bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An estimate of risk of malignancy for a benign diagnosis in thyroid fine‐needle aspirates
Authors: Renshaw Andrew
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND:

The risk of malignancy for a benign diagnosis in a thyroid fine‐needle aspiration is controversial because of lack of histologic follow‐up.

METHODS:

The author reviewed the results of all thyroid aspirations with surgical resection performed during the past 13 years at Baptist Hospital of Miami and Homestead Hospital, Homestead, Florida, combined these procedures with those in the literature, and correlated risk of malignancy with percentage of biopsies performed.

RESULTS:

A total of 7089 aspirations and 1331 resections were performed. In the literature, the percentage of all benign cases that underwent resection ranged from 3% to 41%. Risk of malignancy decreased with an increased percentage of resections. The risk of malignancy for series with <8% of all benign aspirates resected was significantly higher than the risk for series with ≥8% of cases biopsied (15.1% vs 5.9%, P = .02). Logarithmic and linear estimates of risk of malignancy if 100% of cases were biopsied were 3% and 2.5%.

CONCLUSIONS:

The best estimate of the risk of malignancy for a benign diagnosis in a thyroid fine‐needle aspiration is 2.5%‐3%. This level of risk is affected by the percentage of benign cases that are resected. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Redesigning the message logging model for high performance
Authors: Bouteiller Aurelien , Bosilca George , Dongarra Jack
Published: June 2010

Over the past decade the number of processors used in high performance computing has increased to hundreds of thousands. As a direct consequence, and while the computational power follows the trend, the mean time between failures (MTBF) has suffered and is now being counted in hours. In order to circumvent this limitation, a number of fault‐tolerant algorithms as well as execution environments have been developed using the message passing paradigm. Among them, message logging has been proved to achieve a better overall performance when the MTBF is low, mainly due to a faster failure recovery. However, message logging suffers from a high overhead when no failure occurs. Therefore, in this paper we discuss a refinement of the message logging model intended to improve the failure‐free message logging performance. The proposed approach simultaneously removes useless memory copies and reduces the number of logged events. We present the implementation of a pessimistic message logging protocol in Open MPI and compare it with the previous reference implementation MPICH‐V2. The results outline a several order of magnitude improvement on the performance and a zero overhead for most messages. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐Surface‐Area Carbon Molecular Sieves for Selective CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Wahby Anass , Ramos‐Fernández José M. , Martínez‐Escandell Manuel , Sepúlveda‐Escribano Antonio , Silvestre‐Albero Joaquín , Rodríguez‐Reinoso Francisco
Published: June 2010

A series of carbon molecular sieves (CMSs) has been prepared, either as powders or monoliths, from petroleum pitch using potassium hydroxide as the activating agent. The CMS monoliths are prepared without the use of a binder based on the self‐sintering ability of the mesophase pitch. Characterization results show that these CMSs combine a large apparent surface area (up to ca. 3100 m2 g−1) together with a well‐developed narrow microporosity (Vn up to ca. 1.4 cm3 g−1). The materials exhibit high adsorption capacities for CO2 at 1 bar and 273 K (up to ca. 380 mg CO2 g sorbent−1). To our knowledge, this is the best result obtained for CO2 adsorption using carbon‐based materials. Furthermore, although the CO2 adsorption capacity for activated carbons has usually been considered lower than that of zeolites, the reported values exceed the total amount adsorbed on traditional 13X and 5A zeolites (ca. 230 mg and 180 mg CO2 g sorbent−1, respectively), under identical experimental conditions. Additionally, the narrow pore openings found in the CMS samples (ca. 0.4 nm) allows for the selective adsorption of CO2 from molecules of similar dimensions (e.g., CH4 and N2).
Cobalt(II) Coordination Polymers Containing trans‐1,2‐Bis(4‐pyridyl)ethene and Their Magnetic Properties
Authors: Peedikakkal Abdul Malik Puthan , Song Yu‐Mei , Xiong Ren‐Gen , Gao Song , Vittal Jagadese J.
Published: June 2010

Reaction of the CoII ion and the bpe [trans‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethene] ligand in the presence of the CH3CO2–, CF3CO2–, C6H5CO2– and NO3– anions affords six coordinationpolymers, namely [Co2(μ‐bpe)2(μ‐O2CCH3)2(O2CCH3)2]·H2O (1), [Co2(μ‐bpe)2(μ‐O2CCF3)2(O2CCH3)2] (2), [Co(μ‐bpe)2(O2CCF3)2] (3), [Co(μ‐bpe)(O2CC6H5)2(HO{O}CC6H5)2] (4), [Co(μ‐bpe)(O2CC6H5)2(CH3OH)2] (5) and [Co2(μ‐bpe)3(NO3)3(CH3OH)](NO3) (6). All the compounds have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. Variable‐temperature magnetic measurements were also performed on 3 and 6. Compounds 1 and 2 form 1D molecular ladder coordination polymers bridged by acetate ligands. Replacing the acetate ligands completely by trifluoroacetate ligands produced interpenetrated square‐grid sheets in 3. Replacing acetate and trifluoroacetate ligands by benzoate ligands resulted in two 1D coordination polymers, 4 and 5, having zigzag and linear structures, respectively. When the nitrate anion was used, a 3D network, 6, was afforded with inclined interpenetration of a 1D molecular ladder structure with threefold polycatenation. The variation of anions, reaction conditions and the ratio of reactants profoundly affect the final topological structure of the coordination polymers synthesized. The trifluoroacetate and nitrate anions influence the topology and the degree of interpenetration in the coordination polymers 3 and 6, respectively.
Health care utilization, cost burden and coping strategies by disability status: an analysis of the Viet Nam National Health Survey
Authors: Palmer Michael , Nguyen Thuy , Neeman Teresa , Berry Helen , Hull Terence , Harley David
Published: June 2010

