bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stromal growth and epithelial cell proliferation in ventral prostates of liver X receptor knockout mice
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jin , Andersson Leif C. , Bouton Didier , Warner Margaret , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: January 2009

With specific liver X receptor α and β (LXRα and LXRβ) antibodies, we found that LXRα is strongly expressed in the luminal and basal cells of prostatic epithelium. The ventral prostates (VP) of LXRα
−/−
mice are characterized by the presence of smooth-muscle actin-positive stromal overgrowth around the prostatic ducts and by numerous fibrous nodules pushing into the ducts and causing obstruction, so that most of the ducts were extremely dilated. BrdU labeling and Ki67 staining revealed epithelial and stromal proliferation in the fibrous nodules. However, the dense stroma surrounding the ducts was not positive for proliferation markers. There was no detectable difference between WT and LXRα
−/−
mice VP in the expression of the androgen receptor, but there was an increase in nuclear expression of Snail and Smad 2/3, indicating enhanced TGF-β signaling. Upon treatment of WT mice for 3 months with the LXR agonist T2320 or for 3 weeks with β-sitosterol, LXRα was downregulated, and a VP phenotype similar to that of LXRα
−/−
mice resulted. We conclude that in rodents, LXRα seems to control VP stromal growth and that LXRα
−/−
mice may be a useful model to study prostatic stromal hyperplasia. Because LXRα is expressed in the epithelium, the excessive stromal growth in LXRα
−/−
mice indicates that LXRα is essential for epithelial stromal communication.
Directed self-organization of single DNA molecules in a nanoslit via embedded nanopit arrays
Authors: Reisner Walter , Larsen Niels B. , Flyvbjerg Henrik , Tegenfeldt Jonas O. , Kristensen Anders
Published: January 2009

We show that arrays of nanopit structures etched in a nanoslit can control the positioning and conformation of single DNA molecules in nanofluidic devices. By adjusting the spacing, organization and placement of the nanopits it is possible to immobilize DNA at predetermined regions of a device without additional chemical modification and achieve a high degree of control over local DNA conformation. DNA can be extended between two nanopits and in closely spaced arrays will self-assemble into “connect-the-dots” conformations consisting of locally pinned segments joined by fluctuating linkers. These results have broad implications for nanotechnology fields that require methods for the nanoscale positioning and manipulation of DNA.
Direct imaging of human Rad51 nucleoprotein dynamics on individual DNA molecules
Authors: Hilario Jovencio , Amitani Ichiro , Baskin Ronald J. , Kowalczykowski Stephen C.
Published: January 2009

Rad51 protein (Rad51) is central to recombinational repair of double-strand DNA breaks. It polymerizes onto DNA and promotes strand exchange between homologous chromosomes. We visualized the real-time assembly and disassembly of human Rad51 nucleoprotein filaments on double-stranded DNA by single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. Rad51 assembly extends the DNA by ≈65%. Nucleoprotein filament formation occurs via rapid nucleation followed by growth from these nuclei. Growth does not continue indefinitely, however, and nucleoprotein filaments terminate when ≈2 μm in length. The dependence of nascent filament formation on Rad51 concentration suggests that 2–3 Rad51 monomers are involved in nucleation. Rad51 nucleoprotein filaments are stable and remain extended when ATP hydrolysis is prevented; however, when permitted, filaments decrease in length as a result of conversion to ADP-bound nucleoprotein complexes and partial protein dissociation. Dissociation of Rad51 from dsDNA is slow and incomplete, thereby rationalizing the need for other proteins that facilitate disassembly.
Acquisition and Cross-Transmission of Staphylococcus aureus in European Intensive Care Units
Authors: Bloemendaal Alexander L. A. , Fluit Ad C. , Jansen Wouter M. T. , Vriens Menno R. , Ferry Tristan , Argaud Laurent , Amorim Jose M. , Resende A. C. , Pascual Alvaro , López-Cerero Lorena , Stefani Stefania , Castiglione Giacomo , Evangelopoulou Penelope , Tsiplakou Sophia , Rinkes Inne H. M. Borel , Verhoef Jan
Published: January 2009

Objective.

To study the acquisition and cross-transmission of Staphylococcus aureus in different intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods.

We performed a multicenter cohort study. Six ICUs in 6 countries participated. During a 3-month period at each ICU, all patients had nasal and perineal swab specimens obtained at ICU admission and during their stay. All S. aureus isolates that were collected were genotyped by spa typing and multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis typing for cross-transmission analysis. A total of 629 patients were admitted to ICUs, and 224 of these patients were found to be colonized with S. aureus at least once during ICU stay (22% were found to be colonized with methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]). A total of 316 patients who had test results negative for S. aureus at ICU admission and had at least 1 follow-up swab sample obtained for culture were eligible for acquisition analysis.

Results.

A total of 45 patients acquired S. aureus during ICU stay (31 acquired methicillin-susceptible S. aureus [MSSA], and 14 acquired MRSA). Several factors that were believed to affect the rate of acquisition of S. aureus were analyzed in univariate and multivariate analyses, including the amount of hand disinfectant used, colonization pressure, number of beds per nurse, antibiotic use, length of stay, and ICU setting (private room versus open ICU treatment). Greater colonization pressure and a greater number of beds per nurse correlated with a higher rate of acquisition for both MSSA and MRSA. The type of ICU setting was related to MRSA acquisition only, and the amount of hand disinfectant used was related to MSSA acquisition only. In 18 (40%) of the cases of S. aureus acquisition, cross-transmission from another patient was possible.

