bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caprine lung diseases and causal bacteria
Authors: Ferdausi T , Haider MG , Alam KJ , Baki MA , Hossain MM
Published: March 2010

Pathological conditions in lungs of slaughtered goats were studied. Sixty lungs were examined and tissue samples and swabs obtained for histopathology and bacterial isolation, respectively. The prevalence of lung diseases was 58.3% (n=35). Gross lesions were categorized into: (a) haemorrhage and congestion 25% (b) emphysema 21.7% (c) hepatization 3.3% and (d) granulomatous nodules about 1 mm diameter 8.3%. On histopathological examination, 10 types of lesions were found: (a) bronchitis 6.7%, (b) small cell anaplastic carcinoma 3.3%, (c) pneumonia 6.7%, (d) interstitial pneumonia 15%, (e) emphysema 6.7%, (f) bronchopneumonia 3.3%, (g) purulent pneumonia 5%, (h) haemorrhagic pneumonia 3.3%, (i) pulmonary adenomatosis 1.7% and (j) no lesions 6.7%. Pasteurella sp. (11.7%), Escherichia coli (E. coli; 6.7%), Staphylococcus sp. (36.7%) and Bacillus sp. (3.3%) were isolated from the lungs. Pasteurella sp. was found in haemorrhagic pneumonia, interstitial pneumonia, small cell anaplastic carcinoma and bronchitis, followed by Bacillus sp. in haemorrhagic pneumonia, E. coli in interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary adenomatosis and Staphylococcus sp. from emphysema, bronchopneumonia, pneumonia, bronchitis and purulent pneumonia. DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v25i1.4613 Bangl. vet. 2008. Vol. 25, No. 1, 9-16
Colibacillosis in commercial chickens in Bangladesh
Authors: Khaton R , Haider MG , Paul PK , Das PM , Hossain MM
Published: March 2010

The prevalence of colibacillosis in layer chickens was studied from May to September 2007. Sixty five cloacal swabs from apparently healthy birds and 55 swabs of liver (n=15), lung (n=15) and intestine (n=25) from 30 dead birds were collected in sterile nutrient broth, with histopathological samples. Bacteria were isolated and identified. Tissue samples were studied under light microscope. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was isolated from 83% of cloacal swabs of apparently healthy chickens and 87% of samples from dead birds. Affected birds had cloudy thickened air sacs, pericarditis, congestion in the liver, lung and spleen. On histopathological examination focal necrosis in liver and infiltration of heterophils, lymphocytes and macrophages in liver and lung was found. Thickening of pericardium was found due to infiltration of reticulo endothelial (RE) cells. In duodenum, severe infiltration of leukocytes mainly heterophils, lymphocytes and macrophages was found in the sub-mucosa. DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v25i1.4614 Bangl. vet. 2008. Vol. 25, No. 1, 17-24
Comparative efficacy of ascorbic acid, adrenaline and oxytetracycline supplementation against nitrite poisoning in rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Yasmin F , Awal MA , Ghosh A , Rashed MB , Mostofa M
Published: March 2010

The effects of methylene blue, vitamin C, adrenaline and oxytetracycline against sodium nitrite intoxication was studied in Long Evan's (Rattus norvegicus) rats (n=128) in eight groups (A - H). Except control, intoxication was produced by administering sodium nitrite. Rats were treated with methylene blue (group C), vitamin C (group D), adrenaline (group E) and oxytetracycline (group F), and with vitamin C, adrenaline and oxytetracycline (group G); methylene blue, vitamin C, adrenaline and oxytetracycline (Group H). Rats of group C and group H recovered within 24-72 and 13-40 hours, respectively. Other groups showed severe toxic signs including excitement, restlessness, muscle tremor, anoxia, and coma, followed by death within 60 hours. Total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, haemoglobin content and packed cell volume were significantly (p<0.01) reduced, and returned to normal at day 14 after methylene blue treatment. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were elevated significantly (p<0.01) in all intoxicated groups and within 14 days ALT values reached normal level after methylene blue administration. DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v25i1.4615 Bangl. vet. 2008. Vol. 25, No. 1, 25-31
Broiler litter and layer manure in the diet of growing bull calves
Authors: Alam MS , Khan MJ , Akbar MA , Kamruzzaman M
Published: March 2010

An experiment was conducted for a period of 90 days with twelve local growing bull calves to study the effect of feeding broiler litter (BL) and layer manure (LM) on feed intake, digestibility, live weight gain (LWG) and feed costs. Calves were divided into four groups, three animals in each group and allocated four dietary treatments in a randomized block design. All animals were fed rice straw and green fodder adlibitum and 25% concentrate mixture was supplied. The concentrate mixture of control group A contained mustard oil cake, rice polish, wheat bran, di-calcium phosphate (DCP) and common salt. Instead of mustard oil cake, diet B contained 40% BL, diet C 40% LM, and diet D 20% BL and 20% LM. Differences in weight gain between groups were not significant (p>0.05). Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of control group A was significantly (p>0.05) better than in group C. and non-significantly better than that of group B. The inclusion of broiler litter and layer manure in the ration did not significantly affect the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF) and nitrogen free extract (NFE), but the digestibility of ether extract (EE) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in diet A than in C and D. Cost of meat production was significantly (p<0.05) higher for diet A than for diets B, C and D. DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v25i2.4619 Bangl. vet. 2008. Vol. 25, No. 2, 62-67
Abattoir study of reproductive diseases in goats
Authors: Rahman MH , Chowdhury EH , Saha SS , Islam A , Alam MGS
Published: March 2010

DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v25i2.4623 Bangl. vet. 2008. Vol. 25, No. 2, 88-91
Clinico-pathological profiles of sub-fertility in Zebu Cows
Authors: Pariza KF , Bari ASM , Bari FY , Alam MGS , Noor M
Published: March 2010

Blood samples from cows with reproductive problems (anoestrus, repeat breeder, uterine infection) were collected for haematological, biochemical and humoral immune response analyses. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was higher and haemoglobin (Hb) lowers in subfertile cows than innormal cycling cows. The packed cell volume (PCV) was lower in anoestrus and repeat breeding cows than in control. Total erythrocyte count (TEC) was not significantly different, whereas total leukocyte count (TLC) significantly higher (p<0.01) in anoestrus and repeat breeder cows. The bilirubin concentration was significantly higher (p<0.005) in anoestrus and uterine infected cows compared with control. The mean serum IgG was lower in all subfertile cows than control. It is suggested that there is no specific clinico-pathological marker for reproductive disorders in cows. DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v26i1.4624 Bangl. vet. 2009. Vol. 26, No. 1, 1-7
Feeding Lactobacilli as probiotic and proportion of Escherichia coli in the intestine of calves
Authors: Amanullah SM , Alam MS , Subarna RN , Bateen R , Huque KS , Sultana A
Published: March 2010

A study was conducted to determine the ability of oral Lactobacillus bacteria as probiotic to increase the Lactobacilli and decrease the Escherichia coli (E. coli) population in the intestine of calves. Bacteria were isolated from yoghurt (Dahi) with selective de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar media and identified as Lactobacillus, followed by mass production of bacterial cells and freeze drying. Four one-day-old calves were divided into two groups. One group (n=2) was fed freeze-dried bacterial cells and remaining group (n=2) was a control. After 60 days, one calf from each group was slaughtered to enumerate Lactobacillus and E. coli bacteria on intestinal wall. The number of colony-forming units (cfu) of Lactobacillus was significantly (p>0.01) higher in the intestinal wall of Lactobacillus-fed calf than in the control. On the other hand the number of E. coli was significantly (p>0.01) lower in Lactobacillus-fed calf. DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v26i1.4627 Bangl. vet. 2009. Vol. 26, No. 1, 17-22
Development of tasty marinating kit for tenderization and preservation of beef chuck
Authors: Sultana A , Huque KS , Amanullah SM
Published: March 2010

Chuck is the biggest and one of the tougher cut of beef carcass. By improving the tenderness of chuck meat it can have a higher value to the consumer. The study was conducted to know the efficacy of tasty kit (containing 1.2 M sodium chloride, 0.25 M sodium bicarbonate and 0.1% ascorbic acid) as a meat preservation and tenderization technique during freezing. Beef chucks from four native bulls were collected from a local market and divided into two groups- one was treated with tasty kit and the other kept as control. Both the treated and untreated meats were well packed and kept in freezer at -20°C for a month. Compared to the untreated group, higher moisture content was found in treated raw and cooked meat (p<0.05). Significantly lower protein content (p<0.05) in treated cooked meat may be resulted from the solubilization of myofibrillar protein by salt and bicarbonate. Treated meat had a higher water-holding capacity (p<0.05), lower drip loss (p<0.05) and lower cook loss (p<0.01). During a sensory test, panellists gave significantly higher values for general appearance (p<0.01), flavour (p<0.05), colour (p<0.05), tenderness (p<0.01), juiciness (p<0.01) saltiness (p<0.01) and overall acceptability (p<0.01). It is suggested that tough chuck meat may be successfully tenderized with the salt-bicarbonate marinating technique before freezing. DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v26i1.4628 Bangl. vet. 2009. Vol. 26, No. 1, 23-30
Entropy Variation in the Two-dimensional Phase Transition of Anthracene Adsorbed at the Hg Electrode/Ethylene Glycol Solution Interface
Authors: Fontanesi Claudio
Published: March 2010

The adsorption of anthracene (C14H10), at the mercury electrode/ethylene glycol (EG) solution interface, is characterized by a low and almost constant capacity (about 8 μF cm−2) region (capacitive “pit” or “plateau”) in capacity vs. potential curves, upon selection of suitable values of temperature, bulk concentration and applied potential values. This result is rationalized assuming the occurrence of a 2D phase transition between two distinct adsorbed phases: (i) a “disordered” phase, characterized by a flat “parallel” disposition of the aromatic moiety on the electrode surface (ii) an “ordered” phase, characterized by a “perpendicular” disposition of the aromatic moiety on the electrode surface. The experimental evidence is rationalized by considering the chemical potential as an explicit function of the “electric field/adsorbed molecule” interaction. Such a modelistic approach enables the determination of the relevant standard entropy variation.
Human Amebiasis: Breaking the Paradigm?
Authors: Ximénez Cecilia , Cerritos Rene , Rojas Liliana , Dolabella Silvio , Morán Patricia , Shibayama Mineko , González Enrique , Valadez Alicia , Hernández Eric , Valenzuela Olivia , Limón Angélica , Partida Oswaldo , Silva Edwards F.
Published: March 2010

