bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface plasmon mediated tip enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Bortchagovsky Eugene G. , Klein Stefan , Fischer Ulrich C.
Published: February 2009

The Raman signal can be strongly increased for molecules deposited on a thin metal film in a configuration where the emission of the Raman signal into a glass support of the film is mediated by leaky surface plasmons (SPs). Here we show that SP provides an efficient pathway to detect tip enhanced Raman scattering (TERS). Based on this result, we suggest a new edge plasmon mediated TERS configuration. Plasmon modes on metal covered edges of a dielectric tetrahedral tip couple to a highly directional beam of light into the dielectric body of the tip as a pathway for signal detection.
Weaving Protective Stories: Connective Practices to Articulate Holistic Values in the Stockholm National Urban Park
Authors: Ernstson Henrik , Sörlin Sverker
Published: February 2009

With rapid worldwide urbanization it is urgent that we understand processes leading to the protection of urban green areas and ecosystems. Although natural reserves are often seen as preserving ‘higher valued’ rather than ‘lower valued’ nature, it is more adequate to describe them as outcomes of selective social articulation processes. This is illustrated in the Stockholm National Urban Park. Despite strong exploitation pressure, a diverse urban movement of civil society organizations has managed to provide narratives able to explain and legitimize the need for protection—a ‘protective story’. On the basis of qualitative data and building on theories of value articulation, social movements, and actor-networks, we show how activists, by interlacing artefacts and discourses from cultural history and conservation biology, managed to simultaneously link spatially separated green areas previously seen as disconnected, while also articulating the interrelatedness between the cultural and the natural history of the area. This connective practice constructed holistic values articulating a unified park, which heavily influenced the official framing of the park's values and which now help to explain the success of the movement. In contrast to historically top-down-led designation of natural reserves, we argue that the involvement of civil society in protecting nature (and culture) is on the rise. This nonetheless begs the question of who can participate in these value-creating processes, and we also strive to uncover constraining and facilitating factors for popular participation. Four such factors are suggested: (i) the number and type of artefacts linked to an area; (ii) the capabilities and numbers of activists involved; (iii) the access to social arenas; and (iv) the social network position of actors.
Diatom plastids depend on nucleotide import from the cytosol
Authors: Ast Michelle , Gruber Ansgar , Schmitz-Esser Stephan , Neuhaus Horst Ekkehard , Kroth Peter G. , Horn Matthias , Haferkamp Ilka
Published: February 2009

Diatoms are ecologically important algae that acquired their plastids by secondary endosymbiosis, resulting in a more complex cell structure and an altered distribution of metabolic pathways when compared with organisms with primary plastids. Diatom plastids are surrounded by 4 membranes; the outermost membrane is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum. Genome analyses suggest that nucleotide biosynthesis is, in contrast to higher plants, not located in the plastid, but in the cytosol. As a consequence, nucleotides have to be imported into the organelle. However, the mechanism of nucleotide entry into the complex plastid is unknown. We identified a high number of putative nucleotide transporters (NTTs) in the diatoms
Thalassiosira pseudonana
and
Phaeodactylum tricornutum
and characterized the first 2 isoforms (NTT1 and NTT2). GFP-based localization studies revealed that both investigated NTTs are targeted to the plastid membranes, and that NTT1 most likely enters the innermost plastid envelope via the stroma. Heterologously expressed NTT1 acts as a proton-dependent adenine nucleotide importer, whereas NTT2 facilitates the counter exchange of (deoxy-)nucleoside triphosphates. Therefore, these transporters functionally resemble NTTs from obligate intracellular bacteria with an impaired nucleotide metabolism rather than ATP/ADP exchanging NTTs from primary plastids. We suggest that diatoms harbor a specifically-adapted nucleotide transport system and that NTTs are the key players in nucleotide supply to the complex plastid.
Live cell microscopy analysis of radiation-induced DNA double-strand break motion
Authors: Jakob B. , Splinter J. , Durante M. , Taucher-Scholz G.
Published: February 2009

We studied the spatiotemporal organization of DNA damage processing by live cell microscopy analysis in human cells. In unirradiated U2OS osteosarcoma and HeLa cancer cells, a fast confined and Brownian-like motion of DNA repair protein foci was observed, which was not altered by radiation. By analyzing the motional activity of GFP-53BP1 foci in live cells up to 12-h after irradiation, we detected an additional slower mobility of damaged chromatin sites showing a mean square displacement of ≈0.6 μm
2
/h after exposure to densely- or sparsely-ionizing radiation, most likely driven by normal diffusion of chromatin. Only occasionally, larger translational motion connected to morphological changes of the whole nucleus could be observed. In addition, there was no general tendency to form repair clusters in the irradiated cells. We conclude that long-range displacements of damaged chromatin domains do not generally occur during DNA double-strand break repair after introduction of multiple damaged sites by charged particles. The occasional and in part transient appearance of cluster formation of radiation-induced foci may represent a higher mobility of chromatin along the ion trajectory. These observations support the hypothesis that spatial proximity of DNA breaks is required for the formation of radiation-induced chromosomal exchanges.
Cytomegaloviral proteins that associate with the nuclear lamina: components of a postulated nuclear egress complex
Authors: Milbradt Jens , Auerochs Sabrina , Sticht Heinrich , Marschall Manfred
Published: February 2009