Conclusions.

Colonization pressure, the number of beds per nurse, and the treatment of all patients in private rooms correlated with the number of S. aureus acquisitions on an ICU. The amount of hand disinfectant used was correlated with the number of cases of MSSA acquisition but not with the number of cases of MRSA acquisition. The number of cases of patient-to-patient cross-transmission was comparable for MSSA and MRSA.
Suppressive Effect of Juzen‐Taiho‐To on Lung Metastasis of B16 Melanoma Cells In Vivo
Authors: Matsuda Takako , Maekawa Katsuhiko , Asano Kazuhito , Hisamitsu Tadashi
Published: January 2009

Juzen‐Taiho‐To (JTT) is well known to be one of Kampo (Japanese herbal) medicine consisted of 10 component herbs and used for the supplemental therapy of cancer patients with remarkably success. However, the precise mechanisms by which JTT could favorably modify the clinical conditions of cancer patients are not well defined. The present study, therefore, was undertaken to examine the possible mechanisms of JTT on prevention of cancer metastasis using experimental mouse model. JTT was well mixed with rodent chow at concentrations of either 0.2 or 1.0%, and administered orally ad libitum, which was started 1 week before tumor cell injection and continue throughout the experiment. Oral administration of JTT at concentration 0.2 and 1.0% into C57BL/6 male mice significantly inhibited tumor metastasis in lungs, which was induced by the intravenous injection of 2 × 105 B16 melanoma cell. JTT at a concentration of 1.0% also significantly suppressed lung metastasis of B16 melanoma cell from hind footpad in C57BL/6 mice. In the second part of experiments, the influence of the depression of natural killer (NK) cell, natural killer T (NKT) cell and several types of cytokines on JTT‐mediated inhibition of tumor cell metastasis. Intraperitoneal injection of anti asialo‐GM1 antibody against NK cells and anti NK‐1.1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) to NKT cells abrogated the inhibitory action of JTT on lung metastasis of B16 melanoma cells. Although intraperitoneal administration of anti‐IFN‐γ mAb scarcely affected the inhibitory action of JTT on tumor cell metastasis, injection of amrinone, which used for IL‐12 suppression, significantly decreased the ability of JTT to prevent tumor cell metastasis. These results strongly suggest that oral administration of JTT caused increase in the production of IL‐12, which is responsible for the activation of both NK cell and NKT cell, in the lungs and results in inhibition of B16 melanoma cell metastasis in the lungs.
Cordycepin Induced MA‐10 Mouse Leydig Tumor Cell Apoptosis through Caspase‐9 Pathway
Authors: Jen Chun-Yi , Lin Chun-Yu , Huang Bu-Miin , Leu Sew-Fen
Published: January 2009

In the present study, the apoptotic effect of cordycepin on MA‐10 cells, a mouse Leydig tumor cell line, was investigated. Results demonstrated that the number of rounding‐up cell increased by cordycepin (10 μM to 5 mM for 24 h), and cells with plasma membrane blebbing could be observed by 100 μM cordycepin. In viability test, MA‐10 cell surviving rate significantly decreased as the dosage (10 μM to 5 mM) and duration (3–24 h) of cordycepin treatment increased (P < 0.05). Cordycepin at 100 μM and 1 mM for 24 h treatment induced significant DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05). In addition, the percentage of G1 and G2/M phase cell significantly declined by cordycepin (100 μM and 1 mM) for 24 h treatment, while the percentages of subG1 phase cell increased by 100 μM and/or 1 mM cordycepin in 6, 12 and 24 h treatments (P < 0.05), respectively, which highly suggested that cordycepin induced MA‐10 cell apoptosis. In mechanism study with the treatments of caspases, c‐Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK) or reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitors plus cordycepin for 24 h, only caspases inhibitor suppressed subG1 phase in MA‐10 cells. Moreover, western blotting results showed that cordycepin induced caspase‐9, ‐3 and ‐7 protein expressions, but not caspase‐8, in time‐ and dose‐dependent manners. In conclusion, cordycepin induced apoptosis in MA‐10 mouse Leydig tumor cells through a caspase‐9 and ‐3 and ‐7 dependent pathway.
SQUAMOSA Promoter Binding Protein–Like7 Is a Central Regulator for Copper Homeostasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yamasaki Hiroaki , Hayashi Makoto , Fukazawa Mitsue , Kobayashi Yoshichika , Shikanai Toshiharu
Published: January 2009

