bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triterpene synthases from the Okinawan mangrove tribe, Rhizophoraceae
Authors: Basyuni Mohammad , Oku Hirosuke , Tsujimoto Etsuko , Kinjo Kazuhiko , Baba Shigeyuki , Takara Kensaku
Published: September 2007

Oleanane‐type triterpene is one of the most widespread triterpenes found in plants, together with the lupane type, and these two types often occur together in the same plant. Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk. and Rhizophora stylosa Griff. (Rhizophoraceae) are known to produce both types of triterpenes. Four oxidosqualene cyclase cDNAs were cloned from the leaves of B. gymnorrhiza and R. stylosa by a homology‐based PCR method. The ORFs of full‐length clones termed BgbAS (2280 bp, coding for 759 amino acids), BgLUS (2286 bp, coding for 761 amino acids), RsM1 (2280 bp, coding for 759 amino acids) and RsM2 (2316 bp coding for 771 amino acids) were ligated into yeast expression plasmid pYES2 under the control of the GAL1 promoter. Expression of BgbAS and BgLUS in GIL77 resulted in the production of β‐amyrin and lupeol, suggesting that these genes encode β‐amyrin and lupeol synthase (LUS), respectively. Furthermore, RsM1 produced germanicol, β‐amyrin, and lupeol in the ratio of 63 : 33 : 4, whereas RsM2 produced taraxerol, β‐amyrin, and lupeol in the proportions 70 : 17 : 13. This result indicates that these are multifunctional triterpene synthases. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparisons revealed that BgbAS and RsM1 demonstrated high similarities (78–93%) to β‐amyrin synthases, and were located in the same branch as β‐amyrin synthase. BgLUS formed a new branch for lupeol synthase that was closely related to the β‐amyrin synthase cluster, whereas RsM2 was found in the first branch of the multifunctional triterpene synthase evolved from lupeol to β‐amyrin synthase. Based on these sequence comparisons and product profiles, we discuss the molecular evolution of triterpene synthases and the involvement of these genes in the formation of terpenoids in mangrove leaves.
BRCA1 accumulates in the nucleus in response to hypoxia and TRAIL and enhances TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Fitzgerald Latricia D. , Bailey Charvann K. , Brandt Stephen J. , Thompson Marilyn E.
Published: September 2007

A major contributing factor to the development of breast cancer is decreased functional expression of breast cancer susceptibility gene 1, BRCA1. Another key contributor to tumorigenesis is hypoxia. Here we show that hypoxia increased the nuclear localization of BRCA1 in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐468 human breast cancer cell lines without changing its steady‐state expression level. Nuclear accumulation of BRCA1 was not evident in MCF‐12A or HMEC (human mammary epithelial cell) nonmalignant mammary epithelial cells under the same conditions. Hypoxia also increased the cell surface expression of TRAIL on MDA‐MB‐468 cells. Neutralization of TRAIL precluded the hypoxia‐induced accumulation of BRCA1 in the nucleus, whereas exogenously administered TRAIL mimicked the effect. Treatment of MDA‐MB‐468 cells with TRAIL resulted in a dose‐ and time‐dependent increase in apoptosis. Furthermore, TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in HCC1937 cells, which harbor a BRCA1 mutation, increased synergistically when wild‐type BRCA1 was reconstituted in the cells, and downregulation of BRCA1 expression in MDA‐MB‐468 cells reduced the apoptotic response to TRAIL. These data provide a novel link between hypoxia, TRAIL and BRCA1, and suggest that this relationship may be especially relevant to the potential use of TRAIL as a chemotherapeutic agent.
Myocyte enhancer factor 2B is involved in the inducible expression of NOX1/NADPH oxidase, a vascular superoxide‐producing enzyme
Authors: Katsuyama Masato , Ozgur Cevik Muhammer , Arakawa Noriaki , Kakehi Tomoko , Nishinaka Toru , Iwata Kazumi , Ibi Masakazu , Matsuno Kuniharu , Yabe‐Nishimura Chihiro
Published: September 2007

NADPH oxidase is a major source of the superoxide produced in cardiovascular tissues. Expression of NOX1, a catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase, is induced by various vasoactive factors, including angiotensin II, prostaglandin (PG) F2α and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF). To clarify the molecular basis of this transcriptional activation, we delineated the promoter region of the NOX1 gene. RT‐PCR and 5′‐rapid amplification of cDNA ends‐based analyses revealed a novel 5′‐terminal exon of the rat NOX1 gene located approximately 28 kb upstream of the exon containing the start codon. Both PGF2α and PDGF enhanced the transcriptional activity of the − 3.6 kb 5′‐flanking region of the NOX1 gene in A7r5 cells, a rat vascular smooth muscle cell line. A PGF2α‐response element was located between −146 and −125 in the 5′‐flanking region containing a consensus binding site for myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), to which binding of MEF2 was augmented by PGF2α. Gene silencing of MEF2B by RNA interference significantly suppressed the expression of NOX1, while silencing of activating transcription factor (ATF)‐1, previously implicated in up‐regulation of NOX1, abolished the PGF2α‐ or PDGF‐induced expression of MEF2B. These results indicate that superoxide production in vascular smooth muscle cells is regulated by the ATF‐1–MEF2B cascade by induction of the expression of the NOX1 gene.
Effects of Marjoram Volatile Oil and Grape Seed Extract on Ethanol Toxicity in Male Rats
Authors: El‐Ashmawy Ibrahim M. , Saleh Amal , Salama Osama M.
Published: September 2007