For over 30 years it has been established that the Entamoeba histolytica protozoan included two biologically and genetically different species, one with a pathogenic phenotype called E. histolytica and the other with a non-pathogenic phenotype called Entamoeba dispar. Both of these amoebae species can infect humans. E. histolytica has been considered as a potential pathogen that can cause serious damage to the large intestine (colitis, dysentery) and other extraintestinal organs, mainly the liver (amebic liver abscess), whereas E. dispar is a species that interacts with humans in a commensal relationship, causing no symptoms or any tissue damage. This paradigm, however, should be reconsidered or re-evaluated. In the present work, we report the detection and genotyping of E. dispar sequences of DNA obtained from patients with amebic liver abscesses, including the genotyping of an isolate obtained from a Brazilian patient with a clinical diagnosis of intestinal amebiasis that was previously characterized as an E. dispar species. The genetic diversity and phylogenetic analysis performed by our group has shown the existence of several different genotypes of E. dispar that can be associated to, or be potentiality responsible for intestinal or liver tissue damage, similar to that observed with E. histolytica.
Luminescent Lariat Aza-Crown Ether Carboxylic Acid
Authors: Späth Andreas , Rummel Eva-Maria , König Burkhard
Published: March 2010

Lariat ethers are interesting recognition motifs in supramolecular chemistry. The synthesis of a luminescent lariat aza-crown ether with a carboxyl group appended by azide-alkyne (Huisgen) cycloaddition is presented.
1-{[(3,4-Dimethylisoxazol-5-yl)imino]methyl}-2-naphthol
Authors: Asiri Abdullah Mohamed , Khan Salman A.
Published: March 2010

The title compound, 1-{[(3,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl)imino]methyl}-2-naphthol has been synthesized by condensation of 5-amino-3,4-dimethylisoxazole and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaledhyde in ethanol. The structure of this new compound was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and EI-MS spectral analysis.
Collagen-Based Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Parenteau-Bareil Rémi , Gauvin Robert , Berthod François
Published: March 2010

Collagen is the most widely distributed class of proteins in the human body. The use of collagen-based biomaterials in the field of tissue engineering applications has been intensively growing over the past decades. Multiple cross-linking methods were investigated and different combinations with other biopolymers were explored in order to improve tissue function. Collagen possesses a major advantage in being biodegradable, biocompatible, easily available and highly versatile. However, since collagen is a protein, it remains difficult to sterilize without alterations to its structure. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the various applications of collagen-based biomaterials developed for tissue engineering, aimed at providing a functional material for use in regenerative medicine from the laboratory bench to the patient bedside.
Prymnesins: Toxic Metabolites of the Golden Alga, Prymnesium parvum Carter (Haptophyta)
Authors: Manning Schonna R. , La Claire John W.
Published: March 2010

Increasingly over the past century, seasonal fish kills associated with toxic blooms of Prymnesium parvum have devastated aquaculture and native fish, shellfish, and mollusk populations worldwide. Protracted blooms of P. parvum can result in major disturbances to the local ecology and extensive monetary losses. Toxicity of this alga is attributed to a collection of compounds known as prymnesins, which exhibit potent cytotoxic, hemolytic, neurotoxic and ichthyotoxic effects. These secondary metabolites are especially damaging to gill-breathing organisms and they are believed to interact directly with plasma membranes, compromising integrity by permitting ion leakage. Several factors appear to function in the activation and potency of prymnesins including salinity, pH, ion availability, and growth phase. Prymnesins may function as defense compounds to prevent herbivory and some investigations suggest that they have allelopathic roles. Since the last extensive review was published, two prymnesins have been chemically characterized and ongoing investigations are aimed at the purification and analysis of numerous other toxic metabolites from this alga. More information is needed to unravel the mechanisms of prymnesin synthesis and the significance of these metabolites. Such work should greatly improve our limited understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of P. parvum and how to mitigate its blooms.
Design, Synthesis and Anti-HIV Integrase Evaluation of N-(5-Chloro-8-Hydroxy-2-Styrylquinolin-7-yl)Benzenesulfonamide Derivatives
Authors: Jiao Zi-Guo , He Hong-Qiu , Zeng Cheng-Chu , Tan Jian-Jun , Hu Li-Ming , Wang Cun-Xin
Published: March 2010

Styrylquinoline derivatives are demonstrated to be HIV-1 integrase inhibitors. On the basis of our previous CoMFA analysis of a series of styrylquinoline derivatives, N-[(2-substituted-styryl)-5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinolin-7-yl]-benzenesulfonamide derivatives were designed and synthesized,and their possible HIV IN inhibitory activity was evaluated.
Oxytocin and Major Depressive Disorder: Experimental and Clinical Evidence for Links to Aetiology and Possible Treatment
Authors: Slattery David A. , Neumann Inga D.
Published: March 2010

Affective disorders represent the most common psychiatric diseases, with substantial co-morbidity existing between major depressive disorders (MDD) and anxiety disorders. The lack of truly novel acting compounds has led to non-monoaminergic based research and hypotheses in recent years. The large number of brain neuropeptides, characterized by discrete synthesis sites and multiple receptors, represent likely research candidates for novel therapeutic targets. The present review summarises the available preclinical and human evidence regarding the neuropeptide, oxytocin, and its implications in the aetiology and treatment of MDD. While the evidence is not conclusive at present additional studies are warranted to determine whether OXT may be of therapeutic benefit in subsets of MDD patients such as those with comorbid anxiety symptoms and low levels of social attachment.
Trapped Ion Oscillation Frequencies as Sensors for Spectroscopy
Authors: Vogel Manuel , Quint Wolfgang , Nörtershäuser Wilfried
Published: March 2010

