bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Two Environmental Regimes for Culture of Australian Snapper, Pagrus auratus, Larvae in Commercial‐scale Tanks
Authors: Fielder D. Stewart , Allan Geoff L. , Pankhurst Patricia M. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract The performance of Australian snapper, Pagrus auratus, larvae from 4 to 33 days posthatch (dph) under two environmental rearing regimes was evaluated in 2000‐L commercial‐scale larval rearing tanks (N = 3 tanks/treatment). The treatments were the following: (1) a varying regime of salinity (20–35 ppt), temperature (24 C), and photoperiod (12 light [L] : 12 dark [D] to swim bladder inflation and then 18L : 06D) and (2) a constant regime of salinity (35 ppt), temperature (21 C), and photoperiod (14L : 10D). The final total length (TL) and wet and dry weights (mean ± SEM) of larvae grown in the varying regime were greater (15.6 ± 0.5 mm; 42.4 ± 3.4 mg wet weight; and 7.3 ± 0.6 mg dry weight) than those of larvae grown in the constant regime (11.1 ± 0.2 mm; 12.9 ± 0.8 mg wet weight; and 2.1 ± 0.2 mg dry weight). By 33 dph, larvae in the varying regime were fully weaned from live feeds to a formulated pellet diet and were suitable for transfer from the hatchery to a nursery facility. In contrast, larvae in the constant regime were not weaned onto a pellet diet and still required live feeds. Neither survival (Treatment 1, 14.2 ± 3.0% and Treatment 2, 13.3 ± 1.9%) nor swim bladder inflation (Treatment 1, 70.0 ± 17.3% and Treatment 2, 70.0 ± 11.5%, by 13 dph) was affected by rearing regime. The incidence of urinary calculi at 7 dph was greatest initially in the varying regime; however, by 19 dph, when larvae were 8.0 ± 0.28 mm TL, very few larvae in this treatment had urinary calculi. In contrast, many larvae in the constant regime had developed urinary calculi and this continued until the end of the experiment. The incidence of urinary calculi was not associated with larval mortality. Extrapolation of the snapper larval growth curves for the constant larval rearing regime predicts that a further 15–18 d, or approximately 1.5 times longer, will be required until these larvae attain the same size and development of larvae reared in the varying regime.
Optimizing Tilapia, Oreochromis sp., Marketing Strategies in Nicaragua: A Mixed‐integer Transshipment Model Analysis
Authors: Leyva Carlos M. , Engle Carole R. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract Tilapia, Oreochromis sp., production has increased in the Central American region in recent years. Yet, commercial tilapia aquaculture has not developed in Nicaragua on the scale that it has in other neighboring countries. Although demand for tilapia products exists, lack of thorough understanding of domestic markets and coordinated production and marketing efforts have hampered the development of a domestic market. The objectives of this study were to quantify domestic marketing costs for tilapia produced in Nicaragua and develop a mixed‐integer transshipment mathematical programming model to identify the most profitable marketing alternatives for tilapia farmers. Results suggested targeting primarily outlets with higher sales prices such as restaurants with supplemental production delivered to local supermarkets. The model chooses cities with weekly restaurant demand capable of absorbing the farm’s production with excess product sold to alternative outlets. Supply of farm‐raised tilapia production in most regions of Nicaragua was insufficient and created problems associated with frequent and dependable deliveries required by higher paying outlets (restaurants and supermarkets). Larger farms will generate greater returns with regular consistent deliveries to higher priced restaurant outlets. Smaller farms with limited production volumes were not able to meet weekly delivery requirements. Biannual deliveries reduced transportation cost and sales price and were not profitable. However, sustaining markets with infrequent deliveries may not be feasible. This analysis provides guidelines for targeting those specific markets that optimize returns to specific farm sizes in specific regions.
