bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychrobacter vallis sp. nov. and Psychrobacter aquaticus sp. nov., from Antarctica
Authors: Shivaji Sisinthy , Reddy Gundlapalli S. N. , Suresh Korpole , Gupta Pratima , Chintalapati Suresh , Schumann Peter , Stackebrandt Erko , Matsumoto Genki I.
Published: March 2005

Twelve strains of psychrophilic bacteria were isolated from cyanobacterial mat samples collected from various water bodies in the McMurdo Dry Valley region of Antarctica. All the isolates were Gram-negative, non-motile, coccoid, psychrophilic, halotolerant bacteria and had C16 : 1ω7c, C17 : 1ω8cand C18 : 1ω9cas the major fatty acids, ubiquinone-8 as the respiratory quinone and DNA G+C content of 41–46 mol%. Based on these characteristics, the isolates were assigned to the genusPsychrobacter. Based on their SDS-PAGE profiles, the 12 isolates could be categorized into three groups. Six isolates of Group I were identified as representing strains ofPsychrobacter okhotskensis. However, using detailed phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain CMS 39T, the only strain from Group II, and strain CMS 56T, a representative strain of Group III, were different from each other and from all recognized species ofPsychrobacter. Therefore, it is proposed to classify CMS 39T(=DSM 15337T=MTCC 4208T) and CMS 56T(=DSM 15339T=MTCC 4386T) as representing the type strains of novel species ofPsychrobacter, for which the namesPsychrobacter vallissp. nov. andPsychrobacter aquaticussp. nov., respectively, are proposed.
Paenibacillus phyllosphaerae sp. nov., a xylanolytic bacterium isolated from the phyllosphere of Phoenix dactylifera
Authors: Rivas Raúl , Mateos Pedro F. , Martínez-Molina Eustoquio , Velázquez Encarna
Published: March 2005

A bacterial strain, designated PALXIL04T, was isolated from the phyllosphere ofPhoenix dactylifera. Phylogenetic analysis placed the isolate within the genusPaenibacilluswith the closest relatives beingPaenibacillus curdlanolyticusandPaenibacillus kobensis. DNA–DNA hybridization measurements showed low DNA relatedness (15–20 %) between the isolate and its closest relatives. Cells were Gram-variable, facultatively anaerobic, motile, sporulating rods. Catalase and oxidase were produced by the organism. Cellulose, starch, aesculin and xylan were hydrolysed. Growth was supported by many carbohydrates as the carbon source. MK-7 was the predominant menaquinone and anteiso-C15 : 0the major fatty acid. The G+C content of the DNA was 50·7 mol%. Phylogenetic, DNA–DNA relatedness and phenotypic analyses indicated that strain PALXIL04Trepresents a novel species of the genusPaenibacillus, for which the namePaenibacillus phyllosphaeraesp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PALXIL04T(=LMG 22192T=CECT 5862T).
Photobacterium rosenbergii sp. nov. and Enterovibrio coralii sp. nov., vibrios associated with coral bleaching
Authors: Thompson F. L. , Thompson C. C. , Naser S. , Hoste B. , Vandemeulebroecke K. , Munn C. , Bourne D. , Swings J.
Published: March 2005

Six new Vibrio-like isolates originating from different species of bleached and healthy corals around Magnetic Island (Australia) were investigated using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA, recA and rpoA gene sequences split the isolates in two new groups. Strains LMG 22223T, LMG 22224, LMG 22225, LMG 22226 and LMG 22227 were phylogenetic neighbours of Photobacterium leiognathi LMG 4228T (95·6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), whereas strain LMG 22228T was related to Enterovibrio norvegicus LMG 19839T (95·5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). The two new groups can be distinguished from closely related species on the basis of several phenotypic features, including fermentation of d-mannitol, melibiose and sucrose, and utilization of different compounds as carbon sources, arginine dihydrolase activity, nitrate reduction, resistance to the vibriostatic agent O/129 and the presence of fatty acids 15 : 0 iso and 17 : 0 iso. The names Photobacterium rosenbergii sp. nov. (type strain LMG 22223T=CBMAI 622T=CC1T) and Enterovibrio coralii sp. nov. (type strain LMG 22228T=CBMAI 623T=CC17T) are proposed to accommodate these new isolates. The G+C contents of the DNA of the two type strains are respectively 47·6 and 48·2 mol%.
Jannaschia rubra sp. nov., a red-pigmented bacterium isolated from sea water
Authors: Macián M. C. , Arahal D. R. , Garay E. , Ludwig W. , Schleifer K. H. , Pujalte M. J.
Published: March 2005

A Gram-negative, slightly halophilic, strictly aerobic, chemo-organotrophic bacterium was isolated from Mediterranean sea water near Valencia (Spain). Comparison of the almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain 4SM3T belonged to the Roseobacter group, with Jannaschia helgolandensis as its closest relative, with a similarity of 98·7 %. DNA–DNA hybridization analysis showed that the Mediterranean isolate had a level of relatedness of less than 42 % with J. helgolandensis and therefore that it represented a novel species of the genus Jannaschia. Phenotypic characteristics gave further evidence that the two organisms are not related at the species level. Isolate 4SM3T grows on solid media as irregular pink–red colonies that penetrate into the agar. Cells are rods, motile by a tuft of polar flagella. The DNA base composition is 64·6 mol% G+C. Morphological, physiological and genotypic differences from related species support the description of a novel species, Jannaschia rubra sp. nov., with strain 4SM3T (=CECT 5088T=DSM 16279T) as the type strain.
Agromyces italicus sp. nov., Agromyces humatus sp. nov. and Agromyces lapidis sp. nov., isolated from Roman catacombs
Authors: Jurado Valme , Groth Ingrid , Gonzalez Juan M. , Laiz Leonila , Schuetze Barbara , Saiz-Jimenez Cesareo
Published: March 2005

