bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Roundup Ready™ soybean in Brazilian soy‐derived foods by real‐time PCR
Authors: Brod Fábio Cristiano Angonesi , Arisi Ana Carolina Maisonnave
Published: May 2008

A significant increase in the growth of genetically modified organisms has been observed in recent years. As a result of the market introduction of these genetically modified (GM) crops in foods, legislation worldwide was prepared to deal with the question of the use and labelling requirements on GM crops and their derivatives. The aim of this work was to detect and to quantify GM soybean in soy‐derived food products sold commercially in Florianópolis, Brazil, by polymerase chain reaction‐based analysis. In total sixty‐two samples of texturized soy protein and powdered soymilk were analysed and forty samples have been shown to contain Roundup Ready (RR) soy. Quantitative analysis revealed that only two out of these forty samples presented RR soybean content above 1%. These findings confirm the presence of RR soybean in Brazilian soy‐derived food products and that the amount of samples with % RR content above 1% decreases when compared with previously published data.
Antioxidant activity of Bahraini date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit of various cultivars
Authors: Allaith Abdul Ameer A.
Published: May 2008

Fruits of sixteen cultivars of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) commonly grown in Bahrain were evaluated for their antioxidant activity, total phenolics and ascorbic acid contents at different ripening stages using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The highest total antioxidant activity was found at biser (unripe) stage, with a mean FRAP value of 5.71 ± 4.31 mmol/100 g fresh weight (FW), followed by rutab (soft and ripped) with FRAP values of 1.2 mmol per 100 g FW and tamer (dried fruit) 0.94 ± 0.21 mmol per 100 g FW. Total antioxidant activities of locally collected and imported tamer were similar. There was about twelve and six fold difference between cultivars possessing the highest and lowest antioxidant values at biser and rutab stages, respectively. A sharp decrease in antioxidant activity was found to be associated with the fruit ripening. The average of phenolics at biser and rutab stage were 196.8 ± 72.1 and 116.7 ± 44.1 mg per 100 g fresh weight, whereas the average of ascorbic acid was 6.6 ± 2.4 and 3.3 ± 1.3 mg per 100 g fresh weight, respectively. Significant correlation was found between the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (r = 0.595) and ascorbic acid (r = 0.385) at biser stage, but not at rutab stage. It was concluded that the phenolics were the major contributor for the antioxidant activity.
Use of humectants for the stabilization of pesto sauce
Authors: Severini Carla , Corbo Maria Rosaria , Derossi Antonio , Bevilacqua Antonio , Giuliani Roma
Published: May 2008

The stabilisation of preserves through the lowering of water activity (aw) and the reduction of pH value are studied as alternatives to the traditional pasteurising/sterilising treatments. aw of samples of pesto has been reduced using two binary systems of humectants: KCl–fructose and KCl–saccharose. The microbiological stability of samples was assessed through the inoculation of Clostridium perfringens spores. Moreover, pH values, aw and colour parameters were measured. The results have pointed out that aw reduction and controlled temperature of storage inhibited the development of C. perfringens. In particular, run 1 (aw 0.92 and temperature 25 °C) allowed a significant increase of the stability time of the samples. The reduction of aw may be a valid alternative to the traditional treatments of stabilisation in maintaining the organoleptic characteristics of the fresh product.
Some engineering and thermal properties of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds
Authors: Al‐Mahasneh Majdi A. , Ababneh Hussein A. , Rababah Taha
Published: May 2008

Engineering and thermal properties of black cumin seeds at 5.3% (w.b.) moisture content were obtained. Seed length, width and thickness ranged from 2.85 to 3.27 mm, 1.36 to 1.81 mm and 0.84 to 1.22 mm, respectively. Geometric mean diameter, effective mean diameter, sphericity and roundness ranged from 1.55 to 1.88 mm, 1.63 to 1.77 mm, 51.6 to 60.7% and 66.0 to 71.4%, respectively. One hundred seed mass, true density, bulk density and porosity ranged from 2.35 to 2.85 g, 992 to 1094.1 kg m−3, 538.4 to 568.4 kg m−3 and 46.6 to 48.1%, respectively. Average static friction coefficient on mild steel, stainless steel, galvanised steel, aluminum and plywood were 0.36, 0.22, 0.39, 0.33 and 0.52, respectively. Angle of repose and terminal velocity ranged from 32.2 to 34.7°, and from 5.4 to 5.9 m s−1. Specific heat and thermal conductivity varied from 1672 to 2091 J kg−1 K., 0.16 to 0.21 W m−1 K., respectively.
Inhibition of the decrease of volatile esters and terpenes during storage of a white wine and a model wine medium by glutathione and N‐acetylcysteine
Authors: Papadopoulou Despima , Roussis Ioannis G.
Published: May 2008

Glutathione and N‐acetylcysteine, each at 20 mg L−1, were tested as inhibitors of the decrease of volatile esters and terpenes during storage of Debina white wine. Moreover, the inhibition of the decrease of isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate and linalool in a model wine medium by glutathione and N‐acetylcysteine, each at 0–20 mg L−1, was also tested. Several volatiles, such as isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate and linalool, decreased during wine storage. Glutathione or N‐acetylcysteine significantly restricted the decrease of these volatiles. In the model medium, each thiol inhibited the decrease of the three volatiles in a dose‐dependent manner. N‐acetylcysteine inhibited the decrease of all three volatiles at 2.5 mg L−1 while glutathione at 2.5 or 5.0 mg L−1. The present results indicate that glutathione and N‐acetylcysteine may be taken into account as potent inhibitors of the disappearance of aromatic esters and terpenes in wines.
Treatment of beverage‐processing wastewater in a three‐phase fluidised bed biological reactor
Authors: Manyele Samwel Victor , Peay Miya , Halfani Mariam Rajabu
Published: May 2008

