bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping styles and suicide risk
Authors: Horesh N. , Rolnick T. , Iancu I. , Dannon P. , Lepkifker E. , Apter A. , Kotler M.
Published: August 2007

A total of 30 psychiatric in‐patients admitted because of suicidal behaviour were compared with 30 non‐suicidal psychiatric in‐patients and 32 healthy controls on measures of suicide risk and coping styles. The three groups were similar with regard to demographic variables, but the suicidal group scored higher on the suicide risk scale. Suicidal patients were significantly less likely to use the coping styles of minimization and mapping. They were unable to de‐emphasize the importance of a perceived problem or source of stress. They also lacked the ability to obtain new information required to resolve stressful life events. Four coping styles correlated negatively with the suicide risk (minimization, replacement, mapping and reversal), while another three (suppression, blame and substitution) correlated positively. These findings may have important implications for therapists and primary prevention workers, and might pave the way towards recognition of the role played by coping styles in predicting suicide and its use for cognitive intervention in these high‐risk patients.
Prevalence of OPG and IL‐1 gene polymorphisms in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Wagner Judith , Kaminski Wolfgang E. , Aslanidis Charalampos , Moder Daniel , Hiller Karl‐Anton , Christgau Michael , Schmitz Gerd , Schmalz Gottfried
Published: August 2007

Aim: To investigate the association of polymorphisms in the osteoprotegerin (OPG) and interleukin 1 (IL‐1) genes with chronic periodontitis (CP).

Material and Methods: One hundred and ninety‐four individuals (97 CP patients, 97 controls) were genotyped for the OPG polymorphisms Lys3Asn and Met256Val and for the IL‐1 polymorphisms IL‐1A (−889C/T) and IL‐1B (+3953C/T).

Results: The homozygous variants coding for Lys3 were present at a higher frequency, whereas Asn3 and Met256 were present at a lower frequency in CP patients/controls (Lys3: 31%/25%, Asn3: 23%/32% and Met256: 66%/73%). Heterozygosity for Lys3Asn was observed at a higher frequency in CP patients/controls (46%/43%). Homozygosity for the Val256 genotype was observed in two CP patients (one in controls). Met256Val heterozygosity was more prevalent in CP patients/controls (32%/20%). All differences were statistically not significant between CP patients and controls. In contrast, both IL‐1 polymorphisms were statistically significant. The heterozygous variant for IL‐1A was present in 32% of the CP patients and in 20% of the controls (homozygosity (patients/controls) CC: 10%/21% and TT: 55%/33%). Heterozygosity for IL‐1B was observed in 37% of the CP patients versus 34% in the controls (homozygosity (patients/controls) CC: 26%/57% and TT: 37%/9%).

Conclusion: While the association between the IL‐1 polymorphisms and CP was confirmed, no association between the OPG polymorphisms and CP could be found.
Dabska tumor arising in lymphangioma circumscriptum
Authors: Emanuel Patrick O. , Lin Robert , Silver Lester , Birge Miriam B. , Shim Helen , Phelps Robert G.
Published: August 2007

We describe a case of Dabska tumor (DT) occurring within a large congenital lymphangioma circumscriptum on the thigh of a 14‐year‐old female. Diagnostic biopsy showed numerous intravascular papillary projections lined by atypical endothelial cells within the anastomosing vascular channels of a lymphangioma circumscriptum. DT is regarded as a vascular tumor of intermediate malignant potential, most probably of lymphatic origin. Although it has been described in pre‐existing lymphangiomas, to the best of our knowledge this is the first case to be described in a pre‐existing lymphangioma circumscriptum. During a follow‐up of 9 years, the lymphangioma circumscriptum has recurred, but there has been no evidence of DT recurrence or metastasis.
Cutaneous lesions of dermatomyositis with supervening fibrosis
Authors: Magro Cynthia M. , Dyrsen Molly , Kerns Mary Jo
Published: August 2007

Background:  Dermatomyositis (DM) is a distinctive systemic connective tissue disease whereby the skin defines a cardinal site of involvement. There exists a body of literature, which suggests that a significant component of its clinical manifestations may be related to endothelial cell injury. We have postulated in the past that anti‐endothelial cell antibodies may be the defining trigger leading to endothelial cell dysfunction. The primary organs affected by DM are the skin and muscle. A significant albeit rare complication is pulmonary fibrosis, which our recent study postulated to be attributable to an autoimmune endothelialitis.

Design:  We describe six patients, four women and two men who ranged in age from 3 to 60 years, and had classic clinical presentations and cutaneous lesions of DM without any supervening clinical changes indicative of cutaneous sclerosis.

Results:  Skin biopsies showed cell‐poor interface dermatitis with variable dermal mucin and C5b‐9 within the cutaneous vasculature. However, at variance with classic DM was the presence of a sclerodermoid tissue reaction, which was of variable depth. All of these patients had severe muscle involvement. One pediatric patient had concomitant significant cutaneous, central nervous system and oral mucosal ischemic infarcts. Significant pulmonary disease ensued in the four adult patients, manifesting as pulmonary fibrosis in two, diffuse alveolar damage in one and diaphragmatic failure in one. In three patients, direct immunofluorescent studies were corroborative of immune‐based microvascular injury while Western blot and/or indirect immunofluorescent studies showed anti‐endothelial cell antibody activity within the serum of three patients.

