bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Do Effective Smoking Prevention Programs Work? Student Changes in Social Cognitive Theory Constructs
Authors: Langlois Marietta A. , Petosa Rick , Hallam Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Psychosocial smoking prevention programs can decrease adolescent smoking initiation. This study determined if the theoretical variables targeted in a psychosocial smoking prevention program can be improved significantly by participation in a smoking prevention program. The Social Cognitive Theory constructs examined included behavioral capability to resist positive images of smoking, refusal skill‐efficacy, total positive refusal expectations and importance, and total negative refusal expectations and importance. The smoking prevention program had a significant impact on student refusal skill‐efficacy and total positive refusal expectations and importance. However, the program did not affect behavioral capability to resist positive images of smoking and total negative refusal expectations and importance. Results from the study can be used to improve the impact of psychosocial prevention programs on targeted Social Cognitive Theory constructs and support the continued practice of cigarette refusal strategy role‐plays, addressing various types of pressure and emphasizing positive outcomes from cigarette refusals.
Ethnic and Gender Differences in Request For and Use of Low/Non‐Fat Foods in Bag Lunches
Authors: Jones LaShanda R. , Sallis James F. , Conway Terry L. , Marshall Simon J. , Pelletier Robin L.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This study examined ethnic and gender differences in frequency of use and request for low‐fat or non‐fat foods in bag lunches, while controlling for socioeconomic status. Questionnaires were completed by 1,678 middle school students and their parents (72% response). Ethnic distribution included White (51%), Latino (17%), Asian (11%), Multi‐ethnic (11%), and African American (8%). Forty‐five percent of students (N = 712, 59% female) brought lunch to school a mean of 3.6 (SD = 1.5) days per week. Boys brought lunch more often (M = 3.8 days/week vs. 3.4, respectively), yet requested less low‐fat foods than girls. Whites brought lunches with the most low/non‐fat items. Ethnic differences also were found in the use of seven specific bag lunch foods and whether these items were regular or low‐fat. Because of ethnic and gender differences, different strategies for reducing fat in bag lunches are needed for different groups.
Recruiting Adolescents into Qualitative Tobacco Research Studies: Experiences and Lessons Learned
Authors: McCormick Laura K. , Crawford Myra , Anderson Robert H. , Gittelsohn Joel , Kingsley Beverly , Upson Donna
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: An increasing barrier to the development and implementation of effective youth smoking prevention and cessation programs involves recruiting adolescents into research studies. Even for non‐intervention studies, issues of consent, confidentiality, and motivation to participate are important considerations. In 1996, 11 Prevention Research Center sites across the country conducted qualitative research using focus groups to explore ethnic differences in smoking among adolescents. The diversity in strategies used to interest, motivate, and retain potential focus group subjects provided a rich data set for information about effective strategies and challenges to recruitment. This article presents an overview of recruitment methods used in a multi‐site qualitative study on adolescent tobacco use, reports on successful and less successful strategies, and provides recommendations for future recruitment efforts.
Promoting Sun Protection in Elementary Schools and Child Care Settings: The SunSafe Project
Authors: Grant‐Petersson Jennifer , Dietrich Allen J. , Sox Carol Hill , Winchell Charlotte Woodruff , Stevens Marguerite M.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Elementary schools and child care settings in rural New Hampshire participated in a sun protection program that reached more than 4,200 children. The program was part of a successful multifaceted community intervention targeting children ages 2–9. Program components included curricular materials, training and support for school/child care staff, and parent outreach. Evaluation showed good uptake of the curriculum by teachers and child care providers, improvements in sun protection policy in participating schools and child care settings, and significant knowledge and attitude improvements in fourth grade children tested, as well as actual behavior change. The study highlighted the importance of flexible, developmentally appropriate curricular materials and active engagement of principals and directors in policy review. In addition, for parent outreach programs to be successful, children needed to participate.
Parent Expectations of the School Health Program in Nebraska
Authors: Cramer Mary W. , Iverson Carol J.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This article presents findings from the first phase of a comprehensive evaluation plan for the school health program in Nebraska public schools. The evaluation utilized the Targeting Outcomes of Programs (TOP) framework to gather parents' perspectives about the benefits of the school health program, and a ranking of important health activities and role providers. A survey was distributed to 1,200 parents randomly selected from 60 school districts. Of these, 450 (38%) were returned: 96% supported funding of health programs; 88% believed families benefited from school health; 92% viewed the health program as “essential” to the educational mission; 64% preferred a ratio of 1 nurse/500 students; and 89% believed all students needed access to a professional school nurse. The nurse was the only clearly defined role in the health program and had activities rated as “extremely important.” Results were reported to the Nebraska legislature for support of state funding for school health nursing.
The Principles of Effectiveness: Early Awareness and Plans for Implementation in a National Sample of Public Schools and Their Districts
Authors: Simons‐Rudolph Ashley P. , Ennett Susan T. , Ringwalt Christopher L. , Rohrbach Louise Ann , Vincus Amy A. , Johnson Ruby E.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The US Department of Education's Principles of Effectiveness require recipients of Safe and Drug‐Free Schools and Community Act funds to: a) base drug and violence prevention programs on needs assessment data, b) develop measurable program goals and objectives, c) implement programs with research evidence of effectiveness, and d) periodically evaluate programs relative to their goals and objectives. This paper reports the extent of awareness of the Principles of Effectiveness and plans for their implementation among public school districts and schools in the United States in the year following their announcement. Results showed a greater percentage of public school districts than individual schools knew about the principles and planned for implementation, but baseline levels of awareness for both districts and schools were relatively low. Schools were more likely to know about the principles when their associated school district also knew. Results suggest a need for greater communication about the principles to school districts, and in turn, a need for greater communication between district and school‐level substance use prevention staff.
