bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel type of congenital hypochromic anemia associated with a nonsense mutation in the STEAP3/TSAP6 gene
Authors: Grandchamp Bernard , Hetet Gilles , Kannengiesser Caroline , Oudin Claire , Beaumont Carole , Rodrigues-Ferreira Sylvie , Amson Robert , Telerman Adam , Nielsen Peter , Kohne Elisabeth , Balser Christina , Heimpel Hermann
Published: October 2011

STEAP3/TSAP6 encodes a ferrireductase that is involved in the acquisition of iron by developing erythroblasts and steap3/tsap6 null-mice display severe microcytic anemia. We report a family in which 3 siblings born to healthy parents display transfusion-dependent hypochromic anemia. A nonsense STEAP3/TSAP6 was identified in the siblings at the heterozygous state. This mutation was inherited from their father while no mutation was found in their mother. A large variability of expression was found between normal alleles in a control population, confirming a previous report that STEAP3/TSAPS6 is an expressed quantitative trait locus (e-QTL). Determination of the relative allele expression showed that the “normal” allele was expressed at a significantly higher level in the father than in the affected siblings relative to the shared mutated allele. The blood level of STEAP3/TSAP6 mRNA was severely reduced in the siblings, while both parents were in the lower range of normal controls. The STEAP3/TSAP6 protein was also reduced in lymphocytic cell lines from the patients. Collectively, our data support the hypothesis that STEAP3/TSAP6 deficiency leads to severe anemia in the affected siblings and results from the combination of a mutated allele inherited from their father and a weakly expressed allele inherited from their mother.
Paracrine inhibition of GM-CSF signaling by human cytomegalovirus in monocytes differentiating to dendritic cells
Authors: Carlier Jérome , Martin Hélène , Mariamé Bernard , Rauwel Benjamin , Mengelle Catherine , Weclawiak Hugo , Coaquette Alain , Vauchy Charline , Rohrlich Pierre , Kamar Nassim , Rostaing Lionel , Herbein Georges , Davrinche Christian
Published: October 2011

A primary HCMV infection or virus reactivation may cause severe disease in hosts with a deficient immune system. The virus can disturb both innate and adaptive immunity by targeting dendritic cell (DC) functions. Monocytes, the precursors of DCs in vivo (MoDCs), are the primary targets of HCMV; they can also harbor latent virus. The DCs generated from infected monocytes (CMV-MoDCs) have an altered phenotype and functional defects. We have shown that CMV-MoDCs do not secrete IL-12 in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation, cannot ingest dead cells, induce TH1 differentiation, or the proliferation of naive allogeneic CD4+ T cells. We found that the GM-CSF signaling in an entire population of CMV-MoDCs was impaired, although only half of the cells were productively infected, and that IL-6 secretion and suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 induction contributed to this bystander effect. We also showed that MoDCs derived ex vivo from monocytes of viremic patients had the same altered phenotype as CMV-MoDCs, including decreased STAT5 phosphorylation, indicating defective GM-CSF signaling. We have thus described a new mechanism of HCMV-induced immunosupression, indicated how infection may disturb both GM-CSF–dependent physiologic processes and proposed GM-CSF–based therapeutic approaches.
Secreted-frizzled related protein 1 is a transcriptional repression target of the t(8;21) fusion protein in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Cheng Chi Keung , Li Libby , Cheng Suk Hang , Ng Kitty , Chan Natalie P. H. , Ip Rosalina K. L. , Wong Raymond S. M. , Shing Matthew M. K. , Li Chi Kong , Ng Margaret H. L.
Published: October 2011

Secreted-frizzled related proteins (SFRPs) are modulators of the Wnt signaling pathway that is closely involved in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Epigenetic deregulation of Wnt modulators leading to aberrant signaling has been reported in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but its occurrence in childhood patients with AML and the role of individual modulators are unclear. In this study, we examined SFRP1, SFRP2, SFRP4, and SFRP5 promoter methylation in 83 patients with AML (59 children and 24 adults) and found preferential SFRP1 methylation and mRNA down-regulation in the prognostically favorable subgroup of AML with t(8;21) translocation. Among the 4 genes, SFRP1 methylation independently predicted prolonged event-free and relapse-free survivals in childhood patients with nonacute promyelocytic leukemia with nonadverse cytogenetics. Mechanistically, we further demonstrated that RUNX1-ETO, the t(8;21) fusion product, specifically bound the SFRP1 promoter and repressed its transcription via a consensus RUNX binding site. In t(8;21)–leukemia cells, SFRP1 selectively inhibited canonical Wnt signaling and cellular proliferation that were associated with concomitant down-regulation of Wnt/β-catenin target genes, including CCND1 and MYC. Taken together, we identified SFRP1 as a transcriptional repression target of the t(8;21) fusion protein and demonstrated a novel mechanism of Wnt activation in a specific subtype of AML.
IPH2101, a novel anti-inhibitory KIR antibody, and lenalidomide combine to enhance the natural killer cell versus multiple myeloma effect
Authors: Benson Don M. , Bakan Courtney E. , Zhang Shuhong , Collins Shauna M. , Liang Jing , Srivastava Shivani , Hofmeister Craig C. , Efebera Yvonne , Andre Pascale , Romagne Francois , Bléry Mathieu , Bonnafous Cécile , Zhang Jianying , Clever David , Caligiuri Michael A. , Farag Sherif S.
Published: October 2011

