bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis of halloysites with different composition and particle morphology
Authors: Soma M. , Churchman G. J. , Theng B. K. G.
Published: November 2006

The surface composition of some halloysites with different particle morphology has been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) before and after removal of external Fe. The Fe(III) 2p3/2 binding energy of external Fe is appreciably smaller than that of structural Fe. Particle morphology is influenced by structural Fe content. The long-tubular halloysite has very little surface Fe, and its concentration tends to increase with the proportion of non-tubular particles in the samples. The spheroidal sample contains the most structural Fe which, however, does not appear to influence particle shape directly. Study by XPS indicates that Fe substitutes for Al in octahedral positions in approximately 1 : 2 proportion. As a result, an increase in octahedral vacancies and cation exchange capacity would be predicted. Further, halloysite layers within a crystal are generally inhomogeneous in composition. Built up like “onion skins”, the surface layers would either be enriched or depleted in Fe depending on the chemical environment in which crystal growth occurs.
Mössbauer spectroscopic and thermogravimetric studies of tin-clay complexes
Authors: Breen C. , Molloy K. C. , Quill K.
Published: November 2006

Complexes of SnCl2/montmorillonite have been prepared from solutions which contained 10, 20, 40 and 200 times the cation exchange capacity of the clay, resulting in complexes which contained 1·7, 1·6, 2·8 and 4·6 wt% of tin. Detailed thermogravimetric and variable temperature 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopic studies of these complexes, both as prepared and following back exchange with Ca2+-ions, have shown that (i) the complexes are quite acidic in nature, and (ii) the majority of the Sn forms an oxy/hydroxy coating over the montmorillonite surface in which the vibrational freedom of Sn depends upon both the Sn content and the state of hydration of the coating.
‘Face-to-Face’ relationships between oxocentred tetrahedra and cation-centred tetrahedral oxyanions in crystal structures of minerals and inorganic compounds
Authors: Krivovichev S. V. , Starova G. L. , Filatov S. K.
Published: November 2006

Detailed analysis of the crystal structures of minerals and inorganic compounds containing oxocentred [OCu4] tetrahedra reveals the following principle for relationships between oxocentred tetrahedra and tetrahedral oxyanions (Tn+O4)−(8−n) with T = S6+ or V5+, or triangular pyramidal oxyanions (SeO3)2− (which may be considered as (SeO3E)2− tetrahedra assuming the lone pair E of selenium to be a fourth ligand): (Tn+O4)−(8−n) tetrahedra are ‘attached’ to the oxocentred tetrahedra so that their grounds (O-O-O and Cu-Cu-Cu) are parallel to each other and the mutual orientation is regular (O corners are exactly under Cu corners). We propose to describe these relationships as ‘face-to-face’, meaning that the oxocentred and cation-centred tetrahedra ‘meet’ along their ‘whole’ triangular faces. Geometric characteristics of ‘face-to-face’ relationships are discussed.
Potarite (Pd-Hg) in thermally metamorphosed dunite from the Inazumi-yama
ultramafic complex, southwestern Japan: an implication for the behaviour of
mercury in PGE mineralization in peridotite
Authors: Arai S. , Prichard H. M. , Matsumoto I. , Fisher P. C.
Published: November 2006

Pd-rich PGM (platinum-group minerals) have been found in sulphide-bearing
dunites and harzburgites from the Inazumi-yama ultramafic complex in southwestern
Japan. In the dunite, potarite (PdHg0.85–0.88) is the most
abundant PGM but other associated PGM include stibiopalladinite
(Pd5Sb2) and rare sperrylite
(PtAs2) and Pd-rich alloys. A Pd telluride has been found
in the harzburgite. The PGM are enclosed usually by pentlandite-heazlewoodite
composite grains and, rarely, by altered chrome-spinel. These minerals are
characteristic of an ultramafic assemblage but they are accompanied by ubiquitous
galena and minor sphalerite not usually associated with these ultramafic
assemblages. The ultramafic part of this complex has been thermally metamorphosed
(olivine-talc zone) within the contact aureole of an adjacent granite. The PGM,
sulphides and altered spinel are all intergrown with antigorite and/or chlorite,
indicating a metamorphic overprint on the primary igneous mineralogy. The Pd/Pt
ratios of 9 suggest a process of hydrothermal concentration for the Pd and it is
proposed that the Pd has been remobilized and reconcentrated by hydrothermal
solutions derived from the granitic magma which reacted with the Pd concentrated
in the primary magmatic sulphides. Mercury may have been leached from surrounding
sediments by the hydrothermal solutions. It is possible that potarite and the
other PGM formed at temperatures of up to 650°C and are likely to be found in
other thermally metamorphosed ultramafic rocks showing a depleted character
(spinel Cr/[Cr+Al]>0.7), common in orogenic belts.
The phase system Fe-Ir-S at 1100, 1000 and 800°C
Authors: Makovicky E. , Karup-Møller S.
Published: November 2006

Phase relations in the dry condensed Fe-Ir-S system were determined at 1100,
1000 and 800°C. Orientational runs were performed at 500°C. Between 1100 and
800°C, the system comprises five sulphides and an uninterrupted field of γ(Fe,Ir).
Fe1-xS dissolves 5.8 at.% Ir
at 1100°C, 3.4 at.% Ir at 1000°C and 1.0 at.% Ir at 800°C. The solubility of Fe in
Ir2S3, IrS2 and
IrS~3 increases with decreasing temperature, reaching 2.5
at.% in the latter two sulphides at 800°C. Thiospinel
‘FeIr2S4— is non-stoichiometric, from
Fe22.3Ir19.8S58.0
to
Fe18.9Ir23.1S58.0,
depending on aS and
aFe, i.e. on a phase
association. Thiospinel is absent at 800 and 500°C.
Scapolite pegmatite from the Minas fault, Nova Scotia: tangible manifestation
of Carboniferous, evaporite-derived hydrothermal fluids in the western Cobequid
highlands?
Authors: Owen J. V. , Greenough J. D.
Published: November 2006