The nuclear egress of cytomegaloviral capsids traversing the nuclear envelope is dependent on a locally restricted destabilization of the rigid nuclear lamina. It has been suggested that the multi-component nuclear egress complex (NEC) that is formed is comprised of both viral and cellular proteins which act to recruit lamin-phosphorylating protein kinases. Recently, we reported that the lamina-associated human cytomegalovirus-encoded proteins pUL50 and pUL53, conserved among herpesviruses, interact with each other and recruit protein kinase C (PKC) to the nuclear envelope in transfected cells. The multiple interactions of the transmembrane protein pUL50 with pUL53, PKC and cellular PKC-binding protein p32, appear crucial to the formation of the NEC. In this study, we mapped individual interaction sequence elements of pUL50 by coimmunoprecipitation analysis of deletion mutants and yeast two-hybrid studies. Amino acids 1–250 were shown to be responsible for interaction with pUL53, 100–280 for PKC and 100–358 for p32. Interestingly, p32 specifically interacted with multiple NEC components, including the kinases PKC and pUL97, thus possibly acting as an adaptor for protein recruitment to the lamin B receptor. Notably, p32 was the only protein that interacted with the lamin B receptor. Immunofluorescence studies visualized the colocalization of NEC components at the nuclear rim in coexpression studies. The data imply that a tight interaction between at least six viral and cellular proteins leads to the formation of a postulated multi-protein complex required for nuclear egress.
Three serial passages of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in sheep do not significantly affect discriminatory test results
Authors: Stack Michael , González Lorenzo , Jeffrey Martin , Martin Stuart , Macaldowie Colin , Chaplin Melanie , Thorne Jemma , Sayers Robin , Davis Linda , Bramwell Jason , Grimmer Steve , Bellworthy Sue
Published: February 2009

During the 1980s, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)-contaminated meat and bonemeal were probably fed to sheep, raising concerns that BSE may have been transmitted to sheep in the UK. The human disease, variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, arose during the BSE epidemic, and oral exposure of humans to BSE-infected tissues has been implicated in its aetiology. The concern is that sheep BSE could provide another source of BSE exposure to humans via sheep products. Two immunological techniques, Western immunoblotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), have been developed to distinguish scrapie from cases of experimental sheep BSE by the characteristics of their respective abnormal, disease-associated prion proteins (PrPd). This study compares the WB and IHC characteristics of PrPd from brains of primary, secondary and tertiary experimental ovine BSE cases with those of cattle BSE and natural sheep scrapie. Discrimination between experimental sheep BSE and scrapie remained possible by both methods, regardless of the route of challenge.
Identification of seven haplotypes of the caprine PrP gene at codons 127, 142, 154, 211, 222 and 240 in French Alpine and Saanen breeds and their association with classical scrapie
Authors: Barillet F. , Mariat D. , Amigues Y. , Faugeras R. , Caillat H. , Moazami-Goudarzi K. , Rupp R. , Babilliot J. M. , Lacroux C. , Lugan S. , Schelcher F. , Chartier C. , Corbière F. , Andréoletti O. , Perrin-Chauvineau C.
Published: February 2009

In sheep, susceptibility to scrapie is mainly influenced by polymorphisms of the PrP gene. In goats, there are to date few data related to scrapie susceptibility association with PrP gene polymorphisms. In this study, we first investigated PrP gene polymorphisms of the French Alpine and Saanen breeds. Based on PrP gene open reading frame sequencing of artificial insemination bucks (n=404), six encoding mutations were identified at codons 127, 142, 154, 211, 222 and 240. However, only seven haplotypes could be detected: four (GIH154RQS, GIRQ211QS, GIRRK222S and GIRRQP240) derived from the wild-type allele (G127I142R154R211Q222S240) by a single-codon mutation, and two (S127IRRQP240 and GM142RRQP240) by a double-codon mutation. A case–control study was then implemented in a highly affected Alpine and Saanen breed herd (90 cases/164 controls). Mutations at codon 142 (I/M), 154 (R/H), 211 (R/Q) and 222 (Q/K) were found to induce a significant degree of protection towards natural scrapie infection. Compared with the baseline homozygote wild-type genotype I142R154R211Q222/IRRQ goats, the odds of scrapie cases in IRQ211Q/IRRQ and IRRK222/IRRQ heterozygous animals were significantly lower [odds ratio (OR)=0.133, P<0.0001; and OR=0.048, P<0.0001, respectively]. The heterozygote M142RRQ/IRRQ genotype was only protective (OR=0.243, P=0.0186) in goats also PP240 homozygous at codon 240. However, mutated allele frequencies in French Alpine and Saanen breeds were low (0.5–18.5 %), which prevent us from assessing the influence of all the possible genotypes in natural exposure conditions.
Complexity in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) co-receptor usage: roles of CCR3 and CCR5 in HIV-1 infection of monocyte-derived macrophages and brain microglia
Authors: Agrawal Lokesh , Maxwell Christina R. , Peters Paul J. , Clapham Paul R. , Liu Sue M. , Mackay Charles R. , Strayer David S.
Published: February 2009

