bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter-and intra-individual variability in food intake of elderly people in Perugia (Italy)
Authors: Borrelli R. , Simonetti M. S. , Fidanza F.
Published: September 2005

It has been shown that each individual has a considerable day-to-day variation (intra-individual variation) in his or her level of food consumption. A large intra-individual variation has adverse effects on the reliability of research studies. The effect of the intra-individual variation can be minimized by taking food intake records over several days. An increase in the number of days entails higher costs, and this could limit the practicability of the study. In the recent literature on the methodology of dietary surveys, there is a growing interest in the estimation of the number of days required to conduct a reliable dietary survey. Recent developments in statistical theory allow the problem of large intra-individual variability to be overcome. These new statistical techniques require knowledge of the intra- and inter-individual variability and the appropriate adjustment of the statistical results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the number of days of recorded intake required to obtain an estimate of the components of variance (the inter-individual and the intra-individual variability) focusing on foods rather than nutrients.
Differences in energy metabolism between normal weight ‘large-eating’ and ‘small-eating’ women
Authors: Clark Dalas , Tomas Frank , Withers Robert T. , Brinkman M. , Chandler Colin , Phillips John , Ballard F. John , Berry Michael N. , Nestel Paul
Published: September 2005

Nine ‘large-eating’ (approximately 12 MJ/d) and nine ‘small-eating’ (approximately 5.3 MJ/d) women were selected from the population on the basis of diet and activity diaries. At rest and in the post-absorptive state the rate of oxygen consumption (Vo2)/kg fat-free mass (FFM) and rate of carbon dioxide production (Vco2)/kg FFM were 9–17% higher (P < 0.05) in the ‘large-eaters’ than in the ‘small-eaters’. As energy expenditure was increased by walking at 2.4, 3.9 and 5.4 km/h the differences between the two experimental groups for bothVo2/kg FFM andVco2/kg FFM were decreased to negligible values, but energy expended on a body-weight basis (MJ/kg per min) remained significantly higher (5–10%) in ‘large-eaters’. Oral temperature was also consistently higher (up to 0.5°) in this group both at rest and during sitting, standing and walking activities. Although the average thermic effect of a standardized liquid meal tended to be higher (27%; not significant) in the ‘small-eaters’, the other results demonstrate that the ‘large-eating’ females had a markedly higher rate of energy expenditure at rest and during light physical activities.
Valine oxidation: the synthesis and evaluation ofl-[3-3H]valine as a tracer in vivo
Authors: Beckett P. R. , Cadenhead A. , Fuller M. F.
Published: September 2005

The suitability of l-[3-3H]valine for measuring valine oxidation was studied by comparing its oxidation rate with that of l-[1-14C]valine in rats and pigs. l-[3-3H]valine was synthesized by removal of the tritium on carbon-2 of l-[2,3-3H]valine by acetylation. The acetyl group was removed enzymatically using pig renal acylase 1 (EC3.5.1.14) and the product was purified by ion-exchange and paper chromatography. For the first rat experiment l-[3-3H]valine was synthesized in our laboratory; for the subsequent experiments it was produced by Amersham International plc. In the first experiment in rats the two tracers were given by injection and14CO2was collected for 2 h. The oxidation of tritiated valine was significantly higher than that of l-[1-14C]valine. In a second experiment there was no difference. This was probably due to the higher purity of the labelled valine which, for the second experiment, was shown by nuclear magnetic resonance to contain only one tritium atom. In a study with pigs in which the two tracers were given by continuous infusion there was no significant difference between them in flux or oxidation. The results of this experiment were used to evaluate a model to estimate amino acid requirements. With pigs given a methionine-limiting diet a reduction in methionine intake, by reducing protein accretion, increased valine oxidation by the same proportion.
Bioavailability of magnesium and calcium from cow's milk and soya-bean beverage in rats
Authors: Brink Elizabeth J. , Dekker Pieter R. , Van Beresteijn Emerentia C. H. , Beynen Anton C.
Published: September 2005

The milk components lactose and casein enhance the apparent absorption of magnesium and possibly also of calcium, whereas phytate, which occurs in soya-bean products, has an inhibitory effect. This implies that soya-bean beveragev.cow's milk could lower bioavailability of Mg and Ca. This hypothesis was tested in two experiments with growing rats. Feeding soya-bean beveragev.cow's milk consistently lowered body-weight gain, enhanced bone turnover, as measured by increased plasma alkaline phosphatase (EC3.1.3.1) activity and increased urinary hydroxyproline excretion, and decreased Mg and Ca concentrations in the femur. Because the mineral compositions of the soya-bean beverage and the cow's milk were different, the intake of Mg was higher in rats fed on soya-bean beverage, whereas that of Ca was higher in rats fed on cow's milk. Supplementation of the soya-bean beverage either with phosphorus and Ca or with P, Ca and methionine, to concentrations identical to those in milk, restored growth and bone mineralization. When using diets carefully balanced for Mg, Ca, P, sodium, potassium and methionine, soya-bean beveragev.cow's milk in the diets decreased apparent absorption and urinary excretion of Mg and Ca. Hydrolysis of lactose in milk decreased absorption and urinary excretion of Mg; it did not significantly affect Ca absorption but lowered urinary Ca excretion. The present study shows that soya-bean beveragev.milk depresses Mg and Ca bioavailability, as would be predicted on the basis of reported effects of their purified components.
Effect of ileo-rectal anastomosis and post-valve T-caecum cannulation on growing pigs
Authors: KÖhler T. , Mosenthin R. , Verstegen M. W. A. , Huisman J. , Den Hartog L. A. , Ahrens F.
Published: September 2005