Pegmatite cutting chlorite schist in the Minas fault at McKay Head, Nova
Scotia, consists of Cl-rich (2.7–3.8 wt.% Cl) marialitic scapolite
(EqAn21–32) with interstitial, apparently primary
analcite, hematite and rutile, and later (including vug-lining) analcite, pyrite,
chlorite, titanite and calcite, and cross-cutting epidote veins. Some of the
latter phases might have crystallized from residual pegmatitic fluids. Unlike many
other primary scapolite-bearing igneous rocks, the McKay Head occurrence has
compositional affinities with mafic (rather than felsic) systems: it is enriched
in transition metals (e.g. Cr≤53 ppm), and has very low LILE concentrations (e.g.
Rb<10 ppm; U<1 ppm; Th<2 ppm; Ba<20 ppm) and Rb/Sr ratios (~0.05). The
presence of interstitial rutile and hematite rather than ilmenite indicates that
the pegmatitic fluid was oxygenated late (T~400°C) in
its crystallization history.

The pegmatite is interpreted to be related to highly sodic hydrothermal
solutions derived from (or affected by) early Carboniferous evaporites of the
Windsor or Horton groups. Compositionally-similar fluids, perhaps also related to
an evaporite source, may be responsible for a regional, early Carboniferous
Na-metasomatic event that altered a suite of alkaline granitoid intrusions shortly
after their emplacement.
Extreme closed system fractionation of volatile-rich, ultrabasic peralkaline
melt inclusions and the occurrence of djerfisherite in the Kugda alkaline complex,
Siberia
Authors: Henderson C. M. B. , Kogarko L. N. , Plant D. A.
Published: November 2006

Djerfisherite
[K6(Cu,Fe,Ni)25S26Cl]
has been found as a daughter mineral in melt inclusions in melilite from a Kugda
melilitolite. The inclusion mineral assemblage includes pyrrhotite, pentlandite,
forsterite, diopside, monticellite, phlogopite, wollastonite, nepheline, sodalite,
combeite, calcite, Na-K-Ca carbonate, and hydrated calcium silicates. The
djerfisherite is Ni-rich rather than Cu-rich consistent with an ultimate upper
mantle magma source. The djerfisherite-bearing assemblage formed from primary
carbonate/alkali-rich, melilititic melt inclusions which underwent extreme,
closed-system, magmatic to postmagmatic fractionation over a temperature range of
>1000° to <500 °C.
Significance of allanite-(Ce) in granitic gneisses from the ultrahigh-pressure
metamorphic terrane, Dabie Shan, central China
Authors: Liu Xiaochun , Dong Shuwen , Xue Huaimin , Zhou Jianxiong
Published: November 2006

A recent study of granitic gneisses in the ultrahigh-pressure (UHP)
metamorphic terrane from Dabie Shan, central China reveals that allanite-(Ce) is a
widespread REE-bearing accessory phase. The microprobe
analyses show that allanites-(Ce) have nearly uniform chemical compositions, with
total REE contents ranging from 23 to 28 wt.% and a
La/Ce ratio of 0.57–0.73. All allanites-(Ce) are replaced or rimmed by epidotes
and commonly form a relatively REE-poor rim near the
interfaces. The textural relations and mineral chemistry suggest that
allanite-(Ce) crystallized prior to metamorphism and therefore was of igneous
origin, whereas the surrounding epidote was the product of metamorphism. Granitic
gneiss, composed chiefly of sodic plagioclase, microcline and quartz with minor
amounts of Mn-rich garnet, biotite, low Si phengitic mica, epidote, chlorite and
sometimes amphibole, was formed at 495°C and ∼5 kbar, corresponding to the
retrograde metamorphism of UHP rocks. Accordingly, it is believed that granitic
gneisses have not experienced UHP metamorphism. This implies that a large scale
tectonic juxtaposition developed before the epidote-amphibolite facies retrograde
metamorphism of UHP rocks during the late continental collision in Dabie
Shan.
Bariosincosite, a new hydrated barium vanadium phosphate, from the Spring
Creek Mine, South Australia
Authors: Pring A. , Kolitsch U. , Birch W. D. , Beyer B. D. , Elliott P. , Ayyappan P. , Ramanan A.
Published: November 2006

Bariosincosite is a new barium vanadium phosphate hydrate from the Spring
Creek Mine, near Wilmington, South Australia. The new mineral occurs as irregular
clusters of pale green, very thin platey crystals up to 250 µm across and 2 to 5
µm thick. The tetragonal crystals are tabular on {001} and the other form present
is {100}. Associated with bariosincosite are quartz, cuprite, native copper,
fluorapatite, whitlockite, baryte and springcreekite,
BaV33+
(PO4)2(OH,H2O)6.
Bariosincosite appears to have formed under supergene or low-temperature
late-stage hydrothermal conditions. Electron microprobe analysis yielded: BaO
23.20; SrO 4.19; CaO 0.36; VO2 31.55;
Fe2O3 0.20;
Al2O3 0.50;
P2O5 28.15; H2O
13.93 (calculated). These data give an empirical formula of
(Ba0.77Sr0.20Ca0.03)∑1.00[(V0.964+
Al0.03Fe0.013+)∑1.00O(PO4)]2·4H2O,
calculated on the basis of two P atoms. The simplified formula is
Ba(V4+OPO4)2·4H2O.
The mineral is transparent with a very pale green streak, a vitreous lustre and an
estimated Mohs hardness of 3. The strongest lines in the X-ray powder pattern are
[dobs
(Iobs)
(hkl)] 6.414 (20) (110, 002); 5.748 (70) (111);
4.552 (30) (112, 200); 3.198 (20) (220, 004); 3.100 (100) (203, 221); 2.847 (40)
(222, 114); 2.786 (80) (311); 2.368 (30) (313, 115); and 2.017 (100) (420, 332,
116). These data were indexed on a tetragonal cell, with
a = 9.031(6), c =
12.755(8) Å and V = 1040(1) Å3;
the space group is probably P4/n or
P4/nmm. For Z = 4 and
using the empirical formula, the calculated density is 3.306
gm/cm3. Bariosincosite is uniaxial negative with ω =
1.721(2) and ε = 1.715(2) (white light); pleochroism is weak from colourless (E)
to pale green (O), absorption O > E. The mineral is named for the relationship
to sincosite,
Ca(V4+OPO4)2·4H2O.
‘Coutinite’, ‘coutinhite’ and ‘neodymite’ discredited as identical to
lanthanite-(La) and/or lanthanite-(Nd)
Authors: Atencio D.
Published: November 2006

