bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant‐Inhabiting Ant Utilizes Chemical Cues for Host Discrimination
Authors: Weir Tiffany L. , Newbold Scott , Vivanco Jorge M. , Haren Megan van , Fritchman Christopher , Dossey Aaron T. , Bartram Stefan , Boland Wilhelm , Cosio Eric G. , Kofer Waltraud 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThe Neotropical ant Pseudomyrmex triplarinus is involved in an obligate and complex symbiotic association with Triplaris americana trees. The ants inhabit trunk and branch domatia and respond aggressively to foreign invaders. Their degree of host specificity and basis for recognition of host trees has not been studied. We determined that, in contrast to T. americana seedlings, heterospecific seedlings set around the host trees suffered continuous pruning. Ants also removed 80–100 percent of heterospecific leaves attached to the trunk in contrast to only 10–30 percent of conspecific leaves. True species specificity was demonstrated by the selective removal of leaves from Triplaris poeppigiana pinned to host trees. This selectivity was also observed in a matrix‐independent bioassay using leaf cuticular extracts on glass microfiber strips. Strips treated with leaf wax extracts from host trees and pinned to the trunk of host trees received only 42 percent of the number of ant visits recorded on solvent‐treated controls by the end of the experiment. Strips treated with extracts of a related species, T. poeppigiana, received 64 percent of the number of ant visits compared with solvent‐treated controls. These experiments also suggest that P. triplarinus recognizes surface chemicals of their host tree, independent of the texture or architecture of the carrier material; although these factors may still play some role in recognition. This is the first study that we are aware of to investigate the mechanism of host discrimination related to pruning behavior.Abstract in Spanish is available at http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp.
Risk Assessment and Ecological Effects of Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis Crops on Non‐Target OrganismsF
Authors: Yu Hui‐Lin , Li Yun‐He , Wu Kong‐Ming 
Published: May 2011

Abstract Kong‐Ming Wu (Corresponding author) The application of recombinant DNA technology has resulted in many insect‐resistant varieties by genetic engineering (GE). Crops expressing Cry toxins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been planted worldwide, and are an effective tool for pest control. However, one ecological concern regarding the potential effects of insect‐resistant GE plants on non‐target organisms (NTOs) has been continually debated. In the present study, we briefly summarize the data regarding the development and commercial use of transgenic Bt varieties, elaborate on the procedure and methods for assessing the non‐target effects of insect‐resistant GE plants, and synthetically analyze the related research results, mostly those published between 2005 and 2010. A mass of laboratory and field studies have shown that the currently available Bt crops have no direct detrimental effects on NTOs due to their narrow spectrum of activity, and Bt crops are increasing the abundance of some beneficial insects and improving the natural control of specific pests. The use of Bt crops, such as Bt maize and Bt cotton, results in significant reductions of insecticide application and clear benefits on the environment and farmer health. Consequently, Bt crops can be a useful component of integrated pest management systems to protect the crop from targeted pests.
A Nationwide Outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans Associated with Sprouted Alfalfa Seeds in Finland, 2009
Authors: Rimhanen‐Finne R. , Niskanen T. , Lienemann T. , Johansson T. , Sjöman M. , Korhonen T. , Guedes S. , Kuronen H. , Virtanen M. J. , Mäkinen J. , Jokinen J. , Siitonen A. , Kuusi M. 
Published: May 2011

SummarySalmonella enterica serotype Bovismorbificans is a rare serotype in Finland. In June 2009, a nationwide outbreak of S. Bovismorbificans infections occurred, and 42 clinical isolates were identified. We conducted a case–control study enrolling 28 cases and 48 matched controls, and found ready‐to‐eat alfalfa sprouts associated with the infection (odds ratio = 35.2, 95% confidence interval 2.8–435). The sprouts were traced back to a domestic producer, with the seeds originating in Italy. Although finding microbiological evidence for sprouts as a source of this outbreak was very challenging, S. Bovismorbificans was finally found in sprouts germinated in the laboratory, and in soaking and rinse waters during the germination process. The pulsed field gel electrophoresis showed that these isolates were identical to the human outbreak isolates. Before sampling, it is important to mix the seeds well and to take several large‐size samples from different seed lots. Instead of analysing seeds, the analysis should be targeted to soaking or rinse water samples and to the sprouts germinated in a laboratory. Accordingly, the sprout producers should only buy seeds that have been analysed for Salmonella. The producers have to include Salmonella testing in their internal quality control to ensure that Salmonella is absent from sprouts placed on the market during their shelf‐life. In order to reduce the health hazard caused by sprouts, an effective and safe decontamination procedure should also be developed for the seeds.
Detection of Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites in Public Parks of Spain. Potential Epidemiological Role of Microsporidia
Authors: Dado D. , Izquierdo F. , Vera O. , Montoya A. , Mateo M. , Fenoy S. , Galván A. L. , García S. , García A. , Aránguez E. , López L. , del Águila C. , Miró G. 
Published: May 2011

