bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depletion of Δ9 desaturase (EC1.14.99.5) enzyme activity in growing rat during dietary protein restriction
Authors: Narce Michel , Poisson Jean-Pierre , Belleville Jacques , Chanussot Bernard
Published: September 2005

The effects of protein restriction on Δ9 desaturase (EC1.14.99.5) activity were studied in growing rats. A control group was fed on a balanced diet (200 g casein/kg; BD) for 28 d. The experimental group was fed on the low-protein diet (20 g casein/kg; LP) for 26 d, then refed the balanced diet (BD-R) for 2 d. Rats were born to and suckled from normally fed dams. The enzyme activity was measured after 2 and 14 d of LP, and 26 d of LP plus 2 d of BD-R, by incubations in vitro of hepatic microsomal pellets with [1-14C]stearic acid. The results indicated a decreased Δ9 desaturase activity after 2 and 14 d of LP of -33 and -43% respectively. Refeeding for 2 d was sufficient to super-repair this activity (+ 66%). The fatty acid composition of total liver lipids and microsomal phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) and phosphatidylcholines (PC) were also investigated; 18:0 decreased in total liver lipids at 14 d of LP, when 18:1n-9 increased. Stearic acid (18:0) increased in PC at 2 d of LP and in PE at 14 d of LP; oleic acid (18:1n-9) did not change. Therefore, it is concluded that a defect occurred in the bioconversion of 18:0 into 18:1n-9 by Δ9 desaturation during protein depletion. As oleic acid is accumulated in total liver lipids during LP, we speculate that this is due to a decreased oxidation or transport of this fatty acid
Replacement of butter on bread by rapeseed oil and rapeseed oil-containing margarine: effects on plasma fatty acid composition and serum cholesterol
Authors: Seppänen-Laakso T. , Vanhanen H. , Laakso I. , Kohtamäki H. , Viikari J.
Published: September 2005

The effects of zero-erucic acid rapeseed oil and rapeseed oil-containing margarine on plasma fatty acid composition and serum cholesterol were studied in butter users (n43). Compliance to the substitution was followed by fatty acid analysis of total plasma and plasma phospholipids. The amount of substitute fats represented, on average, 21% of total fat and 8% of total energy intake. Changes in the relative fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids indicated further fatty acid metabolism, and were closely related to the serum cholesterol level. The reduction in saturated fatty acids led to a significant increase in the proportion ofn-3 andn-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with the rapeseed oil diet, whereas the margarine caused a significant rise inn-6 PUFA only. The increase in the proportions of the two PUFA families occurred in accordance with their competitive order, most completely with the rapeseed oil diet. When butter was replaced by rapeseed oil, low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol decreased by an average of 9.1% without a reduction in high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol. During margarine substitution the reduction was 5.2%, on average. Of the plasma phospholipids, α-linolenic acid and the linoleic:stearic acid ratio, but not oleic acid, were the components most significantly correlated with serum cholesterol levels or the decrease in these levels. The results show that rapeseed oil can act primarily as a source of essential fatty acids, rather than that of monoenes, in the diet of butter users.
Evaluation of inert markers for the determination of ileal and faecal apparent digestibility values in the pig
Authors: Jagger S. , Wiseman J. , Cole D. J. A. , Craigon J.
Published: September 2005

A series of experiments was designed to evaluate inert markers employed in studies of ileal and faecal apparent digestibilities of nitrogen and amino acids in pigs fitted with simple ‘T’ piece cannulas. Trial 1 assessed the palatability of diets containing (a) 5 g chromic oxide/kg, (b) 1 and (c) 5 g titanium dioxide/kg at two levels of feeding. The results indicated that there were slight problems in terms of period of feed consumption associated with diets (a) and (c), but that these effects were transitory and disappeared following acclimatization, although higher levels of feeding may compound the problem. Trial 2 estimated N balance, faecal apparent digestibility of amino acids as determined by both total collection and ratio of markers, ileal apparent digestibility of amino acids and recovery of markers using diets containing (a) 1 and (b) 5 g Cr2O3/kg, (c) 1 and (d) 5 g TiO2/kg. An additional assessment of acid-insoluble lignin present within the diet was also undertaken. Cr2O3 was associated with the lowest recovery, whilst calculations based on TiO2 gave lower standard errors. Trial 3 examined diurnal variation in digesta sampling and its effect on faecal apparent digestibility of N and amino acids. There were no evident effects. In general, it was concluded that the most appropriate marker to use in studies of this nature was TiO2 at a rate of 1 g/kg.
Chinese soft-shelled turtle egg powder lowers serum cholesterol, increases faecal neutral steroids and bile acid excretion, and up-regulates liver cytochrome P450 mRNA level in rats
Authors: Huanling Yu , Yong Li , Junbo Wang , Liping Zheng , Weixing Yan
Published: September 2005

