bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an in vitro, isolated, infected spore testing model for disinfectant testing of Microsporum canis isolates
Authors: MORIELLO KAREN A. , DEBOER DOUGLAS J. , VOLK LYNN M. , SPARKES ANDREW , ROBINSON ANN 
Published: June 2004

Abstract  The isolated infected hair model is a commonly used technique to test the fungicidal efficacy of topical therapies against Microsporum canis. The most commonly used model uses mats of infective hairs, and results from various laboratories have differed. The objectives of this study were to develop a method to produce spores for testing when only mycelial forms were available and to develop a semiquantitative testing method that used only infective spores from hairs, and not pooled hair samples for testing. Ten isolates of M. canis were used in this study. Juvenile guinea pigs were easily infected using mycelial forms of M. canis and large numbers of spores were easily harvested for testing. Eight dilutions of disinfectants were tested. Fungal culture data were evaluated using an endpoint dilution at which there was 100% fungicidal activity, i.e. no growth on the plates. The 10 samples showed identical results. Chlorhexidine and Virkon® S were ineffective even when used at ×4 the manufacturer's recommended dilution. Lime sulphur (1 : 33), enilconazole (20 µL mL−1), and bleach (1 : 10) were consistently effective when used at the recommended dilution. In addition, lime sulphur and enilconazole were 100% fungicidal even when the recommended concentration was diluted 1 : 4 or ×4 as dilute as recommended.
Diversity of geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) along an Afrotropical elevational rainforest transect
Authors: Axmacher Jan C. , Holtmann Gabriele , Scheuermann Luis , Brehm Gunnar , Müller‐Hohenstein Klaus , Fiedler Konrad 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACTGeometrid moths were investigated at 26 sites on 9 elevational levels along an elevational transect at Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), stretching from the fine‐grained mosaic of small agroforest plots with combined cultivation of trees, shrubs and crops at 1650 m through mountain rainforest to heathland at 3300 m. We sampled moths manually at light between 19 : 00 and 22 : 00 in the rainy seasons of March to May and October to January in the years 2000, 2001 and 2002.Along the transect, the composition of moth communities changed from a domination by Sterrhinae and Ennominae to a dominance of Larentiinae with increasing elevation. Overall, alpha diversity was very low compared to other tropical mountain regions. Fisher's alpha showed a maximum of 30 in the agroforest mosaic at 1650 m and decreased to values around 12 in the mountain rainforest. Communities of geometrid moths within the forest belt were significantly dissimilar from communities outside the forest. The diversity patterns on Mt. Kilimanjaro can be related to the young age, island‐like position and history of the mountain. These factors have led to the formation of a homogeneous upper mountain rainforest habitat which in turn houses homogeneous moth communities with a low diversity compared to habitats at lower elevations. Here, a heterogeneous habitat mosaic allowing the intrusion of savannah species into this former forest habitat may account for an increased diversity. In the heath zone above the forest, climatic conditions are very harsh, permitting only few specialists to thrive in this ericaceous woodland. Edge effects were discernible at the forest–heathland boundary where some moth species from heathland invaded the closed forest. At the boundary between agroforest and a forest mosaic of exotic Acacia and Eucalyptus forest plantations and natural mountain forest, diversity values remained low as the dominant species Chiasmia fuscataria accounted for far higher proportions than other dominant species in any of the other habitats.
Quantitative trait, genetic, environmental, and geographical distances among populations of the C4 grass Trachypogon plumosus in Neotropical savannas
Authors: Baruch Zdravko , Nassar Jafet M. , Bubis José 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACTVenezuelan savannas are exposed to land‐use changes and biological invasions which compromise their persistence and function. The native C4 grass Trachypogon plumosus is the most important component of the savannas under diverse combinations of climate and soils, suggesting substantial interpopulation variation. We examined quantitative traits and isozyme variation of nine populations of this grass and related these estimates to geographical and environmental features of sampled locations. Isozyme diversity estimates were based on 10 polymorphic enzyme systems whereas 21 quantitative traits, from field and controlled growth conditions, were evaluated. Distance matrices for quantitative traits, isozyme, geographical and environmental data were subjected to clustering analysis. Correspondence between quantitative trait distance and genetic distance, and their association to geographical and environmental distances were analysed with Mantel tests. All quantitative traits differed significantly among populations. The average QST calculated for eight quantitative traits measured in the greenhouse was 0.157. Isozyme diversity differed significantly among populations. About 28% of total isozyme variation occurred among populations. Significant positive associations were detected between environmental, quantitative field traits, and geographical distance as well as between the later and genetic distances. Genetic distances did not correspond significantly with quantitative traits nor did environmental distances. Ecologically meaningful associations were detected between field quantitative traits, environmental, and geographical data using cluster analysis. Our results support the hypothesis that processes of the neutral type are mainly responsible for the variation patterns observed in T. plumosus populations in Venezuelan savannas. Variation observed for quantitative traits among populations seems to be due to the effect of environmental conditions on phenotypically plastic traits, and not the result of directional selection favouring different phenotypes in different populations.
Reconstruction of the colonization route from glacial refugium to the northern distribution range of the European butterfly Polyommatus coridon (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
Authors: Schmitt Thomas , Krauss Jochen 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACTGenetic analyses are useful tools for reconstructing glacial distribution patterns and postglacial expansion corridors. However, little information is available about the latter. We reconstruct the expansion corridors of the butterfly Polyommatus coridon from its glacial refugium to the northern edge of its current distribution by comparing populations from southern Lower Saxony (central Germany) to other existing genetic data sets. The populations from Lower Saxony clearly belonged to a western lineage that expanded postglacially from the Adriatic‐Mediterranean region. They form part of a southern German group passing through the Burgundian Gap. In the southern German group, populations belong to a western subgroup. Therefore, expansion followed the Rhine valley and through Hesse, finally reaching southern Lower Saxony and western Thuringia in central Germany. Thus, we present a complete colonization route from the glacial refugium to the northern distribution range of P. coridon. Such data are useful for understanding the biogeographic structure and migration corridors for other mobile Mediterranean species.
Elucidation of the Structure of the Core Region and the Complete Structure of the R‐Type Lipopolysaccharide of Erwinia carotovora FERM P‐7576
Authors: Fukuoka Satoshi , Knirel Yuriy A. , Lindner Buko , Moll Hermann , Seydel Ulrich , Zähringer Ulrich 
Published: June 2004