The names ‘coutinite’ [= lanthanite-(Nd)], ‘coutinhite’ [= lanthanite-(La)],
and ‘neodymite' [= lanthanite-(Nd) or lanthanite-(La)], do not follow the rules of
nomenclature for rare earth minerals. These names were introduced without
International Mineralogical Association (IMA) approval and are now formally
discarded (Nomenclature Proposal 98-B) by the Commission on New Minerals and
Mineral Names (CNMMN) of the IMA.
Pumpellyite from the oceanic crust, DSDP/ODP Hole 504B
Authors: Ishizuka H.
Published: November 2006

Pumpellyite has been found in doleritic basalt of a sheeted dyke complex
drilled from 2072.1 m below sea floor in DSDP/ODP Hole 504B, south of the Costa
Rica Rift, eastern Pacific. It occurs as fine-grained crystal aggregates
accompanied by albite, chlorite and chalcopyrite, which partially replace a
plagioclase phenocryst (An85–88) that is also associated with
primary magnetite. Chemical compositions of the pumpellyite vary antithetically in
relation to Fe* and Al as well as Fe* and Mg, indicating the dominant substitution
of Fe3+ by Al with the minor substitution of
Fe2+ by Mg. Such compositional variations overlap with
those of prehnite-pumpellyite facies rocks dredged from other oceanic ridges and
intra-oceanic arcs, and those of similar facies rocks from ophiolites, but are
aluminous compared with those of zeolite facies metabasites in ophiolites. These
observations suggest that the breakdown of the plagioclase phenocryst and
magnetite in the presence of a Cu- and S-bearing fluid phase led to the formation
of pumpellyite + albite + chlorite + chalcopyrite during oceanic ridge
hydrothermal alteration.
Disorder and compositional variation in the lillianite homologous series
Authors: Pring A. , Jercher M. , Makovicky E.
Published: November 2006

High resolution transmission electron microscopy studies on the lillianite group minerals from the Ivigtut cryolite deposit, Ivigtut, South Greenland revealed the existence of disordered intergrowths of lillianite/gustavite-like blocks (N− 4) and heyrovskyite-like (N= 7) structural blocks. One disorder sequence is examined in detail, which gave an average homologue number N = 4.92 corresponding to a composition of Pb3.922xBi2·xAgxS6.92with x ≈ 1.2. An Axial Next-Nearest Neighour Ising model was used to follow the fluctuations in the average homologue numberNacross the crystal. This yielded compositional fluctuations of the order of 70–170 Å over a 1800 Å region of the crystal, with a 202 Å lamella of ordered vikingite. Trends in the randomness of the gustavite-vikingite intergrowth were evaluated and the dominant slab sequence was found to be 4,4,4,7 and 4,4,7,7, suggesting that some longer period homologues may be stable. A number of defects were noted in which changes in slab widths were accommodated. The origin of these partially ordered/disordered lillianite homologues is discussed.
Fe-Li micas: a new approach to the substitution series
Authors: Shihua Sun , Jie Yu
Published: November 2006

Over the last 50 years many definitions of element substitution series have
been proposed for describing natural Fe-Li micas with complex chemical
compositions. In order to compare these definitions and ascertain their
reliability, a new geometric frame composed of ideal mica points, mica joins
(segments), substitution vectors and substitution planes is constructed to express
the entire substitution system of ideal Fe-Al-Li micas. The frame is built in
composition space with the coordinate system (0; Si, AlVI
AlIV, Fe2+, Li,
□VI, K), but has a 3-dimensional analogue, i.e. a visual
image.

Using this frame, it has been proved that there are only five possible types
of replacement for definitions of Fe-Li micas, and that all possible types have
been suggested except the AlIV-constant. Furthermore, it has
been proved that the main point in different definitions is that the replacement
of Li by Fe2+ needs to be balanced with
AlIV, AlVI, or
□VI. In order to solve this problem, a set of formulae
determining spatial relations between geometric elements in the frame is
suggested. With these formulae, the abstract frame is suggested to be a datum
system used to ascertain quantitatively the reliability of definition of natural
Fe-Li micas.
IntNetDB v1.0: an integrated protein-protein interaction network database generated by a probabilistic model
Authors: Xia Kai , Dong Dong , Han Jing-Dong J
Published: November 2006

Background

Although protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks have been explored by various experimental methods, the maps so built are still limited in coverage and accuracy. To further expand the PPI network and to extract more accurate information from existing maps, studies have been carried out to integrate various types of functional relationship data. A frequently updated database of computationally analyzed potential PPIs to provide biological researchers with rapid and easy access to analyze original data as a biological network is still lacking.