There is a need for nationally representative information on the affordability of health care by disability status to assist in the design of equitable health systems in developing countries. Using the Viet Nam National Health Survey (2001–2002), this paper analyses health care utilization, cost burden and coping strategies for people with disabilities versus the population at large. The results clearly show that the disabled population are more prone to hospitalization, and spend more on inpatient stays and pharmaceuticals. Households with disabled members are at greater risk of catastrophic health expenditures and debt financing, posing a serious threat to economic welfare. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deletion of liver‐cell surface membrane components from aminoazo‐dye‐induced rat hepatomas
Authors: Baldwin R. W. , Glaves Dorothy
Published: June 2010

Deletion of liver‐specific cell‐surface‐associated antigens from aminoazodyeinduced rat hepatomas was demonstrated by immunofluorescence techniques. Each of the hepatomas studied was found to lack a characteristic individual normal liver antigen. This parallels the concomitant expression of new hepatoma‐specific antigens which are also characteristic for each of these tumours. These findings suggest that neoplastic transformation by aminoazo dyes may result in the replacement of normal liver components at the cell surface by tumour‐specific antigens.
In vitro studies on cell‐mediated immunity following surgery in mice sensitized to syngeneic mammary tumors
Authors: Heppner G. H.
Published: June 2010

The effect of surgical removal of a tumor on cellular immunity, and on serumblocking activity of cellular immunity, was studied in mice sensitized by transplantation to syngeneic mammary tumors. Immunity was assayed in vitro by colony inhibition tests. Cell‐mediated immunity, tested 10‐15 days after surgery, was enhanced in mice from which tumors had either been completely excised, or left intact after sham surgery, as compared to mice which had experienced no surgical treatment. Blocking activity was depressed by complete removal of the tumor, but not by sham surgery alone. In mice which had complete removal, blocking activity decreased with time following surgery, being lower 10‐15 days than 1‐5 days after treatment.
Effect of L‐thioproline on the progression and events of the cell cycle of hela cells
Authors: Cañero Rafael García , López‐Alarcón Luisa , Veloso Juan José , Guijarro María Del Carmen
Published: June 2010

L‐thioproline (thiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid, L‐Tp) reduces DNA synthesis in cultured HeLa cells by about 50% when added to synchronized cultures at the beginning of G1 phase. This inhibition is not observed when the drug is added at mid‐S, in G2 or in M. L‐Tp almost annuls the burst in 22Na uptake occurring at the beginning of G1 and is as potent an inhibitor as amiloride. It is also able to delay the apparition of the early S‐specific cAMP peak and to elevate its intracellular concentration. These results indicate that L‐Tp could decrease tumor cell growth by acting at the G1‐S boundary.
Oral contraceptives and breast cancer: A cooperative Italian study
Authors: La Vecchia Carlo , Negri Eva , Franceschi Silvia , Talamini Renato , Amadori Dino , Filiberti Rosa , Conti Ettore , Montella Maurizio , Veronesi Andrea , Parazzjni Fabio , Ferraroni Monica , Decarli Adriano
Published: June 2010

The relationship between oral contraceptives (OC) and breast‐cancer risk was analysed using data from a case‐control study conducted between June 1991 and February 1994 in 6 Italian centres on 1,991 patients below age 65 with histologically confirmed incident breast cancer and 1,899 controls admitted to hospital for a wide range of acute, non‐neoplastic, nonhormone‐related diseases. “Ever OC use” was reported by 18% of cases versus 14% of controls, corresponding to a multivariate odds ratio (OR) of 1. 1 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.9 to 1.4). The ORs were 1.3 for use lasting < 1 year, 1. 1 for 1 to 4 years, 0.9 for 5 to 8 years, and 1.2 for over 8 years. With reference to age at first use, there was some indication that the OR was elevated in women who had started use before age 30, but not in those starting at a later age. With reference to time since last OC use, the OR was above unity for women who had stopped for less than 10 years (1.6 for 1 to 4 years; 1.7 for 5 to 9 years), but the OR declined to unity for women who had stopped OC use for 10 years or longer. The OR for women who had stopped OC use for less than 10 years was consistently elevated across strata of selected covariates, and was directly related to the duration of use (OR 1.3 for < 5 years, 1.7, for ≥5 years). In contrast, the OR was 0.6, for use lasting ≥ 5 years in women who had stopped for 10 years or more. The elevated OR for women who had recently stopped OC use, together with the absence of association (or the suggestion of some protection) for those who had stopped for 10 years or more is consistent with the pattern of breast‐cancer risk observed after a full‐term pregnancy, and provides important reassurance on a public health level on the long‐term impact of OCs on breast carcinogenesis. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tumor resistance to oxidative stress: Association with ras oncogene expression and reversal by lovastatin, an inhibitor of p21ras isoprenylation
Authors: Miller Alexandra C. , Samid Dvorit
Published: June 2010

