bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nested Markov Compliance Class Model in the Presence of Time‐Varying Noncompliance
Authors: Lin Julia Y. , Ten Have Thomas R. , Elliott Michael R.
Published: August 2008

Summary We consider a Markov structure for partially unobserved time‐varying compliance classes in the Imbens–Rubin (1997, The Annals of Statistics25, 305–327) compliance model framework. The context is a longitudinal randomized intervention study where subjects are randomized once at baseline, outcomes and patient adherence are measured at multiple follow‐ups, and patient adherence to their randomized treatment could vary over time. We propose a nested latent compliance class model where we use time‐invariant subject‐specific compliance principal strata to summarize longitudinal trends of subject‐specific time‐varying compliance patterns. The principal strata are formed using Markov models that relate current compliance behavior to compliance history. Treatment effects are estimated as intent‐to‐treat effects within the compliance principal strata.
Credit constraints and productivity in Peruvian agriculture
Authors: Guirkinger Catherine , Boucher Stephen R.
Published: August 2008

This article evaluates the performance of a rural credit market in Peru. We develop a model that shows that collateral requirements imposed by lenders in response to asymmetric information can lead not just to quantity rationing but also to transaction cost rationing and risk rationing. Just like quantity rationing, these two additional forms of nonprice rationing adversely affect farm resource allocation and productivity. We test the insights of the model using a panel data set from Northern Peru. We estimate the returns to productive endowments for constrained and unconstrained households using a switching regression model. We find that, consistent with the theory, productivity is independent of endowments for unconstrained households but is tightly linked to endowments for constrained households. We estimate that credit constraints lower the value of agricultural output in the study region by 26%.
Effects and mechanisms of PPARα activator fenofibrate on myocardial remodelling in hypertension
Authors: Li Chuan‐Bao , Li Xiao‐Xing , Chen Yu‐Guo , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Ming‐Xiang , Zhao Xue‐Qiang , Hao Ming‐Xiu , Hou Xiao‐Yang , Gong Mao‐Lei , Zhao Yu‐Xia , Bu Pei‐Li , Zhang Yun
Published: August 2008

Although peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) is highly expressed in the heart, the effects of PPARα on cardiac remodelling and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that PPARα activator fenofibrate plays a key role in left ventricular hypertrophic remodelling via the formation of c‐fos/c‐jun heterodimers in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs). Twenty‐four male 8‐week‐old SHRs were randomly divided into two groups, one group treated with oral saline (n= 10) and another treated with oral fenofibrate (60 mg.kg−1.d−1, n= 14). Ten same‐aged Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats were selected as a normal control group. Using echocardiography, immunohistochemistry, co‐immunoprecipitation, Western blot analysis and real‐time RT‐PCR, we showed that the left ventricular wall thickness and significantly reduced and left ventricular diastolic function improved in SHRs treated with fenofibrate compared with SHRs treated with saline. Similarly, the excessive collagen deposition and the up‐regulation of collagen I, collagen III, c‐fos and c‐jun seen in SHRs receiving saline were significantly attenuated in SHRs receiving fenofibrate. In addition, fenofibrate markedly decreased the expression of AP‐1 and c‐fos/c‐jun heterodimers (P < 0.01). These results demonstrated that PPARα activator fenofibrate may exert a protective effect on cardiac remodelling in SHRs by decreasing the expression of c‐fos and c‐jun and suppressing the formation of c‐fos/c‐jun heterodimers, which may further inhibit transcription of the downstream genes involved in the pathogenesis of left ventricular hypertrophy induced by hypertension.
Role of NADPH oxidase in H9c2 cardiac muscle cells exposed to simulated ischaemia‐reperfusion
Authors: Borchi Elisabetta , Parri Matteo , Papucci Laura , Becatti Matteo , Nassi Niccolò , Nassi Paolo , Nediani Chiara
Published: August 2008

Oxidative stress is associated with several cardiovascular pathologies, including hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Although oxidative stress is also increased after ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R), little is known about the role and the activation mechanisms, in cardiac myocytes under these conditions, of NADPH oxidase, a superoxide‐producing enzyme. We found that rat cardiac muscle cells (H9c2) subjected to an in vitro simulated ischaemia (substrate‐free medium plus hypoxia) followed by ‘reperfusion’, displayed increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production attributable to a parallel increase of NADPH oxidase activity. Our investigation on mechanisms responsible for NADPH oxidase activation showed a contribution of both the increase of NOX2 expression and p47phox translocation to the membrane. We also found that the increase of NADPH oxidase activity was associated with higher levels of lipid peroxidation, the activation of redox‐sensitive kinases, in particular ERK and JNK, and with cell death. Diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), a flavoprotein inhibitor used as NADPH oxidase inhibitor, prevented I/R‐induced ROS formation in treated cells, together with the related lipoperoxidative damage, and JNK phosphorylation without affecting ERK activation, resulting in protection against cell death. Our results provide evidence that NADPH oxidase is a key enzyme involved in I/R‐induced oxidant generation and suggest it can be a possible target in cardioprotective strategies against I/R injury, a condition of great importance in human pathology.
TRP‐ML1 functions as a lysosomal NAADP‐sensitive Ca2+ release channel in coronary arterial myocytes
Authors: Zhang Fan , Jin Si , Yi Fan , Li Pin‐Lan
Published: August 2008