Hypocretin and Melanin‐Concentrating Hormone in Patients with Huntington Disease
Authors: Aziz Ahmad , Fronczek Rolf , Maat‐Schieman Marion , Unmehopa Unga , Roelandse Freek , Overeem Sebastiaan , Van Duinen Sjoerd , Lammers Gert‐Jan , Swaab Dick , Roos Raymund 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTo evaluate whether hypocretin‐1 (orexin‐A) and melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) neurotransmission are affected in patients with Huntington disease (HD), we immunohistochemically stained hypocretin and MCH neurons and estimated their total numbers in the lateral hypothalamus of both HD patients and matched controls. In addition, hypocretin‐1 levels were determined in prefrontal cortical tissue and post‐mortem ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a radioimmunoassay. The total number of hypocretin‐1 neurons was significantly reduced by 30% in HD brains (P = 0.015), while the total number of MCH neurons was not significantly altered (P = 0.100). Levels of hypocretin‐1 were 33% lower in the prefrontal cortex of the HD patients (P = 0.025), but ventricular CSF levels were similar to the control values (P = 0.306). Neuronal intranuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions of mutant huntingtin were present in all HD hypothalami, although with a variable distribution across different hypothalamic structures. We found a specific reduction in hypocretin signaling in patients with HD as MCH cell number was not significantly affected. It remains to be shown whether the moderate decrease in hypocretin neurotransmission could contribute to clinical symptoms. As the number of MCH‐expressing neurons was not affected, alterations in MCH signaling are unlikely to have clinical effects in HD patients.
MILK ALKALI SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH EXCESSIVE INGESTION OF RENNIE®: CASE REPORTS
Authors: Irtiza‐Ali Ayesha , Waldek Stephen , Lamerton Elizabeth , Pennell Ashley , Kalra Philip A. 
Published: May 2008

SUMMARYMilk alkali syndrome is a cause of hypercalcaemia, renal failure and alkalosis, and is potentially reversible if detected early and the calcium and alkali source withdrawn. It was originally described in patients ingesting large amounts of calcium containing milk for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. We present a modern day version of the syndrome in three cases which were associated with excessive intake of Rennie®, a calcium carbonate containing antacid.
Cisplatin‐conjugated Gelpart: initial study in vitro
Authors: Ohta Shinichi , Nitta Norihisa , Sonoda Akinaga , Seko Ayumi , Tanaka Toyohiko , Takahashi Masashi , Murata Kiyoshi 
Published: May 2008

Aim:  In Japan, Gelpart (Nippon Kayaku, Tokyo, Japan) is commercially available as an embolic agent made of gelatin for hepatocellular carcinoma. The object of this study was to develop cisplatin‐conjugated Gelpart, confirm its bonding capability and confirm cisplatin‐release from it in vitro.Methods:  Gelpart (80 mg) were immersed in 50 mL of the cisplatin solution (0.3 mg/mL) at 38°C for 1 hour to allow conjugation to cisplatin. Half of them were washed with double distilled water and centrifuged seven times to remove the uncombined cisplatin from Gelpart. Five mg of washed Gelpart and 5 mg unwashed Gelpart were freeze‐dried and the platinum concentrations in these Gelpart were analyzed. In an in vitro release test, 30 mg of each cisplatin‐conjugated Gelpart were placed in 10 mL of phosphate buffered salts (PBS) containing 0.01 wt.% Tween 80 and the system was shaken reciprocally at 72 strokes/min at 38°C. At different time intervals (1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours), 5 mL of the supernatant was pipetted out and immediately after that the same volume of PBS was added. The platinum concentration of the solutions sampled was measured and the release rate from cisplatin‐conjugated Gelpart was calculated.Results:  The platinum concentrations (µg/g) of unwashed Gelpart and washed Gelpart were, respectively, 9563.5 ± 101.1 and 6396.5 ± 14.8. The release rates (%) from unwashed Gelpart and from washed Gelpart were, respectively, 43.1, 56.3, 56.5, 58.5, 60.9 and 5.8, 6.7, 8.5, 11.0, 12.0.Conclusion:  Gelpart had a bonding capability to cisplatin and an ability of sustained release from it. Cisplatin‐conjugated Gelpart might become a simple embolic agent with drug delivery systems.
Evolution of the Secondary Symbiont “
Candidatus
Serratia symbiotica” in Aphid Species of the Subfamily Lachninae
Authors: Lamelas Araceli , Pérez-Brocal Vicente , Gómez-Valero Laura , Gosalbes María José , Moya Andrés , Latorre Amparo 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Buchnera aphidicola
BCc, the primary endosymbiont of the aphid
Cinara cedri
(subfamily Lachninae), is losing its symbiotic capacity and might be replaced by the coresident “
Candidatus
Serratia symbiotica.” Phylogenetic and morphological analyses within the subfamily Lachninae indicate two different “
Ca
. Serratia symbiotica” lineages and support the longtime coevolution of both symbionts in
C. cedri
.
