bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of complex phenotypes: lessons from the Mitf gene
Authors: Steingrímsson Eiríkur 
Published: September 2010

SummaryMutations provide important structure–function relationships by allowing the correlation of phenotypes to the underlying genotypes. Knockout mutations that lead to loss‐of‐function are important and informative in this respect. However, spontaneous and induced mutations sometimes provide surprising phenotypes, which lead to unexpected functional insights and novel biochemical pathways, especially when multiple mutations (alleles) exist at a locus. An excellent example is provided by the microphthalmia (Mitf) locus in the mouse. The multiple Mitf alleles have their own phenotypic properties, most of which have been explained by the underlying mutation. However, one allele, the Mitf Mi‐White (Mitf Mi‐Wh) mutation, exhibits phenotypes that have not yet been fully explained. Here, the molecular, genetic, and phenotypic properties of this mutation are reviewed and an attempt made to explain the underlying biochemical reason for its observed effects.
Precision and accuracy of the ICare tonometer – Peripheral and central IOP measurements by rebound tonometry
Authors: Muttuvelu Danson V. , Baggesen Kirsten , Ehlers Niels 
Published: September 2010

Abstract.Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ICare tonometers precision and accuracy and the extent to which intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements are influenced by measuring position.Methods:  This was carried out by comparing the central and peripheral ICare‐IOP readings and comparing ICare‐ with the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT)‐IOP readings. IOP was measured using the ICare rebound tonometer on the right eye of 40 subjects, straight at the centre of the cornea (CS), straight 2 mm from the nasal and temporal limbus (NS and TS), and in 10 degrees nasally and temporally angled positions measured from the same location as CS (NA and TA). The IOP was also assessed with the GAT.Results:  Central IOP (CS) was significantly (p < 0.001) greater than peripheral measurements (NS, TS, NA and TA) by approximately 3–4 mmHg. Centre IOP (CS) significantly overestimated by mean 2 mmHg and the peripheral measurements significantly underestimates approximately 1.4–2 mmHg compared with GAT readings.Conclusion:  The ICare tonometer may be useful in a routine clinical setting for IOP screening, but the ICare measurement is not a substitute for the GAT measurement, when a precise and accurate IOP is desired.
Role of Antiischemic Agents in the Management of Non‐ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (NSTE‐ACS)
Authors: El‐Kadri Moutaz , Sharaf‐Dabbagh Hala , Ramsdale David 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYNon‐ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) is the commonest acute presentation of coronary artery disease (CAD). Mortality and morbidity of the condition has improved substantially over the last few decades as a result of the cumulative effect of multiple interventions acting via different mechanisms. Despite a significant increase in the rate of coronary intervention, medical therapy continues to retain a central role in the treatment of NSTE‐ACS particularly in frail patients where revascularization is inappropriate or when it is incomplete. Several antiischemic agents have been used in the treatment of the condition. Beta blockers are often the first‐line choice with calcium channel blockers and nitrates being used as an alternative when beta blockers are contraindicated, or as an addition to achieve optimal symptom control. Newer agents, such as nicorandil, ivabradine, and ranolazine have also been used in refractory cases. Although most of these agents have been extensively studied in large randomized controlled trials in patients with stable CAD or ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (STE‐ACS), the evidence supporting their use in NSTE‐ACS is less clear cut. In this article, we review various drugs available for controlling ischemia and the latest evidence in support of their use in NSTE‐ACS.
Late Cretaceous‐Cenozoic Exhumation History of the Lüliang Mountains, North China Craton: Constraint from Fission‐track Thermochronology
Authors: LI Xiaoming , SONG Yougui 
Published: September 2010

Abstract:The Lüliang Mountains, located in the North China Craton, is a relatively stable block, but it has experienced uplift and denudation since the late Mesozoic. We hence aim to explore its time and rate of the exhumation by the fission‐track method. The results show that, no matter what type rocks are, the pooled ages of zircon and apatite fission‐track range from 60.0 to 93.7 Ma and 28.6 to 43.3 Ma, respectively; all of the apatite fission‐track length distributions are unimodal and yield a mean length of ∼13 μm; and the thermal history modeling results based on apatite fission‐track data indicate that the time‐temperature paths exhibit similar patterns and the cooling has been accelerated for each sample since the Pliocene (c.5 Ma). Therefore, we can conclude that a successive cooling, probably involving two slow (during c.75–35 Ma and 35–5 Ma) and one rapid (during c.5 Ma‐0 Ma) cooling, has occurred through the exhumation of the Lüliang Mountains since the late Cretaceous. The maximum exhumation is more than 5 km under a steady‐state geothermal gradient of 35°C/km. Combined with the tectonic setting, this exhumation may be the resultant effect from the surrounding plate interactions, and it has been accelerated since c.5 Ma predominantly due to the India‐Eurasia collision.