Results

By applying a probabilistic model, we integrated 27 heterogeneous genomic, proteomic and functional annotation datasets to predict PPI networks in human. In addition to previously studied data types, we show that phenotypic distances and genetic interactions can also be integrated to predict PPIs. We further built an easy-to-use, updatable integrated PPI database, the Integrated Network Database (IntNetDB) online, to provide automatic prediction and visualization of PPI network among genes of interest. The networks can be visualized in SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) format for zooming in or out. IntNetDB also provides a tool to extract topologically highly connected network neighborhoods from a specific network for further exploration and research. Using the MCODE (Molecular Complex Detections) algorithm, 190 such neighborhoods were detected among all the predicted interactions. The predicted PPIs can also be mapped to worm, fly and mouse interologs.

Conclusion

IntNetDB includes 180,010 predicted protein-protein interactions among 9,901 human proteins and represents a useful resource for the research community. Our study has increased prediction coverage by five-fold. IntNetDB also provides easy-to-use network visualization and analysis tools that allow biological researchers unfamiliar with computational biology to access and analyze data over the internet. The web interface of IntNetDB is freely accessible at http://hanlab.genetics.ac.cn/IntNetDB.htm. Visualization requires Mozilla version 1.8 (or higher) or Internet Explorer with installation of SVGviewer.
Effects of the presence of ColE1 plasmid DNA in Escherichia coli on the host cell metabolism
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Xiang Li , Shao Junjie , Węgrzyn Alicja , Węgrzyn Grzegorz
Published: November 2006

Background

Although understanding of physiological interactions between plasmid DNA and its host is important for vector design and host optimization in many biotechnological applications, to our knowledge, global studies on plasmid-host interactions have not been performed to date even for well-characterized plasmids.

Results

Escherichia coli cells, either devoid of plasmid DNA or bearing plasmid pOri1 (with a single ColE1 replication origin) or plasmid pOri2 (with double ColE1 replication origins), were cultured in a chemostat. We used a combination of metabolic flux analysis, DNA microarray and enzyme activity analysis methods to explore differences in the metabolism between these strains. We found that the presence of plasmids significantly influenced various metabolic pathways in the host cells, e.g. glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the pentose phosphate (PP) pathway. Expression of rpiA, a gene coding for ribose-5-phosphate isomerase A, was considerably decreased in E. coli carrying a high copy number plasmid relative to E. coli carrying a low copy number plasmid and plasmid-free E. coli. The rpiA gene was cloned into an expression vector to construct plasmid pETrpiA. Following induction of pETrpiA-bearing E. coli, which harbored either pOri1 or pOri2, with isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), the copy number of pOri1 and pOri2 was sigificantly higher than that measured in a host devoid of pETrpiA.

