bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applicability of Two Commercially Available Kits for Forensic Identification of Saliva Stains
Authors: Pang Benjamin C. M. , Cheung Bobbie K. K.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  The RSID‐saliva test and the SALIgAE‐saliva test are two recently developed forensic saliva detection kits. In this study, we compared the sensitivity and the specificity of the two test kits with the Phadebas® amylase test by analyzing amylases from various sources including human, animals, plants, and micro‐organism. The data demonstrate that the RSID‐saliva test and the SALIgAE‐saliva test offer higher sensitivity and specificity for the detection of saliva than the Phadebas® amylase test. The detection limits of the RSID‐saliva test, the SALIgAE‐saliva test, and the Phadebas® amylase test equate to 10, 4, and 1000 nL, respectively for human saliva. The RSID‐saliva test and the SALIgAE‐saliva test were further evaluated by analyzing semen, vaginal secretion, breast milk, blood, urine, sweat, and feces. The results of the two tests are in good agreement. The two tests reacted with urine, breast milk, and feces, but not with semen, vaginal secretion, blood, and sweat.
N‐Cyanomethyl‐N‐Methyl‐1‐(3′,4′‐methylenedioxyphenyl)‐2‐propylamine: An MDMA Manufacturing By‐Product
Authors: Salouros Helen , Collins Michael , Tarrant Gregory , George Adrian V.
Published: July 2008

Abstract: This paper describes the structural elucidation of a compound produced during the synthesis of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA) via the reductive amination of 3,4‐methylenedioxyphenyl‐2‐propanone (3,4‐MDP‐2‐P) with methylamine and sodium cyanoborohydride. The compound was isolated from MDMA by column chromatography, proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, LC/mass spectrometry, and total synthesis were used to identify the compound asN‐cyanomethyl‐N‐methyl‐1‐(3′,4′‐methylenedioxyphenyl)‐2‐propylamine. This compound has been identified as a potential synthetic route marker for the reductive amination of 3,4‐MDP‐2‐P with methylamine and sodium cyanoborohydride and as such it should prove valuable to forensic scientists engaged in profiling illicit drugs. Profiling MDMA can provide useful information to law enforcement agencies relating to synthetic route, precursor chemicals and reagents employed and may be used for comparative analyses of different drug seizures. This paper also describes the structural elucidation of the analogous methylamphetamine synthetic route marker compound,N‐cyanomethyl‐N‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐propylamine, produced during the reductive amination of phenyl‐2‐propanone using methylamine and sodium cyanoborohydride.
An Unusual Case of Child Head Injury by Coat Hanger*
Authors: Solarino Biagio , Reckentwald Kathy , Burrows‐Beckham Amy M.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children suspected of child abuse. Penetrating cranio‐facial injuries are generally rare in the pediatric age group and are caused by both accidental and inflicted mechanisms. We report an unusual case of a 2‐year‐old female who was admitted to a pediatric emergency room with an industrial stainless steel coat hanger impaled in her skull. Pertinent clinical forensic medicine examination, coupled with home inspection and interviews by the local law enforcement, revealed a horrible episode of domestic violence.
Feeding habits as determinants of early childhood caries in a population where prolonged breastfeeding is the norm
Authors: Mohebbi S. Z. , Virtanen J. I. , Vahid‐Golpayegani M. , Vehkalahti M. M.
Published: July 2008

Abstract –  Objectives:  To investigate the impact of feeding habits and daytime sugar intake on the prevalence of early childhood caries in a population where prolonged breastfeeding is a norm.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out at 18 of 102 public health centers in Tehran. During a 4‐day period at each center, between 20 and 35 children aged 1–3 years were enrolled, resulting in a sample of 504 children. In structured interviews, mothers were asked to give information about their child’s feeding habits, daytime sugar intake, and their family’s background. Sugar intake during the night was operationalized as separately calculated burdens of nighttime breastfeeding and bottle‐feeding. Clinical dental examinations followed the World Health Organization criteria. Data analysis included chi‐square test, t‐test, anova, and logistic regression modeling.

Results:  Of the children, 56% were solely breastfed (mean duration 16.6 months; 95% CI 16.0–17.2), 42% were both breastfed and bottle‐fed, and 2% were solely bottle‐fed. Mean duration of breastfeeding for the solely breastfed 24‐ to 36‐month olds was 22.8 months (95% CI 21.8–23.9). At bedtime, 69% were breastfed, 11% bottle‐fed, and 20% were not fed at all. With respect to feeding during the night, 72% of children were breastfed, 12% were bottle‐fed with milk, 1% received a bottle with water, while 15% were not fed. Early childhood caries (ECC) occurred in 3–26% of the children, depending on age group (P < 0.001). The burden of milk‐bottle feeding at night was a clear determinant for ECC (OR = 5.5) whereas breastfeeding per se, its duration, the burden of breastfeeding at night, and daytime sugar intake were not.

Conclusion:  On account of its association with ECC, milk‐bottle feeding at night should be limited, whereas prolonged breastfeeding appears to have no such negative dental consequences.
A community study on the relationship of dental anxiety with oral health status and oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Ng Sam K. S. , Leung W. Keung
Published: July 2008

Abstract –  Objective:  To investigate the relationship of dental anxiety with oral health status and oral health‐related quality of life (OHQoL) among dentate subjects living in Hong Kong.