Occurrence and Characterization of Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) Strains from Dairy Farms in Trinidad
Authors: Roopnarine R. R. , Ammons D. , Rampersad J. , Adesiyun A. A. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryA cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and characteristics of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) on 25 dairy farms each located in Waller field and Carlsen field farming areas in Trinidad. On each selected farm, faecal samples were collected from milking cows, calves and humans; rectal swabs were obtained from pet farm dogs; bulk milk was sampled as well as effluent from the milking parlour. Escherichia coli was isolated from all sources on selective media using standard methods. Isolates of E. coli were subjected to slide agglutination test using E. coli O157 antiserum, vero cell cytotoxicity assay to detect verocytotoxin (VT) and heat labile toxin (LT) production, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect VT genes, and the dry spot test to screen for E. coli O157 and non‐O157 strains. In addition, faecal samples from animal and human sources were tested for VT genes using PCR. Of a total of 933 E. coli isolates tested by the slide test, eight (0.9%) were positive for the O157 strain. The vero cell cytotoxicity assay detected VT‐producing strains of E. coli in 16.6%, 14.6%, 3.2% and 7.1% of isolates from cows, calves, farm dogs and humans respectively (P < 0.05; χ2). For LT production, the highest frequency was detected amongst isolates of E. coli from calves (10.8%) and the lowest (0.0%) amongst isolates from humans and bulk milk (P < 0.05; χ2). Of the 61 VT‐producing isolates by vero cell cytotoxicity assay tested by PCR, the VT, LT and eae genes were detected in 62.3%, 4.9% and 1.6% respectively (P < 0.05; χ2). Amongst the 45 E. coli isolates that were VT positive (vero cell) or VT‐gene positive by PCR, 2.2%, 2.2%, 4.4% and 6.7% belonged to non‐O157 strains O91, O111, O103 and O157, respectively, as determined by the Dry spot test. Detection of VTEC strains in milk and dairy animals poses a health risk to consumers of milk originating from these farms. In addition, the demonstration of VTEC strains in humans, VT gene in faecal samples and E. coli isolates as well as non‐O157 VTEC strains of E. coli are being documented for the first time in the country.
Individual Animals of a Cattle Herd Infected with the Same Mycobacterium bovis Genotype Shows Important Variations in Bacteriological, Histopathological and Immune Response Parameters
Authors: Meikle V. , Schneider M. , Azenzo G. , Zumárraga M. , Magnano G. , Cataldi A. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryCattle are the host and main reservoir of the etiologic agent of bovine tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis; although other mammalian species, including humans, are susceptible. The tuberculin test and/or slaughterhouse surveillance is the diagnostic method used by control programs all around the world to control and eradicate the disease. In order to compare different tuberculosis diagnostic tests and to reach disease confirmation, a study was performed in a group of 14 steers of Friesian breed, reacting positively to tuberculin test. Three ante‐mortem assays were performed according to the type of sample: the gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) test (which quantifies the release of this cytokine by sensitized lymphocytes in whole blood in response to purified protein derivative (PPD) and recombinant ESAT‐6 and CFP10 proteins); PCR and bacteriologic culture from nasal swab and intradermal tuberculin test. These assays were taken at different times to assess the evolution of clinical parameters. Post‐mortem examination showed macroscopic and microscopic tuberculosis lesions with acid‐fast bacillus and positive cultures. By spoligotyping, we observed that all the isolates showed the same pattern. The positive results based on comparison to lesions observed ranged from 58% to 75% for the IFN‐γ assays, to 72% for cultures, and ranged from 50% to 90% for PCR in nasal swabs. In conclusion, in a herd infected by the same strain, ante‐mortem direct and immune‐diagnostic parameters change, suggesting that several tests are needed for a faster control of infection at herd level.
