bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High proportions of nonpathogenic Streptomyces are associated with common scab-resistant potato lines and less severe disease
Authors: Wanner Leslie A.
Published: April 2008

Streptomyces isolates were obtained from potato tubers with common scab lesions from 2 fields over a 3 year period in Minnesota and a 5 year period in Maine. Isolates were obtained from different potato cultivars or breeding lines and types of scab lesions. A majority of isolates could be classified as putative pathogens based on the presence of genes for biosynthesis of the pathogenicity determinant, thaxtomin, but large numbers of streptomycetes lacking genes for thaxtomin biosynthesis (presumably nonpathogenic) were also recovered. Most Streptomyces isolates recovered from raised and pitted lesions were pathogens, whereas mostly nonpathogenic isolates were recovered from unblemished potato skin or nonscab lesions. Fewer pathogenic than nonpathogenic isolates were recovered from the most resistant potato lines. The proportion and diversity of nonpathogenic isolates recovered was higher in Maine than in Minnesota. The association between greater numbers of nonpathogenic Streptomyces and less severe common scab suggests that the interaction between plant genotype and Streptomyces microbial community is important in determining the severity of common scab on potato, and emphasizes the role of complex interactions between plants and microbial populations on and near plant roots in plant disease outcomes.
Efficient biodegradation of cyanide and ferrocyanide by Na-alginate beads immobilized with fungal cells of Trichoderma koningii
Authors: Zhou Xiaoying , Liu Lixing , Chen Yunpeng , Xu Shufa , Chen Jie
Published: April 2008

Cyanide or metal cyanide contaminations have become serious environmental and food-health problems. A fungal mutant of Trichoderma koningii , TkA8, constructed by restriction enzyme-mediated integration, has been verified to have a high cyanide degradation ability in our previous study. In this study, the mutant cells were entrapped in sodium-alginate (Na-alginate) immobilization beads to degrade cyanide and ferrocyanide in a liquid mineral medium. The results showed that the fungus in immobilization beads consisting of 3% Na-alginate and 3% CaCl2 could degrade cyanide more efficiently than a nonimmobilized fungal culture. For maximum degradation efficiency, the optimal ratio of Na-alginate and wet fungal biomass was 20:1 (m/m) and the initial pH was 6.5. In comparison, cell immobilization took at least 3 and 8 days earlier, respectively, to completely degrade cyanide and ferrocyanide. In addition, we showed that the immobilized beads could be easily recovered from the medium and reused for up to 5 batches without significant losses of fungal remediation abilities. The results of this study provide a promising alternative method for the large-scale remediation of soil or water systems from cyanide contamination.
Microbial development in distillers wet grains produced during fuel ethanol production from corn (Zea mays)
Authors: Lehman R. Michael , Rosentrater Kurt A.
Published: April 2008

Distillers grains are coproduced with ethanol and carbon dioxide during the production of fuel ethanol from the dry milling and fermentation of corn grain, yet there is little basic microbiological information on these materials. We undertook a replicated field study of the microbiology of distillers wet grains (DWG) over a 9 day period following their production at an industrial fuel ethanol plant. Freshly produced DWG had a pH of about 4.4, a moisture content of about 53.5% (wet mass basis), and 4 × 105 total yeast cells/g dry mass, of which about 0.1% were viable. Total bacterial cells were initially below detection limits (ca. 106 cells/g dry mass) and then were estimated to be ∼5 × 107 cells/g dry mass during the first 4 days following production. Culturable aerobic heterotrophic organisms (fungi plus bacteria) ranged between 104 and 105 CFU/g dry mass during the initial 4 day period, and lactic acid bacteria increased from 36 to 103 CFU/g dry mass over this same period. At 9 days, total viable bacteria and yeasts and (or) molds topped 108 CFU/g dry mass and lactic acid bacteria approached 106 CFU/g dry mass. Community phospholipid fatty acid analysis indicated a stable microbial community over the first 4 days of storage. Thirteen morphologically distinct isolates were recovered, of which 10 were yeasts and molds from 6 different genera, 2 were strains of the lactic-acid-producing Pediococcus pentosaceus and only one was an aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, Micrococcus luteus . The microbiology of DWG is fundamental to the assessment of spoilage, deleterious effects (e.g., toxins), or beneficial effects (e.g., probiotics) in its use as feed or in alternative applications.
Vibrio parahaemolyticuselevates interferon alpha production in intestinal-like epithelial Caco-2 cells
Authors: Lian Xin , Takahashi Akira , Nakano Masayuki , Hori Emiko , Mawatari Kazuaki , Harada Nagakatsu , Hosaka Toshio , Nakaya Yutaka
Published: April 2008