Expression of miR398 is induced in response to copper deficiency and is involved in the degradation of mRNAs encoding copper/zinc superoxide dismutase in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that SPL7 (for SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein–like7) is essential for this response of miR398. SPL7 is homologous to Copper response regulator1, the transcription factor that is required for switching between plastocyanin and cytochrome c  6 in response to copper deficiency in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. SPL7 bound directly to GTAC motifs in the miR398 promoter in vitro, and these motifs were essential and sufficient for the response to copper deficiency in vivo. SPL7 is also required for the expression of multiple microRNAs, miR397, miR408, and miR857, involved in copper homeostasis and of genes encoding several copper transporters and a copper chaperone, indicating its central role in response to copper deficiency. Consistent with this idea, the growth of spl7 plants was severely impaired under low-copper conditions.
A Polypyrimidine Tract Binding Protein, Pumpkin RBP50, Forms the Basis of a Phloem-Mobile Ribonucleoprotein Complex
Authors: Ham Byung-Kook , Brandom Jeri L. , Xoconostle-Cázares Beatriz , Ringgold Vanessa , Lough Tony J. , Lucas William J.
Published: January 2009

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are integral components of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes and play a central role in RNA processing. In plants, some RBPs function in a non-cell-autonomous manner. The angiosperm phloem translocation stream contains a unique population of RBPs, but little is known regarding the nature of the proteins and mRNA species that constitute phloem-mobile RNP complexes. Here, we identified and characterized a 50-kD pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima cv Big Max) phloem RNA binding protein (RBP50) that is evolutionarily related to animal polypyrimidine tract binding proteins. In situ hybridization studies indicated a high level of RBP50 transcripts in companion cells, while immunolocalization experiments detected RBP50 in both companion cells and sieve elements. A comparison of the levels of RBP50 present in vascular bundles and phloem sap indicated that this protein is highly enriched in the phloem sap. Heterografting experiments confirmed that RBP50 is translocated from source to sink tissues. Collectively, these findings established that RBP50 functions as a non-cell-autonomous RBP. Protein overlay, coimmunoprecipitation, and cross-linking experiments identified the phloem proteins and mRNA species that constitute RBP50-based RNP complexes. Gel mobility-shift assays demonstrated that specificity, with respect to the bound mRNA, is established by the polypyrimidine tract binding motifs within such transcripts. We present a model for RBP50-based RNP complexes within the pumpkin phloem translocation stream.
MYB58 and MYB63 Are Transcriptional Activators of the Lignin Biosynthetic Pathway during Secondary Cell Wall Formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhou Jianli , Lee Chanhui , Zhong Ruiqin , Ye Zheng-Hua
Published: January 2009

It has previously been shown that SECONDARY WALL–ASSOCIATED NAC DOMAIN PROTEIN1 (SND1) is a key transcription factor regulating secondary cell wall formation, including the biosynthesis of cellulose, xylan, and lignin. In this study, we show that two closely related SND1-regulated MYB transcription factors, MYB58 and MYB63, are transcriptional regulators specifically activating lignin biosynthetic genes during secondary wall formation in Arabidopsis thaliana. MYB58 and MYB63 are phylogenetically distinct from previously characterized MYBs shown to be associated with secondary wall formation or phenylpropanoid metabolism. Expression studies showed that MYB58 and MYB63 are specifically expressed in fibers and vessels undergoing secondary wall thickening. Dominant repression of their functions led to a reduction in secondary wall thickening and lignin content. Overexpression of MYB58 and MYB63 resulted in specific activation of lignin biosynthetic genes and concomitant ectopic deposition of lignin in cells that are normally unlignified. MYB58 was able to activate directly the expression of lignin biosynthetic genes and a secondary wall–associated laccase (LAC4) gene. Furthermore, the expression of MYB58 and MYB63 was shown to be regulated by the SND1 close homologs NST1, NST2, VND6, and VND7 and their downstream target MYB46. Together, our results indicate that MYB58 and MYB63 are specific transcriptional activators of lignin biosynthesis in the SND1-mediated transcriptional network regulating secondary wall formation.
Children’s Perspectives on Everyday Experiences of Shared Residence: Time, Emotions and Agency Dilemmas
Authors: Haugen Gry Mette D.
Published: January 2009

Shared residence is often presented as an arrangement that is in the best interests of the child following the divorce of its parents. Based on in‐depth interviews with Norwegian children who have experienced shared residence, this article seeks to explore some dilemmas concerning time, agency and the children’s emotions. Three characteristics of shared residence and time‐sharing are presented — flexibility, ambiguity and rigidity — which points to different challenges in understanding the circumstances in which shared residence become a valuable arrangement for children. The article argues that both time and emotional dilemmas regarding shared residence should be further investigated both empirically and theoretically, and that children’s agency should be acknowledged more fully.
Physical Punishment in Christian Arab Families in Israel: Attitudes and Behaviour
Authors: Guttmann Joseph , Lazar Amnon , Makhoul Samar
Published: January 2009

The present study examines the attitudes towards physical punishment (PP) and its actual use as reported by Christian Arab parents and their children in Israel. Participants were parents and one child (of at least two) in 50 Christian Arab families. Three questionnaires based on semi‐structured interviews were developed for the study. Results show no difference in family members’ attitudes towards the use of PP. Whereas, the mean scores indicate ambivalent acceptance of this practice, the great majority of participants reported its frequent use. Mothers’ and fathers’ attitudes were found to be highly correlated and significant predictors of such behaviour. All three groups reported that mothers use PP much more than fathers do, although it was the fathers whom the children feared most. The results also show that the parents’ most frequent reaction to seven categories of children’s misbehaviour was verbal violence and the second most frequent reaction was PP. These and other results are discussed in the context of Arab culture in Israel, the social situation model and relevant research.
Silence in the Context of ‘Child Voice’
Authors: Lewis Ann
Published: January 2009