A polyphasic study was carried out to clarify the taxonomic positions of three Gram-positive isolates from the Catacombs of Domitilla, Rome (Italy). 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons placed these strains within the genus Agromyces. The morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of these isolates were consistent with the description of the genus Agromyces. The three isolates could be readily distinguished from one another and from representatives of all Agromyces species with validly published names by a broad range of phenotypic characteristics and DNA–DNA relatedness studies. Therefore, these isolates are proposed to represent three novel species of the genus Agromyces, Agromyces italicus sp. nov. (type strain CD1T=HKI 0325T=DSM 16388T=NCIMB 14011T), Agromyces humatus sp. nov. (type strain CD5T=HKI 0327T=DSM 16389T=NCIMB 14012T) and Agromyces lapidis sp. nov. (type strain CD55T=HKI 0324T=DSM 16390T=NCIMB 14013T).
Flavobacterium antarcticum sp. nov., a novel psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from the Antarctic
Authors: Yi Hana , Oh Huyn-Myung , Lee Jung-Hyun , Kim Sang-Jin , Chun Jongsik
Published: March 2005

A yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative and aerobic bacterial strain, designated AT1026T, was isolated from a terrestrial sample from the Antarctic. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that the Antarctic isolate belonged to the genus Flavobacterium, with the highest sequence similarity to Flavobacterium tegetincola (96·4 %). Cells were non-motile, non-gliding and psychrotolerant, with optimum and maximum temperatures of about 20 and 25 °C. Flexirubins were absent. The major isoprenoid quinone (MK-6), predominant cellular fatty acids (iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0 and a mixture of C16 : 1
ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and DNA G+C content (38 mol%) of the Antarctic isolate were consistent with those of the genus Flavobacterium. In contrast, several phenotypic characters can be used to differentiate this isolate from other flavobacteria. The polyphasic data presented in this study indicated that this isolate should be classified as a novel species in the genus Flavobacterium. The name Flavobacterium antarcticum sp. nov. is therefore proposed for the Antarctic isolate; the type strain is AT1026T (=IMSNU 14042T=KCTC 12222T=JCM 12383T).
Polyphasic taxonomic study of strain CCM 2783 resulting in the description of Arthrobacter stackebrandtii sp. nov.
Authors: Tvrzová Ludmila , Schumann Peter , Spröer Cathrin , Sedláček Ivo , Verbarg Susanne , Kroppenstedt Reiner M. , Páčová Zdena
Published: March 2005

Strain CCM 2783, previously classified as representing Arthrobacter aurescens, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and chemotaxonomic characteristics such as peptidoglycan type A3α Lys–Ala2, major menaquinone MK-9(H2) and fatty acid composition confirmed assignment of the strain to the genus Arthrobacter. The results of phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA relatedness experiments and physiological and chemotaxonomic characteristics indicate that CCM 2783 differs from its nearest phylogenetic relative Arthrobacter psychrolactophilus and from other recognized Arthrobacter species. Therefore, a novel species, Arthrobacter stackebrandtii sp. nov., is proposed with the type strain CCM 2783T (=DSM 16005T).
Streptococcus castoreus sp. nov., isolated from a beaver (Castor fiber)
Authors: Lawson Paul A. , Foster Geoffrey , Falsen Enevold , Markopoulos Susanne J. , Collins Matthew D.
Published: March 2005

A previously undescribed, Gram-positive, catalase-negative,Streptococcus-like organism originating from a European beaver (Castor fiber) was subjected to a taxonomic study. The organism displayedβ-haemolytic activity and gave a positive reaction with Lancefield group A antisera. Based on the results of biochemical testing, the organism was tentatively identified as a member of the genusStreptococcus, but it did not correspond phenotypically to any recognized species of this genus. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies confirmed this assignment, with the bacterium forming a hitherto unknown subline within the genus. Sequence divergence values of greater than 3 % from other reference streptococcal species, however, demonstrated that the unidentified coccus-shaped organism represents a hitherto unknown species. Based on phenotypic and molecular phylogenetic evidence, it is therefore proposed that the unknown organism from a beaver be classified as a novel species,Streptococcus castoreussp. nov. The type strain is M605815/03/2T(=CCUG 48115T=CIP 108205T).
Nereida ignava gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel aerobic marine α-proteobacterium that is closely related to uncultured Prionitis (alga) gall symbionts
Authors: Pujalte M. J. , Macián M. C. , Arahal D. R. , Ludwig W. , Schleifer K. H. , Garay E.
Published: March 2005