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis from seafood consumption. We tried to determine how the gene expression levels of intestinal-like epithelial cells (Caco-2 cells) and mouse intestinal loop mucosal cells change upon infection with this bacterium. Since we found the robust production of interferon alpha (IFN-α) by the V. parahaemolyticus infection, we also assessed the upregulation of a number of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). The expressions of IFN protein were determined by Western blotting, and the gene expressions of Caco-2 cells after V. parahaemolyticus infection were determined by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Three ISGs (i.e., IFN-α-inducible protein 15, IFN-α-inducible protein 6-16, and IFN-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1) were upregulated by V. parahaemolyticus infection. Infection induced the production of IFN-α, but not IFN-β or IFN-γ. The upregulation of the 3 ISGs was suppressed by treatment with a neutralizing IFN-α antibody. Moreover, the production of infection-induced IFN-α was found in the mouse intestinal loop mucosal cells. V. parahaemolyticus infection of Caco-2 cells results in IFN-α production and the expression of IFN-regulated genes.
Discovery of crystalline inclusions in Bacillus licheniformis that resemble parasporal crystals of Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Yan Ming , Roehrl Michael H. , Wang Julia Y.
Published: April 2008

Crystalline inclusions were discovered in stationary and sporulating cells of the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 9945a. As detected by electron microscopy, dying or sporulating bacterial cells contain a single crystal of strikingly large size. The crystals in sporulating cells are located next to nascent spores and can be several times larger than the spores. Morphologically, most crystals are rhomboid with uniformly spaced grids. These newly discovered crystalline inclusions of B. licheniformis closely resemble parasporal crystals of Bacillus thuringiensis that are formed by insecticidal toxin proteins and used widely as biopesticides. The taxonomic identity of this strain was verified by its 16S rRNA gene sequence and its fatty acid profile. The finding of crystal proteins in B. licheniformis may lead to the discovery of new protein toxins and may expand our pool of biopesticides.
Soil properties that impact yeast and actinomycete numbers in sandy low nutrient soils
Authors: Vreulink Jo-Marie , Esterhuyse Annerina , Jacobs Karin , Botha Alfred
Published: April 2008

To explore the beneficial qualities or detrimental consequences of cultureable soil yeasts, it is important to understand which physicochemical soil properties most impact populations of these unicellular fungi in their natural habitat. The goal of this study was to determine which soil properties dictate yeast numbers in pristine sandy, low nutrient soils within a semi-arid region. A correlation matrix of the data obtained for 19 different environmental variables indicated a negative correlation between soil pH and yeast numbers. Using general regression models, it was demonstrated that soil pH and copper concentration were the 2 variables that correlated best with soil yeast counts in these soils. However, soil moisture content was found to be the environmental factor with the most impact on cultureable actinomycetes and heterotrophic microbes. The study also demonstrated that divalent cation availability might impact the size of both yeast and prokaryote populations in these soils.
Antifungal susceptibility of bloodstream yeasts isolated at a public children’s hospital in Brazil: comparison of the Etest® and the AFST–EUCAST microdilution method
Authors: Matsumoto Flávia E. , Dias Amanda L.T. , Melhem Márcia S.C. , Szeszs Maria W. , Auler Marcos E. , Ruiz Luciana S. , Gonçalves da Silva Ériques , Gandra Rinaldo F. , Paula Claudete R.
Published: April 2008

This study compared the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results from the proposed standard methods of the Antifungal Susceptibility Testing Subcommittee of the European Committee on Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AFST–EUCAST) with the commercial system Etest® in the evaluation of susceptibility to flucytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B of 136 Candida spp. isolated from the blood of hospitalized children. The results presented a greater agreement among Etest® MICs ±2 log2 dilutions of AFST–EUCAST for fluconazole (98.1% and 96.3%) and voriconazole (100% and 100%) for Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis . For Candida glabrata , the agreement was greater only for fluconazole (81.8%) and voriconazole (100%). For amphotericin B, the agreement between the methods was low for all species. The agreement percentage among the Etest® and AFST–EUCAST susceptibility profiles was high according to the MIC breakpoints recommended by the M27-A2 protocol for the majority of the yeasts, except for fluconazole and itraconazole against Candida tropicalis and for itraconazole against C. glabrata and Candida krusei . According to both methodologies, a great number of Candida spp. isolates showed an in vitro susceptibility to all evaluated antifungal agents. Overall, both procedures can be reliable techniques for susceptibility tests of yeasts, but the assessment of interlaboratory agreement and correlation of MICs by different methods with in vivo response are of great importance.
ACC deaminase from plant growth-promoting bacteria affects crown gall development
Authors: Hao Youai , Charles Trevor C. , Glick Bernard R.
Published: April 2008

In addition to the well-known roles of indoleacetic acid and cytokinin in crown gall formation, the plant hormone ethylene also plays an important role in this process. Many plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) encode the enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, which can degrade ACC, the immediate precursor of ethylene in plants, to α-ketobutyrate and ammonia and thereby lower plant ethylene levels. To study the effect of ACC deaminase on crown gall development, an ACC deaminase gene from the PGPB Pseudomonas putida UW4 was introduced into Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58, so that the effect of ACC deaminase activity on tumour formation in tomato and castor bean plants could be assessed. Plants were also coinoculated with A. tumefaciens C58 and P. putida UW4 or P. putida UW4-acdS– (an ACC deaminase minus mutant strain). In both types of experiments, it was observed that the presence of ACC deaminase generally inhibited tumour development on both tomato and castor bean plants.
Genetic and phenotypic diversity of Bifidobacterium thermacidophilum fecal isolates from newborns
Authors: Kheadr E. , Dabour N. , von Ah U. , Lacroix C. , Meile L. , Fliss I.
Published: April 2008