An R‐type lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Erwinia carotovora strain FERM P‐7576 was studied after strong alkaline degradation and mild acid hydrolysis. The resulting products were analyzed by fast‐atom bombardment mass spectrometry, one‐ and two‐dimensional 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, dephosphorylation and methylation analysis. The following structure was proposed for the core region of the LPS:
image

where Hep is l‐glycero‐d‐manno‐heptose and Kdo is 3‐deoxy‐d‐manno‐octulosonic acid. Some LPS species lack the β‐d‐Galp residue or the β‐d‐Galp‐(1→7)‐α‐Hepp disaccharide.With the known structures of lipid A [Fukuoka, S., Kamishima, H., Nagawa, Y., Nakanishi, H., Ishikawa, K., Niwa, Y., Tamiya, E. & Karube, I. (1992) Arch. Microbiol. 157, 311–318] and the core moiety, the complete LPS structure was established and confirmed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry of the native and O‐deacylated LPS.
Mutagenesis and Ligand Modification Studies on Galanin Binding to its GTP‐Binding‐Protein‐Coupled Receptor GalR1
Authors: Berthold Malin , Kahl Ulrika , Juréus Anders , Kask Kalev , Nordvall Gunnar , Langel Ülo , Bartfai Tamas 
Published: June 2004