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a potent intracellular Ca2+ signalling second messenger, but the mechanism of NAADP‐induced Ca2+ release is still poorly understood. The present study tested the hypothesis that NAADP induces Ca2+ release from the lysosomal store via a TRP‐ML1 (transient receptor potential‐mucolipin 1)‐mediated Ca2+ release channel in coronary arterial myocytes (CAMs). RT‐PCR and Western blot analyses demonstrated that TRP‐ML1 was present in CAMs, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) detection revealed that the TRP‐ML1 was closely associated with some lysosomal proteins in these CAMs. ET‐1, a well‐known NAADP stimulator, was found to induce a local Ca2+ burst from lysosomes followed by a global Ca2+ release. This lysosome‐associated Ca2+ release was significantly inhibited in the TRP‐ML1 siRNA pre‐treated CAMs by 46.8 ± 12.6% in the local Ca2+ burst and 73.3 ± 14.9% in the global Ca2+ wave. In the reconstituted lysosomal channels from CAMs, NAADP activated Ca2+ release channels at concentrations of 1–1000 nM, but neither activators (1 μM IP3, 5 μM Rya) nor blockers (100 μM 2‐APB, 50 μM Rya) of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release channels had effect on the channel activity. Moreover, TRP‐ML1 gene silencing reduced this NAADP‐sensitive Ca2+ release channel activity in lysosomes by 71.5 ± 18.5%. Immunoprecipitation or blockade of TRP‐ML1 by anti‐TRP‐ML1 antibodies almost abolished NAADP‐induced activation of lysosomal Ca2+ channels (to 14.0 ± 4.4% of control). These results for the first time provide direct evidence that an NAADP‐sensitive Ca2+ release channel is characteristic of TRP‐ML1 channels.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Maternal and Neonatal Interleukin‐1 Receptor Antagonist Genotype and Pregnancy Outcome in a Population with a High Rate of Pre‐term Birth
Authors: Chaves José Humberto Belmino , Babayan Arthur , De Melo Bezerra Cledna , Linhares Iara M , Witkin Steven S
Published: August 2008

Problem We evaluated associations between a length polymorphism in intron 2 of the gene coding for IL‐1ra (gene symbol IL1RN) and pregnancy outcome in a population with a high rate of preterm birth.

Method of study Subjects were pregnant women in Maceio, Brazil and their newborns. DNA was tested for IL1RN genotypes and alleles by gene amplification using primer pairs that spanned the polymorphic region. Every subject completed a detailed questionnaire.

Results The frequency of allele 2 (IL1RN*2) carriage was elevated in mothers with a spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in the current pregnancy (P = 0.02) and also with a prior preterm delivery (P = .01). Both SPTB with intact membranes (P = 0.01) and SPTB preceded by pre‐term pre‐mature rupture of membranes (P = .03) were associated with IL1RN*2 carriage. A previous fetal demise was more than twice as prevalent in mothers positive for two copies of IL1RN*2.

Conclusion Maternal carriage of IL1RN*2 increases susceptibility to inflammation‐triggered spontaneous pre‐term birth.
Multimodality Image‐Guided Radiotherapy of the Liver
Authors: Lee M. T. , Brock K. K. , Dawson L. A.
Published: August 2008

Technological advances have made it possible for tumoricidal doses of radiation to be delivered to primary and metastatic liver cancers. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and positron emission tomography are used to help with tumor definition at the time of radiation planning. Specialized imaging techniques are also used for characterization of tumor motion due to breathing at the time of radiation planning. Image‐guided radiation therapy (IGRT), referring to the use of frequent imaging in the treatment position during a course of radiotherapy to localize the tumor prior to or during each treatment, improves accuracy and precision of radiation delivery. IGRT improves the concordance between the delivered doses to the tumor and normal tissues and the planned doses, which should improve our understanding of dose–outcome analyses. IGRT also reduces the volume of normal tissue that needs to be irradiated, and facilitates dose escalation to the tumor, potentially improving tumor control probability and reducing the risk of toxicity. Image registration is required to bring imaging data sets together at the time of radiation planning and also for image guidance at treatment. This study provides an overview of multimodality imaging and IGRT used in liver cancer conformal radiation therapy.
Nurse‐led newborn resuscitation in an urban neonatal unit
Authors: Neal Donna , Stewart Danny , Grant Cameron C
Published: August 2008

Aim: To determine the safety and efficacy of neonatal nurses attending at‐risk deliveries.

Methods: An audit of 2 years of delivery attendance by neonatal nurses at an urban hospital. Attendance also by a paediatrician if expected birth weight <2 kg, gestation < 35 weeks, twin pregnancy, foetal distress or any anomaly anticipated to seriously affect the newborn's health.

Results: About 3021 deliveries were attended, 2228 (74%) by a neonatal nurse, 776 (25%) by a neonatal nurse and a paediatrician and 17 (1%) by a paediatrician. Twenty‐three children required intermittent positive pressure ventilation via endotracheal tube and/or cardiac massage. All but five of these were deliveries where both a neonatal nurse and a paediatrician were present. Three of these five deliveries had foetal tachycardia.

There were 33 deliveries managed by the neonatal nurse alone where the 1‐min Apgar was three or less. All achieved a 10‐min Apgar of seven or greater. Over the study interval, the proportion of deliveries attended only by a neonatal nurse increased and intensity of resuscitation administered decreased.

