ARV). Of these 352 seropositive subjects, 28.1% were symptomless with normal immune profiles, 23.6% were symptomless with an immunodeficiency, 18.8% had a clinical illness but normal immune profile, and 29.6% had a clinical illness and immunodeficiency. Of the symptomless subjects, 27.8% were seropositive for antibodies to ARV. Clinically, seropositivity was significantly associated with enlargement of three or more non‐inguinal lymph node groups, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly. Immunologically, seropositivity was significantly associated with lower absolute numbers of lymphocytes and T4 + lymphocytes and a lower T4 +:T8 + ratio, compared with seronegative subjects. Seropositive subjects with a clinical illness had a significantly lower percentage of T4 + lymphocytes and lower T4 +:T8 + ratio than did those who were symptomless. However, the absolute number of T4 + cells was not significantly different between subjects with a clinical illness and those who were symptomless. Subjects whose sera were positive by immunofluorescence and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay but were negative by radioimmune precipitation assay had a lower number and percentage of T4 + lymphocytes than subjects who were positive by all three tests. These results demonstrate a wide variety of clinical and immunological responses to ARV infection. Prospective study of these subjects will enable us to define further the natural history of ARV infection and factors associated with progression.
COMPARATIVE SENSITIVITY OF SERUM CHOLYLGLYCINE CONCENTRATION AND BROMSULPHALEIN RETENTION IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY AND LATE ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE
Authors: BARNES P. , LUNZER M. , O'HALLORAN M.
Published: September 2015

Measurement of serum bile acids has been claimed to be a sensitive and specific biochemical test of hepatic function. We have prospectively measured post‐prandial serum glycocholate (cholylglycine) concentrations in 31 patients with alcoholic liver disease and compared these measurements with those of bromsulphalein (BSP) retention, prothrombin time, and serum albumin.

In the patients with early (non‐cirrhotic) alcoholic liver disease (N = 14) BSP retention was abnormal significantly more frequently than was serum cholylglycine concentration (100% vs 29%, p < 0.001). In contrast, amongst patients with late (cirrhotic) alcoholic liver disease, BSP retention and serum cholylglycine were abnormal with equal frequency (94%). In both groups of patients BSP retention and serum cholylglycine were abnormal significantly more often than were prothrombin time and serum albumin concentrations.

We conclude that moderately severe hepatocellular dysfunction is required before serum cholylglycine can become a reliable biochemical indicator of liver disease.
SNEDDON'‘S SYNDROME
Authors: SCOTT I. A. , BOYLE R. S.
Published: September 2015

A 24 year old woman presented with generalised livedo reticularis and progressive intellectual decline. A CT scan of her head showed multifocal low density areas, consistent with cerebral infarction. Cerebral angiography revealed occlusive disease of major vessels, an arteriovenous malformation, and moya‐moya type anastomoses. There was no other associated systemic illness. Sneddon's syndrome was the provisional diagnosis. Her older brother had the same skin condition and was also shown to have occlusive cerebrovascular disease. The pathogenesis and natural history of this uncommon disease are highlighted.
Post‐glacial recolonization of the North American Arctic by Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus): genetic evidence of multiple northern refugia and hybridization between glacial lineages
Authors: Moore Jean‐Sébastien , Bajno Robert , Reist James D. , Taylor Eric B.
Published: September 2015

Aims

We investigated post‐glacial recolonization of the North American Arctic by Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and examined potential hybridization between different glacial lineages upon secondary contact.

Location

North American Arctic and adjacent areas.

Methods

We collected mtDNA sequence data from 1355 individuals from 110 sampling locations and data from nine microsatellite loci from 931 individuals from 37 locations. We assessed the phylogenetic relationships and geographical distribution of mtDNA haplotypes and conducted historical demographic analyses. We used a Bayesian clustering analysis method to detect potential hybridization between glacial lineages.

Results

Two highly divergent mtDNA lineages were identified in the Arctic region with distinct but overlapping geographic distributions: one in Beringia and the other over the entire Arctic Archipelago and coastal mainland east of Alaska. The microsatellite data also implied the existence of these two lineages. Evidence of hybridization was detected between the Arctic lineage and an Atlantic lineage in eastern North America.

Main conclusions

Our data suggested survival and recolonization from two northern glacial refugia: one in Beringia and another in a smaller refugium, perhaps in the Arctic Archipelago itself or a separate refugium within Beringia. Patterns of hybridization detected supported the presence of a secondary contact zone between glacial lineages in the eastern Canadian Arctic.
Convergent evolution across theAustralian continent: ecotype diversification drives morphological convergence in two distantly related clades ofAustralian frogs
Authors: Vidal‐García M. , Keogh J. S.
Published: September 2015