The ras oncogene family has been implicated in tumor resistance to ionizing radiotherapy. Using the gene‐transfer model, we show here that ras expression may also affect cell responses to chemical inducers of oxidative stress. Studies involving human osteosarcoma subclones, which vary in their levels of EJras expression, revealed a tight correlation between the amounts of ras‐encoded mRNA and p21 produced, and the degree of resistance to doxorubicin or hydrogen peroxide. Differences in response could not be explained by increased activity of anti‐oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S‐transferase or glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, there were no significant differences in glutathione levels. Although the resistant cells had elevated levels of gamma‐glutamyl‐transferase mRNA indicative of an increased rate of glutathione turnover, this elevation was not specific for ras‐transfected cell lines. Lovastatin, an inhibitor of protein isoprenylation critical for p21 ras membrane association and function, restored the sensitivity of ras‐transformed cells to doxorubicin and hydrogen peroxide. The data indicate that pharmacological agents affecting ras expression may enhance responses of some human tumors to free‐radical‐mediated chemotherapies. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human high molecular weight‐melanoma associated antigen mimicry by mouse anti‐idiotypic MAb MK2‐23. Immunohistochemical analysis of the reactivity of anti‐anti‐idiotypic MAb with surgically removed melanoma lesions
Authors: Kageshita Toshiro , Hirai Shunji , Ono Tomomichi , Ferrone Soldano
Published: June 2010

The mouse anti‐id MAb MK2‐23 bears the internal image of the antigenic determinant defined by anti‐HMW‐MAA MAb 763.74. Active specific immunotherapy with anti‐id MAb MK2‐23 is associated with a statistically significant prolongation of survival in patients with malignant melanoma. Characterization of the immune response elicited by anti‐id MAb MK2‐23 may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the apparent beneficial clinical effects of active specific immunotherapy with anti‐id MAb MK2‐23. Therefore, 8 HMW‐MAA binding anti‐anti‐id MAbs elicited with MAb MK2‐23 were characterized in their reactivity with a large panel of surgically removed benign and malignant tumors and of normal tissues. The 8 anti‐anti‐id MAbs displayed subtle differences in their immunoperoxidase staining of both benign and malignant lesions and of normal tissues. The diversity in the fine specificity of the 8 anti‐anti‐id MAbs is likely to reflect the few somatic mutations which occur in the amino‐acid sequence of the variable regions of their heavy and light chains in the course of the immune response to MAb MK2‐23. The reactivity patterns of the 8 anti‐anti‐id MAbs with the tissue substrates are similar, although not superimposable upon that of anti‐HMW‐MAA MAb 763.74 elicited with melanoma cells. This difference may reflect the imperfect mimicry by anti‐id MAb MK2‐23 of the antigenic determinant defined by anti‐HMW‐MAA MAb 763.74. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple births, sex of children and subsequent breast‐cancer risk for the mothers: A prospective study in Norway
Authors: Albrktsen Grethe , Heuch Ivar , Kvåle Gunnar
Published: June 2010

Endocrinological changes occurring during pregnancy may influence the subsequent cancer risk of the mother. Further, the endocrinological milieu may differ according to different birth characteristics. In the present study possible relations between multiple births, sex of children and breast‐cancer risk were examined in a population‐based, prospective study of 802,269 parous Norwegian women aged 20–56 years. A total of 4,782 women were diagnosed with breast cancer during follow‐up. Of these, 97 had ever experienced a multiple birth. We found a slightly lower risk of breast cancer among women ever having had a multiple birth than among women with singletons only (IRR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.73–1.09). The reduction in risk was mainly observed among women with a multiple last birth. Further, the reduction in risk seemed to diminish with increasing parity, and among women with 4 or more full‐term pregnancies, ever having had a multiple birth was associated with an elevated risk (IRR = 1.48, 95% CI = 0.97–2.25). The sex of the first or last child did not affect the subsequent breast‐cancer risk. Further, we found no associations with the sex distribution among all children or in multiple births, despite a tendency toward a reduced risk among women with several daughters only. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
International renal‐cell cancer study. III. Role of weight, height, physical activity, and use of amphetamines
Authors: Mellemgaard Anders , Linoblad Per , Schlehofer Brigitte , Bergström Rcinhold , Mandel Jack S. , McCredie Margaret , McLaughlin Joseph K. , Niwa Shelley , Odaka Nancy , Pommer Wolfgang , Olsen Jorgen H.
Published: June 2010

Although numerous studies have identified obesity or high relative weight as a risk factor for renal‐cell cancer in women, the degree to which this effect is present in men remains unclear. A multicenter population‐based case‐control study concerning incident cases of histologically verified renal‐cell cancer (n = 1,732) and age‐ and sex‐matched controls (n = 2,309) was conducted in Australia, Denmark, Germany (2 centers), Sweden and the United States. Relative weight was estimated by the body mass index, and the association between this factor and other factors, such as height, physical activity and use of amphetamines, was measured by the relative risk estimated in logistic regression models. Body mass index was found to be a risk factor among women and, to a lesser extent, among men. A 3‐fold increased risk (RR = 3.6, 95% CI = 2.3–5.7) was observed for women with a relative weight in the top 5% compared with those in the lowest quartile. Rate of weight change (estimated as weight change per annum in kilograms) appeared to be an independent risk factor among women but not among men. Physical activity and height were unrelated to risk of renal‐cell cancer regardless of level of BMI, while use of amphetamines was associated with an increased risk among men, although no dose or duration effect was seen. Our findings verify the link between high relative weight and risk of renal‐cell cancer, particularly among women. The mechanism that underlies this association is, however, still unclear, although the rate of weight change may play a role. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antibodies against linear and conformational epitopes of human papillomavirus type 16 that independently associate with incident cervical cancer
Authors: Dillner Joakim , Wiklund Fredrik , Lenner Per , Eklund Carina , Fredriksson‐Shanazarian Vanoohi , Schiller John T. , Hibma Merilyn , Hallmans Göran , Stendahl Ulf
Published: June 2010