CCR3 has been implicated as a co-receptor for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), particularly in brain microglia cells. We sought to clarify the comparative roles of CCR3 and CCR5 in the central nervous system (CNS) HIV-1 infection and the potential utility of CCR3 as a target for manipulation via gene transfer. To target CCR3, we developed a single-chain antibody (SFv) and an interfering RNA (RNAi), R3-526. Coding sequences for both were cloned into Tag-deleted SV40-dervied vectors, as these vectors transduce brain microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) highly efficiently. These anti-CCR3 transgenes were compared to SFv-CCR5, an SFv against CCR5, and RNAi-R5, an RNAi that targets CCR5, for the ability to protect primary human brain microglia and MDM from infection with peripheral and neurotropic strains of HIV-1. Downregulation of CCR3 and CCR5 by these transgenes was independent from one another. Confocal microscopy showed that CCR3 and CCR5 co-localized at the plasma membrane with each other and with CD4. Targeting either CCR5 or CCR3 largely protected both microglia and MDM from infection by many strains of HIV-1. That is, some HIV-1 strains, isolated from either the CNS or periphery, required both CCR3 and CCR5 for optimal productive infection of microglia and MDM. Some HIV-1 strains were relatively purely CCR5-tropic. None was purely CCR3-tropic. Thus, some CNS-tropic strains of HIV-1 utilize CCR5 as a co-receptor but do not need CCR3, while for other isolates both CCR3 and CCR5 may be required.
TRIM22 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity is required to mediate antiviral activity against encephalomyocarditis virus
Authors: Eldin Patrick , Papon Laura , Oteiza Alexandra , Brocchi Emiliana , Lawson T. Glen , Mechti Nadir
Published: February 2009

The interferon (IFN) system is a major effector of the innate immunity that allows time for the subsequent establishment of an adaptive immune response against a wide-range of pathogens. Their diverse biological actions are thought to be mediated by the products of specific but usually overlapping sets of cellular genes induced in the target cells. Ubiquitin ligase members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family have emerged as IFN-induced proteins involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. In this report, we provide evidence that TRIM22 is a functional E3 ubiquitin ligase that is also ubiquitinated itself. We demonstrate that TRIM22 expression leads to a viral protection of HeLa cells against encephalomyocarditis virus infections. This effect is dependent upon its E3 ubiquitinating activity, since no antiviral effect was observed in cells expressing a TRIM22-deletion mutant defective in ubiquitinating activity. Consistent with this, TRIM22 interacts with the viral 3C protease (3CPRO) and mediates its ubiquitination. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that TRIM22 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity represents a new antiviral pathway induced by IFN against picornaviruses.
Diversity and evolution of the Cydia pomonella granulovirus
Authors: Eberle Karolin E. , Sayed Samy , Rezapanah Mohammedreza , Shojai-Estabragh Sharareh , Jehle Johannes A.
Published: February 2009

Eight new field isolates of Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV) originating in Iran and Georgia and one English CpGV isolate were analysed for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and by partial genome amplification and sequencing. According to the observed RFLPs, most of the predominant genotypes of these isolates could be assigned to those present in previously found isolates originating from Mexico (CpGV-M), England (CpGV-E) and Russia (CpGV-R). We suggest that these isolates should be designated genome A, B and C types, respectively. A fourth genome type was identified in three isolates and is designated D type. The isolates with A, B and D type genomes contained four open reading frames (ORFs) (ORF63–ORF66) not present in C type genomes. The lack of these ORFs in other granuloviruses suggests that the C type genome is evolutionarily ancestral to the other genome types. The B and D type genomes contained an additional insertion of a non-protein coding region of 0.7 kb, which was at different genome locations. Analysis of the partial gene sequences of late expression factor 8 (lef-8), lef-9 and polyhedrin/granulin (polh/gran) genes revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that corresponded to the RFLP types. Phylogenetic analyses based on these SNPs corroborated the proposed ancestry of the C type genome. C type viruses were also less virulent to neonate codling moth larvae than the other virus types. In conclusion, the known diversity of CpGV isolates can be described by four major genome types, which appear to exist in different isolates as genotype mixtures.
Asymptomatically shed recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 strains detected in saliva
Authors: Liljeqvist Jan Åke , Tunbäck Petra , Norberg Peter
Published: February 2009