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Chinese soft-shelled turtle whole egg powder (TE) on cholesterol metabolism in Sprague–Dawley rats to determine whether it has a cholesterol-lowering effect. Forty male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with TE (0, 0·75, 1·50 or 3·00 g/kg body weight) administrated by gavage for 24 weeks. Serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and faecal total bile acids levels were determined by enzymatic methods. Faecal steroid concentrations were measured by GC. Means and standard deviations were calculated where appropriate for values, and the data were tested by one-way ANOVA. After 24 weeks of feeding a high-fat diet with TE supplementation, serum TC and LDL-C levels, liver cholesterol and liver lipid levels were reduced in rats. TE supplementation did not affect the faecal output, but significantly increased steroid concentrations in faeces, indicating increased steroids excretion. The faecal bile acid excretion was also increased as evidence by elevated mRNA level of liver cytochrome P450, family 7, subfamily A, polypeptide 1. Our results demonstrated that the TE does have a cholesterol-lowering effect by increasing the excretion of total bile acids and neutral steroids.
Social support and infant malnutrition: a case–control study in an urban area of Southeastern Brazil
Authors: de B. L. Carvalhaes Maria Antonieta , D'Aquino Benício Maria Helena , Barros Aluísio J. D.
Published: September 2005

The relationship between malnutrition and social support was first suggested in the mid-1990s. Despite its plausibility, no empirical studies aimed at obtaining evidence of this association could be located. The goal of the present study was to investigate such evidence. A case–control study was carried out including 101 malnourished children (weight-for-age National Center for Health Statistics/WHO 5th percentile) aged 12–23 months, who were compared with 200 well-nourished children with regard to exposure to a series of factors related to their social support system. Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were carried out, odds ratios being adjusted forper capitafamily income, mother's schooling, and number of children. The presence of an interaction between income and social support variables was also tested. Absence of a partner living with the mother increased risk of malnutrition (odds ratio 2·4 (95 % CI 1·19, 4·89)), even after adjustment forper capitafamily income, mother's schooling, and number of children. The lack of economic support during adverse situations accounted for a very high risk of malnutrition (odds ratio 10·1 (95 % CI 3·48, 29·13)) among low-income children, but had no effect on children of higher-income families. Results indicate that receiving economic support is an efficient risk modulator for malnutrition among low-income children. In addition, it was shown that the absence of a partner living with the mother is an important risk factor for malnutrition, with an effect independent fromper capitafamily income, mother's schooling, and number of children.
Occurrence of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Generally HealthyWomen With Exophytic Vulvar Condyloma Acuminata
Authors: Sadan Oscar , Bilevsky Efi , Shejter Eduardo , Levy Tally , Bachar Rachel , Yarden Havazelet , Glezerman Marek , Lurie Samuel
Published: September 2005

Aim. To disclose possible association between exophytic vulvar condyloma acuminata and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in generally healthy, sexually active women.

Methods. This retrospective study included 74 patients (study group) who were referred for laser vaporization therapy of exophytic vulvar condyloma acuminata, and 88 asymptomatic volunteers without evidence of exophytic vulvar condyloma acuminata (control group) who were referred for screening Papanicolaou (Pap) test cervical evaluation including colposcopy. The diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was based on Pap smear, colposcopy and/or biopsy.

Results. On Pap smear, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were found in 10 (13.5%) women with exophytic vulvar condyloma acuminata and in 2 (2.3%) asymptomatic volunteers (p < 0.05). Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was found in 8 women with exophytic vulvar condyloma acuminata and in none of the asymptomatic volunteers (p < 0.05).

Conclusion. An association was found between exophytic vulvar condyloma acuminata and abnormal Pap smear or positive cervical biopsy, in generally healthy women.
Maternal C‐Reactive Protein for Detection of Chorioamnionitis: an Appraisal
Authors: Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: September 2005

Premature delivery is still a significant problem in obstetrics, and chorioamnionitis is an unwelcome complication. C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a circulating marker of low‐grade inflammation and the role of its measurement in clinical practice remains
unclear for many conditions. It has been claimed that estimation of CRP is helpful in the diagnosis of chorioamnionitis, and this study aims to appraise such claims. Following review of the literature, six reports were recruited for further metanalysis, including 466 cases. The overall prevalence of chorioamnionitis was 41% (191/466). The overall diagnostic activity showed sensitivity, specificity, false‐positives and false‐negatives of 72.8%, 76.4%, 23.6% and 27.2%, respectively. Therefore, we can conclude that estimation of maternal CRP is not helpful in the detection of chorioamnionitis, compared with standard investigations.
Commercial Laboratory IgM Testing for Toxoplasma gondii in Pregnancy: A 20‐Year Experience
Authors: Garry David J. , Elimian Andrew , Wiencek Vandy , Baker David A.
Published: September 2005

Objective. This study was performed to review the clinical utility of commercial laboratory Toxoplasmosis‐specific IgM testing during pregnancy and outcomes of the gestation at our institution.

Methods. A retrospective review of all women referred for suspected acute Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy from 1984 through 2004 was performed. Women were diagnosed with suspected acute toxoplasmosis based on commercial laboratory serologic antibody testing. All women had blood sent to a recognized reference laboratory for antibody testing within 2 weeks of the commercial laboratory results. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board.
Chi‐square analysis were used with a significance of P< .05.

Results. A total of 130 women were evaluated during the study period with 116 IgM positive results from the commercial laboratories. The commercial laboratory antibodies were as follows: IgM positive with IgG negative (n = 20), IgM positive with IgG positive (n = 96), and IgM negative with IgG positive (n = 14). There was a significant reduction in the IgM positive results when comparing commercial laboratory (n = 116) with the reference laboratory results (n = 28; p < .001). Acute toxoplasmosis infection was diagnosed in 7 (5%) of the women. All cases of acute toxoplasmosis infection had a positive commercial laboratory IgM result. The false positive rate for the commercial laboratory IgM was 88.6% and the diagnostic
indices were sensitivity 100%, specificity 11.4%, positive predictive value 6% and negative predictive value 100%.