Correlates of Sexual Experience Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Alternative High School Students
Authors: Shrier Lydia A. , Crosby Richard
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Little is known about risk and protective factors associated with sexual experience among alternative school students that might prove useful in targeting and guiding early interventions to prevent onset of sexual risk behavior. Researchers analyzed data from the national Alternative High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Principal components analysis identified six risk and protective factors: weapon carrying; tobacco use; cocaine, inhalant, and needle use; alcohol and marijuana use; participation in sports; and fighting. Composite variables with significant bivariate relationships to sexual experience, as well as demographic variables, were entered into a logistic regression analysis to determine independent effects of these correlates on students' sexual experience (N = 6,037). Nearly 90% of students reported having sexual intercourse. In multivariate analyses, significant demographic correlates of sexual experience included female gender (58% more likely than males to report ever having sex), African American race (2.83 times more likely than non‐Hispanic Whites), and age (28% more likely with each advancing year). Attending school in a rural or suburban region corresponded to a 31% decrease and 46% decrease, respectively, in the odds of ever having sex. Weapon carrying, and cocaine, inhalant, and needle use, were associated with a 35% and 46% increase, respectively, in the odds of ever having sex. Students reporting they had ever used alcohol or marijuana, and those reporting recent fighting behavior, were 2.7 and 1.6 times more likely, respectively, to report sexual experience. Most alternative school students have had sexual intercourse, with those students engaging in substance use, weapon carrying, and fighting behaviors being at greater risk for sexual experience. Prevention programs for high‐risk youth attending alternative high schools need to consider how to promote continued abstinence among the small but important minority of alternative school students not yet sexually experienced
Differences in Worldwide Tobacco Use by Gender: Findings from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey
Authors:   Global Youth Tobacco Survey Collaborating Group
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes 4.9 million deaths annually to tobacco. That figure could reach 10 million by 2030. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), an international surveillance project developed jointly by WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), enables countries to monitor youth tobacco use and guide implementation and evaluation of tobacco prevention and control programs. The GYTS has been completed at 121 sites in 76 countries plus the Gaza Strip/West Bank, with national‐level data generated in 52 countries, and city, state, or provincial/regional data generated in 24 countries. This paper reports on gender differences in tobacco use among young people in the six WHO Regions worldwide. Two unexpected findings emerged from the study. First, little difference existed between the genders in cigarette smoking or in use of other tobacco products. From 120 sites that collected data on cigarette smoking by boys and girls, more than one‐half (n = 61) showed no difference by gender. For other tobacco products, 82 of 117 sites (70.1%) showed no difference by gender. Second, analysis revealed surprisingly high use of other tobacco products compared to cigarette smoking. Findings suggest programs should focus broadly on all tobacco products, not just cigarettes. Also, programs need gender‐sensitive components that focus on unique consequences for females, such as effects on reproduction. Lack of gender differences in the study underscores the potential growth of the tobacco epidemic, especially among women in developing countries ‐ where most sites in this study were located.
Developing a School Functioning Index for Middle Schools
Authors: Birnbaum Amanda S. , Lytle Leslie A. , Perry Cheryl L. , Murray David , Story Mary
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Despite widespread recognition of schools' role in the healthy development of youth, surprisingly little research has examined the relationships between schools' overall functioning and the health‐related behavior of students. School functioning could become an important predictor of students' health‐related behavior and may be amenable to intervention. This paper describes the development and testing of the School Functioning Index (SFI) as a first step in investigating this question. The index was developed for use with middle schools and conceived as a predictor of students' violent behavior, with the potential for extending research applications to additional health and social behaviors. Using social cognitive theory, social ecological theory, and social disorganization theory as guides, three domains were identified to operationalize school functioning and identify candidate SFI items: 1) resources available to the school and students; 2) stability of the school population; and 3) the schools' performance as a socializing agent for students. Data for candidate SFI items were collected from public archives and directly from 16 middle schools participating in a school‐based dietary intervention study. Data collection from schools, particularly concerning student aggressive behavior and disciplinary actions, presented challenges. The final SFI comprised nine items and demonstrated good internal consistency and variability. The SFI was modestly correlated in expected directions with violence and other health behaviors. This work supports the feasibility of combining multiple school‐level indicators to create a measure of overall school functioning. Further investigation of validity and more acceptable data collection methods are warranted.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Education in Middle and High Schools of Vermont
Authors: Beatty Barbara G. , O'Connell Maureen , Ashikaga Takamuru , Cooper Kumarasen
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Human papillomavirus (HPV), the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD), continues to pose a significant public health problem especially among the adolescent population. Most precancerous and cancerous cervical changes are associated with HPV, with adolescent women being biologically at highest risk for acquiring HPV. This survey examined the type of information taught to adolescents about HPV, and specific needs for effective HPV education in middle and high schools in Vermont. The survey addressed knowledge level, behavior, attitudes, enabling factors, motivators, and barriers. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and supplemented with contingency table analyses. Replies (n = 108) were received from 79 schools, with 60% of responses from nurses and 40% from teachers. In five of eight questions addressing basic knowledge of HPV, less than 60% of respondents gave the correct answer. Most (73%) felt it was important to teach about HPV relative to HIV/AIDS, but spent less classroom time teaching it. Main motivations for teaching about HPV were its importance, and a desire to increase student knowledge and prevention skills. Main barriers perceived were lack of time and materials and curricula, and need for more knowledge about HPV. The most prominent needs indicated included brochures for students, an increase in the educators' knowledge base, and a high school curriculum. Health educators in Vermont schools recognize the importance of teaching adolescents about HPV, but they lack basic knowledge and resources for teaching about HPV.
