bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Warmwater fish vaccinology in catfish production
Authors: Klesius Phillip H. , Evans Joyce J. , Shoemaker Craig A. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe ability of the fish industry to provide a continuous supply of fish protein depends on both proper biosecurity and strategies to significantly reduce the risk of infectious diseases. Vaccination is a safe and effective means to prevent disease and to increase the productivity and profitability of farmed fish. Vaccines are likely to be the prime prophylactic measure of the future because of rapidly developing advances in fish vaccine technology and producer acceptance. The efficacy of a vaccine is influenced by a variety of factors that must be considered in the development of vaccination strategies for fish. This review highlights some of these factors. The response to a modified live vaccine againstEdwardsiella ictaluriis used for illustration.
Recent trends in the molecular diagnosis of infectious bursal disease viruses
Authors: Jackwood Daral J. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractInfectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) causes an immunosuppressive disease in young chickens. Two serotypes of this double-stranded RNA virus exist but only serotype 1 viruses cause disease in chickens. Detection and strain identification of IBDV is important because antigenic subtypes found within serotype 1 make it necessary to tailor vaccination programs to the antigenic type found in the bird's environment. Because conventional virus isolation and characterization are not practical for routine diagnosis of IBDV, antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and molecular assays based on reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology were developed. Compared with antigen-capture ELISA, RT-PCR assays have greater versatility and are more sensitive and specific. Strain identification has been accomplished using a variety of post-RT-PCR assays, including restriction enzyme digestion of the RT-PCR products. The resulting restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) are used to differentiate viruses into molecular groups that correlate with antigenic and pathogenic types. Recently, two types of real-time RT-PCR have been used to identify and differentiate strains of IBDV. Both methods use distance-dependent interaction between two dye molecules, known as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The dye molecules are attached to one or more nucleotide probes that detect specific nucleotide sequences of the virus. Our laboratory has used a two-probe assay to identify single-nucleotide mutations among IBDV strains. A mutation probe is used in this assay to detect substitution mutations in a region of the viral genome that encodes a neutralizing epitope of the virus. These assays are accurate, reliable and inexpensive compared with conventional RT-PCR because they do not require RFLP or other labor-intensive post-RT-PCR assays to distinguish viral strains.
Diagnosis ofMycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Authors: Thacker Eileen L. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractMycoplasma hyopneumoniae, the cause of enzootic pneumonia, remains an important pathogen in the swine industry. This small, complex organism colonizes the ciliated cells of the respiratory tract, resulting in little exposure to the immune system. Confirming the presence ofM. hyopneumoniae, as well as identifying its role in respiratory disease and pneumonia, remains challenging to the veterinary profession. While culture of the organism remains the gold standard for identification, the use of serology, the polymerase chain reaction and various assays to detect the presence ofM. hyopneumoniaein tissue is common in diagnostic laboratories. Because of the roleM. hyopneumoniaeplays in increasing the severity of pneumonia associated with concurrent bacterial and viral infections, understanding the pathogenesis and diagnostic assays available is critical for developing effective intervention strategies to control respiratory disease on a herd basis.
The emergence ofClostridium difficileas a pathogen of food animals
Authors: Songer J. Glenn 
Published: July 2005

AbstractClostridium difficilecauses pseudomembranous colitis in humans, usually after disruption of the bowel flora by antibiotic therapy. Factors mediating the frank disease include the dose and toxigenicity of the colonizing strain, its ability to adhere to colonic epithelium, the concurrent presence of organisms that affect multiplication and toxin production or activity, and the susceptibility of the host. Toxins A (an enterotoxin) and B (a cytotoxin) play the major role in pathogenesis and the detection of toxins in gut contents is the gold standard for diagnosis. Disease in horses takes the form of often-fatal foal hemorrhagic enteritis. Nosocomial, antibiotic-associated, disease is increasingly common in adult horses. Enteric clinical signs are reported in ostriches, companion animals and recently calves.Clostridium difficilecolitis is now a common diagnosis in neonatal pigs in the USA and elsewhere. Clinical features include onset at 1–5 days of age, sometimes with dyspnea, mild abdominal distension and scrotal edema, and commonly with yellow, pasty diarrhea. There is mesocolonic edema grossly, with microscopic diffuse colitis, mucosal edema, crypt distension, epithelial necrosis and superficial mucosal erosion. Neutrophil infiltration of the lamina propria is common, and fibrin and numerous rod-shaped bacteria are observed on the surface. About two-thirds of litters and one-third of piglets will be affected (based upon positive toxin tests), although this appears to vary with the season. The case fatality rate is probably low if considering only direct effects ofC. difficileinfection. The significance of toxin-positive non-diarrheic pigs and the nature of the interaction of toxins A and B with enterocytes are unknown. Given the widespread occurrence of the disease, there is substantial effort to develop immunoprophylactic products.