Methods:  One thousand Hong Kong residents who were aged 25–64 years and predominantly Chinese were asked to complete the Chinese short‐forms of the Dental Anxiety Inventory (SDAxI) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14S). Dental (DMFT index) and periodontal statuses [full‐mouth clinical attachment level (CAL)] were also assessed.

Results:  Ninety‐six (9.6%; mean SDAxI, 9.6), 799 (79.9%; mean SDAxI, 15.0), and 105 (10.5%; mean SDAxI, 27.4) participants had low, average, and high dental anxiety, respectively. The mean DMFT/CAL scores of each SDAxI subgroup were 8.5/1.4, 9.3/1.9, and 9.8/3.6, respectively. The corresponding mean OHIP‐14S scores for each SDAxI subgroup were 4.0, 8.1, and 13.2, respectively. Post hoc analysis, adjusted for possible confounding factors, revealed statistically significant differences in DMFT and CAL scores in subjects with low versus high level of SDAxI, and significant differences in OHIP‐14S scores between all 3 SDAxI categories.

Conclusion:  The trait disposition of dental anxiety may be a significant risk indicator of poor dental and periodontal status and is associated with a worse OHQoL.
Presowing seed treatment with melatonin protects red cabbage seedlings against toxic copper ion concentrations
Authors: Posmyk Małgorzata M. , Kuran Hanna , Marciniak Kazimierz , Janas Krystyna M.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  One of the targets of modern plant physiology is to identify tools for improving seed germination and plant growth under unfavorable environmental conditions. Seeds of Brassica oleracea rubrum were pretreated with melatonin at concentrations: 1, 10, and 100 μm using a hydropriming method. Air‐dried seeds of each experimental variants that were nonpretreated (control), hydroprimed (H) or hydroprimed with melatonin (HM1, HM10, and HM100) were germinated in darkness for 3 days at 25°C. Young seedlings were then transferred to the light and grown for an additional 5 days. Both germination and growth tests were performed in water and in CuSO4 water solutions in concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mm. H, HM1 and HM10 improved seed germination both in water and in the presence of Cu2+. One or 10 μm melatonin eliminated the inhibitory effect of the 0.5 mm metal concentration on the fresh weight of seedlings. HM100 had a negative effect; thus seed germination was lower and seedlings had poor establishment. The toxic effect of Cu2+ manifested by membrane peroxidation and DNA endoreplication blocking in the seedlings grown from nontreated (control) and H seeds was not observed in the seedlings grown from HM1 and HM10 seeds; in contrast, HM100 enhanced the toxic effect of Cu2+.
Evolution of the Multivesicular Body ESCRT Machinery; Retention Across the Eukaryotic Lineage
Authors: Leung Ka Fai , Dacks Joel B. , Field Mark C.
Published: July 2008

Lysosomal targeting of ubiquitylated endocytic cargo is mediated in part by the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) complexes, a system conserved between animals and fungi (Opisthokonta). Extensive comparative genomic analysis demonstrates that ESCRT factors are well conserved across the eukaryotic lineage and complexes I, II, III and III‐associated are almost completely retained, indicating an early evolutionary origin. The conspicuous exception is ESCRT 0, which functions in recognition of ubiquitylated cargo, and is restricted to the Opisthokonta, suggesting that a distinct mechanism likely operates in the vast majority of eukaryotic organisms. Additional analysis suggests that ESCRT III and ESCRT III‐associated components evolved through a concerted model. Functional conservation of the ESCRT system is confirmed by direct study in trypanosomes. Despite extreme sequence divergence, epitope‐tagged ESCRT factors TbVps23 and TbVps28 localize to the endosomal pathway, placing the trypanosome multivesicular body (MVB) in juxtaposition to the early endosome and lysosome. Knockdown of TbVps23 partially prevents degradation of an ubiquitylated endocytosed transmembrane domain protein. Therefore, despite the absence of an ESCRT 0 complex, the trypanosome ESCRT/MVB system functions similarly to that of opisthokonts. Thus the ESCRT system is an ancient and well‐conserved feature of eukaryotic cells but with key differences between diverse lineages.
Thermal unfolding and aggregation of actin
Authors: Levitsky Dmitrii I. , Pivovarova Anastasiya V. , Mikhailova Valeria V. , Nikolaeva Olga P.
Published: July 2008

Actin is one of the most abundant proteins in nature. It is found in all eukaryotes and plays a fundamental role in many diverse and dynamic cellular processes. Also, actin is one of the most ubiquitous proteins because actin‐like proteins have recently been identified in bacteria. Actin filament (F‐actin) is a highly dynamic structure that can exist in different conformational states, and transitions between these states may be important in cytoskeletal dynamics and cell motility. These transitions can be modulated by various factors causing the stabilization or destabilization of actin filaments. In this review, we look at actin stabilization and destabilization as expressed by changes in the thermal stability of actin; specifically, we summarize and analyze the existing data on the thermal unfolding of actin as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. We also analyze in vitro data on the heat‐induced aggregation of actin, the process that normally accompanies actin thermal denaturation. In this respect, we focus on the effects of small heat shock proteins, which can prevent the aggregation of thermally denatured actin with no effect on actin thermal unfolding. As a result, we have proposed a mechanism describing the thermal denaturation and aggregation of F‐actin. This mechanism explains some of the special features of the thermal unfolding of actin filaments, including the effects of their stabilization and destabilization; it can also explain how small heat shock proteins protect the actin cytoskeleton from damage caused by the accumulation of large insoluble aggregates under heat shock conditions.
Scared straight?
Authors: Blunkett David
Published: July 2008