Conclusions:  The identification of sclerosis in biopsies of skin lesions typical clinically for DM may be a harbinger for more severe autoimmune‐based endothelial cell injury phenomenon. One could speculate that its basis may be attributable to elevated serum levels of the natural fibrogenic factor, transforming growth factor β, which in turn is released from damaged endothelium.
Does the panel of cytokeratin 20 and androgen receptor antibodies differentiate desmoplastic trichoepithelioma from morpheaform/infiltrative basal cell carcinoma?
Authors: Katona Terrence M. , Perkins Susan M. , Billings Steven D.
Published: August 2007

Background:  Evaluation of androgen receptor (AR) and cytokeratin 20 (CK20) expression can aid in distinguishing between conventional basal cell carcinoma (characteristically AR+, CK20−) and trichoepithelioma (frequently AR−, CK20+). Within these two groups of tumors, morpheaform/infiltrative basal cell carcinoma (mBCC) and desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (DTE) are particularly challenging to differentiate both clinically and histologically. We investigated whether AR and CK20 immunostains may distinguish between mBCC and DTE.

Methods:  Immunohistochemistry for AR and CK20 was performed on 15 DTEs and 31 mBCCs. Any immunoreactivity within the tumor for AR or CK20 was considered positive.

Results:  AR expression was seen in 13% (2/15) of DTE and 65% (20/31) of mBCC cases (chi‐square p = 0.0011). CK20‐positive Mërkel cells were identified in 100% (15/15) of DTE and 3% (1/31) of mBCC (chi‐square p < 0.0001). The expected pattern of AR−, CK20+ immunophenotype was present in 87% (13/15) of DTE cases. In mBCC, 61% (19/31) was AR+, CK20−. No DTE was AR+, CK20− and no mBCC was AR−, CK20+.

Conclusions:  Immunohistochemical stains for AR and CK20 are useful to differentiate DTE from mBCC. The AR−, CK20+ immunophenotype is sensitive (87%) and specific for DTE (100%). The AR+, CK20− immunophenotype is specific (100%) and moderately sensitive (61%) for mBCC.
Extraskeletal cutaneous chondroblastic osteosarcoma: a case report
Authors: Salamanca Javier , Dhimes Patricia , Pinedo Fernando , Gómez de la Fuente Enrique , Pérez Espejo Gustavo , Martínez‐Tello Francisco José
Published: August 2007

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is an uncommon neoplasm that usually arises in the deep soft tissues, especially in the lower extremities, with rare cases involving the subcutis or dermis. We report a 60‐year‐old man with an enlarging cutaneous mass in the right lower thigh. An incisional skin biopsy showed a well‐defined, but non‐encapsulated neoplasm, characterized by extensive cartilage with marked cellularity, atypia and high mitotic activity, involving the dermis and subcutis. Although osteoid or bone was not observed, a diagnosis of cutaneous chondroblastic osteosarcoma was suggested after excluding an origin in bone or other primary tumor sites by imaging techniques. Histopathologic features of the surgical specimen were characteristic, with a predominant high‐grade chondroid component together with focal fibrosarcomatous zones, areas of multinucleated giant cells and foci of bone and osteoid formation. The patient underwent postoperative chemotherapy and is currently alive with pulmonary metastases 15 months after surgery. In summary, we report a unique case of cutaneous osteosarcoma of the chondroblastic subtype, diagnosed on incisional skin biopsy despite the absence of osteoid or bone during tumor sampling. As a rule, when an obviously malignant ‘chondrosarcoma’ is identified, one should always consider this entity.
Acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcomas: are they all low‐grade neoplasms?
Authors: Hassanein Ashraf M. , Atkinson Steven P. , Al‐Quran Samer Z. , Jain Sima M. , Reith John D.
Published: August 2007

Acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (AMIFS) is a low‐grade sarcoma that presents mostly in distal extremities of middle‐aged patients. The clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemical profile and follow‐up data of five cases (three men and two women; age 39–65 years) are presented. The tumors presented as a slow‐growing, poorly circumscribed, subcutaneous masses in the hands (three), foot (one) and calf (one), with dermal involvement in two cases. They had myxoid and hyaline stroma with dense acute and chronic inflammation. Spindle cells, large bizarre ganglion‐like cells and multivacuolated cells were seen. Variable reactivity in lesional cells were noted for vimentin, Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (A1AT), factor XIIIa, CD68, CD95, CD117, Alpha‐1‐antichymotrypsin (A1ACT), CD34, AE1/3, S‐100 protein, EBER, CD63 and CD15. MIB‐1 showed 5–30% nuclear labeling. They were negative for cytokeratin AE1/3, smooth muscle actin, CD30, ALK‐1, EMA, desmin, CMV, HMB‐45 and Melan‐A. Follow up ranged from 2 weeks to 95 months (mean 54). One patient was lost to follow up; three underwent excision and one patient had below the knee amputation. Two patients developed metastases (one died of disease), and two patients are alive without evidence of disease. AMIFS are rare tumors that may involve joints and tendons leading to clinical diagnosis of ganglion cyst or tenosynovitis.
Generation of a prophylactic melanoma vaccine using whole recombinant yeast expressing MART‐1
Authors: Riemann Helge , Takao Joe , Shellman Yiqun G , Hines Wirt A , Edwards Carl K , Norris David A , Fujita Mayumi
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  Malignant melanoma is a potentially deadly form of skin cancer and people at high‐risk of developing melanoma will benefit from effective preventive intervention. Yeast can be used as an efficient vehicle of antigen loading and immunostimulation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is not pathogenic to humans and can be easily engineered to express specific antigens. In this study, we have developed a melanoma vaccine using a yeast‐based platform expressing a full‐length melanocyte/melanoma protein to investigate its utility as a prophylactic melanoma vaccine in a transplantable mouse melanoma model. Yeast was engineered and expanded in vitro without technical difficulties, administered easily with subcutaneous injection, and did not show adverse effects, indicating its practical applicability and favourable safety profile. Despite the lack of knowledge of dominant epitopes of the protein recognized by mouse MHC‐class I, the vaccine protected mice from tumor development and induced efficient immune responses, suggesting that the precise knowledge of epitopic sequences and the matched HLA type is not required when delivering a full‐length protein using the yeast platform. In addition, the vaccine stimulated both CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells simultaneously. This study provides a ‘proof of principle’ that recombinant yeast can be utilized as an effective prophylactic vaccine to target patients at high‐risk for melanoma.
N‐nitroso‐melatonin releases nitric oxide in the presence of serotonin and its derivatives
Authors: Kopczak Anna , Korth Hans‐Gert , Groot Herbert de , Kirsch Michael
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  A novel reaction was observed between 5‐hydroxytryptophan derivatives like serotonin and N‐nitroso‐melatonin (NOMela). This reaction decreased the concentration of serotonin by about 50% and generated initially as detectable products nitric oxide and melatonin with stoichiometrical yields. The other expected product, a serotonin‐derived radical, could not be detected by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry, probably because the self‐decay of phenoxyl type radicals proceed at the diffusion‐controlled limit. From the facts that the decay rate of NOMela corresponded very well with the nitric oxide releasing rate and that nitrite was the only thermodynamically stable nitrogen oxide‐containing product, it is concluded that the NOMela–serotonin reaction proceeded quantitatively. The observed reaction might be a possibility to counteract a pharmacologically abnormal high serotonin concentration in various diseases.
Long‐term effectiveness outcome of melatonin therapy in children with treatment‐resistant circadian rhythm sleep disorders
Authors: Carr Roxanne , Wasdell Michael B. , Hamilton Donald , Weiss Margaret D. , Freeman Roger D. , Tai Joseph , Rietveld Wop J. , Jan James E.
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  To date, there have been no prospective long‐term studies of melatonin therapy in children. We report here data from a prospective follow‐up study of 44 children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and treatment‐resistant circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSD) who had participated in a placebo controlled, double blind cross‐over trial of sustained‐release melatonin. The follow‐up study involved a structured telephone interview of caregivers every 3 months for upto 3.8 yr. The caregivers provided ratings of satisfaction, adverse effects, benefits, persistence with treatment and additional medications. Changes in melatonin dose were recorded. Open ended questions were included to capture caregivers’ impressions and comments concerning melatonin therapy. Adverse reaction to melatonin therapy and development of tolerance were not evident. Better sleep was associated with reported improvement in health, behavior and learning. At the end of the study, the parental comments regarding the effectiveness of long‐term melatonin therapy were highly positive. Parents whose children had sleep maintenance difficulties expressed a wish to have a commercially available controlled‐release melatonin product which would promote sleep for 8–10 hr. Hypnotics for children with CRSD should be considered a second line of treatment for those who fail to respond to sleep hygiene and/or melatonin.
The BMP signaling and its Smads in mandibular distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Khanal A , Yoshioka I , Tominaga K , Furuta N , Habu M , Fukuda J
Published: August 2007

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to clarify the mechanism of signal transduction of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) through their specific down signaling molecules Smads inducing bone formation in response to mechanical stimulus during distraction osteogenesis (DO) in the rat mandible.

Materials and methods:  Osteotomy of the left mandible was performed in 45 rats. Thirty rats underwent mandibular distraction (protocol; 5 days latency, 8 days distraction, and 2 weeks consolidation) while 15 rats served as non‐distracted (fracture healing) group. The expression of BMPs‐2,‐4 and Smads 1, 5, and 8 were evaluated in the new regenerate area using immunohistochemistry.

Results:  Expressions of BMPs‐2,‐4 and Smads 1, 5, and 8 were moderate during latency, significantly increased during distraction and decreased towards consolidation period.

Conclusions:  The enhanced expression of BMPs and its Smads during distraction compared to the non‐distracted group suggests the possible role of BMP signaling pathway in translation of mechanical forces into biological results during DO.
Evaluation of Factors Influencing Resonance Frequency Analysis Values, at Insertion Surgery, of Implants Placed in Sinus‐Augmented and Nongrafted Sites
Authors: Degidi Marco , Daprile Giuseppe , Piattelli Adriano , Carinci Francesco
Published: August 2007

Background  The immediate loading technique requires a high primary stability. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) has been proposed to assess this stability with a quantitative method.