Recent decades have seen growing enthusiasm internationally for the concept and practice of ‘child voice’. This was encapsulated in, and stimulated, by Article 12 of the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This article presents the case for incorporating the equally important concept of ‘child silence’ in both research and applied contexts. ‘Child voice’ has become a powerful moral crusade and consequently criticism of voice has been muted. This is despite the growing articulation of reservations about ‘child voice’ in various research and applied contexts. Two particular sets of emerging concerns are discussed: one set is around the purposes behind such engagement with children; and one set relates to the ethical protocols involved. Finally, the article makes a series of recommendations for researchers working in the fields of ‘child voice’. These concern five methodological aspects: recognising, noting, responding to, interpreting and reporting silence from children. It is concluded that it is timely to take a step back from assumed support for ‘child voice’ as necessarily ‘a good thing’. Rather, we need to consider more reflexively how, why and when ‘child voice’ is realised in co‐constructed research and professional contexts.
From Head Start to Sure Start: Reflections on Policy Transfer
Authors: Welshman John
Published: January 2009

This article uses the history of debates over the US Head Start programme (1965), Early Head Start (1994) and the UK Sure Start initiative (1998), as a window on to policy transfer. In all the three, the aim was that early intervention could offer a means of boosting children’s educational attainment and of countering the wider effects of poverty on development. Nevertheless, there were also important differences between them. The first part of the article looks at UK responses to Head Start, the second at Early Head Start and the creation and subsequent direction taken by Sure Start. In the Conclusion, we sum up the arguments relating to Head Start and Sure Start and offer some broader reflections on policy transfer.
Rural Runaways: Rurality and its Implications for Services to Children and Young People Who Run Away
Authors: Franks Myfanwy , Goswami Haridhan
Published: January 2009

This article debates options for service provision to young rural runaways in the UK. Using data drawn from two national surveys and follow‐on qualitative studies, the authors trace urban myths of rurality and their effects on runaway provision. The authors review models of rural refuge, systemic advocacy and mobile services for rural runaways. Evidence suggests that both young runaways’ services and young runaways themselves are particularly at risk of stigmatisation in the rural context. The authors suggest that in this context of high visibility in a rural area, add‐on services to generic provision may offer a solution.
Glucocorticoid resistance in a multiple myeloma cell line is regulated by a transcription elongation block in the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1)
Authors: Sánchez‐Vega Beatriz , Gandhi Varsha
Published: January 2009

Glucocorticoid (GC) effects are mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Several studies have demonstrated that a lower number of receptors per cell were associated with poor GC response. The regulation of GR expression is complex; the levels of GR can be autologously regulated by its ligand and also by transcriptional, post‐transcriptional and post‐translational mechanisms. Using three human myeloma cell lines that parallel the development of GC resistance, this work describes the mechanism involved in the downregulation of GR expression. The decreased expression was neither due to mutations in the gene encoding GR, NR3C1, nor due to methylation of the promoters. A gradual decrease in NR3C1 transcripts was seen during the development of resistance, the level of expression of exon 1 to 2 RNA fragments remained the same in sensitive and resistant cell lines but a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that RNA polymerase II, detectable throughout exon 2 to 3 in the sensitive cells, was undetectable on exon 3 in the resistant variant, suggesting lower or no transcription at this site. These studies demonstrated that downregulation of NR3C1 mRNA in a resistant cell line involves a block to transcriptional elongation within intron B of NR3C1. This block may represent an important element in the regulation of GR expression.
The protein C ω‐loop substitution Asn2Ile is associated with reduced protein C anticoagulant activity
Authors: Preston Roger J. S. , Morse Colin , Murden Sherina L. , Brady Sara Kate , O’Donnell James S. , Mumford Andrew D.
Published: January 2009

We report a kindred with heritable protein C (PC) deficiency in which two siblings with severe thrombosis showed a composite type I and IIb PC deficiency phenotype, identified using commercial PC assays (proband: PC antigen 42 u/dl, amidolytic activity 40 u/dl, anticoagulant activity 9 u/dl). The independent PROC nucleotide variations c.669C>A (predictive of Ser181Arg) and c.131C>T (predictive of Asn2Ile) segregated with the type I and type IIb PC deficiency phenotypes respectively, but co‐segregated in the siblings with severe thrombosis. Soluble thrombomodulin (sTM)‐mediated inhibition of plasma thrombin generation from an individual with PC‐Asn2Ile was lower (endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) 56 ± 1% that of ETP determined without sTM) than control plasma (ETP 15 ± 2%) indicating reduced PC anticoagulant activity. Recombinant APC‐Asn2Ile exhibited normal amidolytic activity but impaired anticoagulant activity. Protein S (PS)‐dependent anticoagulant activity of recombinant APC‐Asn2Ile and binding of recombinant APC‐Asn2Ile to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) were reduced compared to recombinant wild‐type APC. Asn2 lies within the ω‐loop of the PC/APC Gla domain and this region is critical for calcium‐induced folding and subsequent interactions with anionic phospholipids, EPCR and PS. The disruption of these interactions in this naturally‐occurring PC variant highlights their collective importance in mediating APC anticoagulant activity in vivo.
Effect of some thermal and chemical pre‐treatments on smoked oyster mushroom quality
Authors: Eissa Hesham A. , Fouad Gamal M. , Shouk Abd Elhafeeze A.
Published: January 2009