The effects of post-valve T-caecum (PVTC) cannulation and end-to-side ileo-rectal anastomosis (IRA) on growth performance, nitrogen retention and intestinal fermentation were measured in growing pigs by comparison with a control group of intact animals. There were no differences between PVTC-pigs and intact pigs in growth performance and N balance. In IRA-animals reduced growth (P < 0.01), less efficient feed conversion (P < 0.01) and decreased N retention (P < 0.001) were found. Indices of fermentation measured in deal digesta of PVTC- and IRA-pigs were considerably different. In IRA-animals the concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was about 112–162 mmol/l, higher (P < 0.001) than in digesta of PVTC-pigs (20–31 mmol/l). The molar proportions of acetate and propionate depended (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 respectively) on the digesta-collection technique. Concentrations and ratios of VFA measured in PVTC-pigs were similar to reported values. Diaminopimelic acid (DAPA) concentration and N:DAPA ratios measured in digesta were significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively) different between treatments. All digesta variables measured showed increased microbial activity in digesta of IRA-pigs; thus, an influence on digestibility measurement can be assumed.
The effect of environmental temperature and humidity on 24 h energy expenditure in men
Authors: Valencia M. E. , McNeill G. , Brockway J. M. , Smith J. S.
Published: September 2005

The effects of environmental temperature and humidity and their interaction on 24 h energy expenditure were measured using whole-body indirect calorimetry in eight normal-weight young men who wore standardized light clothing and followed a controlled activity regimen. A randomized-block experimental design was used, with temperature effects assessed by measurements at 20, 23, 26 and 30°, while humidity was altered from ambient (50–65% relative humidity) to high (80–93% relative humidity) at 20 and 30° only. There was no significant effect of humidity on 24 h energy expenditure at the two extreme temperatures in this range, though when periods of sleep and exercise were excluded the energy expenditure at high humidity was significantly higher than that at ambient humidity (P < 0.02). The effect of temperature at ambient humidity levels showed lower values at 23 and 26° than at 20 and 30° (P < 0.02). The effect of temperature was not equally apparent in all components of the 24 h energy expenditure, as sleeping metabolic rate and the energy cost of walking and cycling showed no significant effect of temperature over this range. This raises the possibility that the effects of temperature are attributable to behavioural changes during the waking portion of the day rather than any non-shivering thermogenic mechanisms at tissue level.
Impairment of cysteine synthesis from methionine in rats exposed to surgical stress
Authors: Viña José , Gimenez Angel , Puertes Inmaculada R. , Gasco Esperanza , Viña Juan R.
Published: September 2005

The activity of liver cystathionase (EC4.4.1.1) was decreased after 3 d of stress induced by surgery. The rate of l-cysteine synthesis from l-methionine was significantly higher in isolated hepatocytes from controls than in hepatocytes from rats suffering from surgical stress. The half-life of l-[2(n)-3H]methionine was significantly higher in rats submitted to surgical stress than in controls. Plasma l-methionine: l-cystine ratio was higher in stressed rats than in controls. l-cystine uptake was significantly increased in the surgically-stressed rats when compared with the controls. All these facts are consistent with the hypothesis that the observed inhibition of cystathionase is physiologically important and thatl-cysteine might be considered as an essential amino acid in cases of surgical stress.
The cholesterol-raising effect of coffee in the Syrian hamster
Authors: Sanders T. A. B. , Sandaradura Sanoja
Published: September 2005

Adult male Syrian hamsters were fed on a high-fat diet with or without access to boiled coffee. Plasma total, low-density-lipoprotein- and high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were increased by the coffee and very-low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations were lowered. It is concluded that the Syrian hamster is a suitable animal model in which to study the hypercholesterolaemic effect of coffee
Lipid composition and fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane in copper-deficient rats
Authors: Abu-Salah K. M. , Alothman A. A. , Lei K. Y.
Published: September 2005

The influence of dietary copper on lipid composition, phospholipid-fatty acid and protein profiles and fluidity of the erythrocyte membranes of rats is reported. In general Cu deficiency in rats induced some changes in the phospholipid-fatty acid profile of erythrocyte membranes when compared with Cu-adequate animals. Stearic (18:0) and docosadienoic (22:2n-3) acids contents, for example, were significantly increased (P< 0.001) while oleic (18:1n-9) and linolenic (18:3n-3) acid contents were significantly depressed (P< 0.001) as a result of Cu deficiency. Moreover the cholesterol:phospholipids molar ratio and the cholesterol (mol):membrane proteins (mg) ratio in Cu-deficient rats were, to different degrees, significantly lower than in animals fed on Cu-adequate diets. In addition, diets deficient in Cu led to a reduction in erythrocyte membrane fluidity (P< 0.001) as assessed by the intramolecular excimer fluorescence of 1,3-di(1-pyrenyI) propane. However, no significant alteration in the phospholipid:protein ratio was observed as a result of differences in dietary treatment. The pattern of erythrocyte membrane proteins obtained with sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electro-phoresis did not seem to be influenced by Cu-deficient diets.
Glycaemic index of conventional carbohydrate meals
Authors: Mani U. V. , Pradhan S. N. , Mehta N. C. , Thakur D. M. , Iyer U. , Mani I.
Published: September 2005