Purpose  The aim of the present study was to evaluate if a good primary stability could be achieved in sites that had undergone a sinus augmentation procedure and also to evaluate the importance of different clinical factors in the determination of resonance frequency values at implant insertion.

Materials and Methods  In 14 patients, 80 implants were inserted. Sixty‐three implants were inserted in a site previously treated with a sinus augmentation procedure, while 17 implants were inserted in healed or postextraction sites. For each implant, diameter, length, bone density, insertion torque, RFA value, and percentage of implant fixed to a nongrafted bone were recorded.

Results  Grafted sites showed high RFA values. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between resonance frequency values and implant diameter (p=0.007), implant length (p=0.02), diameter of the last bur used (p=0.01). No statistically significant correlation between RFA values and all the other variables considered was found.

Conclusions  Sites treated with sinus augmentation procedures can offer good primary stability after 6 months of healing. The length and diameter of the implants, together with the geometry of the implant used, are important to obtain high RFA values.
Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Using Sinus Membrane Elevation and Peripheral Venous Blood for Implant‐Supported Rehabilitation of the Atrophic Posterior Maxilla: Case Series
Authors: Hatano Naoki , Sennerby Lars , Lundgren Stefan
Published: August 2007

Background  Dental implants need appropriate bone volume for adequate stability in the rehabilitation after tooth loss. In the severely atrophic posterior maxilla, the clinical success of implant treatment sometimes requires a vertical ridge augmentation in the maxillary sinus floor.

Purpose  The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate a maxillary sinus floor augmentation technique using a replaceable bone window, elevation of the membrane, placement of implants, and injection of the patient’s own venous blood to fill the voids.

Materials and Methods  Six patients with need of maxillary sinus floor augmentation participated in the study. After preparation of a replaceable bone window in the lateral aspect of the sinus and careful elevation of the Schneiderian membrane, a total of 14 Brånemark implants (TiUnite, MK III, Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) were installed in the residual bone penetrating into the sinus cavity. The sinus cavity was then filled with peripheral venous blood and the bone window replaced and stabilized with a medical tissue glue (Aron Alpha A, Sankyo, Inc., Tokyo, Japan) to prevent blood leakage from the created compartment in the maxillary sinus.

Results  After a healing period of a minimum of 6 months, new bone was successfully generated in all 14 implant sites as judged from radiographs. One of the 14 implants failed, corresponding to a survival rate of 92.9% after a follow‐up period ranging 12 to 34 months.

Conclusions  The present case series demonstrate that the creation of a secluded space in the maxillary sinus and filling with venous blood results in bone formation at simultaneously installed dental implants over a 6‐month period.
A Literature Review on Biomaterials in Sinus Augmentation Procedures
Authors: Browaeys Hilde , Bouvry Peter , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: August 2007

Background  Sinus augmentation is a common procedure to increase bone volume and allow for proper implant placement in the atrophic posterior maxilla. Although the patient’s own bone is considered the best grafting material, various synthetic or bovine‐derived alternatives are used to simplify the grafting procedure.

Purpose  The overall objective of this review was to assess the efficacy of different graft materials used in sinus augmentation procedures as demonstrated in animal studies.

Materials and Methods  A specific and sensitive database was initially created via PUBMED, focusing on studies published in English peer‐reviewed journals between 1995 and 2004 and kept updated until 2006.

Results  Twenty‐six articles were available for comparison and discussion; none concerned the use of alloplastic materials; 24 were comparative histomorphometric; and two were biomechanical studies. Because of a great variability in study designs, different implant types, great range in follow‐up, and lack of specific integration or loading period, a comparison of the studies and the biomaterials used was difficult.

Conclusions  In general, autogenous bone is the most predictable material of choice for augmentation procedures, despite a 40% resorption, because it is highly osteoconductive and less dependent on sinus floor endosteal bone migration. The addition of bovine bone mineral to autogenous bone can be beneficial for graft success because it acts as a slowly resorbing space maintainer. Porous hydroxyapatite is suitable when mixed with autogenous bone because it enhances bone formation and bone‐to‐implant contact in augmented sinuses. Histological evaluation showed that demineralized freeze‐dried bone is inferior to other materials. Within the limitation of the animal studies examined in this review and only based on histological examination, the initial osseointegration of implants seems independent of the biomaterial used in grafting procedures.
THE ESTABLISHMENT CONCEPT IN STRIKE DISQUALIFICATIONS UNDER UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LAWS
Authors: Schindler Sidney
Published: August 2007

Of things that are called one in virtue of their own nature some are so called because they are continuous, e. g. a bundle is made one by a band, and pieces of wood are made one by glue; and a line, even if it is bent, is called one if it is continuous, as each part of the body is, e. g. the leg or the arm⃜ Those things are continuous by their own nature which are one not merely by contact; for if you put pieces of wood touching one another, you will not say these are one piece of wood or one body or one continuum of any other sort.
POWER IN THE AMERICAN ECONOMY: A REVIEW AND COMMENTARY
Authors: WOLFE ART
Published: August 2007

The two books I have been reviewing have made a number of points about the nature of power in the American economy. Our economic society is dominated by large institutional actors. Supporting this reality are layers of traditional reasons, some of which are myth‐like. These institutions are not necessarily as efficient or as innovative as these traditional beliefs inform us, and they coalesce to form an interconnected whole that operates to serve institutional interests first. In the process, large business corporations come to see natural persons as roles. This perception at once increases the individual's mobility and her irrelevance. Many of us are leading meaningless lives as we serve the objectives of others in our work. Overall, the large American business corporation has brought a new form of social organization that substantially truncates us as natural, whole persons. In the process, these organizations are challenging the family as a dominant form of organization in our society.