Conclusion

The presence of plasmids can significantly influence some metabolic pathways in the host cell. We believe that the results of detailed metabolic analysis may be useful in optimizing host strains, vectors and cultivation conditions for various biotechnological purposes.
A Century of Rickettsiology: Emerging, Reemerging Rickettsioses, Clinical, Epidemiologic, and Molecular Diagnostic Aspects and Emerging Veterinary Rickettsioses
Authors: HECHEMY KARIM E. , OTEO JOSÉ A. , RAOULT DIDIER , SILVERMAN DAVID J. , BLANCO JOSÉ RAMÓN
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  This overview summarize the salient features of advances in the epidemiology, vectors, and clinical and laboratory diagnoses of rickettsiology. Presentations on veterinary rickettsiology highlight the importance of the rickettsiae in animal husbandry.
Rickettsioses in Japan and the Far East
Authors: MAHARA FUMIHIKO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Three rickettsial diseases are known to exist in Japan currently: Japanese spotted fever (JSF), Tsutsugamushi disease (TD; scrub typhus), and Q fever. Since April 1999, the system for infection control and prevention in Japan has changed drastically. JSF, Q fever, and TD, as emerging infectious diseases, are designated as national notifiable diseases.The geographic distribution of JSF patients is along the coast of central and southwestern Japan, whereas TD and Q fever occur almost all over the country. The number of JSF patients reported was 216 cases during 1984–1998 and 268 cases, under the revised law, in 1999–2004. About 300–1000 cases of TD occur every year, and 7–46 cases of Q fever in 1999–2004. The number of cases of JSF and its endemic area are gradually increasing. There was only one fatality due to JSF until 2003, whereas two patients died of JSF in 2004, so JSF is still a life‐threatening disease in Japan. Treatment of fulminant JSF consists of prompt administration of a combination of tetracycline and quinolone. Recent tick surveys revealed that the most probable vectors of JSF are Haemophysalis flava and Haemophysalis hystericis. In addition to R. japonica, two serotypes or species of spotted fever group rickettsiae have been isolated from ticks in Japan; one is closely related to R. helvetica and the other is a new genotype of unknown genotype AT, which is closely related to a Slovakian genotype. These serotypes are of uncertain clinical significance. Epidemiology of rickettsioses in the Far East is mentioned briefly.
Ecology and Molecular Epidemiology of Tick‐Borne Rickettsioses and Anaplasmoses with Natural Foci in Russia and Kazakhstan
Authors: RUDAKOV NIKOLAY , SHPYNOV STANISLAV , FOURNIER PIERRE‐EDOUARD , RAOULT DIDIER
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  During our more than 20 years of monitoring, we have used epidemiological, field, and experimental methods for characterization of natural foci of tick‐borne rickettsioses in Russia. The main results were obtained through genetic methods (PCR sequence) at the Université de la Mediterranée (Marseille, France). We describe considerable heterogeneity of tick‐borne α1‐proteobacteria: 16 microorganisms the of the order Rickettsiales were detected in Russia and Kazakhstan. R. sibirica–caused North Asiatic tick‐borne rickettsiosis is the main tick‐borne rickettsiosis in Russia, with wide distribution in Siberia and the Russian Far East and high epidemic activity of natural foci of different landscape types. Our results show circulation of different pathogenic rickettsiae in the same endemic territories. In the Far East region, R. sibirica subsp. R. sibirica, R. sibirica subsp. BJ‐90, and R. heilongjiangensis were detected; in the Altay and Krasnojarsk regions, R. sibirica subsp. R. sibirica and R. heilongjiangensis; and in the Kurgan district of West Siberia, R. sibirica subsp. R. sibirica and R. slovaca. The roles of more than 15 new genotypes of α1‐proteobacteria in infectious disease in Russia and Kazakhstan are in need of further study.
Far Eastern Tick‐Borne Rickettsiosis
Authors: MEDIANNIKOV OLEG , SIDELNIKOV YURI , IVANOV LEONID , FOURNIER PIERRE‐EDOUARD , TARASEVICH IRINA , RAOULT DIDIER
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  We recently reported the first documented cases of a new rickettsial disease caused by Rickettsia heilongjiangensis in the Russian Far East (Far Eastern tick‐borne rickettsiosis). Here we report the amplification of DNA of R. heilongjiangensis from both the skin biopsy of an acutely ill patient and the tick removed from him prior to the disease development. The tick has been identified as Haemaphysalis spp. The clinical picture was that of a spotted fever group rickettsiosis and a seroconversion was noted with R. heilongjiangensis antigen
.
Screening testing of both species of Haemaphysalis ticks inhabiting Russian Far Eastern regions showed that up to 28.13% of H. concinnae and 4.48% of H. japonica douglasii ticks harbor R. heilongjiangensis. It has been concluded that H. concinnae may serve as the main vector for the transmission of R. heilongjiangensis. H. japonica douglasii ticks harbor several varieties of rickettsiae. DNA of “Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae,” previously found in Ixodes persulcatus ticks, was amplified from one male tick. Two sequenced complete gltA genes belong to the novel spotted fever group rickettsial species provisionally called here “Candidatus Rickettsia principis” variants Hjd54 and Hjd61. The rate of infection has been found to be not higher than 1.5%.
Seroprevalence of Human Anaplasmosis in Slovene Forestry Workers
Authors: ROJKO TEREZA , URSIC TINA , AVŠIČ‐ŽUPANC TATJANA , PETROVEC MIROSLAV , STRLE FRANC , LOTRIC‐FURLAN STANKA
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence and incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum during the period of tick activity and to compare the risk of infection for forestry workers and indoor workers in Slovenia.
Molecular Epidemiology of Human and Bovine Anaplasmosis in Southern Europe
Authors: NARANJO VICTORIA , RUIZ‐FONS FRANCISCO , HÖFLE URSULA , FERNÁNDEZ DE MERA ISABEL G. , VILLANÚA DIEGO , ALMAZÁN CONSUELO , TORINA ALESSANDRA , CARACAPPA SANTO , KOCAN KATHERINE M. , GORTÁZAR CHRISTIAN , DE LA FUENTE JOSÉ
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The genus Anaplasma (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) includes several pathogens such as A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum that have an impact on veterinary and human health. In this study, we characterized A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum infections in humans, wild and domestic animals, and ticks in southern Europe (particularly in south‐central Spain and in Sicily) by means of serologic study, PCR, and sequence analysis of major surface proteins (msp) 1α and 4 and 16S rDNA. The results suggest that A. marginale infections in this region are maintained in cattle and deer, with ticks and tabanids serving as biological and mechanical vectors of the pathogen, respectively. Infections with A. phagocytophilum may occur in humans and are maintained in cattle, donkeys, deer, and birds and are most likely transmitted by several tick species with as yet an unknown role as reservoir hosts for other wild and domesticated mammals. The presence of concurrent infections in cattle and deer suggests that these pathogens may multiply in the same reservoir host and illustrates the complexity of the epidemiology of bovine and human anaplasmosis in this region.
Human Exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Portugal
Authors: SANTOS A.S. , BACELLAR F. , DUMLER J.S.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  A retrospective study to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) and Western blot (WB) assay was conducted in 367 potentially exposed patients from Portugal. The study included 26 patients with confirmed Lyme borreliosis (LB), 77 with suspected LB, 264 seronegative patients studied for possible tick‐transmitted LB and boutonneuse fever (LB/BF) infection, and 96 healthy blood donors. Overall, patients with LB and suspected LB (n= 2 [7.7%] and n= 6 [7.8%], respectively) were more often seropositive (n= 8 [7.8%]; P < 0.001), whereas only 1 (0.4%; P= 0.046) patient in the LB/BF seronegative group had confirmed disease. This study is the first evidence of human exposure to A. phagocytophilum or an antigenically similar bacterium in Portugal, and suggests that LB patients are significantly more likely to contact A. phagocytophilum.
Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis in Northeastern Italy
Authors: BELTRAME ANNA , RUSCIO MAURIZIO , ARZESE ALESSANDRA , RORATO GIADA , NEGRI CAMILLA , LONDERO ANGELA , CRAPIS MASSIMO , SCUDELLER LUIGIA , VIALE PIERLUIGI
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Sporadic cases of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) have been reported in areas with a high prevalence of tick‐borne diseases (TBDs) in Europe. We aimed at estimating the sero‐prevalance of A. phagocytophilum and other TBDs in northeastern Italy in outpatients with a history of recent tick bite or suspected TBD. In the 1‐year study, 79 patients were enrolled and 30 (38%) received a diagnosis of TBD: 24 (30%) with Lyme desease and 5 (6%) with HGE. Our findings indicate the presence of HGA in northernsterm Italy; so, since co‐infection with Lyme disease appeared to be frequent, physicians assessing patients after a tick bite should consider HGA in the diagnosis.
Anthropogenic Effects on Changing Q Fever Epidemiology in Russia
Authors: TOKAREVICH N.K. , FREILYKHMAN O.A. , TITOVA N.M. , ZHELTAKOVA I.R. , RIBAKOVA N.A. , VOROBEYCHIKOV E.V.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  In the northwestern region of Russia (Leningrad province) cattle is proved to be the main source of C. burnetii infection in humans, both in menaced professionals and in formally nonmenaced groups. Liquidation of specialized cattle‐breeding complexes (with their well‐organized veterinary surveillance) and broadening of the circle of non‐professionals that contact with agriculture or domestic animals infected with C. burnetii provide the prerequisites to Q fever spreading among various groups of population.
Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain (1984–2004): A Hyperendemic Area of Q Fever
Authors: MONTES M. , CILLA G. , VICENTE D. , NIETO V. , ERCIBENGOA M. , PEREZ‐TRALLERO E.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Overall 1,261 cases of Q fever were diagnosed between 1984 and 2004 in Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain). Most (75.5%) of the cases ocurred in subjects 15–45 years of age. A total of 79.5% of the cases (n= 1003) ocurred between January and June. The annual incidence for acute Q fever in Gipuzkoa was 7.7, 15.8, 9.6, and 5.7 for the periods 1984–1989, 1990–1994, 1995–1999, and 2000–2004, respectively. In 94% of the cases IgM titer was ≥1/256. The most frequent clinical manifestation was pneumonia (79%). Only two cases of chronic Q fever were detected during the 21 years studied.
Current Knowledge of Rickettsial Diseases in Italy
Authors: CICERONI LORENZO , PINTO ANTONELLA , CIARROCCHI SIMONETTA , CIERVO ALESSANDRA
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Rickettsial diseases continue to be the cause of serious health problems in Italy. From 1998 to 2002, 4,604 clinical cases were reported, with 33 deaths in the period from 1998 to 2001. Almost all the cases reported in Italy are cases of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF). Other rickettsioses that have been historically documented are murine typhus and epidemic typhus. Since 1950, only sporadic cases of murine typhus have been reported, and Italy currently appears to be free of epidemic typhus. As in other European countries, imported cases of rickettsialpox, African tick‐bite fever (ATBF), and scrub typhus have been reported. In 2004, three cases of a mild form of rickettsiosis were serologically attributed to Rickettsia helvetica.
No Serological Evidence for Rickettsial Diseases among Danish Elite Orienteerers
Authors: SCHIELLERUP PETER , DYHR THOMAS , ROLAIN JEAN MARC , CHRISTENSEN MARIANNE , DAMSGAARD RASMUS , FISKER NIELS , ANDERSEN NIELS FROST , RAOULT DIDIER , KROGFELT KAREN A.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  A series of sudden unexpected cardiac deaths among Swedish elite orienteerers in the 1980s have resulted from the combination of infectious diseases and physical exercise. Studies in the late 1990s have pointed to Chlamydia and Barontella, which both had a high seroprevalence among Swedish elite orienteerers. We conducted a case–control study aimed to elucidate the serologic prevalence of rickettsial diseases among Danish elite orienteerers. Ticks are known as vectors for some rickettsial diseases. None of the orienteerers had a positive antibody titer against any of the tested Rickettsia despite a very high frequency of tick bites in this group.
Rickettsia felis in the Americas
Authors: GALVÃO M.A.M. , ZAVALA‐VELAZQUEZ J.E. , ZAVALA‐CASTRO J.E. , MAFRA C.L. , CALIC S.B. , WALKER D.H.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The authors describe their work in the Americas in Rickettsia felis cases in humans and the presence of Rickettsia felis in vectors.
Boutonneuse Fever and Climate Variability
Authors: De SOUSA RITA , LUZ TERESA , PARREIRA PAULO , SANTOS‐SILVA MARGARIDA , BACELLAR FATIMA
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Researchers have long appreciated the role of climate in vector‐borne diseases, including the resurgence of boutonneuse fever (BF). Portugal usually is classified as having temperate Mediterranean climate. In this new century, in analyzing the data from the Meteorology Institute, this pattern has changed and an accentuated variability in climate is being observed. BF (febre escaro nodular) is endemic and high season is from late spring and summer. The brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. is the vector and reservoir of Rickettsia conorii complex strains: R. conorii Malish and Israeli spotted fever strain. To assess the influence of climate change in BF seasonality our aim was to compare the human sera samples received at CEVDI–INSA for laboratory diagnosis of MSF for 5 months per year from October to February, (“off‐season”) from 2000 to 2005. Of 1,299 sera samples in persons with suspected clinical diagnosis of MSF, 45 (3.4%) were considered positive cases and the number of positive cases has doubled in the last 2 years. BF epidemiology clearly appears to be associated with climate change, especially with low precipitation values. Physicians should be aware of increasing off‐season BF cases.
Prospective Evaluation of Rickettsioses in the Trakya (European) Region of Turkey and Atypic Presentations of Rickettsia Conorii
Authors: KULOGLU FIGEN , ROLAIN JEAN MARC , AYDOSLU BAYRAM , AKATA FILIZ , TUGRUL MURAT , RAOULT DIDIER
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  In 2004 between the months of May–November, 11 patients with spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses were admitted to the Trakya University Hospital in Edirne, Turkey. SFG rickettsioses were diagnosed clinically. Before treatment, punch biopsy from skin lesions, especially from the eschar, was performed. Serum specimens were tested by IFA using a panel of nine rickettsial antigens, including SFG rickettsiae and R. typhi. Western blotting and standard PCR were also performed. The average age of the 11 patients (4 male and 7 female) was 51 years. All the patients had high fever; 10 (91%) had maculopapular rash; 8 (73%) had rash in the palms or on the soles. Five patients had a unique eschar; two had double eschars (64%). Two patients presented with multiple organ failure and one of them died. All the patients had significant antibody titers against SFG rickettsiae. PCR experiments of skin biopsies were positive in six (60%) of 10 skin biopsy samples and DNA sequencing of the positive PCR products gave 100% homology with Rickettsia conorii Malish 7 for opmA and gltA. Trakya Region in an endemic area for rickettsioses. In this series, three patients presented with life‐threatening diseases and one of them died. This patient was the first fatal case (2.8%). Atypic and serous life‐threatening presentations of rickettsioses must be kept in mind for the differential diagnosis of febrile disease in Turkey.
Reemergence of Rickettsiosis in Oran, Algeria
Authors: MOUFFOK NADJET , BENABDELLAH ANWAR , RICHET HERVÉ , ROLAIN JEAN MARC , RAZIK FATIHA , BELAMADANI DJAMILA , ABIDI SALIHA , BELLAL RAMDANE , GOURIET FRÉDÉRIQUE , MIDOUN NORI , BROUQUI PHILIPPE , RAOULT DIDIER