Conclusion. Commercial laboratory Toxoplasmosis‐specific IgM is associated with a high false positive rate. The commercial and reference laboratory IgM results identified all cases of acute toxoplasmosis infection. Commercial laboratories reflexively obtaining reference laboratory confirmation of positive results could reduce costs associated with testing, referrals, retesting, and invasive procedures.
Mode of Action of Lactocin 160, a Bacteriocin From Vaginal Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Authors: Li Jie , Aroutcheva Alla A. , Faro Sebastian , Chikindas Michael L.
Published: September 2005

Objectives. To determine the mechanism of antimicrobial action of lactocin 160, a bacteriocin produced by the healthy vaginal strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, using an established model, with Micrococcus luteus ATCC 10420 as a test organism.

Methods. Sensitivity of M. luteus to lactocin 160 was determined by the diffusion assay. Loss of cellular ATP in the lactocintreated cells was elucidated using a commercially available ATP determination kit (luciferin‐luciferase bioluminescence assay). Luminescence intensity as a reflection of ATP quantity was determined using a luminometer. Dissipation of membrane potential (Δψ) was studied using fluorophoreDiSC3(5) with the fluorescence spectrum sensitive to changes in Δψ.

Results. Lactocin 160 inhibited growth of M. luteus ATCC 10420 at a concentration of 5 μg/ml. There were no significant changes in the intracellular ATP level of M. luteus upon the addition of 20 μg/ml of lactocin 160. However, the extracellular ATP level increased significantly. This means that the treatment of cells with lactocin 160 resulted in an efflux of ATP from inside the cells. Therefore, a partially purified lactocin 160 preparation (16 μg /ml of the bacteriocin in the sample) killed sensitive cells and dissipated 3.12±0.36% of Δψ.

Conclusion. Lactocin 160 has a mode of action typical for bacteriocins. It disturbs the cellular membrane (Δψ dissipation) and induces ATP efflux, most likely because of the pore formation, which is a common mechanism of action for many bacteriocins.
The Efﬁcacy and Safety of a Single Dose of Clindesse™ Vaginal Cream Versus a Seven‐Dose Regimen of Cleocin ® Vaginal Cream in Patients With Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Faro Sebastian , Skokos Campbell K.
Published: September 2005

Objective. To determine whether a single dose of Clindesse™ vaginal cream is comparable in efficacy and safety to Cleocinmml ®
vaginal cream administered once daily for 7 days in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

Study design. This multicenter, randomized, single‐blind, parallel‐group study enrolled 540 patients with BV infections. Treatment consisted of either a single intravaginal dose of Clindesse™ or 7 daily doses of Cleocin ® . Efficacy and safety were assessed 21–30 days after the start of treatment. The efficacy endpoints were Investigator Cure, Clinical Cure (a composite of all 4 Amsel′s criteria and Investigator Cure), Nugent Cure (Nugent score <4), and Therapeutic Cure (a composite of Clinical Cure and Nugent Cure). Resolution of individual Amsel′s criteria was also evaluated. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were monitored throughout the study.

Results. There were no significant differences in cure rates between the Clindesse™ and Cleocin ® treatment groups in Investigator Cure (P = 0.702), Clinical Cure (P =0.945), Nugent Cure (P = 0.788), or Therapeutic Cure (P = 0.572). Results were also similar for 3 of 4 and 2 of 4 Amsel′s criteria and for each individual Amsel′s criterion (all P-values >0.200). Ninety‐five percent confidence intervals for each endpoint were consistent with equivalence between the 2 products. There was no significant difference between the treatment groups in the incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (P = 0.386).

Conclusions. A single dose of Clindesse™ vaginal cream is equivalent in safety and efficacy to a 7‐dose regimen of Cleocin ® vaginal cream in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. This represents a significant advance in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
Angiogenesis: The Major Abnormality of the Keratin‐14 IL‐4 Transgenic Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: AGHA‐MAJZOUB RANIA , BECKER ROBERT P. , SCHRAUFNAGEL DEAN E. , CHAN LAWRENCE S.
Published: September 2005

Objective: Angiogenesis plays an important role in psoriasis, but its role in atopic dermatitis is unknown. The authors examined the dermal microvasculature of an IL‐4 transgenic mouse model of atopic dermatitis to determine whether angiogenesis was present.

Methods: Transmission and scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy studies were performed.

Results: Transmission electron microscopy showed sprouting, transcapillary pillars of intussusception, thickened endothelial cells with large nuclei, and increased interendothelial junctional cleft number and length. Compared to nontransgenic littermates, there was a significant increase in the lengths and numbers of the interendothelial junctional clefts, along with a decrease in the length ratios of tight junction to interendothelial junctional clefts in both the early and late disease stages. In the early and late skin lesions, scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts showed disorganization of the capillary network hierarchy with increased density of capillary sprouts. Confocal microscopy of the animals with early and late skin lesions showed significant reduction in tight junction protein claudin‐5.

Conclusions: Angiogenesis is the major pathologic feature in this model of atopic dermatitis. The chronic skin inflammation is intertwined with and may cause the angiogenesis, but the angiogenesis itself is likely to be important in this disease process.
In Vivo Phosphorescence Imaging of pO2 Using Planar Oxygen Sensors
Authors: BABILAS PHILIPP , LIEBSCH GREGOR , SCHACHT VIVIEN , KLIMANT INGO , WOLFBEIS OTTO S. , SZEIMIES ROLF‐MARKUS , ABELS CHRISTOPH
Published: September 2005

Objective: Oxygen‐dependent quenching of luminescence of metal porphyrin complexes has been used to image the pO2 distribution over tumor and normal tissue.