The glycaemic index (GI) and the triacylglycerol response were measured in thirty non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients given 50 g portions of five different conventional Indian meals containing semolina (Triticum aestivum) cooked by two different methods, or combinations of semolina and pulse (black gram dhal (Phaseolus mungo), green gram dhal (Phaseolus aureus) or Bengal gram dhal (Cicer arietum)). There were no significant differences among meals in mean GI except for meals based on roasted semolina or semolina-black gram dhal. Compared with the blood glucose response for a 50 g glucose load, only meals based on steam-cooked semolina and semolina-Bengal gram dhal elicited a significantly lower response at 1 h postprandially, and only meals based on semolina-black gram dhal at 2 h postprandially. No significant differences were found among the meals in the triacylglycerol response
Nutritional evaluation of the trypsin (EC3.4.21.4) inhibitor from cowpea (Vigna unguiculataWalp.)
Authors: Pusztal A. , Grant G. , Brown D. J. , Stewart J. C. , Bardocz S. , Ewen S. W. B. , Gatehouse A. M. R. , Hilder V.
Published: September 2005

The effect of feeding rats purified cowpea (Vigna unguiculataWalp.) trypsin (EC3.4.21.4) inhibitor in a semi-synthetic high-quality diet based on lactalbumin (10 g inhibitor/kg) for 10 d was a moderate reduction in the weight gain of rats in comparison with controls, despite an identical food intake in the two groups. The reduction in the growth rate was about 20% on a live weight basis. However, the corresponding value calculated from the weight of dry carcasses was less, only about 7%, probably because the water content of the body of the two groups of rats was different. Although most of the cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI) was rapidly broken down in the digestive tract, its inclusion in the diet led to a slight, though significant, increase in the nitrogen content of faeces but not of urine. Accordingly, the net protein utilization of rats fed on inhibitor-containing diets was also slightly depressed while their energy expenditure was elevated. In agreement with results obtained for the protease inhibitors of soya bean, the slight anti-nutritional effects of CpTI were probably due mainly to the stimulation of the growth and metabolism of the pancreas. Thus, the nutritional penalty for increased insect-resistance after the transfer of the cowpea trypsin inhibitor gene into food plants is slight in the short-term.
Dietary supplement consumption among urban adults influenced by psychosocial stress: its pronounced influence upon persons with a less healthy lifestyle
Authors: Shi Hui-Jing , Nakamura Keiko , Shimbo Mari , Takano Takehito
Published: September 2005

In order to examine the consumption of dietary supplements among urban adults and the impact of psychological stress on supplement use in relation to lifestyle, 375 interviews of a population-based sample of urban Japanese in 2002 were analysed. The usage of various supplements, stress process (daily stressors, psychological moderators, stress outcomes), personal health practices (smoking, alcohol drinking, physical exercise, fruit and vegetable juice consumption, health-conscious eating habits) and other background factors were measured. We examined the impacts of stress on the use of vitamin tablets and capsules, vitamin-enriched health drinks and health drinks for intestinal adjustment. The percentages of these three categories of supplement user were 26·9, 18·7 and 35·7 %, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, subjects with ‘two or more’ daily stressors out of the eight stressors investigated consistently showed 2-fold higher levels of consumption of either vitamin tablets and capsules or vitamin-enriched drinks compared with their counterparts with ‘one or less’ daily stressors. Stress-outcome indicators also related, to a greater or less extent, to the elevated consumption of various supplements. Further lifestyle-stratified analyses revealed that the stress–supplementation relationships were weaker in subjects fulfilling more than three of the five investigated health practices (i.e. the healthy lifestyle group), but stronger in subjects with fewer than two healthy practices (i.e. the less healthy lifestyle group). In conclusion, dietary supplement consumption is independently associated with stress in urban adults. The uncontrolled use of supplements for the self-medication of stress or to compensate for unhealthy behaviour represents a health concern for the general population.
Mechanisms of cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary insoluble fibres: relationships with intestinal and hepatic cholesterol parameters
Authors: van Bennekum Ariëtte M. , Nguyen David V. , Schulthess Georg , Hauser Helmut , Phillips Michael C.
Published: September 2005