Abstract: Natural dietary antioxidants are extensively studied for their ability to protect cells from miscellaneous damages. Marjoram volatile oil (Origanum majoranaL., Lamiaceae) and grape seed extract (Vitis viniferaL., Vitaceae) are potent antioxidants. Effects of administration of marjoram volatile oil or grape seed extract on oral administration of ethanol, simultaneously, daily for 10 weeks were studied through determining epididymal spermatozoal analysis, serum testosterone level, weight and histopathological examination of testis, liver and brain. Glutathione level and lipid peroxidation content as malondialdehyde in the testis, liver and brain were measured. The repeated intake of a great amount of ethanol (10 ml/kg body weight, 25% v/v) was followed by fertility disturbances with low sperm count, impaired sperm motility and decrease in serum testosterone level. Moreover, ethanol toxicity induced significant alterations in the histological structures of the testis, liver and brain. The results revealed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and decrease in the level of glutathione in the testis, liver and brain in the ethanol‐treated group. However, co‐administration of the extracts of protective plants resulted in minimizing the hazard effects of ethanol toxicity on male fertility, liver and brain tissues. It may be concluded that marjoram volatile oil and grape seed extract are useful herbal remedies, especially for controlling oxidative damages.
Pharmacological Modulation of Gap Junction Function with the Novel Compound Rotigaptide: A Promising New Principle for Prevention of Arrhythmias
Authors: Kjølbye Anne Louise , Haugan Ketil , Hennan James K. , Petersen Jørgen S.
Published: September 2007

Abstract:   Existing anti‐arrhythmic therapy is hampered by lack of efficacy and unacceptable side effects. Thus, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation remains the strongest predictor of in‐hospital mortality in patients with myocardial infarction. In atrial fibrillation, rhythm control with conventional ion channel blockers provide no therapeutic benefit relative to rate control. Several lines of research indicate that impaired gap junctional cell‐to‐cell coupling between neighbouring cardiomyocytes is critical for the development of cardiac re‐entry arrhythmias. Rotigaptide is the first drug that has been developed to prevent arrhythmias by re‐establishing gap junctional intercellular communication. During conditions with acute cardiac ischaemia, rotigaptide effectively prevents induction of both ventricular and atrial tachyarrhythmia. Moreover, rotigaptide effectively prevents ischaemia reperfusion arrhythmias. At the cellular level, rotigaptide inhibits ischaemia‐induced dephosphorylation of Ser297 and Ser368, which is considered important for the gating of connexin43 gap junction channels. No drug‐related toxicity has been demonstrated at plasma concentrations 77,000 times above therapeutic concentrations. In rats and dogs, rotigaptide reduces infarct size following myocardial infarction. A series of phase I trials has been completed in which rotigaptide has been administered intravenously to ~200 healthy persons. No drug‐related side effects have been demonstrated in healthy human beings. Clinical safety, tolerability and efficacy in patients with heart disease are being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials. Rotigaptide represents a pioneering pharmacological principle with a highly favourable preclinical and clinical safety profile, which makes this molecule a promising drug candidate for the prevention of cardiac arrhythmias.
THE INFLUENCE OF RELATIONAL DEMOGRAPHY ON PANEL INTERVIEW RATINGS: A FIELD EXPERIMENT
Authors: BUCKLEY M. RONALD , JACKSON KATHERINE A. , BOLINO MARK C. , VERES JOHN G. , FEILD HUBERT S.
Published: September 2007

The influence of relational demography (assessor race, candidate race, and the racial composition of rating panels) was examined in a structured interview setting. Twenty assessors (10 White and 10 Black) comprising five, 4‐person panels of all possible racial compositions, evaluated videotaped responses of police officers participating in a promotion process. Each panel rated the same 73 (36 White and 37 Black) candidates' responses to a complex, structured interview question. An examination of mean overall ratings revealed a same race bias and a significant difference between panels based upon the relational demography of the interview panel; nevertheless, the size of these effects was small. Net reconciliation (i.e., between initial and final scores) differed significantly between minority and majority panel conditions for only Black assessors and, again, the effects here were very small. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.
THE IMPACT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTRACT BREACH ON WORK‐RELATED OUTCOMES: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: ZHAO HAO , WAYNE SANDY J. , GLIBKOWSKI BRIAN C. , BRAVO JESUS
Published: September 2007

A meta‐analysis was conducted to examine the influence of psychological contract breach on 8 work‐related outcomes. Breach was related to all outcomes except actual turnover. Based on affective events theory, we developed a causal model integrating breach, affect (violation and mistrust), attitude (job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intentions), and individual effectiveness (actual turnover, organizational citizenship behavior, and in‐role performance). Structural equation modeling was used to test the model. The results indicated that affect mediates the effect of breach on attitude and individual effectiveness. Two moderators were also examined including the type of breach measure (global vs. composite) and the content of the psychological contract breach (transactional vs. relational). Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
RECONSIDERING THE USE OF PERSONALITY TESTS IN PERSONNEL SELECTION CONTEXTS
Authors: MORGESON FREDERICK P. , CAMPION MICHAEL A. , DIPBOYE ROBERT L. , HOLLENBECK JOHN R. , MURPHY KEVIN , SCHMITT NEAL
Published: September 2007