Inactivation of Avian Influenza Viruses by Chemical Agents and Physical Conditions: A Review
Authors: De Benedictis P. , Beato M. S. , Capua I. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe recent outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) worldwide have highlighted the difficulties in controlling this disease both in developed and in developing countries. Biosecurity is considered the most important tool to prevent and control AI. In certain areas of the world, AI has become endemic and the recent outbreaks in Europe and Africa show that the epidemiological situation is evolving in an unprecedented way. The consequences of this situation are economic losses to the poultry industry, food security issues in developing countries and a serious threat to human health, due to the direct consequences of AI infection in humans, and more alarmingly due to the risk of the generation of a new pandemic virus from the animal reservoir. In this paper, the physical and chemical methods of inactivating AI viruses are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the practicalities of using such methods in the poultry industry.
Legislation for the Control of Avian Influenza in the European Union
Authors: Pittman M. , Laddomada A. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryIn the light of experience gained with avian influenza (AI) outbreaks in Europe and elsewhere in the world, the European Union (EU) legislation has recently been updated. The strategy to control the introduction and spread of AI relies on rapid disease detection, killing of infected birds, movement restrictions for live birds and their products, cleaning and disinfection and vaccination. Measures are not only to be implemented in case of outbreaks of highly pathogenic AI (HPAI), but are now also directed against occurrence of low pathogenic AI of H5 and H7 (LPAI) subtypes in poultry, albeit in a modified manner proportionate to the risk posed by these pathotypes. Enhanced surveillance in poultry holdings and wild birds, as well as preventive vaccination, has also been introduced. EU Measures are flexible and largely based on risk assessment of the local epidemiological situation. The occurrence of HPAI H5N1 of the Asian lineage in the EU and its unprecedented spread by wild migratory birds necessitated the adoption of additional control measures. Although HPAI H5N1 has affected wild birds and poultry holdings in several EU Member States, EU legislation and its implementation in Member States has so far successfully limited the impact of the disease on animal and human health.
Serogroups, Atypical Biochemical Characters, Colicinogeny and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Shiga Toxin‐producingEscherichia coliIsolated from Diarrhoeic Calves in Gujarat, India
Authors: Arya G. , Roy A. , Choudhary V. , Yadav M. M. , Joshi C. G. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThis study was designed to investigate the antibiotic resistance, colicinogeny, serotyping and atypical biochemical characteristics of 41 Shiga toxin‐producingEscherichia coli(STEC) strains detected using polymerase chain reaction from 90E. colistrains isolated from 46 diarrhoeic calves. The STEC strains belonged to 14 different serogroups. Seventeen per cent of the STEC strains carried theeaeAgene while 14.28% of the 49 non‐STEC strains wereeaeApositive. Twenty eight (68.29%) of the 41 STEC strains were rhamnose non‐fermentors. All the STEC strains revealed resistance to at least three of the antibiotics tested. 100% resistance was found against kanamycin and cephalexin followed by cephaloridine, enrofloxacin, amikacin, ampicillin, tetracycline, ceftiofur, ciprofloxacin, colistin and co‐trimoxazole. Eighteen (44%) of the STEC strains produced colicin and all these colicinogenic strains were resistant to three or more antibiotics. Eleven STEC strains (26.82%) showed urease activity. The results of this study suggest that diarrhoeic calves are an important reservoir of STEC strains that are potentially pathogenic for farm animals and humans. Moreover, rhamnose fermentation, colicinogeny and atypical biochemical behaviour, such as urease activity, may serve as important markers or diagnostic tools for epidemiological surveys to trace the source of infection in disease outbreaks.