SummarySeveral studies have demonstrated that the soil of public parks presents an important source of infection which has a significant impact on public health. Children are the main group affected by accidentally ingestion of contaminated soil. This study was performed in order to identify the presence of zoonotic parasites in dog and cat faecal and soil samples from public parks of Madrid, Spain. Six hundred twenty‐five and seventy‐nine soil and faecal samples (presumably from dogs and cats) respectively were collected from 67 parks. Intestinal parasites were identified in 27 parks (40.3%), which were contamined with Giardia sp. (19.4%), microsporidia (19.4%), Toxocara spp. (16.4%), Cryptosporidium sp. (6%), Entamoeba histolytica (3%) and Ancylostomidae (3%). Combinations of two or more intestinal parasites were found in 11 parks, and it was common to find Giardia and microsporidia together in samples. Intestinal parasites were detected in 18% (112/625) of soil samples. The most frequent parasite species found in the examined soil samples were Toxocara spp. (16.4%), followed by Giardia sp. (4.5%) and Strongyloides sp. larvae (3%). The zoonotic parasites found in the 79 faecal samples were Giardia sp. (17.7%), Cryptosporidium sp. (9%), E. histolytica (2.5%), Trichuris vulpis (1.3%), Toxascaris leonina (1.3%) and microsporidia spores (28%). Microsporidia characterization by amplification of DNA confirmed 10 samples as positive, eight for E. bieneusi and two for E. hellem by PCR. The role of those parasites in the environment are discussed.
Pharmacokinetics of Cyclophosphamide after Oral and Intravenous Administration to Dogs with Lymphoma
Authors: Warry E. , Hansen R.J. , Gustafson D.L. , Lana S.E. 
Published: May 2011

Background:Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating chemotherapeutic drug administered IV or PO. It is currently assumed that exposure to the active metabolite, 4‐hydroxycyclophosphamide (4‐OHCP), is the same with either route of administration.Objectives:To characterize the pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide and 4‐OHCP in dogs with lymphoma when administered PO or IV.Animals:Sixteen client‐owned dogs with substage A lymphoma were enrolled in the study. Eight dogs received cyclophosphamide IV and 8 received it PO.Methods:Prospective randomized clinical trial was performed. Blood was collected from each dog at specific time points after administration of cyclophosphamide. The serum was evaluated for the concentration of cyclophosphamide and 4‐OHCP with mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography.Results:Drug exposure to cyclophosphamide measured by area under the curve (AUC)0–infis significantly higher after intravenous administration (7.14 ± 3.77 μg/h/mL) compared with exposure after oral administration (P‐value < .05). No difference in drug exposure to 4‐OHCP was detected after IV (1.66 ± 0.36 μg/h/mL) or PO (1.42 ± 0.64 μg/h/mL) administered cyclophosphamide.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Drug exposure to the active metabolite 4‐OHCP is equivalent after administration of cyclophosphamide either PO or IV.
Associations among Albuminuria, C‐Reactive Protein Concentrations, Survival Predictor Index Scores, and Survival in 78 Critically Ill Dogs
Authors: Whittemore J.C. , Marcum B.A. , Mawby D.I. , Coleman M.V. , Hacket T.B. , Lappin M.R. 
Published: May 2011

