bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methanol production from CO2 by resting cells of the methanotrophic bacterium Methylosinus trichosporium IMV 3011
Authors: Xin Jia‐ying , Zhang Ying‐xin , Zhang Shuai , Xia Chun‐gu , Li Shu‐ben
Published: October 2007

Methanol production from carbon dioxide was successfully achieved using resting cells of Methylosinus trichosporium IMV 3011 as biocatalysts. Carbon dioxide was reduced to methanol and extracellular methanol accumulation has been found in the carbon dioxide incubations. However, resting cells of methanotrophs have a finite or intrinsic methanol production capacity due to a limiting supply of intracellular reducing equivalent. It has been found that the catabolism of stored Poly‐β ‐Hydroxybutyrate (PHB) can provide intracellular reducing equivalents to improve the intrinsic methanol production capacity. The initial nitrogen and copper concentration in the culture medium were studied for the accumulation of PHB by M. trichosporium IMV 3011, to expand its potential uses in methanol production from carbon dioxide reduction. It appeared that the total methanol production capacity was increased with increasing PHB content in cells. Resting cells containing 38.6% PHB exhibited the highest total methanol production capacity. But higher PHB accumulation adversely affected the total methanol production capacity. The effects of methanol production process on the survival and recovery of M. trichosporium IMV 3011 were examined. The results showed that the methanol production from carbon dioxide reduction was not detrimental to the viability of methanotrophs. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Biodegradation of kerosene by Aspergillus ochraceus NCIM‐1146
Authors: Saratale Ganesh , Kalme Satish , Bhosale Sanjyot , Govindwar Sanjay
Published: October 2007

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus ochraceus NCIM‐1146 was found to degrade kerosene, when previously grown mycelium (96 h) was incubated in the broth containing kerosene. Higher levels of NADPH‐DCIP reductase, aminopyrine N‐demethylase and kerosene biodegradation activities were found to be present after the growth in potato dextrose broth for 96 h, when compared with the activities at different time intervals during the growth phase. NADPH was the preferred cofactor for enzyme activity, which was inhibited by CO, indicating cytochrome P450 mediated reactions. A significant increase in all the enzyme activities was observed when mycelium incubated for 18 h in mineral salts medium, containing cholesterol, camphor, naphthalene, 1,2‐dimethoxybenzene, phenobarbital, n‐hexane, kerosene or saffola oil as inducers. Acetaldehyde produced by alcohol dehydrogenase could be used as an indicator for the kerosene biodegradation. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Accumulation and implications of cadmium, cobalt and manganese in soils and vegetables irrigated with city effluent
Authors: Murtaza Ghulam , Ghafoor Abdul , Qadir Manzoor
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: In most parts of Pakistan, untreated city effluent is utilised for growing vegetables around large urban settlements such as Faisalabad. Farmers use it as a source of irrigation water and plant nutrients. However, its continuous use may have serious environmental implications, since it also contains heavy metals. In this study the Faisalabad city effluent was examined for irrigation quality and its impact on irrigated soils and vegetables.

RESULTS: Irrigation hazard of the effluent was moderate (electrical conductivity (EC) 1.1–1.7 dS m−1, Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) 5.9–17.4 mmol1/2 L−1/2, Residual sodium carbonate (RSC) 1.0–2.1 mmolc L−1) at site 1 and strong (EC 3.7–4.1 dS m−1, SAR 16.1–21.8 mmol1/2 L−1/2, RSC 4.0–9.1 mmolc L−1) at site 2. Mean concentrations of ammonium bicarbonate/diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (AB/DTPA)‐extractable Cd, Co and Mn at upper soil depth (0.0–0.2 m) were respectively 0.080, 0.057 and 217.4 mg kg−1 at site 1 and 0.101, 0.076 and 164.1 mg kg−1 at site 2.

CONCLUSION: The concentrations of Cd and Mn were above the permissible limits but that of Co was below the permissible limit for irrigation. The concentrations of Cd, Co and Mn tended to decrease with increasing soil depth. Accumulation of metals was higher in leaves irrespective of whether leaves were the edible or non‐edible component of shoots. Use of untreated city effluent for irrigation without risk assessment and management could be a serious hazard, impacting soil and crop quality and ultimately human health. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of Nanostructure in Resistant Starch Type III during Thermal Treatments and Cycling
Authors: Zabar Shiran , Shimoni Eyal , Bianco‐Peled Havazelet
Published: October 2007

The effect of recrystallization temperature on the lamellar structure of RSIII samples was studied using XRD and SAXS. The polymorph type could be manipulated in a controlled manner, independently of the plant source. In RSIII from corn starch and from high‐amylose corn starch, retrogradation at a low temperature led to the formation of polymorph B with lamellas arranged in long‐range periodicity, whereas retrogradation at a high temperature led to the formation of polymorphs A and V with no defined periodicity. The retrogradation temperature of wheat starch did not have a major effect on its nanostructure. For both polymorphs, the enzymatic degradation decreased as the degree of order within the crystal increased.