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a ubiquitous pathogen infecting most individuals worldwide. The majority of HSV-1-infected individuals have no clinical symptoms but shed HSV-1 asymptomatically in saliva. Recent phylogenetic analyses of HSV-1 have defined three genetic clades (A–C) and recombinants thereof. These data have all been based on clinical HSV-1 isolates and do not cover genetic variation of asymptomatically shed HSV-1. The primary goal of this study was to investigate such variation. A total of 648 consecutive saliva samples from five HSV-1-infected volunteers was collected. Asymptomatic shedding was detected on 7.6 % of the days from four subjects. The HSV-1 genome loads were quantified with real-time PCR and varied from 1×102to 2.8×106 copies of virus DNA (ml saliva)−1. Phylogenetic network analyses and bootscanning were performed on asymptomatically shed HSV-1. The analyses were based on DNA sequencing of the glycoprotein I gene, and also of the glycoprotein E gene for putative recombinants. For two individuals with clinical HSV-1 infection, the same HSV-1 strain was shed asymptomatically as induced clinical lesions, and sequence analyses revealed that these strains clustered distinctly to clades A and B, respectively. For one of the subjects with no clinical HSV-1 infection, a recombinant strain was identified. The other truly asymptomatic individual shed evolutionarily distinct HSV-1 strains on two occasions. The first strain was classified as a recombinant and the other strain clustered in clade A. High replication rates of different strains in the same person may facilitate the creation of recombinant clinical HSV-1 strains.
A single U/C nucleotide substitution changing alanine to valine in the beet necrotic yellow vein virus P25 protein promotes increased virus accumulation in roots of mechanically inoculated, partially resistant sugar beet seedlings
Authors: Koenig R. , Loss S. , Specht J. , Varrelmann M. , Lüddecke P. , Deml G.
Published: February 2009

Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) A type isolates E12 and S8, originating from areas where resistance-breaking had or had not been observed, respectively, served as starting material for studying the influence of sequence variations in BNYVV RNA 3 on virus accumulation in partially resistant sugar beet varieties. Sub-isolates containing only RNAs 1 and 2 were obtained by serial local lesion passages; biologically active cDNA clones were prepared for RNAs 3 which differed in their coding sequences for P25 aa 67, 68 and 129. Sugar beet seedlings were mechanically inoculated with RNA 1+2/RNA 3 pseudorecombinants. The origin of RNAs 1+2 had little influence on virus accumulation in rootlets. E12 RNA 3 coding for V67C68Y129 P25, however, enabled a much higher virus accumulation than S8 RNA 3 coding for A67H68H129 P25. Mutants revealed that this was due only to the V67 ‘G
U
U’ codon as opposed to the A67 ‘G
C
U’ codon.
Genome activation by raspberry bushy dwarf virus coat protein
Authors: MacFarlane Stuart A. , McGavin Wendy J.
Published: February 2009

Two sets of infectious cDNA clones of raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) have been constructed, enabling either the synthesis of infectious RNA transcripts or the delivery of infectious binary plasmid DNA by infiltration ofAgrobacterium tumefaciens. In whole plants and in protoplasts, inoculation of RBDV RNA1 and RNA2 transcripts led to a low level of infection, which was greatly increased by the addition of RNA3, a subgenomic RNA coding for the RBDV coat protein (CP). Agroinfiltration of RNA1 and RNA2 constructs did not produce a detectable infection but, again, inclusion of a construct encoding the CP led to high levels of infection. Thus, RBDV replication is greatly stimulated by the presence of the CP, a mechanism that also operates with ilarviruses and alfalfa mosaic virus, where it is referred to as genome activation. Mutation to remove amino acids from the N terminus of the CP showed that the first 15 RBDV CP residues are not required for genome activation. Other experiments, in which overlapping regions at the CP N terminus were fused to the monomeric red fluorescent protein, showed that sequences downstream of the first 48 aa are not absolutely required for genome activation.
The beet virus Q coat protein readthrough domain is longer than previously reported, with two transmembrane domains
Authors: Crutzen François , Kreit Marguerite , Bragard Claude
Published: February 2009

Ten beet virus Q (BVQ) strains from six different countries were sequenced to characterize the readthrough (RT) domain of the coat protein (CP). The GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ accession numbers for the sequences reported in this paper are FM244643–FM244652. With three nucleotide additions of 5, 285 and 1 nt, the common RT of 76 kDa was found to be longer than the single reference available to date (35 kDa). It is hypothesized that multiple inoculation cycles on Chenopodium quinoa were responsible for these three deletions in the C-terminal part of the BVQ RNA-2 previously described. Two putative transmembrane domains, TM1 and TM2, were predicted in the consensus amino acid sequence of the ten BVQ strains, and the putative BVQ TM2 was aligned with that of potato mop-top virus.
Predicting the quaternary structure attribute of a protein by hybridizing functional domain composition and pseudo amino acid composition
Authors: Xiao Xuan , Wang Pu , Chou Kuo-Chen
Published: February 2009

In vivo, some proteins exist as monomers (single polypeptide chains) and others as oligomers. The latter are composed of two or more chains (subunits) that are associated with each other through noncovalent interactions and, occasionally, disulfide bonds. Oligomers can be further classified into homo-oligomers (formed by identical subunits) and hetero-oligomers (formed by different subunits), and they form the structural basis of various biological functions such as cooperative effects, the allosteric mechanism and ion-channel gating. Therefore, it would be of less interest or of low priority for crystallographic scientists to crystallize a single protein chain and determine its three-dimensional structure if it is already known as part of an oligomer. However, it is both time-consuming and laborious to acquire such information on the quaternary structure attribute purely by experiment. In particular, with the avalanche of protein sequences generated in the post-genomic age, it is highly desirable to develop an automated method by which crystallographic scientists can rapidly and effectively identify which quaternary attribute a particular protein chain has according to its sequence information. In view of this, a computational method has been developed by hybridizing the approaches of functional domain composition and pseudo amino acid composition. For the convenience of crystallographic scientists, a user-friendly web server,PQSA-Pred, has been established at http://218.65.61.89:8080/bioinfo/pqsa-pred, by which the desired information can be easily obtained.
Agarose gel facilitates enzyme crystal soaking with a ligand analog
Authors: Sauter Claude , Balg Christian , Moreno Abel , Dhouib Kaouthar , Théobald-Dietrich Anne , Chênevert Robert , Giegé Richard , Lorber Bernard
Published: February 2009