Hepatitis E viruses in humans and animals
Authors: Goens S. Denise , Perdue Michael L. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractHepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging pathogen belonging to a newly recognized family of RNA viruses (Hepeviridae). HEV is an important enterically transmitted human pathogen with a worldwide distribution. It can cause sporadic cases as well as large epidemics of acute hepatitis. Epidemics are primarily waterborne in areas where water supplies are contaminated with HEV of human origin. There is increasing evidence, however, that many animal species are infected with an antigenically similar virus. A recently isolated swine virus is the best candidate for causing a zoonotic form of hepatitis E. The virus is serologically cross-reactive with human HEV and genetically very similar, and the human and swine strains seem to be cross-infective. Very recent evidence has also shown that swine HEV, and possibly a deer strain of HEV, can be transmitted to humans by consumption of contaminated meat. In this review, we discuss the prevalence, pathogenicity, diagnosis and control of human HEV, swine HEV, the related avian HEV and HEV in other hosts and potential reservoirs.
The use of nuclear ribosomal DNA markers for the identification of bursate nematodes (order Strongylida) and for the diagnosis of infections
Authors: Chilton Neil B. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractMany bursate nematodes are of major importance to animal health. Animals are often parasitized by multiple species that differ in their prevalence, relative abundance and/or pathogenicity. Implementation of effective management strategies for these parasites requires reliable methods for their detection in hosts, identification to the species level and measurement of intensity of infection. One major problem is the difficulty of accurately identifying and distinguishing many species of bursate nematode because of the remarkable morphological similarity of their eggs and larvae. The inability to identify, with confidence, individual nematodes (irrespective of their life-cycle stage) to the species level by morphological methods has often led to a search for species-specific genetic markers. Studies over the past 15 years have shown that sequences of the internal transcribed spacers of ribosomal DNA provide useful genetic markers, providing the basis for the development of PCR-based diagnostic tools. Such molecular methods represent powerful tools for studying the systematics, epidemiology and ecology of bursate nematodes and, importantly, for the specific diagnosis of infections in animals and humans, thus contributing to improved control and prevention strategies for these parasites.
Potential nutritional and physiological functions of betaine in livestock
Authors: Eklund M. , Bauer E. , Wamatu J. , Mosenthin R. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe present review summarises the potential nutritional and physiological functions of betaine as a feed additive in relation to performance criteria in livestock production. Betaine, the trimethyl derivative of the amino acid glycine, is a metabolite of plant and animal tissues. In plants, betaine is particularly synthesised and accumulated as an osmoprotectant against salt and temperature stress. In animals, betaine is the product of choline oxidation or it originates from nutritional sources. Over the past decades, numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the potential effects of betaine supplementation on animal performance. Due to its chemical structure, betaine shows the characteristics of a dipolar zwitterion resulting in osmoprotective properties. Promoting effects on the intestinal tract against osmotic stress occurring during diarrhoea or coccidiosis have been reported following betaine supplementation in pigs and poultry. There is also some evidence that dietary betaine may improve the digestibility of specific nutrients. As a product of choline oxidation, betaine is involved in transmethylation reactions of the organism. Betaine as a methyl donor provides its labile methyl groups for the synthesis of several metabolically active substances such as creatine and carnitine. Supplementation with betaine may decrease the requirement for other methyl donors such as methionine and choline. There is also some evidence for enhanced methionine availability after dietary supplementation of betaine resulting in improved animal performance. Alterations in the distribution pattern of protein and fat in the body have been reported following betaine supplementation. A more efficient use of dietary protein may result from a methionine-sparing effect of betaine, but also direct interactions of betaine with metabolism-regulating factors have to be considered. Though the mode of action of betaine as a carcass modifier remains open, there is, however, growing evidence that betaine could have a positive impact both on animal performance and carcass quality.
The phenolic compounds of olive oil: structure, biological activity and beneficial effects on human health
Authors: Tripoli Elisa , Giammanco Marco , Tabacchi Garden , Di Majo Danila , Giammanco Santo , La Guardia Maurizio 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, cereals, fruit, fish, milk, wine and olive oil and has salutary biological functions. Epidemiological studies have shown a lower incidence of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases and certain kinds of cancer in the Mediterranean area. Olive oil is the main source of fat, and the Mediterranean diet's healthy effects can in particular be attributed not only to the high relationship between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids in olive oil but also to the antioxidant property of its phenolic compounds. The main phenolic compounds, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, which give extra-virgin olive oil its bitter, pungent taste, have powerful antioxidant activity bothin vivoandin vitro. The present review focuses on recent works analysing the relationship between the structure of olive oil polyphenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity. These compounds' possible beneficial effects are due to their antioxidant activity, which is related to the development of atherosclerosis and cancer, and to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.