The oscillation frequencies of charged particles in a Penning trap can serve as sensors for spectroscopy when additional field components are introduced to the magnetic and electric fields used for confinement. The presence of so-called “magnetic bottles” and specific electric anharmonicities creates calculable energy-dependences of the oscillation frequencies in the radiofrequency domain which may be used to detect the absorption or emission of photons both in the microwave and optical frequency domains. The precise electronic measurement of these oscillation frequencies therefore represents an optical sensor for spectroscopy. We discuss possible applications for precision laser and microwave spectroscopy and their role in the determination of magnetic moments and excited state lifetimes. Also, the trap-assisted measurement of radiative nuclear de-excitations in the X-ray domain is discussed. This way, the different applications range over more than 12 orders of magnitude in the detectable photon energies, from below μeV in the microwave domain to beyond MeV in the X-ray domain.
A MODEL OF TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT FOR IRANIAN NANO‐COMPOSITE COMPANIES / TECHNOLOGIJOS STRATEGIJOS VYSTYMO MODELIS IRANO NANOKOMPOZITŲ KOMPANIJOSE
Authors: Ghazinoory Sepehr , Farazkish Mahdieh
Published: March 2010

In recent years, Iran's government has emphasized the development of nanotechnology‐based industry, so many Iranian companies have gravitated to this subject, or some new companies have established on nanotechnology fields such as nano‐composite products. Technology strategy (TS) is one of the most important aspects of any firm's strategic posture especially in dynamic environments; therefore this research is focused on adjusting a dynamic model of technology strategy development for Iranian nano‐composite companies’ conditions. This article spots four key environmental moderators (Iran as a developing country, high nanotechnology, nano‐composite companies, and information availability) which affect Chiesa's dynamic model for technology strategy, and investigates these moderators’ effects on the dynamic model's indicators. The results show that 22 indicators of Chiesa's model have changed for this case. Santrauka Pastaraisiais metais Irano vyriausybė pabrėžė nanotechnologijomis pagrįstos pramonės plėtros svarbą, todėl labai daug Irano kompanijų pradėjo orientuotis į šią sritį, susikūre naujų kompanijų, gaminančių nanokompozitų produktus. Technologijos strategija (TS) yra vienas svarbiausių bet kokios firmos strateginių aspektų, ypač dinamiškoje aplinkoje. Šiame straipsnyje bandoma sukurti dinaminį technologijos strategijos vystymo modelį Irano nanokompozitų kompanijoms. Straipsnyje atskleidžiami keturi pagrindiniai veiksniai (Iranas kaip besivystanti šalis, aukštoji nanotechnologija, nanokompozitų kompanijos, informacijos prieinamumas), kurie veikia Chiesa dinaminį technologijos strategijos vystymo modelį, ir tiria, kaip tie veiksniai daro įtaka dinaminio modelio rodikliams. Rezultatai rodo, kad 22 Chiesa modelio rodikliai buvo pakeisti.
INVESTMENT ANALYSES USING FUZZY PROBABILITY CONCEPT / INVESTICIJŲ ANALIZĖ TAIKANT TIKIMYBINĘ NEAPIBRĖŽTŲJŲ AIBIŲ KONCEPCIJĄ
Authors: Kahraman Cengiz , Kaya İhsan
Published: March 2010

In an uncertain economic decision environment, an expert's knowledge about discounting cash flows consists of a lot of vagueness instead of randomness. Cash amounts and interest rates are usually estimated by using educated guesses based on expected values or other statistical techniques to obtain them. Fuzzy numbers can capture the difficulties in estimating these parameters. Fuzziness is one aspect of uncertainty. It is the vagueness found in the definition of a concept or the meaning of a term. Fuzzy memberships represent similarities of objects to imprecisely denned properties, while probabilities convey information about relative frequencies. In this paper, two types of investment analyses are made. First, fuzzy parameters are used in the stochastic investment analysis. Then, another investment analysis is examined by using the concept of probability of a fuzzy event. Santrauka Nepastovioje ekonominių sprendimų aplinkoje eksperto žinios apie diskontuotus pinigų srautus yra daugiau neapibrėžtos nei atsitiktinės. Pinigų srautų dydis ir palūkanų normos paprastai nustatomos remiantis prognozuojamomis tiketinomis vertėmis ar pasitelkiant kitus statistinius metodus. Nustatant šiuos rodiklius, kylančius sunkumus gali padeti sumažinti neapibrežtieji skaičiai. Tačiau neapibrežtumas yra tik vienas iš nepastovumo aspektų. Sudetinga nusakyti šio termino prasmę ir koncepciją. Neapibrežtosios aibės išreiškia netiksliai įvardytas objektu savybės, o tikimybės perteikia informaciją apie santykinius įvykių dažnumus. Šiame straipsnyje atlikta dviejų tipų investicijų analizė. Pirmiausia, atliekant stochastine investicijų analizę, panaudoti neapibrežtųjų aibių elementai. Veliau atlikta investicijų analizė, taikant tikimybinė neapibrežtojo įvykio koncepcija.
Serum Calprotectin as a Marker for Disease Activity and Severity in Adult-onset Still’s Disease
Authors: JUNG SANG-YOUN , PARK YONG-BEOM , HA YOU-JUNG , LEE KWANG-HOON , LEE SOO-KON
Published: March 2010

Objective.

Calprotectin is a calcium-binding cytosolic protein of the neutrophil, monocyte, and macrophage, and its secretion increases during activation of these cells. Our objective was to measure serum calprotectin concentrations in patients with adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) and to correlate serum calprotectin with the activity and severity of AOSD.

Methods.

We enrolled 25 patients with AOSD and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Thirty-one serum samples were obtained from patients with AOSD during active or inactive disease and were assayed for calprotectin by ELISA. Clinical and laboratory data related to disease activity and severity were collected at the same time, and systemic scores for disease severity were calculated.

Results.