Fibres with a range of abilities to perturb cholesterol homeostasis were used to investigate how the serum cholesterol-lowering effects of insoluble dietary fibres are related to parameters of intestinal cholesterol absorption and hepatic cholesterol homeostasis in mice. Cholestyramine, chitosan and cellulose were used as examples of fibres with high, intermediate and low bile acid-binding capacities, respectively. The serum cholesterol levels in a control group of mice fed a high fat/high cholesterol (HFHC) diet for 3 weeks increased about 2-fold to 4·3 mm and inclusion of any of these fibres at 7·5 % of the diet prevented this increase from occurring. In addition, the amount of cholesterol accumulated in hepatic stores due to the HFHC diet was reduced by treatment with these fibres. The three kinds of fibres showed similar hypocholesterolaemic activity; however, cholesterol depletion of liver tissue was greatest with cholestyramine. The mechanisms underlying the cholesterol-lowering effect of cholestyramine were (1) decreased cholesterol (food) intake, (2) decreased cholesterol absorption efficiency, and (3) increased faecal bile acid and cholesterol excretion. The latter effects can be attributed to the high bile acid-binding capacity of cholestyramine. In contrast, incorporation of chitosan or cellulose in the diet reduced cholesterol (food) intake, but did not affect either intestinal cholesterol absorption or faecal sterol output. The present study provides strong evidence that above all satiation and satiety effects underlie the cholesterol-lowering properties of insoluble dietary fibres with moderate or low bile acid-binding capabilities.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 and binding protein-3 in a 2-year soya intervention among premenopausal women
Authors: Maskarinec Gertraud , Takata Yumie , Murphy Suzanne P. , Franke Adrian A. , Kaaks Rudolph
Published: September 2005

Soya foods may protect against the development of breast cancer. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 is under investigation as a possible link between nutrition and cancer. We examined the effect of soya foods on circulating IGF-1 and IGF binding protein (BP)-3 levels among 196 healthy premenopausal women in a 2-year randomised nutritional trial. The intervention group consumed two daily servings of soya foods including tofu, soya milk, soya nuts and soya protein powder (equivalent to 50 mg isoflavones and 5–22 g soya protein per serving); the controls maintained their regular diet. Five serum samples at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were collected in the morning during the luteal phase and analysed for IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 by double-antibody ELISA. We applied mixed models to investigate the intervention effect and predictors of serum levels while considering the repeated measurement design. Adherence with the study regimen was high and dropout rates were acceptable. Randomisation resulted in similar mean IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels by group. We did not observe a significant intervention effect on IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and their molar ratio during the entire study period. However, urinary isoflavone excretion during the study period was positively associated with IGF-1 (P=0·04) and the IGF-1:IGFBP-3 ratio (P=0·06). The effect was consistent over time. Adding soya foods to the diet of premenopausal women does not appear to lower serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3; if anything, the greater protein intake from soya may lead to a small increase in IGF-1 serum levels.
Young Entrepreneurs, Social Capital and Doi Moi in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Turner Sarah , An Nguyen Phuong
Published: September 2005

Young entrepreneurs establishing enterprises in Hanoi, Vietnam, are faced with an economic environment very different from that of their parents' generation, as doi moi (renovation) introduced in 1986 creates an increasingly capitalist market economy. Drawing on field studies in Hanoi we consider whether such entrepreneurs are able to take advantage of social capital networks-namely, bonding, bridging or linking, or indeed if they are disadvantaged by them in the establishment and operations of their enterprises. Our findings show that whilst bonding capital is an essential tool for 'getting by', albeit with negative consequences at times, bridging and linking social capital are not nearly as well formed.
A Dynamic Analysis of Mortgage Arrears in the UK Housing Market
Authors: Figueira Catarina , Glen John , Nellis Joseph
Published: September 2005

The UK economy has enjoyed an unprecedented period of positive economic growth since the early 1990s. The absence of recession for more than a decade has been accompanied by a sustained decline in the level of mortgage arrears, as reported by major lenders. This paper seeks to examine the factors which have driven the reduction in mortgage arrears and, in doing so, identify those factors which are most likely to cause arrears to increase in the future, should economic conditions deteriorate. The paper employs the Johansen methodology to test for the presence of multiple cointegrating vectors. An error correction model is estimated in order to examine long-run and short-run dynamics in mortgage arrears. In line with previous research concerning the causes of mortgage arrears, the results presented here emphasise the importance of changes in the rate of unemployment, loan-income and debt-service ratios. More importantly, our results highlight the statistical significance of unwithdrawn housing equity as an explanatory variable with respect to mortgage arrears.
Telecommunications and the Internet in Shanghai: Political and Economic Factors Shaping the Network in a Chinese City
Authors: Harwit Eric
Published: September 2005

This paper examines the ways in which the Shanghai municipal and Chinese central political leaders have shaped the development of telecommunications and Internet growth in China's most populous city over the past two decades. It assesses the ways the local and national authorities have co-ordinated funding from municipally backed corporations, state-owned enterprises and foreign investors, and their efforts to build rapidly major telecommunications and data networks. It concludes that the municipal and national leaders have effectively employed policies to give the city a powerful base of telecommunications skill and infrastructure. However, future growth of the sector is likely to depend on a smaller government role and greater participation by foreign corporations and private Chinese enterprises.
The Effects of Ad Libitum Feeding and Marked Dietary Restriction on Spontaneous Skeletal Muscle Pathology in Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Molon-Noblot Sylvain , Hubert Marie-Françoise , Hoe Chao-Min , Keenan Kevin , Laroque Philippe
Published: September 2005