Multiple myeloma (MM) patients who receive killer cell Ig–like receptor (KIR) ligand–mismatched, T cell–depleted, allogeneic transplantation may have a reduced risk of relapse compared with patients who receive KIR ligand–matched grafts, suggesting the importance of this signaling axis in the natural killer (NK) cell-versus-MM effect. Expanding on this concept, IPH2101 (1-7F9), an anti-inhibitory KIR mAb, enhances NK-cell function against autologous MM cells by blocking the engagement of inhibitory KIR with cognate ligands, promoting immune complex formation and NK-cell cytotoxicity specifically against MM cell targets but not normal cells. IPH2101 prevents negative regulatory signals by inhibitory KIR, whereas lenalidomide augments NK-cell function and also appears to up-regulate ligands for activating NK-cell receptors on MM cells. Lenalidomide and a murine anti-inhibitory NK-cell receptor Ab mediate in vivo rejection of a lenalidomide-resistant tumor. These mechanistic, preclinical data support the use of a combination of IPH2101 and lenalidomide in a phase 2 trial for MM.
The transhepatic endotoxin gradient is present despite liver cirrhosis and is attenuated after transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS).
Authors: Benten Daniel , Wiesch Julian Schulze zur , Sydow Karsten , Koops Andreas , Buggisch Peter , Böger Rainer H , Gaydos Charlotte A , Won Helen , Franco Veronica , Lohse Ansgar W , Ray Stuart C , Balagopal Ashwin
Published: October 2011

Background

Translocation of gut-derived bacterial products such as endotoxin is a major problem in liver cirrhosis.

Methods

To assess the hepatic clearance of bacterial products in individuals with cirrhosis, we tested concentrations of Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS-binding protein (LBP), and the precursor of nitric oxide (NO), L-arginine, in a cohort of 8 stable patients with liver cirrhosis before and after elective transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation, including central venous, hepatic venous, and portal venous measurements.

Results

Using an adapted LPS assay, we detected high portal venous LPS concentrations (mean 1743 ± 819 pg/mL). High concentrations of LPS were detectable in the central venous blood (931 ± 551 pg/mL), as expected in persons with cirrhosis. The transhepatic LPS gradient was found to be 438 ± 287 pg/mL, and 25 ± 12% of portal LPS was cleared by the cirrhotic liver. After TIPS, central venous LPS concentrations increased in the hepatic and central veins, indicating shunting of LPS with the portal blood through the stent. This paralleled a systemic increase of L-arginine, whereas the NO synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) remained unchanged, suggesting that bacterial translocation may contribute to the pathogenesis of circulatory dysfunction post-TIPS.

Conclusions

This study provides quantitative estimates of the role of the liver in the pathophysiology of bacterial translocation. The data indicate that the cirrhotic liver retains the capacity for clearance of bacterial endotoxin from the portal venous blood and that TIPS implantation attenuates this clearance. Thus, increased endotoxin concentrations in the systemic circulation provide a possible link to the increased encephalopathy in TIPS patients.
INSPIRE: A phase III study of the BLP25 liposome vaccine (L-BLP25) in Asian patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wu Yi-Long , Park Keunchil , Soo Ross A , Sun Yan , Tyroller Karin , Wages David , Ely Guy , Yang James Chih-Hsin , Mok Tony
Published: October 2011

Background

Previous research suggests the therapeutic cancer vaccine L-BLP25 potentially provides a survival benefit in patients with locally advanced unresectable stage III non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). These promising findings prompted the phase III study, INSPIRE, in patients of East-Asian ethnicity. East-Asian ethnicity is an independent favourable prognostic factor for survival in NSCLC. The favourable prognosis is most likely due to a higher incidence of EGFR mutations among this patient population.

Methods/design

The primary objective of the INSPIRE study is to assess the treatment effect of L-BLP25 plus best supportive care (BSC), as compared to placebo plus BSC, on overall survival time in East-Asian patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC and either documented stable disease or an objective response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria following primary chemoradiotherapy. Those in the L-BLP25 arm will receive a single intravenous infusion of cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2) 3 days before the first L-BLP25 vaccination, with a corresponding intravenous infusion of saline to be given in the control arm. A primary treatment phase of 8 subcutaneous vaccinations of L-BLP25 930 μg or placebo at weekly intervals will be followed by a maintenance treatment phase of 6-weekly vaccinations continued until disease progression or discontinuation from the study.

Discussion

The ongoing INSPIRE study is the first large study of a therapeutic cancer vaccine specifically in an East-Asian population. It evaluates the potential of maintenance therapy with L-BLP25 to prolong survival in East-Asian patients with stage III NSCLC where there are limited treatment options currently available.