Rights in our society accrue to the actor with productive capacity. Through the use of political power, market research, and advertising, we can discern a type of power that subtly conditions us to believe that this reorganization of our environment is proper and right. As we pursue our own “free will,” therefore, we actually submit to the objectives of the large business corporation.

Generally speaking, Adams, Brock, and Coleman agree on this fundamental point: the dignity of individual purpose and meaning that we share and that define us as human beings is thwarted by a set of institutional arrangements that have fundamentally reoriented our society to serve the institutions' own objectives of profit and growth. Why is this important? It seems that in social systems, like mechanical systems, something is lost when mass is increased. As our important institutions become larger, what is lost is a kind of knowledge about our own environment and how it works. In the place of this first‐hand knowledge, we come to rely on second‐hand knowledge provided by social‐science experts. Without this first‐hand knowledge, we lose the confidence that we have the ability to see for ourselves what has meaning and to bring about desired changes in our lives. With the loss of confidence, we lose power, a form of power that each of us is told from childhood that we, by nature, should have. Our individual wills and perceptions atrophy without use. We come to believe that our place in the social order is inevitable and natural. In short, the individual, the source of both knowledge and political rights, has become secondary to the will and strength of large private and public institutions. How can natural, individual actors regain–or perhaps realize for the first time –power in their own lives? In reaching for an answer to this question, I believe Adams, Brock, and Coleman have overlooked some essential features of our modern political economy.
THE DEMISE OF THE DISPARATE IMPACT THEORY
Authors: PATTISON PATRICIA , VARCA PHILIP E.
Published: August 2007

Books reviewed in this article:

Book Reviewed in this article:

Shortly after this article was completed and accepted for publication, Congress passed the 1991 Civil Rights Act. In order to understand and appreciate the significant implications of the new legislation, it is first necessary to review the legislative and litigation history of disparate impact discussed here. Immediately following is a legislative update entitled “The Resurrection of the Disparate Impact Theory?”
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: BALLAM DEBORAH
Published: August 2007

Books reviewed in this article:

Book Reviewed in this article:

A HISTORY OF THE ANGLO‐AMERICAN COMMON LAW OF CONTRACT. Kevin M. Teeven. Greenwood Press, 1990. Pp. 382.
Trehalose and trehalose‐hydrolyzing enzyme in the haemolymph of Locusta migratoria infected with Metarhizium anisopliae strain CQMa102
Authors: ZHAO HUA , WANG ZHONG‐KANG , YIN YOU‐PING , LI YAN‐LING , LI ZHEN‐LUN , PENG GUO‐XIONG , XIA YU‐XIAN
Published: August 2007

Topical application of the Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum specialist strain CQMa102 to the locust Locusta migratoria manilensis results in changes of the concentrations of trehalose and glucose in the haemolymph. Micrographs of the locust haemolymph shows Metarhizium anisopliae can effectivly penetrate the external skeleton of locust and after 2 days infection, the hyphae body will appear in the haemolymph of infected insects. The time in decrease of trehalose concentration coincided with that in increase of trehalose‐hydrolysing enzyme activity in the haemolymph of the fungus‐infected insects. Overlay gel analysis indicated there was considerably more trehalose‐hydrolysing activity in the haemolymph of locusts infected by fungus than in controls. A comparable isoform was identified in in vitro culture of the fungus, suggesting a fungal origin for the in vivo enzyme. Haemolymph trehalose decreased significantly during mycosis of locusts by M. anisopliae. All these results suggested that this fungus may take advantage of competing nutrient utilization against the insect by its trehalose‐hydrolyzing enzyme secretion. It may provide fundamental knowledge for fungal pathogenesis.
Temperature‐dependent development of Xyleborus fornicatus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), the shot‐hole borer of tea in Sri Lanka: Implications for distribution and abundance
Authors: WALGAMA RAVINDRA SAMPATH , ZALUCKI MYRON PHILLIP
Published: August 2007

The effect of temperature on the rate of development of Xyleborus fornicatus (Eichh.) was determined by rearing individuals under a range of constant temperatures (15–32°C). Rates of development changed in a linear fashion over a wide range of temperatures. Estimates of lower development thresholds were obtained for eggs (15.7±0.5°C), larvae (15.8±0.8°C) and pupae (14.3±1.4°C) and the degree days (DD) for development were 70±4.4, 95±8.5 and 72±5.1 DD, respectively. Optimum temperature for development was around 30°C for all stages. Temperature fluctuation in cooler High Country areas (above 1400 m) with a mean temperature around 15°C seems to be critical for the development of the pest, which may be responsible for the near absence of pest in those areas. Temperature fluctuations (18–30°C) in the Mid Country region (600–1200 m) favor the development of the pest compared to development under constant conditions. The altitudinal distribution of the shot‐hole borer across tea growing areas in Sri Lanka is, therefore, mainly governed by temperature.
COMMON VEGETABLES AND FRUITS AS A SOURCE OF 1,2‐DI‐O‐α‐LINOLENOYL‐3‐O‐β‐D‐GALACTOPYRANOSYL‐sn‐GLYCEROL, A POTENTIAL ANTI‐INFLAMMATORY AND ANTITUMOR AGENT
Authors: LARSEN ERIK , CHRISTENSEN LARS P.
Published: August 2007