Estimation of the Diagnostic Accuracy of theinvA‐gene‐based PCR Technique and a Bacteriological Culture for the Detection ofSalmonellaspp. in Caecal Content from Slaughtered Pigs using Bayesian Analysis
Authors: Mainar‐Jaime R. C. , Atashparvar N. , Chirino‐Trejo M. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe goal of this study was to estimate the accuracy of theinvA‐gene‐based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a culture technique based on pre‐enrichment with buffered peptone water, three selective enrichment media (selenite, tetrathionate and Rappaport‐Vassiliadis broths) and four selective, solid media (Xylose‐Lysine‐Tergitol‐4,Salmonella/Shigella, Hekton‐Enteric and MacConkey), for the detection ofSalmonellaorganisms from caecal samples from slaughter pigs. For this purpose a latent‐class (Bayesian) approach was used. Two hundred and three slaughtered pigs were used after grouping them into two groups of 96 and 107 animals. Sensitivity (Se) was estimated to be 56% (95% probability interval 40, 76) for culture and 91% (81, 97) for PCR. The specificity (Sp) of the PCR was 88% (80, 95) while the Sp of the culture had been considered 100% in the statistical analysis as all culture‐positive samples were confirmed by serotyping. PCR Se was not affected by theSalmonellaserotypes present in the samples analysed. Accordingly, a minimum of 25.5% of the pigs was estimated to harbourSalmonellaorganisms in their faeces. It was concluded that bacteriology on caecal samples alone was a poor diagnostic method, and that the PCR method could be considered a cost‐effective alternative to culture inSalmonellamonitoring programmes. However, given the moderate Sp of this molecular technique, PCR‐positive samples should be further confirmed through bacteriology.
Meeting Report: Panel on the Potential Utility and Strategies for Design and Implementation of a National Companion Animal Infectious Disease Surveillance System
Authors: Stone A. B. , Hautala J. A. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThis meeting report summarizes the discussions and recommendations of a Blue Ribbon Panel convened by the Science and Technology Policy Institute at the Institute for Defense Analysis on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) on 13 September 2006 to discuss the potential utility and possible strategies for design and implementation of a companion animal health surveillance system. The panel comprised representatives from federal agencies, state agencies, academia, professional societies, and the private sector. The panel concluded that a companion animal surveillance system might prove valuable to efforts to protect public health, but that further study of the relationship between companion animal health and human health were needed to assess the utility and potential applications of a companion animal surveillance system. The findings of this panel may be used, along with other important sources of information, to inform policy discussions focussed on identifying strategies for recognizing and monitoring zoonotic disease threats appearing in companion animals in the USA.
The First Laboratory‐confirmed Rabid Pig in Maryland, 2003
Authors: DuVernoy T. S. , Mitchell K. C. , Myers R. A. , Walinski L. W. , Tinsley M. O. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThis article is the first to describe the clinical picture and potential human health impact of laboratory‐confirmed rabies infection in a pet Vietnamese pot‐bellied pig in Maryland. Although cases of confirmed rabies infection have been infrequently reported in pet or agricultural during the past 10 years in the United States, exposure to rabies‐positive animals remains a public health concern particularly for veterinarians, pet owners and other animal caretakers. It is important that individuals who are in a high‐risk rabies exposure group remain vigilant to this potential public health threat in all mammal species.
Investigation and Characterization of the Frozen Feeder Rodent Industry in Texas Following a Multi‐StateSalmonellaTyphimurium Outbreak Associated with Frozen Vacuum‐Packed Rodents
Authors: Lee K. M. , McReynolds J. L. , Fuller C. C. , Jones B. , Herrman T. J. , Byrd J. A. , Runyon M. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryA multi‐state outbreak investigation ofSalmonellaTyphimurim cases associated with pet snakes and the frozen vacuum‐packed rodents used to feed them identified a Texas frozen feeder rodent facility (Supplier A) as the source of theSalmonella‐infected frozen rodents. Texas authorities collected samples directly from Supplier A. SevenSalmonella‐positive samples out of 49 environmental swabs were found and one adult mouse out of 88 frozen feeder rodents wasSalmonella‐positive by culture. NoSalmonellastrains were isolated from rodent feeds. The pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) subtype patterns ofS.Typhimurium isolates from feeder rodent and environment samples were indistinguishable from the outbreak strain isolated from humans. A follow‐up investigation was performed on all additional feeder rodent facilities identified in Texas.Salmonellawas isolated at one of four facilities; seven of 100 rodent samples were positive forSalmonellaat this facility. The serotypeS.I 4,[5],12:i:‐ was isolated from seven feeder rodent samples, and PFGE patterns of the seven isolates were indistinguishable. As observed in the initial outbreak investigation, noSalmonellawere cultured from rodent feeds at any of the facilities. The feeder rodent industry is an insufficiently recognized industry in the United States. Outbreak investigation and testing of additional feeder rodent facilities in Texas indicate that further evaluation of feeder rodent facilities as a source ofSalmonellafor pet snakes and humans is warranted.