In a seroepidemiological study of incident cervical cancer, 94 cases and 188 population‐based controls were used to evaluate the disease‐association of IgG and IgA antibody responses against 6 human papillomavirus (HPV) type‐16 antigens. Nine of the tested antibody responses were positively associated with cervical cancer, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 2.5 to 15.0. The antibody responses most strongly associated with cervical cancer were IgA against E6:10, an epitope derived from the carboxyterminal part of the HPV16 E6 [OR = 15.0, confidence intervals (CI) = 5.9–48.6], IgG against HPV16 virus‐like particles (OR = 9.5, CI = 3.9‐28.0) and IgG against the EI:19 epitope in the middle part of the EI protein of HPV16 (OR = 7.7, CI = 3.9–16.5). When the 3 serological assays that showed the strongest association with cervical cancer were combined, positivity for 2 assays was found among 52% of cases at an OR of 29.9. We conclude that antibody responses to several linear and conformational HPV epitopes are independently associated with cervical cancer and that combined analysis of several HPV antibody responses can result in better predictive values for HPV‐associated cancer. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photosensitizing efficacy of MTHPC‐PDT compared to Photofrin‐PDT in the RIF1 mouse tumour and normal skin
Authors: van Geel Ingrid P. J. , Oppelaar Hugo , Oussoren Yvonne G. , Van Valk Martin A. Der , Stewart Fiona A.
Published: June 2010

The new photosensitizer, meso‐tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin (mTPHC) was compared with Photofrin in the murine RIF1 tumour and in normal mouse skin. A range of mTHPC or Photofrin doses were given at intervals of 1 hr to 7 days before illumination. mTHPC‐PDT resulted in much higher tumour phototoxicity with longer regrowth delays and more cures. The RIFI tumour could be effectively treated with 30 J cm−1 (interstitial illumination) at 1 day after mTHPC, whereas 4 to 13 times higher light doses were required with Photofrin for an equivalent anti‐tumour effect. High doses of mTHPC also caused more skin phototoxicity (superficial illumination) than Photofrin for the 1‐day illumination interval. Evaluating both tumour and normal skin photosensitization, the largest therapeutic gain factor (TGF) for mTHPC‐PDT was achieved with a low drug dose (0.15 mg kg−1) at 1 day before illumination (TGF = 5.6, relative to Photofrin PDT). The duration of cutaneous photosensitivity for mTHPC was shorter than for Photofrin. The light dose required to produce a desquamation response in 50% of the animals increased more than 20‐fold over the period 1 to 7 days after high doses of mTHPC, whereas this light dose only increased by a factor of 2 from 1 to 7 days after Photofrin. The large therapeutic gains seen for mTHPC‐mediated PDT compared to Photofrin, plus the rapid fading of skin photosensitization, suggest that mTHPC is a potent photosensitizer suitable for clinical testing. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered transcription control is responsible for the increased level of proliferation‐associated P120 in rapidly growing breast carcinoma
Authors: Fonagy Anna , Swiderski Carol , Freeman James W.
Published: June 2010

Transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation of proliferation‐associated nucleolar P120 protein expression was examined in 1 normal and 5 malignant breast cell lines. The 6 breast cell lines could be placed into 3 categories on the basis of in vitro growth rate. BT549 and HBL100 grew rapidly; MCF‐7/6, MCF‐7/AZ and Hs578T grew at a moderate rate; and Hs578N normal epithelia grew slowly. There was a significant correlation between the growth rate, measured by percentage of S‐phase fraction of cells or doubling time of cell numbers and the steady‐state levels of either P120 protein or P120 mRNA. Next, the mechanisms responsible for the increased level of P120 expression, which is associated with rapidly growing breast carcinoma, were examined. The stability of P120 mRNA was measured by densitometry of quantitative Northern blots of mRNAs from cells treated with actinomycin D. Before the expected decay, a sharp increase in P120 mRNA level was detected shortly after inhibiting the overall RNA or protein synthesis. The calculated half‐life of P120 mRNA was very similar (1.8 ± 0.2 hr) in all 6 cell lines examined. The transcription rate of the P120 gene was determined by densitometric analysis of quantitative nuclear run‐off assays. A significant positive correlation was found between the transcription rate of the P120 gene and the steady‐state levels of either P120 protein or P120 mRNA. Our conclusion is that the expression of P120 protein is transcriptionally regulated in these breast cells. Therefore, the characteristically high level of P120 protein and mRNA found in most breast carcinomas is due to the altered transcription rate of the P120 gene in transformed cells. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of TPA and 12(S)‐HETE‐stimulated tumor cell adhesion by prostacyclin and its stable analogs: Rationale for their antimetastatic effects
Authors: Tang D. G. , Grossi I. M. , Tang K. Q. , Diglio C. A. , Honn K. V.
Published: June 2010