Study number

EMR 63325-012

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov reference: NCT01015443
Multiple etiologies of axonal sensory motor polyneuropathy in a renal transplant recipient: a case report
Authors: Etemadi Jalal , Shoja Mohammadali M , Ghabili Kamyar , Talebi Mahnaz , Namdar Hossein , Mirnour Reshad
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Neurological complications leading to morbidity and mortality are not frequent in renal transplant recipients. Here, we report a renal transplant recipient who presented with diminished strength in his limbs probably due to multiple etiologies of axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy, which resolved with intravenous immunoglobulin.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old Iranian male renal transplant recipient with previous history of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease presented with diminished strength in his limbs one month after surgery. Our patient was on cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone. Although a detected hypophosphatemia was corrected with supplemental phosphate, the loss of strength was still slowly progressive and diffuse muscular atrophy was remarkable in his trunk, upper limb and pelvic girdle. Meanwhile, his cranial nerves were intact. Post-transplant diabetes mellitus was diagnosed and insulin therapy was initiated. In addition, as a high serum cyclosporine level was detected, the dose of cyclosporine was reduced. Our patient was also put on intravenous ganciclovir due to positive serum cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin M antibody. Despite the reduction of oral cyclosporine dose along with medical therapy for the cytomegalovirus infection and diabetes mellitus, his muscular weakness and atrophy did not improve. One week after administration of intravenous immunoglobulin, a significant improvement was noted in his muscular weakness.

Conclusion

A remarkable response to intravenous immunoglobulin is compatible with an immunological basis for the present condition (post-transplant polyneuropathy). In cases of post-transplant polyneuropathy with a high clinical suspicion of immunological origin, administration of intravenous immunoglobulin may be recommended.
Mid-Gestational Maternal Free Thyroxine Concentration and Offspring Neurocognitive Development at Age Two Years
Authors: Craig Wendy Y. , Allan Walter C. , Kloza Edward M. , Pulkkinen Andrea J. , Waisbren Susan , Spratt Daniel I. , Palomaki Glenn E. , Neveux Louis M. , Haddow James E.
Published: October 2011

Context:

Lower neurocognitive development scores at age 2 yr have been reported in association with euthyroid hypothyroxinemia during early pregnancy.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to further explore this association with euthyroid hypothyroxinemia during early pregnancy.

Design:

This was an observational, nested case-control study.

Setting:

The study was conducted at physician offices and prenatal clinics throughout Maine.

Study Subjects:

Between May 2004 and March 2006, TSH was measured in 5734 women in conjunction with second-trimester Down syndrome screening. After completion of pregnancy, free T4 was measured in stored second-trimester sera from euthyroid women (TSH 0.1–3.5 mIU/ml; n = 5560). Women with free T4 at the third centile or less (n = 99) were matched with women whose free T4 was at the 10th to the 90th centile (n = 99).

Interventions:

There were no interventions.

Main Outcome Measure:

Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID III) were administered to the 198 offspring at age 2 yr. Scores for cognitive, language, and motor development were compared between matched pairs of offspring from the two groups before and after correcting for relevant variables.

Results:

Unadjusted BSID-III scores (cognitive, language, and motor) were lower by about 3% at age 2 yr among offspring of 98 hypothyroxinemic women (cases), reaching borderline significance for cognitive and motor scores. After adjustment for gestational age, the child's age at testing, maternal weight, and education, all differences diminished and became nonsignificant. Scores less than 85 were more frequent among case children but did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.14).

Conclusions:

Isolated hypothyroxinemia during the second trimester is not associated with significantly lower BSID-III scores at age 2 yr, compared with scores for offspring of matched euthyroxinemic women.
Long- and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids Induce Insulin Resistance to a Similar Extent in Humans Despite Marked Differences in Muscle Fat Accumulation
Authors: Hoeks Joris , Mensink Marco , Hesselink Matthijs K. C. , Ekroos Kim , Schrauwen Patrick
Published: October 2011

Context:

Animal studies revealed that medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), due to their metabolic characteristics, are not stored in skeletal muscle and may therefore not give rise to potentially hazardous lipid species impeding insulin signaling.

Objective:

We here hypothesized that infusion of medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCT) in healthy lean subjects does not lead to ectopic fat accumulation and hence does not result in lipid-induced insulin resistance.

Design and Methods:

Nine healthy lean male subjects underwent a 6-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp with simultaneous infusion of 1) a 100% long-chain triacylglycerols (LCT) emulsion, 2) a 50/50% MCT/LCT emulsion, or 3) glycerol in a randomized crossover design. Muscle biopsies were taken before and after each clamp.

Results:

MCT/LCT infusion raised plasma free fatty acid levels to a similar level compared with LCT infusion alone. Despite elevated free fatty acid levels, intramyocellular triacylglycerol (IMTG) levels were not affected by the MCT/LCT emulsion, whereas LCT infusion resulted in an approximately 1.6-fold increase in IMTG. These differences in muscle fat accumulation did not result in significant differences in lipid-induced insulin resistance between LCT (−28%, P = 0.003) and MCT/LCT (−20%, P < 0.001). Total skeletal muscle ceramide content as well as lactosyl- and glucosylceramide levels were not affected by any of the interventions. In addition, the distribution pattern of all ceramide species remained unaltered.