Programme to Vaccinate Poultry Workers Against Seasonal Influenza: Options for Delivery in the East of England
Authors: Vivancos R. , Reacher M. , Cosford P. ,   on behalf of the East of England Poultry Workers Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Group
Published: September 2010

SummaryAvian influenza A (H5N1) has spread to the UK causing outbreaks in commercial poultry. Vaccination of poultry workers with seasonal influenza has been advised to prevent a viral mutation that could facilitate human‐to‐human transmission, causing a new pandemic strain. This project aimed to determine delivery options and costs of a vaccination programme targeted at poultry workers. Data from the Great Britain Poultry Register were used to understand the distribution of the target population. A stakeholders group in the East of England (EoE) discussed delivery options. An options appraisal is used to prioritize these options. There are over 10 000 poultry workers distributed throughout the EoE. Five delivery options were considered (industry’s occupational health services, via general practitioners as a Directed or Locally Enhanced Services, via other community healthcare providers and a commercial provider). Delivery is likely to cost between £35 414 and £182 899 (or £10.18–£48.93 per person vaccinated) in the EoE, depending on delivery mechanism, target threshold and level of uptake. Delivering through a commercial provider was the preferred option. Whichever way the programme is delivered it should be cost‐neutral to the Primary Care Trust (PCT). Otherwise PCTs may see themselves having to prioritize between vaccinating poultry workers against other pressing programmes.
The combination of type I interferon and ribavirin has an inhibitory effect on mouse hepatitis virus infection
Authors: Sone Saburo , Izawa Akiko , Narumi Hideki , Kajita Akemi , Tanabe Junichi , Taguchi Fumihiro 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To determine the differences in efficacy between therapy using IFN‐β and ribavirin, and using IFN‐α and ribavirin.Methods:  We studied the effect of combination therapy consisting of IFN‐β and ribavirin on mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) infection in mice.Results:  Combination treatment of ribavirin and IFN‐α was more effective than IFN‐α mono‐treatment in the MHV‐mouse system, and combination treatment with ribavirin and IFN‐β was more effective than IFN‐β mono‐treatment in the MHV‐mouse system. Furthermore, administering IFN‐β once or twice one day before combination treatment using ribavirin and IFN‐α was more effective than administering IFN‐α once or twice one day before the combination treatment using ribavirin and IFN‐α.Conclusion:  These data indicate that this MHV‐infection system is a good animal model to assess anti‐HCV activity for therapy using IFN and ribavirin, and suggest that administering IFN‐β before the start of combination therapy with ribavirin and IFN‐α promotes the therapeutic effects of combination treatment with ribavirin and IFN‐α ?in chronic hepatitis C patients.
Protective effect of glycyrrhizin and matrine on acute vanishing bile duct syndrome induced by alpha‐naphthylisothiocyanate in rats
Authors: Zhao Ying , Zhai Desheng , Chen Xijing , He Hui , Lu Qin , Yu Qiaoling 
Published: September 2010

Aim: To explore the effects of glycyrrhizin (GL) and matrine (MT) on acute vanishing bile duct syndromes (AVBDS) in rats.Methods: AVBDS in rats were induced by alphanaphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT), and the effects of GL and MT on AVBDS were explored and compared with dexamethasone (DEX) by serology determination, histological assessment of liver damage and bile excretion experiments.Results: The protection of DEX pre‐treatment was directed toward cholangiocytes rather than hepatocytes. Rats remedially treated with DEX 3 h after ANIT were not resistant to ANIT toxicity. Notably, remedial treatment with DEX 12 h after ANIT enhanced ANIT toxicity. However, GL and MT attenuated both bile duct and hepatocyte damage induced by ANIT in the initial phase of impairment.Conclusion: The nature products (GL and MT) exhibited better protection against ANIT‐induced AVBDS than DEX. In the initial phase of impairment of AVBDS, the protection of GL and MT may be due partially to modifying the metabolism and excretion of ANIT and to their anti‐inflammatory effects.