bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of microbial terpenoid lipid cyclases in the global ocean metagenome
Authors: Pearson Ann , Rusch Douglas B
Published: November 2008

The bacterial terpenoid lipids known as hopanoids are fundamental tools for interpreting ancient microbial communities. Their degradation products, the hopanes, are found in sedimentary rocks throughout the geologic record. These compounds are presumed to be analogous to the sterols of eukaryotes, yet although the eukaryotic requirement for sterols is universal, hopanoid biosynthetic capacity is not ubiquitous among marine bacteria. Among the 9.8 million shotgun reads from the Sorcerer II Global Ocean Sampling (GOS) expedition, 148 contain putative coding sequence for bacterial squalene-hopene cyclases (SHCs). SHCs encoded by α-Proteobacteria potentially related to Rhodospirillaceae dominate these hits, especially in the open ocean and in tropical regions. Planctomycetes and β-Proteobacteria contribute more SHC-encoding sequences, and therefore presumably more hopanoid production, to coastal and temperate environments. Although sequences nominally related to α- and β-Proteobacteria outnumber other taxa in marine and coastal environments, there is large phylogenetic distance between GOS sequences and known species. Assuming that the environments sampled here are broadly representative of a wide range of surface ocean climates, depositional settings and temporal periods, the data suggest a fundamental function for Proteobacteria in the development of the geologic record of hopanes.
Effects of UCP2 and UCP3 Variants on the Manifestation of Overweight in Korean Children
Authors: Jun H.S. , Kim In K. , Lee H.J. , Lee H.J. , Kang Jae H. , Kim J.R. , Shin Hyoung D. , Song J.
Published: November 2008

To investigate the associations of uncoupling protein (UCP)2 and UCP3 gene variants with overweight and related traits, we genotyped UCP2−866G>A, UCP2Ala55Val, and UCP3−55C>T in 737 Korean children and 732 adults and collected data regarding anthropometric status and blood biochemistry. Information concerning the children's lifestyles and dietary habits was collected. The UCP2−866G>A and UCP3−55C>T gene variants showed significant associations with BMI level, waist circumference, and body weight in the children but not in the adults. Compared with −866GG carriers, the −866GA and AA carriers showed a strong decreasing trend in the risk for overweight (odds ratio (OR), 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.45–1.01; P = 0.053). In comparison with UCP3−55CC carriers, children carrying −55CT and TT showed a significant reduction in the risk of overweight (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.46–0.98; P = 0.039). There was also evidence of interactions between the effects of the combined UCP2−UCP3 genotype and obesity‐related metabolic traits. The greatest protective effect against overweight was seen in those with the combined genotype non‐UCP2−866GG and non‐UCP3−55CC, as compared with those carrying both UCP2−866GG and UCP3−55CC (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38–0.95; P = 0.030). In the subgroup with a low level of physical activity, UCP3−55CC carriers had higher BMI values than UCP3−55T carriers (16.6 ± 2.3 kg/m2 vs. 16.1 ± 1.9 kg/m2, P = 0.016). Low physical activity may aggravate the susceptibility to overweight in UCP2−866GG and UCP3−55CC carriers.
Insulin Sensitivity in African‐American and White Women: Association With Inflammation
Authors: Hyatt Tanya C. , Phadke Radhika P. , Hunter Gary R. , Bush Nikki C. , Muñoz A. Julian , Gower Barbara A.
Published: November 2008

Whether the contribution of inflammation to risk for chronic metabolic disease differs with ethnicity is not known. The objective of this study was to determine: (i) whether ethnic differences exist in markers of inflammation and (ii) whether lower insulin sensitivity among African Americans vs. whites is due to greater inflammatory status. Subjects were African‐American (n = 108) and white (n = 105) women, BMI 27–30 kg/m2. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with intravenous glucose tolerance test and minimal modeling; fat distribution with computed tomography; body composition with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry; markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR)‐1, sTNFR‐2, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin (IL)‐6) with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Whites had greater intra‐abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT), insulin sensitivity, and concentrations of TNF‐α, sTNFR‐1, and sTNFR‐2 than African Americans. Greater TNF‐α in whites vs. African Americans was attributed to greater IAAT in whites. Among whites, but not African Americans, CRP was independently and inversely associated with insulin sensitivity, after adjusting for IAAT (r = −0.29 P < 0.05, and r = −0.13 P = 0.53, respectively). Insulin sensitivity remained lower in African Americans after adjusting for CRP (P < 0.001). In conclusion, greater IAAT among whites may be associated with greater inflammation. Insulin sensitivity was lower among African Americans, independent of obesity, fat distribution, and inflammation.
Binding of UNC-18 to the N-terminus of syntaxin is essential for neurotransmission in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Johnson James R. , Ferdek Pawel , Lian Lu-Yun , Barclay Jeff W. , Burgoyne Robert D. , Morgan Alan
Published: November 2008

SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein-attachment protein receptors) are widely accepted to drive all intracellular membrane fusion events. SM (Sec1/Munc18-like) proteins bind to SNAREs and this interaction may underlie their ubiquitous requirement for efficient membrane fusion. SM proteins bind to SNAREs in at least three modes: (i) to a closed conformation of syntaxin; (ii) to the syntaxin N-terminus; and (iii) to the assembled SNARE complex. Munc18-1 exhibits all three binding modes and recent in vitro reconstitution assays suggest that its interaction with the syntaxin N-terminus is essential for neuronal SNARE complex binding and efficient membrane fusion. To investigate the physiological relevance of these binding modes, we studied the UNC-18/UNC-64 SM/SNARE pair, which is essential for neuronal exocytosis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Mutations in the N-terminus of UNC-64 strongly inhibited binding to UNC-18, as did mutations targeting closed conformation binding. Complementary mutations in UNC-18 designed to selectively impair binding to either closed syntaxin or its N-terminus produced a similarly strong inhibition of UNC-64 binding. Therefore high-affinity UNC18/UNC-64 interaction in vitro involves both binding modes. To determine the physiological relevance of each mode, unc-18-null mutant worms were transformed with wild-type or mutant unc-18 constructs. The UNC-18(R39C) construct, that is defective in closed syntaxin binding, fully rescued the locomotion defects of the unc-18 mutant. In contrast, the UNC-18(F113R) construct, that is defective in binding to the N-terminus of UNC-64, provided no rescue. These results suggest that binding of UNC-18 to closed syntaxin is dispensable for membrane fusion, whereas interaction with the syntaxin N-terminus is essential for neuronal exocytosis in vivo.
L-Lysine uptake in giant vesicles from cardiac ventricular sarcolemma: two components of cationic amino acid transport
Authors: Lu Xiaodong , Zheng Ruifang , Gonzalez Jorge , Gaspers Lawrence , Kuzhikandathil Eldo , Peluffo R. Daniel
Published: November 2008

Cationic L-amino acids enter cardiac-muscle cells through carrier-mediated transport. To study this process in detail, L-[14C]lysine uptake experiments were conducted within a 103-fold range of L-lysine concentrations in giant sarcolemmal vesicles prepared from rat cardiac ventricles. Vesicles had a surface-to-volume ratio comparable with that of an epithelial cell, thus representing a suitable system for initial uptake rate studies. Two Na+-independent, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive uptake components were found, one with high apparent affinity (Km=222±71 μM) and low transport capacity (Vmax=121±36 pmol/min per mg of vesicle protein) and the other with low apparent affinity (Km=16±4 mM) and high capacity (Vmax=4.0±0.4 nmol/min per mg of vesicle protein). L-Lysine uptake mediated by both components was stimulated by the presence of intravesicular L-lysine as well as by valinomycin-induced membrane hyperpolarization. Altogether, this behaviour is consistent with the functional properties of the CAT-1 and CAT-2A members of the system y+ family of cationic amino acid transporters. Furthermore, mRNA transcripts for these two carrier proteins were identified in freshly isolated rat cardiac myocytes, the amount of CAT-1 mRNA, relative to β-actin, being 33-fold larger than that of CAT-2A. These two transporters appear to function simultaneously as a homoeostatic device that supplies cardiac-muscle cells with cationic amino acids under a variety of metabolic conditions. Analysis of two carriers acting in parallel with such an array of kinetic parameters shows significant activity of the low-affinity component even at amino acid plasma levels far below its Km.
Fetal programming alters reactive oxygen species production in sheep cardiac mitochondria
Authors: von Bergen Nicholas H. , Koppenhafer Stacia L. , Spitz Douglas R. , Volk Kenneth A. , Patel Sonali S. , Roghair Robert D. , Lamb Fred S. , Segar Jeffrey L. , Scholz Thomas D.
Published: November 2008

Exposure to an adverse intrauterine environment is recognized as an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease later in life. Although oxidative stress has been proposed as a mechanism for the fetal programming phenotype, the role of mitochondrial O2•− (superoxide radical) production has not been explored. To determine whether mitochondrial ROS (reactive oxygen species) production is altered by in utero programming, pregnant ewes were given a 48-h dexamethasone (dexamethasone-exposed, 0.28 mg·kg−1 of body weight·day−1) or saline (control) infusion at 27–28 days gestation (term=145 days). Intact left ventricular mitochondria and freeze-thaw mitochondrial membranes were studied from offspring at 4-months of age. AmplexRed was used to measure H2O2 production. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes Mn-SOD (manganese superoxide dismutase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase) and catalase were measured. Compared with controls, a significant increase in Complex I H2O2 production was found in intact mitochondria from dexamethasone-exposed animals. The treatment differences in Complex I-driven H2O2 production were not seen in mitochondrial membranes. Consistent changes in H2O2 production from Complex III in programmed animals were not found. Despite the increase in H2O2 production in intact mitochondria from programmed animals, dexamethasone exposure significantly increased mitochondrial catalase activity, whereas Mn-SOD and GPx activities were unchanged. The results of the present study point to an increase in the rate of release of H2O2 from programmed mitochondria despite an increase in catalase activity. Greater mitochondrial H2O2 release into the cell may play a role in the development of adult disease following exposure to an adverse intrauterine environment.
Craniofacial Bone Grafting: Wolff's Law Revisited
Authors: Oppenheimer Adam J. , Tong Lawrence , Buchman Steven R.
Published: November 2008