Methods: An experimental setup is described using a platinum(II)–octaethyl–porphyrin immobilized in a polystyrene matrix as transparent planar sensor.

Results: Sensitivity over a broad range is high at low pO2 values (± 0.2 mm Hg at 0 mm Hg; ± 1.5 mm Hg at 160 mm Hg pO2). Due to intrinsically referencing via lifetime encoding there was no modification of the sensor response in vivo in the dorsal skinfold chamber model with amelanotic melanoma (A‐MEL‐3) in awake hamsters when compared to the in vitro calibration. pO2 measurements over normal tissue (25.8 ± 5.1 mm Hg) and tumor tissue (9.2 ± 5.1 mm Hg) were in excellent agreement with previous results obtained in this model using a surface multiwire electrode.

Conclusions: Using the presented method the surface pO2 distribution can be mapped with a high temporal resolution of approximately 100 ms and a spatial resolution of at least 25 μ m. Moreover, the transparent sensor allows the simultaneous visualization of the underlying microvasculature.
A New Video Image Analysis System to Study Red Blood Cell Dynamics and Oxygenation in Capillary Networks
Authors: JAPEE SHRUTI A. , PITTMAN ROLAND N. , ELLIS CHRISTOPHER G.
Published: September 2005

Objective: The authors present a Measurement and Analysis System for Capillary Oxygen Transport (MASCOT) to study red blood cell (RBC) dynamics and oxygenation in capillary networks. The system enables analysis of capillaries to study geometry and morphology and provides values for capillary parameters such as diameter and segment length. It also serves as an analysis tool for capillary RBC flow characteristics, including RBC velocity, lineal density, and supply rate. Furthermore, the system provides a means of determining the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin contained within RBCs, by analysis of synchronized videotapes containing images at two wavelengths, enabling the quantification of the oxygen content of individual RBCs.

Methods: Video recordings of RBC flow at two wavelengths, 420 nm (isosbestic) and 436 nm (oxygen sensitive), are made using a dual camera video microscopy system. The 420‐nm recording is used to generate images based on the variance of light intensity fluctuations that help to identify capillaries in a given field of view that are in sharp focus and exhibit flow of individual RBCs separated by plasma gaps. A region of interest enclosing the desired capillary is defined and a fixed number of successive video frames at the two wavelengths are captured. Next a difference image is created, which delineates the RBC column, whose width is used to estimate the internal diameter of the capillary. The 420‐nm images are also used to identify the location and centroid of each RBC within the capillary. A space–time image is generated to compute the average RBC velocity. Lineal density is calculated as the number of RBCs per unit length of a capillary segment. The mean optical density (OD) of each RBC is calculated at both wavelengths, and the average SO2 for each cell is determined from OD436/OD420.

Results and Conclusions: MASCOT is a robust and flexible system that requires simple hardware, including a SGI workstation fitted with an audio‐visual module, a VCR, and an oscilloscope. Since the new system provides information on an individual cell basis from entire capillary segments, the authors believe that results obtained using MASCOT will be more accurate than those obtained from previous systems. Due to its flexibility and ease of extension to other applications, MASCOT has the potential to be applied widely as an analysis tool for capillary oxygen transport measurements.
Effects of 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene on Cytotoxicity and Metabolic Activity of Type I Astrocytes of Rats
Authors: Stair Eric L. , Reddy Gunda , Ritchey Jerry W. , Saliki Jeremiah T. , Qualls Charles W.
Published: September 2005

1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene (TNB) is a munitions chemical that causes gliovascular lesions in the brain stem of rats similar to those produced by thiamine deficiency and nitroaromatic compounds, including m-dinitrobenzene. To identify neuropathic indices of toxicity, the effects of varying concentrations (0 to 2 mM) of TNB on cytotoxicity and cellular metabolic activity were examined using cultured astrocytes from Fischer-344 rats. The cytotoxicity was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage into the culture medium. Astrocyte metabolic activity was assessed by measuring the conversion of a tetrazolium salt to a formazan product. Additionally, the effects of oxidative stress on cellular metabolic activity - were determined by varying oxygen tension via alteration of culture media depth. In vitro, the toxic concentration 50% (TC50) of TNB, which induced cell death, was 16 μM following a 24-h exposure. The concentration of TNB that reduced cellular metabolic activity by 50% was 29 μM following a 24-h exposure. Varying the depth of the culture media did not influence the cellular metabolic activity in control or TNB-treated astrocytes. These results support the hypothesis that TNB induced neurotoxicity could partially be mediated via injury to astrocytes, a major component of the blood-brain barrier.
Universal Varicella Vaccination: Efficacy Trends and Effect on Herpes Zoster
Authors: Goldman Gary S.
Published: September 2005