Although long thought to be unrelated to job performance, research in the early 1990s provided evidence that personality can predict job performance. Accompanying this research was a resurgence of interest in the use of personality tests in high‐stakes selection environments. Yet there are numerous potential problems associated with the current operational use of personality. As such, 5 former journal editors from Personnel Psychology and the Journal of Applied Psychology (2 primary outlets for such research), who have collectively reviewed over 7,000 manuscripts and who have no vested interest in personality testing, reconsider the research on the use of personality tests in environments where important selection decisions are made. Their comments are based on a panel discussion held at the 2004 SIOP conference. Collectively, they come to several conclusions. First, faking on self‐report personality tests cannot be avoided and perhaps is not the issue; the issue is the very low validity of personality tests for predicting job performance. Second, as such, using published self‐report personality tests in selection contexts should be reconsidered. Third, personality constructs may have value for employee selection, but future research should focus on finding alternatives to self‐report personality measures.
Efficient production of transgenic Alstroemeria plants by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Kim J.B. , Raemakers C.J.J.M. , Jacobsen E. , Visser R.G.F.
Published: September 2007

A highly efficient and reproducible protocol was developed to obtain transgenic Alstroemeria plants by combining Agrobacterium tumefaciens with friable embryogenic callus (FEC). To develop this transformation method, factors such as infection time, cocultivation period, effect of acetosyringone (AS), different dilution concentrations of the bacterium and temperature during cocultivation were evaluated. A protocol was developed in which transient GUS expression activity was observed ranging from 25% to 55% out of the cocultivated FEC cultures, when FEC cultures were infected for 30 min with 50 μM AS, 1:10 dilution of bacteria, and then cocultivated at 24°C in the dark for 7 days with Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 (pTOK233) that carried gus, nptII and hpt genes. Seven independent experiments produced a total of 1300 transformed somatic embryos with shoots from 3.5 g of FEC. Of these germinated embryos, 50% developed into plants in vitro. Thus, on average, 500 mg of FEC infected with A. tumefaciens produced approximately 80–100 transgenic plants within 6–8 months via a selection process with 2.5–20 mg L−1 hygromycin. Additionally, transformation was also performed with Agrobacterium strain AGL1 (containing the uidA and ppt genes), and this showed that luciferase‐based selection was less detrimental to the transgenic lines than was herbicide‐based selection. The transformation efficiency was 18.6% for the luciferase‐based selection and 7.6% for the PPT‐based selection, although with luciferase‐based selection, more false positives were obtained (about a quarter of the lines were escapes). The nptII and uidA genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction analysis in nine of the 19 tested lines. The results indicate that the system developed here can be used as an alternative to particle bombardment of Alstroemeria.
Morphogenesis of Pistillate Flowers of Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Cercidiphyllaceae)
Authors: Yan Xiao‐Ling , Ren Yi , Tian Xian‐Hua , Zhang Xiao‐Hui
Published: September 2007

Floral morphogenesis and the development of Cercidiphyllum japonicum Sieb. et Zucc. were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the pistillate inflorescences were congested spikes with the flowers arranged opposite. Great differences between the so‐called “bract” and the vegetative leaf were observed both in morphogenesis and morphology. In morphogenesis, the “bract” primordium is crescent‐shaped, truncated at the apex and not conduplicate, has no stipule primordium at the base but does have some inconspicuous teeth in the margin that are not glandular. The leaf primordium is triangular, cycloidal at the apex, conduplicate, has two stipule primordia at the base, has one gland‐tooth at the apex occurring at first and some gland‐teeth in the margin that occur later. In morphology, the “bract” is also different to the vegetative leaf in some characteristics that were also illustrated in the present paper. Based on the hypothesis that the bract is more similar to the vegetative leaf than the tepal, we considered that the so‐called “bract” of C. japonicum might be the tepal of the pistillate flower in morphological nature. Therefore, each pistillate flower contains a tepal and a carpel. We did not find any trace of other floral organs in the morphogenesis of the pistillate flower. Therefore we considered that the unicarpellate status of extant Cercidiphyllum might be to highly reduce and advance characteristics that make the extant Cercidiphyllum isolated from both fossil Cercidiphyllum‐like plants and its extant affinities.
Direct effects of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor ramiprilat on adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes
Authors: Helmig S. , Schuckenböhmer P. , Heger J. , Euler G. , Piper H. M. , Schlüter K.‐D.
Published: September 2007

Aim:  Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like ramiprilat bind to ACE expressed on the cell surface of endothelial cells and induce cell‐specific signalling including the activation of activator protein (AP)‐1. The present study addressed the question whether ramiprilat exerts a similar effect on adult ventricular cardiomyocytes, i.e. activates the AP‐1 or modifies contractile performance. It was further aimed to decide whether such effects depend on bradykinin receptors or whether they are directly mediated via ACE.

Methods:  Adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated and cultured. mRNA expression of ACE was investigated by RT‐PCR, AP‐1 activation by gel mobility shift assays, and cardiac contractile performance by electrical pacing of isolated cells and analysis of cell shortening via a line‐camera.