This paper presents a study on treatment of beverage‐processing wastewater (BPWW) in a three‐phase fluidised bed bioreactor (TPFBB). Wastewater samples were introduced in the TPFBB and aerated at optimum liquid and gas flow rates while measuring wastewater parameters [pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), total Kjehldahl nitrogen (TKN) and ammonia‐nitrogen (NH3‐N)]. Two different initial pH levels were studied, i.e. 9.0 and 11.5. The pH of the wastewater was observed to level off at 9.3 after 1 day. The TSS dropped by 95% after 5 days, for both initial pH levels. The NH3‐N and TKN dropped to similar final concentration independent of initial pH. The COD removal efficiency was observed to depend on the initial pH level. A highest efficiency of 98% and lowest efficiency of 50% were observed at initial pH of 9.0 and 11.5, respectively. The study results show that TPFBB is capable of treating food‐processing wastewater under suitable conditions.
Browning of white wines: correlation with antioxidant characteristics, total polyphenolic composition and flavanol content
Authors: Salacha Maria‐Ioanna , Kallithraka Samatina , Tzourou Irini
Published: May 2008

Browning is a serious problem in relation to white wine quality, which mostly affects the sensory attributes. It is well known to be associated with polyphenol oxidation, and therefore it may be accompanied by changes in the antioxidant capacity. On the basis of this consideration, thirteen experimental white wines, vinified and stored under identical conditions, were subjected to accelerated browning, and efforts were made to distinguish compositional parameters that might be related to the extent of browning development. Further, the relation of browning with the reducing power and the antiradical activity were assessed. Regression analysis at 95% significance level indicated that the antiradical activity is likely to be exerted principally by the flavanol fraction (r2 = 0.92) and to a lesser extent by total phenols (r2 = 0.85), as opposed to reducing power, which is mainly affected by total phenols (r2 = 0.78), suggesting that synergistic phenomena account for the overall antioxidant status of white wines. In addition, the total phenolic and flavanol concentration correlated significantly with the browning rate constants and provided strong evidence that browning development might be predominately associated with flavanol (r2 = 0.84) and to a lesser extent with total phenolic (r2 = 0.79) oxidation.
Effect of some thermal and chemical pretreatments on smoked Oyster mushroom quality
Authors: Eissa Hesham A. , Fouad Gamal M. , Shouk Abd Elhafeeze A.
Published: May 2008

The effect of different thermal and chemical pretreatments on quality and enzyme activities of smoked mushroom was investigated. Mushrooms were blanched (water and steam) and dipped in different concentrations of sulphites (SO2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ethylene‐di‐amine tetra‐acetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid for 10 min before smoking. Enzyme activities, colour characteristics, microbiological and sensory examinations were carried out every 2 weeks up to 8 weeks of storage in refrigerator at 4 °C. Results could be concluded that smoked mushroom pretreated with SO2, H2O2 and steam blanching had the best colour values, the better score for all sensory characteristics and lower non‐enzymatic browning compared with other pretreatments. The most effective pretreatment against total aerobic bacteria and yeast & moulds were citric acid, EDTA and steam, and then smoking of mushroom can be attributed to the reduction of microbial counts. The most effective pretreatments on quality and safety of smoked mushrooms were H2O2 and steam. It can be concluded that thermal and chemical treatments, rather than smoking of mushroom, reduce enzyme activities and are suitable to preserve mushrooms.
Genetic and enological analysis of selected Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for wine production
Authors: Ooi Beng Guat , Wanamaker Laura E. , Markuszewski Bartlomiej M. , Chong Ngee Sing
Published: May 2008

The non‐wine Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain of 96581 was found to be a promising candidate for the production of white wine. It produced wines with fusel alcohols that were 57% higher than those produced by the wine yeasts studied and was also more efficient in the production of 2‐phenethyl acetate and 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol acetate. This study also shows that there is a difference in the ester‐formation efficiency for acetates relative to C6, C8 and C10 fatty acid esters for all the studied yeast strains. Therefore, it supports the view that other unidentified enzymes besides those regulated by ATF1 and ATF2 genes are involved in the production of ethyl esters of C6–C10 fatty acids. DNA analysis of the 25S, 18S, 5.8S and 5S ribosomal DNA genes in these strains showed high conservation. Despite the closely related nature of these yeast strains, the chemical profiles of the wines produced were significantly different.
Good work – how is it recognised by the nurse?
Authors: Christiansen Bjørg
Published: May 2008

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to shed light on how nurses describe situations that reflect achievement and provide confirmation that they have done good work.

Background.  Nurses’ recognition of good work does not seem to have been the object of direct investigation, but is indirectly reflected in studies focusing on nurses’ perceptions on work environments and the multifaceted nature of nursing. However, acknowledging high‐quality performance in professional nurses can facilitate nurses in maintaining and strengthening the goals and values of the profession. This in turn can help nurses shoulder the multifaceted responsibilities they have to patients and next of kin.