Abstinence Education for Rural Youth: An Evaluation of the Life's Walk Program
Authors: Barnett Jerrold E. , Hurst Cynthia S.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This paper summarizes an evaluation of a school‐based sexuality education program, an abstinence‐only program, taught in public schools to eighth—and 10th‐graders. The program uses infant simulators to provide adolescents with a realistic view of parenting and to encourage them to delay initiation of sexual behavior until marriage. Two evaluations are summarized here. The first evaluation used a pretest‐posttest design. Significant increases in parent‐adolescent communication, knowledge about sexuality, and sexual behavior were found. No changes were found in attitudes toward teen sexual activity. The second evaluation employed a quasi‐experimental design with a treatment group and a comparison group, with testing delayed four months after the program. No group differences were found in attitudes, behavior, or communication. Program effects were found only for knowledge about sexuality.
A Period of Increased Susceptibility to Cigarette Smoking Among High School Students
Authors: Filice Gregory A. , Hannan Peter J. , Lando Harry A. , Joseph Anne M.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Cross‐sectional surveys of randomly selected high school students were conducted in October 1999 and in May 2000 to measure awareness of youth‐led tobacco prevention efforts. A secondary goal of the surveys was to learn about tobacco use and attitudes. Respondents who never smoked cigarettes were asked if they had made a firm commitment to not smoke, and respondents who had not made such a commitment were considered susceptible. Among ninth graders, susceptibility increased from 31% in October to 47% in May, while susceptibility decreased from October to May for students in more advanced grades (p = 0.03, interaction of linear trends). Susceptibility was more common among students who felt smoking produced social benefits (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.22 — 2.08) or who were tolerant of tobacco company behavior (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.23 — 2.21), and less common among students who felt short‐term adverse effects of cigarette smoking on health or hygiene were important to them (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56 — 0.97). Further studies should confirm the increase in susceptibility and its underlying mechanisms. Whether associated with ninth grade or with the first year in a new school, this previously unrecognized period of heightened susceptibility might represent an important opportunity for prevention.
Passage of 100% Tobacco‐Free School Policies in 14 North Carolina School Districts
Authors: Goldstein Adam O. , Peterson Arlana Bobo , Ribisl Kurt M. , Steckler Allan , Linnan Laura , McGloin Tim , Patterson Carol
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Though comprehensive tobacco‐free school policies constitute an important component of state tobacco control efforts, little research exists about their adoption process. In the past two years, efforts occurred in North Carolina to Increase the number of school districts adopting 100% tobacco‐free school policies. As part of the North Carolina Youth Empowerment Study (NC‐YES), researchers developed a school tobacco policy interview guide to conduct interviews with 40 key people (eg, school board member, principal, etc.) in each of 14 school districts that adopted a 100% tobacco‐free school policy by the end of 2001. Results showed seven districts adopted their school policy in the past two years. Seven themes emerged: 1) Catalysts: Local adult and youth “champions ” facilitated policy change; 2) Process of Adoption: Most school policies were adopted with an administrator or other adult initiating the change, but youth involvement increased in recent years; 3) Methods of Adoption: Advocates personalized health concerns by focusing on children and role modeling by adults; 4) Political Leadership: Governors of North Carolina, through letters to school districts and a policy summit, played an important role in stimulating policy change; 5) Barriers to Adoption: Concerns expressed before policy adoption, about teacher attrition or inability to enforce the policy, did not occur as feared; 6) Enforcement Issues: A key to policy enforcement involved being consistent, supportive, and firm; and 7) Economics of Tobacco Farming/Manufacturing: Though a local tobacco economy did little to influence policy adoption, districts that adopted policies were not located in counties with heavy tobacco production. Public health advocates may use this information to encourage school districts to adopt 100% tobacco‐free school policies.
A Preliminary Survey of Health Education in Indiana Home Schools
Authors: Havice Adam M. , Clark Jeffrey K.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The total US school enrollment of 52.7 million students in 1998 excluded an estimated 1.2 million students educated in their homes. In 1989, some 1,148 home school families enrolled with the Indiana Department of Education. Just over a decade later, some 18,260 home school families had registered, and this number continues to increase. Despite knowledge about the growing numbers of families choosing to home school, limited empirical data exists of how health education is presented in home schools or the needs of home school educators who teach health education. This preliminary study examined health education content areas taught by home school educators in Indiana. An instrument was developed, piloted, and administered to a random sample of 600 home school educators. Results indicated most home school educators taught a variety of health education topics. Three topics ‐first aid, physical activity and fitness, and nutrition and diet ‐ were taught most frequently in the health curriculum of home schools. Violence prevention, suicide prevention, and consumer health were covered less frequently in the health curriculum. Health was typically taught in a nonstructured, teachable moment format. Implications for coordinated school health programs and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Peer Harassment, School Connectedness, and Academic Achievement
Authors: Eisenberg Maria E. , Neumark‐Sztainer Dianne , Perry Cheryl L.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This study described peer harassment in a large, multiethnic sample of adolescents, and explored the relationship between experiencing peer harassment and both school connectedness and achievement. Survey data came from 4,746 students in grades 7–12 at 31 public schools in ethnically and socioeconomically diverse communities in a Midwestern state. Frequency of five types of harassment were analyzed with data on school connectedness and grades. Multivariate analysis controlled for gender, grade level, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Results indicate that most students periodically experience mistreatment; 10% to 17% report being treated disrespectfully, having others act superior, or being insulted at least once per week, and an additional 14% to 22% of students report suffering these behaviors a few times per month. Girls, Whites, Native Americans, and middle school students reported more harassment than boys, other ethnic groups, and high school students, respectively. Peer harassment related significantly to both aspects of school life: those who disliked school tended to suffer more mistreatment, and “B” students reported the least harassment on average. Young people mistreated by peers may not want to be in school and may thereby miss out on the benefits of school connectedness as well as educational advancement. The high prevalence of peer harassment and its association with school connectedness and school achievement provide justification for interventions aimed at prevention of peer harassment. A schoolwide approach using educational andpolicy components may provide an appropriate prevention strategy.