Results:  Cardiomyocytes stably express ACE. Ramiprilat increased maximal contraction velocity and shortened the time‐to‐peak of contraction. In contrast to effects evoked by bradykinin, such effects caused by ramiprilat were not attenuated by HOE 140, a bradykinin‐receptor antagonist. These effects were also not attenuated in the presence of l‐nitro‐arginine, used to mimic bradykinin‐dependent signalling. In cardiomyocytes, bradykinin but not ramiprilat activated AP‐1. Ramiprilat activates AP‐1 in endothelial cells that are known to respond to ramiprilat in this way.

Conclusion:  Ramiprilat exerts direct, bradykinin‐receptor independent effects on cardiomyocytes that improve cellular function without a corresponding effect on AP‐1 activation or induction of AP‐1 dependent effects. This newly described effect of ramiprilat may contribute to the protective effects seen by application of ACE inhibitors.
Physicochemical and Bitterness Properties of Enzymatic Pea Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Humiski L.M. , Aluko R.E.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT:  The effects of different proteolytic treatments on the physiochemical and bitterness properties of pea protein hydrolysates were investigated. A commercial pea protein isolate was digested using each of 5 different proteases to produce protein hydrolysates with varying properties. After 4 h of enzyme digestion, samples were clarified by centrifugation followed by desalting of the supernatant with a 1000 Da membrane; the retentates were then freeze‐dried. Alcalase and Flavourzyme™ produced protein hydrolysates with significantly higher (P < 0.05) degree of hydrolysis when compared to the other proteases. Flavourzyme, papain, and alcalase produced hydrolysates that contained the highest levels of aromatic amino acids, while trypsin hydrolysate had the highest levels of lysine and arginine. Papain hydrolysate contained high molecular weight peptides (10 to 178 kDa) while hydrolysates from the other 4 proteases contained predominantly low molecular weight peptides (≤ 23 kDa). DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity of the Flavourzyme hydrolysate was significantly (P < 0.05) the highest while alcalase and trypsin hydrolysates were the lowest. Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for papain hydrolysate while Flavourzyme hydrolysate had the least inhibitory activity. Sensory analysis showed that the alcalase hydrolysate was the most bitter while papain and α‐chymotrypsin hydrolysates were the least. Among the 5 enzymes used in this study, papain and α‐chymotrypsin appear to be the most desirable for producing high quality pea protein hydrolysates because of the low bitterness scores combined with a high level of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition and moderate free radical scavenging activity.
American Ginseng Berry Juice Intake Reduces Blood Glucose and Body Weight in ob/ob Mice
Authors: Xie J.T. , Wang C.Z. , Ni M. , Wu J.A. , Mehendale S.R. , Aung H.H. , Foo A. , Yuan C.S.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT:  Diabetes is a serious chronic metabolic disease and has a significant impact on patients' lives and the health care system. We previously observed that the organic solvent extract of American ginseng berry possessed significant antidiabetic effects in obese diabetic ob/ob mice after intraperitoneal injection. If American ginseng berry is useful as a dietary supplement, simple preparation and oral intake would be a convenient, safe, and practical means for consumers. In this study, the simply prepared berry juice was first analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography, and then administered orally in the ob/ob mice. The animals received daily berry juice 0.6 mL/kg or vehicle for 10 consecutive days. The results indicated that oral juice administration significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels, and this effect continued for at least 10 d after cessation of the treatment. Data from intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test demonstrated that there was a notable improvement in glucose tolerance in the juice treated group. In addition, the berry juice significantly reduced body weight. Our data suggest that ginseng berry juice, as a dietary supplement, may have functional efficacy in consumers with diabetes.
Investigating Quality Attributes and Consumer Acceptance of Uncured, No‐Nitrate/Nitrite‐Added Commercial Hams, Bacons, and Frankfurters
Authors: Sindelar J.J. , Cordray J.C. , Olson D.G. , Sebranek J.G. , Love J.A.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT:  Increasing demands for natural, organic, and/or preservative‐free foods have resulted in the consumer availability of uncured, no‐nitrate/nitrite‐added processed meat and poultry products. A comprehensive understanding about the quality and sensory attributes of commercially available uncured products is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine if quality and sensory differences exist between uncured and cured meat products. Five different commercial brands (Brands A to E; 4 uncured, no‐nitrate/nitrite‐added, and 1 nitrite‐added) of 3 product types (hams, frankfurters, and bacons) were obtained from retail supermarkets. The samples were evaluated for color, pigment content, pH, lipid oxidation, residual nitrate and nitrite content, and consumer acceptance. All brands from all product types evaluated, except for 1 bacon (Brand B), had cured color, aroma, and flavor attributes similar to the nitrite‐added control (Brand E). All product types and brands contained residual nitrate and residual nitrite except for Brands B and D bacons (< 1 ppm nitrite). Lipid oxidation as measured by 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substances revealed a large variation in the occurrence of lipid oxidation both between and within product types, with frankfurters reporting the highest levels. Color measurements indicated the majority of the brands within each product type were similar to the control. Consumer sensory ratings for surface/lean color, aroma, flavor, texture, and overall acceptance determined that variation existed. Brand E (nitrite‐added control) and 1 uncured, no‐nitrate/nitrite‐added brand for each product type were not different (P > 0.05) for overall acceptance and received higher scores (P < 0.05) than all other brands within each product type.