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Selectivity of PEO‐block‐PPO Diblock Copolymers in the Microwave‐Accelerated, Anionic Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Propylene Oxide with PEG as Initiator
Authors: Malik Muhammad Imran , Trathnigg Bernd , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: October 2007

Diblock copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) were synthesized by the anionic ring‐opening polymerization of propylene oxide (PO), with controlled microwave heating in sealed vessels. A detailed study was carried out to investigate the effects of different parameters on the formation of unwanted byproducts. Parameters that were considered include temperature; the concentration of NaH, monomer and hydroxy groups in the feed; and the polarity of the reaction medium. A continuous decrease of internal pressure during the sealed‐vessel experiment reflected the consumption of PO monomer and the completion of the reaction was confirmed by a drop of the internal pressure to zero when reactions were performed in bulk. The products were characterized by using different chromatographic techniques. A comparison of the reaction times and composition of the polymers prepared by microwave and conductive heating is given.

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Self‐Assembly of ATRP‐Synthesized PCH‐b‐PtBA‐b‐PCH Triblock Copolymers Observed by Time‐Resolved SAXS
Authors: Muñoz‐Bonilla Alexandra , Cerrada María L. , Fernández‐García Marta
Published: October 2007

The phase behavior of PCH‐b‐PtBA‐b‐PCH triblock copolymers has been studied. Measurements in the wide‐angle region probed the existence of microphase segregation through variation of block mobility and thermal expansion coefficients. SAXS experiments pointed out that most copolymers present ordered nanostructures, mostly hexagonally packed cylinders, the morphology being confirmed by AFM. An unusual disorder‐to‐order transition is observed in one copolymer synthesized from a macroinitiator with intermediate length and the highest outer‐block molecular weight, whereas none of the copolymers shows an order‐to‐disorder transition upon heating over the temperature range analyzed.

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Epidemiology of Down syndrome
Authors: Sherman Stephanie L. , Allen Emily G. , Bean Lora H. , Freeman Sallie B.
Published: October 2007

Down syndrome (DS) is the most commonly identified genetic form of mental retardation and the leading cause of specific birth defects and medical conditions. Traditional epidemiological studies to determine the prevalence, cause, and clinical significance of the syndrome have been conducted over the last 100 years. DS has been estimated to occur in ∼1 in 732 infants in the United States, although there is some evidence that variability in prevalence of estimates exist among racial/ethnic groups. Progress has been made in characterizing the specific types of chromosome errors that lead to DS and in identifying associated factors that increase the risk of chromosome 21 malsegregation, i.e., advanced maternal age and recombination. Studies to examine the variability of the presence of specific DS‐associated birth defects and medical conditions provide evidence for genetic and environmental modifiers. Here, we provide a brief survey of studies that address the current state of the field and suggest gaps in research that can soon be filled with new multidisciplinary approaches and technological advances. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:221–227.
Families of persons with Down syndrome: New perspectives, findings, and research and service needs
Authors: Hodapp Robert M.
Published: October 2007

To understand the families of offspring with Down syndrome, this article begins by describing the change in orientation—from “negative” to “stress‐and‐coping” perspectives—in studies of families of offspring with disabilities. In reviewing the existing studies, mothers, fathers, and siblings cope slightly better than family members of persons with other disabilities, a phenomenon called the “Down syndrome advantage.” Beyond this more general finding, however, much remains unknown. Most studies examine only parental or sibling levels of stress or coping, leaving unknown the marital, occupational, health, educational, and other “real‐world” outcomes for these family members. Increased research attention is needed to understand the life‐span needs of families of persons with Down syndrome and the impact of cultural and sociocultural diversity on family outcomes. It will also be important to relate family outcomes to differences in the offspring's behaviors, development, relationships, medical conditions, psychopathology, and the presence (and effectiveness) of needed support services. Although these families have received some research attention over the past several decades, we now need to make family research in Down syndrome more concrete, more life‐span, and more tied to characteristics of the individual with the syndrome and the family's surrounding support system. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:279–287.
Voluntary activation during knee extensions in severely deconditioned patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Benefit of endurance training
Authors: Vivodtzev Isabelle , Flore Patrice , Lévy Patrick , Wuyam Bernard
Published: October 2007

As a consequence of hypoxemia or detraining, a deficit in voluntary activation may contribute to the reduction of strength in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This was studied in 13 severely deconditioned COPD patients and eight healthy subjects. Exercise tolerance, fat‐free mass, and quadriceps maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) were evaluated. Magnetic stimulation was used to measure maximal quadriceps twitch tension (TwQp) at rest and during a voluntary contraction (superimposed twitch: TwQs). A maximal recruitment fraction (MRF) was assessed by the ratio of the true MVC to the maximal achievable strength (using regression of TwQs vs. volitional strength at four submaximal intensities). MRF was significantly lower in COPD than in controls (89 ± 20 vs. 109 ± 6%, P < 0.01). Seven COPD patients completed 3‐month endurance training. After rehabilitation, patients had greater MVC (+24 ± 26 N), associated with a slightly greater MRF (+10 ± 11%). Changes in MRF were independently associated with changes in MVC (r = 0.85, P = 0.03). Deficit in voluntary activation of quadriceps muscle may therefore contribute to muscle weakness in severe COPD patients and is reversed by training. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Myogenesis in human denervated muscle biopsies
Authors: Doppler Kathrin , Mittelbronn Michel , Bornemann Antje
Published: October 2007