A Gram-negative, slightly halophilic, non-pigmented, strictly aerobic, chemo-organotrophic bacterium was isolated from Mediterranean sea water off the Spanish coast near Valencia. This strain was poorly reactive, being unable to grow in most carbon sources analysed in minimal medium. However, good growth was observed when more complex media and longer incubation times were used. Phylogenetic analysis based on an almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequence placed strain 2SM4T within the Roseobacter group, in the vicinity of uncultured bacteria described as gall symbionts of several species of the red alga Prionitis. Sequence similarity values between strain 2SM4T and the closest neighbouring species were below 95·0 %. The cellular fatty acid composition of the Mediterranean strain confirmed its position within the ‘Alphaproteobacteria’, sharing 18 : 1ω7c as the major cellular fatty acid. The phylogenetic distance from any taxon with a validly published name and also a number of distinguishing features support the designation of strain 2SM4T as representing a novel genus and species, for which the name Nereida ignava gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2SM4T (=CECT 5292T=DSM 16309T=CIP 108404T=CCUG 49433T).
Prevotella multiformis sp. nov., isolated from human subgingival plaque
Authors: Sakamoto Mitsuo , Huang Yi , Umeda Makoto , Ishikawa Isao , Benno Yoshimi
Published: March 2005

Four bacterial strains isolated from the human oral cavity, PPPA19, PPPA21T, PPPA28 and PPPA30, were characterized by determining phenotypic and biochemical features, cellular fatty acid profiles and the phylogenetic position based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that each of the isolates was a member of the genusPrevotella. These strains were related toPrevotella denticolawith about 95 % similarity. The strains were obligately anaerobic, non-pigmented, non-spore-forming, non-motile, Gram-negative rods. However, the cells of these strains were often cocci (coccobacilli), depending on the cultivation time. Colonies of different sizes were detected on Eggerth Gagnon agar plates for these strains. The cells forming large colonies were cocci, whereas those forming small colonies were cocci and rods. However, 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison of colonies of different sizes revealed that only a single organism was present. Although these strains had phenotypic characteristics that were similar to those ofP. denticolaJCM 8528, they could be differentiated fromP. denticolaJCM 8528 by aesculin hydrolysis andd-cellobiose fermentation in API 20A tests. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments revealed the genomic distinction of these four strains with respect toP. denticolaJCM 8528. On the basis of these data, a novelPrevotellaspecies,Prevotella multiformissp. nov., is proposed, with PPPA21T(=JCM 12541T=DSM 16608T) as the type strain.
Flavobacterium granuli sp. nov., isolated from granules used in a wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Aslam Zubair , Im Wan-Taek , Kim Myung Kyum , Lee Sung-Taik
Published: March 2005

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (designated strain Kw05T) was isolated from granules used in the wastewater treatment plant of a beer-brewing factory in Kwang-Ju, Republic of Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Kw05T was shown to belong to the family Flavobacteriaceae, and was most closely related to Flavobacterium limicola (96·6 %), Flavobacterium hibernum (96·3 %), Flavobacterium hydatis (96·1 %) and Flavobacterium xinjiangense (96·1 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Kw05T was 36·2 mol%, within the range of 32–37 mol% for the genus Flavobacterium. Chemotaxonomic data (major menaquinone MK-6; major fatty acids iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and iso-C17 : 1
ω9c) supported the classification of strain Kw05T within the genus Flavobacterium. Kw05T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Flavobacterium granuli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Kw05T (=KCTC 12201T=IAM 15099T).
Algoriphagus yeomjeoni sp. nov., isolated from a marine solar saltern in the Yellow Sea, Korea
Authors: Yoon Jung-Hoon , Kang So-Jung , Jung Seo-Youn , Lee Choong-Hwan , Oh Tae-Kwang
Published: March 2005

Two Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterial strains, MSS-160T and MSS-161, were isolated from a marine solar saltern in the Yellow Sea, Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The two strains grew optimally in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl and at 25–30 °C. Strains MSS-160T and MSS-161 contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and large amounts of fatty acids C16 : 1
ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and iso-C15 : 0. The DNA G+C content of the two strains was 41 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the two strains were phylogenetically affiliated to the genus Algoriphagus. Strains MSS-160T and MSS-161 exhibited no difference in their 16S rRNA gene sequences and possessed a mean DNA–DNA relatedness level of 91 %; they exhibited 16S rRNA similarity levels of 96·6–99·3 % to the type strains of Algoriphagus species with validly published names. DNA–DNA relatedness levels between the two strains and the type strains of five Algoriphagus species were lower than 46 %. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strains MSS-160T and MSS-161 were classified in the genus Algoriphagus as members of a novel species, for which the name Algoriphagus yeomjeoni sp. nov. (type strain, MSS-160T=KCTC 12309T=JCM 12598T) is proposed.
Nitratiruptor tergarcus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Nitratifractor salsuginis gen. nov., sp. nov., nitrate-reducing chemolithoautotrophs of the ε-Proteobacteria isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal system in the Mid-Okinawa Trough
Authors: Nakagawa Satoshi , Takai Ken , Inagaki Fumio , Horikoshi Koki , Sako Yoshihiko
Published: March 2005