Conclusion: Appropriately trained neonatal nurses can safely resuscitate newborns. Addition of foetal tachycardia to the indications for paediatrician attendance identifies infants likely to require more resuscitation.
High‐risk human papilloma viruses (HPVs) were not detected in the benign skin lesions of a small number of children
Authors: Mammas I , Sourvinos G , Michael C , Spandidos DA
Published: August 2008

Aim: Human papilloma virus (HPV) can be transmitted via sexual as well as nonsexual routes. Recently, ‘high‐risk’ HPVs were detected in the oral mucosa of children in whose cases there was no suspicion of sexual abuse. This implies that HPV 16 and 18 have additional nonsexual modes of transmission in childhood, such as vertical transmission and autoinoculation.

Methods: Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, we examined the skin tissues of 12 children with benign skin lesions, aged between 6 and 13 years, for the presence of HPV.

Results: Among 12 biopsy skin specimens, no ‘high‐risk’ HPV DNA was detected. Specific PCRs for HPV DNA 16 and 18 were also negative.

Conclusion: This preliminary case‐control study indicates the absence of mucosal ‘high‐risk’ HPV types in the benign skin lesions of children.
Estimating forage biomass and quality in a mixed sown pasture based on partial least squares regression with waveband selection
Authors: Kawamura Kensuke , Watanabe Nariyasu , Sakanoue Seiichi , Inoue Yoshio
Published: August 2008

Although partial least squares (PLS) regression, a full‐spectrum bilinear regression method, is widely used in laboratory calibrations of pasture quality, increasing evidence indicates that PLS models include some redundant wavelengths. Consequently, more careful wavelength selection might improve their predictive accuracy, especially in field applications. We compared the predictive ability of PLS models using whole and selected wavebands from in situ canopy reflectance spectra over 400–2350 nm to predict above‐ground biomass (BM) and concentrations of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber in herbage. Canopy reflectance measurements and plant sampling were conducted at 86 selected points in a mixed sown pasture in Hokkaido, Japan, in August 2006. Removing the minimum value of the weighted regression coefficient in the PLS model enabled stepwise waveband selection. For all pasture parameters, cross‐validated coefficients of determination () and root mean square error values, respectively, increased and decreased with removal of wavebands until the optimum number of wavebands was reached. The number of selected wavebands ranged between six (2.2% of full 277 wavebands) and 47 (17%), suggesting that over 83% wavebands were redundant or useless. Overall, higher R2 values and lower root mean squared errors of prediction were obtained using selected wavebands in the PLS model. Particularly, waveband selection greatly improved BM (R2 = 0.51–0.72) and ADF (R2 = 0.30–0.65) predictions when using the first derivative reflectance spectrum, and CP (R2 = 0.38–0.62) prediction for reflectance. These results suggest that pasture quality and BM can be predicted by in situ canopy reflectance using a PLS regression model, and that the predictive ability of the model can be improved by optimizing important wavebands.
Effects of levels of nitrogen fertilizer on oxalate and some mineral contents in napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach)
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mijanur , Ishii Yasuyuki , Niimi Mitsuhiro , Kawamura Osamu
Published: August 2008

In a number of plant species, nitrogen fertilization leads to a higher oxalate content of the plant. Various tropical grasses sometimes contain oxalate in sufficient concentrations to induce calcium deficiency in grazing animals. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of increasing level of N (0, 10, 30, 60 and 90 g N m−2 using urea) on oxalate and some mineral contents in napiergrass (cv. dwarf‐late). We found that the total dry matter yield increased significantly (P < 0.001) with increasing N up to 30 g N m−2 applied, but no significant difference was observed among the N levels of 30, 60 and 90 g m−2. The oxalate content was not increased with increased levels of N fertilization in all cut forages, except for insoluble oxalate content at third‐cut forage which increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increased level of N fertilizer. The content of soluble oxalate in plants was positively correlated (r2 = 0.76, P < 0.001) with potassium concentration, while the content of insoluble oxalate was positively correlated with calcium (r2 = 0.69, P < 0.001) and magnesium (r2 = 0.65, P < 0.001) concentrations. The study suggests that while applying N fertilizer as urea during cultivation of napiergrass, oxalate accumulation may not be a matter of concern.
Genetic diversity of chloroplast DNA in Zoysia and other warm‐season turfgrasses
Authors: Tsuruta Shin‐ichi , Hosaka Fumiko , Otabara Tesshu , Hashiguchi Masatsugu , Yamamoto Toshiya , Akashi Ryo
Published: August 2008

Although information on chloroplast genomes has been available and used for phylogenetic analysis in some Poaceae species, they are limited in warm‐season turfgrass species including Zoysia. Twenty‐four chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions of Zoysia japonica cultivar Asagake were amplified using primer pairs designed from the complete chloroplast genome sequences of Oryza sativa and Zea mays. The nucleotide sequences of each fragment ranged 330–1230 bp in length, with a total of 16 780 bp. Of the 24 cpDNA regions, six amplified regions –trnK intron (matK), intergenic region of trnD‐psbM, atpA‐rps14, petE‐psaJ, atpB‐rbcL and rps3‐rps12 – were polymorphic among seven turfgrass species. The nucleotide sequences of these regions were used for the phylogenetic clustering of seven turfgrasses and two cereal crops. The phylogenetic tree showed that these nine genera segregated into three major groups corresponding to the four grass subfamilies, suggesting that the diversity of nucleotide sequences in these six cpDNA regions could be useful for assessing the phylogenetic relationships among turfgrass species. Chloroplast microsatellite markers were developed using nucleotide sequences of the amplification products with the 24 primer pairs from Z. japonica cultivar Asagake. Based on this 16 780‐bp nucleotide sequence, 21 chloroplast microsatellites were developed from 18 regions. Ten of the 21 primer pairs exhibited polymorphisms among three species of Zoysia. These informative markers should be valuable tools in the study of genetic relationships across Zoysia species.
Phase Relations in the Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–Li3xLa(2/3)−x□(1/3)−2xTiO3 System
Authors: Spreitzer Matjaž , Jančar Boštjan , Suvorov Danilo
Published: August 2008