The effects of ad libitum (AL) feeding and marked dietary restriction (DR) on spontaneous age-related skeletal muscle changes in male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were evaluated at 1 and 2 years. SD rats were fed Certified UAR A04C Rodent Chow ad libitum (AL), or DR at 50% of AL for (106 weeks). Body weights and organ weights were measured at the 1-year interim and 2-year final necropsies. In addition to the routine histopathologic examination, determination of 5 stereologic parameters was done in the vastus lateralis muscle after histochemistry of ATPase activity at 1 and 2 years. Body and skeletal muscle weights were proportional to the food intake. In AL-fed rats, muscle weights decreased between 1 and 2 years, in correlation with decreased type 2 myofiber numbers. In this group, fibrovascular index markedly increased with aging and muscle degeneration occurred at 2 years. In DR rats, there were no significant changes in muscle weights between 1 and 2 years. No histopathological changes were observed and the fibrovascular index was unchanged. These results demonstrated a protective effect of DR on the age-related skeletal muscle pathology in SD rats.
Prediction of Nephrotoxicant Action and Identification of Candidate Toxicity-Related Biomarkers
Authors: Thukral Sushil K. , Nordone Paul J. , Hu Rong , Sullivan Leah , Galambos Eric , Fitzpatrick Vincent D. , Healy Laura , Bass Michael B. , Cosenza Mary E. , Afshari Cynthia A.
Published: September 2005

A vast majority of pharmacological compounds and their metabolites are excreted via the urine, and within the complex structure of the kidney, the proximal tubules are a main target site of nephrotoxic compounds. We used the model nephrotoxicants mercuric chloride, 2-bromoethylamine hydrobromide, hexachlorobutadiene, mitomycin, amphotericin, and puromycin to elucidate time- and dose-dependent global gene expression changes associated with proximal tubular toxicity. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were dosed via intraperitoneal injection once daily for mercuric chloride and amphotericin (up to 7 doses), while a single dose was given for all other compounds. Animals were exposed to 2 different doses of these compounds and kidney tissues were collected on day 1, 3, and 7 postdosing. Gene expression profiles were generated from kidney RNA using 17K rat cDNA dual dye microarray and analyzed in conjunction with histopathology. Analysis of gene expression profiles showed that the profiles clustered based on similarities in the severity and type of pathology of individual animals. Further, the expression changes were indicative of tubular toxicity showing hallmarks of tubular degeneration/regeneration and necrosis. Use of gene expression data in predicting the type of nephrotoxicity was then tested with a support vector machine (SVM)-based approach. A SVM prediction module was trained using 120 profiles of total profiles divided into four classes based on the severity of pathology and clustering. Although mitomycin C and amphotericin B treatments did not cause toxicity, their expression profiles were included in the SVM prediction module to increase the sample size. Using this classifier, the SVM predicted the type of pathology of 28 test profiles with 100% selectivity and 82% sensitivity. These data indicate that valid predictions could be made based on gene expression changes from a small set of expression profiles. A set of potential biomarkers showing a time- and dose-response with respect to the progression of proximal tubular toxicity were identified. These include several transporters ( Slc21a2, Slc15, Slc34a2), Kim 1, IGFbp-1, osteopontin, α -fibrinogen, and Gstα.
Weak Inhibitors Protect Cholinesterases from Stronger Inhibitors (Dichlorvos): In Vitro Effect of Tiapride
Authors: Petroianu G. A. , Schmitt A. , Arafat K. , Hasan M. Y.
Published: September 2005

Metoclopramide is a benzamide dopamine receptor antagonist and serotonine receptor agonist widely used as an antiemetic and gastric prokinetic drug. In addition, metoclopramide is a weak and reversible inhibitor of cholinesterases. The authors have previously shown that metoclopramide has a cholinesterase protective effect against inhibition by organophosphates (OPs). The putative mode of protective action of metoclopramide is, when administered in excess, competion for the active site of the enzyme with the more potent OP. In the present paper the authors present their results using another benzamide with weak cholinesterase inhibitory properties, tiapride (TIA). The purpose of the study was to quantify in vitro the extent of TIA-conferred protection, using dichlorvos (dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate; DDVP) as an inhibitor. DDVP is a moderately toxic (LD50 in rats in the milligram range), non-neuropathic OP. The substance is responsible for a large number of accidental or suicidal exposures. Red blood cell (RBC) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in whole blood and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities in human plasma were measured photometrically in the presence of different DDVP and TIA concentrations and IC50 was calculated. Determinations were repeated in the presence of increasing TIA concentrations. The IC50 of DDVP increases with the TIA concentration in a linear manner. The protective effect of TIA on cholinesterase could be of practical relevance in the treatment of OP poisoning. The authors conclude that in vivo testing of TIA as an OP protective agent is warranted.
Direct Dosing of Preweaning Rodents in Toxicity Testing and Research: Deliberations of an ILSI RSI Expert Working Group
Authors: Moser Virginia C. , Walls Isabel , Zoetis Tracey
Published: September 2005