The effect of different thermal and chemical pre‐treatments on quality and enzyme activities of smoked mushroom was investigated. Mushrooms were blanched (water and steam) and dipped in different concentrations of SO2, H2O2, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid for 10 min before smoking. Enzyme activities, colour characteristics, microbiological and sensory examinations were carried out every 2 weeks up to 8 weeks of storage at 4 °C. Smoked mushroom pre‐treated with sulphites (SO2), H2O2 and steam blanching had the best colour values, better scores for all sensory characteristics and lower non‐enzymatic browning compared with the other pre‐treatments. Pre‐treatment against total aerobic bacteria, yeast and moulds was the most effective when using citric acid, EDTA and steam, followed by smoking of mushroom. The most effective pre‐treatments on quality and safety of smoked mushrooms were those using H2O2 and steam. It can be concluded that thermal and chemical treatments followed by smoking of mushroom reduce enzyme activities and are suitable for preserving mushrooms.
Survival of acid‐adapted or non‐adapted Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7, in traditional Greek salads
Authors: Tassou Chrysoula C. , Samaras Fotis J. , Arkoudelos John S. , Mallidis Constantinos G.
Published: January 2009

The fate of three pathogens Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 that were inoculated in fish roe salad and aubergine salad with or without preservatives after being adapted in acid environment or not, was determined. The salads were stored at 10 °C and the pathogens population was counted at regular intervals. Parameters (lag time, death rates calculated with Baranyi equation) were used to compare the behaviour of the pathogens. In the absence of preservatives the pathogens survived during the 15 days of storage. A 1 log reduction was observed for Listeria and 2 logs reduction for Salmonella and E. coli in both salads. In most cases, acid adaptation decreased the death rate even in the presence of preservatives. The addition of sorbic and benzoic acid in the salads increased the death rate of the pathogens during storage significantly and they were not detected at 7–10 days for Salmonella, 8–12 days for Listeria and 5 days for E. coli. It is concluded that a well‐studied combination of hurdles is appropriate to ensure safety of home‐made traditional salads free of preservatives.
Characterisation of oregano water extracts and their effect on the quality characteristics of cooked pork
Authors: Damašius Jonas , Venskutonis Petras Rimantas , Rovira Jordi , González Javier , González Lucia , Vinauskienė Rimantė
Published: January 2009

The present study characterises oregano water extracts and reports their effects on the shelf life and quality characteristics of cooked pork. Some changes in oregano extract taking place during its thermal treatment were observed. The main volatile compound in the unheated and heated extracts was carvacrol; however, the second major constituent in the unheated extract β‐caryophyllene was absent in the heated one. Colour changes during heating were characterised by an International Commission on Illumination (CIE L a b) method. The heated extract better scavenged 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl radicals, most likely owing to the formation of stronger radical‐scavenging derivatives during thermal treatment. The effect of oregano extracts on the shelf life and colour characteristics of stored meat samples in most cases was not significant; however, sensory assessment clearly showed that the addition of extracts had some negative influence on meat flavour and colour.
Physical properties of biopolymers containing natamycin and rosemary extract
Authors: Türe Hasan , Eroğlu Erdal , Özen Banu , Soyer Ferda
Published: January 2009

Antifungal biopolymers were prepared by incorporating natamycin (NA) and NA + rosemary extract (RE) into wheat gluten (WG) and methyl cellulose (MC) films. Interaction between antimicrobial agents and biopolymers was determined with mid‐infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Water vapour permeability and mechanical properties of these films were also measured. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy did not indicate any interaction. SEM observations showed that NA crystallises at high concentrations in biopolymers. There were no significant changes in water vapour permeabilities of biopolymers containing active agents at P < 0.05. While NA incorporation did not result in any changes in mechanical properties of WG films a reduction in tensile strength was observed for MC films containing high concentration of NA. In general, active agent incorporation into WG and MC films did not result in any considerable changes in their physical properties that could affect their application.
The effect of ethephon and clone on physical characteristics and sensory quality of Crimson Seedless table grapes after 1 month storage
Authors: Jayasena Vijay , Cameron Ian
Published: January 2009

Colour is one of the most important quality parameters of table grapes. Ethephon can be applied to improve the colour of table grapes. Trials were conducted in Western Australia to investigate the effect of ethephon on low berry colour and other quality parameters of two new clones (306 and 314) of Crimson Seedless table grapes developed in Western Australia. The ethephon effect was studied in comparison with clone 5560, which was the standard clone imported from California. The grape clones were established at two locations in Western Australia having different types of soil and environmental conditions. Ethephon was applied (300 ppm Ethrel®) to improve the colour development. Physical measurements demonstrated that clones 306 and 314 were better than the imported standard clone in terms of berry weight, length and width. Sensory evaluation by 70 panellists revealed that clone 314 with ethephon application received significantly higher sensory scores for sweetness, crispness, flavour and overall acceptability compared with the standard clone. The acidity level was higher in clone 314 than the standard clone at the same °Brix level and had a positive effect on flavour and overall acceptability. Ethephon treatment reduced the berry crispness in the standard clone and clone 306 but had no effect on the crispness of clone 314.
Textural properties of mango soy fortified probiotic yoghurt: optimisation of inoculum level of yoghurt and probiotic culture
Authors: Kaur Harbinder , Mishra Hari Niwas , Kumar Pradyuman
Published: January 2009