Mean calprotectin levels in patients with AOSD were significantly higher than in controls (57.11 ± 25.38 ng/ml vs 34.90 ± 4.85 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.05). Patients with active AOSD had a significantly higher mean calprotectin level than those with inactive disease (61.26 ± 25.59 ng/ml vs 35.32 ± 5.90 ng/ml; p < 0.05). Calprotectin levels decreased significantly after treatment in all 6 patients with AOSD from whom followup samples were obtained (p = 0.028). Serum calprotectin showed strong correlations with serum ferritin (r = 0.686, p < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (r = 0.647, p < 0.001), leukocyte count (r = 0.774, p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.387, p = 0.042), and C-reactive protein (r = 0.588, p = 0.001), but not with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, arginine aminotransferase, hemoglobin, or platelet count. Serum calprotectin showed a significant correlation with AOSD systemic scores, reflecting disease severity (r = 0.803, p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

Serum calprotectin increased in patients with AOSD, in close correlation with disease activity and severity. These findings suggest that serum calprotectin can provide a reliable clinical marker for monitoring the disease activity and severity of AOSD.
Lack of Association Between the rs6920220 (G/A) Polymorphism of the 6q23 Region and Biopsy-proven Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: PALOMINO-MORALES ROGELIO , TORRES ORLANDO , VAZQUEZ-RODRIGUEZ TOMAS R. , CASTAÑEDA SANTOS , MORADO INMACULADA C. , MIRANDA-FILLOY JOSE A. , AMIGO-DIAZ ENCARNACION , CALLEJAS-RUBIO JOSE L. , FERNANDEZ-GUTIERREZ BENJAMIN , MARTIN JAVIER , GONZALEZ-GAY MIGUEL A.
Published: March 2010

Objective.

Recently, 2 independent studies have identified an association between several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) located in the 6q23 chromosomal region and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Like RA, giant cell arteritis (GCA) is also a complex polygenic disease in which more than 1 genetic locus is likely to contribute to disease susceptibility and clinical expression. We analyzed the involvement of the rs6920220 (G/A) polymorphism from the6q23/TNFAIP3gene region in susceptibility to GCA.

Methods.

Two hundred twenty patients with biopsy-proven GCA and 490 matched controls were assessed. DNA from patients and controls was obtained from peripheral blood. Samples were geno-typed for the 6q23 region rs6920220 using a TaqMan allele discrimination assay and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. After PCR, the genotype of each sample was attributed automatically by allelic-specific fluorescence using the ABI Prism 7900 sequence detection system.

Results.

No significant differences in the genotype distribution between patients with GCA and controls for the rs6920220 (G/A) polymorphism were found. No significant differences were observed when patients with GCA were stratified according to the presence of specific clinical features of the disease such as polymyalgia rheumatica or severe ischemic manifestations or specific visual ischemic complications.

Conclusion.

Our results show no involvement of this6q23/TNFAIP3gene region SNP in the susceptibility to or clinical expression of GCA.
Phenotype-Haplotype Correlation of IRF5 in Systemic Sclerosis: Role of 2 Haplotypes in Disease Severity
Authors: DIEUDE PHILIPPE , DAWIDOWICZ KAREN , GUEDJ MICKAËL , LEGRAIN YONA , WIPFF JULIEN , HACHULLA ERIC , DIOT ELISABETH , SIBILIA JEAN , MOUTHON LUC , CABANE JEAN , AMOURA ZAHIR , CRAKOWSKI JEAN-LUC , CARPENTIER PATRICK , AVOUAC JEROME , MEYER OLIVIER , KAHAN ANDRE , BOILEAU CATHERINE , ALLANORE YANNICK
Published: March 2010

Objective.

Identification of an association between IRF5 rs2004640 and systemic sclerosis (SSc) has highlighted a key role for type 1 interferon (IFN). Additional functional IRF5 variants have been identified as autoimmune susceptibility factors. Our aim was to investigate whether IRF5 haplotypes confer susceptibility to SSc, and to perform genotype haplotype-phenotype correlation analyses.

Methods.

We genotyped IRF5 rs377385, rs2004640, and rs10954213 in 1623 individuals of French European Caucasian origin. SSc patient subphenotypes were analyzed according to cutaneous subsets and for SSc-related pulmonary fibrosis.

Results.

Case-control studies of single markers revealed an association between IRF5 rs3757385, rs2004640, and rs10954213 variants and SSc. We identified an IRF5 risk haplotype “R” (padj = 0.024, OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07–1.40) and a mirrored protective haplotype “P” (padj = 8.8 × 10−3, OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68–0.90) for SSc susceptibility. Genotype-phenotype correlation analyses failed to detect any association with a single marker. By contrast, phenotype-haplotype correlation analysis was able to detect intra-cohort association and to discriminate SSc patients with from those without the following clinical traits: “R” and/or “P” haplotypes identified diffuse cutaneous SSc (p = 0.0081) and fibrosing alveolitis (p = 0.018).

Conclusion.

IRF5 haplotypes are more informative than single markers, suggesting that they could be helpful for risk stratification of SSc patients. Our study provides further evidence of a key role of IRF5 in SSc severity.
Seasonal variations in the growth of anchovy larvae (Engraulis anchoita) on the Argentine coastal shelf
Authors: Leonarduzzi Ezequiel , Brown Daniel R. , Sánchez Ramiro P.
Published: March 2010