Science‐Based Recommendations to Prevent or Reduce Potential Exposure to Biological, Chemical, and Physical Agents in Schools
Authors: Shendell Derek G. , Barnett Claire , Boese Stephen
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The US General Accounting Office (GAO) documented generally poor conditions of school facilities in the early 1990s. Previous papers examined, for time intervals ending before 2002, relationships between education facility indoor air and environmental quality (IEQ), including adequate ventilation, and occupant health and productivity. Research on IEQ related specifically to new or refurbished traditional school construction, or portable classrooms, is limited. A review of school IEQ literature through fall 2003 was conducted. Then, acknowledging the limited resources and competing priorities facing American schools, practical science‐based, best practices recommendations to promote IEQ and hence prevent or reduce potential occupant exposure to biological, chemical, and physical agents of concern were proposed. Electronic search engines, conference proceedings, the Internet, and reference lists of peer‐reviewed papers and reports were used. Eighteen best practices based on scientific references are presented.
Exercise Level and Energy Expenditure in the TAKE 10!® In‐Class Physical Activity Program
Authors: Stewart James A. , Dennison David A. , Kohl Harold W. , Doyle J. Andrew
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an innovative, classroom‐based physical activity prevention program designed to integrate academic curriculum elements along with a physical activity program in providing moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity physical activity. A convenience sample of three public school classrooms (one first, third, and fifth grade class) was observed implementing the TAKE 10! program while monitored by either CSA accelerometers or digital pedometers. Pedometer step counts and CSA data were recorded for each student and activity. As calculated from CSA data, average MET levels during the activities were 5.72–7.05 (first grade), 5.51–6.77 (third grade), and 4.98–7.19 (fifth grade), and levels were not different between grades (p > 0.05). Average caloric expenditure (Kcal) per 10‐minute session was 25.6–27.8 (first grade), 27.6–33.9 (third grade), and 29.7–42.9 (fifth grade). Measured pedometer step counts per session rangedfrom 644–931 in first grade, 659–1,376 in third grade, and 1,002–1,041 in fifth grade. TAKE 10! sessions for all three grades produced exercise levels in the moderate intensity range throughout full duration of the session. Classroom‐based physical activity promotion provides a useful strategy to promote meaningful physical activity among school children.
The School Health Portfolio System: A New Tool for Planning and Evaluating Coordinated School Health Programs
Authors: Weiler Robert M. , Pigg R. Morgan
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: The School Health Portfolio System (SHPS), developed originally to evaluate the Florida Coordinated School Health Program Pilot Schools Project, offers a new and innovative system for planning and evaluating a coordinated school health program at the individual school level. The SHPS provides practitioners a detailed but easy‐to‐use system that enables schools to create new programs or modify existing programs across all eight components of the CSHP model, as well as administrative support critical to sustainability. The System comes packaged as a self‐contained, notebook‐style manual divided into 15 sections. It includes electronic templates of key documents to guide school teams in creating a customized portfolio, and a list of sample goals and artifacts that confirm achievement of a goal related to the school's coordinated school health program. An evaluation rubric provides a structured method to assess a program portfolio's contents, and the extent to which the contents document achievement of program goals. The rubric produces both a qualitative assessment, such as a narrative summary of program strengths and areas for improvement, and a quantitative assessment, such as a numerical score (0–100), letter grade (A‐F), or 5‐star system (* ‐ *****). The physical structure, function, and scoring of the rubric depend on the method of assessment. The SHPS enables schools to set goals based on individual school needs, and incorporate CSHP goals into school improvement plans ‐ a critical factor in sustainability and accountability. The System also offers teams the option of coordinating their efforts with CDC's School Health Index as a companion assessment measure. This article outlines the process a team would follow in developing a portfolio, and includes a sample assessment for the area of School Health Education. (J Sch Health. 2004;74(9):359–364)
Knowledge and Intentions of Ninth‐Grade Girls After a Breast Self‐Examination Program
Authors: Ogletree Roberta J. , Hammig Bart , Drolet Judy C. , Birch David A.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT: Breast cancer ranks as the second‐leading cause of death for women. Until recently the American Cancer Society advocated teaching breast self‐examination (BSE) procedures. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, active in the fight against breast cancer, continues to support educational efforts to teach breast self‐examination skills to adolescent girls. Funded by the Komen Foundation, a BSE education program was developed and delivered by health educators at the Hult Health Education Center. The 50‐minute program consisted of a PowerPoint slide presentation of breast cancer and BSE facts, and a video demonstration of proper BSE technique. Using a quasi‐experimental design, the program was evaluated for changes in knowledge and intention to perform BSE. Ninth‐grade girls at four public high schools (n = 255) in Peoria, Ill, were given a pretest to determine their knowledge about breast cancer and breast self‐examination. A delayed posttest was administered between five to six weeks later (n = 211). Using the Kruskal‐Wallis nonparametric test, girls who participated in the BSE education program (treatment group) recorded a significantly higher overall mean knowledge score than girls who did not participate (comparison group). Those who participated in the program retained that knowledge over a five‐ to six‐week period. Analyses of variance revealed that more girls in the treatment group reported performing BSE in the past month as well as a higher intention to perform BSE in the future. (J Sch Health. 2004;74(9):365–369)
A General Algorithm for Univariate Stratification
Authors: Baillargeon Sophie , Rivest Louis‐Paul
Published: October 2009