This study was undertaken to genetically identify and phenotypically characterize 14 bifidobacteria isolated from 20 breast-fed newborns. These isolates showed 98%–99% similarity to Bifidobacterium thermacidophilum subsp. suis based on 16S rDNA. Further analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of chromosomal DNA digested with XbaI revealed 4 distinct restriction patterns. The predominant pattern, shared by 8 (57%) isolates, produced a macro-restriction profile with about 13 large fragments ranging in size from >242.5 to 23.1 kb, whereas the other 6 displayed 3 distinct restriction profiles all characterized by more micro- than macro-restriction, with fragments ranging in size from 97 to 9.4 kb. Phenotypic characteristics, including carbohydrate fermentation profile, maximal growth temperature, and antibiotic susceptibility, varied widely even among strains showing the same restriction profile. The presence of B. thermacidophilum in stools of newborn infants may indicate the potential of these bacteria for aiding the development of the intestinal ecosystem.
Identification of iron-regulated cellular proteins, Fe3+-reducing and -chelating compounds, in the white-rot fungus Perenniporia medulla-panis
Authors: Arantes Valdeir , Milagres Adriane M.F.
Published: April 2008

In this paper, we present the responses of the white-rot fungus Perenniporia medulla-panis to iron availability with regard to alterations in growth, expression of cellular proteins, Fe3+-reducing activity, and Fe3+chelators production. Iron supplementation stimulated fungal growth but did not result in a significant increase in biomass production. Catechol and hydroxamate derivatives were produced mainly under iron deficiency, and their productions were repressed under iron supplementation conditions. Perenniporia medulla-panis showed several cellular proteins in the range of 10–90 kDa. Some of them showed negative iron-regulation. Iron-supplemented medium also repressed both cell surface and extracellular Fe3+-reducing activities; however, the highest cell surface activity was detected at the initial growth phase, whereas extracellular activity increased throughout the incubation period. No significant production of chelators and extracellular Fe3+-reducing activity were observed within the initial growth phase, suggesting that the reduction of Fe3+to Fe2+is performed by ferrireductases.
Diversity of tet resistance genes in tetracycline-resistant bacteria isolated from a swine lagoon with low antibiotic impact
Authors: Macauley John J , Adams Craig D. , Mormile Melanie R.
Published: April 2008

Tetracycline resistance has been extensively studied and shown to be widespread. A number of previous studies have clearly demonstrated that a variety of tetracycline resistance genes are present in swine fecal material, treatment lagoons, and the environments surrounding concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The diversity of tetracycline resistance within a swine lagoon located at a CAFO that used only bacitricin methylene disalicylate as an antibiotic was evaluated by screening 85 tetracycline-resistant isolates for the presence of 18 different genes by performing PCR with primers that target tetracycline efflux genes of Gram-negative bacteria and ribosomal protection proteins. In addition, partial 16S rRNA sequences from each of these isolates were sequenced to determine the identity of these isolates. Of the 85 isolates examined, 17 may represent potential novel species based on BLAST results. Greater than 50% of the isolates (48 out of 85) were found to not contain targeted tet efflux genes. Though minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged widely (16 – >256 mg/L), these values did not give an indication of the tet genes present. Ten new genera were identified that contain at least one tet efflux gene. Five other genera possessed tet efflux genes that were not found in these organisms previously. Interestingly, none of the isolates possessed any of the selected ribosomal protection protein genes. Though tetracycline resistance was found in bacteria isolated from a swine CAFO lagoon, it appears that the limited antibiotic use at this CAFO might have impacted the presence and diversity of tetracycline resistance genes.
Detection ofBacillus cereusvirulence factors in commercial products ofBacillus thuringiensisand expression of diarrheal enterotoxins in a target insect
Authors: Kyei-Poku George , Gauthier Debbie , Pang A. , van Frankenhuyzen K.
Published: April 2008

We examined isolates from 4 commercial bioinsecticides based on different strains of Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies ( kurstaki , israelensis , aizawai , and tenebrionis ) for the presence of genes encoding proteins with known enterotoxigenicity (nhe, hbl, cytk, ces) and various other putative virulence genes (piplc, sph, bceT, entFM, entS, entT). The piplc and bceT sequences were present in all the isolates; sph was found in aizawai and israelensis; entFM only in israelensis; and entS in kurstaki, israelensis, and tenebrionis. Our results corroborate previous findings that isolates used in commercial products contain all nhe and hbl component genes but not the ces gene. We ascertained that the cytK gene present in the kurstaki-, israelensis-, and aizawai-based products belongs to the cytK-2 type and not the more toxigenic cytK-1 variant originally isolated from enterotoxic Bacillus cereus. We provide the first evidence that hemolytic (hblA) and nonhemolytic (nheA, nheB, nheC) enterotoxin genes are expressed during septicemia in a target insect. This opens the door for their possible participation in pathogenesis in target insects. If enterotoxins do not contribute to bacterial pathogenesis in target insects, their genes could be deleted from commercial production strains to pre-empt perceptions of public health risks.
COSMOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF AN EVOLUTIONARY QUANTUM GRAVITY
Authors: BATTISTI MARCO VALERIO , MONTANI GIOVANNI
Published: April 2008