Animals from different clades but subject to similar environments often evolve similar body shapes and physiological adaptations due to convergent evolution, but this has been rarely tested at the transcontinental level and across entire classes of animal. Australia's biome diversity, isolation and aridification history provide excellent opportunities for comparative analyses on broad‐scale macroevolutionary patterns. We collected morphological and environmental data on eighty‐four (98%) Australian hylid frog species and categorized them into ecotypes. Using a phylogenetic framework, we tested the hypothesis that frogs from the same ecotype display similar body shape patterns: (i) across all the Australian hylids, and (ii) through comparison with a similar previous study on 127 (97%) Australian myobatrachid species. Body size and shape variation did not follow a strong phylogenetic pattern and was not tightly correlated with environment, but there was a stronger association between morphotype and ecotype. Both arboreal and aquatic frogs had long limbs, whereas limbs of fossorial species were shorter. Other terrestrial species were convergent on the more typical frog body shape. We quantified the strength of morphological convergence at two levels: (i) between fossorial myobatrachid and hylid frogs, and (ii) in each ecomorph within the hylids. We found strong convergence within ecotypes, especially in fossorial species. Ecotypes were also reflected in physiological adaptations: both arboreal and cocooned fossorial frogs tend to have higher rates of evaporative water loss. Our results illustrate how adaptation to different ecological niches plays a crucial role in morphological evolution, boosting phenotypic diversity within a clade. Despite phylogenetic conservatism, morphological adaptation to repeatedly emerging new environments can erase the signature of ancestral morphotypes, resulting in phenotypic diversification and convergence both within and between diverse clades.
The impact of high‐order epistasis in the within‐host fitness of a positive‐sense plant RNA virus
Authors: Lalić J. , Elena S. F.
Published: September 2015

RNA viruses are the main source of emerging infectious diseases because of the evolutionary potential bestowed by their fast replication, large population sizes and high mutation and recombination rates. However, an equally important property, which is usually neglected, is the topography of the fitness landscape. How many fitness maxima exist and how well they are connected is especially interesting, as this determines the number of accessible evolutionary pathways. To address this question, we have reconstructed a region of the fitness landscape of tobacco etch potyvirus constituted by mutations observed during the experimental adaptation of the virus to the novel host Arabidopsis thaliana. Fitness was measured for many genotypes and showed the existence of multiple peaks and holes in the landscape. We found prevailing epistatic effects between mutations, with cases of reciprocal sign epistasis being common among pairs of mutations. We also found that high‐order epistasis was as important as pairwise epistasis in their contribution to fitness. Therefore, results suggest that the landscape was rugged due to the existence of holes caused by lethal genotypes, that a very limited number of potential neutral paths exist and that it contained a single adaptive peak.
The RISPOSTA procedure for the collection, storage and analysis of high quality, consistent and reliable damage data in the aftermath of floods
Authors: Ballio F. , Molinari D. , Minucci G. , Mazuran M. , Arias Munoz C. , Menoni S. , Atun F. , Ardagna D. , Berni N. , Pandolfo C.
Published: September 2015

Despite the perceived abundance of information collected after a disaster, available data furnish a narrow picture of flood impacts, or they are difficult to compare so as to produce an integrated interpretation of flood events. This is due to the diversity of the purposes for which data are collected and the variety of stakeholders involved in data collection and management. The RISPOSTA procedure addresses the need for standardised ways to collect flood damage data and to create consistent and reliable flood databases that meet the objectives of risk mitigation. In this regard, the procedure satisfies several requirements of loss data: (1) the data should refer to the different exposed sectors so as to supply a comprehensive view of flood impacts; (2) they should be collected at the finest scale so that the proper scale of analysis can be chosen by subsequent data aggregation; (3) they should be linked to the physical event as well as to the features of the different exposed elements so as to supply information on both flood impacts and their explicative variables; and (4) they should be collected at different times according to the unfolding of the event in order to describe the entire range of possible damage.
Comparative evaluation of the shaping ability of two different nickel–titanium rotary files in curved root canals of extracted human molar teeth
Authors: Ferrara Giulia , Taschieri Silvio , Corbella Stefano , Ceci Caterina , Del Fabbro Massimo , Machtou Pierre
Published: September 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to compare the shaping ability of two different nickel–titanium rotary files in the curved root canals of extracted human molar teeth.

Methods

Thirty root canals of 17 extracted human molars teeth were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (n = 15): ProTaper Next and ProTaper Universal (PTU), on the basis of the rotary files system used. The final size of all apical foramina was 0.25 mm in diameter. Standardized digital radiographs were taken before and after instrumentation in both clinical and proximal views, with a size 10 K‐file inserted into the canal for the determination of the angle of curvature and apical transportation. Preparation time and fractured or deformed instruments were also recorded. The unpaired Student's t‐test was used to compare results.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two instruments with respect to canal straightening and apical transportation before and after instrumentation (P > 0.05). The use of both instruments resulted in a significant reduction in the angle of curvature after instrumentation (P < 0.05). Instrumentation time was significantly greater for PTU (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The ProTaper Universal and ProTaper Next systems performed similarly with regard to the straightening of curved root canals and apical transportation. ProTaper Next was significantly faster than ProTaper Universal.