Two novel denitrifying bacteria, designated strains MI55-1Tand E9I37-1T, were isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney structures at the Iheya North hydrothermal field in the Mid-Okinawa Trough, Japan. Both isolates were strict chemolithoautotrophs growing by respiratory nitrate reduction with H2, forming N2as a metabolic product. Oxygen (at low concentrations) could serve as an alternative electron acceptor for growth of the isolates. Growth of strain MI55-1Twas observed at temperatures between 40 and 57 °C (optimum, 55 °C; doubling time, 2 h), at pH values between 5·4 and 6·9 (optimum, pH 6·4) and in the presence of between 1·5 and 4·0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2·5 %). Growth of strain E9I37-1Twas observed at temperatures between 28 and 40 °C (optimum, 37 °C; doubling time, 2·5 h), at pH values between 5·6 and 7·6 (optimum, pH 7·0) and in the presence of between 1·5 and 3·5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3·0 %). The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of strains MI55-1Tand E9I37-1Twere 29·6 and 35·5 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strains MI55-1Tand E9I37-1Tbelonged to groups A and F of theε-Proteobacteria, but that they had distant phylogenetic relationships with any species, within the phylogenetic groups, that had validly published names (sequence similarities were less than 91 %). On the basis of the physiological and molecular characteristics of the novel isolates, it is proposed that they should each be classified in a novel genus:Nitratiruptor tergarcusgen. nov., sp. nov., with MI55-1T(=JCM 12459T=DSM 16512T) as the type strain, andNitratifractor salsuginisgen. nov., sp. nov., with E9I37-1T(=JCM 12458T=DSM 16511T) as the type strain.
Metabolic, Genomic, and Biochemical Analyses of Glandular Trichomes from the Wild Tomato SpeciesLycopersicon hirsutumIdentify a Key Enzyme in the Biosynthesis of Methylketones
Authors: Fridman Eyal , Wang Jihong , Iijima Yoko , Froehlich John E. , Gang David R. , Ohlrogge John , Pichersky Eran
Published: March 2005

Medium-length methylketones (C7-C15) are highly effective in protecting plants from numerous pests. We used a biochemical genomics approach to elucidate the pathway leading to synthesis of methylketones in the glandular trichomes of the wild tomato Lycopersicon hirsutum f glabratum (accession PI126449). A comparison of gland EST databases from accession PI126449 and a second L. hirsutum accession, LA1777, whose glands do not contain methylketones, showed that the expression of genes for fatty acid biosynthesis is elevated in PI126449 glands, suggesting de novo biosynthesis of methylketones. A cDNA abundant in the PI126449 gland EST database but rare in the LA1777 database was similar in sequence to plant esterases. This cDNA, designated Methylketone Synthase 1 (MKS1), was expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified protein used to catalyze in vitro reactions in which C12, C14, and C16 β-ketoacyl–acyl-carrier-proteins (intermediates in fatty acid biosynthesis) were hydrolyzed and decarboxylated to give C11, C13, and C15 methylketones, respectively. Although MKS1 does not contain a classical transit peptide, in vitro import assays showed that it was targeted to the stroma of plastids, where fatty acid biosynthesis occurs. Levels of MKS1 transcript, protein, and enzymatic activity were correlated with levels of methylketones and gland density in a variety of tomato accessions and in different plant organs.
ARABIDOPSIS CRINKLY4 Function, Internalization, and Turnover Are Dependent on the Extracellular Crinkly Repeat Domain
Authors: Gifford Miriam L. , Robertson Fiona C. , Soares Dinesh C. , Ingram Gwyneth C.
Published: March 2005

The study of the regulation and cellular dynamics of receptor kinase signaling in plants is a rapidly evolving field that promises to give enormous insights into the molecular control of signal perception. In this study, we have analyzed the behavior of the L1-specific receptor kinase ARABIDOPSIS CRINKLY4 (ACR4) from Arabidopsis thaliana in planta and have shown it to be present in two distinct compartments within cells. These represent protein export bodies and a population of internalized vesicles. In parallel, deletion analysis has shown that a predicted β-propeller–forming extracellular domain is necessary for ACR4 function. Nonfunctional ACR4 variants with deletions or point mutations in this domain behave differently to wild-type fusion protein in that they are not internalized to the same extent. In addition, in contrast with functional ACR4, which appears to be rapidly turned over, they are stabilized. Thus, for ACR4, internalization and turnover are linked and depend on functionality, suggesting that ACR4 signaling may be subject to damping down via internalization and degradation. The observed rapid turnover of ACR4 sets it apart from other recently studied plant receptor kinases. Finally, ACR4 kinase activity is not required for protein function, leading us to propose, by analogy to animal systems, that ACR4 may hetero-oligomerize with a kinase-active partner during signaling. Plant and animal receptor kinases have distinct evolutionary origins. However, with other recent work, our study suggests that there has been considerable convergent evolution between mechanisms used to regulate their activity.
Structure determination of the stable anhydrous phase of α-lactose from X-ray powder diffraction
Authors: Platteau Cyril , Lefebvre Jacques , Affouard Frederic , Willart Jean-François , Derollez Patrick , Mallet Franck
Published: March 2005

The stable anhydrous form of α-lactose has been obtained by the dehydration of α-lactose monohydrate in methanol. An X-ray powder diffraction pattern was recorded at room temperature with a laboratory diffractometer equipped with an INEL curved sensitive detector CPS120. The starting structural model of this form was found by a Monte-Carlo simulated annealing method. The structure was obtained through Rietveld refinements and the minimization of crystalline energy for the localization of the H atoms of the hydroxyl groups. Soft restraints were applied to bond lengths and angles. Networks of O—H...O hydrogen bonds account for the crystalline cohesion. A comparison is made between the hydrogen-bond networks of this form and those of the monohydrate and hygroscopic anhydrous forms of α-lactose.
A helical structure with Z′ = 10
Authors: Hao Xiang , Chen Jing , Cammers Arthur , Parkin Sean , Brock Carolyn Pratt
Published: March 2005