The cosmological implications of an evolutionary quantum gravity are analyzed in the context of a generic inhomogeneous model. The Schrödinger problem is formulated and solved in the presence of a scalar field, an ultrarelativistic matter and a perfect gas regarded as the dust-clock. Considering the actual phenomenology, it is shown how the evolutionary approach overlaps the Wheeler-DeWitt one.
THE DOUBLE WRONSKIAN SOLUTIONS TO THE KADOMTSET–PETVIASHVILI EQUATION
Authors: YAO YUQIN , ZHANG DAJUN , CHEN DENGYUAN
Published: April 2008

New double Wronskian solutions to the Kadomtset–Petviashvili (KP) equation are derived. Solitons, rational solutions, Matveev solutions, complexitons and mixed solutions are given.
THE ROLE OF SURFACE OXYGEN VACANCY INN2ODECOMPOSITION ONCu2O(111) SURFACE: A DFT STUDY
Authors: CHEN WEN-KAI , SUN BAO-ZHEN , WANG XIA , LU CHUN-HAI
Published: April 2008

The role of a surface oxygen vacancy in the N2O dissociation over a Cu2O surface was studied using density functional theory — generalized gradient approximation periodic calculations. To perform this study, surface slab model — [Formula: see text] surface cell was used. The results indicated that N2O adsorption properties were associated with the surface oxygen vacancies. The presence of a surface oxygen vacancy, prepared by removing one OSUFatom from [Formula: see text] supercell, makes the N2O decomposition possible, which was believed to occur at a oxygen vacancy site. The N2O decomposition at the surface oxygen vacant site depends on whether the molecule is adsorbed with the O - or N -end on a vacancy. For the first case, the reaction proceeds spontaneously, which leads to an ejection of N2from the surface and the rest of the oxygen atoms occupying the vacancy. In the second case, even though there is an elongation of both N – N and N – O bonds, the dissociation is unfeasible due to very small adsorption energy and high activation energy. The role of the defective surface with surface oxygen vacancy is to provide electrons to the adsorbed molecule.
How the Outside Gets In: Modeling Conversational Permeation
Authors: Gibson David R.
Published: April 2008

Conversation is incrementally, progressively produced, subject to constraints that ensure linearity (one person speaks at a time) irrespective of the identities, motives, and conversational resources of those present. And yet conversation is also receptive to influence from—or permeation by—external factors, such as attributes, formal status, and relationships. This review summarizes conversation-analytic work on how talk-in-interaction is produced and then evaluates quantitative research on permeation in terms of the realism of its assumptions. Research on rates is found particularly wanting, although the robustness of its results presents a challenge to the claim that the meaning of an action is inextricably tied to its local-sequential context. More theoretically adequate are modeling approaches that focus on transitions, sequences, and the local determinants of discrete events. However, these also frequently make unwarranted assumptions, such as that we can generalize from people who speak to those who do not or that what someone does upon speaking can be considered separately from who speaks in the first place. A solution to the second problem is to model who gets recruited from the ranks of all potential speakers to perform a particular conversational action. The review concludes with directions for future research.
Regional Institutions and Social Development in Southern Africa
Authors: McKeever Matthew
Published: April 2008

Regional institutions increasingly shape economic and political development in Southern Africa. In this review, I discuss the historical background of this region and examine the major regional institutions that address key common concerns of economic development, trade, regional migration, and shared natural resources. I also discuss the challenges for, and to, regional integration, including competition among different regional organizations, poverty, war, political instability, and the developing HIV/AIDS pandemic. This research can be understood as illustrative of general research on regions. In particular, it shows how political leaders have created new sets of institutions to deal with important regional concerns, how regional institutions have affected economic development, and how the development of regional organizations is the outcome of regional politics as well as the interaction of national-level decisions.
Testing and Social Stratification in American Education
Authors: Grodsky Eric , Warren John Robert , Felts Erika
Published: April 2008

We focus on how standardized testing in American education has reflected, reproduced, and transformed social inequalities. We begin by describing inequalities in test score distributions by race/ethnicity, social origins, and gender over time. We then define learning, cognitive ability, and opportunity to learn, each of which influences the results of standardized tests. Next, we offer a brief history of standardized testing's role in American education. We then discuss the relationship between social stratification and measurement issues that arise in the context of standardized testing and the contemporary uses and misuses of standardized testing for diagnostic purposes, accountability, and gatekeeping. We conclude by reflecting on the past, present, and future role of testing in social stratification.
Heterologous expression of polycystin-1 inhibits endoplasmic reticulum calcium leak in stably transfected MDCK cells
Authors: Weber Kimberly H. , Lee Eun Kyung , Basavanna Uma , Lindley Sabina , Ziegelstein Roy C. , Germino Gregory G. , Sutters Michael
Published: April 2008