Conclusions:

Although we confirm that MCFA do not lead to ceramide and IMTG accumulation in skeletal muscle tissue in humans, they do induce insulin resistance. These results indicate that, in humans, MCFA may not be beneficial in preventing peripheral insulin resistance.
Craniopharyngiomas Express Embryonic Stem Cell Markers (SOX2, OCT4, KLF4, and SOX9) as Pituitary Stem Cells but Do Not Coexpress RET/GFRA3 Receptors
Authors: Garcia-Lavandeira Montserrat , Saez Carmen , Diaz-Rodriguez Esther , Perez-Romero Sihara , Senra Ana , Dieguez Carlos , Japon Miguel A. , Alvarez Clara V.
Published: October 2011

Context:

Adult stem cells maintain some markers expressed by embryonic stem cells and express other specific markers depending on the organ where they reside. Recently, stem/progenitor cells in the rodent and human pituitary have been characterized as expressing GFRA2/RET, PROP1, and stem cell markers such as SOX2 and OCT4 (GPS cells).

Objective:

Our objective was to detect other specific markers of the pituitary stem cells and to investigate whether craniopharyngiomas (CRF), a tumor potentially derived from Rathke's pouch remnants, express similar markers as normal pituitary stem cells.

Design:

We conducted mRNA and Western blot studies in pituitary extracts, and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence on sections from normal rat and human pituitaries and 20 CRF (18 adamantinomatous and two papillary).

Results:

Normal pituitary GPS stem cells localized in the marginal zone (MZ) express three key embryonic stem cell markers, SOX2, OCT4, and KLF4, in addition to SOX9 and PROP1 and β-catenin overexpression. They express the RET receptor and its GFRA2 coreceptor but also express the coreceptor GFRA3 that could be detected in the MZ of paraffin pituitary sections. CRF maintain the expression of SOX2, OCT4, KLF4, SOX9, and β-catenin. However, RET and GFRA3 expression was altered in CRF. In 25% (five of 20), both RET and GFRA3 were detected but not colocalized in the same cells. The other 75% (15 of 20) lose the expression of RET, GFRA3, or both proteins simultaneously.

Conclusions:

Human pituitary adult stem/progenitor cells (GPS) located in the MZ are characterized by expression of embryonic stem cell markers SOX2, OCT4, and KLF4 plus the specific pituitary embryonic factor PROP1 and the RET system. Redundancy in RET coreceptor expression (GFRA2 and GFRA3) suggest an important systematic function in their physiological behavior. CRF share the stem cell markers suggesting a common origin with GPS. However, the lack of expression of the RET/GFRA system could be related to the cell mislocation and deregulated growth of CRF.
String (Cdc25) regulates stem cell maintenance, proliferation and aging in Drosophila testis
Authors: Inaba Mayu , Yuan Hebao , Yamashita Yukiko M.
Published: October 2011

Tight regulation of stem cell proliferation is fundamental to tissue homeostasis, aging and tumor suppression. Although stem cells are characterized by their high potential to proliferate throughout the life of the organism, the mechanisms that regulate the cell cycle of stem cells remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the Cdc25 homolog String (Stg) is a crucial regulator of germline stem cells (GSCs) and cyst stem cells (CySCs) in Drosophila testis. Through knockdown and overexpression experiments, we show that Stg is required for stem cell maintenance and that a decline in its expression during aging is a critical determinant of age-associated decline in stem cell function. Furthermore, we show that restoration of Stg expression reverses the age-associated decline in stem cell function but leads to late-onset tumors. We propose that Stg/Cdc25 is a crucial regulator of stem cell function during tissue homeostasis and aging.
A Study of Image Reconstruction for Complex Targets Buried in a Slab Medium Using the Unrelated Illumination Method
Authors: Chiu Chien-Ching , Li Ching-Lieh , Wu Chih-Yuan , Jen Lin Chun
Published: October 2011

This paper investigates the image reconstruction for inhomogeneous dielectric cylinders coated on a conductor with a known cross section buried in a stratified dielectric medium. The buried dielectric cylinder scatters a group of unrelated incident waves illuminated from outside. The scattered field is recorded outside the stratified dielectric medium. By the proper arrangement of a group of unrelated incident fields, the difficulties of ill-posedness and nonlinearity are circumvented, and the permittivity distribution can be reconstructed through simple matrix operations. In the direct scattering part, a set of nonlinear integral equations is deduced mainly based on the boundary conditions. The method of moments is applied to numerically calculate the scattered E field. For the inverse scattering part, the unrelated illumination method is employed to determine the electrical properties of the dielectric cylinder from the measured scattered E fields. The numerical results show that good reconstruction can be obtained both with and without Gaussian noise in measured data.
The social status of the male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) influences testis structure and gene expression
Authors: Pfennig Frank , Kurth Thomas , Meißner Stefan , Standke Andrea , Hoppe Markus , Zieschang Freia , Reitmayer Christine , Göbel Andy , Kretzschmar Georg , Gutzeit Herwig O
Published: October 2011