Listeria monocytogenes
EGD-e Biofilms: No Mushrooms but a Network of Knitted Chains
Authors: Rieu Aurélie , Briandet Romain , Habimana Olivier , Garmyn Dominique , Guzzo Jean , Piveteau Pascal 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Listeria monocytogenes
is a food pathogen that can attach on most of the surfaces encountered in the food industry. Biofilms are three-dimensional microbial structures that facilitate the persistence of pathogens on surfaces, their resistance toward antimicrobials, and the final contamination of processed goods. So far, little is known about the structural dynamics of
L. monocytogenes
biofilm formation and its regulation. The aims of this study were, by combining genetics and time-lapse laser-scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), (i) to characterize the structural dynamics of
L. monocytogenes
EGD-e sessile growth in two nutritional environments (with or without a nutrient flow), and (ii) to evaluate the possible role of the
L. monocytogenes agr
system during biofilm formation by tracking the spatiotemporal fluorescence expression of a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter system. In the absence of nutrient flow (static conditions), unstructured biofilms composed of a few layers of cells that covered the substratum were observed. In contrast, when grown under dynamic conditions,
L. monocytogenes
EGD-e biofilms were highly organized. Indeed, ball-shaped microcolonies were surrounded by a network of knitted chains. The spatiotemporal tracking of fluorescence emitted by the GFP reporter system revealed that
agr
expression was barely detectable under static conditions, but it progressively increased during 40 h under dynamic conditions. Moreover, spatial analysis revealed that
agr
was expressed preferentially in cells located outside the microcolonies. Finally, the in-frame deletion of
agrA
, which encodes a transcriptional regulator, resulted in a decrease in initial adherence without affecting the subsequent biofilm development.
Genetic Homogeneity of
Clostridium botulinum
Type A1 Strains with Unique Toxin Gene Clusters
Authors: Raphael Brian H. , Luquez Carolina , McCroskey Loretta M. , Joseph Lavin A. , Jacobson Mark J. , Johnson Eric A. , Maslanka Susan E. , Andreadis Joanne D. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

A group of five clonally related
Clostridium botulinum
type A strains isolated from different sources over a period of nearly 40 years harbored several conserved genetic properties. These strains contained a variant
bont/A1
with five nucleotide polymorphisms compared to the gene in
C. botulinum
strain ATCC 3502. The strains also had a common toxin gene cluster composition (
ha−
/
orfX+
) similar to that associated with
bont/A
in type A strains containing an unexpressed
bont/B
[termed A(B) strains]. However,
bont/B
was not identified in the strains examined. Comparative genomic hybridization demonstrated identical genomic content among the strains relative to
C. botulinum
strain ATCC 3502. In addition, microarray data demonstrated the absence of several genes flanking the toxin gene cluster among the
ha−
/
orfX
+ A1 strains, suggesting the presence of genomic rearrangements with respect to this region compared to the
C. botulinum
ATCC 3502 strain. All five strains were shown to have identical
flaA
variable region nucleotide sequences. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns of the strains were indistinguishable when digested with SmaI, and a shift in the size of at least one band was observed in a single strain when digested with XhoI. These results demonstrate surprising genomic homogeneity among a cluster of unique
C. botulinum
type A strains of diverse origin.