We previously found that polycystin-1 accelerated the decay of ligand-activated cytoplasmic calcium transients through enhanced reuptake of calcium into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER; Hooper KM, Boletta A, Germino GG, Hu Q, Ziegelstein RC, Sutters M. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 289: F521–F530, 2005). Calcium flux across the ER membrane is determined by the balance of active uptake and passive leak. In the present study, we show that polycystin-1 inhibited calcium leak across the ER membrane, an effect that would explain the capacity of this protein to accelerate clearance of calcium from the cytoplasm following a calcium release response. Calcium leak was detected by measurement of the accumulation of calcium in the cytoplasm following treatment with thapsigargin. Heterologous polycystin-1, stably expressed in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, attenuated the thapsigargin-induced calcium peak with no effect on basal calcium stores, mitochondrial calcium uptake, or extrusion of calcium across the plasma membrane. The capacity of polycystin-1 to limit the rate of decay of ER luminal calcium following inhibition of the pump was shown indirectly using the calcium ionophore ionomycin, and directly by loading the ER with a low-affinity calcium indicator. We conclude that disruption of ER luminal calcium homeostasis may contribute to the cyst phenotype in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
Successful Strategies for Increasing African American Participation in Cancer Genetic Studies: Hopeful Signs for Equalizing the Benefits of Genetic Medicine
Authors: Patterson Annette R. , Davis Helen , Shelby Kristin , McCoy Jerry , Robinson Linda D. , Rao Smita K. , Banerji Pia , Tomlinson Gail E.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine whether prior success in recruiting African Americans to an in-house cancer genetics registry could be duplicated when recruiting to a national registry requiring a significantly increased level of commitment. Additionally, to determine which recruitment sources and practices yielded the highest number of African American participants. Methods: A retrospective analysis of recruitment sources, practices, and results for recruitment to the Cancer Genetics Network (CGN; a national research registry), from 2000 to 2005 was conducted. These results were compared to previous experience in recruiting African Americans to the Family Cancer Registry (FCR; an in-house registry) during the period 1992–2005. Results: In the 1st year of recruitment to the CGN, African Americans accounted for 24% of those consenting to participate in the CGN registry from our center. This compares to an average annual rate of 27% for the FCR during the years 1998–2005, and a rate of less than 1% from 1992 to 1998. By 2005, African Americans accounted for 27% of CGN participants recruited through the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, one of eighteen participating institutions in the CGN. Hospital-based resources such as cancer treatment clinics and tumor registries yielded the highest percentage of African American participants (66.5%), and self-referral yielded the lowest (0%). Seventy-seven percent of African Americans were actively sought out and recruited from treatment clinics, whereas the vast majority of Caucasian participants were recruited passively during the course of genetic counseling sessions that were scheduled for reasons unrelated to participation in cancer research. There were no known instances of African Americans contacting CGN staff after reading printed recruitment materials or internet advertisements. Conclusions: The increased level of commitment required of CGN participants did not deter African Americans from participating in cancer genetics research. Recruitment strategies responsible for dramatically increasing recruitment rates to the FCR from 1998 to 2000 were equally effective when used for recruitment to the CGN. The most effective recruitment sources were high-yield venues such as cancer treatment clinics and tumor registries, and active recruitment methods yielded the highest number of African American participants. Advertising through internet announcements and printed recruitment materials did not appear to be effective.
Testing Three Different Cancer Genetics Registry Recruitment Methods with Hispanic Cancer Patients and Their Family Members Previously Registered in Local Cancer Registries in Texas
Authors: Ramirez Amelie G. , Miller Alexander R. , Gallion Kipling , San Miguel de Majors Sandra , Chalela Patricia , García Arámburo Sandra
Published: April 2008

Objective: To increase accrual among Hispanics to the Cancer Genetics Network national cancer genetics registry. Methods: Drawing from South Texas cancer registries, 444 Hispanic men and women were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: standard direct-mailed procedures (X1), X1 plus culturally tailored materials (X2), and X2 plus interpersonal phone contact (X3). Participants were also surveyed about the effectiveness of the education materials and the phone contact. A refusal survey was provided for those who declined to join the study. Results: A total of 154 individuals joined the Cancer Genetics Network. The X3 condition yielded the greatest accrual (43.2%) compared to X1 (30.9%) and X2 (29.9%; p < 0.05). Tailored materials appeared to have no effect but were highly regarded. The main reasons for not participating were a lack of interest and time requirements. Conclusion: Interpersonal communication can have a powerful effect on recruitment. However, more research is needed to determine the cost-efficacy of more labor-intensive approaches to registry accrual.
Spatial Distribution of Histone Isoforms on the Bovine Active and Inactive X Chromosomes
Authors: Coppola G. , Pinton A. , Joudrey E.M. , Basrur P.K. , King W.A.
Published: April 2008

The inactive X chromosome (Xi) in female mammals serves as an important model for studying the role of histone isoforms in directing specific nuclear processes leading to inherited differences in transcription. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of some histone isoforms known to be involved in the process of human X inactivation on their bovine counterparts. To ascertain the identity of active and inactive X chromosome, their distribution was investigated on the X chromosomes in a cell line derived from a bovine female carrying an X;autosome translocation rcp(Xp+;23q–) which allowed the recognition of the maternal (translocated) and paternal (normal) X chromosome. The distribution patterns of histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 9 (H3K9me3) and trimethylated at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), and histone macroH2A1 and macroH2A2 (isoforms specific to heterochromatin) were determined by immunocytochemistry and compared to the temporal pattern of replication using BrdU pulse labeling prior to staining. Immunostaining revealed that H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and macroH2A1 are preferentially concentrated on the Xi, whereas the histone variant macroH2A2 is not a marker for this chromosome. H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and macroH2A1 were consistently located in bands along the Xi, while H3K9me3, macroH2A1 and macroH2A2 localized in the pericentromeric regions of the autosomes. H3K27me3 identified two intense bands on the Xi at Xp22 and Xq31, representing the early replication regions of the chromosome. H3K27me3 and macroH2A1 overlapped in the Xq31 region. It was concluded that different heterochromatin regions on the bovine inactive X chromosome can be identified by their histone isoform composition.
Does Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Associated with Bronchopulmonary Sequestration Portend a Better Prognosis?
Authors: Grethel Erich J. , Farrell Jody , Ball Robert H. , Keller Roberta L. , Goldstein Ruth B. , Lee Hanmin , Farmer Diana L. , Harrison Michael R. , Nobuhara Kerilyn K.
Published: April 2008