Dominant and territorial behaviour are known social phenomena in cichlids and social stress influences reproduction and growth. The gonadotropic hormones trigger spermatogenesis and subordinate males have typically lower levels of gonadotropins than dominant males. In this study, we compared testis morphology and gene expression of dominant and subordinate Nile tilapia males (d- and s-males) in socially stable communities. The d-males had the highest gonadosomatic index but they were not the largest animals in the majority of studied cases. Long-term d-males showed large groups of Leydig cells and hyperplasia of the tunica albuginea due to numerous cytochrome-P450-11β-hydroxylase (Cyp11b) expressing myoid cells. Increased Cyp11b expression in d-males was reflected by elevated 11-ketotestosterone plasma values. However, immunofluorescence microscopy and expression analysis of selected genes revealed that most s-males conserved their capability for spermatogenesis and are, therefore, ready for reproduction when the social environment changes. Moreover, in s-males gene expression analysis by quantitative RT-PCR showed increased transcript levels for germ line-specific genes (vasa,sox2anddmc1) and Sertoli-specific genes (amh,amhrIIanddmrt1) whereas gene expression of key factors for steroid production (sf1andcyp11b) were reduced. The Nile tilapia is a promising model to study social cues and gonadotropic signals on testis development in vertebrates.
Role of veterinarian in securing sanitary hygiene of food of animal origin
Authors: Stojanovic Lazar , Katic Vera , Buncic Olivera
Published: October 2011

The consumer demands that to be provided with a sufficient quantity of articles of animal origin that meet the requirements of sanitary hygiene and are available at acceptable prices. Food articles of animal origin that are safe for human consumption can be obtained only from healthy animals. Veterinarians are daily concerned with the health of animals and are taking measures to prevent the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms from animals to humans. The knowledge of epizootiology, microbiology, the sources and pathways of contamination of food articles of animal origin by microbiological and chemical pollutants, the procedures in the process of producing food articles in which such pollutants can be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level, and the connection between these factors and human health, give veterinarians the key position in the securing of sanitary hygiene of articles of animal origin. The safety of articles of animal origin is a specialized field in the area of veterinary medicine that links all the activities of a veterinarian. In partnership with other professions, engaged in the chain of food production, veterinarians guarantee that food articles are safe for the health of consumers.
Use and declaration of additives in meat products: New legal regulations
Authors: Vukovic Ilija , Milanovic-Stevanovic Mirjana
Published: October 2011

The paper presents the more important additives used in meat products, their functional characteristics, the permitted quantities and declaration in keeping with the new legal regulations. Additives important for meat products, according to their functional characteristics, can be preservatives, antioxidants, stabilizers, emulsifiers, emulsifying salts, acidity regulators, sequestrants, thickeners, gelling agents, modified starches, acids, colours, aroma enhancers, packaging gases and coating powders, and it must be pointed out that many additives have several functional characteristics at the same time. In stating additives in the list of contents of a product, the elementary functional characteristic of the additive is given with the E number or name of the additive in brackets; modified starches are declared as ?starch" without giving the E number. The declaration does not state the quantity of the additive added to the product, or the biggest permitted quantity of the additive in the given product.
Mycotoxicoses in animals caused by secondary metabolites of molds
Authors: Nesic Ksenija , Masic Zoran , Sinovec Zlatan
Published: October 2011

It is estimated that at least 25% of grain and other cereals are today contaminated with known mycotoxins, while a large number of them are probably contaminated with as yet unidentified mycotoxins. Mycotoxins produce mold mycea, and it is believed that over 220 species have this characteristic. A large number of different mycotoxins has been identified so far, of which only a small number are of medicinal, nutritive and economic significance (aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichotecenes, zearalenon). The listed mycotoxins present secondary metabolites, primarily the species Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillinum. Mycotoxicoses pose a nutritive-medical, but also a diagnostic problem, because certain mycotoxins cause changes in a number of organs. Diseases caused by mycotoxins are not contagious, they are connected with food and/or specific feed, they are similar to avitaminoses, they are not treated with antibiotics or other medicines, and they do not cause an immunological response in the organism because they are of small molecular mass so that animals are permanently protected from their effects. The content of mycotoxins in food and/or feed in practical conditions more often causes the appearance of chronic mycotoxicoses, and the effects of smaller quantities over a longer time period are the same as of bigger quantities over a short period. The early or timely establishment of the presence of mycotoxins in food and the subsequent elimination of the contaminated food from use can aleviate the negative effects, but a certain time period is required for the elimination of the resorbed quantities of mycotoxins and the disappearance of the harmful effect. That is why constant and multilevel monitoring of sanitary hygiene of feed must be practiced in production conditions in order to secure a swift and efficient reaction, as currently the only manner for the successful prevention of the harmful effects of mycotoxins.
Fish diseases in carp fish ponds and implementation of health care measures
Authors: Jeremic Svetlana , Cirkovic Miroslav , Jakic-Dimic Dobrila , Radosavljevic Vladimir
Published: October 2011