In 1995, the Varicella Active Surveillance Project (VASP) was established in Antelope Valley (California), a geographically distinct high-desert community of 300,000 residents, as one of three sites in the nation in a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect baseline demographic and clinical data and to monitor trends in varicella (chickenpox) following introduction of varicella vaccine. Herpes zoster (shingles) was added to the active surveillance January 1, 2000. The universal varicella program has proven effective in terms of reducing the number of reported verified varicella cases by 85%, from 2,934 in 1995 to 412 in 2002. Prior to this dramatic reduction, immunologic boosting due to exogenous exposures to wild-type varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in the community (1) caused mean serum anti-VZV levels among vaccines to increase with time after vaccination and (2) served as a mechanism that helped suppress the reactivation of herpes zoster (HZ), especially among individuals with a previous history of wild-type varicella. That immunologic boosting might play a significant role in both varicella and the closely related HZ epidemiology is evidenced by (1) a decline in vaccine efficacy by over 20%, from 95.7% (95% C.I., 82.7% to 98.9%) in 1999 to 73.9% (95% C.I., 57.9% to 83.8%) in 2001 and (2) an unexpectedly high cumulative (2000 to 2003) true incidence rate of 223 (95% C.I. 180–273) per 100,000 person-years (p-y) among children <10 years old with a previous history of varicella. Because capture-recapture methods demonstrate a likely lower bound of 50% underreporting, the actual rate is likely double or 446 per 100,000 p-y, approaching the HZ rate reported among older adults. Other recent studies based on VASP data have mitigated against discovery of the above trends that challenge several initial assumptions inherent to the universal varicella program, namely, (1) a single dose confers long-term immunity and (2) there is no immunologically mediated link between varicella and HZ incidence. As vaccinated children replace those with a prior history of wild-type varicella in the <10 age group, increasing HZ incidence among this cohort will be of less concern in the near future. However, previous scientific studies, including the present preliminary results from active surveillance indicate that HZ may be increasing among adults. It may be difficult to design booster interventions that are cost-effective and meet or exceed the level of protection provided by immunologic boosting that existed naturally in the community in the prelicensure era.
Metallothionein-I/II Double Knockout Mice Are No More Sensitive to the Carcinogenic Effects of Nickel Subsulfide than Wild-Type Mice
Authors: Waalkes Michael P. , Liu Jie , Kasprzak Kazimierz S. , Diwan Bhalchandra A.
Published: September 2005

Metallothionein (MT) is a high-affinity metal-binding protein thought to mitigate the toxicity of various metals. MT may limit the toxicity of a metal by direct binding or through action as an antioxidant for metals that generate reactive oxygen species. Nickel compounds have carcinogenic potential in humans and animals, possibly by production of oxidative stress. The impact of MT deficiency on the carcinogenic effects of nickel is unknown. Thus, groups ( n = 25) of male MT-I/II double knockout (MT-null) or MT wild-type (WT) mice were exposed to a single treatment of nickel (0.5 or 1.0 mg Ni3S2/site, intramuscularly, [i.m.], into both hind legs), or left untreated (control) and observed over the next 104 weeks. There were no differences in the incidence of spontaneous tumors in MT-null and WT mice. Nickel induced injection site fibrosarcomas in a dose-related fashion to a similar extent in both WT and MT-null mice. Nickel-treatment had no effect on total lung tumor incidence, although some phenotypic-specific differences occurred in the proportion of benign and malignant pulmonary tumors. Overall, MT-null mice appear no more sensitive to the carcinogenic effects of nickel than WT mice. Thus, poor MT production does not appear to be a predisposing factor for nickel carcinogenesis.
Responses of Oral 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Exposure to the Common Pigeon (Columba livia): A Phylogenic and Methodological Comparison
Authors: Johnson Mark S. , Michie Mark W. , Bazar Matthew A. , Salice Christopher J. , Gogal Robert M.
Published: September 2005

Considerable concentrations of the explosive, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) have been found in the soil at many installations where explosives have been used, manufactured, assembled, or destroyed. To evaluate risk to avian receptors, measures of exposure are compared with a threshold level of sublethal toxicity. To date, a single feeding study has evaluated the responses of oral TNT exposure to birds with equivocal results regarding sublethal effects. The present study followed a controlled dosing regime comprising four dose groups and a control (200, 120, 70, 20, and 0 mg TNT/kg body weight [bw]-day) in the common pigeon ( Columba livia) for 60 days. Overt signs of toxicity occurred with both sexes between 2 and 3 weeks of exposure. Signs included weight loss, neuromuscular effects (e.g., ataxia, tremors, etc.), and scant red feces (chromaturia). Emetic events following dosing were common and proportional to dose; however, attempts to quantify vomitus compound concentration suggests that birds were marginally successful at removing TNT following administration. Eight of 12 and 2 of 12 males and females died or were moribund in the 200 and 120 mg/kg-day groups, respectively. Changes in hematological parameters, liver, kidney, and ovary weights were related to treatment. Dose-related changes in plasma albumin and sodium concentrations were also observed. These results suggest that subchronic exposure to TNT can adversely affect the central nervous system and hematological parameters in birds. Chemical analysis of blood detected concentrations of the two primary reduction metabolites, but not parent compound, suggesting that toxicity may be due to the bioaccumulation of a toxic intermediate.
Toxicokinetics and Hydrolysis of Artelinate and Artesunate in Malaria-Infected Rats
Authors: Li Qigui , Xie Lisa H. , Si Yuanzheng , Wong Elaine , Upadhyay Ravi , Yanez Danielle , Weina Peter J.
Published: September 2005