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The presumptive cases of Mediterranean spotted fever have been identified in 1993 and since that time, its frequency has steadily increased. The prospective study, in summer 2004, was conducted in order to present the descriptive clinic and epidemiology, to identify more severe forms, the presence of the multiple eschars, and different rickettsial strains caused the disease in our region. In Oran, the cases were diagnosed clinically. In Marseille, serum specimens were tested by IFA using the panel of eight rickettsial antigen; Western blot and cross‐adsorption studies were also performed in order to confirm the diagnosis. Ninety‐three patients clinically diagnosed were recorded from July 3 to October 28, 2004. Eighty percent were male, the mean age was 44.3 years, 90% were exposed to dog and 32% reported tick bites. Clinical signs were as follow: presence of underlying disease (44%), sudden onset (78%), fever (100%), loss of weight (63%), conjunctivitis (43%), and a tache noire was noticed in 70%. Interestingly, two patients had two and three eschars, respectively. The rash was maculopapular (palm and sole) and purpuric in nine cases. Doxycycline was the most antibiotic (91%) with favourable outcome in 91% of the cases. Malignant form with death is reported for three patients (3.2%). Among the 93 patients, 104 serum from 65 patients were tested (serums of others patients were lost or ticket not found on tube. Sixty‐three patients out of 65 had a positive serology by IFA with cross‐reactive antibodies especially between R. conorii, R. felis and/or R. typhi. Two others negative serology were: one precocious serum and second from the patient, which presented symptoms of MSF and tested two serums, Western blot and cross‐adsorption.
Arthropod‐Borne Diseases in Homeless
Authors: BROUQUI PHILIPPE , RAOULT DIDIER
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Homeless people are particularly exposed to ectoparasite. The living conditions and the crowded shelters provide ideal conditions for the spread of lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. Body lice have long been recognized as human parasites and although typically prevalent in rural communities in upland areas of countries close to the equator, it is now increasingly encountered in developed countries especially in homeless people or inner city economically deprived population. Fleas are widespread but are not adapted to a specific host and may occasionally bite humans. Most common fleas that parasite humans are the cat, the rat, and the human fleas, Ctenocephalides felis, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Pulex irritans, respectively. Ticks belonging to the family Ixodidae, in particular, the genera Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus, and Ixodes, are frequent parasites in humans. Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis is a mite (Arachnida class) responsible for scabies. It is an obligate parasite of human skin. The hematophagic‐biting mite, Liponyssoides sanguineus, is a mite of the rat, mouse, and other domestic rodents but can also bite humans. Finally, the incidence of skin disease secondary to infestation with the human bedbug, Cimex lectularius, has increased recently. Bacteria, such as Wolbacchia spp. have been detected in bedbug. The threat posed by the ectoparasite in homeless is not the ectoparasite themselves but the associated infectious diseases that they may transmit to humans. Except for scabies all these ectoparasites are potential vectors for infectious agents. Three louse‐borne diseases are known at this time. Trench fever caused by Bartonella quintana (B. quintana), epidemic typhus caused by Rickettsia prowazekii, and relapsing fever caused by the spirochete Borrelia recurrentis. Fleas transmit plague (Xenopsylla cheopis and Pulex irritans), murine typhus (Xenopsylla cheopis), flea‐borne spotted rickettsiosis on account of the recently described species Rickettsia felis (C. felis), and occasionally cat scratch disease on account of Bartonella henselae (C. felis). The role of fleas as potential vector of B. quintana has recently been suggested. Among the hematophagic‐biting mites, L. sanguineus, is responsible for the transmission of Rickettsia akari, the etiologic agent of rickettsialpox. Virtually, no data are available on tick‐borne disease in this population. This article will deal with epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of these ectoparasite and the infectious diseases they transmit to the homeless people.
Detection of Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia sp. in Blood Clots in 24 Patients from Different Municipalities of the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: GEHRKE FLÁVIA SOUSA , MENDES do NASCIMENTO ELVIRA MARIA , RODRIGUES de SOUZA ELIANA , COLOMBO SILVIA , JACINTHO da SILVA LUIZ , SCHUMAKER TERESINHA TIZU SATO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  The authors detected Rickettsia genus organisms using shell vial and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequencing analysis in blood clots in patients suspected of having Brazilian spotted fever (BSF). DNA was detected using PCR with three sets of primers to access the gltA, ompA, and ompB genes. Sequence analysis was carried out using an automatic sequencer with Bioedit® software. Seventy‐five percent of the culture samples were positive and all samples amplified rickettsial gene fragments. To date, 46% of the samples have been sequenced.
Prevalence of Rickettsia felis‐like and Bartonella Spp. in Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis from La Rioja (Northern Spain)
Authors: BLANCO JOSÉ RAMÓN , PÉREZ‐MARTÍNEZ LAURA , VALLEJO MANUEL , SANTIBÁÑEZ SONIA , PORTILLO ARÁNZAZU , OTEO JOSÉ ANTONIO
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Our aim was to determine the presence of Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. in Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis from La Rioja (Spain). A total of 88 specimens were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using gltA and ompB genes as targets for Rickettsia spp., and 16S rRNA and ribC genes for Bartonella spp. Rickettsia felis‐like (28.4%), Bartonella clarridgeiae (6.8%), and Bartonella henselae (3.4%) were detected in Ctenocephalides spp. Other Bartonella sp. different from B. clarridgeiae and B. henselae could also be present in fleas from La Rioja.
Natural Infection, Transovarial Transmission, and Transstadial Survival of Rickettsia bellii in the Tick Ixodes loricatus (Acari: Ixodidae) from Brazil
Authors: HORTA MAURICIO C. , PINTER ADRIANO , SCHUMAKER TERESINHA T. S. , LABRUNA MARCELO B.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  An Ixodes loricatus engorged female, infected with Rickettsia bellii, was collected from an opossum (Didelphis aurita) in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo State, Brazil. Two consecutive laboratory tick generations (F1 and F2) reared from this single engorged female were evaluated for Rickettsia infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting specific Rickettsia genes. Immature ticks fed on naïve Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) and adult ticks fed on opossum (D. aurita), both free of ticks and rickettsial infection. PCR performed on individual ticks from the F1 (20 larvae, 10 nymphs, and 10 adults) and the F2 (30 larvae, 30 nymphs, and 15 adults) yielded expected bands compatible with Rickettsia. All the PCR products that were sequenced, targeting gltA gene, resulted in sequences identical to each other and 99.7% (349/350) similar to the corresponding sequence of R. bellii in GenBank. The R. bellii infection on ticks from the second laboratory generation (F2) was confirmed by other PCR protocols and successful isolation of R. bellii in cell culture. We report for the first time a Rickettsia species infecting I. loricatus, and the first report of R. bellii in the tick genus Ixodes. We conclude that there was an efficient transovarial transmission and transstadial survival of this Rickettsia species in the tick I. loricatus. Our results suggest that R. bellii might be maintained in nature solely by transovarial transmission and transstadial survival in ticks (no amplifier vertebrate host is needed), since there has been no direct or indirect evidence of infection of vertebrate hosts by R. bellii.
Highly Variable Year‐to‐Year Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus Ticks in Northeastern Poland: A 4‐Year Follow‐up
Authors: GRZESZCZUK ANNA , STAŃCZAK JOANNA
Published: November 2006