Electron microscopic studies of long‐term denervated rat muscles have identified very small, immature myofibers that are believed to arise from detached satellite cells that have fused to form new fibers within the interstitial space. At present, it is unknown whether and to what extent equivalent fibers exist in denervated human muscle. Serial sections of muscle biopsies from 66 patients diagnosed with polyneuropathy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were immunolabeled with anti‐NCAM and anti‐neonatal myosin heavy chain monoclonal antibodies that are both neurally and developmentally regulated. We evaluated 200 myofibers in each section. Of the biopsy specimens, 75% contained small myofibers that showed a thin perinuclear cytoplasmic rim. Small fibers expressing neonatal myosin heavy chain (MHCn+) were found in all of these biopsies (100%) and NCAM+ fibers in 98%. The percentage of MHCn+ small fibers averaged 82% and NCAM+ small myofibers averaged 40%. The percentage of NCAM+ small fibers was significantly lower than that of MHCn+ fibers. In contrast, the percentage of MHCn+ vs. NCAM+ angular atrophic fibers did not show a significant difference. A substantial subset of neurogenic biopsies showed small fibers that differ from angular atrophic fibers both in size and expression pattern of MHCn and NCAM. Myogenesis appears to be a frequent finding in neurogenic atrophy. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Angle‐Resolved XPS Study of Plasma‐Deposited Polystyrene Films after Oxygen Plasma Treatment
Authors: Haïdopoulos Marie , Horgnies Matthieu , Mirabella Frédéric , Pireaux Jean‐Jacques
Published: October 2007

Plasma oxidation of plasma deposited polystyrene (pPS) films was performed in an inductively coupled plasma reactor. Reconstruction of the oxygen concentration depth profiles based on angle‐resolved XPS data showed that two competitive mechanisms (functionalization and etching) happened during the oxygen plasma treatment. Static water contact angle measurements confirmed this result. Oxidized pPS films were also not stable with time; a loss of hydrophilicity was observed and reorganization of the topmost functionalized surface occurred involving diffusion of oxygen groups from the surface towards the bulk and re‐contamination by reaction of trapped radicals with hydrocarbon molecules present in ambient air.

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Biological control of terrestrial molluscs usingPhasmarhabditis hermaphrodita—progress and prospects
Authors: Rae Robbie , Verdun Cyrille , Grewal Parwinder S , Robertson Jamie F , Wilson Michael J
Published: October 2007

Phasmarhabditis hermaphroditaSchneider (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) is a nematode that parasitises a wide range of slug and snail species. It has been formulated into a biological control agent (Nemaslug®) and was commercialised in 1994. It is now available in fourteen European countries. A review is given of all research onP. hermaphrodita,including basic biology, mass cultivation, formulation, host range, application strategies, field efficacy and effects on non‐target organisms. The many critical gaps in present knowledge are highlighted, and future research is proposed that will lead to greater understanding of this unusual parasite and may enable its more widespread use in the management of mollusc pests. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Delaying weed adaptation to herbicide by environmental heterogeneity: a simulation approach
Authors: Roux Fabrice , Paris Margot , Reboud Xavier
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: Environmental heterogeneity in space or time can drive the evolutionary trajectory of an adaptive trait. This concept could be of practical significance in pesticide resistance management that aims to delay the evolution of a resistance allele. Using a population genetics model, the dynamics of herbicide resistance in a weed species was simulated in a heterogeneous environment with alternation of two unrelated herbicides in time, in space or in both time and space. The level of the environmental heterogeneity (habitat grain) was simulated by a variation in the size of the herbicide‐treated areas.

RESULTS: The model confirms that several strategies based on habitat heterogeneity efficiently slow down and even prevent resistance evolution. For a recessive resistant trait in outcrossing species, a medium level of environmental heterogeneity (intermediate habitat grain) was found to be the best for delaying herbicide resistance, as previously observed for insecticide resistance management. In selfing species or for a dominant resistant trait in outcrossing species, a low level of environmental heterogeneity (coarse‐grained habitat) was more efficient in delaying resistance evolution when heterogeneity in both space and time were considered.

CONCLUSION: This model suggests that the choice of optimal tactics for delaying herbicide resistance by enhanced heterogeneity in space or time firstly depends on the interactions between the breeding system and the dominance of the resistance allele in the presence of herbicide, then on the value of the fitness cost and lastly on the dominance of this fitness cost. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Biological evaluation of neopeptins isolated from a Streptomyces strain
Authors: Kim Yun Sung , Kim Hyeong Min , Chang Cheol , Hwang In Cheon , Oh Hyuncheol , Ahn Jong Seog , Kim Ki Deok , Hwang Byung Kook , Kim Beom Seok
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: Microbial secondary metabolites are a rich source of antifungal agents and have merit as alternatives to synthetic fungicides. To develop disease control agents against powdery mildew, the lipopeptide antibiotic neopeptins were identified from the culture broth of a Streptomyces sp., and in vivo control efficacy of the compounds was evaluated on cucumber plants under glasshouse conditions.