Orthorhombic crystals of the enzyme aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (AspRS) were prepared in agarose gel, a chemical alternative to microgravity or nano-volume drops. Besides providing a convection-free medium, the network of the polysaccharide improved the stability of the crystalline lattice during soaking with L-aspartol adenylate, a synthetic and non-hydrolysable analog of the catalytic intermediate aspartyl adenylate. When crystals were embedded in the polysaccharide matrix the ligand reached their surfaces more uniformly. Gel-grown crystals exhibited well defined reflections even at high resolution and low mosaicity values, despite their fairly high solvent content and the relatively harsh flash cooling procedure. By contrast, soaked AspRS crystals prepared in solution broke apart within 10–30 s after the ligand was introduced into the mother liquor, and subsequently these fragments became an amorphous precipitate. A general objection to the use of gels in protein crystallization is that chemical interactions may occur between the polysaccharide matrix and proteins or ligands. The example of AspRS shows that this is not a major concern. This method may be generally applicable to crystal soaking with other small molecules or heavy atoms.
Optimization of focusing neutronic devices using artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Bentley Phillip M. , Andersen Ken H.
Published: February 2009

The successful use is reported of a particle-swarm optimization algorithm to design a focusing, multi-channel neutron guide for the measurement of millimetre- and sub-millimetre-sized samples. For a 5 Å incident neutron wavelength on an IN5-type instrument, this results in a ninefold gain in the peak neutron count rate, and around an eightfold average gain in the count rate over the crucial 3–6 Å wavelength range, averaged over a 2 × 2 mm sample. A particle swarm method and a genetic algorithm were compared for simple neutron flux maximization, and the particle swarm was found to be faster for these kinds of problems. The focusing device was then designed by coupling the particle swarm algorithm to a full Monte Carlo neutron ray-tracing system. This realizes the `holy grail' of autonomous, self-optimizing virtual neutron devices based on life processes. The end result is superior to the manual (human) design of a focusing guide, and the design can be entirely re-optimized within a few days if the design requirements for a specific instrument should change.
Observation of light-induced localized domain-inversion pattern formation in KNbO3
Authors: Chen Yunlin , Lu Zheng , Xiao Min
Published: February 2009

It is demonstrated that high-intensity illumination with an Ar-ion laser beam can generate domain-inversion patterning in KNbO3crystals. With a special laser-assisted micro-manipulation platform, direct patterning of domain-inversion structures without applying any external electric field can be carried out. The domain-nucleation process has been observed, and the process is purely optical, localized, and potentially controllable both in size and in orientation.
Clinical trial: a randomized trial comparing fluoroscopy guided percutaneous technique vs. endoscopic ultrasound guided technique of coeliac plexus block for treatment of pain in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: SANTOSH D. , LAKHTAKIA S. , GUPTA R. , REDDY D. N. , RAO G. V. , TANDAN M. , RAMCHANDANI M. , GUDA N. M.
Published: February 2009

Background  Coeliac plexus block (CPB) is a management option for pain control in chronic pancreatitis. CPB is conventionally performed by percutaneous technique with fluoroscopic guidance (PCFG). Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is increasingly used for CPB as it offers a better visualization of the plexus. There are limited data comparing the two modalities.

Aim  To compare the pain relief in chronic pancreatitis among patients undergoing CPB either by PCFG technique or by EUS guided technique.

Methods  Chronic pancreatitis patients with abdominal pain requiring daily analgesics for more than 4 weeks were included. Fifty six consecutive patients (41 males, 15 females) participated in the study. EUSG‐CPB was performed in 27 and PCFG‐CPB in 29 patients. In both the groups, 10 mL of Bupivacaine (0.25%) and 3 mL of Triamcinolone (40 mg) were given on both sides of the coeliac artery through separate punctures.

Results  Pre and post procedure pain scores were obtained using a 0‐10 visual analogue scale. Improvement in pain scores was seen in 70% of subjects undergoing EUS‐CPB and 30% in Percutaneous‐ block group (P = 0.044).