Introduction: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) continues to be a devastating disease in the newborn population, with well-documented morbidity and mortality. Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a separate congenital defect that has been associated with CDH. While the association of sequestration with CDH has been reported to be as high as 30–40%, the prognosis associated with the two simultaneous defects is unknown. We reviewed our experience to evaluate if prognosis was better in the CDH infants with associated bronchopulmonary sequestration. Methods: Institutional approval was obtained. Our institutional database was examined from August 1995 to August 2005, identifying all mothers carrying fetuses with pulmonary masses and/or CDH and all neonates treated with bronchopulmonary sequestration and/or CDH. Patients who had both CDH and sequestration were identified by prenatal ultrasound reports, postnatal radiographs, and operative and pathology reports. Results: 16 patients were identified in the fetal or neonatal period with concomitant diagnoses of CDH and bronchopulmonary sequestration. Of those proceeding to delivery, 6 expired and 6 survived. The presence of liver herniation and low lung-to-head ratio on antenatal ultrasound correlated with mortality. However, 2 patients survived with very low lung-to-head ratio that would usually be associated with 100% mortality at our institution. Two diagnoses of bronchopulmonary sequestration were reversed after final pathology revealed liver tissue. Conclusion: Given the limited series, we cannot conclude that bronchopulmonary sequestration confers an anatomic advantage to patients that have CDH. We did observe survivors in this group that, given their antenatal predictors of CDH severity, would ordinarily have dismal prognosis. The presence of a sequestration may be protective in a subset of patients with severe CDH, or may confound our antenatal predictors of disease severity in these patients.
Pyridoxine-Related Metabolite Concentrations in Normal and Down Syndrome Amniotic Fluid
Authors: Baggot Paddy Jim , Eliseo Anna Jane Y. , DeNicola Nathaniel G. , Kalamarides Jeremy A. , Shoemaker James D.
Published: April 2008

Introduction: Some studies of children with Down syndrome have found mild abnormalities in the metabolism of pyridoxine (vitamin B6); therefore the present question is whether such abnormalities might also be present in the amniotic fluid of fetuses with Down syndrome. Materials and Methods: Archived specimens of amniotic fluid were obtained from chromosomally normal and from fetuses with Down syndrome. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry quantitized B-related metabolites, including oxalate, xanthurenate, kynurenine and 4-pyridoxic acid. Results: Oxalate, a marker of pyridoxine deficiency, was elevated in the amniotic fluid of fetuses with Down syndrome. This result was statistically significant. The other marker results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: A marker of pyridoxine deficiency, oxalate is elevated in the amniotic fluid of fetuses with Down syndrome. These results in amniotic fluid are consistent with previous studies done in the urine of young children.
Under-Expression of CD24 in Pre-Eclamptic Placental Tissues Determined by Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR
Authors: Nagy Bálint , Berkes Enikő , Rigó Barbara , Bán Zoltán , Papp Zoltán , Hupuczi Petronella
Published: April 2008

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder present in about 5–7% of all pregnancies. CD24 expression was recently reported in different diseases, while it has not yet been determined in pre-eclamptic placental tissues. Methods: We collected placental tissues from pre-eclamptic (n = 16) and healthy pregnancies (n = 16). We used the quantitative real-time PCR method with a primer-probe system for determination of CD24 gene expression. Results: We measured CD24 concentrations of 18.94 ± 26.86 ng/µl in the pre-eclamptic and 53.85 ± 92.05 ng/µl in the healthy placental tissues (p = 0.03). Conclusions: The quantitative real-time PCR method is suitable to determine CD24 expression in placental tissues. We suppose the low expression of CD24 may cause the enhanced immune reaction and could play a role in the abnormal development of placenta in pre-eclampsia.
A Prenatal Diagnosed Case of Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor
Authors: Kir Sahin Figen , Koken Gulengul , Cosar Emine , Koken Resit , Sahin Onder , Gokden Murat
Published: April 2008

Congenital brain tumors presenting in the first year of life account for 1.4–8.5% of all childhood brain tumors. Only 18% of congenital brain tumors are diagnosed before or at delivery. Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is a highly malignant, small, blue-cell tumor which is characterized by early recurrence, metastasis, and high mortality. It makes up 13% of all fetal and neonatal brain tumors. Prenatal diagnosis of PNET or other congenital brain tumors is important because the presence of tumors may alter the time and mode of delivery and postnatal care planning. A prenatal case of PNET is described that was diagnosed with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging; the case was confirmed histopathologically at postmortem examination.
Fetal Spina Bifida Repair – Current Trends and Prospects of Intrauterine Neurosurgery
Authors: Fichter M.A. , Dornseifer U. , Henke J. , Schneider K.T.M. , Kovacs L. , Biemer E. , Bruner J. , Adzick N.S. , Harrison M.R. , Papadopulos N.A.
Published: April 2008