In this study, a large number of receptor mutants were generated and several N‐terminally modified galanin analogues synthesized to refine the previously proposed binding site model for galanin to its GTP‐binding‐protein‐coupled receptor GalR1. In addition to ligand‐binding studies, the functionality of mutant receptors was evaluated by assessing their ability to mediate galaninergic inhibition of isoproterenol‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. The His264Ala and Phe282Ala receptor mutants, although deficient in binding in the concentration range of galanin used, remain functional albeit 20‐fold less efficient than the wild‐type receptor in mediating inhibition of stimulated cAMP production by galanin. The His267Ala mutant is, apart from being deficient in galanin binding, also severely impaired in functional coupling. While His264 and Phe282 seem to be important in forming the binding pocket for galanin, His267 might play a role in forming or stabilizing the active conformation of the GalRl receptor rather than directly participating in the formation of the binding pocket for galanin.N‐terminal carboxylic acid analogues of galanin have low affinity to wild‐type GalR1, but substantially increased affinity to the Glu271Lys receptor mutant. This, together with the finding that an alanine substitution of Phe115 in TM III results in a tenfold decrease in affinity for galanin, suggests that the N‐terminus of galanin interacts with PhellS. In contrast to the Phe282Ala mutation in TM VII, a conservative mutation of Phe282 to tyrosine did not alter the affinity for galanin. Thus, the interaction between Tyr9 of galanin and Phe282 is likely to be of an aromatic‐aromatic nature.
The Cell Wall Polymer of the Extremely Halophilic Archaeon Natronococcus occultus
Authors: Niemetz Ruth , Kärcher Uwe , Kandler Otto , Tindall Brian J. , König Helmut 
Published: June 2004

The cell wall polymer of Natronococcus occultus (DSM 3396) consists of L‐glutamate, N ‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine, N ‐acetyl‐d‐galactosamine, d‐galacturonic acid, d‐glucuronic acid and d‐glucose in a molar ratio of 5:7:1:8:0.5:0.3.Partial acid hydrolysis of the cell wall polymer produced soluble fragments that could be separated by HPLC. A γ‐glutamyl dipeptide was isolated. In the intact cell wall polymer, the glutamate residues form a poly‐(γ‐glutamine) chain with a length of about 60 monomers, which corresponds to a relative molecular mass of approximately 7700 Da. Two other soluble dimeric fragments, composed of glutamate and either glucosamine or galactosamine in a molar ratio of 1:1, were purified from the hydrolysate, suggesting the presence of two different oligosaccharides linked to the poly‐(γ‐glutamine) chain of the intact polymer. The analysis of additional fragments, which were composed of an amino sugar and galacturonic acid or glucose indicated that one oligosaccharide consisted of a glucosamine pentamer in an α‐1,3 linkage at the reducing end and an oligomer with at least five β‐1,4‐linked galacturonic acid residues at the non‐reducing end. The second oligosaccharide was comprised of a galactosamine dimer in a β‐1,3 linkage at the reducing end and a maltose unit at the non‐reducing end. Both oligosaccharides were linked to the α‐amide group of the glutamine residues of the poly‐(γ‐glutamine) chain. The whole cell wall polymer, which represents a novel type of natural glycoconjugate, has a relative molecular mass of 54kDa.
Structural Analysis of the O‐antigenic Polysaccharide from Vibrio cholerae O10
Authors: Kjellberg Alexandra , Weintraub Andrej , Albert M. John , Widmalm Göran 
Published: June 2004

The structure of the O‐antigenic polysaccharide part of the lipopolysaccharide isolated from Vibrio cholerae O10 has been determined. The main method used has been 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. Sugar and methylation analyses were also applied to the polysaccharide. The tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the polysaccharide was found to have the following structure:
image
Analysis of the Complex Formed by Erythrina variegata Chymotrypsin Inhibitor with Chymotrypsin and Properties of the Peptides Prepared from the Inhibitor by a Limited Proteolysis
Authors: Kimura Makoto , Harada Nao , Iwanaga Shiroh , Yamasaki Nobuyuki 
Published: June 2004