Mechanism of Inhibition of Rice Bran Lipase by Polyphenols: A Case Study with Chlorogenic Acid and Caffeic Acid
Authors: Raghavendra M.P. , Kumar Parigi Ramesh , Prakash V.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT:  Rice bran is a byproduct obtained from the rice milling industry, and to arrest lipolysis caused by lipolytic enzyme, rice bran lipase (RBL) was inactivated by inhibitors such as polyphenols. This study describes the inhibition and interaction of enzyme with chlorogenic acid (CGA) and caffeic acid (CA). The inhibition of the enzyme was competitive in nature in both CGA and CA. The inhibition constant Ki of the reaction was found to be 1.8 and 1.5 μM for CGA and CA, respectively. Fluorescence emission measurements indicated a decrease in the fluorescence emission intensity and a red shift in the emission maximum as these ligands concentrations are increased, indicating the minor changes in the tryptophan environment and the effect of binding that is stronger in the case of CA compared to CGA with RBL. Far UV‐circular dichroic data suggest that there are no significant changes in the conformation of the enzyme as a result of binding of CGA or CA. The instability of the enzyme in the presence of these polyphenols has been indicated by decrease in apparent thermal transition temperatures of the enzyme from a control value of 60 °C as revealed by thermal denaturation measurements. These results demonstrate that both CGA and CA are inhibitors of RBL and bind to the enzyme through both hydrogen and hydrophobic interaction in bringing about inhibition with minor structural alterations. These inactivation phenomena of polyphenols that act as inhibitors on RBL can be utilized to prevent oxidation of the rice bran oil.
Particle Size Reduction Effectively Enhances the Intestinal Health‐Promotion Ability of an Orange Insoluble Fiber in Hamsters
Authors: Wu S.‐C. , Chien P.‐J. , Lee M.‐H. , Chau C.‐F.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT:  The effects of particle size changes by micronization on the intestinal health‐promotion ability of orange insoluble fiber fraction (IFF) were investigated in a hamster model by feeding 3 diets, which contained unmicronized IFF (control), jet‐milled IFF, and high‐pressure micronized IFF as the sole fiber source in diet. The results showed that the micronization treatments significantly altered the physicochemical properties of insoluble fiber. The consumption of the micronized fibers (6.26 to 11.4 μm) at a level of 50 g/kg diet, especially those prepared by high‐pressure micronization, resulted in significant (P < 0.05) improvements in cecal and fecal parameters such as reduced cecal ammonia concentration (−37.1%), increased fecal moisture (164%), and decreased activities of β‐D‐glucuronidase (−68.3%) and mucinase (−28.5%) in feces. Both the particle size and treatment were important factors affecting the composition and physiological functions of fibers, and the consumption of micronized fiber might exert favorable effects on improving the intestinal health of hamsters. This study might give some hints for the potential applications of micron technology in food industry and provide opportunities to develop new formulations of fiber‐rich functional foods.
In Hydrolyzed Cow's Milk Helicobacter pylori Becomes Nonculturable and the Growth of Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli Is Inhibited
Authors: Orozco A. , Ogura T. , Hirosawa T. , Garduño R. , Kubo I.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT:  The colony forming unit (CFU) of H. pylori is reduced rapidly in lipase hydrolyzed cow's milk and a similar reduction was found in a physiological saline solution when it was supplemented with soluble C4 to C10 fatty acids of milk fat composition. Slight CFU decreases were observed for E. coli and S. typhi in hydrolyzed milk buffered to pH 3, while the counts in milk and physiological saline solution at pH 3 stayed almost unchanged for 24 h. E. coli proliferated in glucose‐peptone medium, better at pH 4.7 than at pH 3. On the other hand, supplementation of the medium with soluble fatty acids of milk composition completely inhibited growth for 32 h. Supplementation of the medium with fatty acids reduced the growth of S. typhi to approximately 1/20 at pH 4.7. Therefore, milk hydrolyzed by gastric lipase may damage H. pylori, producing a nonculturable state. With E. coli and S. typhi, hydrolyzed milk does not induce inactivation to a nonculturable state but inhibits their proliferation potently. The latter is considered to be a state prior to VBNC (viable but nonculturable). However, the antibiotic effect will disappear when the fatty acids are absorbed by the intestine.
Computed Tomography for Quantitative Determination of Sodium Chloride in Ground Pork and Dry‐Cured Hams
Authors: Håseth T.T. , Egelandsdal B. , Bjerke F. , Sørheim O.
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT:  Seventy‐five ground meat and fat samples of pork with varying composition of sodium chloride (0% to 16%), fat (1% to 82%), protein (1% to 46%), and water (13% to 76%) were scanned by X‐ray computed tomography (CT) at 110 kV. The dependency of CT value on chemical composition and the linear relationships between sodium chloride (NaCl) and CT value were modeled. When all ground samples were used for modeling and no information of chemical composition was included in the model, the prediction error for NaCl was 2.8%. Adding information on fat or protein content to the model reduced the error to 1.6%. A minimal prediction error of 0.2% for NaCl was found when the variation in chemical composition was strongly reduced. In addition, 22 samples of dry‐cured ham lean and fat tissues at different processing stages were CT scanned; their chemical compositions were 0% to 14% NaCl, 1% to 85% fat, 5% to 33% protein, and 7% to 76% water. The NaCl content in dry‐cured ham samples was modeled with prediction errors of 0.6% to 2.1%, depending on which chemical component was included in the models. In general, predictions were improved if either the range of concentrations was reduced or information of chemical composition was included in the models. Important sources of error in the models were the reproduction error for ground samples, and for ham samples the analytical errors in determining the chemical composition.
Ostracism: The Kiss of Social Death
Authors: Williams Kipling D.
Published: September 2007

