Cutaneous Bacteria of Confiscated Telmatobius culeus in Lima, Peru.

The Lake Titicaca frog is endangered due to threats such as water pollution, introduced species, and overharversting for markets, where people consume them as frog juice. This study, conducted June to November 2012, aimed to determinate the bacteria microflora living on the skin of frogs confiscated from the La Parada market, Lima, Peru, and housed individually in the Laboratory of Wildlife at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnic of the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. Samples collected with sterile swabs and cultured on blood, tryptic soy, and MacConkey agars were investigated using commercially available test kits, to investigate the commonly encountered bacterial and potentially zoonotic microorganisms associated with their consumption.

OPHTHALMIC EXAMINATION FINDINGS AND INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS IN SIX SPECIES OF ANURA.

A complete ophthalmic exam, including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, is key to diagnosing ocular diseases such as uveitis and glaucoma in frogs. We performed complete ophthalmic anterior segment examinations and IOP rebound tonometry measurements using two different settings (other "p" and canine "d") for six anuran species. The objectives were to describe common ocular abnormalities found in these species, to compare IOP values between different tonometer settings, and to compare IOPs between species.

Chytrid Fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis , in Wild Populations of the Lake Titicaca Frog, Telmatobius culeus, in Peru.

The Lake Titicaca frog (Telmatobius culeus) is critically endangered, primarily from overexploitation. However, additional threats, such as chytrid fungus ( Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ), are poorly studied. We found moderate levels of chytrid infection using quantitative PCR.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Confiscated Telmatobius in Lima, Peru.

The Peruvian Andes are the home of 27 species of frogs of the genus Telmatobius, many of which are critically endangered. Illegal trade of adult frogs for purported medical properties likely represents the major threat facing these species. This activity, besides reducing their populations, may contribute to the dissemination of the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes chytridiomycosis, a disease posing a threat to many populations of amphibians.

Models for financial sustainability of biological databases and resources.

Following the technological advances that have enabled genome-wide analysis in most model organisms over the last decade, there has been unprecedented growth in genomic and post-genomic science with concomitant generation of an exponentially increasing volume of data and material resources. As a result, numerous repositories have been created to store and archive data, organisms and material, which are of substantial value to the whole community. Sustained access, facilitating re-use of these resources, is essential, not only for validation, but for re-analysis, testing of new hypotheses and developing new technologies/platforms.

Alternative splicing modulates Ubx protein function in Drosophila melanogaster.

The Drosophila Hox gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) produces a family of protein isoforms through alternative splicing. Isoforms differ from one another by the presence of optional segments-encoded by individual exons-that modify the distance between the homeodomain and a cofactor-interaction module termed the "YPWM" motif. To investigate the functional implications of Ubx alternative splicing, here we analyze the in vivo effects of the individual Ubx isoforms on the activation of a natural Ubx molecular target, the decapentaplegic (dpp) gene, within the embryonic mesoderm.

Post-publication sharing of data and tools.

Despite existing guidelines on access to data and bioresources, good practice is not widespread. A meeting of mouse researchers in Rome proposes ways to promote a culture of sharing.

Characterization of human embryonic stem cell lines by the International Stem Cell Initiative.

The International Stem Cell Initiative characterized 59 human embryonic stem cell lines from 17 laboratories worldwide. Despite diverse genotypes and different techniques used for derivation and maintenance, all lines exhibited similar expression patterns for several markers of human embryonic stem cells. They expressed the glycolipid antigens SSEA3 and SSEA4, the keratan sulfate antigens TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81, GCTM2 and GCT343, and the protein antigens CD9, Thy1 (also known as CD90), tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase and class 1 HLA, as well as the strongly developmentally regulated genes NANOG, POU5F1 (formerly known as OCT4), TDGF1, DNMT3B, GABRB3 and GDF3.

Sharing genomes: an integrated approach to funding, managing and distributing genomic clone resources.

National biological resource centres have a vital role in archiving and distributing biological reagents that result from large-scale genome programmes. These reagents are invaluable to the research community as they enable independent validation of results disclosed in peer review and provide tools that facilitate the next steps in discovery science. Here we address the crucial issues of open access, quality of materials, integration with public databases and sustainability of resources.

Miniaturized sealed-tube allele-specific PCR.

DNA diagnostics has been progressively moving from expensive, low-throughput, multi-step methods towards inexpensive, robust, and high-throughput methods. Here we describe the further validation and refinement of a recently described novel genotyping method that has the latter characteristics. An evolved form of allele-specific PCR, the method generates a fluorescent signal through the use of universal labeled primers, which can be quantified directly from microplates using standard plate readers.