The structure of N′′-cyano-N,N-diisopropylguanidine, a push–pull nitrile that includes the H2N—C=N—CN fragment, has been determined. Although the number of molecules in the asymmetric unit is exceptionally high (Z′ = 10), there were no special crystallographic difficulties associated with data collection, structure solution or structure refinement because the individual molecules are small (12 non-H atoms) and because there is no important crystallographic pseudosymmetry. A complete set of N—H...N bonds is formed. Pairs of molecules form dimers, which associate to form ribbons that twist into a helix having five dimers per turn. The helices lie parallel to [101] and fit together with close contacts in three different directions perpendicular to that axis. The problems with optimizing so many different intermolecular contacts lead to a loosely packed structure.
Inclusion compounds of plant growth regulators in cyclodextrins. V. 4-Chlorophenoxyacetic acid encapsulated in β-cyclodextrin and heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Tsorteki Frantzeska , Bethanis Kostas , Pinotsis Nikos , Giastas Petros , Mentzafos Dimitris
Published: March 2005

The crystal structures of 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4CPA) included in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (TMβCD) have been studied by X-ray diffraction. The 4CPA/β-CD complex crystallizes as a head-to-head dimer in the space group C2 in the Tetrad packing mode. The packing modes of some β-CD dimeric complexes, having unique stackings, are also discussed. The 4CPA/TMβCD inclusion complex crystallizes in the space group P21 and its asymmetric unit contains two crystallographically independent complexes, complex A and complex B, exhibiting different conformations. The host molecule of complex A is significantly distorted, as a glucosidic residue rotated about the O4′—C1 and C4—O4 bonds forms an aperture where the guest molecule is accommodated. The phenyl moiety of the guest molecule of complex B is nearly perpendicular to the mean plane of the O4n atoms. The conformations of the guest molecules of the two complexes are similar. The crystal packing consists of antiparallel columns as in the majority of the TMβCD complexes published so far.
Richness, structure and functioning in metazoan parasite communities
Authors: Mouillot David , George‐Nascimento Mario , Poulin Robert
Published: March 2005

Ecosystem functioning, characterized by components such as productivity and stability, has been extensively linked with diversity in recent years, mainly in plant ecology. The aim of our study was thus to quantify general relationships between diversity, community structure and ecosystem functions in metazoan parasite communities. We used data on parasite communities from 15 species of marine fish hosts from coastal Chile. The volumetric abundance (volume of all parasite species per individual host, in mm3) was used as a surrogate for productivity. Species diversity was measured using both species richness and evenness, while community structure was estimated using the co‐occurrence indices V‐ratio, C‐score and a new C‐scores index standardized for the number of host replicates. After correcting for fish size, 47% of host species show no relationship, 13% show a hump shaped curve and 40% show positive monotonic relationships between productivity and parasite richness across all host individuals in a sample. We obtained a logarithmically decreasing relationship between evenness and productivity for all fish species, and propose a ‘dominance‐resistance’ hypothesis based on immunity to explain this pattern. The stability of the parasite community, measured as the coefficient of variation in productivity among individual hosts, was strongly and positively related to mean species richness across the 15 host species. The C‐scores index, based on the number of checkerboard units in the host‐parasite presence/absence matrix, increases linearly with mean productivity across the 15 host species, suggesting that parasite communities tend to be more structured when they are more productive. This is the likely reason why linear relationships between richness and productivity were not observed consistently in all fish species. Parasite communities provide some clear patterns for the diversity–ecosystem functioning debate in ecology, although other factors, such as the history of community assembly, may also influence these patterns.
Beyond the compensatory continuum: environmental resource levels and plant tolerance of herbivory
Authors: Wise Michael J. , Abrahamson Warren G.
Published: March 2005

The impact that herbivore damage has on plant fitness depends on the environmental conditions in which the plant is growing. It has long been assumed that a plant's tolerance of herbivory should be greater in low‐stress, resource‐rich environments, and this assumption has been formalized in what has become known as the compensatory continuum hypothesis (CCH). Despite the widespread acceptance of the CCH, recently accumulating results from numerous studies relating resource levels to tolerance of herbivory show that the relationship is not as simple as this hypothesis predicts. In fact, plants have often been found to be less tolerant of a given amount of herbivory in resource‐rich environments than they are of the same amount of herbivory in resource‐poor environments. In this article, we present a new model, the limiting resource model (LRM), that can more reliably explain the range of observed effects of resource levels on tolerance. The main advance of this model is that it specifically considers which factors are limiting plant fitness and which resources are affected by particular herbivores. The LRM is presented in a general and flexible form as a flowchart with seven pathways to three potential outcomes: greater tolerance, equal tolerance, or lower tolerance in low‐ vs high‐resource environments. We then review a specific example to illustrate each of these seven pathways with a study from the published literature. We finish with a description of four general criteria to direct the design of future studies to test the predictions of the LRM.
Nitazoxanide for persistent diarrhoea in Zambian acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients: a randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Zulu I. , Kelly P. , Njobvu L. , Sianongo S. , Kaonga K. , McDonald V. , Farthing M. , Pollok R.
Published: March 2005

Background:  Adults with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and persistent diarrhoea in Zambia have intestinal infection, predominantly protozoa.