The stoichiometry of Erythrina variegata chymotrypsin inhibitor (ECI) and chymotrypsin interaction was previously estimated to be 1:2 by a titration of inhibitory activity. In the present study, gel‐permeation chromatography and reverse‐phase HPLC (RP‐HPLC) were employed to analyze the complex formed by the inhibitor and enzyme. The results showed that ECI and chymotrypsin molecules undergo aggregation in the complex‐forming buffer simultaneously with a binary complex consisting of one ECI and one chymotrypsin molecules in a soluble form.A mild lysylendopeptidase digestion of ECI produced two peptides in high yield, which were separated by RP‐HPLC and characterized in terms of their structures and inhibitory activities. The N‐terminal peptide, ECI‐(1–107)‐peptide, containing the primary reactive site retained a slight inhibitory activity, while the C‐terminal peptide, ECI‐(108–179)‐peptide, exhibited no inhibitory activity. The inhibitory potency of the ECI‐(1–107)‐peptide was enhanced by the presence of the ECI‐(108–179)‐peptide in reconstituted mixture. Recovery of the native‐like structure of the reconstituted complex was further indicated by fluorescence spectra, which showed strong conformational interaction between the two peptides; their dissociation constant Kd was calculated to be 209 nM. Taken together with the previous result obtained by chymotryptic digestion, it is suggested that the primary binding loop in ECI interacts with chymotrypsin not only by a standard mechanism but also by a non‐substrate‐like manner. Alternatively, ECI might have an additional binding segment in the N‐terminal region which interacts with chymotrypsin by a non‐substrate‐like manner. Further, it is shown that the C‐terminal region may support the native conformation of the binding loop(s) in the N‐terminal region as an intramolecular chaperone.
Electron Transfer Towards the RCI‐Type Photosystem in the Green Sulphur Bacterium Chlorobium limicola Forma Thiosulphatophilum Studied by Time‐Resolved Optical Spectroscopy In Vivo
Authors: Albouy Delphine , Joliot Pierre , Robert Bruno , Nitschke Wolfgang 
Published: June 2004

Flash‐induced spectral changes in the wavelength region of the α‐peaks of heme proteins and in the time domain from microseconds to seconds have been recorded on whole cells of the green sulphur bacterium Chlorobium limicola forma thiosulfatophilum.Extensive flash‐excitation by trains of flashes resulted in oxidation of 7–8 c‐type heme molecules/photosynthetic reaction centre. The complement of heme species was found to be spectrally heterogeneous allowing the study of electron transfer events induced by an isolated single‐turnover flash. Under single‐flash conditions, a c553 heme was seen to become oxidised with τ= 30 μs, concommitant with the reduction of the primary donor of the reaction centre. Subsequently, the α‐peak of the photooxidised heme broadened and shifted towards longer wavelengths (τ= 70 μs) indicating equilibration of the positive charge over two differing heme species. In the time domain t > 1 ms, rereduction of c‐type hemes was seen to be paralleled by a blue shift and further broadening of the α‐peak. Concommitantly, b‐type hemes were observed to first become reduced (within a few milliseconds), then over‐oxidised (t > 200ms) and eventually rereduced to their redox state prior to the flash.The results obtained are discussed with respect to the question of the identity of the immediate electron donor to the photosynthetic reaction centre and with respect to the involvement of a cytochrome be complex in photo‐induced electron transport of green sulphur bacteria.
Sertoli Cell Tumour in a Cat
Authors: Benazzi C. , Sarli G. , Brunetti B. 
Published: June 2004

SummaryA Sertoli cell tumour occurred in a cryptorchid testis of a 1‐year‐old cat with no signs of feminization. The tumour showed intratubular growth without interstitial infiltration and the neoplastic cells appeared polymorphous and vacuolated. Mitotic figures were rare. The diagnosis was based on histopathological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical features of the tumour cells.
Factors Affecting Somatic Cell Count in Cow Bulk Tank Milk – A Case Study from Poland
Authors: Skrzypek R. , Wójtowski J. , Fahr R.‐D. 
Published: June 2004

SummaryThe aim of this paper was a retrospective analysis of factors affecting the somatic cell count (SCC) in cow bulk tank milk. The investigations concerned the year 2000 and were conducted on 212 family dairy farms in the Wielkopolska region (Western Poland). The average herd size was 13.3 cows (ranging from 5 to 48), whereas the mean SCC was 269 000 in 1 cm3 of milk (ranging from 63 000 to 631 000). In the period from July to September a higher SCC (P ≤ 0.01) was found than in the other months. In herds of more than 15 cows, higher SCC values (P ≤ 0.05) were observed than in the smaller herds. The following management and technological factors significantly decreased SCC: a 7–8‐week dry period (versus shorter period), foremilking with the use of a forestripper, practicing manual udder massage before milking, individual rationing of feeds according to production, and the application of MgO and β‐carotene additives to the feed ration.
Pregnancy Rate Following Post‐insemination Intrauterine Treatment of Endometritis in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Shams‐Esfandabadi N. , Shirazi A. , Ghasemzadeh‐nava H. 
Published: June 2004