The effect of yoghurt bacteria and probiotic culture on the textural characteristics of mango soy fortified probiotic yoghurt (MSFPY) is studied. The TA‐XT2 Texture Analyser was used to measure the textural characteristics of MSFPY prepared from blends containing varying proportions of yoghurt bacteria [Streptococcus thermophilus (ST), Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB)] and probiotic culture [Bifidobacterium bifidus (BB), Lactobacillus acidophilus(LA)]. MSFPY samples were prepared by using blends of 78.3% toned milk, 14.5% soy milk and 7.2% mango pulp. Texture profile data were used to develop regression models for dependent variables – hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, springiness and gumminess. The optimisation of culture addition was done by comparing the yoghurt with the MSFY as control sample (ST and LB at 2%, 1:1) The mean optimum culture addition rate of –1.43 (0.79%) ST, –1.51 (0.75%) LB, –1.43 (0.79%) BB and –1.10 (0.95%) LA is recommended for yielding an acceptable and good quality of MSFPY.
Prolonging microbial shelf life of foods through the use of natural compounds and non‐thermal approaches – a review
Authors: Corbo Maria Rosaria , Bevilacqua Antonio , Campaniello Daniela , D’Amato Daniela , Speranza Barbara , Sinigaglia Milena
Published: January 2009

This paper proposes a review of some alternative approaches for food stabilisation and shelf life prolonging (based on the use of natural compounds and/or non‐thermal techniques). After a brief description of food structure implication on the way of using the alternative approaches, two paragraphs summarise the topics of natural molecules (essential oils, lysozyme, lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase system, fatty acids, chitosan) and non‐thermal approaches (high hydrostatic and homogenisation pressures, pulsed electric fields, high power ultrasound and irradiation). Finally, the last sections deal with the use of combined hurdles (along with the proposal of three possible modes of action of a multi‐target preservation), the mathematical approaches for shelf life evaluating and some critical issues to be addressed in the future for a real scaling up of the proposed techniques.
Prejunctional effects of angiotensin II and bradykinin in the heart and blood vessels
Authors: Moura D. , Pinheiro H. , Paiva M. Q. , Guimaraes S.
Published: January 2009

1Angiotensin and bradykinin facilitate the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerve terminals and cause positive inotropy in rat isolated atria and ventricles. The effect of bradykinin was enhanced by the ACE inhibitor, ramiprilat.

2The facilitated release of noradrenaline in rat ventricle by bradykinin was blocked by the β2‐receptor antagonist HOE‐140. This response is also reduced by removing the endocardium, suggesting the release of a mediator from the endocardium.

3The facilitated noradrenaline release by angiotensin II and bradykinin was blocked by the angiotensin receptor antagonist saralasin to the same extent. In contrast, losartan caused only minor blockade in a range of vascular and cardiac tissues. This suggests that angiotensin and bradykinin exert these responses by interacting with a prejunctional receptor different from the established AT1subtype.

4These results suggest that bradykinin mediates facilitation of noradrenaline release via the local release of angiotensin onto an atypical AT1receptor.
The human desipramine‐sensitive noradrenaline transporter and the importance of defined amino acids for its function
Authors: Bönisch H. , Runkel F. , Roubert C , Giros B. , Brüss M.
Published: January 2009

1This article gives a short overview of the physiology, pharmacology and the molecular biology of the human Na+/CI‐‐dependent noradrenaline transporter (hNAT) and its gene.

2Furthermore, naturally occurring variants of the hNAT are described and new results obtained through site‐directed mutagenesis of the hNAT are presented, which increase our understanding about structural domains and amino acids critically involved in substrate, cosubstrate and inhibitor binding to the hNAT.
Involvement of cAMP and β‐adrenoceptors in the relaxing effect elicited by flavonoids on rat uterine smooth muscle
Authors: Revuelta M. P. , Hidalgo A. , Cantabrana B.
Published: January 2009

1The effect of the flavonoids genistein (3–100 μM), kaempferol (3–60 μM) and quercetin (1–100 μM) on KCI (60 mM)‐induced tonic contraction in rat smooth muscle was assayed. In the same way, the modification of these effects in the presence of an inhibitor of protein kinase (PKA) (Rp‐cAMPS), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (papaverine) and β‐adrenoreceptor blocking agents (propranolol and atenolol) was studied.

2The flavonoids totally relaxed the KCI‐induced tonic contraction (IC50: genistein 20.2 ± 2.0 μM,n= 11; kaempferol 10.1 ± 1.6 μM,n= 8; quercetin 13.2 ± 1.2 μM,n= 8).

3The incubation with Rp‐cAMPS (10 and 100 μM) 30 min prior to KCI shifted the dose‐response curve of the flavonoids to the right, increasing their IC50up to 27.8 ± 3.8 and 31.9 ± 7.3 μM, respectively, for genistein; 24.7 ± 0.2 and 19.6 ± 4.9 μM, respectively, for kaempferol; 18.8 ± 2.2 and 18.4 ± 1.5 μM, respectively, for quercetin.