Myelomeningocele is a common dysraphic defect leading to severe impairment throughout the patient’s lifetime. Although surgical closure of this anomaly is usually performed in the early postnatal period, an estimated 330 cases of intrauterine repair have been performed in a few specialized centers worldwide. It was hoped prenatal intervention would improve the prognosis of affected patients, and preliminary findings suggest a reduced incidence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus, as well as an improvement in hindbrain herniation. However, the expectations for improved neurological outcome have not been fulfilled and not all patients benefit from fetal surgery in the same way. Therefore, a multicenter randomized controlled trial was initiated in the USA to compare intrauterine with conventional postnatal care, in order to establish the procedure-related benefits and risks. The primary study endpoints include the need for shunt at 1 year of age, and fetal and infant mortality. No data from the trial will be published before the final analysis has been completed in 2008, and until then, the number of centers offering intrauterine MMC repair in the USA is limited to 3 in order to prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of new centers offering this procedure. In future, refined, risk-reduced surgical techniques and new treatment options for preterm labor and preterm rupture of the membranes are likely to reduce associated maternal and fetal risks and improve outcome, but further research will be needed.
Gasless Fetoscopy: A New Approach to Endoscopic Closure of a Lumbar Skin Defect in Fetal Sheep
Authors: Pedreira D.A.L. , Oliveira R.C.S. , Valente P.R. , Abou-Jamra R.C. , Araújo A. , Saldiva P.H.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To develop a new endoscopic approach to the correction of a myelomeningocele-like defect in fetal sheep. Methods: The fetuses of 9 pregnant ewes, with an average gestational age of 115 days, were subjected to a 3.0 × 2.0 cm removal of the skin over the lumbar spine, performed through hysterotomy. The uterus was closed, and three 5-mm endoscopic cannulas, without valve mechanisms, were inserted. In the pilot phase (2 animals), we initially worked exclusively in the amniotic fluid space. In the study phase, we partially withdrew the fetus from the amniotic fluid to completely expose its back. By simply allowing air to enter the amniotic cavity (without gas injection), a working space was created using a uterine lift device. The skin around the defect was dissected, and a biosynthetic cellulose material was applied to cover the area. A continuous suture of the skin was performed to completely hide the material. Results: The combined air/fluid space allowed the skin to be successfully closed in 6 out of 7 cases in the study phase. All fetuses were alive at the end of the procedures. Time to complete the endoscopic part of the procedure fell from 3 to 1 h by the end of this series. Premature birth occurred in 2 of the 4 cases allowed to continue with the pregnancy. Conclusion: A new gasless fetoscopic surgery technique was developed as an alternative to current techniques used for fetal endoscopic surgery.
Aberrant Venous Flow Measurement May Predict the Clinical Behavior of a Fetal Extralobar Pulmonary Sequestration
Authors: Kitano Yoshihiro , Sago Haruhiko , Hayashi Satoshi , Kuroda Tatsuo , Honna Toshiro , Morikawa Nobuyuki
Published: April 2008

Objective: Fetal extralobar pulmonary sequestration (EPS) is sometimes complicated by a massive pleural effusion, leading to tension hydrothorax and fetal hydrops. The goal of this study was to examine sonographic signs of venous obstruction in fetal EPS with or without pleural effusion. Methods: Records of fetal ultrasound from 6 patients with EPS were reviewed with special attention to aberrant arterial and venous flow. The results were correlated with their clinical outcomes. Results: Four of the 6 cases (cases 1–4) were complicated by massive pleural effusion and required fetal thoracentesis; thoracoamniotic shunt placement was required in 3 of these 4 patients (cases 1–3). The other 2 patients (cases 5 and 6) were not associated with pleural effusion despite the comparable size of the mass and did not require any treatment, either prenatally or postnatally. In cases 1–3, aberrant venous flow was difficult to detect and, even when detected, the arterial-to-venous flow velocity ratio was >6. This is in contrast to the uncomplicated cases 5 and 6 in whom aberrant venous flow was easily detected with an arterial-to-venous flow velocity ratio of 2–3. Arterial-to-venous flow velocity ratios of 3–6 were observed in case 4. This case was complicated by pleural effusion but not by fetal hydrops. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that venous obstruction is related to the production of pleural effusion in fetal EPS. Ample flow in the aberrant vein may indicate benign clinical behavior, while difficulty in detecting aberrant venous flow may be correlated with the development of massive pleural effusion.
Screening Advances and Diagnostic Choice: The Problem of Residual Risk
Authors: Henry George P. , Britt David W. , Evans Mark I.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Over the past decade some authorities have suggested that advanced screening methodologies obviate the need for more invasive, diagnostic procedures. Data on Down syndrome (DS) births for Colorado from 1989 to 2005 were used to examine the implications of a decreasing use of amniocentesis. Methods: Publicly available, State of Colorado Department of Public Health data on DS birth rates for women were compared to amniocentesis use at Colorado’s largest prenatal diagnostic center. Longitudinal changes on DS birth rates by maternal age (>35 and <35), and utilization of amniocentesis. Results: In Colorado, from 1989 to 2005, the rate for DS births for women 35+ rose considerably, while <35, rates remained stable (Cochran-Armitage test, p < 0.001). An autocorrelation-corrected test yielded a significant negative relationship between amniocentesis use (in 1,000s) and AMA DS rates (b = –11.30; p < 0.006; DW = 1.55). Confounding explanations involving sampling problems, socio-demographic factors, political conservatism and prevention orientation do not appear to account for these results. Conclusions: Replacement of definitive diagnosis with screening tests must be implemented with caution, particularly when using technologies with wide individual operator-dependent variability. Screening paradigms when performed with accuracy can markedly improve assessment of risks, but caution must be used in presenting negative screening results to women who still have a relatively high residual risk after a negative screen, and more generally in the displacement of technologies that provide definitive answers.
Effect of Carnitine Deprivation on Carnitine Homeostasis and Energy Metabolism in Mice with Systemic Carnitine Deficiency
Authors: Knapp Andrea Caroline , Todesco Liliane , Török Michael , Beier Konstantin , Krähenbühl Stephan
Published: April 2008