We have investigated the regulatory role of PGI2 and its stable analogs, i.e., iloprost and cicaprost, on 12(S)‐HETE‐ and TPA‐enhanced tumor cell integrin expression and adhesion. Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells express αllb β3 integrin receptors, which mediate their adhesion to endothelium, subendothe‐lial matrix and fibronectin. Adhesion is enhanced by treatment with exogenous 12(S)‐HETE but not 12(R)‐HETE or other lipoxygenase‐derived hydroxy fatty acids, as well as by TPA. Both 12(S)‐HETE and TPA enhanced αllb β3 expression on W256 cells. PGI2 iloprost and cicaprost inhibited both 12(S)‐HETE‐ and TPA‐enhanced adhesion to endothelium and suben‐dothelial matrix as well as αllb β3 expression on W256 cells. The mechanism responsible for the effect of PGI2 was explored. Prostacyclin treatment of W256 cells resulted in an enhanced production of cAMP in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Pre‐treatment of tumor cells with increasing concentrations of adenosine resulted in a dose‐dependent decrease in the PGI2 effect on TPA or 12(S)‐HETE‐enhanced adhesion, suggesting that the PGI2 effect is mediated through PKA. Dibutyryl cAMP also blocked the 12(S)‐HETE‐ or TPA‐enhanced adhesion, and adenosine pre‐treatment did not result in an inhibition of the dibutyryl cAMP effect. Collectively, our results suggest that the cyclooxygenase metabolite PGI2 can antagonize the lipoxygenase metabolite 12(S)‐HETE‐ and TPA‐enhanced αllb β3 expression and tumor cell adhesion via activation of adenylate cyclase and elevation of intracellular levels of cAMP. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enacting global careers: Organizational career scripts and the global economy as co‐existing career referents
Authors: Cappellen Tineke , Janssens Maddy
Published: June 2010

This qualitative study examines how globally‐oriented career actors engage with the opportunities and constraints of organizational career development. Drawing theoretically on career structuration, we study how individuals develop their global careers with reference to their employment setting and the global economy. Our findings indicate that managers intentionally engage in career practices that act upon those elements of the organizational career script which they experience as constraints for developing a career in the global economy. In addition, our findings suggest that tight organizational career scripts provoke explicit individual career actions whereas loose scripts initiate reflection and pondering. We discuss the theoretical implications of this study in terms of the interaction between multiple contexts and individual career actions, and the meaning of global careers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attachments of Bacteria to the Surfaces of Living and Dead Microorganisms in Marine Sediments (Attachment of Bacteria to Microorganisms)
Authors: Oppenheimer Carl H. , Vance Mary H.
Published: June 2010

Phase microscopic observations of 7000 microscopic fields from 50 sediment samples from shallow bays near Port Aransas, Texas suggest that living, (smaller) benthic microorganisms such as diatoms, flagellates, ciliates and blue‐green algae do not support an attached bacterial population and apparently have some protective mechanism against bacterial attack. It is not suggested that larger unicellular organisms secrete large amounts of bactericidal material because motile and nonmotile bacteria were intimately associated with the larger organisms and were often pushed out of the way as the larger organisms moved through the sediment. However, it is possible that certain types of bacteria might be inhibited, which phenomenon could not be detected during the visual observations. It has been postulated that bacteria and unicellular algae may have a similar Zeta or other electrokinetic potentia and are thus repelled during the associations in natural environments.
Dynamik von Zellpopulationen und ihre mathematische Beschreibung
Authors: Bleecken S.
Published: June 2010

The proposed mathematical model reduces the dynamic behaviour of a cell population to the structure and the kinetics of a cyclized process chain that is assumed to be the active part of the cellular control system coordinating DNA replication and cell division. The structure of the process chain, different for enterobacterial and eucaryontic systems, can be defined by three values. A significant feature of the theory is the concept of cell state which is equated to the state of the chain and which, besides time, is introduced as an independent variable. The temporal derivatives of the state variable are the kinetic parameters that depend via cell metabolism on the environmental conditions. The curved surface being the graphic correlate of the solution of the model gives a general view of the state‐time evolution of the cell population. The theory is used to analyse environmental shifts of bacterial and eucaryontic cell populations and to make predictions about the structure of the cyclized process chain.
Hly‐Plasmide in R‐Plasmid tragenden Stämmen von Escherichia coli
Authors: Höhne C.
Published: June 2010

Bei 57 hämolysierenden aus menschlichem Untersuchungsmaterial isolierten Stämmen von Escherichia coli wurde das Resistenzspektrum bestimmt. Drei Stämme konnten neben dem R‐Plasmid auch das Hämolysinbildungsvermögen auf eine nalidixinsäureresistente Mutante von E. coli K‐12 konjugativ übertragen. Die Übertragung der Plasmide erfolgte unabhängig voneinander. Von den restlichen 54 Stämmen konjugierten 44 ebenfalls mit E. coli K‐12, wie sich durch die R‐Plasmidübertragungen nachweisen ließ, die Hämolysinbildung ging aber nicht auf die Akzeptoren über.
Vergleich der biologischen Wirksamkeit von C‐ und N‐MANNICH‐Basen mit und ohne Stickstofflost‐Gruppen in mikrobiologischen und tierexperimentellen Screening‐Systemen zur Suche nach Cancerostatica
Authors: Fleck W. , Werner W.
Published: June 2010