The impact of long-chainn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on human health
Authors: Ruxton C. H. S. , Calder P. C. , Reed S. C. , Simpson M. J. A. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractA considerable literature has been published on the health benefits of fish, oil-rich fish and fish oils and their constituent long-chain (LC)n-3 PUFA. Evidence from epidemiological studies highlights the cardioprotective attributes of diets rich in fish, especially oil-rich fish. Data from intervention trials are consistent in suggesting that LCn-3 PUFA lower the risk of CVD, probably by the multiple mechanisms of lowering serum triacylglycerols, improving the LDL:HDL ratio, anti-arrhythmic effects on heart muscle, improved plaque stability, anti-thrombotic effects and reduced endothelial activation. Research indicates LCn-3 PUFA provision has an impact during development, and there is preliminary evidence that docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during pregnancy could optimise brain and retina development in the infant. LCn-3 PUFA are also postulated to ameliorate behavioural and mental health disturbances such as depression, schizophrenia, dementia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, despite some positive evidence in each of these areas, use of LCn-3 PUFA in these conditions remains at the experimental stage. In the case of immune function, there is little doubt that LCn-3 PUFA have a positive effect. Although intervention trials in rheumatoid arthritis show strong evidence of benefit, evidence for efficacy in other inflammatory conditions, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and asthma, is inconsistent or inadequate. More promising evidence in some conditions may come from studies which attempt to modify the fetal environment using LCn-3 PUFA supplementation during pregnancy.
Glycaemic index methodology
Authors: Brouns F. , Bjorck I. , Frayn K. N. , Gibbs A. L. , Lang V. , Slama G. , Wolever T. M. S. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe glycaemic index (GI) concept was originally introduced to classify different sources of carbohydrate (CHO)-rich foods, usually having an energy content of >80 % from CHO, to their effect on post-meal glycaemia. It was assumed to apply to foods that primarily deliver available CHO, causing hyperglycaemia. Low-GI foods were classified as being digested and absorbed slowly and high-GI foods as being rapidly digested and absorbed, resulting in different glycaemic responses. Low-GI foods were found to induce benefits on certain risk factors for CVD and diabetes. Accordingly it has been proposed that GI classification of foods and drinks could be useful to help consumers make ‘healthy food choices’ within specific food groups. Classification of foods according to their impact on blood glucose responses requires a standardised way of measuring such responses. The present review discusses the most relevant methodological considerations and highlights specific recommendations regarding number of subjects, sex, subject status, inclusion and exclusion criteria, pre-test conditions, CHO test dose, blood sampling procedures, sampling times, test randomisation and calculation of glycaemic response area under the curve. All together, these technical recommendations will help to implement or reinforce measurement of GI in laboratories and help to ensure quality of results. Since there is current international interest in alternative ways of expressing glycaemic responses to foods, some of these methods are discussed.
Isoflavones and endothelial function
Authors: Hall Wendy L. , Rimbach Gerald , Williams Christine M. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractDietary isoflavones are thought to be cardioprotective due to their structural similarity to oestrogen. Oestrogen is believed to have beneficial effects on endothelial function and may be one of the mechanisms by which premenopausal women are protected against CVD. Decreased NO production and endothelial NO synthase activity, and increased endothelin-1 concentrations, impaired lipoprotein metabolism and increased circulating inflammatory factors result from oestrogen deficiency. Oestrogen acts by binding to oestrogen receptors α and β. Isoflavones have been shown to bind with greater affinity to the latter. Oestrogen replacement therapy is no longer thought to be a safe treatment for prevention of CVD; isoflavones are a possible alternative. Limited evidence from human intervention studies suggests that isoflavones may improve endothelial function, but the available data are not conclusive. Animal studies provide stronger support for a role of isoflavones in the vasculature, with increased vasodilation and endothelial NO synthase activity demonstrated. Cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of isoflavones on endothelial cell function are not yet clear. Possible oestrogen receptor-mediated pathways include modulation of gene transcription, and also non-genomic oestrogen receptor-mediated signalling pathways. Putative non-oestrogenic pathways include inhibition of reactive oxygen species production and up regulation of the protein kinase A pathway (increasing NO bioavailability). Further research is needed to unravel effects of isoflavones on intracellular regulation of the endothelial function. Moreover, there is an urgent need for adequately powered, robustly designed human intervention studies in order to clarify the present equivocal findings.