RESULTS: The Streptomyces sp. KNF2047 antagonistic against powdery mildew development in cucumber plants was isolated from a soil sample. Antifungal compounds were purified from the culture broth and identified as neopeptin A and B. In vitro microtitre assays revealed the inhibitory activities of the compounds in the range 128–512 µg mL−1 against the mycelial growth of Alternaria mali, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium cucumerinum, Colletotrichum lagenarium, Didimella bryoniae and Magnaporthe grisea. Although neither compound showed remarkable in vitro antifungal activity against other plant pathogenic fungi, a mixture of neopeptins (484 mg of neopeptin A and 290 mg of neopeptin B per gram of partially purified powder) showed potent protective and curative activity against cucumber powdery mildew in vivo. The disease control activity of the neopeptins at a concentration of 2.4 mg L−1 was 92.1%, which was similar to that of the commercial fungicide fenarimol (89.3% at 63 mg L−1) and that of the commercial biocontrol agent Actinovate (67.4% at 2 × 107 cfu L−1).

CONCLUSION: Neopeptin mixtures isolated from Streptomyces sp. KNF2047 showed potent disease control activity against powdery mildew development on cucumber plants. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Expression of garlic leaf lectin under the control of the phloem‐specific promoter Asus1 from Arabidopsis thaliana protects tobacco plants against the tobacco aphid (Myzus nicotianae)
Authors: Sadeghi Amin , Broeders Sylvia , De Greve Henri , Hernalsteens Jean‐Pierre , Peumans Willy J , Van Damme Els JM , Smagghe Guy
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: To check for correlation between the insecticidal properties and the specificity of lectins, a comparative study was made of the insecticidal activities of two garlic lectins with different biological activities.

RESULTS: The insecticidal activity of the garlic (Allium sativum L.) leaf lectin ASAL and bulb lectin ASAII towards the tobacco aphid Myzus nicotianae Blackman was studied using bioassays with transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Wisconsin 38). Bioassays were started with newborn nymphs of the tobacco aphid. Although during the first 7–8 days when nymphs developed to adults there were no apparent effects, part of the nymphal population was found to develop into winged (alate) forms. Later it became clear that transgenic plants expressing ASAL and ASAII had a significant effect on the reproduction capacity of the resulting adults, with a reduction of up to 40%. Different life table parameters such as prereproductive time, intrinsic rate of natural increase, generation time and doubling time were significantly affected (P < 0.05) in aphids grown on transgenic plant material expressing ASAL and ASAII.

CONCLUSION: Bioassays with tobacco plants expressing ASAL and ASAII demonstrated a significant impact on the population growth of M. nicotianae. Therefore, both lectins can be considered as valuable candidate aphid control agents. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Improving the TDDFT calculation of low‐lying excited states for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using the Tamm–Dancoff approximation
Authors: Wang Yi‐Lei , Wu Guo‐Shi
Published: October 2007

Full TDDFT combined with the commonly used hybrid functional B3LYP has been known to greatly underestimate the 1La excitation energies of large linear acenes. This has cast doubt on the TDDFT results for the similar 1La‐type state in other conjugated π‐systems. Although increasing the amount of Hartree–Fock (HF) exchange energy in the employed functional could improve the excitation energy estimation of the 1La state, it would worsen the results for another lowest‐lying excited state,1Lb. Calculations of absorption and emitting energies relative to the 1La states for a series of linear acenes showed that a TDDFT scheme incorporating the Tamm–Dancoff approximation (TDDFT/TDA) could decrease the estimation errors by a factor of about 50%, but keep the levels of 1Lb states almost unchanged. Thus, the TDDFT/TDA scheme gives an overall description for the low‐lying excited states of linear acenes significantly better than the full TDDFT does. Furthermore, 16 nonlinear polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with various structures were examined to confirm the superiority of the TDDFT/TDA over the full TDDFT in its ability to describe the 1La states for conjugated π‐systems of large size. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Monte Carlo computation of ground‐state energy derivatives
Authors: Vrbik Jan
Published: October 2007

Monte Carlo is a simple technique, which uses random numbers to compute ground‐state energies of small molecules (and quantum systems in general). The results always have a small statistical error, which poses a major obstacle when estimating properties defined as ground‐state‐energy derivatives (such as the molecule's geometry, its vibrational frequencies, polarizabilities, etc.). In this article, we present and demonstrate an approach that makes an accurate Monte–Carlo estimation of such derivatives possible. This is achieved by realizing that the simulation constitutes an autocorrelated stochastic process, whose proper analysis then enables us to estimate various energy derivatives as a combination of total correlation between readily computable quantities. The resulting procedure is a natural extension of the usual Monte Carlo algorithm for computing the ground‐state energy, with relatively small computational overhead. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Technology‐enhanced inquiry tools in science education: An emerging pedagogical framework for classroom practice
Authors: Kim Minchi C. , Hannafin Michael J. , Bryan Lynn A.
Published: October 2007