Design.  This paper is part of the Professional Learning in a Changing Society project, Institute of Educational Research, University of Oslo, funded by the Research Council of Norway. The project involves four professional groups. This paper, however, focuses on a group of 10 nurses, nine of whom work in hospitals and one in an outpatient clinic. A qualitative approach was chosen to gain insight into how nurses, as well as the other professional groups in the project, engage in processes of knowledge production and quality assurance work.

Methods.  Data presented in this paper derive from semi‐structured in‐depth interviews conducted during spring 2005 and focuses on the recognition of good work.

Results.  The following themes were identified as essential in confirming that one did good work: securing fundamental needs of patients and next of kin; managing the flow of responsibilities; positive feedback.

Conclusions.  Good work seems to be related to specific situations and a sense of achievement by the respondents.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Recognition of good work is not only rewarding and enjoyable; it may also serve as a source of consciousness raising for professional and ethical guidelines in the work place.
An evaluation of a Diabetes Specialist Nurse prescriber on the system of delivering medicines to patients with diabetes
Authors: Carey Nicola , Courtenay Molly , James June , Hills Mimi , Roland Jonathan
Published: May 2008

Aim. To evaluate the impact of a Diabetes Specialist Nurse prescriber on insulin and oral hypoglycaemic agent medication errors and length of stay.

Background. The National Health Service has committed to a 40% reduction in the number of drug errors in the use of prescribed medicines. Drug errors in diabetes care are a common cause of significant morbidity and complications. Nurse prescribing creates an opportunity for nurses to improve care for these patients.

Design. A quasi‐experiment using six wards in a single hospital trust.

Methods. Inpatient care of a convenience sample of patients with diabetes was evaluated before (n = 27) and after (n = 29) the intervention of a Diabetes Specialist Nurse prescriber. Prospective data were collected to measure insulin and oral hypoglycaemic medication errors and length of stay.

Results. There was a significant reduction in the total number of errors between the pre‐intervention and intervention group (mean reduction 21 errors) (p = 0·016). The median length of stay was reduced by three days. The total number of errors and length of stay were affected by admission category (p = 0·0004).

Conclusions. A medicines management intervention, provided by a Diabetes Specialist Nurse prescriber, had a positive effect on the system of delivering medicines to patients with diabetes and significantly reduced the number of errors. This reduction had some effect on length of stay. The cost saving was sufficient to finance a Diabetes Specialist Nurse prescriber post.

Relevance to clinical practice. (i) Errors frequently occur in the prescription and administration of medicines to patients with diabetes. (ii) The education of healthcare professionals is a factor contributing to these errors. (iii) Nurse prescribing provides a new system by which to educate patients and staff about their medicines. (iv) A Diabetes Specialist Nurse prescriber can reduce insulin and OHA MEs. This reduction had some effect on LOS.
Severity of periodontal disease correlates to inflammatory systemic status and independently predicts the presence and angiographic extent of stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Amabile N. , Susini G. , Pettenati‐Soubayroux I. , Bonello L. , Gil J.‐M. , Arques S. , Bonfil J. J. , Paganelli F.
Published: May 2008

Background.  Periodontal disease (PD) has been recognized as a risk factor for systemic diseases, but its involvement in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains debated.

Objectives.  We sought to evaluate the potential relations between severity of the PD, inflammatory response and angiographic lesions extent in patients with stable CAD.

Design.  A total of 131 subjects referred to our centre for coronary angiography were evaluated for presence and extension of CAD, then divided into two groups, one with presence of lesions (cases, n = 85) and other one with absence of lesions (controls, n = 46). Mean periodontal pocket depth (PPkD), high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs‐CRP), serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and fibrinogen levels were measured in all patients.

Results.  Cases and controls did not differ according to their baseline characteristics and prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. PPkD was greater in patients with CAD than in controls (2.24 ± 1.28 mm vs 1.50 ± 0.93 mm, P < 0.001 by Student’s t‐test). Systemic inflammatory response was more pronounced in cases than in controls, with higher values of hs‐CRP, SAA and fibrinogen. Furthermore, PPkD values correlated with hs‐CRP (r = 0.80, P < 0.001), SAA (r = 0.71, P < 0.001), fibrinogen levels (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association angiographic score (r = 0.68, P < 0.001) in cases. Multivariate analysis indicated a persistent independent correlation between PPkD and angiographic score after adjustment for inflammatory markers levels.

Conclusion.  In the present study, PD lesions predicted presence of CAD stenosis in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. PD severity was correlated to angiographic extent of coronary lesions, independent of systemic inflammatory status. Those results suggest that these patients might benefit from an intensive periodontal therapy to prevent CAD progression.
Comparison of stress distribution between complete denture and implant‐retained overdenture‐2D FEA
Authors: ASSUNÇÃO W. G. , TABATA L. F. , BARÃO V. A. R. , ROCHA E. P.
Published: May 2008

Summary  The aim of this study was to compare the stress distribution induced by posterior functional loads on conventional complete dentures and implant‐retained overdentures with different attachment systems using a two‐dimentional Finite Element Analysis (FEA‐2D). Three models representative of edentulous mandible were constructed on AutoCAD software; Group A (control), a model of edentulous mandible supporting a complete denture; Group B, a model of edentulous mandible supporting an overdenture over two splinted implants connected with the bar‐clip system; Group C, a model of edentuluos mandible supporting an overdenture over two unsplinted impants with the O‐ring system. Evaluation was conducted on Ansys software, with a vertical force of 100 N applied on the mandibular left first molar. When the stress was evaluated in supporting tissues, groups B (51·0 MPa) and C (52·6 MPa) demonstrated higher stress values than group A (10·1 MPa). Within the limits of this study, it may be conclued that the use of an attachment system increased stress values; furthermore, the use of splinted implants associated with the bar‐clip attachment system favoured a lower stress distribution over the supporting tissue than the unsplinted implants with an O‐ring abutment to retain the manibular overdenture.
Diclofenac sodium and occlusal splint therapy in TMJ osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: MEJERSJÖ C. , WENNEBERG B.
Published: May 2008