The phase relations and the mechanism of solid‐state synthesis for the Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–Li3xLa(2/3)−x□(1/3)−2xTiO3 system were investigated using X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. The study revealed that the extent of the homogeneity range—which is related to the A‐site substitution between (Na0.5Bi0.5)2+ and (Li3xLa(2/3)−x□(1/3)−2x)2+ pseudo cations of a perovskite structure—depends strongly on the ordering of the (Li3xLa(2/3)−x□(1/3)−2x)2+ species. The solid‐state reaction of the compounds in the homogeneity range is completed only after multiple high‐temperature firings. However, the system is also subjected to a slow thermal decomposition; this is particularly so for the compounds with a high × value and an increased Li3xLa(2/3)−x□(1/3)−2xTiO3 concentration.
Laser Surface Solutionizing and Crystallization of Al2O3–Cr2O3
Authors: Kakazey Mykola , Vlasova Marina , Márquez Aguilar Pedro Antonio , Bykov Olexandr , Stetsenko Volodymyr , Ragulya Andriy
Published: August 2008

Laser surface treatment of different materials influences significantly on the surface morphology, microstructure, and phase components of treated zones. The local temperature conditions, fast melting–fast crystallization, produced during the process is an interesting direction of preparing new ceramic materials in which a controlled inhomogeneous distribution of the impurities, the phases, etc. can be realized. This work is concerned with an experimental investigation of the crystallization, microstructure, and properties induced by a laser beam in α‐Al2O3+nα‐Cr2O3 pressed powder samples using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction methods. During laser irradiation, melting of the sample surface layers takes place. In such a layer, the Al2O3 melt covers the α‐Cr2O3 particles. Complete dissolution of α‐Cr2O3 in Al2O3 does not occur. During cooling of the sample, crystallization of the α‐Al2O3 layer takes place. The crystallized layer shows preferred orientation, which is different in different samples. In the surface layer, the undissolved α‐Cr2O3 particles also acquire a preferred orientation, the direction of which does not coincide with the direction of the preferred crystallization of α‐Al2O3. Analysis of changes in the width and the shape of EPR spectra with the increasing concentration of paramagnetic centers under their homogeneous and inhomogeneous spatial distribution in specimens was performed. It is shown that the character of the concentration distribution of chromium impurities in laser‐treated α‐Al2O3 samples is determined by the diffusion laws and is inhomogeneous.
In Situ TiC/TiB2 Particulate Locally Reinforced Steel Matrix Composites Fabricated Via the SHS Reaction of Ni–Ti–B4C System
Authors: Yang Ya‐Feng , Wang Hui‐Yuan , Zhao Ru‐Yi , Liang Yun‐Hong , Jiang Qi‐Chuan
Published: August 2008

The composites synthesized with three kinds of B4C particles mainly consist of TiC, TiB2, and the alloy austenite containing Ni element. Ceramic particulate sizes in the composites synthesized with ∼3.5 and ∼45 μm B4C particles are larger than that synthesized with ∼140 μm B4C particle. No pores are found between the reinforcing region and matrix in the composites synthesized with ∼3.5 and ∼45 μm B4C particles, while some large pores exist in the composites synthesized with ∼140 μm B4C particle. With the decrease of B4C particle size, the pores in the composites become fewer and the hardness and wear resistance of the composites increase.
Effects of Photodynamic Therapy Evaluated in a Novel Three‐dimensional Squamous Cell Carcinoma Organ Construct of the Skin
Authors: Obrigkeit Daniela Hoeller , Jugert Frank K. , Beermann Torsten , Baron Jens M. , Frank Jorge , Merk Hans F. , Bickers David R. , Abuzahra Faris
Published: August 2008

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is a malignant neoplasm that occurs in all ethnic groups primarily due to chronic sun exposure and constitutes a major health problem worldwide. Novel therapies for SCC are in development but as yet no in vitro models capable of screening these therapies and their mechanism of action before proceeding to clinical trials in human subjects have emerged. For this reason we have developed and characterized a novel three‐dimensional human SCC construct and validated it using photodynamic therapy (PDT), a well‐established modality for treating in situ SCCs. Histologic and immunohistochemical characterization of these SCC constructs revealed epidermal and dermal de‐differentiation, increased cell proliferation and expression of immunohistochemical markers specific for cutaneous SCC. Application of PDT to these constructs led to tumor regression with widespread apoptosis and necrosis within 5 days. This in vitro model consistently reproduces the tumor development and dynamics of growing SCCs in vivo and provides a useful approach for screening new treatment modalities for this form of cutaneous cancer.
Quantitative FRET Analysis With the E0GFP‐mCherry Fluorescent Protein Pair
Authors: Albertazzi Lorenzo , Arosio Daniele , Marchetti Laura , Ricci Fernanda , Beltram Fabio
Published: August 2008