In order to detect specific inhibitors of DNA synthesis with potential cancerostatic properties from microbial or chemical sources, a complex screening program in vitro and in vivo has been developed. This screening program consists both of molecularbiological models and rodent transplanted tumor systems. The microbiological screening program has proved to be of value in the primary selection of 95 mostly new synthesized compounds belonging to the C‐ and N‐MANNICH bases with or without nitrogen mustard groups. All the compounds detected by this screening are potential inhibitors of DNA synthesis and, therefore, able to disturb selectively mechanisms operating both in microbial and mammalian cells, e. g., replication, transcription, recombination, excission, and integration of DNA. Positive results concerning the correlation between effectivity in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity using rodent transplanted tumor systems are presented. Since most of the present day, alkylating agents are selectively toxic for cells which actively synthesize DNA, it is not surprising that there is some degree of correlation between antitumor effect and effects on various microbial or other rapidly growing organisms. However, evidence that agents with prophage inducing capability in lysogenic bacteria and/or with activity in the “BIP” test might play a part in cancer chemotherapy is obvious. The selectivity of the microbiological screening models used shows that they are potential screens despite their inabilities, thus far, to detect all active cancerostatics.
Expression and characterization of a fusion protein‐containing cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase from Paenibacillus sp. A11
Authors: Kaulpiboon Jarunee , Prasong Wanida , Rimphanitchayakit Vichien , Murakami Shuichiro , Aoki Kenji , Pongsawasdi Piamsook
Published: June 2010

A recombinant cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) gene fused with thioredoxin (Trx), hexa‐histidine (His6) and S‐protein (S) at the N terminus and a proline‐rich peptide (PRP) at the C terminus, was constructed using the wild‐type gene from Paenibacillus sp. A11, the pET‐32a vector and Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) as the host cell. The expression levels and enzyme characteristics of the Trx‐His6‐CGTase‐PRP fusion protein, the recombinant CGTase without fusion peptides, and the wild‐type CGTase were compared. The maximum specific activity for the Trx‐His6‐CGTase‐PRP fusion enzyme was 2.7 fold higher than that of the non‐fusion form at the optimal IPTG concentration. The Trx‐His6‐CGTase‐PRP fusion protein was purified to homogeneity by starch adsorption and Ni‐NTA affinity chromatography, with a specific activity of 2,268 units/mg protein at a 61% yield. The ease of purification and the higher enzyme yield were obtained with the fusion form when compared to the non‐fusion and wild‐type enzymes. The fusion enzyme was superior than its wild‐type counterpart in terms of stability against high temperature and organic solvents. Moreover, the fusion enzyme could catalyze the synthesis of cyclodextrins in 20% (v/v) dimethylformamide with a higher product yield of CD7 and CD8 compared to that of the wild‐type enzyme in the same buffer‐solvent system. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sodium selenate effect on Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942: appearance of novel enzymatic reaction, ATP:selenate adenylyltransferase, and variation in antioxidant enzyme activities
Authors: Saggu Mona , Jain Anuradha , Bagchi Divya
Published: June 2010

Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 was grown with SO42– or S2O32– sulfur source with varying concentration of SeO42–. Up to 150 μM, SeO42– was growth supportive and above this it was inhibitory. Selenate is believed to induce ROS production, and to counter, the cells produce increasing amounts of ROS quenching enzymes. To investigate the differential growth response of SeO42– at the level of ROS production, the activities of antioxidant enzymes viz. glutathione peroxidase, catalase, pyrogallol‐peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase were determined. Regardless of SeO42– concentration in the medium, except catalase, the activity of other enzymes increased over SeO42–‐free controls. To understand the fate of SeO42– added at lower concentrations, the activities of key inorganic sulfur metabolizing enzymes, ATP sulfurylase in SO42– medium and thiosulfate reductase in S2O32– medium were measured. This was done with an assumption that these enzymes would consume the SO42– analog SeO42– as sulfur source. We found enzymatic SeO42–/ATP dependent formation of inorganic pyrophosphate in a reaction, analogous to ATP sulfurylase (SO42– + ATP → pyrophosphate) carried out by an enzyme different from ATP sulfurylase, tentatively called ATP:selenate adenylyltransferase. We hypothesize that selenium could act as trace element for S. elongatus PCC 7942. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mutational studies of the peptidoglycan hydrolase FlgJ of Sphingomonas sp. strain A1
Authors: Maruyama Yukie , Ochiai Akihito , Itoh Takafumi , Mikami Bunzo , Hashimoto Wataru , Murata Kousaku
Published: June 2010

The flagellar protein FlgJ, a member of glycoside hydrolase family 73, has N‐ and C‐terminal domains that are responsible for flagellar rod assembly and peptidoglycan hydrolysis, respectively. The crystal structure of the C‐terminal domain of SPH1045 (SPH1045‐C), the FlgJ from Sphingomonas sp. strain A1, showed a long cleft formed by two lobes, α and β. In this study, seven site‐specific mutants of residues in the cleft were prepared and analyzed. Enzyme activity was reduced most significantly in mutants E185A and Y281A, followed by E224A. A comparison of the crystal structure of the inactive mutant E185A with that of other related enzymes revealed that Glu185 is structurally reasonable as the proton donor and that Tyr281 is close to Glu185. Glu224 is, however, far from the catalytic site, which is inconsistent with the decreased activity exhibited by E224A. The structural flexibility of Glu224 and its neighboring residues observed in SPH1045‐C may indicate that this region is able to change its conformation upon substrate binding. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of different stresses on trehalose levels inRhizopus oryzae
Authors: Uyar Ebru Ozer , Hamamci Haluk , Türkel Sezai
Published: June 2010