Researchers and practitioners have attempted to identify technologies that support students' scientific understanding, activities and support practices that facilitate students' inquiry processes, and methods to sustain technology‐enhanced innovations in everyday science classrooms. The purpose of this paper is to examine the findings and implications of research on science inquiry tools on classroom teaching and learning practices. We summarize research on inquiry tools and present a framework for teaching and learning in technology‐enhanced, inquiry‐based science classes. In the framework, three dimensions are discussed: the macrocontext (systemic reform and educational standards), the teachers' community (physical or virtual context, where teachers share expertise and mentor each other), and the microcontext (classroom context, where learning and teaching occur). From this pedagogical framework, the interactions among the standards, teachers' community, and classroom contexts are key to exploring the role of technologies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Sci Ed,91:1010–1030, 2007
Serological Tests for Diagnosis and Staging of Hand–Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Authors: Kao Dennis S. , Yan Ji-Geng , Zhang Lin-Ling , Kaplan Rachel E. , Riley Danny A. , Matloub Hani S.
Published: October 2007

The current gold standard for the diagnosis and staging of hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is the Stockholm workshop scale, which is subjective and relies on the patient's recalling ability and honesty. Therefore, great potentials exist for diagnostic and staging errors. The purpose of this study is to determine if objective serum tests, such as levels of soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), may be used in the diagnosis and staging of HAVS. Twenty two nonsmokers were divided into a control group ( n=11) and a vibration group ( n=11). The control group included subjects without history of frequent vibrating tool use. The vibration group included construction workers with average vibrating tool use of 12.2 years. All were classified according to the Stockholm workshop scale (SN, sensorineural symptoms; V, vascular symptoms. SN0, no numbness; SN1, intermittent numbness; SN2, reduced sensory perception; SN3, reduced tactile discrimination; V0, no vasospasmic attacks; V1, intermittent vasospasm involving distal phalanges; V2, intermittent vasospasm extending to middle phalanges; V3, intermittent vasospasm extending to proximal phalanges; V4, skin atrophy/necrosis). All control subjects were SN0 V0. Seven out of 11 vibration subjects were SN1 V1, and 4 out of 11 were SN1 V2. A 10-cm3 sample of venous blood was collected from each subject. The sTM and sICAM-1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean plasma sTM levels were as follows: control group=2.93±0.47 ng/ml, and vibration group=3.61±0.24 ng/ml. The mean plasma sICAM-1 levels were as follows: control group=218.8±54.1 ng/ml, and vibration group= 300.3±53.2 ng/ml. The sTM and sICAM-1 differences between control and vibration groups were statistically significant ( p<0.0002 and p<0.001, respectively). When reference ranges provided by Hemostasis Reference Lab were used as cut-off values, all sTM and sICAM-1 levels were within range, except three vibration individuals (27%) who had sICAM-1 levels greater than the reference range. This was not statistically significant ( p=0.08). When subjects were compared based on the Stockholm workshop scale, mean plasma sTM levels were SN0 V0 group=2.93± 0.47 ng/ml, SN1 V1 group=3.59±0.25 ng/ml, and SN1 V2 group=3.65±0.27 ng/ml, and mean plasma sICAM-1 levels were SN0 V0=219±54.1 ng/ml, SN1 V1=275±33.5 ng/ml, and SN1 V2=345±54.6 ng/ml. The difference in sTM level among the three groups was statistically significant ( p<0.001). The difference in sICAM-1 level among the three groups was also statistically significant ( p<0.002). The sTM and sICAM-1 levels are statistically higher in subjects with HAVS, with levels proportional to the disease severity. However, large population studies are needed to determine the “real-life” standard reference ranges for sTM and sICAM-1.
A 12-month comparison of brief psychodynamic psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy treatment in subjects with generalised anxiety disorders in a community setting
Authors: Ferrero Andrea , Pierò Andrea , Fassina Simona , Massola Tiziana , Lanteri Antonello , Daga Giovanni Abbate , Fassino Secondo
Published: October 2007

Little information is available on the use of brief psychotherapy among subjects with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) within community mental health services. This study compared results among subjects treated with brief Adlerian psychodynamic psychotherapy (B-APP), those treated with medication (MED), or those who experienced combined treatment (COM). Symptomatology and occupational functioning were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression scales (HAM-A; HAM-D), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), and Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) at intake (T1) and at 3, 6, and 12 months later (T3, T6, T12). The study sample included 87 patients with GAD (B-APP 34; MED 33; COM 20), and an ANOVA was applied for analysing repeated measures while controlling for personality disorder. After 6 months, CGI, HAM-A, HAM-D, and SOFAS scores significantly improved independently from the type of treatment. Subjects with personality disorders treated with B-APP exhibited superior results to those treated using other methods only in SOFAS scores at T6. These results were generally maintained at T12. Remission rates among subjects (HAM-A scores <7) varied between 55% (MED) and 74% (B-APP) at T6 and between 63% (MED) and 78% (COM) at T12; no significant differences appeared between the three treatment groups. A logistic regression model predicted anxiety remission only by CGI at T1. This paper discusses these results in relation to the use of brief psychotherapy within community mental health services.
Screening for risk factors of relational withdrawal behaviour in infants aged 14–18 months
Authors: Guedeney Antoine , Foucault Christophe , Bougen Eva , Larroque Beatrice , Mentré France
Published: October 2007

Objectives

The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the prevalence of relational withdrawal behaviour in infants aged 14–18 months attending a public health centre in Paris, (2) to check some identified risk factors for relational withdrawal behaviour in this population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in infants aged 14–18 months attending a child health screening centre during the year 2005.