Bone grafts are used for the reconstruction of congenital and acquired deformities of the facial skeleton and, as such, comprise a vital component of the craniofacial surgeon's armamentarium. A thorough understanding of bone graft physiology and the factors that affect graft behavior is therefore essential in developing a more intelligent use of bone grafts in clinical practice. This article presents a review of the basic physiology of bone grafting along with a survey of pertinent concepts and current research. The factors responsible for bone graft survival are emphasized.
Osmotic adjustment leads to anomalously low estimates of relative water content in wheat and barley
Authors: Boyer John S. , James Richard A. , Munns Rana , Condon Tony (A. G.) , Passioura John B.
Published: November 2008

Relative water content (RWC) is used extensively to determine the water status of plants relative to their fully turgid condition. However, plants often adjust osmotically to salinity or water deficit, which maintains turgor pressure and obscures the definition of ‘full turgidity’. To explore this problem, turgor was measured by isopiestic psychrometry in mature leaf blades of barley (Hordeum vulgare) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) salinised to 150 mm NaCl, or bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown in soil dehydrated to varying degrees. Osmotic adjustment maintained turgor in all the plants but despite full maintenance in some of the salinised plants, their leaf RWC decreased substantially. This occurred because excess water was absorbed while the samples were floated on water as part of the RWC measurement. The absorption falsely increased the weight of the ‘fully turgid’ condition, causing RWC to be anomalously low by 10–15%. Cell solution was secreted into intercellular spaces and was seen under a microscope, which is a test encouraged for all RWC measurements. Several alternate methods are suggested for rehydrating tissues while minimising excess water absorption, but no simple definition of ‘full turgidity’ seems possible. In general, direct measurements of osmotic adjustment and turgor are preferred.
Impact of Didymosphenia geminata on hyporheic conditions in trout redds: reason for concern?
Authors: Bickel Tobias O. , Closs Gerard P.
Published: November 2008

Didymosphenia geminata (Lyngbye) Schmidt (commonly called didymo) is an invasive diatom and of concern to fisheries managers in North America and more recently New Zealand. Didymo grows in thick mats in several river systems on the South Island of New Zealand, often smothering entire river beds. Salmonid eggs, deposited in gravel nests (redds), depend on constant water exchange across the riverbed to provide oxygen-rich water for development. Thick didymo mats might restrict the flow of oxygen-rich water into spawning gravels, resulting in increased egg mortality and reduced trout recruitment. The present study measured hyporheic hydraulic conditions in trout redds with varying didymo cover in the Clutha River catchment, South Island, New Zealand. Didymo cover had no significant effects on several hydraulic variables (flow into the substrate, hydraulic conductivity and hyporheic oxygen concentration). However, there was a significant difference in the potential surface water–groundwater exchange between sites, suggesting some effect of didymo on hydraulic conditions. Considering the limited number of replicates, the impact of didymo on trout redds in the Clutha River cannot be excluded. The present study highlights the need for further research on the possible effects of didymo on important surface water–groundwater exchange processes.
Impacts of aeolian dust deposition on phytoplankton dynamics in Queensland coastal waters
Authors: Shaw Emily C. , Gabric Albert J. , McTainsh Grant H.
Published: November 2008

Aeolian dust deposition has been shown to stimulate phytoplankton growth in various oligotrophic oceanic regions of the northern hemisphere. The present study investigated the relationship between the change in phytoplankton biomass in Queensland coastal waters and aeolian dust deposition during the severe October 2002 dust storm, using satellite-derived chlorophyll concentrations. A response in phytoplankton standing stock immediately following dust deposition from this event was found in the area of maximal dust deposition, as defined by a previous dust transport modelling analysis. Standing stock levels increased to 1.5–2 times the long-term mean. This is the first documented episode of a dust fertilisation event in Australian coastal waters and, given the high frequency of dust storms in northern Australia, demonstrates that aeolian delivery of nutrients may be an important factor in future regional nutrient budget analyses.
A structural and biochemical basis for PAPS-independent sulfuryl transfer by aryl sulfotransferase from uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Malojčić Goran , Owen Robin L. , Grimshaw John P. A. , Brozzo Maurice S. , Dreher-Teo Hiang , Glockshuber Rudi
Published: November 2008