Aim:  To search for treatment which can be offered with minimal investigation, we carried out a double‐blind, randomized‐controlled trial of nitazoxanide (a drug with a range of activity against parasites and bacteria).

Methods:  Patients with diarrhoea of 1 month duration or longer were randomized to receive nitazoxanide (1000 mg twice daily) or placebo for 2 weeks. End‐points were clinical response, parasitological clearance and mortality.

Results:  Two hundred and seven adults were randomized; 42 died during the study. The primary assessment of efficacy was made after 17 days. Clinical response was observed in 56 (75%) of 75 patients receiving nitazoxanide and 45 (58%) of 77 patients receiving placebo (P = 0.03). The rate of improvement was markedly higher in patients with CD4 counts under 50 cells/μL receiving nitazoxanide (P = 0.007). The benefit was largely restricted to the period when the drug was being administered. No difference was seen in parasitological clearance between the two groups. Mortality was 19% by 4 weeks of follow‐up and did not differ with treatment allocation.

Conclusions:  Nitazoxanide given orally for 14 days was associated with clinical improvement in Zambian acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients with diarrhoea, especially those with very low CD4 counts.
Intentional infliximab use during pregnancy for induction or maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease
Authors: Mahadevan U. , Kane S. , Sandborn W. J. , Cohen R. D. , Hanson K. , Terdiman J. P. , Binion D. G.
Published: March 2005

Aim:  To study the effects of infliximab on pregnancy and foetal outcome.

Methods:  We conducted a retrospective chart review of women with Crohn's disease treated intentionally with infliximab during pregnancy. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of congenital malformations. Secondary outcome measures were the rate of premature birth, low‐birth weight, small for gestational age infants, intrauterine growth retardation and caesarean section.

Results:  Ten women were identified. Eight women received maintenance infliximab infusions throughout their pregnancy and two women received their initial infliximab infusions during pregnancy. All 10 pregnancies ended in live births. No infants had congenital malformations, intrauterine growth retardation or small for gestational age parameters. Three infants were premature and one had low‐birth weight. Eight women had a caesarean section.

Conclusions:  This is the first reported series of intentional infliximab use throughout pregnancy. These data, combined with other studies of inadvertent use of infliximab during pregnancy, suggest that the benefits of infliximab in achieving response and maintaining remission in mothers with Crohn's disease may outweigh the risk to the foetus of exposure to the drug. Further prospective data collection will be helpful to confirm these findings.
Polymorphisms in candidate genes as markers for sperm quality and boar fertility
Authors: Wimmers K. , Lin C. L. , Tholen E. , Jennen D. G. J. , Schellander K. , Ponsuksili S.
Published: March 2005

α‐Actinins (ACTN1 and ACTN4) and γ‐actin (ACTG2), were investigated as candidate genes on the basis of their known functions, for their possible association with sperm concentration, motility, semen volume per ejaculate, plasma droplets rate, abnormal sperm rate and the fertility traits, non‐return rate and number of piglets born alive. Polymorphisms were identified in intron 18 (G>A) of the porcine ACTN1 gene and in exon 22 (A>C) of the porcine ACTN4 gene by comparative sequencing of animals from the Pietrain (PI) and Hampshire (HA) breeds. Pietrain (n = 244) and crossbreed PI × HA (n = 112) boars from an artificial insemination boar station were genotyped for the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within ACTN1 and ACTN4 as well as for a previously described microsatellite within ACTG2. The study provides evidence for effects of ACTN1 on fertility and of ACTG2 on sperm quality traits, while no indication of impact of ACTN4 on any of these traits was found.
The maintenance of the endoplasmic reticulum network is regulated by p47, a cofactor of p97, through phosphorylation by cdc2 kinase
Authors: Kano Fumi , Kondo Hisao , Yamamoto Akitsugu , Tanaka Arowu R. , Hosokawa Nobuko , Nagata Kazuhiro , Murata Masayuki
Published: March 2005

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has a characteristic complex polygonal structure with hallmark three‐way junctions in many types of cells. To investigate the mechanisms responsible for maintaining the ER network, we established ER disassembly and reassembly assays in semi‐intact Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that constitutively expressed heat shock protein‐47 fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP‐HSP47) as an ER marker (the cells are referred to as CHO‐HSP cells). Using these assays, we found that maintenance of the ER network required cytosol and adenosine triphosphate/guanosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP/GTP) hydrolysis, but not actin filaments or microtubules. We also showed that the ER network was disrupted upon addition of either N‐ethylmaleimide‐treated cytosol after washing semi‐intact cells with high salt solution or mitotic cytosol in nocodazole‐treated semi‐intact CHO‐HSP cells. The disrupted ER network induced by mitotic cytosol was reformed by the addition of interphase cytosol. In addition, we found that p47, a cofactor of p97, was essential for the maintenance of the ER network, and that phosphorylation of p47 by cdc2 kinase resulted in ER network disruption by mitotic cytosol. Taken together, these results imply that the maintenance of the ER network requires a membrane fusion process mediated by p97/p47, and that cell cycle‐dependent morphological changes of the ER network are regulated through phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of p47.
Preoperative education for orthopaedic patients: systematic review
Authors: Johansson Kirsi , Nuutila Liisamaija , Virtanen Heli , Katajisto Jouko , Salanterä Sanna
Published: March 2005

Aims.  This paper presents a systematic review whose aim was to describe the scope and methods of the current literature on preoperative patient education and to identify the effects of this education.