Age and growth rates of the anchovy larvae (Engraulis anchoita) in Argentine waters were estimated by analysing daily growth increments in sagittal otoliths under light microscope. The samples were collected during 2000 on the Argentine coastal shelf using a Bongo net. A total of 251 larvae were analysed (size range 3.5 to 12.2 mm standard length). Length-at-age and standard length-otolith radius relationships were best described by linear models. We put forward the hypothesis of differential larval growth in anchovy in relation to seasonality. Mean growth rates at four days before capture were determined by back-calculation and analysed in relation to temperature. The growth rate values obtained from the linear growth models were 0.51 mm day-1 (spring), 0.41 mm day-1 (summer) and 0.42 mm day-1 (autumn). Significant variations were detected between spring and summer and between spring and autumn. These variations do not seem to be associated with a thermal influence.
Effects of copper on the physiological responses of the commercial crab Lithodes santolla (Decapoda: Anomura) larvae
Authors: Amin Oscar Antonio , Comoglio Laura Inés
Published: March 2010

Effects of copper toxicity on zoea I of Lithodes santolla (Decapoda: Anomura) were analysed. The 96-h LC50 was estimated, resulting in 298.5 µg L-1. Groups of larvae were exposed to sublethal concentrations (40, 80 and 160 µg L-1) for 96 h. Oxygen consumption, ammonia excretion, O:N atomic ratio, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and body water content were measured. Oxygen consumption of treated groups (mean 46.92 ± 8.03 µg-atom O2 h-1 mg-1) did not differ significantly with control. Ammonia excretion decreased by 60% at higher Cu concentration (1.61 ± 0.65 µg-atom N-NH3 h-1 mg-1), leading to a 117% increase in the O:N ratio. LPO values during the exposure time were higher in all treatments than in the controls. The water content was significantly higher in treatments than in controls. The highest concentration assayed, which represents about 50% of 96-h LC50, had evident effects on the parameters analysed. The values of copper in water reported for the coastal zone of Ushuaia bay exceed the value established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for ambient water quality criteria. Therefore, the results obtained in the present study are a contribution to the study of potential effects of copper as a common stressor in the first larval stage of this commercial species of the Beagle Channel.
Climatology and reconstruction of runoff time series in northwest Iberia: influence in the shelf buoyancy budget off Ría de Vigo
Authors: Otero Pablo , Ruiz-Villarreal Manuel , Peliz Álvaro , Cabanas José Manuel
Published: March 2010

River runoff off northwest Iberia generates a low-density buoyant structure with a strong influence on shelf and coastal circulation. This study estimates the runoff to the shelf of the ten largest rivers in the region based on the furthest downstream gauge records available, and also takes into account the basin area downstream from the station (22% of the basin area for the entire study region). Monthly statistics were computed to obtain mean values for each river to cover the recurrent lack of runoff data in the region. In order to reconstruct gaps in the time series on a daily scale, a method based on the observed discharge of a nearby river basin was used. In addition, the influence of runoff on the shelf was analyzed using monthly CTD data sampled during a 12-year period in the Ría de Vigo and the adjacent shelf. The CTD series shows the existence of a buoyant structure with maximum growth during winter and with large variability of its thermal anomaly. The salinity anomaly correlated significantly with mean winter monthly values of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. This atmospheric index integrates both the influence of precipitation —and therefore runoff— and the predominant winds during winter that contribute to the accumulation of fresh water over the shelf.
Fishing activity and impacts along the main nesting area of loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta in Italy: overwhelming discrepancy with the official data
Authors: Cambiè Giulia , Camiñas Juan Antonio , Franquesa Ramón , Mingozzi Toni
Published: March 2010

The southern coast of Ionian Calabria was recently recognized as the main nesting area of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta in Italy. The aim of this study was to characterize the fishing fleet in this area in terms of number of boats, economic situation, social aspects and impact on sea turtle specimens and target species. A multidisciplinary approach was essential to understand how the conservation problems of C. caretta are linked to various characteristics of the fishing fleet. Our data showed a vast discrepancy between the official census and the actual number of boats fishing in the area: 87% of the observed artisanal vessels lacked a required registration number, and thus were fishing illegally. This has caused serious social problems that worsened over the summer of 2007, when the presence of non-local registered vessels, using drift nets, generated a spatial conflict with the local artisanal fishermen. We identified 11 fishing gears used in the area and four of them were studied with on board observations: illegal drift nets, trammel nets, bottom longlines and longlines targeting swordfish. The total number of turtles caught during the summer in the area by longliners targeting swordfish was calculated to be 500 (±180 SE). In addition the presence of drift netters had a negative impact from an ecological and social point of view.
Characterization of Synergistic Induction of CX3CL1/Fractalkine by TNF-α and IFN-γ in Vascular Endothelial Cells: An Essential Role for TNF-α in Post-Transcriptional Regulation of CX3CL1
Authors: Matsumiya Tomoh , Ota Ken , Imaizumi Tadaatsu , Yoshida Hidemi , Kimura Hiroto , Satoh Kei
Published: March 2010

CX3CL1/Fractalkine, a chemokine specific to monocytes and NK cells, is induced synergistically by TNF-α and IFN-γ in vascular endothelial cells. However, the mechanism for this synergism remains unclear. This study explored the hypothesis that the CX3CL1 expression is regulated at a posttranscriptional level, which may responsible for the synergism between TNF-α and IFN-γ. Brief exposure of HUVECs to TNF-α led to a robust increase in IFN-γ–induced CX3CL1 production. We found that TNF-α stabilized CX3CL1 mRNA in HUVECs stimulated with IFN-γ. Cloning of 3′untranslated region (UTR) of CX3CL1 mRNA revealed the presence of a single copy of nonametric AU-rich element in its 3′UTR, and a luciferase reporter assay showed that a single AU-rich element is a crucial cis-element in the posttranscriptional regulation of CX3CL1. TNF-α treatment resulted in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and its downstream target, MAPK-activated protein kinase-2, but IFN-γ did not affect the levels of MAPK and MAPK-activated protein kinase-2 phosphorylation induced by TNF-α. Treatment of the cells with an inhibitor of p38 MAPK accelerated the decay of CX3CL1 mRNA induced by TNF-α or the combination of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Immunoprecipitation assay revealed that mRNA stabilizer HuR directly binds to 3′UTR of CX3CL1 mRNA. CX3CL1 expression is under control of posttranscriptional regulation, which is involved in the synergistic induction of CX3CL1 in response to the combined stimulation with TNF-α and IFN-γ.
IL-17RC Is Required for IL-17A– and IL-17F–Dependent Signaling and the Pathogenesis of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Hu Yan , Ota Naruhisa , Peng Ivan , Refino Canio J. , Danilenko Dimitry M. , Caplazi Patrick , Ouyang Wenjun
Published: March 2010