Rhizopus oryzaeaccumulates and degrades trehalose in response to environmental stress conditions such as heat, osmotic stress, nitrogen starvation and pH. When heat stress was applied toR. oryzae, the trehalose content of the cells was increased from 0.9 to 4.8 mg/g dw and when the stress was relieved it decreased back to 1.1 mg/g dw. Under osmotic stress and nitrogen starvation, trehalose content was increased by 3.5 and 3 fold, respectively. The decrease in external pH increased trehalose level up to 2.6 mg/g dw from 1.1 mg/g dw. Increased trehalose level decreased back to normal after pH stress was relieved. These results indicate that trehalose accumulates and acts as a stress protectant inR. oryzae. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A developed DNA extraction method for different soil samples
Authors: Hu Yingchang , Liu Zhiheng , Yan Jianfang , Qi Xiaohui , Li Jing , Zhong Shiqi , Yu Jicheng , Liu Qiu
Published: June 2010

Four DNA extraction methods namely SDS‐hyperhaline method (I), modified SDS‐hyperhaline method (II), indirect method (III), alkaline lysis method (IV) were evaluated by comparing DNA yield, spectrophotometric quality, genomic integrity and PCR suitability in this paper. The results showed that high DNA yields were obtained by method I, II and IV. However, higher quality of DNA was gained by method III and IV. Based on the results of the Pulsed‐Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), the completeness of DNA extracted by method IV was the best. About 6.0 μg DNA can be recovered from 1.0 g soil by method IV which involved to lysis cell by SDS and to precipitate impurities by adding potassium acetate and magnesium chloride Therefore, it is confirmed that method IV is a novel, reliable and versatile method for large‐scale DNA extraction involving less purification steps for various soil samples. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Production of laccase from Pleurotus florida using agro‐wastes and efficient decolorization of Reactive blue 198
Authors: Sathishkumar P. , Murugesan K. , Palvannan T.
Published: June 2010

Pleurotus florida NCIM 1243 produced laccase as the dominant lignolytic enzyme during the dye decolorization. Banana peel was the best substrate for extracellular laccase production under solid state fermentation when compared to mandarin peel and cantaloupe peel. The maximum activity of laccase (5.4 U/g) was detected on the 10 day. The ratio of banana peel: mandarin peel: cantaloupe peel (5:2:3) showed increased production of laccase (6.8 U/g). P. florida produced two extracellular laccase isoenzymes (L1 and L2). The half life of laccase at 60 °C was 2 h and at 4 h it retained 25% residual activity. P. florida laccase showed high thermostability and an interesting difference was noticed in the behavior of laccase isoenzymes at different temperature. The L1 isoenzyme of laccase showed remarked thermostability at 60 °C in the native PAGE when compared to L2 isoenzyme. The optimum pH, temperature and enzyme concentration for maximum decolorization was found to be 4.5, 60 °C and 1.2 U/ml, respectively. Partially purified laccase enzyme showed excellent decolorization activity to Reactive blue 198. The maximum decolorization (96%) was observed at lower dye concentrations (50–100 ppm) which decreased markedly when the dye concentration was increased beyond 150 ppm. The thermostable laccase of P. florida could be effectively used to decolorize the synthetic dyes in the textile effluent and other biotechnological applications. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The role of diamondback moth cuticle surface compounds in pre‐penetration growth of the entomopathogen Isaria fumosoroseus
Authors: Ali Shaukat , Huang Zhen , Ren Shunxiang
Published: June 2010

Transcript patterns elicited in response to hosts can reveal how fungi recognize suitable hosts and the mechanisms involved in pathogenicity. These patterns could be fashioned by recognition of host‐specific topographical features or by chemical components displayed or released by the host. We investigated this in three isolates of Isaria fumosoroseus which has shown considerable pathogenic ability against Plutella xylostella. Conidia inoculated to hind wings had the highest germination ability while the conidia inoculated to head regions showed the lowest germination. Conidia applied to diamondback moth wings showed slightly lower rates of germination than those incubated on SDA. Although I. funosoroseus isolates germinated well on crude methanol extracts, only low levels of germination occurred on hexane and dichloromethane extracts. Similarly, poor germination was also observed on diamondback moth hind wing from which cuticular lipids were extracted by using methanol when compared to the untreated hind wings showing that simple polar compounds are required to stimulate germination before the fungus can make effective use of a complex mixture of non‐polar lipids. Such studies could address the origin of intraspecies differences and correlate these differences with the underlying metabolic and biosynthetic differences that define different host ranges. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface hydrophobicity, nutritional contents affect Staphylococcus aureus biofilms and temperature influences its survival in preformed biofilms
Authors: Pagedar Ankita , Singh Jitender , Batish Virender K.
Published: June 2010