Results

A total of 640 children were included in the study. Thirteen percent of the 640 infants (n = 83, 95% CI [10.4%; 15.6%]) had an ADBB score at 5 and over 5 on the ADBB. There was a clear relationship between withdrawal behavior and having psychological difficulties as reported by parents, and between withdrawal and developmental delay. Withdrawal was also significantly associated with being a boy, with living in risk conditions (e.g. child being in joint custody, or with living in a foster family), with being adopted, or with being a twin. More withdrawn infants were taken care of at home.

Conclusion

Sustained relational withdrawal behaviour was linked with developmental disorders and psychopathology and not with SES, ethnical origin or rank of birth. The scale could be used in screening early psychopathology in infants aged 2–24 months of age.
Ligand‐transporter interaction in the AcrB multidrug efflux pump determined by fluorescence polarization assay
Authors: Su Chih-Chia , Nikaido Hiroshi , Yu Edward W.
Published: October 2007

The AcrB of Escherichia coli pumps out a wide range of compounds, including most of the currently available antibiotics, and contributes significantly to the serious problem of multidrug resistance of pathogenic bacteria. Quantitative analysis of drug efflux by this pump requires the measurement of the affinity of ligands. Yet there has been no success in determining these values. We introduce here an approach of steady‐state fluorescence polarization to study the interactions between four different ligands and the purified AcrB transporter in a detergent environment. Our assays indicate that the transporter binds these drugs with values ranging from 5.5 to 74.1 μM.
Crystal structure of a family I.3 lipase from Pseudomonas sp. MIS38 in a closed conformation
Authors: Angkawidjaja Clement , You Dong-ju , Matsumura Hiroyoshi , Kuwahara Katsumasa , Koga Yuichi , Takano Kazufumi , Kanaya Shigenori
Published: October 2007

The crystal structure of a family I.3 lipase from Pseudomonas sp. MIS38 in a closed conformation was determined at 1.5 Å resolution. This structure highly resembles that of Serratia marcescens LipA in an open conformation, except for the structures of two lids. Lid1 is anchored by a Ca2+ ion (Ca1) in an open conformation, but lacks this Ca1 site and greatly changes its structure and position in a closed conformation. Lid2 forms a helical hairpin in an open conformation, but does not form it and covers the active site in a closed conformation. Based on these results, we discuss on the lid‐opening mechanism.
Intimate partner violence and sexually transmitted disease symptoms in a national sample of married Bangladeshi women
Authors: Decker M.R. , Miller E. , Kapur N.A. , Gupta J. , Raj A. , Silverman J.G.
Published: October 2007

Objectives

To assess associations of intimate partner violence (IPV) with women's sexually transmitted disease (STD) symptoms, and to clarify biological and behavioral mechanisms underpinning heightened STD rates among abused women.

Methods

A cross‐sectional investigation of married couples (n = 2865) sampled via the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey.

Results

Over one third (38%) of married Bangladeshi women experienced physical or sexual IPV in the 12 months preceding the survey. Victimization was bivariately associated with vaginal irritation/discharge, pelvic pain during intercourse, genital sores/ulcers, and vaginal discharge with odor (OR 1.39–2.09). IPV demonstrated an independent effect on vaginal irritation with discharge (adjusted OR 1.34) and vaginal discharge with odor (adjusted OR 2.08) after accounting for STD exposure (i.e., husbands’ recent STD).

Conclusions

IPV elevates married Bangladeshi women's STD symptoms beyond the risk represented by husbands’ STD alone, suggesting that high rates of STD among abusive men and the context of violence itself both relate to abused women's STD risk.
Endogenous screening, credit crunches, and competition in laxity
Authors: Shaffer Sherrill , Hoover Scott
Published: October 2007

A simple model of lending with endogenous screening predicts that risk‐neutral banks tend to adopt tighter lending standards under several conditions commonly seen in recessions: lower interest rates (or spreads), higher default rates, or a smaller fraction of good borrowers. Historical data support these predictions. In addition, better information about borrower types encourages tighter lending standards, and competition in laxity can arise with multiple banks. Within the class of symmetric screening decisions, endogenizing the interest rates disrupts the existence of equilibrium in pure strategies, just as when screening decisions are assumed to be exogenous.
Cirque glacier activity in arctic Norway during the last deglaciation
Authors: Paasche Øyvind , Olaf Dahl Svein , Bakke Jostein , Løvlie Reidar , Nesje Atle
Published: October 2007

Numerous cirques of the Lofoten–Vesterålen archipelago in northern Norway have distinct moraine sequences that previously have been assigned to the Allerød-Younger Dryas (∼ 13,400 to 11,700 yr BP) interval, constraining the regional distribution of the equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) of cirque and valley glaciers. Here we present evidence from a once glacier-fed lake on southern Andøya that contests this view. Analyses of radiocarbon dated lacustrine sediments including rock magnetic parameters, grain size, organic matter, dry bulk density and visual interpretation suggest that no glacier was present in the low-lying cirque during the Younger Dryas-Allerød. The initiation of the glacial retreat commenced with the onset of the Bølling warming (∼ 14,700 yr BP) and was completed by the onset of Allerød Interstade (∼ 13,400 yr BP). The reconstructed glacier stages of the investigated cirque coincide with a cool and dry period from ∼ 17,500 to 14,700 yr BP and a somewhat larger Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) advance possibly occurring between ∼ 21,050 and 19,100 yr BP.
Nutrition Discussion Forum
Authors: Keenan Joseph , Hess Richard , Kolberg Lore
Published: October 2007