It has been suggested that IL-17RC forms a complex with IL-17RA to mediate the functions of IL-17A and IL-17F homodimers as well as IL-17A/F heterodimers. It is still unclear whether IL-17RC is absolutely required for the signaling of IL-17 cytokines in vivo. By using Il-17rc–deficient mice, we show that IL-17RC is essential for the signaling of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-17A/F both in vitro and in vivo. IL-17RC does not preassociate with IL-17RA on the cell surface; rather IL-17A can induce the formation of an IL-17RC and IL-17RA complex. This process is not dependent on the intracellular similar expression to fibroblast growth factor genes and IL-17Rs (SEFIR) domain of IL-17RC, but the SEFIR is essential in IL-17A signal transduction. Finally, Il-17rc−/− mice develop much milder disease in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, supporting an essential role for IL-17RC in mediating immune-mediated CNS inflammation.
Adaptive Interactions between HLA and HIV-1: Highly Divergent Selection Imposed by HLA Class I Molecules with Common Supertype Motifs
Authors: John Mina , Heckerman David , James Ian , Park Lawrence P. , Carlson Jonathan M. , Chopra Abha , Gaudieri Silvana , Nolan David , Haas David W. , Riddler Sharon A. , Haubrich Richard , Mallal Simon
Published: March 2010

Currently, 1.1 million individuals in the United States are living with HIV-1 infection. Although this is a relatively small proportion of the global pandemic, the remarkable mix of ancestries in the United States, drawn together over the past two centuries of continuous population migrations, provides an important and unique perspective on adaptive interactions between HIV-1 and human genetic diversity. HIV-1 is a rapidly adaptable organism and mutates within or near immune epitopes that are determined by the HLA class I genotype of the infected host. We characterized HLA-associated polymorphisms across the full HIV-1 proteome in a large, ethnically diverse national United States cohort of HIV-1–infected individuals. We found a striking divergence in the immunoselection patterns associated with HLA variants that have very similar or identical peptide-binding specificities but are differentially distributed among racial/ethnic groups. Although their similarity in peptide binding functionally clusters these HLA variants into supertypes, their differences at sites within the peptide-binding groove contribute to race-specific selection effects on circulating HIV-1 viruses. This suggests that the interactions between the HLA/HIV peptide complex and the TCR vary significantly within HLA supertype groups, which, in turn, influences HIV-1 evolution.
Protein–DNA Complex Is the Exclusive Malaria Parasite Component That Activates Dendritic Cells and Triggers Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Wu Xianzhu , Gowda Nagaraj M. , Kumar Sanjeev , Gowda D. Channe
Published: March 2010

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in the development of protective immunity to malaria. However, it remains unclear how malaria parasites trigger immune responses in DCs. In this study, we purified merozoites, food vacuoles, and parasite membrane fragments released during the Plasmodium falciparum schizont burst to homogeneity and tested for the activation of bone marrow-derived DCs from wild-type and TLR2−/−, TLR4−/−, TLR9−/−, and MyD88−/− C57BL/6J mice. The results demonstrate that a protein–DNA complex is the exclusive parasite component that activates DCs by a TLR9-dependent pathway to produce inflammatory cytokines. Complex formation with proteins is essential for the entry of parasite DNA into DCs for TLR9 recognition and, thus, proteins convert inactive DNA into a potent immunostimulatory molecule. Exogenous cationic polymers, polylysine and chitosan, can impart stimulatory activity to parasite DNA, indicating that complex formation involves ionic interactions. Merozoites and DNA–protein complex could also induce inflammatory cytokine responses in human blood DCs. Hemozoin is neither a TLR9 ligand for DCs nor functions as a carrier of DNA into cells. Additionally, although TLR9 is critical for DCs to induce the production of IFN-γ by NK cells, this receptor is not required for NK cells to secret IFN-γ, and cell–cell contact among myeloid DCs, plasmacytoid DCs, and NK cells is required for IFN-γ production. Together, these results contribute substantially toward the understanding of malaria parasite-recognition mechanisms. More importantly, our finding that proteins and carbohydrate polymers are able to confer stimulatory activity to an otherwise inactive parasite DNA have important implications for the development of a vaccine against malaria.
FACTORS AFFECTING PREWEANING PERFORMANCE IN BEEF CATTLE
Authors: JEFFERY H. B. , BERG R. T. , HARDIN R. T.
Published: March 2010