1,2‐Di‐O‐α‐linolenoyl‐3‐O‐β‐D‐galactopyranosyl‐sn‐glycerol (DLGG) has previously been found in a few medicinal plants and food plants, and has been shown to possess antitumor and anti‐inflammatory activity. A range of common vegetables and fruits was investigated for this bioactive galactolipid in order to establish which vegetables and fruits are good sources of DLGG. Most green vegetables had a relatively high content of DLGG of over 200 mg/kg fresh weight (FW), while its concentration in most fruits and root vegetables was low, ranging from “not detectable” to less than 100 mg/kg FW. The highest content of DLGG was found in spinach, kale, sugar peas and green beans, with concentrations ranging from 546 to 396 mg/kg FW. The results indicate that the galactolipid DLGG may play a role in human diet as an important nutraceutical.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

As demonstrated in the present investigation, the potential bioactive galactolipid 1,2‐di‐O‐α‐linolenoyl‐3‐O‐β‐D‐galactopyranosyl‐sn‐glycerol (DLGG) is common in the edible parts of many food plants. If the pharmacological effects of DLGG are established in preclinical and clinical trials, it may contribute significantly to the health‐promoting effects of certain food plants. This information could be used to increase the content of DLGG in food plants and plant based products in order to improve their health promoting effects.
CHARACTERIZATION OF AMARANTH SEED OILS
Authors: GAMEL TAMER H. , MESALLAM AHMED S. , DAMIR AHMED A. , SHEKIB LILA A. , LINSSEN JOZEF P.
Published: August 2007

The oil fractions of Amaranthus caudatus L. and Amaranthus cruentus L. seeds were studied after different treatments of the seeds. The oil contents were 7.1 and 8.5% for raw A. caudatus L. and A. cruentus L. seeds, and consisted of 80.3–82.3% of triacylglycerols (TAGs). Phospholipids represented 9.1–10.2% of the oil. The squalene content was 4.8–4.9% in both types of oil. Air classification increased the lipid content and decreased the content of squalene, while heating (popping and cooking) increased the squalene content. After germination, the lipid fraction was decreased in their TAGs and increased in their phospholipids. The main fatty acid composition (palmitic, linoleic and oleic) was not affected by thermal treatments or by germination of the seeds. The hydroperoxide stability test showed that the stability of amaranth oil was more than that of sunflower oil.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This research provides some information about the effect of different treatments – including heat treatments, germination and air classification – on the oil characteristics of two species of amaranth seeds. Fatty acids and triacylglycerol profiles, lipid fractions and squalene content were the main characteristics studied during this research. The stability of the oil against oxidation is also presented as compared with sunflower oil. The results of this research provide a clearer picture for the potential use of amaranth oil on an industrial scale and its characteristic stability under different process conditions.
Scaling of the Wall Pressure Field Around Surface-Mounted Pyramids and Other Bluff Bodies
Authors: Martinuzzi Robert , AbuOmar Mazen , Savory Eric
Published: August 2007

The turbulent flow around square-based, surface-mounted pyramids, of height h, in thin and thick boundary layers was experimentally investigated. The influence of apex angle ζ and angle of attack α was ascertained from mean surface flow patterns and ground plane pressure measurements taken at a Reynolds number of 3.3×104 based on h. For both boundary layer flows, it was found that the normalized ground plane pressure distributions in the wakes of all the pyramids for all angles of attack may be scaled using an attachment length (Xa′) measured from the upstream origin of the separated shear layer to the near-wake attachment point on the ground plane. It was also shown that this scaling is applicable to data reported in the literature for other bluff body shapes, namely, cubes, cones, and hemispheres. The ground plane pressure coefficient distributions in the upstream separated flow region, for all the shapes and angles of attack examined, were found to collapse onto two curves by scaling their streamwise location using a length scale (Xu), which is a function of the frontal projected width of the body (w′) and the height of the body. These two curves were for cases where δ∕h<1 (“thin” boundary layer) or δ∕h≥1 (“thick” boundary layer), where δ is the oncoming boundary layer thickness. Further work is required to provide a more detailed statement on the influence of boundary layer thickness (or state) on the upstream pressure field scaling.
Mtx Toxins Synergize
Bacillus sphaericus
and Cry11Aa against Susceptible and Insecticide-Resistant
Culex quinquefasciatus
Larvae
Authors: Wirth Margaret C. , Yang Yangkun , Walton William E. , Federici Brian A. , Berry Colin
Published: August 2007