Background: Microalbuminuria and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are predictors of morbidity and survival in critically ill human patients.Hypothesis/Objectives: To evaluate results of microalbuminuria assays (untimed single‐sample urine albumin concentration [U‐ALB] and the urine albumin : creatinine ratio [UACR]), serum CRP, and survival predictor index (SPI2) scores as predictors of survival in critically ill dogs.Animals: Seventy‐eight dogs admitted to intensive care units at University of Tennessee (UT) and Colorado State University (CSU).Methods: Prospective observational study. Critically ill dogs were eligible for enrollment, unless euthanized because of financial constraints. Samples were collected within 3 hours of admission. Spearman's rank‐correlation coefficients were determined for U‐ALB, UACR, CRP, and SPI2. U‐ALB, UACR, CRP, and SPI2 were assessed for associations with 7‐ and 30‐day survival by Mann‐Whitney U‐tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. P‐values < .0125 were considered significant.Results: UT (n = 49) and CSU (n = 29) patients did not differ significantly. Forty percent (31/78) of dogs died. SPI2 was inversely correlated with U‐ALB (rs=−0.39, P < .001) and UACR (rs=−0.41, P < .001). CRP was not correlated with SPI2 (P= .019), U‐ALB (P > .1), or UACR (P > .1). U‐ALB and UACR had very high correlation (rs= 0.95, P < .001). SPI2, U‐ALB, and UACR differed significantly for survivors and nonsurvivors. SPI2, U‐ALB, and UACR had areas under the ROC curve (AUC) from 0.68 to 0.74 for survival prediction.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Albuminuria and SPI2, but not CRP, are associated with survival in critically ill dogs. Suboptimal AUCs limit the value of microalbuminuria testing for clinical risk assessment. Additional studies are necessary to determine the usefulness of microalbuminuria testing in patient risk stratification for prospective research.
Yoga may help reduce blood pressure in HIV‐infected adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors
Authors: Lee MS , Yarasheski K 
Published: May 2011

Cade WT, Reeds DN, Mondy KE, Overton ET, Grassino J, Tucker S, Bopp C, Laciny E, Hubert S, Lassa‐Claxton S, Yarasheski KE. Yoga lifestyle intervention reduces blood pressure in HIV‐infected adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors. HIV Med 2010; 11: 379–88.
Effectiveness and safety of Antiwei for influenza
Authors: Aldaas S 
Published: May 2011

Wang L, Zhang RM, Liu GY, Wei BL, Wang Y, Cai HY, Li FS, Xu YL, Zheng SP, Wang G. Chinese herbs in treatment of influenza: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Respir Med 2010; 104: e1362–9.
Is traditional Chinese medicine effective for the management of psoriasis?
Authors: Onakpoya I , Ho S 
Published: May 2011

Ho SGY, Yeung CK, Chan HHL. Methotrexate versus Chinese medicine in psoriasis: a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial to determine efficacy, safety and quality of life. Clin Exp Dermatol 2010; 35: 717–22.
Zhibitai is equally efficacious in lowering cholesterol as atorvastatin
Authors: Clement Y 
Published: May 2011

Xu DY, Shu J, Huang QY, Wasti B, Chen C, Liu L, Zhao SP. Evaluation of the lipid lowering ability, anti‐inflammatory effects and clinical safety of intensive therapy with Zhibitai, a Chinese traditional medicine. Atherosclerosis 2010; 211: 237–41.
No significant effect of acupuncture on assisted pregnancy
Authors: Rose L 
Published: May 2011

Andersen D, Løssl K, Andersen AN, Fürbringer J, Bach H, Simonsen J, Larsen EC. Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer: a randomized controlled trial of 635 patients. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 21: 366–372.
Molecular Analysis of Varicella Vaccines and Varicella-Zoster Virus from Vaccine-Related Skin Lesions
Authors: Thiele Sonja , Borschewski Aljona , Küchler Judit , Bieberbach Marc , Voigt Sebastian , Ehlers Bernhard 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