Laboratory animal studies designed to assess the effects of exposure of a test substance during postnatal development are commonly utilized in basic research and to evaluate potential hazard to children for chemical and pharmaceutical regulation. Direct dosing, defined here as the administration of a test substance directly to a preweaning mammal, has been identified as a useful tool that can be used in the conduct of such studies for regulatory purposes. The International Life Sciences Institute Risk Science Institute (ILSI RSI) convened an Expert Working Group to develop guidance on the design and implementation of direct dosing regulatory studies on preweaning mammals, which was published as an ILSI monograph in 2003 (Zoetis and Walls, Principles and Practices for Direct Dosing of Pre-Weaning Mammals in Toxicity Testing and Research, Washington, DC: ILSI Press, 2003). A summary of the Working Group conclusions regarding direct dosing studies with laboratory rodents are presented here, although the ILSI monograph also includes rabbits, canines, swine and nonhuman primates. Issues to be considered when designing the protocol include selection of the test species, the route of administration, dose levels, and the timing of dosing. Knowledge of the maturational status of the test species and information on critical windows of development are important in creating a valid study design. Most common routes of administration (e.g., oral, inhalation, injection) are possible with typical laboratory species; however, adjustments may be necessary due to practical considerations. Information on the pharmacokinetic profile in young animals versus adults and in the test species versus humans is very useful for determining dosing parameters. The conduct of the study and the interpretation of the data will be improved by an understanding of confounding factors as well as statistical and biological issues specific for postnatal studies. Ultimately, the success of the study will depend upon careful preparation, including thorough training of the technical staff.
Modeling the effects of tidal resuspension and deposition on early diagenesis of contaminants
Authors: Chang Miao-Li , Sanford Lawrence P.
Published: September 2005

In order to better understand the effects of tidal resuspension on contaminant cycling in coastal waters, coupled physical and biogeochemical 1-D time and depth dependent numerical models were developed. The physical model calculates sediment resuspension and deposition in response to imposed tidal current forcing and passes time series of erosion rate, deposition rate, suspended sediment load, and shear velocity to the biogeochemical water quality model. The water quality model simulates interactions between a water column, a resuspendable floc layer, and the underlying sediments through multiple resuspension and deposition cycles induced by regular tides. It includes advection and diffusion of both particulate and dissolved contaminant phases, organic carbon biodegradation, and linear-reversible contaminant sorption. Pyrene and particulate organic carbon cycling were simulated simultaneously for this study. The model was used to explore the responses of relatively clean sediments to contaminated input loadings under different levels of hydrodynamic forcing. Model results confirm influences of resuspension found in previous field and model studies, and show some unexpected effects on porewater fluxes. The results indicate that tidal resuspension 1) accelerates organic carbon degradation rate in the water column; 2) affects porewater fluxes by increasing mass transport, but decreasing the concentration difference between the water column and sediments, with unexpected results; 3) decreases accumulation (burial fluxes) in the sediments; 4) prolongs particle residence time in the water column and allows greater diagenesis and sorption/desorption to take place. Sensitivity analyses using a Monte Carlo simulation technique indicate that sediment porosity is the most critical parameter for the model, indicating further development and testing. Enhancing the prognostic skill of the model will require comparison to specific data sets from laboratory experiments and field measurements, but it is clear that resuspension may influence the sites and rates of organic matter mineralization in shallow environments and therefore affect distributions of particulate organic carbon and organic contaminants.
Sediment fatty acids associated with seafloor methane seepage in the Nankai and Sagami Troughs, off central Japan
Authors: Kanekiyo Atsuko , Takasugi Hidemi , Ogawa Mari , Naganuma Takeshi
Published: September 2005

Microbial abundance and composition represented by sediment fatty acids serve as the biomarkers for seafloor methane seeps even at ‘juvenile’ stages, while macroscopic animals serve as a visible marker for some ‘aged’ seeps. Sediment samples were collected using remotely operated vehicles from the bathyal to abyssal seafloors of Nankai Trough and Sagami Trough. A piston core sample from the West Philippine Basin seafloor was used as a non-seep reference. Sediment fatty acids were extracted as either total fatty acids or phospholipid fatty acids. Phosopholipid fatty acids represent the abundance and composition of ‘living’ microflorae. Compositions of total fatty acids and phospholipid fatty acids were cluster-analyzed to construct dendrograms. As a general result, high presence of fatty acid markers for sulfate-reducing bacteria and methane-oxidizing bacteria was associated with known methane seepage. The fatty acid profiles of a tested (suspected) seep site were closely similar to those of known seeps, which strongly suggests that the tested site is an incipient seep yet-to-be colonized. As methane acts as a greenhouse gas or a biospheric poison, it should be important to probe, i.e., detect and localize, seafloor methane seeps associated with sub-seafloor gas hydrates.
Evaluating the effectiveness of counselling in primary care: Taking a fresh look
Authors: Reid Marylou
Published: September 2005

One criticism voiced by counsellors and psychotherapists is that research does not reflect either the culture or values of therapy. Researchers, on the other hand, accuse practitioners of not attending to their findings, and the implication is made that the latter engage in treatment processes that are ill‐informed. These polarised understandings give rise to the situation where the client — and his or her development — fall into the practice‐research gap. In more recent studies of counselling in primary care, an attempt has been made to offer new perspectives for interpreting and understanding findings, and the relative value — and limitations — of different research questions and methods. They provide just a few examples of how practitioner‐researchers in the future may ask more precise questions, yet reflect on their findings from a broader set of viewpoints.
Moments of empowerment: A qualitative analysis of positively experienced episodes in brief person‐centred counselling
Authors: Timulák Ladislav , Lietaer Germain
Published: September 2005

