Metabolism and evaporative heat loss in the dik-dik antelope (Rhynchotragus kirki)

1. Under controlled conditions, the rate of oxygen consumption (VO2) respiratory frequency, evaporative water loss, heat balance, rectal (Trec) and surface temperatures were determined in the dik-dik antelopes at ambient temperatures (Ta) ranging from 1 to 44 degrees C. 2. The thermal neutral zone was found to be between 24 and 35 degrees C. 3. Respiratory frequency ranged between 27 and 630 breaths/min. 4. At a Ta of 44 degrees C, 95% of the heat produced by the dik-dik was lost via respiratory evaporation. Despite an increase in Trec, cutaneous evaporation did not increase. 5. During panting, VO2 increased in accordance with the expected Q10 effect, contrary to earlier findings. 6. Measurements of circadian rhythm [LD 12:12 (7-19) CT26 degrees C] in VO2 showed that the minimum VO2 (0.42 ml O2/g/hr) occurred at midnight while the maximum (0.78 ml O2/g/hr) occurred at midday. The 24 hr mean VO2 was 0.61 ml O2/g/hr. 7. These measurements suggest that in nature, determinants other than light may be responsible for triggering the variations observed in VO2.     

茄科作物青枯菌NADH脱氢酶F亚基在细胞运动和致病性中的功能研究

[目的]劳尔氏菌（Ralstonia solanacearum）在茄科作物上引起严重的细菌性青枯病,本研究旨在发掘青枯劳尔氏菌与致病相关的基因。[方法]利用Tn5转座子构建随机插入突变体,分析生物膜形成、细胞运动和致病性;对有表型变化的突变体,运用TAIL-PCR方法鉴定Tn5插入位点,确定所突变的基因。[结果]以模式菌株GMI000为出发菌,总共获得了400个突变体,其中2个突变体不能形成生物膜,在软琼脂平板上的运动能力下降;接种感病番茄植物,这2个突变体都不能引起萎焉症状。TAIL-PCR结果显示,2个突变体的Tn5插入位点都在NADH脱氢酶F亚基（nuoF）中,距离翻译起始位点分别为103-bp和225-bp。ripAY基因启动子推动的nuoF基因互补载体,完全恢复了2个突变体的表型。[结论]NADH脱氢酶复合物是微生物呼吸电子传递链中的第一步催化酶。我们的结果表明,NADH脱氢酶复合物对R.solanacearum生物膜形成、细胞运动和致病性也有重要作用。     

So Close Yet So Different: Cultural Differences Among Farmers in Central Kenya Affect Their Knowledge of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) Landrace Identification

Economic Botany - So Close Yet So Different: Cultural Differences among Farmers in Central Kenya Affect Their Knowledge of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) Landrace Identification. Whether...     

2-Arylbenzoxazoles as novel cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors: optimization via array synthesis

2-Arylbenzoxazole 5 was identified as a hit from a fluorescence-based high-throughput screen for CETP inhibitors. The synthesis and SAR investigation employing array synthesis of the A- and B-rings are described.     

Enhanced thermal destruction of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus by the lactoperoxidase system

The lactoperoxidase system (LPS) enhanced thermal destruction of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. After LPS activation, biphasic survival curves were observed for L. monocytogenes at 57.8 degrees C and for S. aureus at 55.2 degrees C. The data were consistent with a model that assumed two bacterial populations differing in heat sensitivity. The more heat-sensitive fractions (93% of the L. monocytogenes, 92% of the S. aureus) were killed almost instantly. For these biphasic survival curves, D values were based on the much smaller, less-heat-sensitive fractions. For L. monocytogenes, the D52.2 degrees C values were 30.2 min (untreated milk) and 10.7 min (LPS activated); corresponding D55.2 degrees C values were 8.2 and 1.6 min; corresponding D57.8 degrees C values were 2.3 and 0.5 min. For S. aureus, the D52.2 degrees C values were 33.3 min (untreated milk) and 2.2 min (LPS activated), and the corresponding D55.2 degrees C values were 7.6 and 1.1 min, respectively. The most rapid killing of L. monocytogenes occurred when samples were heated soon after activation of the LPS. Activation of the LPS followed by heating can increase the margin of safety with respect to milkborne pathogens.     

A Cost Effectiveness and Capacity Analysis for the Introduction of Universal Rotavirus Vaccination in Kenya: Comparison between Rotarix and RotaTeq Vaccines

Background

Diarrhoea is an important cause of death in the developing world, and rotavirus is the single most important cause of diarrhoea associated mortality. Two vaccines (Rotarix and RotaTeq) are available to prevent rotavirus disease. This analysis was undertaken to aid the decision in Kenya as to which vaccine to choose when introducing rotavirus vaccination.

Methods

Cost-effectiveness modelling, using national and sentinel surveillance data, and an impact assessment on the cold chain.

Results

The median estimated incidence of rotavirus disease in Kenya was 3015 outpatient visits, 279 hospitalisations and 65 deaths per 100,000 children under five years of age per year. Cumulated over the first five years of life vaccination was predicted to prevent 34% of the outpatient visits, 31% of the hospitalizations and 42% of the deaths. The estimated prevented costs accumulated over five years totalled US$1,782,761 (direct and indirect costs) with an associated 48,585 DALYs. From a societal perspective Rotarix had a cost-effectiveness ratio of US$142 per DALY (US$5 for the full course of two doses) and RotaTeq US$288 per DALY ($10.5 for the full course of three doses). RotaTeq will have a bigger impact on the cold chain compared to Rotarix.

Conclusion

Vaccination against rotavirus disease is cost-effective for Kenya irrespective of the vaccine. Of the two vaccines Rotarix was the preferred choice due to a better cost-effectiveness ratio, the presence of a vaccine vial monitor, the requirement of fewer doses and less storage space, and proven thermo-stability.     

Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Lato from Farm Animals in Egypt

Little is known on the diversity and public health significance of Echinococcus species in livestock in Egypt. In this study, 37 individual hydatid cysts were collected from dromedary camels (n=28), sheep (n=7) and buffalos (n=2). DNA was extracted from protoscoleces/germinal layer of individual cysts and amplified by PCR targeting nuclear (actin II) and mitochondrial (COX1 and NAD1) genes. Direct sequencing of amplicons indicated the presence of Echinococcus canadenesis (G6 genotype) in 26 of 28 camel cysts, 3 of 7 sheep cysts and the 2 buffalo derived cysts. In contrast, Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1 genotype) was detected in one cyst from a camel and 4 of 7 cysts from sheep, whereas Echinococcus ortleppi (G5 genotype) was detected in one cyst from a camel. This is the first identification of E. ortleppi in Egypt.