Summary  The aim of the study was to compare treatment with diclofenac sodium (Voltaren 3 × 50 mg) to occlusal splint therapy in a randomized, single‐blind controlled trial of patients with a diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) in accordance with Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorders. Patients with general joint disorders or restrictions against medication with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug were not included. Twenty‐seven females and two males (aged 36–76 years) included, answered a standardized questionnaire and were clinically examined and they underwent TMJ tomography. The treatment was randomized to either splint (n = 15) or diclofenac (n = 14). The temperatures over the TMJs were determined. The patients were re‐examined 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after the start of treatment. A 1‐year follow‐up was carried out using questionnaires. After 1 week of treatment with diclofenac, significant reductions of pain and discomfort, TMJ tenderness and joint pain on jaw movements were noted. The splint therapy gave a significant reduction of reported symptoms after 1 month of treatment. Both treatments gave few adverse effects and were on an equal level. Estimation of the degree of inflammation by measuring the surface temperature over the TMJ was not reliable. Structural changes of the symptomatic TMJs were radiographically found in 82%, the contralateral, symptom‐free TMJ had changes in 36%. There was a discrepancy between the clinical and the radiographical findings. Diclofenac gave a more rapid improvement, but both treatments gave a significant reduction of symptoms of TMJ OA within 3 months which remained at the one‐year follow‐up.
Is there a lower threshold value of bone density for early loading protocols of dental implants?
Authors: TURKYILMAZ I. , MCGLUMPHY EDWIN A.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  This clinical study aimed to determine the bone density in dental implant recipient sites using computerized tomography (CT) and to establish a lower threshold value of bone density for early loading protocols. The study group was composed of 100 early loaded implants in 42 patients. A total of four groups were established according to the loading time and implant sites. The bone density of each recipient site for implant placement was determined using CT. The maximum insertion torque values were recorded with torque controlling machine. Implant stability measurements were performed with resonance frequency analyser. The bone density values varied from 528 to 1231 HU. It was found that mean bone density, insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis values were 887 ± 180 HU, 41·2 ± 6 Ncm, and 73·7 ± 4 ISQ, respectively. Strong correlations were found between these three parameters. CT may be a useful tool for assessing the bone density of recipient areas before implant placement, and the early loading of dental implants may be possible in the implant sites where bone density is over 528 HU.
The ability of different materials to reproduce accurate records of interocclusal relationships in the vertical dimension
Authors: GHAZAL M. , ALBASHAIREH Z. S. , KERN M.
Published: May 2008

Summary  Restorations made on incorrectly mounted casts might require considerable intra‐oral adjustments to correct the occlusion or might even necessitate a remake of the restoration. The aim of this study was to evaluate interocclusal recording materials for their ability to reproduce accurate vertical interocclusal relationships after a storage time of 1 and 48 h, respectively. A custom‐made apparatus was used to simulate the maxilla and mandible. Eight interocclusal records were made in each of the following groups: G1: Aluwax (aluminium wax), G2: Beauty Pink wax (hydrocarbon wax compound), G3: Futar D, G4: Futar D Fast, G5: Futar Scan (G3‐G5: vinyl polysiloxane), G6: Ramitec (polyether). The vertical discrepancies were measured by an inductive displacement transducer connected to a carrier frequency amplifier after storage of the records for two periods of 1 and 48 h. Two‐way anova was used for statistical analysis. The mean vertical discrepancies in μm (1/48 h) for G1 (31/35) and G2 (35/38) were statistically significantly higher than for the other groups G3 (8/10), G4 (11/12), G5 (6/8) and G6 (5/8) (P ≤ 0·05). There were no statistically significant differences between the elastomers tested. The effect of storage on the vertical discrepancies was statistically significant (P < 0·001). Vinyl polysiloxane and polyether interocclusal records can be used to relate working casts during mounting procedures without significant vertical displacement of the casts.
Longitudinal changes in serum HBV DNA levels and predictors of progression during the natural course of HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Papatheodoridis G. V. , Chrysanthos N. , Hadziyannis E. , Cholongitas E. , Manesis E. K.
Published: May 2008