Conclusions  EUS‐guided coeliac block appears to be better than PCFG‐CPB for controlling abdominal pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
Basic principles of neuromuscular transmission
Authors: Martyn J. A. J. , Fagerlund M. Jonsson , Eriksson L. I.
Published: February 2009

Neuromuscular transmission at the skeletal muscle occurs when a quantum of acetylcholine from the nerve ending is released and binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the postjunctional muscle membrane. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the endplate respond by opening channels for the influx of sodium ions and subsequent endplate depolarisation leads to muscle contraction. The acetylcholine immediately detaches from the receptor and is hydrolysed by acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Suxamethonium is a cholinergic agonist stimulating the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors prior to causing neuromuscular block. Non‐depolarising neuromuscular blocking drugs bind to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors preventing the binding of acetylcholine. Non‐depolarising neuromuscular blocking drugs also inhibit prejunctional α3β2 nicotinic acetylcholine autoreceptors, which can be seen in the clinical setting as train‐of‐four fade. In some pathological states such as denervation, burns, immobilisation, inflammation and sepsis, there is expression of other subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with upregulation of these receptors throughout the muscle membrane. The responses of these receptors to suxamethonium and non‐depolarising neuromuscular blocking drugs are different and explain some of the aberrant responses to neuromuscular blocking drugs.
UV radiation and phosphorus interact to influence the biochemical composition of phytoplankton
Authors: VILLAR‐ARGAIZ MANUEL , MEDINA‐SÁNCHEZ JUAN M. , BULLEJOS FRANCISCO J. , DELGADO‐MOLINA JOSÉ A. , PÉREZ OLGA RUÍZ , NAVARRO JUAN C. , CARRILLO PRESENTACIÓN
Published: February 2009

1. Numerous laboratory studies have shown that food quality is suboptimal for zooplankton growth. However, little is known about how food quality is affected by the interaction of potential global change factors in natural conditions. Using field enclosures in a high altitude Spanish lake, seston was exposed to increasing phosphorus (P) concentrations in the absence and presence of UV radiation (UVR) to test the hypothesis that interactions between these factors affected the biochemical and stoichiometric composition of seston in ways not easily predicted from studies of single factors.

2. Phosphorus enrichment increased the content of total fatty acids (TFA), ω3‐polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3‐PUFA) and chlorophyll‐a : carbon (Chl‐a : C) and C : N ratios in seston. The pronounced increase in ω3‐PUFA was largely explained by the enhancement of 18:3n‐3 (α‐linolenic acid). In contrast, P‐enrichment lowered the content of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA), the HUFA : PUFA ratio and, at high P loads, seston C : P ratio. Although phytoplankton assemblages dominated by Chlorophytes were not rich in HUFA, seston in the control had substantially higher 20:4n‐6 (arachidonic acid, ARA) content (79% of HUFA) than did P‐enriched enclosures.

3. The UVR increased the content of ω3‐PUFA and TFA in seston at the two ends of the trophic gradient generated at ambient and high concentrations of P, but decreased seston C : P and HUFA at all points on this gradient. ARA was not detected in the presence of UVR.

4. The interaction between P and UVR was significant for seston HUFA and C : P ratios, indicating that the effect of UVR in reducing HUFA (decreased food quality) and C : P ratios (enhanced food quality) was most pronounced at the low nutrient concentrations characteristic of oligotrophic conditions and disappeared as P increased. Therefore, any future increase in UVR fluxes will probably affect most strongly the food quality of algae inhabiting oligotrophic pristine waters although, at least in the Mediterranean region, these effects could be offset by greater deposition of P from the atmosphere.
Effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic, etidronic and peracetic acid irrigation on human root dentine and the smear layer
Authors: Lottanti S. , Gautschi H. , Sener B. , Zehnder M.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To evaluate the effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA), etidronic (EA) and peracetic acid (PA) when used in conjunction with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as root canal irrigants on calcium eluted from canals, smear layer, and root dentine demineralization after instrumentation/irrigation.

Methodology  Single‐rooted human premolars were irrigated as follows (n = 12 per group): (1) 1% NaOCl during instrumentation, deionized water after instrumentation, (2) 1% NaOCl during, 17% EDTA after instrumentation, (3) a 1 : 1‐mixture of 2% NaOCl and 18% EA during and after instrumentation, and (4) 1% NaOCl during, 2.25% PA after instrumentation. Irrigant volumes and contact times were 10 mL/15 min during and 5 mL/3 min after instrumentation. The evaluated outcomes were eluted calcium by atomic absorption spectroscopy, smear‐covered areas by scanning electron microscopy in secondary electron mode and apparent canal wall decalcifications on root transsections in backscatter mode. For the smear layer analysis, sclerotic dentine was taken into consideration. Results were compared using appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests, alpha = 0.05.

Results  The statistical comparison of the protocols regarding calcium elution revealed that protocol (1) yielded less calcium than (3), which yielded less than protocols (2) and (4). Most of the instrumented canal walls treated with one of the decalcifying agents were free of smear layer. Protocols (1) and (3) caused no decalcification of root dentine, whilst (2) and (4) showed substance typical demineralization patterns.

Conclusions  The decalcifying agents under investigation were all able to remove or prevent a smear layer. However, they eroded the dentine wall differently.
Effectiveness of different laser systems to kill Enterococcus faecalis in aqueous suspension and in an infected tooth model
Authors: Meire M. A. , De Prijck K. , Coenye T. , Nelis H. J. , De Moor R. J. G.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To assess the antibacterial action of laser irradiation (Nd:YAG, KTP), photo activated disinfection (PAD) and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on Enterococcus faecalis, in an aqueous suspension and in an infected tooth model.