When former Home Secretary David Blunkett agreed to take part in a UK television documentary exploring ways to tackle youth crime, he found himself embroiled in a controversial experiment…But did it work?
The end of charity?
Authors: Frances Nic
Published: July 2008

Nic Frances argues that unless we change our approach to charity, the creation of a just and sustainable world will be a far‐off ideal… and the charity sector itself is a large part of the problem.
Early Christian Archaeology: A State of the Field
Authors: Bowes Kim
Published: July 2008

This article considers the history and trajectory of early Christian archaeology. Focusing principally on the built environment, it addresses the status of research on third‐century Christiandomus ecclesiaeor house churches, urban topography, Christian euergetism, pagan/Christian temple conversion, monasticism and pilgrimage, parish churches, and rural Christianity. It suggests that this largely conservative field continues to wrestle with its relationship with Christian texts, and remains dominated by formalist and positivist paradigms. The expansion of the discipline into adjacent fields in recent years signals something of a shift, but more holistic studies are needed that contextualize Christian remains within their local topographic, social, ecclesiastical, and, above all, economic circumstances.
Anthropological Perspectives on Judaism: A Comparative Review
Authors: Brink‐Danan Marcy
Published: July 2008

How has the discipline of anthropology studied Judaism? This review provides a brief overview of the variety of approaches the discipline has taken to the subject of Jewish religion, society and culture. By situating these approaches in their historical, political and geographic locations, I offer a comparative look at the development of a sub‐discipline of the anthropology of religion. In addition to providing a comparative review of the sub‐discipline, I also highlight theoretical issues which remain central to the anthropological study of Judaism. These include: reflexivity in the writing of Jewish ethnography, the conceptual problem inherent in using ‘religion’ as the category through which many scholars define Judaism, the place of Judaism in anthropological theories of Diaspora and, lastly, the overemphasis on the notion of ‘memory’ in so many Jewish ethnographies.
The Comparative Method
Authors: Roscoe Paul
Published: July 2008

The comparative method is a formalization of the comparison that is unavoidable in any attempt at cross‐cultural analysis. Yet, the comparative method has generated considerable controversy in religious studies. This article reviews the issues raised about comparison in anthropology, the social science that has as its enduring goal a holistic understanding of all human societies and that consequently has made greater use of comparison – and accordingly has subjected it to greater scrutiny – than any other discipline.
Anticipatory Processes in Sentence Processing
Authors: Kamide Yuki
Published: July 2008