Sulfotransferases are a versatile class of enzymes involved in numerous physiological processes. In mammals, adenosine 3′-phosphate-5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) is the universal sulfuryl donor, and PAPS-dependent sulfurylation of small molecules, including hormones, sugars, and antibiotics, is a critical step in hepatic detoxification and extracellular signaling. In contrast, little is known about sulfotransferases in bacteria, which make use of sulfurylated molecules as mediators of cell–cell interactions and host–pathogen interactions. Bacterial arylsulfate sulfotransferases (also termed aryl sulfotransferases), in contrast to PAPS-dependent sulfotransferases, transfer sulfuryl groups exclusively among phenolic compounds in a PAPS-independent manner. Here, we report the crystal structure of the virulence factor arylsulfate sulfotransferase (ASST) from the prototypic, pyelonephritogenic
Escherichia coli
strain CFT073 at 2.0-Å resolution, and 2 catalytic intermediates, at 2.1-Å and 2.4-Å resolution, with substrates bound in the active site. ASST is one of the largest periplasmic enzymes and its 3D structure differs fundamentally from all other structurally characterized sulfotransferases. Each 63.8-kDa subunit of the ASST homodimer comprises a 6-bladed β-propeller domain and a C-terminal β-sandwich domain. The active sites of the dimer are situated at the center of the channel formed by each β-propeller and are defined by the side chains of His-252, His-356, Arg-374, and His-436. We show that ASST follows a ping-pong bi–bi reaction mechanism, in which the catalytic residue His-436 undergoes transient sulfurylation, a previously unreported covalent protein modification. The data provide a framework for understanding PAPS-independent sulfotransfer and a basis for drug design targeting this bacterial virulence factor.
Identification of a receptor required for the anti-inflammatory activity of IVIG
Authors: Anthony Robert M. , Wermeling Fredrik , Karlsson Mikael C. I. , Ravetch Jeffrey V.
Published: November 2008

The anti-inflammatory activity of intravenous Ig (IVIG) results from a minor population of the pooled IgG molecules that contains terminal α2,6-sialic acid linkages on their Fc-linked glycans. These anti-inflammatory properties can be recapitulated with a fully recombinant preparation of appropriately sialylated IgG Fc fragments. We now demonstrate that these sialylated Fcs require a specific C-type lectin, SIGN-R1, (specific ICAM-3 grabbing non-integrin-related 1) expressed on macrophages in the splenic marginal zone. Splenectomy, loss of SIGN-R1
+
cells in the splenic marginal zone, blockade of the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of SIGN-R1, or genetic deletion of SIGN-R1 abrogated the anti-inflammatory activity of IVIG or sialylated Fc fragments. Although SIGN-R1 has not previously been shown to bind to sialylated glycans, we demonstrate that it preferentially binds to 2,6-sialylated Fc compared with similarly sialylated, biantennary glycoproteins, thus suggesting that a specific binding site is created by the sialylation of IgG Fc. A human orthologue of SIGN-R1, DC-SIGN, displays a similar binding specificity to SIGN-R1 but differs in its cellular distribution, potentially accounting for some of the species differences observed in IVIG protection. These studies thus identify an antibody receptor specific for sialylated Fc, and present the initial step that is triggered by IVIG to suppress inflammation.
Structural and Functional Requirements for Activity of the Tim9–Tim10 Complex in Mitochondrial Protein Import
Authors: Baker Michael J. , Webb Chaille T. , Stroud David A. , Palmer Catherine S. , Frazier Ann E. , Guiard Bernard , Chacinska Agnieszka , Gulbis Jacqueline M. , Ryan Michael T.
Published: November 2008

The Tim9–Tim10 complex plays an essential role in mitochondrial protein import by chaperoning select hydrophobic precursor proteins across the intermembrane space. How the complex interacts with precursors is not clear, although it has been proposed that Tim10 acts in substrate recognition, whereas Tim9 acts in complex stabilization. In this study, we report the structure of the yeast Tim9–Tim10 hexameric assembly determined to 2.5 Å and have performed mutational analysis in yeast to evaluate the specific roles of Tim9 and Tim10. Like the human counterparts, each Tim9 and Tim10 subunit contains a central loop flanked by disulfide bonds that separate two extended N- and C-terminal tentacle-like helices. Buried salt-bridges between highly conserved lysine and glutamate residues connect alternating subunits. Mutation of these residues destabilizes the complex, causes defective import of precursor substrates, and results in yeast growth defects. Truncation analysis revealed that in the absence of the N-terminal region of Tim9, the hexameric complex is no longer able to efficiently trap incoming substrates even though contacts with Tim10 are still made. We conclude that Tim9 plays an important functional role that includes facilitating the initial steps in translocating precursor substrates into the intermembrane space.
A quantitative protocol for dynamic measurements of protein interactions by Förster resonance energy transfer-sensitized fluorescence emission
Authors: Elder A.D , Domin A , Kaminski Schierle G.S , Lindon C , Pines J , Esposito A , Kaminski C.F
Published: November 2008