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between fluorescent proteins (FPs) is a powerful tool to investigate protein–protein interaction and even protein modifications in living cells. Here, we analyze the E0GFP‐mCherry pair and show that it can yield a reproducible quantitative determination of the energy transfer efficiency both in vivo and in vitro. The photophysics of the two proteins is reported and shows good spectral overlap (Förster radius R0 = 51 Å), low crosstalk between acceptor and donor channels, and independence of the emission spectra from pH and halide ion concentration. Acceptor photobleaching (APB) and one‐ and two‐photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) are used to quantitatively determine FRET efficiency values. A FRET standard is introduced based on a tandem construct comprising donor and acceptor together with a 20 amino acid long cleavable peptidic linker. Reference values are obtained via enzymatic cleavage of the linker and are used as benchmarks for APB and FLIM data. E0GFP‐mCherry shows ideal properties for FLIM detection of FRET and yields high accuracy both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the recently introduced phasor approach to FLIM is shown to yield straightforward and accurate two‐photon FRET efficiency data even in suboptimal experimental conditions. The consistence of these results with the reference method (both in vitro and in vivo) reveals that this new pair can be used for very effective quantitative FRET imaging.
A Case of Aspergillus fumigatus Mediastinitis After Heart Surgery in Madani Heart Center, Tabriz, Iran
Authors: Ghotaslou Reza , Parvizi Rezayat , Safaei Nasser , Yousefi Saber
Published: August 2008

Reported here is the case of a 60‐year‐old male diabetic patient with mediastinitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus following an open heart surgery that was successfully treated. A review of literature revealed that A. fumigatus as a cause of mediastinitis has been rarely described. Aspergillus infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mediastinitis after cardiac surgery, especially in a clinical setting of unexplained sepsis or nonhealing wound infection despite apparently adequate treatment.
Isolation and characterization of 12 dinucleotide microsatellites in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla L., and tests of amplification in other species of eels
Authors: WIELGOSS S. , WIRTH T. , MEYER A.
Published: August 2008

Twelve polymorphic dinucelotide microsatellites in the freshwater eel Anguilla anguilla L. were isolated and characterized. Genetic diversity was assessed in eels from Lake Constance, Germany. Allele numbers ranged from five to 26 per locus with observed heterozygosities between 0.125 and 0.875. A portion of locus AangCT77 aligns with a transcribed region of the zebrafish gene crystallin beta B2. Cross‐species amplification of most markers was possible for nine other Anguilla eel species. The newly developed primer pairs will facilitate population and conservation genetic studies in order to refine the understanding of the subtle population genetic structure typical of eels, and to identify interspecies admixture due to global trade.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for the tree‐root endophytes Phialocephala subalpina and Phialocephala fortinii s.s.
Authors: QUELOZ VALENTIN , DUÒ ANGELO , GRÜNIG CHRISTOPH R.
Published: August 2008

Species of the Phialocephala fortinii s.l.–Acephala applanata complex are the dominant dark septate endophytes (DSE) in roots of species belonging to the Pinaceae. The two species Phialocephala subalpina and P. fortinii s.s. belong to the most widely distributed species within this complex. In the present study, 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for these two closely related species. Strains of a community which were analysed previously using single‐copy restriction fragment length polymorphism were screened with the new markers. Microsatellites were suitable to classify the two species and to recognize individuals within species.
Pseudoexfoliation syndrome at Jordan University Hospital
Authors: Al‐Bdour Muawyah D. , Al‐Till Maha I. , Idrees Ghaida M. , Abu Samra Khawla M.
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and analyse its association with particular ocular diseases in patients attending the Department of Ophthalmology at Jordan University Hospital.

Methods:  A total of 1195 consecutive patients, aged 40–90 years, who attended the Department of Ophthalmology at Jordan University Hospital between December 2005 and March 2007 were included in the study. Each patient underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation, including: relevant history; visual acuity testing; slit‐lamp examination, applanation tonometry, gonioscopy and dilated fundus examination. Patients with typical pseudoexfoliative material on the anterior lens surface and/or the pupillary margin in either or both eyes were labelled as having PXS.

Results:  Of the 1195 patients, 9.1% had pseudoexfoliation (PXF). Their mean age was 68.3 years (standard deviation [SD] 9.57). The prevalence of PXS had a tendency to increase with age but had no sex predilection. Pseudoexfoliation was bilateral in 65.7% of cases. It was significantly associated with cataract, glaucoma and phacodenesis. Of the eyes with PXF, 92.1% had cataract, 33.1% had glaucoma and 7.9% had phacodenesis.

Conclusions:  Although this study was not population‐based, its findings increase our knowledge of PXS in a Middle Eastern country. Few data on PXS are available from this part of the world.
Alternatives for Youth's Advocacy Program: Reducing Minority Youth Incarceration Placements in Cleveland, Ohio
Authors: Mallett Christopher A. , Julian Linda
Published: August 2008

Detaining and incarcerating juvenile delinquents is ineffective and costly juvenile justice policy. These placements, indicative of the “tough on crime” approach, become problematic for many of these youths who do not have the advantage of legal counsel because they waive this right. In addition, a majority of these youths have a mental health or special education disability that does not get addressed in correctional facilities. Alternatives for Youth's Advocacy Program (AFY) in Cleveland, Ohio (Cuyahoga County) is addressing these issues using a holistic approach that includes the provision of civil legal representation to assist youths in accessing disability services and defense attorney support in dispositional planning to reduce juvenile offender placements. This article reports the results of an experimental design pilot study evaluation of AFY that randomly referred and evaluated 82 felony‐offending youths over 21 months. This initial review of the AFY program found it reduced detention center placement days by 47% and decreased state facility incarceration days by 74% (total cost savings $625,898). With 3,000 youths detained in the Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Detention Center and 1,800 incarcerated in Ohio state facilities annually, policy implications and recommendations are set forth.
B‐cell intestinal lymphoma with Mott cell differentiation in a 1‐year‐old miniature Dachshund
Authors: Kodama Atsushi , Sakai Hiroki , Kobayashi Keiya , Mori Takashi , Maruo Kohji , Kudo Tadaaki , Yanai Tokuma , Masegi Toshiaki
Published: August 2008