Anticipation is an essential ability for the human cognitive system to survive in its surrounding environment. The present article will review previous research on anticipatory processes in sentence processing (comprehension). I start by pointing out past research carried out with inadequate methods, then move on to reviewing recent research with relatively new, more appropriate methods, specifically, the so‐called ‘visual‐world’ eye‐tracking paradigm, and neuropsychological techniques. I then discuss remaining unresolved issues, both methodological and theoretical.
Quantification of Human IgE Immunoreactive Soybean Proteins in Commercial Soy Ingredients and Products
Authors: Song Y.S. , Martinez‐Villaluenga C. , De Mejia E.G.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was the detection and quantification of human IgE immunoreactive soybean proteins in commercially available soy ingredients and products. Optimum dilutions of primary antibody and antigens as well as detection sensitivity were determined for the implementation of a sandwich ELISA method using plasma from soy sensitive subjects (IgE ranging from 0.35 to 98.7 IU/mL). Human IgE immunoreactivity of commercial soybean ingredients showed that the plasma of subjects with strong allergic reaction to soybean presented proportionally higher immunoreactive response. Soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate contained less immunoreactive proteins than soy flour and grits. As expected, a hypoallergenic soybean product presented the lowest IgE immunoreactivity. Hydrolyzed and fermented soy ingredients showed negligible human IgE immunoreactivity when proteins and peptides were < 20 kDa. The IgE immunoreactivity of soymilk samples ranged from 3.4 to 68.9 ng IgE/mg extracted protein. Tofu contained about 20‐fold higher IgE immunoreactivity than soymilk products (median 171 ng IgE/mg extracted protein). Furthermore, soy cheese products presented twice the IgE immunoreactivity than tofu products (median 359 ng IgE/mg protein). Meat analogues presented considerably high extracted protein concentration (median 67.9 mg/g product). The findings of the current investigation demonstrate sandwich ELISA as a reliable immunochemical method with good repeatability, sensitivity, and low detection limit to quantify IgE immunoreactive proteins in soy ingredients and products. Quantitative measurement of specific IgE is likely to become an increasingly valuable tool for soybean industry to comply with food labeling for manufacturers, thus protecting soy‐sensitive consumers.
Sensory Optimization of Broken‐Rice Based Snacks Fortified with Protein and Fiber
Authors: Sriwattana S. , Laokuldilok N. , Prinyawiwatkul W.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  A 3‐component mixture experiment was used to optimize the formulation of broken‐rice based snack fortified with protein and fiber based on consumer sensory acceptability. Soy protein isolate and guar gum were used as a good source of protein and fiber, respectively, according to DRV (daily reference value) based on a 2000‐calorie diet. A consumer panel evaluated sensory acceptability of color, crispness, and flavor, and overall liking of 12 experimental broken‐rice based snack formulations. Predicted models derived from the restricted nonintercept regression analysis were used to plot mixture response surfaces (MRS) of each sensory attribute. Areas within the MRS plots having predicted acceptability scores of at least 6.5 (on a 9‐point hedonic scale) for color, crispness, flavor, and overall liking were selected to derive a predicted optimum formulation range. Flavor acceptability was a limiting factor in attaining the optimum formulation range, which consisted of 40% to 48% broken‐rice flour, 8% to 16% guar gum, and 20% to 33% soy protein isolate. To verify the obtained predicted models, the formulation containing 48% broken‐rice flour, 8% guar gum, and 20% soy protein isolate, which was located in the optimum area, was chosen to support our effort to utilize and add value to broken rice. Selected physicochemical measurements of the chosen optimized formulation were determined. One serving size (30 g) of the chosen optimized snack product provided 6.58 g protein and 3.80 g dietary fiber, which met the US FDA definition of a good source of protein and dietary fiber.
Effect of Marinades on the Formation of Heterocyclic Amines in Grilled Beef Steaks
Authors: Smith J.S. , Ameri F. , Gadgil P.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are suspected human carcinogens formed in muscle foods during high temperature grilling or cooking. Inhibition of HCAs by commercial marinades rich in polyphenolic antioxidant containing spices was evaluated with beef round steaks cooked at 204 °C (400 °F). Treatment effects on the levels of 4 HCAs were investigated: 2‐amino‐3,8‐dimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenyl‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP), 1‐methyl‐9H‐pyrido[4,3‐b]indol (harman), and 9H‐pyrido[4,3‐b]indol (norharman). The marinades were formulated according to the package label instruction in an oil, water, and vinegar mixture, and the steaks were treated for 1 h prior to grilling. All 3 marinades, Caribbean, Southwest, and herb, significantly decreased the imidazo‐azaarene HCAs (MeIQx, PhIP) as contrasted to controls and liquid blanks. The Caribbean mixture showed the highest decrease in the total HCA content (88%), followed by the herb (72%) and Southwest (57%). With a few exceptions there were significant decreases in HCAs for treatments with only the marinade bases (ingredients without any spices/herbs). As measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the marinades contained considerable amounts of the polyphenolic antioxidants carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid with Caribbean being the highest. Commonly available spice‐containing marinades can be effective inhibitors of HCA formation and provide reduced exposure to some of the carcinogens formed during grilling.
Spatial distribution of rare species in lotic habitats
Authors: McCREADIE JOHN W. , ADLER PETER H.
Published: July 2008

Abstract. 

Species rarity is a common phenomenon in the biological world. Although rare species have always interested biologists, the meaning of ‘rare’ has not always been clear with the definition of rarity often arbitrary.

In the current study, we investigate rarity in stream ecosystems using black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). We defined rare species a priori as those species found ≤ 10% of stream sites examined (n = 111 streams for ‘summer collections’; n = 88 collection for ‘spring’ collections). Hence, we are exploring only one axis of rarity, restricted range.

We first consider the distribution of each rare species separately to determine if the mean (euclidian) distance among streams (habitats) for each rare species differs from a random model. We next took a collective approach by pooling all rare species to determine the influence of stream conditions, niche breadth, and distance among habitats on rarity.

Even within this biologically uniform group of flies, dispersal, range limits, and stream conditions all might play a role in rarity, and the importance of each of these factors appear to vary among species. Rather than looking for broad causes of rarity, future studies might be more fruitful if they looked at species‐specific causes.
A randomisation program to compare species‐richness values
Authors: RICHARDSON JEAN M. L. , RICHARDS MIRIAM H.
Published: July 2008

Abstract. 

Comparisons of biodiversity estimates among sites or through time are hampered by a focus on using mean and variance estimates for diversity measures. These estimators depend on both sampling effort and on the abundances of organisms in communities, which makes comparison of communities possible only through the use of rarefaction curves that reduce all samples to the lowest sample size. However, comparing species richness among communities does not demand absolute estimates of species richness and statistical tests of similarity among communities are potentially more straightforward.

This paper presents a program that uses randomisation methods to robustly test for differences in species richness among samples. Simulated data are used to show that the analysis has acceptable type I error rates and sufficient power to detect violations of the null hypothesis. An analysis of published bee data collected in 4 years shows how both sample size and hierarchical structure in sample type are incorporated into the analysis.

The randomisation program is shown to be very robust to the presence of a dominant species, many rare species, and decreased sample size, giving quantitatively similar conclusions under all conditions. This method of testing for differences in biodiversity provides an important tool for researchers working on questions in community ecology and conservation biology.
Water‐energy and the geographical species richness pattern of European and North African dragonflies (Odonata)
Authors: KEIL PETR , SIMOVA IRENA , HAWKINS BRADFORD A.
Published: July 2008

Abstract.

Environmental correlates of broad‐scale patterns of Odonata species richness were studied in Europe and part of northern Africa using 220 × 220‐km gridded data. Relationships with 11 environmental variables were tested using multiple regression.

Two models were constructed: (i) for the entire data set covering both Europe and northern Africa, and (ii) only for Europe.