Fluorescence detection of acceptor molecules sensitized by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful method to study protein interactions in living cells. The method requires correction for donor spectral bleed-through and acceptor cross-excitation as well as the correct normalization of signals to account for varying fluorophore concentrations and imaging parameters. In this paper, we review different methods for FRET signal normalization and then present a rigorous model for sensitized emission measurements, which is both intuitive to understand and practical to apply. The method is validated by comparison with the acceptor photobleaching and donor lifetime-imaging techniques in live cell samples containing EYFP and ECFP tandem constructs exhibiting known amounts of FRET. By varying the stoichiometry of interaction in a controlled fashion, we show that information on the fractions of interacting donors and acceptors can be recovered. Furthermore, the method is tested by performing measurements on different microscopy platforms in both widefield and confocal imaging modes to show that signals recovered under different imaging conditions are in quantitative agreement. Finally, the method is applied in the study of dynamic interactions in the cyclin–cdk family of proteins in live cells. By normalizing the obtained signals for both acceptor and donor concentrations and using a FRET exhibiting control construct for calibration, stoichiometric changes in these interactions could be visualized in real time. The paper is written to be of practical use to researchers interested in performing sensitized emission measurements. The correct interpretation of the retrieved signals in a biological context is emphasized, and guidelines are given for the practical application of the developed algorithms.
GS52 Ecto-Apyrase Plays a Critical Role during Soybean Nodulation
Authors: Govindarajulu Manjula , Kim Sung-Yong , Libault Marc , Berg R. Howard , Tanaka Kiwamu , Stacey Gary , Taylor Christopher G.
Published: November 2008

Apyrases are non-energy-coupled nucleotide phosphohydrolases that hydrolyze nucleoside triphosphates and nucleoside diphosphates to nucleoside monophosphates and orthophosphates. GS52, a soybean (Glycine soja) ecto-apyrase, was previously shown to be induced very early in response to inoculation with the symbiotic bacterium Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Overexpression of the GS52 ecto-apyrase in Lotus japonicus increased the level of rhizobial infection and enhanced nodulation. These data suggest a critical role for the GS52 ecto-apyrase during nodulation. To further investigate the role of GS52 during nodulation, we used RNA interference to silence GS52 expression in soybean (Glycine max) roots using Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated root transformation. Transcript levels of GS52 were significantly reduced in GS52 silenced roots and these roots exhibited reduced numbers of mature nodules. Development of the nodule primordium and subsequent nodule maturation was significantly suppressed in GS52 silenced roots. Transmission electron micrographs of GS52 silenced root nodules showed that early senescence and infected cortical cells were devoid of symbiosome-containing bacteroids. Application of exogenous adenosine diphosphate to silenced GS52 roots restored nodule development. Restored nodules contained bacteroids, thus indicating that extracellular adenosine diphosphate is important during nodulation. These results clearly suggest that GS52 ecto-apyrase catalytic activity is critical for the early B. japonicum infection process, initiation of nodule primordium development, and subsequent nodule organogenesis in soybean.
A hands-free capillary system for protein crystallography from crystallization to data collection
Authors: Sugahara Michihiro , Kageyama Yuichi , Kunishima Naoki
Published: November 2008

With the goal of producing a fully automated experimental system for protein X-ray crystallography, a hands-free system is presented in which all aspects of crystallographic experiments, from crystallization to diffraction data collection, are performed within a modified X-ray glass capillary. Because it eliminates the manual handling of crystals, this capillary system allows the user to evaluate the quality of protein crystals more accurately. The capabilities of this capillary system were examined using the TTHB049 protein fromThermus thermophilusHB8 and xylanase fromTrichoderma longibrachiatum. Each protein was successfully crystallized in the capillary and three complete diffraction data sets were collected at 100 K without direct manual intervention. The diffraction data from the capillary system were superior, in terms of both quality and reproducibility, when compared with data from conventional cryoloop systems. In addition, the capillary system allows thein situheavy-atom derivatization of protein crystals,i.e.the TTHB049 crystals were successfully derivatized with K2PtCl4within the capillary.
Topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment in the treatment of localized scleroderma. An open label clinical and histological study
Authors: STEFANAKI Christina , STEFANAKI Kalliopi , KONTOCHRISTOPOULOS George , ANTONIOU Christina , STRATIGOS Alexander , NICOLAIDOU Electra , GREGORIOU Stamatis , KATSAMBAS Andreas
Published: November 2008

Localized scleroderma or morphea, although a self‐limited and benign disease, may leave substantial physical and cosmetic deformity necessitating treatment but treatment remains to date unsatisfactory. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of morphea. Thirteen patients with morphea used tacrolimus 0.1% cream b.i.d. without occlusion for 4 months. Patients were followed up for up to a year. A 4‐mm biopsy was taken before starting treatment in seven patients and 4 months after continuous use of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, next to the previous biopsy site. Masson trichrome and elastica stains were performed to evaluate the distribution of elastic fibers as well as the streptavidin‐biotin horseradish peroxide immunohistochemical method for the detection of CD20/L‐26, CD3, CD8, CD4, CD1a, human leukocyte antigen‐DR and CD25. Four patients had a less than 25% improvement, two patients responded by 50–70% and the remaining seven by more than 70%. Patients with thick, well‐established lesions responded poorly in comparison to others with less thick and more erythematous ones. Patients with mild‐to‐moderate fibrosis histologically were more likely to improve after treatment, while the lymphocytic infiltrate decreased regardless of initial degree before treatment. It was concluded that topical tacrolimus 0.1% cream may be used in patients with morphea, particularly with early inflammatory lesions, even as a first‐line treatment.
Postmenopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia in a Japanese woman with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: SATO Makito , SAGA Kenji , TAKAHASHI Hiroyuki
Published: November 2008

Postmenopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia (PFFA) is a rare alopecia that develops in the frontoparietal scalp of postmenopausal women. Etiology of PFFA is unknown. Most of cases of PFFA have been reported in European and North American countries. Herein, we report a Japanese case of PFFA associated with Sjögren's syndrome. A 66‐year‐old woman had had slowly progressive, band‐like, scarring alopecia on her frontoparietal scalp. Hair follicles on the margin showed follicular keratosis. Histologically, fibrosis and lymphocytic infiltration were mild. This case suggests that PFFA may show mild inflammatory reaction and mild fibrosis in Japanese women. The association with immunological disorders including Sjögren's syndrome should be studied further.
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma successfully treated with local thermotherapy using pocket hand warmers
Authors: HONMA Masaru , HASHIMOTO Makoto , IWASAKI Takeshi , IINUMA Shin , TAKAHASHI Hidetoshi , ISHIDA‐YAMAMOTO Akemi , IIZUKA Hajime
Published: November 2008

Apart from for cutaneous deep fungal or mycobacterial infections, thermotherapy has been used for various malignant tumors. We report a case of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, which responded quite well to topical thermotherapy using chemical pocket hand warmers. The treatment resulted in an immediate tumor regression without recurrence. This method is simple and might be a useful tool against solitary cutaneous lymphoma, especially of elderly patients with poor performance status or with various systemic complications.
Genetic comparison of Ug99 with selected South African races of Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici
Authors: VISSER BOTMA , HERSELMAN LIEZEL , PRETORIUS ZACHARIAS A.
Published: November 2008

Using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) marker analyses, the genetic structure of selected South African wheat stem rust races was compared with Ug99. SSR analysis divided the population into two distinct groups with 24.5% similarity between them. A local race, UVPgt55 (North American race notation TTKSF), grouped with Ug99 (TTKSK) with a 100% similarity. When AFLP data were included, the same groups were found, but with an increased similarity of 66.7%. Although the SSR data were unable to distinguish between all individual isolates, the AFLP data alone and in combination with the SSR data discriminated between the isolates. The grouping of individual isolates resembled the pathogenicity profile of the different races. On the basis of its similarity with Ug99, it was concluded that UVPgt55 was most probably an exotic introduction into South Africa, whereas the other races specialized locally through mutational adaptation.
Canadian consensus guidelines on long‐term nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug therapy and the need for gastroprotection: benefits versus risks
Authors: ROSTOM A. , MOAYYEDI P. , HUNT R. ,   FOR THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSENSUS GROUP
Published: November 2008

Background  Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used, but are not without risks.

Aim  To provide evidence‐based management recommendations to help clinicians determine optimal long‐term NSAID therapy and the need for gastroprotective strategies based on an assessment of both gastrointestinal (GI) and cardiovascular (CV) risks.

Methods  A multidisciplinary group of 21 voting participants revised and voted on the statements and the strength of evidence (assessed according to GRADE) at a consensus meeting.

Results  An algorithmic approach was developed to help manage patients who require long‐term NSAID therapy. The use of low‐dose acetylsalicylic acid in patients with high CV risk was assumed. For patients at low GI and CV risk, a traditional NSAID alone may be acceptable. For patients with low GI risk and high CV risk, full‐dose naproxen may have a lower potential for CV risk than other NSAIDs. In patients with high GI and low CV risk, a COX‐2 inhibitor plus a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) may offer the best GI safety profile. When both GI and CV risks are high and NSAID therapy is absolutely necessary, risk should be prioritized. If the primary concern is GI risk, a COX‐2 inhibitor plus a PPI is recommended; if CV risk, naproxen 500 mg b.d. plus a PPI would be preferred. NSAIDs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.

Conclusion  More large, long‐term trials that examine clinical outcomes of complicated and symptomatic upper and lower GI ulcers are needed.
Identification of a nephritogenic immunodominant B and T cell epitope in experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis
Authors: Reynolds J , Haxby J , Juggapah J K , Evans D J , Pusey C D
Published: November 2008

Experimental autoimmune glomerulonephritis (EAG) can be induced in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats by immunization with the non-collagenous domain (NC1) of the alpha 3 chain of type IV collagen, α3(IV)NC1. In patients with Goodpasture's disease, the major B cell epitope is located at the N-terminus of α3(IV)NC1. In order to investigate whether B and T cell responses in EAG are directed towards immunodominant peptides within the same region of rat α3(IV)NC1, we immunized WKY rats with recombinant rat α3(IV)NC1 (positive control) and five 15-mer overlapping synthetic peptides from the N-terminus of rat α3(IV)NC1: pCol(17–31), pCol(24–38), pCol(31–45), pCol(38–52) and pCol(45–59). Positive control animals immunized with α3(IV)NC1 produced an antibody response directed towards α3(IV)NC1 and pCol(24–38). Splenic T cells from these animals proliferated in response to α3(IV)NC1 and pCol(24–38). No significant antibody or T cell responses were observed to the other peptides examined. Animals immunized with pCol(24–38) developed linear deposits of immunoglobulin G on the glomerular basement membrane, albuminuria and focal necrotizing glomerulonephritis with crescent formation by week 6 after immunization. Circulating antibodies from these animals recognized pCol(24–38) and α3(IV)NC1, and their T cells proliferated in response to pCol(24–38) and α3(IV)NC1. Animals immunized with the other peptides developed no significant immune response to α3(IV)NC1 and no disease. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that a 15-mer peptide from the N-terminus of α3(IV)NC1 [pCol(24–38)] is recognized by B and T cells from rats immunized with recombinant α3(IV)NC1, and that the same peptide is capable of inducing crescentic glomerulonephritis. Identification of this immunodominant peptide will be of value in designing new therapeutic strategies for inducing mucosal tolerance in EAG, which may be applicable to patients with glomerulonephritis.
Soil carbon fluxes and stocks in a Great Lakes forest chronosequence
Authors: TANG JIANWU , BOLSTAD PAUL V. , MARTIN JONATHAN G.
Published: November 2008