Summary.  We evaluated the longitudinal changes of viraemia and predictors of progression in a prospectively followed cohort of 150 untreated patients with HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. According to the first year of follow‐up, 85 patients were classified into inactive carrier state and 65 into chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Serum HBV DNA levels were determined at baseline in all patients, at year‐1 in carriers or last pretherapy visit in CHB patients and during alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations in carriers progressing to CHB. HBV DNA levels at any occasion were ≥80, ≥2000 or ≥20 000 IU/mL in 81%, 23% or 0% of carriers and 100%, 95% or 83% of CHB patients. The cumulative progression rate from carrier to CHB was 11%, 16%, 24% at 2‐, 3‐, 4 years and was independently associated with higher baseline ALT (always within traditional normal range) and baseline HBV DNA ≥2000 or ≥5000 IU/mL. In 12 carriers progressed to CHB, HBV DNA increased by >1 log10 IU/mL. During 7.5 months of median follow‐up, HBV DNA change ≥1 log10 IU/mL was observed in 49% of CHB patients. In conclusion, serum HBV DNA levels are detectable in the majority of inactive HBV carriers exceeding 2000 IU/mL in only 23% and 20 000 IU/mL in none of them. Carriers have approximately 15% 3‐year risk of progression to CHB, which is associated with higher baseline ALT and viraemia ≥2000–5000 IU/mL, and thus should be closely followed. Approximately 20% of HBeAg‐negative CHB patients have HBV DNA <20 000 IU/mL with fluctuations >1 log10 occurring in many of them.
HCV‐specific T‐cell responses in injecting drug users: evidence for previous exposure to HCV and a role for CD4+ T cells focussing on nonstructural proteins in viral clearance
Authors: Ruys T. A. , Nanlohy N. M. , Van Den Berg C. H. S. B. , Hassink E. , Beld M. , Van De Laar T. , Bruisten S. , Wit F. , Krol A. , Prins M. , Lange J. , Van Baarle D.
Published: May 2008

Summary. In order to understand the parameters associated with resolved hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infection, we analysed the HCV‐specific T‐cell responses longitudinally in 13 injecting drug‐users (IDUs) with a prospectively identified acute HCV infection. Seven IDUs cleared HCV and six IDUs remained chronically infected. T‐cell responses were followed in the period needed to resolve and a comparable time span in chronic carriers.Ex vivoT‐cell responses were measured using interferon‐γ Elispot assays after stimulation with overlapping peptide pools spanning the complete HCV genome. CD4+memory‐T‐cell responses were determined after 12‐day stimulation with HCV proteins. The maximum response was compared between individuals. The T‐cell responses measured directlyex vivowere weak but significantly higher in resolvers compared to chronic carriers, whereas the CD4+memory‐T‐cell response was not different between resolvers and chronic carriers. However, HCV Core protein was targeted more often in chronic carriers compared to individuals resolving HCV infection. CD4+ T‐cell responses predominantly targeting nonstructural proteins were associated with resolved HCV infection. Interestingly, observation ofmemory‐T‐cellresponses present before the documented HCV‐seroconversion suggests that reinfections in IDUs occur often. The presence of these responses however, were not predictive for the outcome of infection. However, a transition of the HCV‐specific CD4+memory‐T‐cell response from targeting Core to targeting nonstructural proteins during onset of infection was associated with a favourable outcome. Therefore, the specificity of the CD4+memory‐T‐cell responses measured after 12‐day expansion seems most predictive of resolved infection.
A restoration genetics guide for coral reef conservation
Authors: BAUMS ILIANA B.
Published: May 2008

Worldwide degradation of coral reef communities has prompted a surge in restoration efforts. They proceed largely without considering genetic factors because traditionally, coral populations have been regarded as open over large areas with little potential for local adaptation. Since, biophysical and molecular studies indicated that most populations are closed over shorter time and smaller spatial scales. Thus, it is justified to re‐examine the potential for site adaptation in corals. There is ample evidence for differentiated populations, inbreeding, asexual reproduction and the occurrence of ecotypes, factors that may facilitate local adaptation. Discovery of widespread local adaptation would influence coral restoration projects mainly with regard to the physical and evolutionary distance from the source wild and/or captive bred propagules may be moved without causing a loss of fitness in the restored population. Proposed causes for loss of fitness as a result of (plant) restoration efforts include founder effects, genetic swamping, inbreeding and/or outbreeding depression. Direct evidence for any of these processes is scarce in reef corals due to a lack of model species that allow for testing over multiple generations and the separation of the relative contributions of algal symbionts and their coral hosts to the overall performance of the coral colony. This gap in our knowledge may be closed by employing novel population genetic and genomics approaches. The use of molecular tools may aid managers in the selection of appropriate propagule sources, guide spatial arrangement of transplants, and help in assessing the success of coral restoration projects by tracking the performance of transplants, thereby generating important data for future coral reef conservation and restoration projects.
HpaA from Xanthomonas is a regulator of type III secretion
Authors: Lorenz Christian , Kirchner Oliver , Egler Monique , Stuttmann Johannes , Bonas Ulla , Büttner Daniela
Published: May 2008

The Gram‐negative plant pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria employs a type III secretion (T3S) system to inject effector proteins into the host cell cytoplasm. Efficient secretion of several effector proteins depends on the cytoplasmic global T3S chaperone HpaB. In this study, we show that HpaB interacts with the virulence factor HpaA, which is secreted by the T3S system and translocated into the plant cell. HpaA promotes secretion of pilus, translocon and effector proteins and therefore appears to be an important control protein of the T3S system. Protein–protein interaction studies and the analysis of HpaA deletion derivatives revealed that the C‐terminal protein region, which contains a HpaB binding site, is crucial for the contribution of HpaA to T3S. Secretion of pilus and translocon proteins is not affected when HpaA is expressed as an N‐terminal deletion derivative that lacks the secretion and translocation signal. Our data suggest that binding of HpaA to HpaB within the bacterial cell favours secretion of extracellular components of the secretion apparatus. Secretion of HpaA presumably liberates HpaB and thus promotes effector protein secretion after assembly of the T3S apparatus.
Identification of FleQ from Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a c‐di‐GMP‐responsive transcription factor
Authors: Hickman Jason W. , Harwood Caroline S.
Published: May 2008