Across both regions, actual evapotranspiration had the strongest relationship with richness, followed by weaker associations of potential evapotranspiration (a concave polynomial) and summer vegetation index (a positive linear relationship). Within Europe the strongest predictor was a concave polynomial of potential evapotranspiration, followed by vascular plant species richness (a positive relationship) and annual precipitation (a concave polynomial).

A test of metabolic theory identified strong non‐linearity in the temperature‐richness relationship, and geographically weighted regression indicated consistency with the theory in a very limited part of Europe.

The results are most consistent with the hypothesis that broad‐scale species richness patterns are primarily determined by water–energy balance, similar to many fully terrestrial insect groups.
Architectures of Translational Parallel Mechanism for MEMS Fabrication
Authors: Bamberger Hagay , Wolf Alon , Shoham Moshe
Published: July 2008

Manufacturing techniques, especially in the microscale, determine the type of joints, links, and actuators available for the designer, and as a result, the possible kinematic architectures of the designed mechanism. This paper discusses the design constraints imposed by current microelectromechanical system (MEMS) fabrication techniques, and how they affect the feasible kinematic architectures of microrobots. In particular, three degree-of-freedom translational mechanisms are investigated, and all possible nonoverconstrained kinematic architectures under limitations imposed by MEMS fabrication techniques are derived.
Importance of Type II Secretion for Survival of
Legionella pneumophila
in Tap Water and in Amoebae at Low Temperatures
Authors: Söderberg Maria A. , Dao Jenny , Starkenburg Shawn R. , Cianciotto Nicholas P.
Published: July 2008

Legionella pneumophila
type II secretion mutants showed reduced survival in both tap water at 4 to 17°C and aquatic amoebae at 22 to 25°C. Wild-type supernatants stimulated the growth of these mutants, indicating that secreted factors promote low-temperature survival. There was a correlation between low-temperature survival and secretion function when 12 additional
Legionella
species were examined.
Baseline Data from a Belgium-Wide Survey of
Campylobacter
Species Contamination in Chicken Meat Preparations and Considerations for a Reliable Monitoring Program
Authors: Habib Ihab , Sampers Imca , Uyttendaele Mieke , Berkvens Dirk , De Zutter Lieven
Published: July 2008

From February to November 2007, chicken meat preparations (
n
= 656) were sampled at 11 processing companies across Belgium. All samples were tested for
Campylobacter
by enrichment culture and by direct plating according to standard methods. Almost half (48.02%) of the samples were positive for
Campylobacter
spp. The mean
Campylobacter
count was 1.68 log
10
CFU/g with a standard deviation of ± 0.64 log
10
CFU/g. The study revealed a statistically significant variation in
Campylobacter
contamination levels between companies; processors with a wider frequency distribution range of
Campylobacter
counts provided chicken meat preparations with higher
Campylobacter
incidences and concentrations. There was no significant difference between the counts of
Campylobacter
spp. in various preparation types. However, the
Campylobacter
counts and incidences in chicken wings were the highest and portioned-form products (legs, wings, and breasts) showed a higher probability of being
Campylobacter
positive compared to minced-form products (sausages, burgers, and minced meat). The proportion of
Campylobacter
-positive samples was significantly higher in July than in other months. Recovery of
Campylobacter
spp. recovery by direct plating was higher (41.0%) compared to detection after enrichment (24.2%). Statistical modeling of the survey data showed that the likelihood of obtaining a positive result by enrichment culture increases with an increase in the
Campylobacter
concentration in the sample. In the present study, we provide the first enumeration data on
Campylobacter
contamination in Belgian chicken meat preparations and address proposals for improving
Campylobacter
monitoring programs.
Isolation of Predation-Deficient Mutants of
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
by Using Transposon Mutagenesis
Authors: Tudor John J. , Davis James J. , Panichella Marissa , Zwolak Adam
Published: July 2008

The availability of the complete genome sequence of
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
provides an opportunity for investigating genes that play a significant role in predation. Using two independently derived facultatively predatory
Bdellovibrio
strains, we have designed a method to cultivate and screen transposon insertion mutants in 96-well microtiter dishes. Transposon insertion mutants were produced by introducing the plasposon pRL27, which carries a mini-Tn
5
. Mutants have been screened for predatory activity using 96-well plates. Seventeen independent nonpredatory mutants have been isolated, and DNA flanking the insertion has been sequenced. BLAST analysis revealed that most of these interrupted DNA sequences do not code for known proteins or functions. Two of the inactivated genes were analyzed further: one was found to code for a putative serine protease and the other a probable protein involved in secretion through the outer membrane. The methods described here are the first for the generation and isolation of predation-deficient mutants using random-transposon-insertion mutagenesis. As more mutants are isolated and their gene products analyzed, more light will be shed on how this predator carries out its exclusive life processes and perhaps how these products, or the organism itself, can be used for therapeutic, agricultural, and/or other purposes.
Corynebacterium glutamicum
Contains 3-Deoxy-
d
-Arabino-Heptulosonate 7-Phosphate Synthases That Display Novel Biochemical Features
Authors: Liu Ya-Jun , Li Pan-Pan , Zhao Ke-Xin , Wang Bao-Jun , Jiang Cheng-Ying , Drake Harold L. , Liu Shuang-Jiang
Published: July 2008