The role of functional foods in the psychobiology of health and disease
Authors: Hamer Mark , Owen Gail , Kloek Joris 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe effect of psychological stress on health is becoming a serious concern, with figures from the World Health Organization showing that stress-related disorders affect nearly 450 million individuals worldwide. Heightened physiological stress responses and psychosocial factors have been linked to disease pathways such as hypertension and CVD. This has prompted significant interest within the scientific community, public health bodies and industry to employ interventions to control and reduce the impact of stress on health. There is now strong potential for functional foods to offer stress management benefits. Various physiological pathways have been targeted by specific dietary supplements for stress reduction, including the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and sympathetic nervous system. Presently there are a number of ingredients, which include vitamin C, milk proteins, a number of herbal extracts (ginkgo biloba, ginseng, kava, valerian and lemon balm), andn-3 fatty acids, that have demonstrated potential stress reactivity-lowering and mood-enhancing effects, although further work is required to substantiate the efficacy in human subjects. Dietary supplements that can alleviate excessive stress responses may play an increasingly important role for the maintenance of health in a stressful environment. However, future research should employ a greater range of measures that will provide stronger evidence to substantiate functional food claims for stress relief.
Odour from animal production facilities: its relationship to diet
Authors: Le Phung D. , Aarnink André J. A. , Ogink Nico W. M. , Becker Petra M. , Verstegen Martin W. A. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThough bad odour has always been associated with animal production, it did not attract much research attention until in many countries the odour production and emission from intensified animal production caused serious nuisance and was implicated in the health problems of individuals living near animal farms. Odour from pig production facilities is generated by the microbial conversion of feed in the large intestine of pigs and by the microbial conversion of pig excreta under anaerobic conditions and in manure stores. Assuming that primary odour-causing compounds arise from an excess of degradable protein and a lack of specific fermentable carbohydrates during microbial fermentation, the main dietary components that can be altered to reduce odour are protein and fermentable carbohydrates. In the present paper we aim to give an up-to-date review of studies on the relationship between diet composition and odour production, with the emphasis on protein and fermentable carbohydrates. We hypothesise how odour might be changed and/or reduced by altering the diet of pigs. Research so far has mainly focused on the single effects of different levels of crude protein and fermentable carbohydrates on odour production. However, also important for odour formation are the sources of protein and fermentable carbohydrates. In addition, it is not only the amount and source of these compounds that is important, but also the balance between them. On the basis of our review of the literature, we hypothesise that odour nuisance from pig production facilities might be reduced significantly if there is an optimum balance between protein and fermentable carbohydrates in the diet of pigs.
Pathophysiological and clinical aspects of malnutrition in chronic renal failure
Authors: Caimi G. , Carollo C. , Lo Presti R. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractKidney diseases are the ninth leading cause of death in the USA. In these patients cardiovascular mortality is greater than in the general population. This observation, not completely explained by the so-called ‘traditional’ cardiovascular risk factors, lead the authors to postulate other ‘emerging’ ones found in chronic renal failure patients. Among these new findings, nutritional status, considered as the balance existing between nutrient requirements and intakes, plays an important role for the development of cardiovascular diseases. In fact several nutritional parameters are widely known as pathophysiological determinants of cardiovascular disturbances, which are based on accelerated atherosclerosis, due especially to enhanced oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Chronic renal failure is a clinical condition that from many points of view seems to be a chronic inflammatory state, and many studies confirm this observation. This influences nutritional status especially in dialysis patients. Malnutrition is related in turn to accelerated atherosclerosis thus leading to a postulated ‘malnutrition, inflammation, atherosclerosis’ (MIA) syndrome in which malnutrition, inflammation and atherosclerosis contribute to an elevated cardiovascular mortality rate. The present review explores this issue, first by describing epidemiological aspects of malnutrition in chronic renal failure patients and then by analysing the specific biochemical and metabolic features of these patients.
Orphan transcripts in Arabidopsis thaliana: identification of several hundred previously unrecognized genes
Authors: Riaño‐Pachón Diego Mauricio , Dreyer Ingo , Mueller‐Roeber Bernd 
Published: July 2005

SummaryExpressed sequence tags (ESTs) represent a huge resource for the discovery of previously unknown genetic information and functional genome assignment. In this study we screened a collection of 178 292 ESTs from Arabidopsis thaliana by testing them against previously annotated genes of the Arabidopsis genome. We identified several hundreds of new transcripts that match the Arabidopsis genome at so far unassigned loci. The transcriptional activity of these loci was independently confirmed by comparison with the Salk Whole Genome Array Data. To a large extent, the newly identified transcriptionally active genomic regions do not encode ‘classic’ proteins, but instead generate non‐coding RNAs and/or small peptide‐coding RNAs of presently unknown biological function. More than 560 transcripts identified in this study are not represented by the Affymetrix GeneChip arrays currently widely used for expression profiling in A. thaliana. Our data strongly support the hypothesis that numerous previously unknown genes exist in the Arabidopsis genome.