Background.  Preoperative patient education is a common and important intervention in surgical nursing, yet there is very limited systematic evidence on its precise role.

Methods.  The Medline, CINAHL, Eric, Psycinfo and Social Sciences Index databases and the Cochrane Library were searched, covering the period from the beginning of each database to April 2003. Studies were included if they concerned adult orthopaedic patients, preoperative nursing patient education and were based on randomized controlled or clinical trials. Meta‐analysis was carried out where appropriate.

Results.  We identified 11 articles involving 1044 participants. Most studies included one experimental and one control group; only two had more than one experimental and control group. The educational interventions varied widely, but the majority were based on written materials alone, or written materials in combination with other teaching methods. The most common outcome measures related to pain, knowledge, anxiety, exercises and length of stay, and the least common to self‐efficacy and empowerment. The methodological quality of the studies varied. Almost all reported one or more statistically significant effects. Based on the findings of the meta‐analysis, preoperative education appears to have some impacts on patients’ anxiety and knowledge levels.

Conclusions.  The review clearly highlights the need for well‐designed, methodologically sound research into the outcomes of patient education. It also points to the need to study patient education from the point of view of empowerment.
Anaesthetists should wear gloves – touch sensitivity is improved with a new type of thin glove
Authors: Kopka A. , Crawford J. M. , Broome I. J.
Published: March 2005

Background:  Sterile gloves should be worn for all invasive procedures. However, loss of touch sensitivity when wearing gloves leads to poor compliance among anaesthetists in the UK. Our aim was to investigate whether new surgical glove types, such as extra‐thin or latex‐free gloves, offer any advantage in touch sensitivity.

Methods:  The skin‐pressure sensibility threshold of the gloved pulp of the dominant index finger was established in 24 anaesthetists using nine self‐made modified von Frey hairs. The range of forces generated by nylon monofilaments was evenly distributed between 0.5 and 17 mN. The gloves tested were latex Biogel standard, latex‐free Biogel Neotech, and extra‐thin latex Ansell microthin surgical gloves. The different glove types were assessed in a counterbalancing algorhythm, the individual was blinded, and the filaments were applied in random order.

Results:  The median threshold force to touch was significantly lower for the extra‐thin surgical gloves in comparison to the standard latex (P = 0.014) and latex‐free gloves (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the standard latex and latex‐free gloves (P = 0.166).

Conclusion:  We have demonstrated that wearing extra‐thin surgical gloves offers increased touch sensitivity. This may improve dexterity when carrying out delicate invasive procedures. Latex‐free surgical gloves performed similar to standard latex gloves. Our findings should encourage more widespread glove use among anaesthetists.
Comparison of remifentanil and nitrous oxide in labour analgesia
Authors: Volmanen P. , Akural E. , Raudaskoski T. , Ohtonen P. , Alahuhta S.
Published: March 2005

Background:  We compared the efficacy and side‐effects of remifentanil with those of nitrous oxide during the first stage of labour.

Methods:  Twenty parturients participated in a randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over study. Intravenous remifentanil in 0.4 µg kg−1 PCA doses with 1‐min infusion and lock‐out times and intermittent inhaled 50% nitrous oxide were compared during 20‐min study periods with a 20‐min wash‐out sequence after each period. The parturients assessed the intensity of contraction pain (verbal numerical score 0–10), pain relief (score 0–4) and side‐effects every 10 min. Noninvasive blood pressure, heart rate (HR), oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SaO2), end‐tidal carbon dioxide, fractions of inhaled and exhaled oxygen and nitrous oxide and foetal heart rate (FHR) were recorded. Hypoxaemia and bradycardia were defined as SaO2<90% and HR<50, respectively.

Results:  Fifteen parturients completed the study. There was no period effect or treatment‐period interaction. The median decrease in pain score for remifentanil was 1.5 and that for nitrous oxide 0.5 (P=0.01). The parturients gave better pain relief scores with remifentanil than with nitrous oxide (median 2.5 vs. 0.5, respectively, P<0.001). Sedation was reported more often, and SaO2 was slightly lower during remifentanil administration. No episodes of hypoxaemia occurred. There was no difference in maternal blood pressure and HR or the incidence of abnormal FHR during remifentanil compared to nitrous oxide. Most parturients preferred remifentanil to nitrous oxide (14 vs. 1, P<0.001).

Conclusions:  This study suggests that IVPCA remifentanil provides better labour analgesia than intermittently inhaled nitrous oxide.
Effect of adding ketorolac to intravenous morphine patient‐controlled analgesia on bowel function in colorectal surgery patients – a prospective, randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Chen J‐Y. , Wu G‐J. , Mok M. S. , Chou Y‐H. , Sun W‐Z. , Chen P‐L. , Chan W‐S. , Yien H‐W. , Wen Y‐R.
Published: March 2005

Background:  Postoperative ileus (PI) is the transient impairment of bowel motility due to surgical trauma and the associated physiological responses. Postoperative ileus results in patient discomfort, increases gastrointestinal risks, prolongs hospital stay and increases medical expenses. In this study, we investigated the effect of patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine with or without ketorolac on bowel functions in patients after colorectal surgeries.