Ralstonia eutropha
H16 Flagellation Changes According to Nutrient Supply and State of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) Accumulation
Authors: Raberg Matthias , Reinecke Frank , Reichelt Rudolf , Malkus Ursula , König Simone , Pötter Markus , Fricke Wolfgang Florian , Pohlmann Anne , Voigt Birgit , Hecker Michael , Friedrich Bärbel , Bowien Botho , Steinbüchel Alexander 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE), in combination with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight analysis, and the recently revealed genome sequence of
Ralstonia eutropha
H16 were employed to detect and identify proteins that are differentially expressed during different phases of poly(3-hydroxybutyric acid) (PHB) metabolism. For this, a modified protein extraction protocol applicable to PHB-harboring cells was developed to enable 2D PAGE-based proteome analysis of such cells. Subsequently, samples from (i) the exponential growth phase, (ii) the stationary growth phase permissive for PHB biosynthesis, and (iii) a phase permissive for PHB mobilization were analyzed. Among several proteins exhibiting quantitative changes during the time course of a cultivation experiment, flagellin, which is the main protein of bacterial flagella, was identified. Initial investigations that report on changes of flagellation for
R. eutropha
were done, but 2D PAGE and electron microscopic examinations of cells revealed clear evidence that
R. eutropha
exhibited further significant changes in flagellation depending on the life cycle, nutritional supply, and, in particular, PHB metabolism. The results of our study suggest that
R. eutropha
is strongly flagellated in the exponential growth phase and loses a certain number of flagella in transition to the stationary phase. In the stationary phase under conditions permissive for PHB biosynthesis, flagellation of cells admittedly stagnated. However, under conditions permissive for intracellular PHB mobilization after a nitrogen source was added to cells that are carbon deprived but with full PHB accumulation, flagella are lost. This might be due to a degradation of flagella; at least, the cells stopped flagellin synthesis while normal degradation continued. In contrast, under nutrient limitation or the loss of phasins, cells retained their flagella.
Genetic Tools for Allelic Replacement in
Burkholderia
Species
Authors: Barrett Ashley R. , Kang Yun , Inamasu Ken S. , Son Mike S. , Vukovich Joseph M. , Hoang Tung T. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Allelic replacement in the
Burkholderia
genus has been problematic due to the lack of appropriate counter-selectable and selectable markers. The counter-selectable marker
sacB
, commonly used in gram-negative bacteria, is nonselective on sucrose in many
Burkholderia
species. In addition, the use of antibiotic resistance markers of clinical importance for the selection of desirable genetic traits is prohibited in the United States for two potential bioterrorism agents,
Burkholderia mallei
and
Burkholderia pseudomallei
. Here, we engineered a mutated counter-selectable marker based on the
B. pseudomallei
PheS (the α-subunit of phenylalanyl tRNA synthase) protein and tested its effectiveness in three different
Burkholderia
species. The mutant PheS protein effectively killed 100% of the bacteria in the presence of 0.1%
p
-chlorophenylalanine. We assembled the mutant
pheS
on several allelic replacement vectors, in addition to constructing selectable markers based on tellurite (Tel
r
) and trimethoprim (Tp
r
) resistance that are excisable by flanking unique FLP recombination target (FRT) sequences. As a proof of concept, we utilized one of these gene replacement vectors (pBAKA) and the Tel
r
-FRT cassette to produce a chromosomal mutation in the
Burkholderia thailandensis betBA
operon, which codes for betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase and choline dehydrogenase. Chromosomal resistance markers could be excised by the introduction of pFLP-AB5 (Tp
r
), which is one of two constructed
flp
-containing plasmids, pFLP-AB4 (Tel
r
) and pFLP-AB5 (Tp
r
). These
flp
-containing plasmids harbor the mutant
pheS
gene and allow self curing on media that contain
p
-chlorophenylalanine after Flp-FRT excision. The characterization of the Δ
betBA
::Tel
r
-FRT and Δ
betBA
::FRT mutants indicated a defect in growth with choline as a sole carbon source, while these mutants grew as well as the wild type with succinate and glucose as alternative carbon sources.
Therapeutic Supplementation of Caprylic Acid in Feed Reduces
Campylobacter jejuni
Colonization in Broiler Chicks
Authors: de los Santos F. Solis , Donoghue A. M. , Venkitanarayanan K. , Reyes-Herrera I. , Metcalf J. H. , Dirain M. L. , Aguiar V. F. , Blore P. J. , Donoghue D. J. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Poultry colonized with
Campylobacter
species are a significant source of human food-borne illness. The therapeutic use of the medium chain fatty acid caprylic acid consistently reduced enteric
C. jejuni
colonization in chicks by 3 to 4 logs in three separate trials. These results support caprylic acid's potential to reduce
Campylobacter
carriage in poultry.