Comparative toxicokinetic (TK) and hydrolysis studies of intravenously administered two new antimalarial agents, artelinate (AL) and artesunate (AS), were performed in malaria-infected rats using three daily equimolar doses (96 μmoles/kg). The TK evaluation was related to select one drug for severe malaria treatment in U.S. Army. Drug concentration of AS with daily dose of 36.7 mg/kg was one-third less on day 3 than on day 1, which resembled its active metabolite, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), suggesting an autoinduction of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes for AS. The results were similar to other artemisinin drugs, but not for AL. TK parameters of AL were very comparable from day 1 to day 3 at same AS molecular dose at 40.6 mg/kg. AS is the prodrug of DHA with the DHA/AS ratio of 5.26 compared to the ratio of 0.01 for DHA/AL. Other TK parameters revealed that the total AUC1–3 days (84.4 μg · h ml−1) of AL was fivefold higher than that of AS (15.7 mu;g h ml−1 of AS plus DHA). The elimination half-life of AL (7.1 h) was much longer than that of AS (0.36 h) or DHA (0.72 h). The remarkable alteration of the TK shape of AL may be caused by poor conversion rates to DHA and an enterohepatic circulation, which is confirmed by the present TK and tissue distribution studies. Compared to AS, higher drug exposure levels and longer exposure time of AL in the rat blood may be the cause of its increased toxicity.
Evaluation of the Methods Used for Carboxyhemoglobin Analysis in Postmortem Blood
Authors: Boumba Vassiliki A. , Vougiouklakis Theodore
Published: September 2005

Numerous methods have been described in the literature for the determination of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in whole blood. The most popular and widely used have been (1) the spectrophotometric methods, which could be performed either by using a conventional spectrophotometer or by using specialized automated instruments known as CO-oximeters; (2) the gas chromatographic methods, with variable detection systems, which have been considered as the reference methods for every carbon monoxide analysis. The authors have critically reviewed previously reported comparative studies on these methods, considering statistical and analytical matters, in order to propose the best method for the determination of COHb in postmortem blood, that could be utilized in forensic toxicology laboratories where such analyses are limited in number (less than 20 per year). Criteria for evaluation have been accuracy, reliability, simplicity, time, and cost. The authors’ concluding statement has been that the manual spectrophotometric method could be the method of choice for COHb determination in postmortem blood samples. It is simple, rapid, and reliable and fulfills the forensically acceptable accuracy. It is performed by the use of a conventional spectrophotometer, which is considered a basic instrument in every analytical laboratory.
Sediment and heavy metal accumulation in a small canal, Venice, Italy
Authors: Zonta R. , Cochran J. K. , Collavini F. , Costa F. , Scattolin M. , Zaggia L.
Published: September 2005

Sediment and heavy metal accumulation were studied in a canal of Venice (Rio di S.Angelo) that has typical characteristics of medium-to-small canals with respect to dimensions, boat traffic and pollution sources. The tidal dynamics are particularly weak in this ∼ 5 m wide canal. Four cores were collected across a section and five additional cores were collected from the longitudinal axis. The canal was dredged in the late 1950s, and therefore the collected cores represent approximately 40 years of deposition. Excess 210Pb and 137Cs are present throughout the sediment cores and inventories of both radionuclides are greater toward the canal margins than in the center, indicating enhanced deposition along the margins. The margin cores show a 137Cs peak at 30 to 45 cm depth that we attribute to input from the 1986 Chernobyl accident. Two of the cores are sufficiently long to show increases of 137Cs at depth, probably related to the 1963 global fallout input. The 137Cs profiles are consistent with accumulation rates of ∼ 2 to 3 cm y− 1. Excess 210Pb activities show little variability in the upper 25 to 45 cm of the margin cores, and decrease by a factor of ∼ 2 over the next ∼ 30 cm of the cores. As the canal shoaled with sediment deposition, resuspension of sediment by boat traffic along the canal center likely produced increased deposition along the margins. Concentrations of heavy metals fall within the average of values determined for the whole canal network. Arsenic, cadmium, copper lead and zinc show clear decreases toward the sediment-water interface, suggesting recent reductions of contaminant inputs.
The Initial Enzyme for Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Biosynthesis Requires PIG-Y, a Seventh Component
Authors: Murakami Yoshiko , Siripanyaphinyo Uamporn , Hong Yeongjin , Tashima Yuko , Maeda Yusuke , Kinoshita Taroh
Published: September 2005

Biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) is initiated by an unusually complex GPI-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GPI-GnT) consisting of at least six proteins. Here, we report that human GPI-GnT requires another component, termed PIG-Y, a 71 amino acid protein with two transmembrane domains. The Burkitt lymphoma cell line Daudi, severely defective in the surface expression of GPI-anchored proteins, was a null mutant of PIG-Y. A complex of six components was formed without PIG-Y. PIG-Y appeared to be directly associated with PIG-A, implying that PIG-Y is the key molecule that regulates GPI-GnT activity by binding directly to the catalytic subunit PIG-A. PIG-Y is probably homologous to yeast Eri1p, a component of GPI-GnT. We did not obtain evidence for a functional linkage between GPI-GnT and ras GTPases in mammalian cells as has been reported for yeast cells. A single transcript encoded PIG-Y and, to its 5′ side, another protein PreY that has homologues in a wide range of organisms and is characterized by a conserved domain termed DUF343. These two proteins are translated from one mRNA by leaky scanning of the PreY initiation site.
Paenibacillus wynnii sp. nov., a novel species harbouring the nifH gene, isolated from Alexander Island, Antarctica
Authors: Rodríguez-Díaz Marina , Lebbe Liesbeth , Rodelas Belén , Heyrman Jeroen , De Vos Paul , Logan Niall A.
Published: September 2005