Abstract: A 1‐year‐old intact female miniature Dachshund was presented with hematochezia, vomiting, and diarrhea of more than 1‐week duration. An abdominal mass was palpated, which at exploratory surgery was found to be a 7‐cm‐long thickened section of ileum. The thickened ileum was resected. Impression smears revealed numerous small‐ to medium‐sized lymphocytes, with a smaller number of cells resembling Mott cells. The Mott‐like cells contained multiple pale vacuoles that were positive for periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) in wet‐fixed smears, consistent with Russell bodies. Histologic evaluation of the surgically excised ileum revealed 2 populations of neoplastic lymphoid cells. The majority were uniform medium‐sized lymphocytes with hyperchromatic oval or round nuclei and inconspicuous nucleoli. The remaining cells resembled Mott cells, which contained several PAS‐positive eosinophilic globules in the cytoplasm, occasionally compressing the nucleus. The majority of neoplastic cells stained positively for vimentin, CD20, CD79a, and Pax‐5, but were negative for CD3 and lysozyme; 43.5% of cells stained positively for Ki‐67. The Mott cells were strongly positive for immunoglobulin but were negative for Pax‐5. Using electron microscopy, a homogenous substance of intermediate electron density was observed frequently in the cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm of the Mott cells, and rarely in the perinuclear cisternae of the lymphoid cells, corresponding to the site of immunoglobulin staining. Monoclonal rearrangement of immunoglobulin heavy‐chain (IgH) gene was observed by PCR testing for lymphocyte–antigen receptor rearrangement. The morphologic features, immunophenotype, and IgH gene rearrangement verified the lymphoid cells were neoplastic (mature cell type) and had a B‐cell phenotype, with evidence of immunoglobulin production and differentiation into Mott cells. This case was unusual because of the age of the dog and because most intestinal lymphomas are T‐cell phenotype. The Mott cell morphology also differed from typical mature B‐cell lymphoma types and may be a unique B‐cell lymphoma variant.
Phylogenetic Characterization of Two Novel Commensal Bacteria Involved with Innate Immune Homeostasis inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Roh Seong Woon , Nam Young-Do , Chang Ho-Won , Kim Kyoung-Ho , Kim Min-Soo , Ryu Ji-Hwan , Kim Sung-Hee , Lee Won-Jae , Bae Jin-Woo
Published: August 2008

During a previous study on the molecular interaction between commensal bacteria and host gut immunity, two novel bacterial strains, A911Tand G707T, were isolated from the gut ofDrosophila melanogaster. In this study, these strains were characterized in a polyphasic taxonomic study using phenotypic, genetic, and chemotaxonomic analyses. We show that the strains represent novel species in the familyAcetobacteraceae. Strain G707T, a highly pathogenic organism, represents a new species in the genusGluconobacter, “Gluconobacter morbifer” sp. nov. (type strain G707 = KCTC 22116T= JCM 15512T). Strain A911T, dominantly present in the normalDrosphilagut community, represents a novel genus and species, designated “Commensalibacter intestini” gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain A911 = KCTC 22117T= JCM 15511T).
Growth Temperature Exerts Differential Physiological and Transcriptional Responses in Laboratory and Wine Strains of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pizarro Francisco J. , Jewett Michael C. , Nielsen Jens , Agosin Eduardo
Published: August 2008

Laboratory strains of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
have been widely used as a model for studying eukaryotic cells and mapping the molecular mechanisms of many different human diseases. Industrial wine yeasts, on the other hand, have been selected on the basis of their adaptation to stringent environmental conditions and the organoleptic properties that they confer to wine. Here, we used a two-factor design to study the responses of a standard laboratory strain, CEN.PK113-7D, and an industrial wine yeast strain, EC1118, to growth temperatures of 15°C and 30°C in nitrogen-limited, anaerobic, steady-state chemostat cultures. Physiological characterization revealed that the growth temperature strongly impacted the biomass yield of both strains. Moreover, we found that the wine yeast was better adapted to mobilizing resources for biomass production and that the laboratory yeast exhibited higher fermentation rates. To elucidate mechanistic differences controlling the growth temperature response and underlying adaptive mechanisms between the strains, DNA microarrays and targeted metabolome analysis were used. We identified 1,007 temperature-dependent genes and 473 strain-dependent genes. The transcriptional response was used to identify highly correlated gene expression subnetworks within yeast metabolism. We showed that temperature differences most strongly affect nitrogen metabolism and the heat shock response. A lack of stress response element-mediated gene induction, coupled with reduced trehalose levels, indicated that there was a decreased general stress response at 15°C compared to that at 30°C. Differential responses among strains were centered on sugar uptake, nitrogen metabolism, and expression of genes related to organoleptic properties. Our study provides global insight into how growth temperature affects differential physiological and transcriptional responses in laboratory and wine strains of
S. cerevisiae
.
Early Attachment Sites for Shiga-Toxigenic
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 in Experimentally Inoculated Weaned Calves
Authors: Dean-Nystrom Evelyn A. , Stoffregen William C. , Bosworth Brad T. , Moon Harley W. , Pohlenz Joachim F.
Published: August 2008