Fish health protection is a complex and permanent measure veterinary specialists are taking in order to preserve and improve breeding and production of particular fish species and categories. The system of monitoring fish health should ensure early detection of disorders in fish health and the presence of causing agents. In order for the monitoring to be efficient it should be practiced in accordance with the specific conditions of each system and breeding venues, as well as to the specific health problem needs of different farmed fish species. The most important issue in fish diseases diagnostics is the systematic monitoring of the condition offish health. Only in such way it is possible to detect a disease on time and then determine the adequate therapeutic and other necessary measures. In dealing with the problems offish pathology in carp fishponds, the epizootical situation of disease spreading caused by different agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites) has been examined. The most frequent diseases among the farmed carps in the examined fish ponds in Vojvodina area, described in this paper were: carp pox, spring viremia of carp, carp erythrodermatitis, aeromonas and pseudomonas infections, bacterial gill disease, diseases caused by ecto- and endoparasites and gill necrosis. Based on the obtained results, modern diagnostic methods were implemented and proper prevention and successful therapy of the diseases causing the greatest loss in farmed fish populations was taken.
Experiences with rabies eradication programs
Authors: Hostnik Peter , Barlic-Maganja Darja , Grom Joze , Malovrh Tadej , Bidovec Andrej
Published: October 2011

Oral vaccination as a method of rabies eradication in the field was first started in Switzerland in 1978 and after 1984 several other EU countries followed this practice. Due to oral vaccination some European countries are now rabies-free in terrestrial animals. In Slovenia, after the first experimental oral vaccination and study of vaccination models from 1988 -1992, the spring-autumn campaigns have been carried out since 1995. The model of oral vaccination of wildlife requires 16-20 baits per km2 in the vaccination area. The baits were distributed by plane. They were dispersed from a height of 300-500 m. The aeroplanes' paths were 1000 metres apart. In the vaccination campaigns two vaccines were used. Lysvulpen?, produced by the Bioveta company at the Czech Republic, was laid down in the southwestern part of the country, and Fuchsoral?, produced by the German company Impfstoffwerk Dessau-Tornau, was placed in the eastern part of Slovenia. A rapid decline of rabies was evidenced from 1995 to 1999, when the oral vaccination program in the whole territory using the aircraft baits distributing system was practiced. In 1999, only 6 rabies cases were laboratory-confirmed, whereas in 1995, 1089 rabies cases were documented. Of the 14 rabies cases detected in 1998, 12 were found as an island in a circle with a radius of 30 km in the centre of the vaccinated area. In 2000 and 2001, rabies incidence increased again, so it was decided to change the baits distribution system in the year 2001. The vaccination by crossing flights in certain areas was introduced. In the next year (2002), after changing the vaccination strategy, positive cases rapidly dropped and only 15 cases in 2002, and 8 cases were found in 2003, near the non-vaccinated border with Croatia.
Influenza-A infections in animals and birds and their significance in the epidemiology of human influenza-A
Authors: Djurisic Slavko , Milanov Dubravka , Petrovic Tamas
Published: October 2011

The objective of this presentation is to point out at knowledge obtained so far through comparative analyses of the influenza-A virus, certain ecological and epizootiological aspects, and at the cases registered so far of the transfer of this virus among animals, animals and birds and humans. In this way, we believe we will help our professional public to take a more comprehensive view of the currently uncertain epizootiological (epidemiological) situation regarding infections with influenza-A viruses in the world, and to secure preventive measures with due attention. New information is daily added to this matter, which is of wide-ranging aspects and, because of insufficient space, we have limited this work to the aspects which, because of insufficient space, we have limited this work to the aspects which are currently biologically the most significant. Consequently we have divided the entire presentation into the following sections Introduction with emphasis on the existence of large numbers of influenza-A viruses in nature, with a wide range of antigenic and biological characteristics in domestic and wild animals and birds, as well as on the fact that these viruses can be a potential source of so-called new pandemic viruses and pose a constant threat to human welfare. Results of comparative analyses of the influnza-A virus, with special emphasis on classification virion structure, genome structure and nomenclature, on the progressive mutation of the virus, known as antigenic drift, and the genetic recombination, known as antigenic shift. Influenza-A viruses in humans animals and birds with a presentation of subtypes and variants of the virus identified so far. Transfer of the virus among animals, birds and humans with a presentation of cases registered so far of virus transfer in nature as well as possibilities for experimental infections of calves, swine, mice hamsters, and squirrels with influenza-A viruses originating from birds. Concluding remarks indicate the need for veterinary medicine to be more intensely engaged on investigations of the biology, genetics and epizootiology of isolated viruses in animal and birds, and thus to contribute to the clarification of numerous unknown factors that render influenza epidemiology in humans so exceptional. References show a part of the literature used in preparing this presentation.
Helminthoses of digestive tract in domestic animals in different epizootiological regions of Republic of Serbia
Authors: Ilic Tamara , Dimitrijevic Sanda
Published: October 2011

Parasitic helminthoses in domestic animals are triggered by causes originating from the classes: Trematoda (fiatworms), Cestoda (tapeworms) and Nematoda (roundworms), which are in most cases endoparasites. The big presence of different parasitoses in our country are a result of the geographic position and the climatic conditions of certain areas, large agglomerations of cattle in certain localities, an unsatisfactory level of zoohygienic conditions in cattle facilities and on pastures, a diet that is inadequate both in quality and in quantity, a low hygiene level of the diet and watering, limited areas for grazing and their poor quality, extensive maintend diet of the animals, the presence of corresponding vectors or transitory hosts, s a low professional and cultural level of cattle farmers. The prevention of parasitic infections and the fight against their causes implies the severing of the chain of the parasite's biological cycle during one of the stages of its development. That is why it is necessary to destroy the most sensitive ones and the most available development forms of the parasite. Under the conditions when the epizootiological situation in the field is changing unexpectedly, it is necessary to apply the adequate therapeutic methods and prophylaxis in veterinary medicine, and to conduct an organized and planned fight against parasitic infections.
The presence of verotoxinogenic E. coli in some foods
Authors: Bostan K. , Cetin Omer , Ergun O.
Published: October 2011