High levels of the intracellular signalling molecule cyclic diguanylate (c‐di‐GMP) supress motility and activate exopolysaccharide (EPS) production in a variety of bacterial species. In many bacteria part of the effect of c‐di‐GMP is on gene expression, but the mechanism involved is not known for any species. We have identified the protein FleQ as a c‐di‐GMP‐responsive transcriptional regulator in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. FleQ is known to activate expression of flagella biosynthesis genes. Here we show that it also represses transcription of genes including the pel operon involved in EPS biosynthesis, and that this repression is relieved by c‐di‐GMP. Our in vivo data indicate that FleQ represses pel transcription and that pel transcription is not repressed when intracellular c‐di‐GMP levels are high. FleN, a known antiactivator of FleQ also participates in control of pel expression. In in vitro experiments we found that FleQ binds to pel promoter DNA and that this binding is inhibited by c‐di‐GMP. FleQ binds radiolabelled c‐di‐GMP in vitro. FleQ does not have amino acid motifs that resemble previously defined c‐di‐GMP binding domains. Our results show that FleQ is a new type of c‐di‐GMP binding protein that controls the transcriptional regulation of EPS biosynthesis genes in P. aeruginosa.
THE ASTROGLIAL RESPONSE TO STABBING. IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE STUDIES WITH ANTIBODIES TO ASTROCYTE‐SPECIFIC PROTEIN (GFA) IN MAMMALIAN AND SUBMAMMALIAN VERTEBRATES
Authors: BIGNAMI A. , DAHL DORIS
Published: May 2008

The astroglial response t o stabbing. Immunofluorescence studies with antibodies to astrocyte‐specific protein (GFA) in mammalian and sub‐mammalian vertebrates

The astroglial response to stabbing was studied by immunofluorescence with GFA protein antisera in adult and newborn rats, chickens and goldfish. In the adult normal rat most astrocytes of the isocortex and corpus striatum are protoplasmic and do not stain by immunofluorescence. Two days after injury many astrocytes became brightly fluorescent in the stabbed hemisphere and were still fluorescent 2 months later. In the newborn rat the astroglial response was more limited. Reactive glial cells in the medial frontal cortex and pyramidal layer of the hippocampus had a radial appearance with thin immunofluorescent processes crossing at right angles to the surface of the cortex. In rats stabbed at birth and killed 1 month later many immunofluorescent astrocytes were present in the frontal cortex of both cerebral hemispheres. Radial glia were no longer observed. In the normal adult rat radial glial processes were seen by immunofluorescence extending at right angles from the lateral wall of the third ventricle into the hypothalamus. In the chicken cerebellum the astroglial response to stabbing was limited, with few immunofluorescent fibers in the vicinity of the wound. No changes were observed in the goldfish optic tectum by immunofluorescence.
NEUROPATHOLOGY OF EXPERIMENTAL DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS (DYSBARISM) IN THE GOAT
Authors: PALMER A. C. , BLAKEMORE W. F. , GREENWOOD A. G.
Published: May 2008

Neuropathology of experimental decompression sickness (dysbarism) in the goat

Forty‐four goats were subjected to various decompression procedures and the CNS was examined at various times thereafter. Lesions were found in the spinal cord in 24 animals, but these were minimal in 6; no similar abnormalities were found in the brain. The CNS of 9 control animals was normal. In the affected animals there was focal infarction of the white matter, especially in the cervical and to a lesser degree in the thoracic and lumbar regions. The dorsal columns were particularly affected in the cervical regions. In two cases, soon after decompression, changes were also present in the grey matter of the spinal cord. In the early infarcts, oedema occurred around relevant vessels and their walls later became necrotic. The surrounding white matter showed the changes of Wallerian degeneration although some axons survived. An early macrophage reaction was followed by revascularization and gliosis of the infarcted regions. All affected animals had been treated for signs of CNS bends (Type II), except for 7 which had shown only limb bends (Type I). In view of the nature of the lesions shown here suggestions are made as to their pathogenesis and to their treatment.
INHIBITION OF CEREBELLAR DENDRITE DEVELOPMENT IN NEONATAL THYROID DEFICIENCY
Authors: BROWN W. J. , VERITY M. A. , SMITH R. L.
Published: May 2008

Inhibition of cerebellar dendrite development in neonatal thyroid deficiency

Thyroid hormone deficiency was induced in neonatal rats by propylthiouracil. Serum thyroxine levels were assayed and thyroid tissue was examined to assess the clinical condition. At 8, 14, 20, 30 and 42 days after birth, age‐matched controls and hypothyroid animals were killed by perfusion. Nissl stains, Golgi preparations, and electron microscopy were done on the cortex of Lobules IX and X of the developing cerebellum. Measurements of the molecular layer revealed that at 8 days, controls are slightly but significantly wider, but at 20 days the difference is much greater and remains so even at 42 days. Golgi studies show deceleration and distortion of development of the Purkinje cell dendritic tree in the abnormal rats. Spine counts of the spiny branchlets on these dendrites show the same incidence per linear micrometer as the age‐matched controls, but linear measurements of the branchlets show that the deficient animals have shorter branchlets and regions where spines are absent. Electron microscopy shows that if a spine does develop, it appears similar in control and hypothyroid animals at comparable ages. The effect of the abnormal Purkinje cell dendritic arborization on synaptogenesis in the molecular layer is discussed.
THE HISTOPATHOLOGY OF A CEREBRAL LIPODOSIS IN THE HAWAIIAN GOOSE, BRANTA SANDVICENSIS
Authors: WIGHT P. A. L.
Published: May 2008