To be ostracized is to be ignored and excluded. How does ostracism affect individuals? Considerable research has now shown that the initial (reflexive) reactions to even the most minimal forms of ostracism are painful and distressing. Fundamental needs of belonging, self‐esteem, control, and meaningful existence are thwarted; sadness and anger increase. These effects emerge despite individual differences or situational factors that should lead logically to easy dismissal. With time to appraise the ostracism episode, individuals become differentially sensitized based on (i) the specific needs that are thwarted, (ii) their own individual differences, and (iii) their assessment of who ostracizes and why. These differences lead to need‐restorative behaviors that range from being overly socially attentive and susceptible to influence to being aggressive and antisocial.
Pulmonary manifestations of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Vahid Bobbak , Machare‐Delgado Enrique , Marik Paul E
Published: September 2007

Introduction:  Peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) represent approximately 10% of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. Pulmonary involvement is an uncommon manifestation of this heterogeneous group of malignancies.

Methods:  Report of a case.

Results:  This case report describes a 75‐year‐old man with fever, weight loss, anemia, enlargement of spleen and liver, atypical lymphocytes and pulmonary nodules. Lung biopsy showed lymphocytic infiltration of the lung parenchyma. T‐cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction confirmed the diagnosis of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma. Unfortunately, the patient died because of refractory and aggressive disease.

Conclusion:  Pulmonary and pleural involvement are seen in patients with PTCL and usually carry a poor prognosis. The subject of pulmonary involvement in peripheral T‐cell lymphoma is discussed.

Please cite this paper as: Vahid B, Machare‐Delgado E and Marik PB. Pulmonary manifestations of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma: case report and review of the literature. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2007; 1:114–117.
Imaging of Arsenic Cottrell Atmospheres Around Silicon Defects by Three-Dimensional Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Thompson Keith , Flaitz Philip L. , Ronsheim Paul , Larson David J. , Kelly Thomas F.
Published: September 2007

Discrete control of individual dopant or impurity atoms is critical to the electrical characteristics and fabrication of silicon nanodevices. The unavoidable introduction of defects into silicon during the implantation process may prevent the uniform distribution of dopant atoms. Cottrell atmospheres are one such nonuniformity and occur when interstitial atoms interact with dislocations, pinning the dislocation and trapping the interstitial. Atom probe tomography has been used to quantify the location and elemental identity of the atoms proximate to defects in silicon. We found that Cottrell atmospheres of arsenic atoms form around defects after ion implantation and annealing. Furthermore, these atmospheres persist in surrounding dislocation loops even after considerable thermal treatment. If not properly accommodated, these atmospheres create dopant fluctuations that ultimately limit the scalability of silicon devices.
Humans Have Evolved Specialized Skills of Social Cognition: The Cultural Intelligence Hypothesis
Authors: Herrmann Esther , Call Josep , Hernàndez-Lloreda María Victoria , Hare Brian , Tomasello Michael
Published: September 2007

Humans have many cognitive skills not possessed by their nearest primate relatives. The cultural intelligence hypothesis argues that this is mainly due to a species-specific set of social-cognitive skills, emerging early in ontogeny, for participating and exchanging knowledge in cultural groups. We tested this hypothesis by giving a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests to large numbers of two of humans' closest primate relatives, chimpanzees and orangutans, as well as to 2.5-year-old human children before literacy and schooling. Supporting the cultural intelligence hypothesis and contradicting the hypothesis that humans simply have more “general intelligence,” we found that the children and chimpanzees had very similar cognitive skills for dealing with the physical world but that the children had more sophisticated cognitive skills than either of the ape species for dealing with the social world.
A Metagenomic Survey of Microbes in Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder
Authors: Cox-Foster Diana L. , Conlan Sean , Holmes Edward C. , Palacios Gustavo , Evans Jay D. , Moran Nancy A. , Quan Phenix-Lan , Briese Thomas , Hornig Mady , Geiser David M. , Martinson Vince , vanEngelsdorp Dennis , Kalkstein Abby L. , Drysdale Andrew , Hui Jeffrey , Zhai Junhui , Cui Liwang , Hutchison Stephen K. , Simons Jan Fredrik , Egholm Michael , Pettis Jeffery S. , Lipkin W. Ian
Published: September 2007

In colony collapse disorder (CCD), honey bee colonies inexplicably lose their workers. CCD has resulted in a loss of 50 to 90% of colonies in beekeeping operations across the United States. The observation that irradiated combs from affected colonies can be repopulated with naive bees suggests that infection may contribute to CCD. We used an unbiased metagenomic approach to survey microflora in CCD hives, normal hives, and imported royal jelly. Candidate pathogens were screened for significance of association with CCD by the examination of samples collected from several sites over a period of 3 years. One organism, Israeli acute paralysis virus of bees, was strongly correlated with CCD.
Physiological Ecology of
Stenoxybacter acetivorans
, an Obligate Microaerophile in Termite Guts
Authors: Wertz John T. , Breznak John A.
Published: September 2007