Soil taken from 12 different locations at Mars Oasis on Alexander Island, Antarctica, yielded unidentified isolates of endospore-forming bacteria. Soil from four of the locations contained Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, motile rods that were able to grow at 4 °C and which formed ellipsoidal spores that lay paracentrally or subterminally in swollen or slightly swollen sporangia. All of the strains harboured the nitrogenase gene nifH. Phenotypic tests, amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA), fatty acid analysis and SDS-PAGE analysis suggested that the isolates represented a novel taxon of Paenibacillus. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison supported the proposal of a novel species, Paenibacillus wynnii sp. nov. (type strain, LMG 22176T=CIP 108306T).
Genomovars 11 to 18 of Pseudomonas stutzeri, identified among isolates from soil and marine sediment
Authors: Sikorski Johannes , Lalucat Jorge , Wackernagel Wilfried
Published: September 2005

Amongst 440 strains of Pseudomonas stutzeri isolated from soil and marine sediment for a population genetic study, eight strains were each presumed to represent a novel genomic group and were compared with each other and to reference strains of P. stutzeri genomovars 1 to 10 and other Pseudomonas species by DNA–DNA hybridization, 16S rRNA and internally transcribed 16S–23S rRNA spacer region (ITS1) sequences and basic physiological properties defining the species. While 16S rRNA and ITS1 gene sequences positioned the eight strains within the phylogenetic branch of P. stutzeri, the DNA–DNA hybridizations with reference strains of the 10 described genomovars and among the novel strains were generally below 70 %, which is the threshold for species and genomovar differentiation. Since the physiological properties studied in the eight strains fitted the profile of P. stutzeri, eight new genomovars of P. stutzeri, numbered 11 to 18, are proposed, with strains 28a50, 28a39, 28a22, 28a3, 4C29, 24a13, 24a75 and MT-1 being the reference strains. The highly transformable reference strain 28a3 of genomovar 14 had a localized 16S rRNA gene sequence tag characteristic of genomovar strains 2 and 3, suggesting a possible horizontal gene transfer event involving part of the 16S rRNA gene.
‘Candidatus Protochlamydia amoebophila’, an endosymbiont of Acanthamoeba spp.
Authors: Collingro Astrid , Toenshoff Elena R. , Taylor Michael W. , Fritsche Thomas R. , Wagner Michael , Horn Matthias
Published: September 2005

The obligately intracellular coccoid bacterium UWE25, a symbiont of Acanthamoeba spp., was previously identified as being related to chlamydiae based upon the presence of a chlamydia-like developmental cycle and its 16S rRNA gene sequence. Analysis of its complete genome sequence demonstrated that UWE25 shows many characteristic features of chlamydiae, including dependency on host-derived metabolites, composition of the cell envelope and the ability to thrive as an energy parasite within the cells of its eukaryotic host. Phylogenetic analysis of 44 ribosomal proteins further confirmed the affiliation of UWE25 to the ‘Chlamydiae’. Within this phylum, UWE25 could be assigned to the family Parachlamydiaceae based on comparative analyses of the 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and endoribonuclease P RNA genes. The distinct dissimilarities from its closest relative, Parachlamydia acanthamoebae Bn9
T (7·1, 9·7 and 28·8 %, respectively), observed in this analysis justify its classification in a new genus. Therefore, the name ‘Candidatus Protochlamydia amoebophila’ is proposed for the designation of the Acanthamoeba sp. symbiont UWE25 (=ATCC PRA-7).
Salinispora arenicola gen. nov., sp. nov. and Salinispora tropica sp. nov., obligate marine actinomycetes belonging to the family Micromonosporaceae
Authors: Maldonado Luis A. , Fenical William , Jensen Paul R. , Kauffman Christopher A. , Mincer Tracy J. , Ward Alan C. , Bull Alan T. , Goodfellow Michael
Published: September 2005

A taxonomic study was carried out to clarify the taxonomy of representatives of a group of marine actinomycetes previously designated MAR 1 and considered to belong to the family Micromonosporaceae. The organisms had phenotypic properties consistent with their assignment to this taxon. The strains formed a distinct taxon in the 16S rRNA Micromonosporaceae gene tree and shared a range of phenotypic properties that distinguished them from members of all of the genera with validly published names classified in this family. The name proposed for this novel taxon is Salinispora gen. nov. The genus contains two species recognized using a range of genotypic and phenotypic criteria, including comparative 16S–23S rRNA gene spacer region and DNA–DNA relatedness data. The names proposed for these taxa are Salinispora arenicola sp. nov., the type species, and Salinispora tropica sp. nov.; the type strains of these novel species have been deposited in service culture collections as strain CNH-643T (=ATCC BAA-917T=DSM 44819T) and strain CNB-440T (=ATCC BAA-916T=DSM 44818T), respectively.
Phylogenetic relationships and species differentiation of 39 Legionella species by sequence determination of the RNase P RNA gene rnpB
Authors: Rubin Carl-Johan , Thollesson Mikael , Kirsebom Leif A. , Herrmann Björn
Published: September 2005