Two years data involving 176 and 201 cows from the University of Alberta beef breeding herd were used to study the influences on calf preweaning performance of: breed, age, weight, summer and winter weight changes and milk yield of dam; breed of sire; and birth weight, weaning age and sex of calf. All independent variables combined explained 73 and 70% of total variance in average daily gain (ADG) to weaning and 81 and 70% of total variance in weaning weight, respectively, for 1966 and 1967. Of all variables considered, milk yield had the greatest influence on preweaning performance, explaining about 60% of the variation in ADG to weaning and 40 to 50% of the variation in weaning weight. A 1-kg increase in daily milk yield resulted in an 11- to 14-kg increase in weaning weight. Breed of dam explained about 23% of total variance in ADG to weaning, most of which was accounted for by breed differences in milk yield. Breed-of-sire differences accounted for 5.7 and 1.4% of variance in ADG of progeny for 1966 and 1967 data, respectively. Male calves exceeded female calves in birth weight by 2 kg, in ADG to weaning by 0.03 kg, and in weaning weight by 8 to 9 kilograms. Birth weight was positively associated with calf growth rate. A 1-kg increase in birth weight resulted in 1.74- and 1.59-kg increases in weaning weight for 1966 and 1967, respectively. A 10-kg increase in post-calving weight of cow, independent of milk yield and cow age, resulted in approximately a 0.7-kg increase in weaning weight of calf. Average daily gain to weaning was influenced slightly more by cow age than by post-calving weight of cow. However, about 80% of the variation in ADG explained by either cow age or post-calving weight of cow was accounted for by differences in milk yield associated with either variable.
CROSSBREEDING SWINE: EVALUATION OF TWENTY-EIGHT CROSSES OF MARKET PIGS
Authors: FAHMY M. H. , BERNARD C. S.
Published: March 2010

Data from 948 uncastrated male pigs (323 litters) from 28 one-way crosses among eight different breeds were analyzed for age at market weight (75 kg carcass weight), carcass backfat measurements (the sum of the maximum depths over the shoulder and loin areas) and an index combining the two traits. The crosses resulted from mating Yorkshire (Y) Landrace (Ld), Lacombe (Lc), Hampshire (H) Duroc (D), Berkshire (B) and Large Black (LB) sows with Ld, Lc, H, D, B, LB and Tamworth (T) boars in a half polyallel mating design. The youngest pigs to reach market weight were those from D × Ld, LB × H LB × D and D × Y crosses (173.0 to 175 6 days), and the oldest were from B × Y, T × LB, Ld × Y and T × B crosses (191.9 to 186.8 days). The pigs with the least depth of backfat were those by H boars and Ld, Lc and Y sows (7.2, 7.5 and 7.8 cm, respectively) Pigs with LB and T ancestry had thicker backfat than pigs of other crosses. In descending order, the five highest ranking crosses based on an index combining the two traits were D × Ld, H × Ld, H × Lc, H × Y and D × H. The effects of breed of sire, breed of dam, and the partial regression on carcass weight were statistically significant for the two traits studied.
GROWTH, FEED EFFICIENCY AND LEVELS OF MERCURY IN TISSUES OF TWO BREEDS OF CHICKENS FED METHYL MERCURY DICYANDIAMIDE
Authors: GARDINER E. E. , HIRONAKA R. , SLEN S. B.
Published: March 2010

Males of two breeds of chickens, Single Comb White Leghorns (SCWL) and broiler-type, were fed rations containing eight levels of added mercury from methyl mercury dicyandiamide (0.0, 0.33, 0.66, 1.32, 2.64, 5.29, 10.58, and 21.16 ppm Hg) from hatching to 8 weeks of age. Samples of heart, kidney, breast, and liver tissues were taken at the end of the 8-week growing period and their mercury content was determined. The growth rate of the broiler-type chickens was depressed with the three highest levels of dietary mercury, but the growth rate of the SCWL was influenced only by the highest level of mercury. The dietary mercury level did not affect feed efficiency, although the widest feed-to-gain ratios were obtained with both breeds of chickens fed the highest dietary mercury level (21.16 ppm). Except for the broiler chickens fed the highest level of mercury, dietary mercury had no effect on mortality. The mercury level of the four tissues increased with increases in dietary mercury. The highest levels of mercury were found in the kidney and liver. The level of mercury in the breast meat was about one-half of that in the kidney and liver and twice that in the heart. Rhodamine B dye was not deposited in the tissues of the chickens.
EFFECTS OF VARIOUS ROUGHAGE SOURCES IN COMPLETE FEEDS ON MILK PRODUCTION, COMPOSITION AND RUMEN METABOLISM OF DAIRY COWS
Authors: IBRAHIM E. A. , INGALLS J. R.
Published: March 2010

Twenty lactating cows were used over two growing seasons to compare three complete feeds containing corn silage, alfalfa grass silage or ground hay, with long hay as the control. The roughage to concentrate ratio was 6:4 in experiment 1, and 4:6 in experiment 2. There were no significant (P < 0.05) differences m dry matter and total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake among roughage sources except for corn silage in experiment 1. The molar percentage of acetic, butyric, valeric, isobutyric and isovaleric and the molar proportion of acetic to propionic were not affected (P < 0.05) by different sources of roughage. In experiment 1, TDN, dry matter, crude protein and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) digestibility was lower (P < 0.05) for the corn silage diet. However, in experiment 2 there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in TDN, dry matter, crude protein and NFE digestibility among the experimental treatments. Blood glucose and urea concentrations were not affected by roughage sources. The mean daily (experiment 1) milk yields of cows fed long and ground hay mixtures were greater (P < 0.05) than those of cows fed the alfalfa grass silage mixture; however, the mean daily fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield was not affected (P < 0.05) by the source of roughage (experiment 1). The mean daily milk yield and FCM yield were not affected significantly (P < 0.05) by roughage source (experiment 2). The percentage of milk fat, and solids-not-fat, were not influenced (P < 0.05) by roughage source (experiments 1 and 2). Roughage source appeared to have little effect on molar ratios of fatty acids found in the milk fat.