Methods:  A total of 79 patients who received elective colorectal resection were randomly allocated into two groups receiving either intravenous PCA morphine (M group) or intravenous PCA morphine plus ketorolac (K group). Recovery of bowel functions (bowel movement, passage of flatus, and soft diet intake), pain scores, morphine consumption, time for first ambulation, and opioid‐related side‐effects were recorded.

Results:  Patients in the K group received 29% less morphine than patients in the M group with comparable pain scores. The first bowel movement (1.5 [0.7–1.9] vs. 1.7 [1.0–2.8] days, P < 0.05) and the first ambulation (2.2 ± 1.0 vs. 2.8 ± 1.2 days, P < 0.05) were significantly earlier in the K group than in the M group. The time of the first flatus passing, the first intake of soft diet, and duration of hospital stay were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions:  The results of this study suggest that addition of ketorolac to intravenous morphine PCA provides an opioid‐sparing effect but has limited benefit in shortening the duration of bowel immobility and time to first ambulation. These findings imply that postoperative ileus is attributable to multiple factors in addition to morphine consumption.
Effects of inoculum density of pinewood nematode on the development of pine wilt disease in Japanese black pine seedlings pretreated with simulated acid rain
Authors: Asai E. , Futai K.
Published: March 2005

Six‐month‐old Japanese black pine seedlings (Pinus thunbergii) were exposed to simulated acid rain (SAR) at pH 3 and 2 three times a week. After treatment for 2 months, the seedlings were inoculated with a virulent isolate (S10) of the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchusxylophilus), at three inoculum levels (Pi = 50, 160 or 500 nematodes per seedling). In seedlings inoculated with 500 nematodes, both population growth of nematodes and disease development were accelerated by pretreatment with SAR at pH 3 or 2. In seedlings inoculated with 50 nematodes, population growth of the nematodes was suppressed and more time was needed for seedlings to die when pretreated with pH 3 SAR. This suggests that exposure to pH 3 SAR increased not only the progress of mortality, but also simultaneously enhanced the tolerance limit of the seedlings to the pinewood nematode – the critical value of physiological burden (represented as a product of time and initial nematode population) necessary to kill a seedling. Exposure to pH 2 SAR accelerated nematode reproduction in seedlings and increased seedling mortality irrespective of the number of nematodes inoculated.
Rheumatic fever: The relationship between clinical manifestations and laboratory tests
Authors: Roodpeyma S , Kamali Z , Zare R
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To determine the relationship between the severity of clinical features of rheumatic fever (RF), and antistreptolysin O titre (ASOT) and/or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Methods: Clinical and laboratory data from 102 children with RF who had been admitted at a university hospital in Tehran between 1992 and 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. In order to categorize the severity of clinical manifestations of disease, patients were divided into three groups. Those with arthritis alone were defined as group A, carditis with or without arthritis as group B and carditis (with or without arthritis) with congestive heart failure as group C.

Results: Thirty‐one cases were enrolled in group A, 39 in group B, and 32 in group C. We didn't find a significant relationship between the severity of clinical presentation of disease and ASOT (P = 0.89) and ESR (P = 0.24). Seventy‐two patients presented with first attack and 30 had recurrences. The frequency of congestive heart failure (CHF) in first attacks was 31.2%vs 68.8% in recurrences (P < 0.0001). No Significant relationship was found between the number of involved valves and ASOT (P = 0.4) or ESR (P = 0.8).

Conclusion: Variable clinical presentation of disease and increasing intensity of cardiac involvement is not related to the ASOT or ESR levels.
Cyclic bisphosphonate therapy in osteogenesis imperfecta type V
Authors: Fleming F , Woodhead HJ , Briody JN , Hall J , Cowell CT , Ault J , Kozlowski K , Sillence DO
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  The clinical and radiographic features and management of a young person with recently delineated Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type V is described. A female aged 9 years presented with a history of multiple fractures since 3 years of age and bilateral dislocation of the elbows from infancy. She was commenced on a low dose frequent regimen of cyclic intravenous pamidronate, which resulted in progressive improvement in bone density, reduced fracture frequency and remission of symptoms of osteoporosis.
Serum elastase in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis: a prospective study
Authors: Wilson Robert B. , Warusavitarne Janindra , Crameri Donna M. , Alvaro Frank , Davies David J. , Merrett Neil
Published: March 2005

Background:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of the elastase 1 (E1) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. This is the first Australian evaluation of the E1 ELISA.

Methods:  Three groups of patients were prospectively assessed: control patients, patients with acute pancreatitis, and patients with acute non‐pancreatitic abdominal pain. Serum was collected on all patients on admission and the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of serum elastase, amylase and lipase was determined.

Results:  Twenty‐nine patients with 30 episodes of pancreatitis, 38 patients with acute non‐pancreatitic abdominal pain and 121 control patients were studied. For all patient episodes E1 ELISA at a cut‐off of 3.5 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 96% and an efficiency of 94% in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. For episodes more than 48 h after onset of symptoms, sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 96% and diagnostic efficiency was 96%. This performance was equivalent to amylase but inferior to lipase.

Conclusion:  Of the biochemical markers for pancreatitis currently available, lipase is the most useful. The relatively inferior sensitivity and problematic reference range for the ELISA E1, together with its limitations in measuring total elastase, currently prevent its widespread use.