38 positively experienced episodes in brief person‐centred counselling with six clients were analysed. The Interpersonal Process Recall (IPR) method was used as the prime research tool. Clients were asked to identify positively experienced moments in the counselling session during a post‐session review interview. Clients and counsellors were invited to report on the feelings, perceptions and intentions they recalled experiencing during these moments. Three analyses were used to categorise the meaning and feeling quality of these moments, and a taxonomy of types of positively experienced episodes was also created. The most frequently reported positive client experiences were associated with empowerment, safety and insight. Other significant themes emerging from the analysis included: freedom in the relationship, shortcomings of the relationship, assurance of the relationship, unfolding of the client's personal meaning, and the importance of the counsellor's presence. Taxonomy of episodes revealed nine categories: four of them focused on the strengthening of the therapeutic relationship, and five focused on the empowerment of the client's self. These findings are discussed, and implications for theory and practice explored.
Pml39, a Novel Protein of the Nuclear Periphery Required for Nuclear Retention of Improper Messenger Ribonucleoparticles
Authors: Palancade Benoît , Zuccolo Michela , Loeillet Sophie , Nicolas Alain , Doye Valérie
Published: September 2005

Using a genetic screen, we have identified a previously uncharacterized Saccharomyces cerevisiae open reading frame (renamed PML39) that displays a specific interaction with nucleoporins of the Nup84 complex. Localization of a Pml39-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion and two-hybrid studies revealed that Pml39 is mainly docked to a subset of nuclear pore complexes opposite to the nucleolus through interactions with Mlp1 and Mlp2. The absence of Pml39 leads to a specific leakage of unspliced mRNAs that is not enhanced upon MLP1 deletion. In addition, overexpression of PML39-GFP induces a specific trapping of mRNAs transcribed from an intron-containing reporter and of the heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoprotein Nab2 within discrete nuclear domains. In a nup60Δ mutant, Pml39 is mislocalized together with Mlp1 and Mlp2 in intranuclear foci that also recruit Nab2. Moreover, pml39Δ partially rescues the thermosensitive phenotypes of messenger ribonucleoparticles (mRNPs) assembly mutants, indicating that PML39 deletion also bypasses the requirement for normally assembled mRNPs. Together, these data indicate that Pml39 is an upstream effector of the Mlps, involved in the retention of improper mRNPs in the nucleus before their export.
Functions of Adaptor Protein (AP)-3 and AP-1 in Tyrosinase Sorting from Endosomes to Melanosomes
Authors: Theos Alexander C. , Tenza Danièle , Martina José A. , Hurbain Ilse , Peden Andrew A. , Sviderskaya Elena V. , Stewart Abigail , Robinson Margaret S. , Bennett Dorothy C. , Cutler Daniel F. , Bonifacino Juan S. , Marks Michael S. , Raposo Graça
Published: September 2005

Specialized cells exploit adaptor protein complexes for unique post-Golgi sorting events, providing a unique model system to specify adaptor function. Here, we show that AP-3 and AP-1 function independently in sorting of the melanocyte-specific protein tyrosinase from endosomes to the melanosome, a specialized lysosome-related organelle distinguishable from lysosomes. AP-3 and AP-1 localize in melanocytes primarily to clathrin-coated buds on tubular early endosomes near melanosomes. Both adaptors recognize the tyrosinase dileucine-based melanosome sorting signal, and tyrosinase largely colocalizes with each adaptor on endosomes. In AP-3-deficient melanocytes, tyrosinase accumulates inappropriately in vacuolar and multivesicular endosomes. Nevertheless, a substantial fraction still accumulates on melanosomes, concomitant with increased association with endosomal AP-1. Our data indicate that AP-3 and AP-1 function in partially redundant pathways to transfer tyrosinase from distinct endosomal subdomains to melanosomes and that the AP-3 pathway ensures that tyrosinase averts entrapment on internal membranes of forming multivesicular bodies.
Reclassification of Bacillus haloalkaliphilus Fritze 1996 as Alkalibacillus haloalkaliphilus gen. nov., comb. nov. and the description of Alkalibacillus salilacus sp. nov., a novel halophilic bacterium isolated from a salt lake in China
Authors: Jeon Che Ok , Lim Jee-Min , Lee Jung-Min , Xu Li-Hua , Jiang Cheng-Lin , Kim Chang-Jin
Published: September 2005

A spore-forming, halophilic bacterium, designated strain BH163T, was isolated from a salt lake in China. Cells were motile, strictly aerobic rods that contained type A1γ peptidoglycan with meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The isolate showed Gram- and catalase-positive reactions and formed a terminal endospore with a swollen sporangium. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content of the strain was 41·0 mol%. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BH163T formed a distinct line within the phyletic group classically defined as the genus Bacillus and was most closely related to the taxa [Bacillus] haloalkaliphilus DSM 5271T and Filobacillus milosensis DSM 13259T, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95·9 and 94·5 %, respectively. On the basis of physiological and molecular properties, it is proposed that [Bacillus] haloalkaliphilus DSM 5271T is reclassified in the new genus Alkalibacillus as Alkalibacillus haloalkaliphilus gen. nov., comb. nov. Strain BH163T (=KCTC 3916T=DSM 16460T) was assigned as the type strain of the novel species Alkalibacillus salilacus.
Loktanella agnita sp. nov. and Loktanella rosea sp. nov., from the north-west Pacific Ocean
Authors: Ivanova Elena P. , Zhukova Natalia V. , Lysenko Anatoly M. , Gorshkova Nataliya M. , Sergeev Alexander F. , Mikhailov Valery V. , Bowman John P.
Published: September 2005