Methodology  Root canals of 60 human teeth with single straight canals were prepared to apical size 50, autoclaved, inoculated with an E. faecalis suspension and incubated for 48 h. They were randomly allocated to four treatment and one control groups. After treatment, the root canals were sampled by flushing with physiological saline, and the number of surviving bacteria in each canal was determined by plate count and solid phase cytometry. The same experimental or control treatments were completed on aqueous suspensions of E. faecalis, and the number of surviving bacteria was determined in the same way.

Results  In aqueous suspension, PAD and NaOCl resulted in a significant reduction in the number of E. faecalis cells (P < 0.001), whilst Nd:YAG or KTP had no effect. In the infected tooth model, only the PAD and NaOCl treated teeth yielded significantly different results relative to the untreated controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  The laser systems as well as PAD were less effective than NaOCl in reducing E. faecalis, both in aqueous suspension and in the infected tooth model.
The mysterious appearance of enterococci in filled root canals
Authors: Zehnder M. , Guggenheim B.
Published: February 2009

In this narrative review, the potential reasons for the high occurrence of enterococci in filled root canals are explored. The pulpless root canal appears to be a habitat for these bacteria, particularly for Enterococcus faecalis. However, re‐surveying the literature in caries research, it can be concluded that, contrary to earlier belief, enterococci are rare if ever found at the advancing front of dentinal lesions. The same is the case for true primary endodontic infections, but some uncertainty remains, because the coronal seal and the history of teeth harbouring enterococci have rarely been accurately investigated. Furthermore, from longitudinal studies with a known infection at the initiation of treatment, which was carried out under controlled asepsis, it is questionable whether enterococci are as difficult to eliminate from the canal system as is commonly held. A more likely explanation for the high occurrence of enteroccci in filled root canals is that they enter after treatment, but from which source? The intriguing finding in this context is that enterococci do not appear to be colonizers of the oral cavity. They are merely transient oral bacteria, unless there is a predilection site such as the unsealed necrotic or filled root canal. The origin of this infection is most likely food. Using the example of enterococci in filled root canals, this paper highlights the possible importance of transient microorganisms in the oral cavity and changes in a microenvironment that can create favourable conditions for infection.
Convective heat transfer in herb and spices during open sundrying
Authors: Prasad Jaishree Akhilesh
Published: February 2009

Tinospora cordifolia (herb), Curcuma longa L. and Zingiber officinale (spices) were dried in the open sun and their thermal behaviours investigated. Important thermal parameters, such as product temperature, temperature surrounding the product surface and the moisture removal, were studied during the open sundrying. The effect of the temperature difference between the product temperature and the temperature surrounding the product surface on the convective heat transfer coefficient was studied. The maximum values of convective heat transfer coefficient were 3.9, 3.4 and 3.3 W m−2 K−1 with experimental errors of 23%, 19% and 17% for T. cordifolia, C. longa L. and Z. officinale under open sundrying, respectively. The predicted values of the temperature and the moisture removal for T. cordifolia, C. longa L. and Z. officinale were close to the experimental values, the coefficients of correlation (R2) and root mean square percent errors (e) varying from 0.986 to 0.999 and 0.42 to 6.55, respectively.
Effect of gamma‐ray irradiation on the physicochemical properties of flour and starch granule structure for wheat
Authors: Wang Jun , Yu Yong
Published: February 2009

Effect of gamma irradiation on the physicochemical properties of flour and starch granule structure of wheat was compared to non‐irradiated wheat. The moisture content of wet gluten and titratable acidity of wheat flour were significantly affected by gamma irradiation. This treatment also destroyed the starch granules of wheat grain and their breakage augmented as the dose of gamma irradiation increased, apparently resulting in the increase of small starch granules. Probably, these results were due to the disruption of large molecule, such as proteins, lipids and starch. The irradiated wheat flour for RVA pasting properties (flour viscosity) was also evaluated. Besides the difference in RVA profile, starch pasting curves showed a considerable decrease for six main parameters as gamma irradiation dose at different velocity increased.
Effect of various heat treatments on plasminogen activation in bovine milk during refrigerated storage
Authors: Lu Rongrong , Stevenson Clint D. , Guck Shannan E. , Pillsbury Laura A. , Ismail Baraem , Hayes Kirby D.
Published: February 2009

Plasmin and plasminogen‐derived plasmin activities were measured in heated milk with and without the addition of plasminogen activator, before and after storage at 4 °C for 96 h. The effect of a free sulfhydryl group donor, β‐lactoglobulin or cysteine, on plasminogen activation was investigated in a model system and milk. Heating milk to 75 °C enhanced plasminogen activation that was marked by a considerable increase in plasmin activity. Heating at 85 and 90 °C caused a significant decrease in plasmin and plasminogen‐derived plasmin activities. However, after storage, significant plasmin levels were restored because of the activation of remaining unfolded plasminogen. Both β‐lactoglobulin and cysteine significantly decreased plasmin and plasminogen‐derived plasmin activities in a model system. While endogenous β‐lactoglobulin was not sufficient to completely eliminate plasminogen activation in milk, cysteine addition prior to pasteurisation significantly decreased plasmin and plasminogen‐derived plasmin activities. Results highlighted the importance of the remaining plasminogen in heated milk systems.
Physicochemical properties of Kalahari melon seed oil following extractions using solvent and aqueous enzymatic methods
Authors: Nyam Kar Lin , Tan Chin Ping , Che Man Yaakob B. , Lai Oi Ming , Long Kamariah
Published: February 2009