We measured soil respiration and soil carbon stocks, as well as micrometeorological variables in a chronosequence of deciduous forests in Wisconsin and Michigan. The chronosequence consisted of (1) four recently disturbed stands, including a clearcut and repeatedly burned stand (burn), a blowdown and partial salvage stand (blowdown), a clearcut with sparse residual overstory (residual), and a regenerated stand from a complete clearcut (regenerated); (2) four young aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands in average age of 10 years; (3) four intermediate aspen stands in average age of 26 years; (4) four mature northern hardwood stands in average age of 73 years; and (5) an old‐growth stand approximately 350‐years old. We fitted site‐based models and used continuous measurements of soil temperature to estimate cumulative soil respiration for the growing season of 2005 (days 133–295). Cumulative soil respiration in the growing season was estimated to be 513, 680, 747, 747, 794, 802, 690, and 571 g C m−2 in the burn, blowdown, residual, regenerated, young, intermediate, mature, and old‐growth stands, respectively. The measured apparent temperature sensitivity of soil respiration was the highest in the regenerated stand, and declined from the young stands to the old‐growth. Both, cumulative soil respiration and basal soil respiration at 10 °C, increased during stand establishment, peaked at intermediate age, and then decreased with age. Total soil carbon at 0–60 cm initially decreased after harvest, and increased after stands established. The old‐growth stand accumulated carbon in deep layers of soils, but not in the surface soils. Our study suggests a complexity of long‐term soil carbon dynamics, both in vertical depth and temporal scale.
Spiritual crisis: a concept analysis
Authors: Agrimson Laurie B. , Taft Lois B.
Published: November 2008

Title.  Spiritual crisis: a concept analysis.

Aim.  This paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of spiritual crisis.

Background.  The term spiritual crisis has been used ambiguously in the literature, resulting in lack of clarity. A holistic approach includes spirituality in nursing care of the whole person.

Data sources.  Papers available online between 1998 and 2007 in the CINAHL, Medline and PsycInfo databases were retrieved for analysis. The search engine Google was also used to examine additional references to ‘spiritual crisis’.

Review methods.  Spiritual crisis, spiritual emergency and life crisis were the terms initially used to search each database. The search was expanded to include spirituality to draw more literature into the review.

Findings.  Using Walker and Avant’s method of concept analysis, a definition of spiritual crisis was identified. Spiritual crisis can be described as a unique form of grieving or loss, marked by a profound questioning of or lack of meaning in life, in which an individual or community reaches a turning point, leading to a significant alteration in the way life is viewed. Possible antecedents include sudden acute illness and loss of important relationships. Potential consequences may include physical and emotional responses.

Conclusion.  People with terminal illness, depression, and those who are grieving losses may be at special risk of spiritual crisis. The literature suggests an interdisciplinary approach, nurses’ self‐exploration of spirituality, and refraining from defining spirituality by religious affiliation as part of improving practice.
Effect of cold compression on precipitation and conductivityof an Al–Li–Cu alloy
Authors: KHAN A.K. , ROBINSON J.S.
Published: November 2008

Transmission electron microscopy has been used to investigate the effect of increasing the degree of deformation applied by cold compression on the ageing kinetics and electrical conductivity response of an Al–Li–Cu alloy containing Mg and Ag. When cold compressed greater than 3%, the increased dislocation density accelerates the widespread precipitation of the T1 phase resulting in an enhanced age hardening response. The lengthening rate of T1 precipitates is also reduced in this cold compressed condition owing to the reduced local solute supersaturation, a result of the widespread precipitation of T1 plates. Cold compression by less than 3% does not increase the age hardening response, and the precipitation of GP zones/θ″ appears to be suppressed. Precipitation of the T1 phase is also not significantly enhanced compared with that of the more than 3% cold compressed conditions. The anomalous decrease in electrical conductivity is associated with the nucleation and growth of the T1 phase. Strain fields around T1 precipitates combined with the increased volume fraction of  T1 are thought to be the cause of the anomalous conductivity behaviour.
Microstructural characterization of mechanicallyactivated ZnO powders
Authors: SREĆKOVIĆ T. , BERNIK S. , ČEH M. , VOJISAVLJEVIĆ K.
Published: November 2008