Both Wood and Tosh and the editorial that accompanied the original paper raise important issues regarding the characteristics of soluble fibres that affect their efficacy in reducing cholesterol and CVD risk.
Vestibular signs and symptoms of volumetric abnormalities of the vestibular aqueduct
Authors: Manzari L
Published: October 2007

Objective:

The objective of this study was to identify a pattern of signs, symptoms and neuroradiological findings which would assist investigation of vestibular function (especially otolith function) in a group of adult patients with anatomical alterations of the endolymphatic aqueduct and sac.

Methods:

Fifteen subjects affected by volumetric abnormalities of the vestibular aqueduct were selected from a cohort of patients referred to a tertiary referral neurotological centre between 1 January 2004 and 30 June 2006. All patients underwent accurate clinical history-taking and were evaluated using a standardised set of bedside and instrumental neurotological tests (i.e. audiometry, auditory brainstem response and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials). After these tests, each patient underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in order to accurately evaluate the middle ear, labyrinthine capsule and internal auditory canals. These evaluations confirmed clinical suspicion of volumetric abnormalities of the vestibular aqueduct and endolymphatic sac.

Results:

All the patients with a defined volumetric alteration in the region of the vestibular aqueduct and endolympatic sac reported a typical pattern of symptoms and signs. The most obvious and frequent symptoms in these patients were migraine-related vertigo (using the Neuhauser criteria, 10 of 15, 66.6 per cent), ‘motion sickness’ (12 of 15, 80 per cent), oscillopsia (nine of 15, 60 per cent) and dizziness (14 of 15, 93.3 per cent). Clinical examination results for the selected patients allowed some useful speculative conclusions. During neurotological evaluation, two instrumental methodologies were especially useful diagnostically: vestibular evoked myogenic potentials of the neck, and the mastoid vibration test at 100 Hz.

Conclusions:

Dysfunction of the vestibular aqueduct is suggested by symptomatology characterised by: migraine-related vertigo, unstable or recurring oscillopsia, lowering of the vestibular evoked myogenic potential threshold, hypoacusis, anamnestic report of motion sickness, and nystagmus induced by mastoid vibration and head-shaking. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are needed in order to confirm clinical suspicions.
Diagnostic tests for immunomediated hearing loss: a systematic review
Authors: Lobo D , López F García , García-Berrocal J R , Ramírez-Camacho R
Published: October 2007

Objective:

To quantitatively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of diagnostic tests for immunomediated hearing loss.

Data sources:

We searched Medline and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for potentially relevant studies.

Study selection:

Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review. The diagnosis of immunomediated hearing loss was based on the clinical presentation and the response to corticosteroid administration.

Data extraction:

The following data were extracted from the selected studies and entered into a standardised database: population demographics; exclusion and inclusion criteria; diagnostic tests; sensitivity; specificity; the number of true positive, true negative, false positive and false negative values; therapy used, including dose and duration; and delay between symptom onset and therapy commencement.

Data synthesis:

This systematic review combined data from 679 patients with immunomediated hearing loss, reported by 22 research teams. Substantial heterogeneity was found among the included studies; for this reason, summary sensitivity and specificity values were not computed.

Conclusions:

The results of diagnostic tests for immunomediated hearing loss depend on many factors, and there is a risk of potential bias. This is the first time that such a systematic review has been presented; such a review is a more rigorous method of demonstrating the utility of the available diagnostic tests.
Botulinum toxin as adjunctive therapy in refractory laryngeal granuloma
Authors: Damrose E J , Damrose J F
Published: October 2007

Objective:

This study evaluated the role of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of refractory laryngeal granulomas.

Study design and setting:

Retrospective clinical review at a tertiary care hospital. Seven patients with vocal process granulomas underwent percutaneous injection of botulinum toxin into both vocal folds, performed in an office setting. Total doses ranged from 10 to 25 U, divided between both vocal folds.

Results:

All patients experienced resolution of their granulomas over two to seven weeks. No patient developed aspiration pneumonia. All patients experienced hoarseness secondary to the injections, but voice quality returned to baseline in all patients as the toxin was degraded.

Conclusions:

Botulinum toxin is safe and effective therapy in resolving vocal process granulomas in patients refractory to traditional therapy. The optimal treatment dose remains to be determined.