Abstract: 
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is transmitted mainly by Ixodes ricinus ticks in Europe. We followed‐up A. phagocytophilum infection rate in I. ricinus in three selected collection sites in northeastern Poland during a four‐year period. Overall infection rate was 14.1% (208/1474) with highest infection rate among females (36.8% verses males 8.2% and nymphs 0.9%). We noted a very big year‐to‐year variation of infection prevalence in each collection cite every year reflecting changeable granulocytic anaplasmosis risk for humans and animals.
Prevalence of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia Species Detected in Ticks in La Rioja, Spain
Authors: OTEO J.A. , PORTILLO A. , SANTIBÁÑEZ S. , PÉREZ‐MARTÍNEZ L. , BLANCO J.R. , JIMÉNEZ S. , IBARRA V. , PÉREZ‐PALACIOS A. , SANZ M.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Our objective was to learn the prevalence of spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia detected in ticks in La Rioja, in the north of Spain. From 2001 to 2005, 496 ticks representing 7 tick species were analysed at the Hospital de La Rioja. Ticks were removed from humans with or without rickettsial syndrome (n= 59) or collected from mammals (n= 371) or from vegetation by dragging (n= 66). The presence of SFG Rickettsia in these ticks was investigated by semi‐nested PCR (ompA gene) and sequencing. A phylogenetic tree using Clustal method (neighbor‐joining) was constructed with these data. Only 3 of 170 Hyalomma marginatum ticks carried SFG Rickettsia. Sequencing analysis demonstrated the presence of Rickettsia aeschlimannii (1.8%). Furthermore, Rickettsia massiliae and BAR29 were found in 3 of 120 Rhipicephalus sanguineus specimens (2.5%). In contrast, 81 of 83 tested Dermacentor marginatus ticks were PCR‐positive (97%). Rickettsia slovaca (40.6%) and Rickettsia sp. strains RpA4, DnS14, DnS28 and JL‐02 (59.3%) were found within this tick species. No SFG Rickettsia was detected using ompA primers when Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus eversti eversti, Hyalomma detritum scupense and Rhipicephalus sp. were analyzed. We detected 17.5% of ticks associated with different SFG Rickettsia: R. aeschlimannii, R. massiliae, BAR29, R. slovaca and Rickettsia sp. strains RpA4, DnS14, DnS28 and JL‐02. Their presence has to be taken into account since most of them have been recognized as human pathogens.
Prevalence Data of Rickettsia slovaca and Other SFG Rickettsiae Species in Dermacentor marginatus in the Southeastern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: MÁRQUEZ F.J. , ROJAS A. , IBARRA V. , CANTERO A. , ROJAS J. , OTEO J.A. , MUNIAIN M.A.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  In southern Spain, Dermacentor marginatus ticks can be infected with several genospecies of spotted fever Group (SFG) Rickettsia. We developed a nested polymerase chain reaction assay by using a species‐specific probe targeting the ompA gene to detect and differentiate between the two groups of rickettsiae previously described in D. marginatus. SFG rickettsia has been detected in 85.15% of ticks studied (26.7% of positives have been to R. slovaca, the causative agent of TIBOLA‐DEBONEL, and 73.3% to SFG rickettsia closely related to strains RpA4–JL‐02‐DnS14–DnS28).
A Rickettsial Mixed Infection in a Dermacentor Variabilis Tick from Ohio
Authors: CARMICHAEL JENNIFER R. , FUERST PAUL A.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  We present the first report of superinfection in a Dermacentor variabilis tick from nature. The single tick, collected in Ohio, was found infected with Rickettsia belli, R. nontanensis, and R. rickettsii.