In this paper, changes of microstructural characteristics of disperse systems during mechanical activation of zinc oxide (ZnO) have been investigated. ZnO powder was activated by grinding in a planetary ball mill in a continuous regime in air during 300 min at the basic disc rotation speed of 320 rpm and rotation speed of bowls of 400 rpm but with various balls‐to‐powder mass ratios. During ball milling in a planetary ball mill, initial ZnO powder suffered high‐energy impacts. These impacts are very strong, and large amounts of microstructural and structural defects were introduced in the milled powders. The morphology and dispersivity of particles and agglomerates of all powders were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The specific surface area of initial ZnO powder was determined as 3.60 m2 g−1 and it increased to 4.42 m2 g−1 in mechanically activated powders. An increase of the ball‐to‐powder mass ratio led to a decrease of particle dimensions as well as increased the tendency for joining into quite compact agglomerates, that is aggregates, compared with the very loose, soft initial agglomerates. The obtained results pointed out that activation of ZnO powders produces a highly disperse, nano‐scaled mixture of small particles, that is crystallites with sizes in the range of 10–40 nm. Most of these particles are in the form of aggregates with dimensions of 0.3–0.1 μm. The crystallite and aggregate size strongly depend on milling conditions, that is ball‐to‐powder mass ratio, as shown in this investigation.
Quantitative HRTEM analysis of FIB prepared specimens
Authors: BARAM M. , KAPLAN W.D
Published: November 2008

The preparation of good transmission electron microscopy specimens with minimum milling damage can be very complicated, especially from a specific area in a sample. Therefore, a novel approach for transmission electron microscopy specimen preparation using a focused ion beam system is proposed, based on the use of low energy (5 kV)Ga ions and a low incident ion angle (∼1°) from a thickness of ∼500 nm until the sample is electron transparent. Transmission electron microscopy specimens prepared by this method have significantly less irradiation damage, demonstrated by successful quantitative high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy conducted on sapphire from data acquired using an aberration‐corrected field emission gun transmission electron microscopy. Quantitative analysis was conducted by iterative digital image matching. The accuracy and sensitivity of the matching process is discussed.
Maternal exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol and caffeine, and risk of anorectal atresia: National Birth Defects Prevention Study 1997–2003
Authors: Miller Eric A. , Manning Susan E. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Reefhuis Jennita , Honein Margaret A. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: November 2008

Anorectal atresia is a congenital anomaly with mostly unknown risk factors. Studies have provided evidence of teratogenic effects of alcohol and tobacco, and animal studies have suggested that caffeine may potentiate their teratogenicity. However, it is unclear how these factors affect the risk of anorectal atresia. We analysed data from maternal telephone interviews in a multistate case‐control study with 464 infants with anorectal atresia and 4940 infants with no major birth defects. We used unconditional logistic regression to determine the association of exposure to smoking, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), alcohol or caffeine with anorectal atresia. Effect modification by caffeine intake was assessed on additive and multiplicative scales.

There was no association with alcohol intake in this analysis. However, there was some evidence of an association between anorectal atresia and maternal exposure to tobacco smoke and caffeine. Compared with non‐smokers not exposed to ETS, the crude odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval [CI] for cigarette smoking was 1.2 [95% CI 1.0, 1.5]. The association with anorectal atresia for non‐smokers exposed to ETS at home and work was OR = 2.3 [95% CI 1.2, 4.1]. Compared with the lowest level of caffeine intake (<10 mg/day), the association for the highest caffeine intake (≥300 mg/day) was OR = 1.5 [95% CI 1.0, 2.2]. Results did not change after adjustment for covariates. This study found evidence of associations between anorectal atresia and caffeine intake, cigarette smoking and exposure to ETS. Because there are currently few additional data to support these results, further study is needed.
Socio‐economic inequality in preterm birth: a comparative study of the Nordic countries from 1981 to 2000
Authors: Petersen Christina B. , Mortensen Laust H. , Morgen Camilla S. , Madsen Mia , Schnor Ole , Arntzen Annett , Gissler Mika , Cnattingius Sven , Nybo Andersen Anne‐Marie
Published: November 2008

During the 1980s and 1990s, there were large social and structural changes within the Nordic countries. Here we examine time changes in risks of preterm birth by maternal educational attainment in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Information on gestational age and maternal socio‐economic position was obtained from the NorCHASE database, which includes comparable population‐based register data of births from Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway from 1981 to 2000. The risks of very preterm birth (<32 gestational weeks) and moderately preterm birth (32–36 gestational weeks) were calculated by maternal educational attainment and analysed in 5‐year intervals from 1981 to 2000.

Compared with mothers with >12 years of education, mothers with <10 years of education had similarly increased risks of very, and to a lesser extent moderately, preterm birth in all four countries. The educational gradient increased slightly over time in very preterm births in Denmark, while there was a slight narrowing of the gap in Sweden. In moderately preterm births, the educational inequality gap was constant over the study period in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, but narrowed in Finland. The educational gradient in preterm birth remained broadly stable from 1981 to 2000 in all four countries. Consequently, the socio‐economic inequalities in preterm birth were not strongly influenced by structural changes during the period.