3-Deoxy-
d
-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate (DAHP) synthase (EC 2.5.1.54) catalyzes the first step of the shikimate pathway that finally leads to the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp), and tyrosine (Tyr). In
Corynebacterium glutamicum
ATCC 13032, two chromosomal genes, NCgl0950 (
aroF
) and NCgl2098 (
aroG
), were located that encode two putative DAHP synthases. The deletion of NCgl2098 resulted in the loss of the ability of
C. glutamicum
RES167 (a restriction-deficient strain derived from
C. glutamicum
ATCC 13032) to grow in mineral medium; however, the deletion of NCgl0950 did not result in any observable phenotypic alteration. Analysis of DAHP synthase activities in the wild type and mutants of
C. glutamicum
RES167 indicated that NCgl2098, rather than NCgl0950, was involved in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids. Cloning and expression in
Escherichia coli
showed that both NCgl0950 and NCgl2098 encoded active DAHP synthases. Both the NCgl0950 and NCgl2098 DAHP synthases were purified from recombinant
E. coli
cells and characterized. The NCgl0950 DAHP synthase was sensitive to feedback inhibition by Tyr and, to a much lesser extent, by Phe and Trp. The NCgl2098 DAHP synthase was slightly sensitive to feedback inhibition by Trp, but not sensitive to Tyr and Phe, findings that were in contrast to the properties of previously known DAHP synthases from
C. glutamicum
subsp.
flavum
. Both Co
2+
and Mn
2+
significantly stimulated the NCgl0950 DAHP synthase's activity, whereas Mn
2+
was much more stimulatory than Co
2+
to the NCgl2098 DAHP synthase's activity.
Selective Isolation and Rapid Identification of Members of the Genus
Micromonospora
Authors: Qiu Danheng , Ruan Jisheng , Huang Ying
Published: July 2008

Improved methods for selective isolation of diverse actinomycetes of the genus
Micromonospora
and a genus-specific nested PCR for rapid identification of putative
Micromonospora
isolates were developed. The robustness of both the isolation and the identification approach was underpinned by phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences.
Real-Time PCR Detection of Pathogenic Microorganisms in Roof-Harvested Rainwater in Southeast Queensland, Australia
Authors: Ahmed W. , Huygens F. , Goonetilleke A. , Gardner T.
Published: July 2008

In this study, the microbiological quality of roof-harvested rainwater was assessed by monitoring the concentrations of
Escherichia coli
, enterococci,
Clostridium perfringens
, and
Bacteroides
spp. in rainwater obtained from tanks in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Samples were also tested using real-time PCR (with SYBR Green I dye) for the presence of potential pathogenic microorganisms. Of the 27 rainwater samples tested, 17 (63%), 21 (78%), 13 (48%), and 24 (89%) were positive for
E. coli
, enterococci,
C. perfringens
, and
Bacteroides
spp., respectively. Of the 27 samples, 11 (41%), 7 (26%), 4 (15%), 3 (11%), and 1 (4%) were PCR positive for the
Campylobacter coli ceuE
gene, the
Legionella pneumophila mip
gene, the
Aeromonas hydrophila lip
gene, the
Salmonella invA
gene, and the
Campylobacter jejuni mapA
gene. Of the 21 samples tested, 4 (19%) were positive for the
Giardia lamblia
β-giardin gene. The binary logistic regression model indicated a positive correlation (
P
< 0.02) between the presence/absence of enterococci and
A. hydrophila
. In contrast, the presence/absence of the remaining potential pathogens did not correlate with traditional fecal indicators. The poor correlation between fecal indicators and potential pathogens suggested that fecal indicators may not be adequate to assess the microbiological quality of rainwater and consequent health risk.
Short-Term Response of Soil Bacteria to Carbon Enrichment in Different Soil Microsites
Authors: Monard C. , Binet F. , Vandenkoornhuyse P.
Published: July 2008

The response of bacteria in bulk soil and earthworm casts to carbon enrichment was studied by an RNA stable-isotope probing/terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism strategy with
13
C-labeled glucose and acetate. Both the soil microsite status and the carbon enrichment selected rapidly for different active bacterial communities, which resulted in different degradation kinetics. Our study clearly illustrates the biases that are generated by adding C substrates to detect metabolically active bacteria in soil.
Distinct Contributions of the Nisin Biosynthesis Enzymes NisB and NisC and Transporter NisT to Prenisin Production by
Lactococcus lactis
Authors: van den Berg van Saparoea H. Bart , Bakkes Patrick J. , Moll Gert N. , Driessen Arnold J. M.
Published: July 2008

Several
Lactococcus lactis
strains produce the lantibiotic nisin. The dedicated enzymes NisB and NisC and the transporter NisT modify and secrete the ribosomally synthesized nisin precursor peptide. NisB can function in the absence of the cyclase NisC, yielding the dehydrated prenisin that lacks the thioether rings. A kinetic analysis of nisin production by
L. lactis
NZ9700 demonstrated that the prenisin was released from the cell into the medium before the processing of the leader sequence occurred. Upon the deletion of
nisC
, the production of prenisin was reduced by 70%, while in the absence of
nisB
, the production of prenisin was nearly completely abolished. In cells lacking
nisT
, no secretion was observed, while the expression of
nisABC
in these cells resulted in considerable growth rate inhibition caused by the intracellular accumulation of active nisin. Overall, these data indicate that the efficiency of prenisin transport by NisT is markedly enhanced by NisB, suggesting a channeling mechanism of prenisin transfer between the nisin modification enzymes and the transporter.
Bacteriophage P22 and
Staphylococcus aureus
Attenuation on Nonporous Fomites as Determined by Plate Assay and Quantitative PCR
Authors: Masago Yoshifumi , Shibata Tomoyuki , Rose Joan B.
Published: July 2008