Histopathological investigation of two Hawaiian geese which had shown abnormal neurological symptoms during life, revealed a cerebral lipidosis resembling metachromatic leucodystrophy. Abnormal deposits of lipid occurred in neurons and their processes, in perivascular macrophages and oligodendroglia especially in white matter, in Schwann cells and in kidney tubules. There was astrocytic gliosis, incomplete myelination in the central nervous system and demyelination of sciatic nerves. The abnormal deposits were sudanophilic, PAS‐positive, metachromatic with acidified cresyl violet, birefringent, negative or weak in their response to phospholipid stains and gave a positive histochemical reaction for sulphate esters. Thin‐layer chromatographic lipid analyses suggested excess amounts of sulphatide. Ultrastructurally the deposits comprised spherical granular inclusions, often containing some laminated membranes, and larger, irregular‐shaped inclusions composed of compacted lamellae. The periodicity of the lamellae was 5–6 nm.
ACUTE EFFECTS OF TRIETHYL TIN ON THE RAT MYELIN SHEATH
Authors: JACOBS JEAN M. , CREMER JILL E. , CAVANAGH J. B.
Published: May 2008

Acute effects of triethyl tin on the rat myelin sheath

Triethyl tin, when given intravenously to the rat, produces intramyelin vacuoles in 2 h after 10 mg/kg and 1 h after 20 mg/kg. No preceding changes occur in astro‐cytes, oligodendrocytes, or extracellular space. The vacuoles appear to begin in the outer lamellae of the sheath and may move with time inwards towards the axon. They occupy only a sector of the sheath, at least during the first few hours. Fibres of all sizes are equally affected. It is suggested that this substance acts directly on the membrane of the oligodendroglial myelin. No effects were found on retinal rod cells or peripheral myelin.
IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE DEMONSTRATES THE DISTRIBUTION OF ACTIN, MYOSIN AND INTERMEDIATE FILAMENTS IN CULTURED NEUROBLASTOMA CELLS
Authors: SOTELO J. , TOH B. H. , YILDIZ A. , OSUNG O. , HOLBOROW E. J.
Published: May 2008

Immunofluorescence demonstrates the distribution of actin, myosin and intermediate filaments in cultured neuroblastoma cells

Monolayers of cultured neuroblastoma cells were examined for immunofluorescent reactivity with antibodies directed against actin, myosin or intermediate filaments. In well spread cells, antibody to intermediate filaments stained an intricate cyto‐plasmic network which extended as filament bundles into cell processes; in poorly spread or rounded cells, the antibody stained thick juxtanuclear filament bundles. By contrast, antibodies to actin or myosin reacted with microspikes and with axonal growth cones. The different topographical distribution of actin, myosin and intermediate filaments suggests that while actin and myosin may have roles in axon elongation, intermediate filaments may function as an internal cytoskeleton as well as in axoplasmic transport. The different distribution of intermediate filaments in well spread compared with rounded cells suggests that the cell makes its filaments prior to axon development and that the filaments subsequently unwind and migrate into the cell processes to form the axon skeleton.
PAIRED HELICAL FILAMENTS IN RAT SPINAL GANGLIA FOLLOWING CHRONIC ALCOHOL ADMINISTRATION: AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC INVESTIGATION*
Authors: VOLK B.
Published: May 2008

Volk B. 1980Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology6, 143–153

Paired helical filaments in rat spinal ganglia following chronic alcohol administration: an electron microscopic investigation

Youang Wistar rats were given a 15% (v/v) ethanol solutionad libitumfor at least 6 months, spinal ganglia (C6–7 and Ll‐2) in some of the experimental animals showed paired helical filaments. These curvilinear profiles consisted of 10 nm filaments with the twist every 35nm. There was also an increase in granular material and in nematosomes. Whether these features may be caused by an impaired cerebral protein biosynthesis is discussed.
PATHOLOGY OF DISULFIRAM NEUROPATHY
Authors: BOULDIN T. W. , HALL C. D. , KRIGMAN M. R.
Published: May 2008

Bouldin T.W., Hall CD & Krigman M.R.1980 Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 6, 155–160

Case report. Pathology of disulfiram neuropathy

The pathological changes in a sural nerve biopsy from a 42‐year‐old woman with disulfiram‐induced peripheral neuropathy were assessed by quantitative light microscopy, electron microscopy, and the study of teased nerve fibres. The nerve had a marked loss of myelinated fibres; of the remaining myelinated fibres some were undergoing Wallerian‐type axonal degeneration. Large myelinated fibres were preferentially involved. Primary demyelination, remyelination, and evidence of regeneration were not present. Because of the marked differences between the pathological findings in disulfiram neuropathy and carbon disulfide neuropathy, it is concluded that carbon disulfide is not responsible for the neurotoxic effect of disulfiram.
REGIONAL NEURONE DAMAGE AFTER CEREBRAL ISCHAEMIA IN THE NORMO‐ AND HYPOGLYCAEMIC RAT
Authors: DIEMER N. H. , SIEMKOWICZ E.
Published: May 2008