One whitish and four pinkish strains of Gram-negative, non-motile, aerobic bacteria were isolated from sea-water and sediment samples collected in Chazhma Bay (Sea of Japan, Pacific Ocean). Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that these strains belonged to the ‘Alphaproteobacteria’, having highest sequence similarity of about 94–97 % with species of the genus Loktanella. None of the strains degraded gelatin, casein, chitin, agar, DNA or starch and they had limited ability to utilize carbon sources. The four pinkish strains, Fg36T, Fg1, Fg116 and Fg117, degraded Tween 80. Sea-water strain R10SW5T grew at 3–6 % NaCl and a temperature range of 8–35 °C, whilst strains Fg36T, Fg1, Fg116 and Fg117 grew at NaCl concentrations of 1–12 % and a temperature range of 4–35 °C. Phosphatidylglycerol (58/79 %), diphosphatidylglycerol (11/6 %) and phosphatidylcholine (28/22 %) were the major phospholipids. The predominant fatty acids were 16 : 0 (12·2/8·6 %) and 18 : 1ω7 (76·6/68·4 %). The DNA G+C content of strain R10SW5T was 59·1 mol% and those of the four pinkish strains ranged from 60·5 to 61·8 mol%. Based on the results of phenotypic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic investigation, two novel species, Loktanella agnita sp. nov. and Loktanella rosea sp. nov., are proposed. The type strains are R10SW5T (=KMM 3788T=CIP 107883T) and Fg36T (=KMM 6003T=CIP 107851T=LMG 22534T), respectively.
Clostridium carboxidivorans sp. nov., a solvent-producing clostridium isolated from an agricultural settling lagoon, and reclassification of the acetogen Clostridium scatologenes strain SL1 as Clostridium drakei sp. nov.
Authors: Liou Jack S.-C. , Balkwill David L. , Drake Gwendolyn R. , Tanner Ralph S.
Published: September 2005

A novel solvent-producing, anaerobic clostridium, strain P7T, was isolated from sediment from an agricultural settling lagoon after enrichment with CO as the substrate. The metabolism of this Gram-positive, motile, spore-forming rod was primarily acetogenic. Acetate, ethanol, butyrate and butanol were the end-products of metabolism. Strain P7Tgrew on CO, H2/CO2, glucose, galactose, fructose, xylose, mannose, cellobiose, trehalose, cellulose, starch, pectin, citrate, glycerol, ethanol, propanol, 2-propanol, butanol, glutamate, aspartate, alanine, histidine, asparagine, serine, betaine, choline and syringate as sole substrates. Growth was not supported by methanol, formate,d-arabinose, fucose, lactose, melibiose, amygdalin, gluconate, lactate, malate, arginine, glutamine or vanillate. Nitrate reduction, production of indole, gelatin hydrolysis and aesculin hydrolysis were not observed. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate showed that it was closely related toClostridium scatologenesATCC 25775T(99·7 % sequence similarity) and clostridial strain SL1T(99·8 % sequence similarity). Strain SL1 had been classified as a strain ofC. scatologenes. However, DNA–DNA reassociation analysis showed that both strain P7Tand strain SL1 represented novel clostridial species. It is proposed that strain P7T(=ATCC BAA-624T=DSM 15243T) be classified as the type strain ofClostridium carboxidivoranssp. nov. and that strain SL1T(=ATCC BAA-623T=DSM 12750T) be reclassified as the type strain ofClostridium drakeisp. nov.
Lactobacillus concavus sp. nov., isolated from the walls of a distilled spirit fermenting cellar in China
Authors: Tong Huichun , Dong Xiuzhu
Published: September 2005

Two novelLactobacillusstrains, C-5-1Tand HB5, were isolated from the walls of a distilled spirit fermenting cellar in Hebei province, China. The strains were Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, non-motile curved rods and were facultatively anaerobic. They produced 5 % (−)-d/95 % (+)-llactic acid exclusively from glucose fermentation, but were catalase-negative. Both strains fermentedN-acetylglucosamine, arbutin, salicin, cellobiose, maltose, trehalose andβ-gentiobiose. The mean DNA G+C content of the two strains was 46·9±0·8 mol% (46·4 mol% for the type strain, C-5-1T). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity showed that strain C-5-1Twas clustered in theLactobacillus casei/Pediococcusphylogenetic group and was closely related toPediococcus dextrinicusJCM 5887T(97·9 % similarity), followed byLactobacillus algidusJCM 10491T(93·9 % similarity). The DNA–DNA relatedness between the type strain C-5-1TandP. dextrinicusJCM 5887TandL. algidusJCM 10491Twas only 5·4 and 4·3 %, respectively. Therefore, based on phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic analyses, a novelLactobacillusspecies,Lactobacillus concavussp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is C-5-1T(=AS 1.5017T=LMG 22739T).