Two mosquitocidal toxins (Mtx) of
Bacillus sphaericus
, which are produced during vegetative growth, were investigated for their potential to increase toxicity and reduce the expression of insecticide resistance through their interactions with other mosquitocidal proteins. Mtx-1 and Mtx-2 were fused with glutathione
S
-transferase and produced in
Escherichia coli
, after which lyophilized powders of these fusions were assayed against
Culex quinquefasciatus
larvae. Both Mtx proteins showed a high level of activity against susceptible
C. quinquefasciatus
mosquitoes, with 50% lethal concentrations (LC
50
) of Mtx-1 and Mtx-2 of 0.246 and 4.13 μg/ml, respectively. The LC
50
s were 0.406 to 0.430 μg/ml when Mtx-1 or Mtx-2 was mixed with
B. sphaericus
, and synergy improved activity and reduced resistance levels. When the proteins were combined with a recombinant
Bacillus thuringiensis
strain that produces Cry11Aa, the mixtures were highly active against Cry11A-resistant larvae and resistance was also reduced. The mixture of two Mtx toxins and
B. sphaericus
was 10 times more active against susceptible mosquitoes than
B. sphaericus
alone, demonstrating the influence of relatively low concentrations of these toxins. These results show that, similar to Cyt toxins from
B. thuringiensis
subsp.
israelensis
, Mtx toxins can increase the toxicity of other mosquitocidal proteins and may be useful for both increasing the activity of commercial bacterial larvicides and managing potential resistance to these substances among mosquito populations.
Identification of Genes That Confer Sediment Fitness to
Desulfovibrio desulfuricans
G20
Authors: Luo Qingwei , Groh Jennifer L. , Ballard Jimmy D. , Krumholz Lee R.
Published: August 2007

Signature-tagged mutants of
Desulfovibrio desulfuricans
G20 were screened, and 97 genes crucial for sediment fitness were identified. These genes belong to functional categories including signal transduction, binding and transport, insertion elements, and others. Mutants with mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in amino acid biosynthesis, hydrogenase activity, and DNA repair were further characterized.
Changes in
Listeria monocytogenes
Membrane Fluidity in Response to Temperature Stress
Authors: Najjar Mohamed Badaoui , Chikindas Michael , Montville Thomas J.
Published: August 2007

Listeria monocytogenes
is a food-borne pathogen that has been implicated in many outbreaks associated with ready-to-eat products.
Listeria
adjusts to various stresses by adjusting its membrane fluidity, increasing the uptake of osmoprotectants and cryoprotectants, and activating the σ
B
stress factor. The present work examines the regulation of membrane fluidity through direct measurement based on fluorescent anisotropy. The membrane fluidities of
L. monocytogenes
Scott A, NR30, wt10403S, and cld1 cells cultured at 15 and 30°C were measured at 15 and 30°C. The membrane of the cold-sensitive mutant (cld1) was more rigid than the membranes of the other strains when grown at 30°C, but when grown at 15°C, it was able to adjust its membrane to approach the rigidity of the other strains. The difference in rigidities, as determined at 15 and 30°C, was greater in liposomes than in whole cells. The rates of fluidity adjustment and times required for whole cells to adjust to a different temperature were similar among strains but different from those of liposomes. This suggests that the cells had a mechanism for homeoviscous adaptation that was absent in liposomes.
Microbial Composition and Structure of Aerobic Granular Sewage Biofilms
Authors: Weber S. D. , Ludwig W. , Schleifer K.-H. , Fried J.
Published: August 2007

Aerobic activated sludge granules are dense, spherical biofilms which can strongly improve purification efficiency and sludge settling in wastewater treatment processes. In this study, the structure and development of different granule types were analyzed. Biofilm samples originated from lab-scale sequencing batch reactors which were operated with malthouse, brewery, and artificial wastewater. Scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy together with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) allowed insights into the structure of these biofilms. Microscopic observation revealed that granules consist of bacteria, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), protozoa and, in some cases, fungi. The biofilm development, starting from an activated sludge floc up to a mature granule, follows three phases. During phase 1, stalked ciliated protozoa of the subclass Peritrichia, e.g.,
Epistylis
spp., settle on activated sludge flocs and build tree-like colonies. The stalks are subsequently colonized by bacteria. During phase 2, the ciliates become completely overgrown by bacteria and die. Thereby, the cellular remnants of ciliates act like a backbone for granule formation. During phase 3, smooth, compact granules are formed which serve as a new substratum for unstalked ciliate swarmers settling on granule surfaces. These mature granules comprise a dense core zone containing bacterial cells and EPS and a loosely structured fringe zone consisting of either ciliates and bacteria or fungi and bacteria. Since granules can grow to a size of up to several millimeters in diameter, we developed and applied a modified FISH protocol for the study of cryosectioned biofilms. This protocol allows the simultaneous detection of bacteria, ciliates, and fungi in and on granules.
Effects of Heavy Fuel Oil on the Bacterial Community Structure of a Pristine Microbial Mat
Authors: Bordenave Sylvain , Goñi-Urriza María Soledad , Caumette Pierre , Duran Robert
Published: August 2007