The physico‐chemical properties of oil from Kalahari melon seed were determined following extraction with petroleum ether and aqueous‐enzymatic methods. Two different enzymes Flavourzyme 1000 L and Neutrase 0.8 L were separately used during aqueous‐enzymatic method. The free fatty acid, peroxide, iodine and the saponification values of the oils extracted using the methods were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) different. The melting point of the oils extracted was in the range of −18.7 °C to −17.5 °C and no significant (P > 0.05) difference between the oil obtained from solvent and aqueous‐enzymatic extractions was observed. Enzyme‐extracted oil tended to be light‐coloured and more yellow in colour compared with solvent‐extracted oil. The predominant fatty acids in the extracted oils were linoleic acid (62.2–63.1%), with some oleic (16.8–17.1%), palmitic (11.4–12.4%), stearic (7.5–8.1%), linolenic (0.7–1.2%) and eicosenoic (0.3%). Phenolic acids in enzyme‐extracted oils were comparable to the solvent‐extracted oil. The oils extracted with these two methods were differed in the composition of their phytosterol and tocopherol contents, but no significant (P > 0.05) difference between the two enzyme‐extracted oils was observed.
Partial replacement of NaCl by KCl in salted mackerel (Scomber japonicus) fillet products: effect on sensory acceptance and lipid oxidation
Authors: Park Jae N. , Hwang Keum T. , Kim Sook B. , Kim Sung Z.
Published: February 2009

Mackerel fillets were salted with NaCl and/or KCl to determine the most acceptable level by sensory evaluation. Additionally, the effects of ascorbic acid, vacuum packaging, and cold storages on lipid oxidation were determined for the salted mackerel fillets. Appropriate level of NaCl was ≤2%. Fifty percent replacement of NaCl by KCl reduced NaCl level with minimal impact on sensory quality. The higher the level of ascorbic acid (0–0.5%, weight basis), the higher the antioxidant effect observed with thiobarbituric acid value and peroxide value. There was no significant difference in sourness (α = 0.05) between the salted mackerel samples treated with and without ascorbic acid (0.25%). Vacuum packaging and storage at −18 °C along with ascorbic acid was most effective in retarding lipid oxidation in the salted mackerel. Vacuum‐packaged sample with ascorbic acid stored at 2 °C was least oxidised, followed by vacuum packaging without ascorbic acid and then ascorbic acid without vacuum.
Rapid identification of grouper and wreck fish meals by ELISA: a field study in restaurants
Authors: Asensio Luis , Samaniego Lourdes
Published: February 2009

Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) and wreck fish (Polyprion americanus) are two costly and demanding fish species which are subjected to substitution in the restaurant industry. In our study, 44 purported grouper and wreck fish meals (24 from school and university lunch rooms and 20 from restaurants) were analysed using an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (microtiter plates and immunostick format) and a MAb specific to these fish species. The results showed that 29 out of 44 meal samples were misdescribed in the restaurant menus. This ELISA procedure, which has proved to be specific, sensitive, cheap and very simple to develop, could be very useful for accurate authentication of meals in the restaurant industry.
Status, trends, and patterns of covariation of breeding seabirds at St Lazaria Island, Southeast Alaska, 1994–2006
Authors: Slater Leslie , Byrd G. Vernon
Published: February 2009

Aim  We examined patterns of covariation among piscivorous and planktivorous seabirds breeding at St Lazaria Island in order to evaluate their responses to interannual changes in sea surface temperature, a variable that affects marine food webs. In addition, we evaluated seabird population trends for responses to decadal‐scale changes in the marine ecosystem.

Location  St Lazaria Island, Sitka Sound, Alaska.

Methods  Established seabird monitoring protocols for the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge were followed in estimating population trends, the timing of nesting events and the reproductive success of eight species of seabirds between 1994 and 2006.

Results  Population increases were noted for storm‐petrels (Oceanodroma furcata and O. leucorhoa), rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) and glaucous‐winged gulls (Larus glaucescens). We found no population trend for pelagic cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), but it appeared that populations of common (Uria aalge) and thick‐billed (U. lomvia) murres and of tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) declined. We detected no linear trends in either breeding chronology or reproductive success over the study period for any seabird. All species of piscivorous seabirds apparently responded similarly to environmental cues as there was a positive covariation among species in the timing of nesting. Piscivores tended to nest earlier, and most species had higher rates of reproductive success in years with relatively warm spring sea temperatures. In contrast, planktivorous Leach’s storm‐petrels (O. leucorhoa) tended to nest earlier when spring and summer sea temperatures were relatively cool. Clearly, seabirds at St Lazaria were responding to interannual changes in sea temperatures near the breeding colony, probably as a result of effects on the food webs.

Main conclusions  Every seabird species we monitored at St Lazaria exhibited significant population trends between 1994 and 2006. For most species there appeared to be a relationship between both the timing of nesting and reproductive rates and spring or summer sea surface temperatures. Responses at both decadal (populations) and interannual (timing and reproductive success) scales make seabirds useful candidates for helping to monitor change in the marine environment.