Stenoxybacter acetivorans
is a newly described, obligately microaerophilic β-proteobacterium that is abundant in the acetate-rich hindgut of
Reticulitermes
. Here we tested the hypotheses that cells are located in the hypoxic, peripheral region of
Reticulitermes flavipes
hindguts and use acetate to fuel their O
2
-consuming respiratory activity in situ. Physical fractionation of
R. flavipes
guts, followed by limited-cycle PCR with
S. acetivorans
-specific 16S rRNA gene primers, indicated that cells of this organism were indeed located primarily among the microbiota colonizing the hindgut wall. Likewise, reverse transcriptase PCR of hindgut RNA revealed
S. acetivorans
-specific transcripts for acetate-activating enzymes that were also found in cell extracts (acetate kinase and phosphotransacetylase), as well as transcripts of
ccoN
, which encodes the O
2
-reducing subunit of high-affinity
cbb
3
-type cytochrome oxidases. However,
S. acetivorans
strains did not possess typical enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle (isocitrate lyase and malate synthase A), suggesting that they may use an alternate pathway to replenish tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates or they obtain such compounds (or their precursors) in situ. Respirometric measurements indicated that much of the O
2
consumption by
R. flavipes
worker larvae was attributable to their guts, and the potential contribution of
S. acetivorans
to O
2
consumption by extracted guts was about 0.2%, a value similar to that obtained for other hindgut bacteria examined. Similar measurements obtained with guts of larvae prefed diets to disrupt major members of the hindgut microbiota implied that most of the O
2
consumption observed with extracted guts was attributable to protozoans, a group of microbes long thought to be “strict anaerobes.”
Genetically Closely Related but Phenotypically Divergent
Trichoderma
Species Cause Green Mold Disease in Oyster Mushroom Farms Worldwide
Authors: Komoń-Zelazowska Monika , Bissett John , Zafari Doustmorad , Hatvani Lóránt , Manczinger László , Woo Sheri , Lorito Matteo , Kredics László , Kubicek Christian P. , Druzhinina Irina S.
Published: September 2007

The worldwide commercial production of the oyster mushroom
Pleurotus ostreatus
is currently threatened by massive attacks of green mold disease. Using an integrated approach to species recognition comprising analyses of morphological and physiological characters and application of the genealogical concordance of multiple phylogenetic markers (internal transcribed spacer 1 [ITS1] and ITS2 sequences; partial sequences of
tef1
and
chi18-5
), we determined that the causal agents of this disease were two genetically closely related, but phenotypically strongly different, species of
Trichoderma
, which have been recently described as
Trichoderma pleurotum
and
Trichoderma pleuroticola.
They belong to the Harzianum clade of
Hypocrea/Trichoderma
which also includes
Trichoderma aggressivum
, the causative agent of green mold disease of
Agaricus
. Both species have been found on cultivated
Pleurotus
and its substratum in Europe, Iran, and South Korea, but
T. pleuroticola
has also been isolated from soil and wood in Canada, the United States, Europe, Iran, and New Zealand.
T. pleuroticola
displays pachybasium-like morphological characteristics typical of its neighbors in the Harzianum clade, whereas
T. pleurotum
is characterized by a gliocladium-like conidiophore morphology which is uncharacteristic of the Harzianum clade. Phenotype MicroArrays revealed the generally impaired growth of
T. pleurotum
on numerous carbon sources readily assimilated by
T. pleuroticola
and
T. aggressivum
. In contrast, the Phenotype MicroArray profile of
T. pleuroticola
is very similar to that of
T. aggressivum
, which is suggestive of a close genetic relationship. In vitro confrontation reactions with
Agaricus bisporus
revealed that the antagonistic potential of the two new species against this mushroom is perhaps equal to
T. aggressivum
. The
P. ostreatus
confrontation assays showed that
T. pleuroticola
has the highest affinity to overgrow mushroom mycelium among the green mold species. We conclude that the evolutionary pathway of
T. pleuroticola
could be in parallel to other saprotrophic and mycoparasitic species from the Harzianum clade and that this species poses the highest infection risk for mushroom farms, whereas
T. pleurotum
could be specialized for an ecological niche connected to components of
Pleurotus
substrata in cultivation. A DNA BarCode for identification of these species based on ITS1 and ITS2 sequences has been provided and integrated in the main database for
Hypocrea/Trichoderma
(
www.ISTH.info
).
Impact of Feed Supplementation with Antimicrobial Agents on Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens,Clostridium perfringensandEnterococcusCounts, and Antibiotic Resistance Phenotypes and Distribution of Antimicrobial Resistance Determinants inEscherichia coliIsolates
Authors: Diarra Moussa S. , Silversides Fred G. , Diarrassouba Fatoumata , Pritchard Jane , Masson Luke , Brousseau Roland , Bonnet Claudie , Delaquis Pascal , Bach Susan , Skura Brent J. , Topp Edward
Published: September 2007