4Papaverine (3–100 μM) also relaxed the contraction induced by KCI and this effect was significantly displaced to the right with Rp‐cAMPS (10 μM) (IC5012.1 ± 2.2 vs. 16.5 ± 3.1 μM). Papaverine (3 μM) added to the organ bath 15 min before the contractile agent increased the relaxing effect of the flavonoids and significantly decreased their IC50(genistein 20.2 ± 2.0 vs. 9.8 ± 1.4 μM; kaempferol 10.1 ± 1.6 vs. 6.6 ± 0.7 μM; quercetin 13.2 ± 1.2 vs. 7.8 ± 1.4 μM).

5The incubation with atenolol (10 μM) did not alter the relaxing effect of the flavonoids. In the same experimental conditions, propranolol (10 μM) did not modify the effect of genistein and kaempferol, but shifted the response curve of quercetin significantly to the right (13.2 ± 1.2 vs. 17.7 ± 3.4 μM).

6The results suggest that genistein, kaempferol and quercetin produced the relaxation of uterine smooth muscle by increasing intracellular cAMP. β‐Adrenoceptors could also be involved in the effect of quercetin.
Clinical consequences of hospital variation in use of oral anticoagulant therapy after first‐time admission for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hansen M. L. , Gadsbøll N. , Rasmussen S. , Gislason G. H. , Folke F. , Andersen S. S. , Schramm T. K. , Sørensen R. , Fosbøl E. L. , Abildstrøm S. Z. , Madsen M. , Poulsen H. E. , Køber L. , Torp‐Pedersen C.
Published: January 2009

Objective.  To analyse how hospital factors influence the use of oral anticoagulants (OAC) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and address the clinical consequences of hospital variation in OAC use.

Design and subjects.  By linkage of nationwide Danish administrative registers we conducted an observational study including all patients with a first‐time hospitalization for AF between 1995 and 2004 as well as prescription claims for OAC. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate hospital factors associated with prescription of OAC therapy. Cox proportional‐hazard models were used to estimate the risk of re‐hospitalization for thromboembolism and haemorrhagic stroke with respect to discharge from a low, intermediate, or high OAC use hospital.

Results.  Overall 40 133 (37%) out of 108 504 patients received OAC; ranging from 17% to 50% between the hospitals with the lowest and highest OAC use, respectively. Cardiology departments had the highest use of OAC, but neither tertiary university hospitals nor high volume hospitals had higher OAC use than local community hospitals and low volume hospitals. Risk of a thromboembolic event was significantly increased amongst patients from hospitals with a low OAC use (hazard ratio 1.16, confidence interval 1.10–1.22). Notably, higher OAC use was not associated with a higher risk of haemorrhagic stroke.

Conclusion.  In Denmark between 1995 and 2004, there was a major hospital variation in AF patients receiving OAC, and consequently, more thromboembolic events were observed amongst patients from low OAC use hospitals. Our study emphasizes the need for a continued vigilance on implementation of international AF management guidelines.
Evolution of the Neotropical ant genus Linepithema
Authors: WILD ALEXANDER L.
Published: January 2009

Abstract A comprehensive species‐level phylogeny of the ant genus Linepithema Mayr, a Neotropical group best known for the invasive Argentine ant L. humile (Mayr), is inferred for the first time using fragments from three nuclear loci [wingless (WG), long‐wavelength rhodopsin (LWR) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS‐2)] and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Monophyly of the genus is strongly supported in parsimony, likelihood and Bayesian analyses of the concatenated data, as is the monophyly of four species groups defined previously on the basis of morphology. An Andean species, L. oblongum (Santschi), is the sister taxon of the Argentine ant. Eight of the 11 species whose monophyly was testable in the analysis were inferred to be monophyletic. Several instances of species paraphyly and one case of mitochondrial introgression suggest that complex population genetic processes underpin the patterns of diversity in Linepithema, and that simple genetic approaches to taxonomy such as DNA barcoding should be treated with caution. A maximum likelihood reconstruction of ancestral distributions suggests that Linepithema is of southern South American origin and that populations in the Greater Antilles are the result of four independent colonization events.
A revision of the world species of the genusNeotelmatoscopusTonnoir (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: CURLER GREGORY R. , COURTNEY GREGORY W.
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe moth‐fly genusNeotelmatoscopusTonnoir (Diptera: Psychodidae) has been revised to include 13 species. Three new species are described:N. aurulentussp.n.from northern Thailand, andN. acutussp.n.andN. rotundussp.n.from Sri Lanka. Previously unknown life stages ofN. horaiTonnoir andN. inachusQuate are described, and redescriptions of larvae, pupae and adults ofN. horai, N. indicus(Feuerborn), N. bifidensQuate andN. inachusare given. Five described species are transferred fromTelmatoscopusEaton toNeotelmatoscopus:N. longiceps(Quate),N. digitoides(Quate),N. sagittalis(Quate),N. parsilobus(Quate) andN. canlaonis(Quate). Keys to instar IV larvae, pupae and adults of all known species ofNeotelmatoscopusand a phylogenetic analysis ofNeotelmatoscopusare provided.
100 million years of morphological conservation in bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: COGNATO ANTHONY I. , GRIMALDI DAVID
Published: January 2009