Ten minutes of total cerebral ischaemia was produced in normo‐ and hypoglycaemic rats. The most conspicuous findings were loss of hippocampal (CA‐1) pyramidal cells and Purkinje cells, which were most pronounced in the normoglycaemic rats. While pre‐ischaemic hypoglycaemia to some extent protected these cells, it led to infarction or severe ischaemic nerve cell changes in the brain stem nuclei and lowered the neurological restitution of the hypoglycaemic animals. The regional damage in these rats, which were kept normotensive after ischaemia, was not due to circulatory insufficiency. However, rats with untreated spontaneous low blood pressure in the early postischaemic period showed multiple small infarcts.
EFFECTS OF DEXAMETHASONE ON FIBRE SUBTYPES IN RAT MUSCLE
Authors: LIVINGSTONE I. , JOHNSON M. A. , MASTAGLIA F. L.
Published: May 2008

Livingstone I., Johnson M.A. & Mastaglia F.L. (1981) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 7, 381–398

Effects of dexamethasone on fibre subtypes in rat muscle

The extent to which dexamethasone treatment produced atrophy of fast‐twitch (EDL) and slow‐twitch (SOL) muscles in the rat was investigated. The mean weight of steroid‐treated EDL muscles was decreased as compared to normal, whereas SOL muscles from normal and dexamethasone‐treated animals showed no significant difference. Muscle fibre diameters also showed comparatively minor changes in SOL, which consists of Type 1 (slow oxidative) and Type 2A (fast oxidative/glycolytic) fibres. Rat EDL contains, in addition to Type 1 and Type 2A fibres, two sub‐populations of fast glycolytic fibres (Types 2B and 2B'). These fibre types showed the most severe degree of atrophy both after dexamethasone treatment and after denervation. The mean ratio of the weights of denervated to innervated EDL muscles was lower in steroid‐treated rats than in normal animals suggesting that the atrophy produced by steroid treatment in conjunction with denervation was more than simply additive. Analysis of the proportions of histochemical fibre types in SOL and EDL showed that dexamethasone treatment produced no major alterations in the fibre type constitution of these muscles. However, further histochemical studies showed that there was relatively severe impairment of myophosphorylase activity in Type 2B' (fast glycolytic) fibres as compared to other fibre types; conversely Type 1 fibres frequently contained increased myophosphorylase. Levels of β‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase were low in both normal and steroid‐treated EDL but high in SOL which also showed higher general oxidative activity. It is suggested that the particular susceptibility of fast glycolytic fibres to atrophy as a result of steroid treatment may be linked to: 1 the relatively severe reduction of myophosphorylase activity in these fibres and 2 their comparative inability to utilize alternative energy sources, especially substrates derived from free fatty acids.
PATHOGENICITY OF A POLIOMYELITIS‐LIKE DISEASE IN MONKEYS INFECTED ORALLY WITH ENTEROVIRUS 71: A MODEL FOR HUMAN INFECTION
Authors: HASHIMOTO ISAO , HAGIWARA AKIO
Published: May 2008

Hashimoto I. & Hagiwara A. (1982) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 8, 149–156

Pathogenicity of a poliomyelitis‐like disease in monkeys infected orally with enterovirus 71: a model for human infection

Ten cynomolgus monkeys were given enterovirus 71 (E71) by mouth. Clinically, only one monkey showed weakness of the lower extremities. Histopathologically, vascular lesions of variable intensity, perivascular cuffing, degeneration and necrosis of the neurons and neuronophagia were observed in the CNS of 7 monkeys. E71 was recovered from the CNS and specific immunofluorescence was detected in the neurons and in associated macrophages in the CNS. Serum neutralizing antibody titres rose from 14 to 21 days. These monkeys are as susceptible to E71 infection by the oral route as by the subcutaneous route as previously shown, and its neuronal virulence was confirmed by its producing CNS lesions after oral infection. The orally infected monkey with E71 appears to provide an excellent model for infection by this agent in man.
THE ROLE OF GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CEREBRAL TUMOURS
Authors: PILKINGTON G. J. , LANTOS P. L.
Published: May 2008

Pilkington G.L. & Lantos P.L. (1982) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 8, 227–236

The role of glutamine synthetase in the diagnosis of cerebral tumours

Glutamine synthetase (GS) was studied in a range of human brain tumours and compared with results obtained by staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) using the indirect immunoperoxidase and peroxidase‐anti‐peroxidase methods. All astrocytomas showed positive staining with GS, the degree of which was related to the extent of differentiation and the amount of cytoplasm of the constituent cells. Ependymomas were only weakly positive, although a dense GFAP reaction was detected around blood vessels; possibly due to the presence of astrocyte foot processes. Medulloblastomas showed signs of astrocytic differentiation by the presence of clusters of positively staining cells amongst undifferentiated neoplastic cells. Oligodendrocytomas and meningiomas were generally negative apart from occasional astrocytes within the former neoplasms. GS and GFAP staining corresponded in virtually all cases; however, GS demonstrated poorly‐fibrillated cells better than GFAP, but did not show cell processes so clearly. Although GS appears to be cell‐specific in the central nervous system for normal, reactive and neoplastic astrocytes, it is not organ‐specific and therefore also stains cells of other tissues, e.g. liver. GS offers a practical alternative to GFAP as an astrocyte specific marker in human cerebral tumours and may be of diagnostic value in cases where poorly‐differentiated astrocytic tumours have been found negative to conventional histological stains for glial fibres or demonstrate a weak positive reaction to GFAP.