This paper presents a general algorithm for constructing strata in a population using X, a univariate stratification variable known for all the units in the population. Stratum h consists of all the units with an X value in the interval

[bh−1, bh)

. The stratum boundaries

{bh}

are obtained by minimizing the anticipated sample size for estimating the population total of a survey variable Y with a given level of precision. The stratification criterion allows the presence of a take‐none and of a take‐all stratum. The sample is allocated to the strata using a general rule that features proportional allocation, Neyman allocation, and power allocation as special cases. The optimization can take into account a stratum‐specific anticipated non‐response and a model for the relationship between the stratification variable X and the survey variable Y. A loglinear model with stratum‐specific mortality for Y given X is presented in detail. Two numerical algorithms for determining the optimal stratum boundaries, attributable to Sethi and Kozak, are compared in a numerical study. Several examples illustrate the stratified designs that can be constructed with the proposed methodology. All the calculations presented in this paper were carried out with stratification, an R package that will be available on CRAN (Comprehensive R Archive Network).
The Antiapoptotic Activity of Melatonin in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: October 2009

Melatonin plays a neuroprotective role in models of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying neuroprotection by melatonin are not well understood. Apoptotic cell death in the central nervous system is a feature of neurodegenerative diseases. The intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways and the antiapoptotic survival signal pathways play critical roles in neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the reports to date showing inhibition by melatonin of the intrinsic apoptotic pathways in neurodegenerative diseases including stroke, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, the activation of survival signal pathways by melatonin in neurodegenerative diseases is discussed.
Thermal Stabilization of
Erwinia chrysanthemi
Pectin Methylesterase A for Application in a Sugar Beet Pulp Biorefinery
Authors: Chakiath Chacko , Lyons Margaret J. , Kozak Robert E. , Laufer Craig S.
Published: October 2009