Decay rates of bacteriophage P22 and
Staphylococcus aureus
on six types of common household inanimate surfaces were evaluated based on cultivation and quantitative PCR. A much higher level of inactivation was observed using the plate assay, suggesting that detection of the pathogen genome in samples from fomites does not necessarily imply a health risk to humans.
Methylotrophy in Freshwater
Beggiatoa alba
Strains
Authors: Jewell Talia , Huston Sherry L. , Nelson Douglas C.
Published: July 2008

Two freshwater strains of the gammaproteobacterium
Beggiatoa alba
, B18LD and OH75-2a, are able to use methanol as a sole carbon and energy source under microoxic conditions. Genes encoding a methanol dehydrogenase large-subunit homolog and four enzymes of the tetrahydromethanopterin-dependent C
1
oxidation pathway were identified in B18LD. No evidence of methanotrophy was detected.
Molecular Characterization of the Bacterial Communities in the Different Compartments of a Full-Scale Reverse-Osmosis Water Purification Plant
Authors: Bereschenko L. A. , Heilig G. H. J. , Nederlof M. M. , van Loosdrecht M. C. M. , Stams A. J. M. , Euverink G. J. W.
Published: July 2008

The origin, structure, and composition of biofilms in various compartments of an industrial full-scale reverse-osmosis (RO) membrane water purification plant were analyzed by molecular biological methods. Samples were taken when the RO installation suffered from a substantial pressure drop and decreased production. The bacterial community of the RO membrane biofilm was clearly different from the bacterial community present at other locations in the RO plant, indicating the development of a specialized bacterial community on the RO membranes. The typical freshwater phylotypes in the RO membrane biofilm (i.e.,
Proteobacteria
,
Cytophaga-Flexibacter-Bacteroides
group, and
Firmicutes
) were also present in the water sample fed to the plant, suggesting a feed water origin. However, the relative abundances of the different species in the mature biofilm were different from those in the feed water, indicating that the biofilm was actively formed on the RO membrane sheets and was not the result of a concentration of bacteria present in the feed water. The majority of the microorganisms (59% of the total number of clones) in the biofilm were related to the class
Proteobacteria
, with a dominance of
Sphingomonas
spp. (27% of all clones). Members of the genus
Sphingomonas
seem to be responsible for the biofouling of the membranes in the RO installation.
Cryptosporidium
Genotypes and Subtypes in Lambs and Goat Kids in Spain
Authors: Quílez Joaquín , Torres Eucaris , Chalmers Rachel M. , Hadfield Stephen J. , del Cacho Emilio , Sánchez-Acedo Caridad
Published: July 2008

To provide information on the transmission dynamics of cryptosporidial infections in domestic small ruminants and the potential role of sheep and goats as a source for human cryptosporidiosis,
Cryptosporidium
-positive isolates from 137 diarrheic lambs and 17 goat kids younger than 21 days of age were examined by using genotyping and subtyping techniques. Fecal specimens were collected between 2004 and 2006 from 71 sheep and 7 goat farms distributed throughout Aragón (northeastern Spain).
Cryptosporidium parvum
was the only species identified by restriction analyses of PCR products from small-subunit rRNA genes from all 154 microscopy-positive isolates and the sequencing of a subset of 50 isolates. Sequence analyses of the glycoprotein (GP60) gene revealed extensive genetic diversity within the
C. parvum
strains in a limited geographical area, in which the isolates from lambs exhibited 11 subtypes in two subtype families (IId and IIa) and those from goat kids displayed four subtypes within the family IId. Most isolates (98%) belonged to the subtype family IId, whereas only three isolates belonged to the most widely distributed family, IIa. Three of the four most prevalent subtypes (IIdA17G1a, IIdA19G1, and IIdA18G1) were previously identified in humans, and five subtypes (IIdA14G1, IIdA15G1, IIdA24G1, IIdA25G1, and IIdA26G1) were novel subtypes. All IId subtypes were identical to each other in the nonrepeat region, except for subtypes IIdA17G1b and IIdA22G1, which differed by a single nucleotide polymorphism downstream of the trinucleotide repeats. These findings suggest that lambs and goat kids are an important reservoir of the zoonotic
C. parvum
subtype family IId for humans.
Feasibility of Assessing the Community Composition of Prasinophytes at the Helgoland Roads Sampling Site with a DNA Microarray
Authors: Gescher Christine , Metfies Katja , Frickenhaus Stephan , Knefelkamp Britta , Wiltshire Karen H. , Medlin Linda K.
Published: July 2008