To prevent complications that might follow an infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the live attenuated Oka strain (V-Oka) is administered to children in many developed countries. Three vaccine brands (Varivax from Sanofi Pasteur MSD; Varilrix and Priorix-Tetra, both from Glaxo-Smith-Kline) are licensed in Germany and have been associated with both different degrees of vaccine effectiveness and adverse effects. To identify genetic variants in the vaccines that might contribute to rash-associated syndromes, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiles of variants from the three vaccines and rash-associated vaccine-type VZV from German vaccinees were quantitatively compared by PCR-based pyrosequencing (PSQ). The Varivax vaccine contained an estimated 3-fold higher diversity of VZV variants, with 20% more wild-type (wt) SNPs than Varilrix and Priorix-Tetra. These minor VZV variants in the vaccines were identified by analyzing cloned full-length open reading frame (ORF)
orf62
sequences by chain termination sequencing and PSQ. Some of these sequences amplified from vaccine VZV were very similar or identical to those of the rash-associated vaccine-type VZV from vaccinees and were almost exclusively detected in Varivax. Therefore, minorities of rash-associated VZV variants are present in varicella vaccine formulations, and it can be concluded that the analysis of a core set of four SNPs is required as a minimum for a firm diagnostic differentiation of vaccine-type VZV from wt VZV.
Ethanol Inhibits Antigen Presentation by Dendritic Cells
Authors: Eken Ahmet , Ortiz Vivian , Wands Jack R. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTPrevious studies suggest that altered virus-specific T-cell responses observed during chronic ethanol exposure may be due to abnormal functioning of dendritic cells (DCs). Here we explored the effects of ethanol on exogenous antigen presentation by DCs. BALB/c, C57BL/6, and CBA/caj mice were fed ethanol or an isocaloric control diet for 8 weeks. The splenic DC population was expanded using an Flt3L expression plasmid via tail vein injection. DCs were purified and assessed for antigen presentation and processing and for peptide-major histocompatibility complex class I and II (MHCI and MHCII) formation on the cell surface. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was measured as an indicator of antigen-specific T-cell activation by DCs in coculture. Antigen processing and peptide-MHCII complexes were evaluated by flow cytometry. We observed that ethanol not only suppressed allogeneic peptide presentation to T cells by DCs but also altered presentation of exogenous ovalbumin (OVA) peptide 323-339 to an OVA-specific DO11 T-cell line as well as to OVA-sensitized primary T cells. Smaller amounts of peptide-MHCII complexes were found on the DCs isolated from the spleens of ethanol-fed mice. In contrast to MHCII presentation, cross-presentation of exogenous OVA peptide via MHCI by DCs remained intact. More importantly, ethanol-exposed DCs had reduced B7-DC and enhanced ICOS-L (inhibitory) costimulatory molecule expression. Ethanol inhibits exogenous and allogeneic antigen presentation and affects the formation of peptide-MHCII complexes, as well as altering costimulatory molecule expression on the cell surface. Therefore, DC presentation of peptides in a favorable costimulatory protein environment is required to subsequently activate T cells and appears to be a critical target for the immunosuppressive effects of ethanol.
Development of a Phenotypic Method for Detection of Fecal Carriage of OXA-48-Producing Enterobacteriaceae after Incidental Detection from Clinical Specimen
Authors: Ruppé Etienne , Armand-Lefèvre Laurence , Lolom Isabelle , El Mniai Assiya , Muller-Serieys Claudette , Ruimy Raymond , Woerther Paul-Louis , Bilariki Kalliopi , Marre Michel , Massin Philippe , Andremont Antoine , Lucet Jean-Christophe 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