Directed evolution approaches were used to construct a thermally stabilized variant of
Erwinia chrysanthemi
pectin methylesterase A. The final evolved enzyme has four amino acid substitutions that together confer a

T
m

value that is approximately 11°C greater than that of the wild-type enzyme, while maintaining near-wild-type kinetic properties. The specific activity, with saturating substrate, of the thermally stabilized enzyme is greater than that of the wild-type enzyme when both are operating at their respective optimal temperatures, 60°C and 50°C. The engineered enzyme may be useful for saccharification of biomass, such as sugar beet pulp, with relatively high pectin content. In particular, the engineered enzyme is able to function in biomass up to temperatures of 65°C without significant loss of activity. Specifically, the thermally stabilized enzyme facilitates the saccharification of sugar beet pulp by the commercial pectinase preparation Pectinex Ultra SPL. Added pectin methylesterase increases the initial rate of sugar production by approximately 50%.
Risk Assessment in Shellfish-Borne Outbreaks of Hepatitis A
Authors: Pintó Rosa M. , Costafreda M. Isabel , Bosch Albert
Published: October 2009

In the present work, we aimed at determining the relationship between the hepatitis A virus (HAV) numbers in imported frozen coquina clams involved in two hepatitis outbreaks, as well as the risk for human health. Due to HAV unculturability, a standardized TaqMan real-time reverse transcription-PCR controlling the virus/nucleic acid extraction and enzyme efficiencies was employed to figure the exposure dose for clams responsible for hepatitis cases. HAV numbers were then employed to figure the risk of infection based on a dose-response model for echovirus 12. The estimated risk of infection after consumption of lightly cooked clams matched actual attack rates. Our data show that prospective monitoring of bivalve samples may fail to prevent the occurrence of outbreaks, since HAV was detected in 44% of samples directly associated with cases but was undetectable in samples that were randomly collected from the importers and belonged to the same batches. A correlation was nevertheless observed between the prevalence of hepatitis A cases in the harvesting areas and positive HAV isolation in clams, which points to the need to identify and prevent hazards rather than relying on random sampling of finished products to ensure safety. However, when evidence shows that a critical limit of viral contamination has been exceeded in the potential sources of contamination discharging into the shellfish-growing beds, quantitative virological analysis addressing quality assurance and quality control requirements should be performed with the bivalves. This work provides the first evidence of accurate HAV levels in shellfish involved in outbreaks that could be of use for risk assessment purposes.
Effect of Linker Length and Dockerin Position on Conversion of a
Thermobifida fusca
Endoglucanase to the Cellulosomal Mode
Authors: Caspi Jonathan , Barak Yoav , Haimovitz Rachel , Irwin Diana , Lamed Raphael , Wilson David B. , Bayer Edward A.
Published: October 2009

We have been developing the cellulases of
Thermobifida fusca
as a model to explore the conversion from a free cellulase system to the cellulosomal mode. Three of the six
T. fusca
cellulases (endoglucanase Cel6A and exoglucanases Cel6B and Cel48A) have been converted in previous work by replacing their cellulose-binding modules (CBMs) with a dockerin, and the resultant recombinant “cellulosomized” enzymes were incorporated into chimeric scaffolding proteins that contained cohesin(s) together with a CBM. The activities of the resultant designer cellulosomes were compared with an equivalent mixture of wild-type enzymes. In the present work, a fourth
T. fusca
cellulase, Cel5A, was equipped with a dockerin and intervening linker segments of different lengths to assess their contribution to the overall activity of simple one- and two-enzyme designer cellulosome complexes. The results demonstrated that cellulose binding played a major role in the degradation of crystalline cellulosic substrates. The combination of the converted Cel5A endoglucanase with the converted Cel48A exoglucanase also exhibited a measurable proximity effect for the most recalcitrant cellulosic substrate (Avicel). The length of the linker between the catalytic module and the dockerin had little, if any, effect on the activity. However, positioning of the dockerin on the opposite (C-terminal) side of the enzyme, consistent with the usual position of dockerins on most cellulosomal enzymes, resulted in an enhanced synergistic response. These results promote the development of more complex multienzyme designer cellulosomes, which may eventually be applied for improved degradation of plant cell wall biomass.
2-Amino-3-(Oxirane-2,3-Dicarboxamido)-Propanoyl-Valine, an Effective Peptide Antibiotic from the Epiphyte
Pantoea agglomerans
48b/90
Authors: Sammer Ulrike F. , Völksch Beate , Möllmann Ute , Schmidtke Michaela , Spiteller Peter , Spiteller Michael , Spiteller Dieter
Published: October 2009