Impact of Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine on Antibody Responses to Erythrocytic-StagePlasmodium falciparumAntigens in Infants in Mozambique
Authors: Quelhas Diana , Puyol Laura , Quintó Llorenç , Serra-Casas Elisa , Nhampossa Tacilta , Macete Eusebio , Aide Pedro , Mayor Alfredo , Mandomando Inacio , Sanz Sergi , Aponte John J. , Chauhan Virander S. , Chitnis Chetan E. , Alonso Pedro L. , Menéndez Clara , Dobaño Carlota 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTWe evaluated the impact of intermittent preventive treatment in infants (IPTi) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), which was given at ages 3, 4, and 9 months through the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), on the development of antibody responses toPlasmodium falciparumin Mozambique. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG subclass antibodies specific to whole asexual parasites and to recombinant MSP-119, AMA-1, and EBA-175 were measured at ages 5, 9, 12, and 24 months for 302 children by immunofluorescence antibody tests and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Antibody responses did not significantly differ between children receiving IPTi with SP and those receiving a placebo at any time point measured, with the exception of the responses of IgG and IgG1 to AMA-1 and/or MSP-119, which were significantly higher in the SP-treated group than in the placebo group at ages 5, 9, and/or 24 months. IPTi with SP given through the EPI reduces the frequency of malarial illness while allowing the development of naturally acquired antibody responses toP. falciparumantigens.
Elongation Factor 3, EF3, Associates with the Calcium Channel Cch1 and Targets Cch1 to the Plasma Membrane inCryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Liu Min , Gelli Angie 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTCa2+-mediated signaling events in eukaryotic cells are initiated by Ca2+channels located in the plasma membranes and endomembranes. Cch1, a high-affinity Ca2+channel in the plasma membranes ofCryptococcus neoformansand other fungi, plays a role in many different cellular processes, but the mechanisms that regulate Cch1 are not well understood. A Ras recruitment two-hybrid screen was used to identify protein partners of Cch1 as a means of identifying possible mechanisms of channel regulation. Here, we show that Cch1 specifically associates with a cytoplasmic protein known as elongation factor 3 (EF3). The robust interaction between the cytosolic C terminus of the Cch1 protein and EF3 shown here was confirmed by demonstrating that Cch1 could coimmunoprecipitate with EF3 in yeast lysates. To examine the effects of EF3 on Cch1 behavior, we altered theEF3gene function by constructing aC. neoformansantisenseEF3repression strain. Our results show that the repression ofEF3led to the mislocalization of Cch1, suggesting a role for EF3 in targeting Cch1 to the plasma membrane ofC. neoformans. Consistent with this notion, the antisenseEF3repression strain displayed a growth defect under conditions of limited extracellular Ca2+. Collectively, these results suggest that EF3 and Cch1 are functionally coupled and that EF3 has a function apart from its role in the protein translation cycle.
Expression and Function of Sex Pheromones and Receptors in the Homothallic AscomyceteGibberella zeae
Authors: Lee Jungkwan , Leslie John F. , Bowden Robert L. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTIn heterothallic ascomycete fungi, idiomorphic alleles at theMATlocus control two sex pheromone-receptor pairs that function in the recognition and chemoattraction of strains with opposite mating types. In the ascomyceteGibberella zeae, theMATlocus is rearranged such that both alleles are adjacent on the same chromosome. Strains ofG. zeaeare self-fertile but can outcross facultatively. Our objective was to determine if pheromones retain a role in sexual reproduction in this homothallic fungus. Putative pheromone precursor genes (ppg1andppg2) and their corresponding pheromone receptor genes (pre2andpre1) were identified in the genomic sequence ofG. zeaeby sequence similarity and microsynteny with other ascomycetes.ppg1, a homolog of theSaccharomycesα-factor pheromone precursor gene, was expressed in germinating conidia and mature ascospores. Expression ofppg2, a homolog of thea-factor pheromone precursor gene, was not detected in any cells.pre2was expressed in all cells, butpre1was expressed weakly and only in mature ascospores.ppg1orpre2deletion mutations reduced fertility in self-fertilization tests by approximately 50%. Δppg1reduced male fertility and Δpre2reduced female fertility in outcrossing tests. In contrast, Δppg2and Δpre1had no discernible effects on sexual function. Δppg1/Δppg2and Δpre1/Δpre2double mutants had the same phenotype as the Δppg1and Δpre2single mutants. Thus, one of the putative pheromone-receptor pairs (ppg1/pre2) enhances, but is not essential for, selfing and outcrossing inG. zeaewhereas no functional role was found for the other pair (ppg2/pre1).