SummaryOf 1500 examined Holstein cows in milk, there were 315 cows with mucopurulent discharges at the time of insemination (21%). Twenty‐four hours after insemination, the infected animals randomly received no treatment (group I, control,n = 93), intrauterine infusion of 1 g oxytetracycline (group II,n = 63) and intrauterine infusion of 5 million IU procain penicillin G sodium (group III,n = 159). First service conception rate following treatment was 48.3, 49.2 and 47.7% in groups I, II and III, respectively. In conclusion, treatment with either antibiotic had no advantage relative to the control on first service conception rate.
Progression of a solitary, malignant cutaneous plasma‐cell tumour to multiple myeloma in a cat
Authors: Radhakrishnan A. , Risbon R. E. , Patel R. T. , Ruiz B. , Clifford C. A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAn 11‐year‐old male domestic shorthair cat was examined because of a soft‐tissue mass on the left tarsus previously diagnosed as a malignant extramedullary plasmacytoma. Findings of further diagnostic tests carried out to evaluate the patient for multiple myeloma were negative. Five months later, the cat developed clinical evidence of multiple myeloma based on positive Bence Jones proteinuria, monoclonal gammopathy and circulating atypical plasma cells. This case represents an unusual presentation for this disease and documents progression of an extramedullary plasmacytoma to multiple myeloma in the cat.
Antibiotic Resistance Conferred by a Class I Integron and SXT Constin in
Vibrio cholerae
O1 Strains Isolated in Laos
Authors: Iwanaga Masaaki , Toma Claudia , Miyazato Tomoko , Insisiengmay Sithat , Nakasone Noboru , Ehara Masahiko 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACT

Changes in the drug susceptibility pattern were observed in
Vibrio cholerae
O1 isolated in the Lao People's Democratic Republic during 1993 to 2000. In this study, 50
V. cholerae
O1 strains were selected during this period for studying the presence of class I integron and SXT constin. Twenty-four streptomycin-resistant strains out of 26 isolated before 1997 contained a class I integron harboring the
aadA1
gene cassette. Twenty-four strains isolated after 1997 contained an SXT constin (a large conjugative element). Twenty of the strains were resistant to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, streptomycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, while four strains were susceptible to the antibiotic tested. The resistance genes included in the SXT constins were
floR
,
tetA
,
strAB
, and
sulII
, which encode resistance to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, streptomycin, and sulfamethoxazole, respectively. The antibiotic resistance gene cluster was found to be deleted in the four susceptible strains. SXT
LAOS
did not contain
dfrA1
or
dfr18
, which confer resistance to trimethoprim in SXT
ET
and SXT
MO10
, respectively. A hot spot region of SXT
LAOS
was sequenced, and we identified two novel open reading frames showing homology to
sO24
(exonuclease) and
sO23
(helicase) of the genomic island associated with the multidrug resistance region of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium DT104. Analysis of SXT
LAOS
showed that there is a continuous flux of genes among
V. cholerae
SXT constins which should be carefully monitored.
Inhibition of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
AhpD, an Element of the Peroxiredoxin Defense against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Koshkin Aleksey , Zhou Xiao-ti , Kraus Carl N. , Brenner Jason M. , Bandyopadhyay Pradipta , Kuntz Irwin D. , Barry Clifton E. , Ortiz de Montellano Paul R. 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACT

The resistance of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to isoniazid (INH) is largely linked to suppression of a catalase-peroxidase enzyme (KatG) that activates INH. In the absence of KatG, antioxidant protection is provided by enhanced expression of the peroxiredoxin AhpC, which is itself reduced by AhpD, a protein with low alkylhydroperoxidase activity of its own. Inhibition of AhpD might therefore impair the antioxidant protection afforded by AhpC and make KatG-negative strains more sensitive to oxidative stress. We report here that the 3(
E
),17-dioxime of testosterone is a potent competitive AhpD inhibitor, with a
K

i

of 50 ± 2 nM. The inhibitor is stereospecific, in that the 3(
E
) but not 3(
Z
) isomer is active. Computational studies provide support for a proposed AhpD substrate binding site. However, the inhibitor does not completely suppress the in vitro activity of AhpC/AhpD, because a low titer of AhpD suffices to maintain AhpC activity. This finding, and the low solubility of the inhibitor, explains its inability to suppress the growth of INH-resistant
M. tuberculosis
in infected mouse lungs.