The epiphyte
Pantoea agglomerans
48b/90, which has been isolated from soybean leaves, belongs to the
Enterobacteriaceae
, as does the plant pathogen
Erwinia amylovora
, which causes fire blight on rosaceous plants such as apples and leads to severe economic losses. Since
P. agglomerans
efficiently antagonizes phytopathogenic bacteria, the
P. agglomerans
strain C9-1 is used as a biocontrol agent (BlightBan C9-1). Here we describe the bioassay-guided isolation of a peptide antibiotic that is highly active against the plant pathogen
E. amylovora
and pathovars of
Pseudomonas syringae
, and we elucidate its structure. Bioassay-guided fractionation using anion-exchange chromatography followed by hydrophobic interaction liquid chromatography yielded the bioactive, highly polar antibiotic. The compound was identified as 2-amino-3-(oxirane-2,3-dicarboxamido)-propanoyl-valine by using high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. This peptide was found to be produced by three of the nine
P. agglomerans
strains analyzed. Notably, the biocontrol strain
P. agglomerans
C9-1 also produces 2-amino-3-(oxirane-2,3-dicarboxamido)-propanoyl-valine. Previously, 2-amino-3-(oxirane-2,3-dicarboxamido)-propanoyl-valine has been characterized only from
Serratia plymuthica
. 2-Amino-3-(oxirane-2,3-dicarboxamido)-propanoyl-valine has been shown to inhibit the growth of the human pathogen
Candida albicans
efficiently, but its involvement in the defense of epiphytes against phytopathogenic bacteria has not been investigated so far.
Novel Alkane Hydroxylase Gene (
alkB
) Diversity in Sediments Associated with Hydrocarbon Seeps in the Timor Sea, Australia
Authors: Wasmund Kenneth , Burns Kathryn A. , Kurtböke D. Ipek , Bourne David G.
Published: October 2009

Hydrocarbon seeps provide inputs of petroleum hydrocarbons to widespread areas of the Timor Sea. Alkanes constitute the largest proportion of chemical components found in crude oils, and therefore genes involved in the biodegradation of these compounds may act as bioindicators for this ecosystem's response to seepage. To assess alkane biodegradation potential, the diversity and distribution of alkane hydroxylase (
alkB
) genes in sediments of the Timor Sea were studied. Deduced AlkB protein sequences derived from clone libraries identified sequences only distantly related to previously identified AlkB sequences, suggesting that the Timor Sea maybe a rich reservoir for novel alkane hydroxylase enzymes. Most sequences clustered with AlkB sequences previously identified from marine
Gammaproteobacteria
though protein sequence identities averaged only 73% (with a range of 60% to 94% sequence identities). AlkB sequence diversity was lower in deep water (>400 m) samples off the continental slope than in shallow water (<100 m) samples on the continental shelf but not significantly different in response to levels of alkanes. Real-time PCR assays targeting Timor Sea
alkB
genes were designed and used to quantify
alkB
gene targets. No correlation was found between gene copy numbers and levels of hydrocarbons measured in sediments using sensitive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques, probably due to the very low levels of hydrocarbons found in most sediment samples. Interestingly, however, copy numbers of
alkB
genes increased substantially in sediments exposed directly to active seepage even though only low or undetectable concentrations of hydrocarbons were measured in these sediments in complementary geochemical analyses due to efficient biodegradation.
Stress-Responsive Systems Set Specific Limits to the Overproduction of Membrane Proteins in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Zweers Jessica C. , Wiegert Thomas , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: October 2009

Essential membrane proteins are generally recognized as relevant potential drug targets due to their exposed localization in the cell envelope. Unfortunately, high-level production of membrane proteins for functional and structural analyses is often problematic. This is mainly due to their high overall hydrophobicity. To develop new concepts for membrane protein overproduction, we investigated whether the biogenesis of overproduced membrane proteins is affected by stress response-related proteolytic systems in the membrane. For this purpose, the well-established expression host
Bacillus subtilis
was used to overproduce eight essential membrane proteins from
B. subtilis
and
Staphylococcus aureus
. The results show that the σ
W
regulon (responding to cell envelope perturbations) and the CssRS two-component regulatory system (responding to unfolded exported proteins) set critical limits to membrane protein production in large quantities. The identified
sigW
or
cssRS
mutant
B. subtilis
strains with significantly improved capacity for membrane protein production are interesting candidate expression hosts for fundamental research and biotechnological applications. Importantly, our results pinpoint the interdependent expression and function of membrane-associated proteases as key parameters in bacterial membrane protein production.
Development and Application of a Bioluminescence-Based Test for Assimilable Organic Carbon in Reclaimed Waters
Authors: Weinrich Lauren A. , Giraldo Eugenio , LeChevallier Mark W.
Published: October 2009