Abstract Scolytine weevils (bark and ambrosia beetles) have a unique ecological significance in forest ecosystems, which equates to major effects on landscape ecology and to monetary losses. Fossilized galleries of scolytines have been reported in Late Mesozoic wood, but here we describe a well‐preserved body fossil from the Cretaceous, c. 100 Ma, preserved in amber from northern Myanmar. Moreover, the specimen is remarkably similar to Recent species of the genus Microborus, revealing stasis unexpected within scolytines and thus highlighting the antiquity of the group. Stratigraphic dating and comparison of insect palaeofaunas included in other well‐dated ambers from multiple sites support the age estimate of the Burmese amber. A minimum age for one clade of scolytines is thus established, indicating an early divergence of scolytines from other weevils in the Late Jurassic or Early Cretaceous and challenging the current perspective of weevil evolution.
The most ancient bark beetle known: a new tribe, genus and species from Lebanese amber (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae)
Authors: KIREJTSHUK ALEXANDER G. , AZAR DANY , BEAVER ROGER A. , MANDELSHTAM MIKHAIL YU. , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: January 2009

Abstract Cylindrobrotus pectinatusgen. et sp.n., a new scolytine species from Cretaceous Lebanese amber, is described. A new tribe, Cylindrobrotini trib.n., is proposed for this unique species, which demonstrates an unusual combination of some archaic and many advanced characters. This finding suggests that the Scolytinae became a distinct lineage of Curculionoidea from the Lower Cretaceous. Fossil records are reviewed, and some remarks on the origin and taxonomic position of bark and ambrosia beetles are made. Some comments on the various phylogenetic interpretations of the last 30 years are given, particularly in respect of their correspondence with the fossil record. The early appearance of Scolytinae in the fossil record before other Curculionidae (which appeared in the Upper Cretaceous) can be used as evidence against the hypothesis of bark beetles as offspring of weevils. The question of the taxonomic rank of bark beetles (separate subfamily or family) and their placement among other groups of the superfamily remains unsolved.
Discheramocephalini, a new pantropical tribe of featherwing beetles (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae): description of new taxa and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: GREBENNIKOV VASILY V.
Published: January 2009

Abstract Two new genera and eight new species of featherwing beetles (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae) possessing a remarkable horizontal perforation of the mesoventral keel are described: Skidmorella vietnamensissp.n. (Vietnam), S. memorabilissp.n. (Indonesia), S. serratasp.n. (Vietnam), Fenestellidium capensisgen. et sp.n. (South Africa, type species), F. kakamegaensissp.n. (Kenya), Cissidium okuensissp.n. (Cameroon), Dacrysoma usambarensisgen. et sp.n. (Tanzania, type species) and D. felissp.n. (Madagascar). A phylogenetic analysis of 24 taxa and 37 parsimony‐informative characters supports the hypothesis of a single origin of the mesoventral perforation, thus uniting Discheramocephalus, Skidmorella, Africoptilium, Fenestellidium, Cissidium and Dacrysoma into a pantropically distributed clade, for which a new tribe Discheramocephalini (type genus Discheramocephalus) is proposed. Identification keys to Discheramocephalini genera and, in some cases, to species are provided. Each new species is illustrated with scanning electron microscopy images.
Phylogenetic relationships within the genus Cranothrips (Thysanoptera, Melanthripidae) with consideration of host associations and disjunct distributions within the family
Authors: PEREYRA VERONICA , MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: January 2009

Abstract A phylogenetic analysis of the Melanthripidae genus Cranothrips Bagnall is presented. A data matrix with continuous and discrete characters was analysed under parsimony criteria. Continuous and discrete characters were analysed, separately and in combination. When the different blocks of characters were analysed separately, important differences in tree topologies occurred. The optimal tree obtained from discrete characters alone was similar to the tree resulting from total evidence. For most groups, the support values resulting from all the evidence analysis were higher than those obtained from the discrete‐only analysis. Two new species from Australia are described and illustrated, Cranothrips ibiscasp.n. and Cranothrips conostylussp.n. A key to the 12 species in the genus is provided. Additionally, the host associations and the distributional patterns of the four worldwide genera of Melanthripidae are discussed.
Use of confocal laser scanning microscopy in systematics of insects with a comparison of fluorescence from different stains
Authors: LEE SANGMI , BROWN RICHARD L. , MONROE WILLIAM
Published: January 2009

AbstractConfocal laser scanning microscopy has become a valuable tool for a wide range of investigations in the biological sciences, but its use in insect systematics has been neglected. Confocal microscopy depends on the degree of fluorescence of the examined specimens, which is aided either by fluorescent dyes or autofluorescence of the specimen. This study provides methods for using a combination of fluorescent dyes and autofluorescence to provide images that document the value of confocal microscopy for systematic research with insects. Fluorescence was compared from Lepidoptera genitalia dissections that were unstained or stained with merbromin (mercurochrome), safranine, chlorazol black E, eosin Y, eosin Y + chlorazol black E, and orange‐G. The unstained specimen showed that chitin autofluorescences to a small degree. The comparison of stains showed that use of eosin Y provides the best images, followed by safranine and mercurochrome. Orange‐G and chlorazol black are the least fluorescent and provide poor images, even when chlorazol black is combined with eosin.