Weaned 3- to 4-month-old calves were fasted for 48 h, inoculated with 10
10
CFU of Shiga toxin-positive
Escherichia coli
(STEC) O157:H7 strain 86-24 (STEC O157) or STEC O91:H21 strain B2F1 (STEC O91), Shiga toxin-negative
E. coli
O157:H7 strain 87-23 (Stx
−
O157), or a nonpathogenic control
E. coli
strain, necropsied 4 days postinoculation, and examined bacteriologically and histologically. Some calves were treated with dexamethasone (DEX) for 5 days (3 days before, on the day of, and 1 day after inoculation). STEC O157 bacteria were recovered from feces, intestines, or gall bladders of 74% (40/55) of calves 4 days after they were inoculated with STEC O157. Colon and cecum were sites from which inoculum-type bacteria were most often recovered. Histologic lesions of attaching-and-effacing (A/E) O157
+
bacteria were observed in 69% (38/55) of the STEC O157-inoculated calves. Rectum, ileocecal valve, and distal colon were sites most likely to contain A/E O157
+
bacteria. Fecal and intestinal levels of STEC O157 bacteria were significantly higher and A/E O157
+
bacteria were more common in DEX-treated calves than in nontreated calves inoculated with STEC O157. Fecal STEC O157 levels were significantly higher than Stx
−
O157, STEC O91, or control
E. coli
; only STEC O157 cells were recovered from tissues. Identifying the rectum, ileocecal valve, and distal colon as early STEC O157 colonization sites and finding that DEX treatment enhances the susceptibility of weaned calves to STEC O157 colonization will facilitate the identification and evaluation of interventions aimed at reducing STEC O157 infection in cattle.
Salmonella
and
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 Contamination on Hides and Carcasses of Cull Cattle Presented for Slaughter in the United States: an Evaluation of Prevalence and Bacterial Loads by Immunomagnetic Separation and Direct Plating Methods
Authors: Brichta-Harhay Dayna M. , Guerini Michael N. , Arthur Terrance M. , Bosilevac Joseph M. , Kalchayanand Norasak , Shackelford Steven D. , Wheeler Tommy L. , Koohmaraie Mohammad
Published: August 2008

The hide and carcass hygiene of cull cattle at slaughter in four geographically distant regions of the United States was examined from July 2005 to April 2006 by measuring the aerobic plate counts (APC) and the prevalences and loads of
Salmonella
and
Escherichia coli
O157:H7. The geometric mean log
10
APC CFU/100 cm
2
levels on hides and preevisceration and postintervention carcasses ranged from 6.17 to 8.19, 4.24 to 6.47, and 1.46 to 1.96, respectively, and were highest in the summer (
P
< 0.0001). The average prevalences of
Salmonella
on hides and preevisceration and postintervention carcasses were 89.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 85.1 to 94.0), 50.2% (95% CI, 40.9 to 59.5), and 0.8% (95% CI, 0.18 to 1.42), respectively. The prevalences of
E. coli
O157:H7 were 46.9% (95% CI, 37.3 to 56.6) and 16.7% (95% CI, 9.8 to 23.6) on hides and preevisceration carcasses, respectively. Examination of the concomitant incidence of
Salmonella
and
E. coli
O157:H7 showed that, on average, 33.3% (95% CI, 15.9 to 69.8) of cattle hide and 4.1% (95% CI, 0.98 to 17.3) of preevisceration carcass samples were contaminated with both pathogens. The pathogen prevalence on hides and carcasses was not significantly affected by the season; however, significant differences were observed between plants with respect to the incoming pathogen load and the ability to mitigate hide-to-carcass transfer. In spite of these differences, postintervention carcass contamination was significantly reduced (
P
< 0.001), likely as a result of the use of one or more of the processing interventions employed at each of the four processing plants examined.
Diversity and Distribution of Commensal FecalEscherichia coliBacteria in Beef Cattle Administered Selected Subtherapeutic Antimicrobials in a Feedlot Setting
Authors: Sharma Ranjana , Munns Krysty , Alexander Trevor , Entz Toby , Mirzaagha Parasto , Yanke L. Jay , Mulvey Michael , Topp Edward , McAllister Tim
Published: August 2008

Escherichia colistrains isolated from fecal samples were screened to examine changes in phenotypic and genotypic characteristics including antimicrobial susceptibility, clonal type, and carriage of resistance determinants. The goal of this 197-day study was to investigate the influence of administration of chlortetracycline alone (T) or in combination with sulfamethazine (TS) on the development of resistance, dissemination of defined strain types, and prevalence of resistance determinants in feedlot cattle. Inherent tetracycline resistance was detected in cattle with no prior antimicrobial exposure. Antimicrobial administration was not found to be essential for the maintenance of inherently ampicillin-resistant and tetracycline-resistant (Tetr)E. coliin control animals; however, higher TetrE. colishedding was observed in animals subjected to the two treatments. At day 0, high tetracycline (26.7%), lower sulfamethoxazole-tetracycline (19.2%), and several other resistances were detected, which by the finishing phase (day 197) were restricted to ampicillin-tetracycline (47.5%), tetracycline (31.7%), and ampicillin-tetracycline-sulfamethoxazole (20.8%) from both treated and untreated cattle. Among the determinants,blaTEM1,tet(A), andsul2were prevalent at days 0 and 197. Further,E. colifrom day 0 showed diverse antibiogram profiles and strain types, which by the finishing phase were limited to up to three, irrespective of the treatment. Some genetically identical strains expressed different phenotypes and harbored diverse determinants, indicating that mobile genetic elements contribute to resistance dissemination. This was supported by an increased linked inheritance of ampicillin and tetracycline resistance genes and prevalence of specific strains at day 197. Animals in the cohort shed increasingly similar genotypes by the finishing phase due to animal-to-animal strain transmission. Thus, characterizing inherent resistance and propagation of cohort-specific strains is crucial for determining antimicrobial resistance in cattle.
Isolation and Identification ofBifidobacteriaceaefrom Human Saliva
Authors: Beighton David , Gilbert Steven C. , Clark Douglas , Mantzourani Maria , al-Haboubi Mustafa , Ali Farida , Ransome Elizabeth , Hodson Nicholas , Fenlon Michael , Zoitopoulos Liana , Gallagher Jennifer
Published: August 2008