The microalgal class Prasinophyceae (Chlorophyta) contains several picoeukaryotic species, which are known to be common in temperate and cold waters and have been observed to constitute major fractions of marine picoplankton. However, reliable detection and classification of prasinophytes are mainly hampered by their small size and few morphological markers. Consequently, very little is known about the abundance and ecology of the members of this class. In order to facilitate the assessment of the abundance of the Prasinophyceae, we have designed and evaluated an 18S rRNA gene-targeted oligonucleotide microarray consisting of 21 probes targeting different taxonomic levels of prasinophytes. The microarray contains both previously published probes from other hybridization methods and new probes, which were designed for novel prasinophyte groups. The evaluation of the probe set was done under stringent conditions with 18S PCR fragments from 20 unialgal reference cultures used as positive targets. This microarray has been applied to assess the community composition of prasinophytes at Helgoland, an island in the North Sea where time series data are collected and analyzed daily but only for the nano- and microplankton-size fractions. There is no identification of prasinophytes other than to record them numerically in the flagellate fraction. The samples were collected every 2 weeks between February 2004 and December 2006. The study here demonstrates the potential of DNA microarrays to be applied as a tool for quick general monitoring of this important picoplanktonic algal group.
Epidemiology, Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Diagnosis of Recurrent Bacterial Meningitis
Authors: Tebruegge Marc , Curtis Nigel
Published: July 2008

Recurrent bacterial meningitis is a rare phenomenon and generally poses a considerable diagnostic challenge to the clinician. Ultimately, a structured approach and early diagnosis of any underlying pathology are crucial to prevent further episodes and improve the overall outcome for the affected individual. In this article, we are reviewing the existing literature on this topic over the last two decades, encompassing 363 cases of recurrent bacterial meningitis described in 144 publications. Of these cases, 214 (59%) were related to anatomical problems, 132 (36%) were related to immunodeficiencies, and 17 (5%) were related to parameningeal infections. The review includes a detailed discussion of the underlying pathologies and microbiological aspects as well as recommendations for appropriate diagnostic pathways for investigating this unusual entity.
Evidence-Based Biosafety: a Review of the Principles and Effectiveness of Microbiological Containment Measures
Authors: Kimman Tjeerd G. , Smit Eric , Klein Michèl R.
Published: July 2008

We examined the available evidence on the effectiveness of measures aimed at protecting humans and the environment against the risks of working with genetically modified microorganisms (GMOs) and with non-GMO pathogenic microorganisms. A few principles and methods underlie the current biosafety practice: risk assessment, biological containment, concentration and enclosure, exposure minimization, physical containment, and hazard minimization. Many of the current practices are based on experience and expert judgment. The effectiveness of biosafety measures may be evaluated at the level of single containment equipment items and procedures, at the level of the laboratory as a whole, or at the clinical-epidemiological level. Data on the containment effectiveness of equipment and laboratories are scarce and fragmented. Laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) are therefore important for evaluating the effectiveness of biosafety. For the majority of LAIs there appears to be no direct cause, suggesting that failures of biosafety were not noticed or that containment may have been insufficient. The number of reported laboratory accidents associated with GMOs is substantially lower than that of those associated with non-GMOs. It is unknown to what extent specific measures contribute to the overall level of biosafety. We therefore recommend that the evidence base of biosafety practice be strengthened.
Epidemiologic, Experimental, and Clinical Links between Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection and Asthma
Authors: Mohapatra Shyam S. , Boyapalle Sandhya
Published: July 2008

Virtually all children experience respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection at least once during the first 2 years of life, but only a few develop bronchiolitis and more severe disease requiring hospitalization, usually in the first 6 months of life. Children who recover from RSV-induced bronchiolitis are at increased risk for the development of recurrent wheeze and asthma in later childhood. Recent studies suggest that there is an association between RSV-induced bronchiolitis and asthma within the first decade of life but that this association is not significant after age 13. Despite the considerable progress made in our understanding of several aspects of respiratory viral infections, further work needs to be done to clarify the molecular mechanisms of early interactions between virus and host cell and the role of host gene products in the infection process. This review provides a critical appraisal of the literature in epidemiology and experimental research which links RSV infection to asthma. Studies to date demonstrate that there is a significant association between RSV infection and childhood asthma and that preventing severe primary RSV infections can decrease the risk of childhood asthma.
Host-Pathogen Interactions inCampylobacterInfections: the Host Perspective
Authors: Janssen Riny , Krogfelt Karen A. , Cawthraw Shaun A. , van Pelt Wilfrid , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Owen Robert J.
Published: July 2008

Campylobacteris a major cause of acute bacterial diarrhea in humans worldwide. This study was aimed at summarizing the current understanding of host mechanisms involved in the defense againstCampylobacterby evaluating data available from three sources: (i) epidemiological observations, (ii) observations of patients, and (iii) experimental observations including observations of animal models and human volunteer studies. Analysis of available data clearly indicates that an effective immune system is crucial for the host defense againstCampylobacterinfection. Innate, cell-mediated, and humoral immune responses are induced duringCampylobacterinfection, but the relative importance of these mechanisms in conferring protective immunity against reinfection is unclear. Frequent exposure toCampylobacterdoes lead to the induction of short-term protection against disease but most probably not against colonization. Recent progress in the development of more suitable animal models for studyingCampylobacterinfection has opened up possibilities to study the importance of innate and adaptive immunity during infection and in protection against reinfection. In addition, advances in genomics and proteomics technologies will enable more detailed molecular studies. Such studies combined with better integration of host and pathogen research driven by epidemiological findings may truly advance our understanding ofCampylobacterinfection in humans.