The present study investigates the effect of surface hydrophobicity and media on in vitro biofilm formation potential of S. aureus isolates from two dairies. There was lack of correlation between biofilm formation potential of S. aureus and sampling points but not with the source of isolation. Biofilm formation was more pronounced on hydrophobic polypropylene (PP) than hydrophilic stainless steel (SSC). A better correlation was established between the biofilms on SSC and PP when analyzed by crystal violet staining than conventional plating method. On comparative evaluation of nutrient rich and diluted growth media, enhanced biofilm formation was observed in latter (1/20 tryptic soya broth). Highest survival in the preformed biofilms was observed at incubation temperature of 25 °C in sterilized skim milk rather than TSB. The present study signify preferable adherence of S. aureus on hydrophobic surfaces and potential survival within preformed biofilm at temperatures prevalent in dairy industries. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spatial evaluation of soil salinity using the WET sensor in the irrigated area of the Segura river lowland
Authors: de Paz José M. , Visconti Fernando , Rubio José L.
Published: June 2010

The electrical conductivity of the water within the soil pores (ECp) measured with the WET sensor, appears to be a reliable estimate of soil salinity. A methodology combining the use of the WET sensor along with geostatistics was developed to delimit and evaluate soil salinity within an irrigated area under arid to semiarid Mediterranean climate in SE Spain. A systematic random sampling of 104 points was carried out. The association between ECp and the saturation‐extract electrical conductivity (ECse) was assessed by means of correlation analysis. The semivariograms for ECp were obtained at three different soil depths. Interpolation techniques, such as ordinary kriging and cokriging, were applied to obtain ECp levels in the unknown places. For each one of the soil depths, a model able to predict ECse from ECp was developed by means of ordinary least squares regression analysis. A good correlation (r = 0.818, p < 0.001) between ECp and ECse was found. Spherical spatial distribution was the best model to fit to experimental semivariograms of ECp at 10, 30, and 50 cm soil depths. Nevertheless, cokriging using the ECp of an adjacent soil depth as an auxiliary variable provided the best results, compared to ordinary kriging. An analytical propagation‐error methodology was found to be useful to ascertain the contribution of the spatial interpolation and ordinary least squares analysis to the uncertainty of the ECse mapping. This methodology allowed us to identify 98% of the study area as affected by salinity problems within a rooting depth of 50 cm, with the threshold of ECse value at 2 dS m–1. However, considering the crops actually grown and 10% potential reduction yield, the soil‐salinity‐affected area decreased to 83%. The use of sensors to measure soil salinity in combination with geostatistics is a cost‐effective way to draw maps of soil salinity at regional scale. This methodology is applicable to other agricultural irrigated areas under risk of salinization.
Long‐term changes in the floristic composition and soil characteristics of reclaimed sodic land during eco‐restoration
Authors: Kumar Srivastava Pankaj , Baleshwar  , Kumar Behera Soumit , Singh Nandita , Shyam Tripathi Radhey
Published: June 2010

The study was conducted under the “Uttar Pradesh Sodic Lands Reclamation Project” to examine changes that occurred in the reclaimed sodic land in two districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. The study focuses on long‐term seasonal changes in the floral diversity and soil characteristics of the reclaimed sodic land over a period of 10 y. The changes in the floristic composition, plant density, and soil characteristics (microbial biomass carbon [MBC], pH, exchangeable‐sodium percentage (ESP), and electrical conductivity) were compared among the different study plots after different years of sodic‐land reclamation. The study plots comprised reclaimed land with rice–wheat cultivation; semireclaimed land under rice cultivation only and nonreclaimed barren sodic land. There was a significant variation in the floristic composition of the three study plots. Dominance in the floristic composition was shifted from monocotyledonous weeds in the nonreclaimed sodic land to dicotyledonous weeds in the reclaimed land after 10 y of reclamation. Among the soil characteristics, the most remarkable changes were observed in soil MBC and ESP during the course of sodic‐land reclamation. Soil MBC increased up to 480% and ESP values decreased up to 79% in the reclaimed plots with reference to the nonreclaimed plots. The soil amelioration was more pronounced in the upper layer (0–30 cm) as compared to the lower layer (below 30 cm depth). A positive significant correlation was revealed between soil MBC and floristic composition of the reclaimed plots. These changes in floristic composition and soil characteristics could be used as good indicators of the eco‐restoration of the sodic lands. The present study provides useful insights in understanding the temporal progress of eco‐restoration in the reclaimed sodic lands.
Apoplast acidification is not a necessary determinant for the resistance of maize in the first phase of salt stress
Authors: Hatzig Sarah , Hanstein Stefan , Schubert Sven
Published: June 2010

In previous studies, a relation between plant growth during the first phase of salt stress and cell‐wall acidification was shown for differently resistant maize genotypes. In the present study, plants of the salt‐sensitive maize (Zea mays L.) cv. Pioneer 3906 and the salt‐resistant genotype SR 12, grown under 100 mM NaCl, showed a similar decrease in plasmalemma H+‐ATPase activity, while SR 12 showed less growth reduction than Pioneer 3906. From this it is concluded that maintenance of apoplast acidification is not necessary for better plant growth during the first phase of salt stress.
Raman spectroscopic determination of the acidity constants of salicylaldoxime in aqueous solution
Authors: Elbagerma M. A. , Edwards H. G. M. , Azimi Gholamhassan , Scowen I. J.
Published: June 2010

A sensitive and efficient method for the determination of acidity constants of salicylaldoxime (SALO) (2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde oxime), using both Raman spectroscopic and potentiometric methods, at 30 °C in 50% (wt/wt) of ethanol–water mixture and at the constant ionic strength I = 0.1 M is proposed. The effect of pH on the Raman spectra has also been studied. The Raman spectroscopic technique allows the identification of compounds in different molecular and molecular ionic structures. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 0.05 mol dm−3 for SALO by means of Raman peak area. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.