Bifidobacteriaceaewere isolated from saliva and infected dentine by using a mupirocin-based selective medium. Of the saliva samples, 94% harbored bifids. The mean concentration (± the standard error) was 4.46 (±0.12) log10(CFU per ml + 1), and the predominant isolates wereBifidobacterium dentium, B. longum, Scardovia inopinata, Parascardovia denticolens, andAlloscardovia omnicolens.
Formation of Nanoscale Elemental Silver Particles via Enzymatic Reduction by
Geobacter sulfurreducens
Authors: Law Nicholas , Ansari Saadia , Livens Francis R. , Renshaw Joanna C. , Lloyd Jonathan R.
Published: August 2008

Geobacter sulfurreducens
reduced Ag(I) (as insoluble AgCl or Ag
+
ions), via a mechanism involving
c
-type cytochromes, precipitating extracellular nanoscale Ag(0). These results extend the range of metals known to be reduced by
Geobacter
species and offer a method for recovering silver from contaminated water as potentially useful silver nanoparticles.
Biodegradation of 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate by
Mycobacterium austroafricanum
IFP 2173
Authors: Nicolau Elodie , Kerhoas Lucien , Lettere Martine , Jouanneau Yves , Marchal Rémy
Published: August 2008

2-Ethyhexyl nitrate (2-EHN) is a major additive of fuel that is used to increase the cetane number of diesel. Because of its wide use and possible accidental release, 2-EHN is a potential pollutant of the environment. In this study,
Mycobacterium austroafricanum
IFP 2173 was selected from among several strains as the best 2-EHN degrader. The 2-EHN biodegradation rate was increased in biphasic cultures where the hydrocarbon was dissolved in an inert non-aqueous-phase liquid, suggesting that the transfer of the hydrophobic substrate to the cells was a growth-limiting factor. Carbon balance calculation, as well as organic-carbon measurement, indicated a release of metabolites in the culture medium. Further analysis by gas chromatography revealed that a single metabolite accumulated during growth. This metabolite had a molecular mass of 114 Da as determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and was provisionally identified as 4-ethyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Identification was confirmed by analysis of the chemically synthesized lactone. Based on these results, a plausible catabolic pathway is proposed whereby 2-EHN is converted to 4-ethyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, which cannot be metabolized further by strain IFP 2173. This putative pathway provides an explanation for the low energetic efficiency of 2-EHN degradation and its poor biodegradability.
Characterization and Deposition of Respirable Large- and Small-Particle Bioaerosols
Authors: Thomas Richard J. , Webber Daniel , Sellors William , Collinge Aaron , Frost Andrew , Stagg Anthony J. , Bailey Stephen C. , Jayasekera Pramukh N. , Taylor Rosa R. , Eley Steve , Titball Richard W.
Published: August 2008

The deposition patterns of large-particle microbiological aerosols within the respiratory tract are not well characterized. A novel system (the flow-focusing aerosol generator [FFAG]) which enables the generation of large (>10-μm) aerosol particles containing microorganisms under laboratory conditions was characterized to permit determination of deposition profiles within the murine respiratory tract. Unlike other systems for generating large aerosol particles, the FFAG is compatible with microbiological containment and the inhalational challenge of animals. By use of entrapped
Escherichia coli
cells,
Bacillus atrophaeus
spores, or FluoSphere beads, the properties of aerosols generated by the FFAG were compared with the properties of aerosols generated using the commonly available Collison nebulizer, which preferentially generates small (1- to 3-μm) aerosol particles. More entrapped particulates (15.9- to 19.2-fold) were incorporated into 9- to 17-μm particles generated by the FFAG than by the Collison nebulizer. The 1- to 3-μm particles generated by the Collison nebulizer were more likely to contain a particulate than those generated by the FFAG.
E. coli
cells aerosolized using the FFAG survived better than those aerosolized using the Collison nebulizer. Aerosols generated by the Collison nebulizer and the FFAG preferentially deposited in the lungs and nasal passages of the murine respiratory tract, respectively. However, significant deposition of material also occurred in the gastrointestinal tract after inhalation of both the small (89.7%)- and large (61.5%)-particle aerosols. The aerosols generated by the Collison nebulizer and the FFAG differ with respect to mass distribution, distribution of the entrapped particulates, bacterial survival, and deposition within the murine respiratory tract.
Development of a Transposon Mutagenesis System in the Oral Spirochete
Treponema denticola
Authors: Yang Yu , Stewart Philip E. , Shi Xiaoguang , Li Chunhao
Published: August 2008

Here, we report successful transposon mutagenesis in the oral spirochete
Treponema denticola
. A modified
Himar1
transposon, including a new antibiotic selection cassette for
T. denticola
, generated mutations affecting cell division, transport, and chemotaxis, among other processes. This random mutagenesis system should facilitate research on the biology and pathogenesis of this spirochete, which is associated with human periodontal diseases.