Significance:

Percutaneous botulinum toxin injection is helpful in resolving laryngeal granulomas.
Heterozygosity and parasite intensity: lung parasites in the water frog hybridization complex
Authors: JOLY P. , GUESDON V. , FROMONT E. , PLENET S. , GROLET O. , GUEGAN J. F. , HURTREZ-BOUSSES S. , THOMAS F. , RENAUD F.
Published: October 2007

In hybridogenetic systems, hybrid individuals are fully heterozygous because one of the parental genomes is discarded from the germinal line before meiosis. Such systems offer the opportunity to investigate the influence of heterozygosity on susceptibility to parasites. We studied the intensity of lung parasites (the roundwormRhabdias bufomisand the flukeHaplometra cylindracea) in 3 populations of water frogs of theRana lessonae-esculentacomplex in eastern France. In these mixed populations, hybrid frogs (R. esculenta) outnumbered parental ones (R. lessonae). Despite variation in parasite intensity and demographic variability among populations, the relationship between host age and intensity of parasitism suggests a higher susceptibility in parentals than in hybrids. Mortality is probably enhanced by lung parasites in parental frogs. On the other hand, while parental frogs harboured higher numbers ofH. cylindraceathan hybrid frogs, the latter had higher numbers ofR. bufonis. Despite such discrepancies, these results support the hybrid resistance hypothesis, although other factors, such as differences in body size, age-related immunity, differential exposure risks and hemiclonal selection, could also contribute to the observed patterns of infection.
Mechanisms underlying reduced expulsion of a murine nematode infection during protein deficiency
Authors: TU T. , KOSKI K. G. , SCOTT M. E.
Published: October 2007

Balb/c mice infected with the gastrointestinal nematodeHeligmosomoides bakeriwere fed protein sufficient (PS, 24%) or deficient (PD, 3%) diets to investigate whether diet, infection or dose of larval challenge (0, 100 or 200 larvae) influenced gut pathophysiology and inflammation. Among the PS mice, worms were more posteriorad in the intestine of mice infected with 200 compared with 100 larvae, suggesting active expulsion in the more heavily infected mice. This was consistent with the positive correlation between worm numbers and fluid leakage in PS mice; similar patterns were not detected in the PD mice. Infection also induced villus atrophy, which was more pronounced in PS than in PD mice. Our cytokine screening array indicated that infection in PD mice elevated a wide range of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Whereas serum leptin concentrations were higher in PD mice, monocyte chemotactic protein-5 (MCP-5) in serum increased with increasing larval dose and concentrations were lower in PD than PS mice. We suggest that elevated MCP-5 together with villus atrophy may contribute to the apparent dose-dependent expulsion ofH. bakerifrom PS mice but that delayed expulsion in PD mice appeared related to a predominant Th1 cytokine profile that may be driven by leptin.
Identification and characterization of a novel specific secreted protein family for selected members of the subfamily Ostertagiinae (Nematoda)
Authors: SAVERWYNS H. , VISSER A. , NISBET A. J. , PEELAERS I. , GEVAERT K. , VERCRUYSSE J. , CLAEREBOUT E. , GELDHOF P.
Published: October 2007

It has been shown that the bovine abomasal parasite,Ostertagia ostertagi, drastically modulates its microenvironment, causing epithelial cell damage, accumulation of inflammatory cells and pH changes in the stomach. The mechanisms used by the parasite to change the abomasal environment are largely unknown, but an important role has been attributed to excretory-secretory (ES) products from the parasite. In this study we have identified proteins representing a novel ES protein family, characterized by the SCP/Tpx-1/Ag5/PR-1/Sc7 protein motif. These proteins were named Oo-AL1 and Oo-AL2 (O. ostertagiASP-like protein). Both proteins contain a signal peptide and 1 predicted N-glycosylation site. The transcript for Oo-AL1 was present from the L4 stage onwards in both male and female adult worms, whereas the Oo-AL2 transcript was hardly detectable. Western blots of somatic extracts and ES products from different developmental stages ofO. ostertagi, probed with anti-Oo-AL1 antibodies, revealed Oo-AL proteins in the ES products of adult worms. An analysis of the nematode genome and EST databases indicated that these novel ES proteins are unique toO. ostertagiand its relative,Teladorsagia circumcincta, suggesting a key function in these abomasal parasites.
Searching for general patterns in parasite ecology: host identity versus environmental influence on gamasid mite assemblages in small mammals
Authors: KRASNOV B. R. , KORALLO-VINARSKAYA N. P. , VINARSKI M. V. , SHENBROT G. I. , MOUILLOT D. , POULIN R.
Published: October 2007

The abundance and diversity of parasites vary among different populations of host species. In some host-parasite associations, much of the variation seems to depend on the identity of the host species, whereas in other cases it is better explained by local environmental conditions. The few parasite taxa investigated to date make it difficult to discern any general pattern governing large-scale variation in abundance or diversity. Here, we test whether the abundance and diversity of gamasid mites parasitic on small mammals across different regions of the Palaearctic are determined mainly by host identity or by parameters of the abiotic environment. Using data from 42 host species from 26 distinct regions, we found that mite abundances on different populations of the same host species were more similar to each other than expected by chance, and varied significantly among host species, with half of the variance among samples explained by differences between host species. A similar but less pronounced pattern was observed for mite diversity, measured both as species richness and as the taxonomic distinctness of mite species within an assemblage. Strong environmental effects were also observed, with local temperature and precipitation correlating with mite abundance and species richness, respectively, across populations of the same host species, for many of the host species examined. These results are compared to those obtained for other groups of parasites, notably fleas, and discussed in light of attempts to find general rules governing the geographical variation in the abundance and diversity of parasite assemblages.