Assimilable organic carbon (AOC) is an important parameter governing the growth of heterotrophic bacteria in drinking water. Despite the recognition that variations in treatment practices (e.g., disinfection, coagulation, selection of filter media, and watershed protection) can have dramatic impacts on AOC levels in drinking water, few water utilities routinely measure AOC levels because of the difficulty of the method. To simplify the method, the
Pseudomonas fluorescens
P-17 and
Spirillum
sp. strain NOX test bacteria were mutagenized by using
luxCDABE
operon fusion and inducible transposons to produce bioluminescent strains. The growth of these strains can easily be monitored with a programmable luminometer to determine the maximum cell yield via luminescence readings, and these values can be fitted to the classical Monod growth curve to determine bacterial growth kinetics and the maximum growth rate. Standard curves using acetate carbon (at concentrations ranging from 0 to 1,000 μg/liter) resulted in coefficients of determination (
r
2
) between luminescence units and acetate carbon levels of 0.95 for P-17 and 0.89 for NOX. The bioluminescence test was used to monitor reclaimed water, in which average AOC levels range between 150 and 1,400 μg/liter acetate carbon equivalents. Comparison of the conventional AOC assay and the bioluminescent assay produced an
r
2
of 0.92.
Hydrogen Production by
Geobacter
Species and a Mixed Consortium in a Microbial Electrolysis Cell
Authors: Call Douglas F. , Wagner Rachel C. , Logan Bruce E.
Published: October 2009

A hydrogen utilizing exoelectrogenic bacterium (
Geobacter sulfurreducens
) was compared to both a nonhydrogen oxidizer (
Geobacter metallireducens
) and a mixed consortium in order to compare the hydrogen production rates and hydrogen recoveries of pure and mixed cultures in microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). At an applied voltage of 0.7 V, both
G. sulfurreducens
and the mixed culture generated similar current densities (ca. 160 A/m
3
), resulting in hydrogen production rates of ca. 1.9 m
3
H
2
/m
3
/day, whereas
G. metallireducens
exhibited lower current densities and production rates of 110 ± 7 A/m
3
and 1.3 ± 0.1 m
3
H
2
/m
3
/day, respectively. Before methane was detected in the mixed-culture MEC, the mixed consortium achieved the highest overall energy recovery (relative to both electricity and substrate energy inputs) of 82% ± 8% compared to
G. sulfurreducens
(77% ± 2%) and
G. metallireducens
(78% ± 5%), due to the higher coulombic efficiency of the mixed consortium. At an applied voltage of 0.4 V, methane production increased in the mixed-culture MEC and, as a result, the hydrogen recovery decreased and the overall energy recovery dropped to 38% ± 16% compared to 80% ± 5% for
G. sulfurreducens
and 76% ± 0% for
G. metallireducens
. Internal hydrogen recycling was confirmed since the mixed culture generated a stable current density of 31 ± 0 A/m
3
when fed hydrogen gas, whereas
G. sulfurreducens
exhibited a steady decrease in current production. Community analysis suggested that
G. sulfurreducens
was predominant in the mixed-culture MEC (72% of clones) despite its relative absence in the mixed-culture inoculum obtained from a microbial fuel cell reactor (2% of clones). These results demonstrate that
Geobacter
species are capable of obtaining similar hydrogen production rates and energy recoveries as mixed cultures in an MEC and that high coulombic efficiencies in mixed culture MECs can be attributed in part to the recycling of hydrogen into current.
Characteristics and Dynamics of
Salmonella
Contamination along the Coast of Agadir, Morocco
Authors: Setti Ibtissame , Rodriguez-Castro Alba , Pata Maria P. , Cadarso-Suarez Carmen , Yacoubi Bouchra , Bensmael Laila , Moukrim Abdellatif , Martinez-Urtaza Jaime
Published: October 2009

The occurrence of
Salmonella enterica
in the environment of tropical and desert regions has remained largely uninvestigated in many areas of the world, including Africa. In the present study, we investigated the presence of
Salmonella
spp. along 122 km of the coastline of Agadir (southern Morocco) in relation to environmental parameters. A total of 801 samples of seawater (243), marine sediment (279), and mussels (279) were collected from six sites between July 2004 and May 2008. The overall prevalence of
Salmonella
spp. was 7.1%, with the highest occurrence in mussels (10%), followed by sediment (6.8%) and seawater (4.1%). Only three serotypes were identified among the 57
Salmonella
sp. strains isolated.
S. enterica
serotype Blockley represented 43.8% of all
Salmonella
strains and was identified in mussel and sediment samples.
S. enterica
serotype Kentucky (29.8%) was found almost exclusively in mussels, whereas
S. enterica
serotype Senftenberg (26.3%) was detected in sediment and seawater. Statistical analysis using generalized additive models identified seawater temperature, environmental temperature, rainfall, and solar radiation as significant factors associated with the presence of
Salmonella
. Rainfall was the only variable showing a linear positive effect on the presence of
Salmonella
in the sea, whereas the remaining variables showed more complex nonlinear effects. Twenty-eight (49.1%)
Salmonella
isolates displayed resistance to ampicillin (22 isolates), nalidixic acid (9 isolates), sulfonamide compounds (2 isolates), and tetracycline (1 isolate), with six of these isolates displaying multiple resistance to two of these antimicrobial agents. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis revealed homogenous restriction patterns within each serotype that were uncorrelated with the resistance pattern profiles.