Background/Aims: Juvenile visceral steatosis (jvs–/–) mice lack the activity of the carnitine transporter OCTN2 and are dependent on carnitine substitution. The effects of carnitine deprivation on carnitine homeostasis and energy metabolism are not known in jvs–/– mice. Methods: jvs–/– mice were studied 3, 6 and 10 days after carnitine deprivation, and compared to jvs–/– mice substituted with carnitine, wild-type (jvs+/+) and jvs+/– mice. Carnitine concentrations were assessed radioenzymatically. Results: Compared to wild-type mice, carnitine-treated jvs–/– mice had decreased plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels and showed hepatic fat accumulation. The carnitine levels in plasma, liver and skeletal muscle were decreased by 58, 16 and 17%, respectively. After ten days of carnitine deprivation, the plasma carnitine concentration had fallen by 87% (to 2.3 µmol/l) and the tissue carnitine levels by ≈50% compared to carnitine-treated jvs–/– mice. Carnitine deprivation was associated with a further drop in plasma β-hydroxybutyrate and increased hepatic fat. Skeletal muscle glycogen stores decreased and lactate levels increased with carnitine deprivation, whereas tissue ATP levels were maintained. Conclusions: In jvs–/– mice, tissue carnitine stores are more resistant than carnitine plasma concentrations to carnitine deprivation. Metabolic changes (liver steatosis and loss of muscle glycogen stores) appear also early after carnitine deprivation.
A Theology for the Older, Female Hiv-Infected Body
Authors: Landman Christina
Published: April 2008

Aids management programmes in South Africa focus primarily on people under the age of 48. Local theologies, too, address mainly the needs of HIV-infected people between the ages of 15 and 50. This article, then, argues for theological attention to women over the age of 50 who remain voiceless and isolated in their bodies. Although Body Theology as developed by Lisa Isherwood does not deal with the HIV-infected body as such, the insights of this theology, in dialogue with the experiences of HIV-infected women over 50, are used here to construct a basic theology for empowering the four 'bodies' of the older woman living with HIV: the physical body is to be embodied as a site of resistance and enjoyment, the symbolic body as a site of relationship and beauty; the political body as the site of energy, and the spiritual body as the site of recreation and resurrection. Women over 50 are in special need of theological care because of the loneliness ensuing from the fact that, in this age group, the women/men ratio in South Africa is 100 to 70. This renders older women vulnerable to illicit sexual encounters.
Uncollaring the Criminal
Authors: Piquero Alex R. , Piquero Nicole Leeper , Terry Karen J. , Youstin Tasha , Nobles Matt
Published: April 2008

Much of the extant work on criminal careers has been conducted on longitudinal samples of children and adolescents in the general population or on samples of officially processed offenders. The researchers herein examined key criminal career dimensions among a large sample of clerics who had allegations of sexual abuse levied against them between the years 1950 and 2002. Results indicate that although some of the clerics' criminal career parameters evince similar patterns to those from other offender samples, there are important differences with respect to onset, career duration, and recidivism. In addition, previously abused clerics as well as clerics who exhibited an early onset of abuse were more likely to accumulate police investigations, whereas married clerics were more likely than nonmarried clerics to evince a higher number of police investigations. Implications and future research directions are outlined.
Repeat Offending, Victim Gender, and Extent of Victim Relationship in Catholic Church Sexual Abusers
Authors: Perillo Anthony D. , Mercado Cynthia Calkins , Terry Karen J.
Published: April 2008

Despite wide reports of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, empirical data on Catholic Church sexual abuse have not been readily available. The present study examines factors associated with sex-offender risk assessment along three criteria (repeat offending, victim gender, and victim relationship) on a sample of sexual abusers in the Catholic Church. Data from 4,392 priests with documented allegations of child sexual abuse were used. Logistic regression analysis resulted in significant predictive models for all comparisons. Factors consistently found to be significant predictors across comparisons included victim age, cleric age, all male victims, and history of victimization. Results suggest that risk predictors for Catholic Church sexual abusers are similar to those used in the general sex-offender population.