The rnpB gene is ubiquitous in Bacteria, Archaea and Eucarya and encodes the RNA component of RNase P, an endoribonuclease P that consists of one RNA and one protein subunit (C5). In this study, partial rnpB genes were sequenced from 39 type strains and 16 additional strains of the genus Legionella. Models of the putative secondary structures of the RNase P RNA in the genus Legionella are proposed and possible interactions between RNase P RNA and C5 are discussed. The phylogenetic relationships within the genus Legionella were examined and rnpB sequences indicated six main clades that together comprised 27 of the 39 species examined. The phylogenetic relationships were further inferred by analysing combined datasets of sequences from the rnpB, mip, 16S rRNA and rpoB genes. It is concluded that rnpB is suitable for use in phylogenetic studies of closely related species and that it exhibits the potential to discriminate between Legionella species.
Candida bromeliacearum sp. nov. and Candida ubatubensis sp. nov., two yeast species isolated from the water tanks of Canistropsis seidelii (Bromeliaceae)
Authors: Ruivo Carla C. C. , Lachance Marc-André , Rosa Carlos A. , Bacci Maurício , Pagnocca Fernando C.
Published: September 2005

Strains belonging to two novel yeast species, Candida bromeliacearum and Candida ubatubensis, were isolated from the bromeliad tank of Canistropsis seidelii (Bromeliaceae) in a sandy coastal plain (restinga) ecosystem site in an Atlantic rainforest of south-eastern Brazil. These species were genetically distinct from all other currently accepted ascomycetous yeasts, based on sequence divergence in the D1/D2 domains of the large-subunit rDNA and in the small-subunit rDNA. The species occupy basal positions in the Metschnikowiaceae clade. The type strains are Candida bromeliacearum UNESP 00-103T (=CBS 10002T=NRRL Y-27811T) and Candida ubatubensis UNESP 01-247RT (=CBS 10003T=NRRL Y-27812T).
Pichia thermomethanolica sp. nov., a novel thermotolerant, methylotrophic yeast isolated in Thailand
Authors: Limtong Savitree , Srisuk Nantana , Yongmanitchai Wichien , Yurimoto Hiroya , Nakase Takashi , Kato Nobuo
Published: September 2005

Three strains (N002, N069 and PT31T) of a novel thermotolerant methylotrophic yeast species belonging to the genus Pichia were isolated from soil collected in Thailand by three consecutive enrichments in methanol broth at room temperature. They were categorized as thermotolerant strains on the basis of their good growth below 20 °C and up to a high temperature (37 °C). The major characteristics of the three strains included the following and placed them in the genus Pichia: the formation of four helmet-/hat-shaped ascospores in a deliquescent ascus that might be unconjugated or produced by conjugation between a cell and its bud or between independent cells; multilateral budding; the presence of ubiquinone Q-7; negative for Diazonium blue B colour and urease reactions; and the absence of arthrospores and ballistospores. The three strains differed by one to three nucleotide substitutions in the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the large-subunit rDNA sequence. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that their closest species was Pichia dorogensis, but with 11–13 nucleotide substitutions in 554 nt. The phenotypic characteristics of the three strains were the same. The strains could be distinguished from P. dorogensis by a number of phenotypic characteristics. On the basis of the above findings, these three strains were assigned to a single novel species of Pichia, for which the name Pichia thermomethanolica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PT31T (=BCC 16875T=JCM 12984T=CBS 10098T).
Chryseobacterium vrystaatense sp. nov., isolated from raw chicken in a chicken-processing plant
Authors: de Beer Hanli , Hugo Celia J. , Jooste Piet J. , Willems Anne , Vancanneyt Marc , Coenye Tom , Vandamme Peter A. R.
Published: September 2005

Yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative organisms isolated from raw chicken were investigated by means of a polyphasic taxonomic approach and were shown to represent a novel species in the genus Chryseobacterium, for which the name Chryseobacterium vrystaatense sp. nov. is proposed. Its nearest phylogenetic neighbours were Chryseobacterium joostei, Chryseobacterium indologenes and Chryseobacterium gleum, which showed 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of 96·9, 97·1 and 96·1 %, respectively. Levels of DNA–DNA hybridization between strains of C. vrystaatense and Chryseobacterium reference species were below 46 %. Strain LMG 22846T (=CCUG 50970T) was chosen as the type strain and has a DNA G+C content of 37·1 mol%.
Nocardioides dubius sp. nov., isolated from an alkaline soil
Authors: Yoon Jung-Hoon , Lee Choong-Hwan , Oh Tae-Kwang
Published: September 2005

A Gram-positive, rod- or coccus-shaped bacterial strain, KSL-104T, was isolated from an alkaline soil from Korea and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. Strain KSL-104Tgrew optimally at pH 7·0–8·0 and 30 °C. It was characterized chemotaxonomically as having a cell-wall peptidoglycan type based onll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid with MK-8(H4) as the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acid was iso-C16 : 0and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. The DNA G+C content was 70·6 mol%. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KSL-104Tjoined the cluster comprisingNocardioides jenseniiandMarmoricola aurantiacus. The cellular fatty acid profile of strain KSL-104Twas different from that ofM. aurantiacus. Strain KSL-104Tand the type strain ofN. jenseniiexhibited a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 97·1 % and a mean DNA–DNA relatedness value of 13 %. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain KSL-104Tand the type strains of otherNocardioidesspecies were in the range 94·0–96·5 %. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strain KSL-104T(=KCTC 9992T=JCM 13008T) represents a novel species of the genusNocardioides, for which the nameNocardioides dubiussp. nov. is proposed.