In this study 30 samples each of ready-to-cook meatballs and white cheese as well as 96 samples of various ready-to-eat foods, obtained from different sales outlets in Istanbul, were analyzed for the presence of verotoxins (consequently vemtoxigenic E. coli) E. coli with the aid of the enzyme immunoassay technique. Additionally, total coli-form and chromogenic E. coli count were determined by cultural methods for all food samples. E. coli growth was detected in all ready-to-cook meatballs (100%), in 27 of the white cheese samples (90%) and in 69 of the other ready-to-eat food samples (71.9%). Verotoxins, however, could not be detected in any of the samples examined with the aid of the ELISA technique. The findings of this study indicate a low microbiological quality of the analyzed meatball, white cheese and ready-to-eat food samples; a considerable part of them did not conform to legal standards. However, within the sensitivity limits of the method applied no verotoxinogenic E. coli could be detected.
Microbiological contamination of lamb carcasses at abattoirs of Istanbul
Authors: Tolga Kahraman , Buyukunal Kemal , Cetin Omer
Published: October 2011

A total of a hundred lamb carcasses were sampled over a 12 month period at abattoirs in Istanbul, Turkey. Each sample examined for total aerobic mesophilic counts (TMC), Enterobacteriaceae count (EC), Salmonella spp. Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes was obtained from 100 cm2 areas on four sides of lamb carcasses using the wet and dry cotton swab technique. The study revealed that total aerobic mesophilic counts in all carcasses ranged between 4.18 and 5.95 log/cm2; Enterobacteriaceae counts between 1.60 and 2.30 CFU/cm2. All samples were negative for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Furthermore Salmonella spp. was detected on four carcasses. The data confirms bacteriological monitoring of lamb carcasses as a useful criteria for the verification of slaughter hygiene.
Impact of ecological parameters on presence of yeasts and moulds in raw milk
Authors: Pesic-Mikulec Dragana , Stojanovic Lazar
Published: October 2011

Ecological parameters such as temperature, humidity and other climatic factors in different geographical regions and ecological factors of food production have a complex impact on the speed of growth and multiplication of mould and yeasts. They enable one type of microorganisms to multiply on account of others. Several factors have an impact on the growth of mould and yeasts in raw milk, and the most important ones are as follows: aw, pH and temperature. The interplay between factors ultimately determines grow of yeasts and moulds in raw milk.
Comparative study of wood betony (Stachys officinalis L) melliferousness in different habitat conditions
Authors: Macukanovic-Jocic Marina
Published: October 2011

Nectar production in wood betony (Stachys officinalis L), grown under differ-microclimatic habitat conditions (forest and experimental field), was analyzed. Study of tar production included determining of the total daily nectar amount (in 24 hours) per flower, the diurnal dynamics of nectar secretion (nectar amount secreted per flower at two hour intervals during the day), and nectar sugar concentration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of microclimatic parameters humidity, air temperature and evaporation) on the secretion process and nectar sugar concentration. Comparative analyses of nectar secretion in Stachys officinalis, grown in two environmentally different habitats, confirmed that this process varied as a function of micro-climatic habitat conditions, and did not reveal a close relationship between these conditions and sugar concentration in nectar. A diurnal model of nectar secretion with two secretion peaks was found. A higher amount of nectar per flower, with an increasing tendency during the first half of the day, and a decreasing tendency during the afternoon was measured in forest conditions (lower temperature, higher relative air humidity and lower evaporation).
Lumbricidae as transitory hosts in Metastrongylus infection in swine
Authors: Pavlovic Ivan , Kulisic Zoran , Misic Zorana
Published: October 2011

Metastrongylidosis or lungworm disease in swine is a disease caused by several types of nematodes of the genus Metastrongylus. Metastrongylidae are biohelminths whose causes use transitory hosts for their development and maintaining their biological cycle, and in this case they are numerous species of Lumbricidae (earthworms). Depending on the geographic environment, numerous representatives of Lumbricidae persist as transitory hosts. In our environment, these are dominant earthworm species of the genus Eisenia spp, Dandreobena spp, Allopbophora spp, Lubricus spp, Octoiasium spp, Bimastus spp, and rarely those from the genus Heledrillus spp. Swine are infected perorally with Metastrongylidae when they ingest infected earthworms.
HACCP system in radiation-hygiene control of pig production
Authors: Mitrovic Radosav , Kljajic Ranko , Vicentijevic Mihajlo
Published: October 2011

The paper presents instructive methodology for introducing and realizing the HACCP system in pig production, as a typical representative of intensive breeding, with the objective of establishing radiation-hygiene supervision. Attention was focused on the type of pig diet as the key link in the production chain, in fact the selection of the raw material components necessary in the production of pig feed concentrates for intense breeding conditions, and on the establishment of a certain radiation-hygiene balance through prognostic-selective methodology, as a guarantee of radiation safety.
In vivo investigations of clastogenic effect of levamisole hydrochloride on bone marrow cells of BALB/c mice
Authors: Kulic Milan , Stanimirovic Zoran , Ristic Sinisa , Markovic Biljana
Published: October 2011