We report incidental isolation of an OXA-48-producing
Escherichia coli
strain in urine of a 62-year-old woman recently returning from a 2-month vacation in Morocco. Commercially available extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-targeting medium failed to detect it in the patient's stools, although a locally developed and easy-to-implement method using ertapenem-supplemented brain heart infusion (BHI) broths could.
Rate of Recovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Frozen Acid-Fast-Bacillus Smear-Positive Sputum Samples Subjected to Long-Term Storage in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tessema Belay , Beer Joerg , Emmrich Frank , Sack Ulrich , Rodloff Arne C. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. The diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis remain a challenge in the country. This study aimed to assess whether single morning sputum samples could be stored at −20°C for extended periods of time at remote settings and then transported and successfully cultured for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Single morning sputum samples were collected from all smear-positive tuberculosis patients diagnosed at Gondar Hospital, Gondar Health Center, Metemma Hospital, Bahir Dar Hospital, and Debre Markos Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia between March and July 2009. Specimens were stored at the study sites and sent to the mycobacteriology laboratory at the University Hospital, Leipzig, Germany, where specimens were processed and inoculated into the BacT/Alert 3D system and Lowenstein-Jensen and Gottsacker media. Ice packs were added in the package of the specimens during transport. A total of 319 patients were enrolled in this study. The median specimen storage time was 132 days (range, 16 to 180 days). Of all specimens, 283 (88.7%) were culture positive by any of the three culturing systems.
M. tuberculosis
isolates from four contaminated specimens in all culturing systems were successfully isolated on Middlebrook 7H10 agar; thereby, the recovery rate increased to 287 (90.0%). The length of time of sputum storage had no significant effect on the rate of recovery of
M. tuberculosis
in all culturing systems. In conclusion, single morning sputum specimens collected at remote settings stored at −20°C for long periods of time without the addition of preservatives can yield a high recovery rate. These findings suggest a simple and cost-effective alternative method of sputum storage for epidemiological and drug resistance studies in low-resource countries.
Rapid Detection of
bla
KPC
Carbapenemase Genes by Internally Controlled Real-Time PCR Assay Using Bactec Blood Culture Bottles
Authors: Hindiyeh Musa , Smollan Gill , Grossman Zehava , Ram Daniela , Robinov Jana , Belausov Natasha , Ben-David Debbie , Tal Ilana , Davidson Yehudit , Shamiss Ari , Mendelson Ella , Keller Nathan 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

Rapid detection of drug-resistant bacteria in clinical samples plays an instrumental role in patients' infection management and in implementing effective infection control policies. In the study described in this report, we validated a multiplex TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the detection of
bla
KPC
genes and the human RNase P gene in Bactec blood culture bottles. The MagNA Pure LC (version 2.0) instrument was utilized to extract nucleic acids from the inoculated broth, while bovine serum albumin (BSA) was utilized as the PCR inhibitor reliever. The multiplex assay, which was specific for the detection of
bla
KPC
genes, had a limit of detection of 19 CFU per reaction mixture with human blood-spiked Bactec bottles. Of the 323 Bactec blood culture sets evaluated, the same 55 (17%) blood cultures positive for carbapenem-resistant bacteria by culture were also positive by the validated qPCR assay. Thus, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the qPCR assay compared to the results of culture were all 100%.
bla
KPC
genes were also detected from the same Bactec bottle broth after manual extraction with a QIAamp DNA minikit; however, there was an average 3-threshold-cycle delay in the qPCR readings. With the limited therapeutic options available, the accurate and rapid detection of
bla
KPC
-possessing bacteria by the described
bla
KPC
/RNase P assay will be a crucial first step in ensuring optimal clinical outcomes and infection control.
Histologic and Molecular Correlation in Shelter Cats with Acute Upper Respiratory Infection
Authors: Burns Rachel E. , Wagner Denae C. , Leutenegger Christian M. , Pesavento Patricia A. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThis is a descriptive study designed to correlate diagnostic real-time PCR results with histopathologic lesions in cats with clinical signs of upper respiratory infection (URI). The study occurred over a 9-month period in a single open-intake animal shelter. Cats that were selected for euthanasia by the shelter staff and additionally had URI were included in the study, for a total of 22 study cats. Combined conjunctival and oropharyngeal swab specimens were tested by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) for feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV),Mycoplasma felis,Chlamydophila felis, andBordetella bronchiseptica. Necropsy was performed on all cats, and a complete set of respiratory tract tissues was examined by histopathology. Among 22 cats, 20 were qPCR positive for FHV-1, 7 forM. felis, 5 for FCV, 1 forC. felis, and 0 forB. bronchiseptica. Nine cats were positive for two or more pathogens. Histopathologic lesions were present in all cats, with consistent lesions in the nasal cavity, including acute necroulcerative rhinitis in 16 cats. Histologic or antigenic detection of FHV-1 was seen in 18 of 20 cats positive for FHV-1 by qPCR. No lesions that could be specifically attributed to FCV,M. felis, orC. feliswere seen, although interpretation in this cohort could be confounded by coinfection with FHV-1. A significant agreement was found between the amount of FHV-1 DNA determined by qPCR and the presence of specific histopathologic lesions for FHV-1 but not for the other respiratory pathogens.