The effects of feed supplementation with the approved antimicrobial agents bambermycin, penicillin, salinomycin, and bacitracin or a combination of salinomycin plus bacitracin were evaluated for the incidence and distribution of antibiotic resistance in 197 commensalEscherichia coliisolates from broiler chickens over 35 days. All isolates showed some degree of multiple antibiotic resistance. Resistance to tetracycline (68.5%), amoxicillin (61.4%), ceftiofur (51.3%), spectinomycin (47.2%), and sulfonamides (42%) was most frequent. The levels of resistance to streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin were 33.5, 35.5, and 25.3%, respectively. The overall resistance levels decreased from day 7 to day 35 (P< 0.001). Comparing treatments, the levels of resistance to ceftiofur, spectinomycin, and gentamicin (except for resistance to bacitracin treatment) were significantly higher in isolates from chickens receiving feed supplemented with salinomycin than from the other feeds (P< 0.001). Using a DNA microarray analysis capable of detecting commonly found antimicrobial resistance genes, we characterized 104 tetracycline-resistantE. coliisolates from 7- to 28-day-old chickens fed different growth promoters. Results showed a decrease in the incidence of isolates harboringtet(B),blaTEM, sulI, andaadAand class 1 integron from days 7 to 35 (P< 0.01). Of the 84 tetracycline-ceftiofur-resistantE. coliisolates, 76 (90.5%) were positive forblaCMY-2. The proportions of isolates positive forsulI,aadA, and integron class 1 were significantly higher in salinomycin-treated chickens than in the control or other treatment groups (P< 0.05). These data demonstrate that multiantibiotic-resistantE. coliisolates can be found in broiler chickens regardless of the antimicrobial growth promoters used. However, the phenotype and the distribution of resistance determinants inE. colican be modulated by feed supplementation with some of the antimicrobial agents used in broiler chicken production.
Plasmodium falciparum
Sir2: an Unusual Sirtuin with Dual Histone Deacetylase and ADP-Ribosyltransferase Activity
Authors: Merrick Catherine J. , Duraisingh Manoj T.
Published: September 2007

In the human malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
, a member of the sirtuin family has been implicated in the epigenetic regulation of virulence genes that are vital to malaria pathogenesis and persistence. This eukaryotic sirtuin, PfSir2, is divergent in sequence from those characterized thus far and belongs to the phylogenetic class that contains primarily eubacterial and archaeal sirtuins. PfSir2 cofractionates with histones in blood-stage parasites, and the recombinant enzyme efficiently deacetylates the N-terminal tails of histones H3 and H4. In addition, PfSir2 can ADP-ribosylate both histones and itself, an activity that is minimal or absent in most sirtuins with significant deacetylase activity. Strikingly, the deacetylase activity of PfSir2 is dependent on its ADP-ribosylation. Finally, although PfSir2 is not affected by established sirtuin inhibitors, it can be completely inhibited by nicotinamide, a natural product of the sirtuin reaction. This study shows that PfSir2 has the appropriate characteristics to be a direct regulator of chromatin structure in
P. falciparum
. It also raises the significant possibility that both ADP-ribosylation and deacetylation of histones could be sirtuin-regulated modulators of chromatin structure in this species.
Multiple Modes of Chromatin Configuration at Natural Meiotic Recombination Hot Spots in Fission Yeast
Authors: Hirota Kouji , Steiner Walter W. , Shibata Takehiko , Ohta Kunihiro
Published: September 2007

The
ade6-M26
meiotic recombination hot spot of fission yeast is defined by a cyclic AMP-responsive element (CRE)-like heptanucleotide sequence, 5′-ATGACGT-3′, which acts as a binding site for the Atf1/Pcr1 heterodimeric transcription factor required for hot spot activation. We previously demonstrated that the local chromatin around the
M26
sequence motif alters to exhibit higher sensitivity to micrococcal nuclease before the initiation of meiotic recombination. In this study, we have examined whether or not such alterations in chromatin occur at natural meiotic DNA double-strand break (DSB) sites in
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
. At one of the most prominent DSB sites,
mbs1
(
m
eiotic
b
reak
s
ite 1), the chromatin structure has a constitutively accessible configuration at or near the DSB sites. The establishment of the open chromatin state and DSB formation are independent of the CRE-binding transcription factor, Atf1. Analysis of the chromatin configuration at CRE-dependent DSB sites revealed both differences from and similarities to
mbs1
. For example, the
tdh1
+
locus, which harbors a CRE consensus sequence near the DSB site, shows a meiotically induced open chromatin configuration, similar to
ade6-M26
. In contrast, the
cds1
+
locus is similar to
mbs1
in that it exhibits a constitutive open configuration. Importantly, Atf1 is required for the open chromatin formation in both
tdh1
+
and
cds1
+
. These results suggest that CRE-dependent meiotic chromatin changes are intrinsic processes related to DSB formation in fission yeast meiosis. In addition, the results suggest that the chromatin configuration in natural meiotic recombination hot spots can be classified into at least three distinct categories: (i) an Atf1-CRE-independent constitutively open chromatin configuration, (ii) an Atf1-CRE-dependent meiotically induced open chromatin configuration, and (iii) an Atf1-CRE-dependent constitutively open chromatin configuration.
The Pinholin of Lambdoid Phage 21: Control of Lysis by Membrane Depolarization
Authors: Park Taehyun , Struck Douglas K. , Dankenbring Chelsey A. , Young Ry
Published: September 2007

The phage 21 holin, S
21
, forms small membrane holes that depolarize the membrane and is designated as a pinholin, as opposed to large-hole-forming holins, like S
λ
. Pinholins require secreted SAR endolysins, a pairing that may represent an intermediate in the evolution of canonical holin-endolysin systems.