Cytotoxic and genotoxic examinations were performed of the effect of levamisole hydrochloride (2.2 mg/kg bm, 4.4 mg/kg bm, LD50-25% mg/kg bm and LD50-75% mg/kg bm) on bone marrow cells of mice of the BALB/c strain. The effect of levamisole hydrochloride on kinetics of the cellular cycle and the appearance of structural and numerical changes in chromosomes of bone marrow cells were followed. The therapeutic dose of levamisole of 2.2 mg/kg bm showed the ability to increase the mitotic activity of the observed cells, thus confirming knowledge of the immunostimulative effect of this dose of the medicine under in vivo conditions. The other tested doses of levamisole in this experiment, observed in comparison with the control group, had an opposite effect, i.e. they caused a reduction in the mitotic activity of bone marrow cells. All the examined doses in vivo showed the ability of inducing numeric (aneuloid and polyploid) and structural (lesions, breaks and insertions) chromosomal aberrations. On this basis, it can be concluded that the examined doses have a genotoxic effect.
Concentration of beta-carotene and vitamin A in blood serum of cows in peripartal period
Authors: Velickovic Miljan , Vukovic Dragan
Published: October 2011

In a herd of high-productive dairy cows of the Holstein breed, 40 cows were selected for an experiment. The animals were chosen at the period of advanced gravidity. Data on mean values of beta-carotene concentrations in blood serum of the cows show that significantly higher values (p<0.01) were established in advanced gravidity (x=9.53? 3.49 ?mol/l) in comparison with the values on calving day (x=5.69?3.14 ?mol/l) and in early puerperium (x=2.25?1.00 ?mol/l). The average concentration of vitamin A in blood serum of cows varied approximately the same as the concentration of beta-carotene. The highest average concentration of vitamin A in blood serum of cows was determined in advanced gravidity (x=1.856?0.52 ?mol/l), and the lowest in early puerperium (x=0.988?0.31 ?mol/l) (p<0.05). It can be concluded on the grounds of the results obtained in this work that the average concentration of beta-carotene and vitamin A in blood serum of cows in advanced gravidity and on the day of calving is within the limits of physiological values and in keeping with the values cited in literature, and that concentrations of beta-carotene and vitamin A in blood serum of cows two weeks after calving are significantly lower than the values obtained in advanced gravidity and on the day of calving and are lower than the physiological values most often reported in literature for this animal specie.
Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli: An emerging pathogen which endanger the health of people and animals
Authors: Lazic Srdjan , Cobeljic Miloje , Dimic Bane
Published: October 2011

A new group of pathogenic agents has appeared in the last 20 years -verotoxin-producing Escherichiae coli (VTEC), which cause increasing numbers of intestinal diseases in humans and animals. The reservoir for VTEC is the intestinal tract of domestic animals, primarily ruminants. It is believed that cattle are the principal reservoir for VTEC, because the biggest number of epidemics caused by these bacteria occurred through ground beef (hamburgers). Swine are also a significant factor of VTEC infections in humans, but these pathogenic agents are more frequently isolated from diseased animals than healthy ones, and most often from swine with a clinical picture of an endemic disease. Investigations in our geographic region have also demonstrated that domestic animals are a significant VTEC reservoir. In spite of this, sporadic diseases in humans caused by these agents are rare, and no epidemics have been registered so far. Such a characteristic of VTEC infections in our country imposes the need for further epidemiological and epizootiological research.
Findings of specific antibodies against Leptospira interrogans in cattle blood sera
Authors: Grgic Zivoslav , Vidic Branka , Djuricic Bosiljka , Savic-Jevdjenic Sara , Stojanov Igor
Published: October 2011

Serological investigations were performed on 24,208 samples of cattle blood serum, representing 31.18% of the reproductive cattle fund in the territory of nine municipalities in the Southern Backa region over a period of five years. The samples were examined using the method of microscopic agglutination, with live antigens of nine Leptospira serotypes: L. pomona, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. grippotyphosa, L. sejroe, L. tarassovi, L. australis, L. bataviae, L. canicola, and L. hardjo. Specific antibodies against leptospira were established in 286 or 1.18% samples of cattle serum. The level of seroprevalence of leptospira infection at an annual level ranged from 2.56% to 0.05%. The biggest number of seropositive cattle were registered in the municipality of Novi Sad-151 cattle, or 3.54%. In the course of the observation period, the presence of four serotypes of ieptospira were diagnozed in catlt: L. pomona, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. grippotyphosa, L. hardjo. The most represented serotype was L. hardjo, 41.02%, while the serotypes L. grippotyphosa (34.61%), L. icterohaemorrhagiae (14.74%) and L. pomona (9.61%) were diagnosed in smaller percentages. An increasing tendency was observed in the number of cattle infected with leptospira at an annual level of 0.195%. On the basis of the presented analysis, it can be predicted with a probability of 95%, that leptospirosis in cattle will appear within the range of 0.09% to 3.50% in the epizootiological region of Southern Backa in the coming period.