The effects of petroleum contamination on the bacterial community of a pristine microbial mat from Salins-de-Giraud (Camargue, France) have been investigated. Mats were maintained as microcosms and contaminated with no. 2 fuel oil from the wreck of the
Erika
. The evolution of the complex bacterial community was monitored by combining analyses based on 16S rRNA genes and their transcripts. 16S rRNA gene-based terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analyses clearly showed the effects of the heavy fuel oil after 60 days of incubation. At the end of the experiment, the initial community structure was recovered, illustrating the resilience of this microbial ecosystem. In addition, the responses of the metabolically active bacterial community were evaluated by T-RFLP and clone library analyses based on 16S rRNA. Immediately after the heavy fuel oil was added to the microcosms, the structure of the active bacterial community was modified, indicating a rapid microbial mat response. Members of the
Gammaproteobacteria
were initially dominant in the contaminated microcosms.
Pseudomonas
and
Acinetobacter
were the main genera representative of this class. After 90 days of incubation, the
Gammaproteobacteria
were superseded by “
Bacilli
” and
Alphaproteobacteria
. This study shows the major changes that occur in the microbial mat community at different time periods following contamination. At the conclusion of the experiment, the RNA approach also demonstrated the resilience of the microbial mat community in resisting environmental stress resulting from oil pollution.
Inferring the Evolutionary History of Vibrios by Means of Multilocus Sequence Analysis
Authors: Sawabe Tomoo , Kita-Tsukamoto Kumiko , Thompson Fabiano L.
Published: August 2007

We performed the first broad study aiming at the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of vibrios by means of multilocus sequence analysis of nine genes. Overall, 14 distinct clades were recognized using the SplitsTree decomposition method. Some of these clades may correspond to families, e.g., the clades Salinivibrio and Photobacteria, while other clades, e.g., Splendidus and Harveyi, correspond to genera. The common ancestor of all vibrios was estimated to have been present 600 million years ago. We can define species of vibrios as groups of strains that share >95% gene sequence similarity and >99.4% amino acid identity based on the eight protein-coding housekeeping genes. The gene sequence data were used to refine the standard online electronic taxonomic scheme for vibrios (
http://www.taxvibrio.lncc.br
).
Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase fromMethanococcus maripaludis
Authors: Park Myong-Ok , Mizutani Taeko , Jones Patrik R.
Published: August 2007

The genome sequence of the non-sugar-assimilating mesophileMethanococcus maripaludiscontains three genes encoding enzymes: a nonphosphorylating NADP+-dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPN), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate ferredoxin oxidoreductase (GAPOR); all these enzymes are potentially capable of catalyzing glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) metabolism. GAPOR, whose homologs have been found mainly in archaea, catalyzes the reduction of ferredoxin coupled with oxidation of G3P. GAPOR has previously been isolated and characterized only from a sugar-assimilating hyperthermophile,Pyrococcus furiosus(GAPORPf), and contains the rare metal tungsten as an irreplaceable cofactor. Active recombinantM. maripaludisGAPOR (GAPORMm) was purified fromEscherichia coligrown in minimal medium containing 100 μM sodium molybdate. In contrast, GAPORMmobtained from cells grown in medium containing tungsten (W) and W and molybdenum (Mo) or in medium without added W and Mo did not display any activity. Activity and transcript analysis of putative G3P-metabolizing enzymes and corresponding genes were performed withM. maripaludiscultured under autotrophic conditions in chemically defined medium. The activity of GAPORMmwas constitutive throughout the culture period and exceeded that of GAPDH at all time points. As GAPDH activity was detected in only the gluconeogenic direction and GAPN activity was completely absent, only GAPORMmcatalyzes oxidation of G3P inM. maripaludis. Recombinant GAPORMmis posttranscriptionally regulated as it exhibits pronounced and irreversible substrate inhibition and is completely inhibited by 1 μM ATP. With support from flux balance analysis, it is concluded that the major physiological role of GAPORMminM. maripaludismost likely involves only nonoptimal growth conditions.
Proteomic Characterization of the
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
2.4.1 Photosynthetic Membrane: Identification of New Proteins
Authors: Zeng Xiaohua , Roh Jung Hyeob , Callister Stephen J. , Tavano Christine L. , Donohue Timothy J. , Lipton Mary S. , Kaplan Samuel
Published: August 2007

The
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
intracytoplasmic membrane (ICM) is an inducible membrane that is dedicated to the major events of bacterial photosynthesis, including harvesting light energy, separating primary charges, and transporting electrons. In this study, multichromatographic methods coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry, combined with subcellular fractionation, was used to test the hypothesis that the photosynthetic membrane of
R. sphaeroides
2.4.1 contains a significant number of heretofore unidentified proteins in addition to the integral membrane pigment-protein complexes, including light-harvesting complexes 1 and 2, the photochemical reaction center, and the cytochrome
bc
1
complex described previously. Purified ICM vesicles are shown to be enriched in several abundant, newly identified membrane proteins, including a protein of unknown function (AffyChip designation RSP1760) and a possible alkane hydroxylase (RSP1467). When the genes encoding these proteins are mutated, specific photosynthetic phenotypes are noted, illustrating the potential new insights into solar energy utilization to be gained by this proteomic blueprint of the ICM. In addition, proteins necessary for other cellular functions, such as ATP synthesis, respiration, solute transport, protein translocation, and other physiological processes, were also identified to be in association with the ICM. This study is the first to provide a more global view of the protein composition of a photosynthetic membrane from any source. This protein blueprint also provides insights into potential mechanisms for the assembly of the pigment-protein complexes of the photosynthetic apparatus, the formation of the lipid bilayer that houses these integral membrane proteins, and the possible functional interactions of ICM proteins with activities that reside in domains outside this specialized bioenergetic membrane.