bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dynamin-related GTPase Drp1 is required for embryonic and brain development in mice
Authors: Wakabayashi Junko , Zhang Zhongyan , Wakabayashi Nobunao , Tamura Yasushi , Fukaya Masahiro , Kensler Thomas W. , Iijima Miho , Sesaki Hiromi
Published: September 2009

The dynamin-related guanosine triphosphatase Drp1 mediates the division of mitochondria and peroxisomes. To understand the in vivo function of Drp1, complete and tissue-specific mouse knockouts of Drp1 were generated. Drp1-null mice die by embryonic day 11.5. This embryonic lethality is not likely caused by gross energy deprivation, as Drp1-null cells showed normal intracellular adenosine triphosphate levels. In support of the role of Drp1 in organelle division, mitochondria formed extensive networks, and peroxisomes were elongated in Drp1-null embryonic fibroblasts. Brain-specific Drp1 ablation caused developmental defects of the cerebellum in which Purkinje cells contained few giant mitochondria instead of the many short tubular mitochondria observed in control cells. In addition, Drp1-null embryos failed to undergo developmentally regulated apoptosis during neural tube formation in vivo. However, Drp1-null embryonic fibroblasts have normal responses to apoptotic stimuli in vitro, suggesting that the apoptotic function of Drp1 depends on physiological cues. These findings clearly demonstrate the physiological importance of Drp1-mediated organelle division in mice.
On the functional use of the membrane compartmentalized pool of ATP by the Na+ and Ca++ pumps in human red blood cell ghosts
Authors: Hoffman Joseph F. , Dodson Alicia , Proverbio Fulgencio
Published: September 2009

Previous evidence established that a sequestered form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP pools) resides in the membrane/cytoskeletal complex of red cell porous ghosts. Here, we further characterize the roles these ATP pools can perform in the operation of the membrane's Na+ and Ca2+ pumps. The formation of the Na+- and Ca2+-dependent phosphointermediates of both types of pumps (ENa-P and ECa-P) that conventionally can be labeled with trace amounts of [γ-3P]ATP cannot occur when the pools contain unlabeled ATP, presumably because of dilution of the [γ-3P]ATP in the pool. Running the pumps forward with either Na+ or Ca2+ removes pool ATP and allows the normal formation of labeled ENa-P or ECa-P, indicating that both types of pumps can share the same pools of ATP. We also show that the halftime for loading the pools with bulk ATP is 10–15 minutes. We observed that when unlabeled “caged ATP” is entrapped in the membrane pools, it is inactive until nascent ATP is photoreleased, thereby blocking the labeled formation of ENa-P. We also demonstrate that ATP generated by the membrane-bound pyruvate kinase fills the membrane pools. Other results show that pool ATP alone, like bulk ATP, can promote the binding of ouabain to the membrane. In addition, we found that pool ATP alone functions together with bulk Na+ (without Mg2+) to release prebound ouabain. Curiously, ouabain was found to block bulk ATP from entering the pools. Finally, we show, with red cell inside-outside vesicles, that pool ATP alone supports the uptake of 45Ca by the Ca2+ pump, analogous to the Na+ pump uptake of 22Na in this circumstance. Although the membrane locus of the ATP pools within the membrane/cytoskeletal complex is unknown, it appears that pool ATP functions as the proximate energy source for the Na+ and Ca2+ pumps.
Trabeculae carneae as models of the ventricular walls: implications for the delivery of oxygen
Authors: Goo Soyeon , Joshi Purva , Sands Greg , Gerneke Dane , Taberner Andrew , Dollie Qaasim , LeGrice Ian , Loiselle Denis
Published: September 2009

Trabeculae carneae are the smallest naturally arising collections of linearly arranged myocytes in the heart. They are the preparation of choice for studies of function of intact myocardium in vitro. In vivo, trabeculae are unique in receiving oxygen from two independent sources: the coronary circulation and the surrounding ventricular blood. Because oxygen partial pressure (PO2) in the coronary arterioles is identical in specimens from both ventricles, whereas that of ventricular blood is 2.5-fold higher in the left ventricle than in the right ventricle, trabeculae represent a “natural laboratory” in which to examine the influence of “extravascular” PO2 on the extent of capillarization of myocardial tissue. We exploit this advantage to test four hypotheses. (1) In trabeculae from either ventricle, a peripheral annulus of cells is devoid of capillaries. (2) Hence, sufficiently small trabeculae from either ventricle are totally devoid of capillaries. (3) The capillary-to-myocyte ratios in specimens from either ventricle are identical to those of their respective walls. (4) Capillary-to-myocyte ratios are comparable in specimens from either ventricle, reflecting equivalent energy demands in vivo, driven by identical contractile frequencies and comparable wall stresses. We applied confocal fluorescent imaging to trabeculae in cross section, subsequently using semi-automated segmentation techniques to distinguish capillaries from myocytes. We quantified the capillary-to-myocyte ratios of trabeculae from both ventricles and compared them to those determined for the ventricular free walls and septum. Quantitative interpretation was furthered by mathematical modeling, using both the classical solution to the diffusion equation for elliptical cross sections, and a novel approach applicable to cross sections of arbitrary shape containing arbitrary disposition of capillaries and non-respiring collagen cords.
EF hands at the N-lobe of calmodulin are required for both SK channel gating and stable SK–calmodulin interaction
Authors: Li Weiyan , Halling David B. , Hall Amelia W. , Aldrich Richard W.
Published: September 2009

Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels respond to intracellular Ca2+ via constitutively associated calmodulin (CaM). Previous studies have proposed a modular design for the interaction between CaM and SK channels. The C-lobe and the linker of CaM are thought to regulate the constitutive binding, whereas the N-lobe binds Ca2+ and gates SK channels. However, we found that coexpression of mutant CaM (E/Q) where the N-lobe has only one functional EF hand leads to rapid rundown of SK channel activity, which can be recovered with exogenously applied wild-type (WT), but not mutant, CaM. Our results suggest that the mutation at the N-lobe EF hand disrupts the stable interaction between CaM and SK channel subunits, such that mutant CaM dissociates from the channel complex when the inside of the membrane is exposed to CaM-free solution. The disruption of the stable interaction does not directly result from the loss of Ca2+-binding capacity because SK channels and WT CaM can stably interact in the absence of Ca2+. These findings question a previous conclusion that CaM where the N-lobe has only one functional EF hand can stably support the gating of SK channels. They cannot be explained by the current model of modular interaction between CaM and SK channels, and they imply a role for N-lobe EF hand residues in binding to the channel subunits. Additionally, we found that a potent enhancer for SK channels, 3-oxime-6,7-dichloro-1H-indole-2,3-dione (NS309), enables the recovery of channel activity with CaM (E/Q), suggesting that NS309 stabilizes the interaction between CaM and SK channels. CaM (E/Q) can regulate Ca2+-dependent gating of SK channels in the presence of NS309, but with a lower apparent Ca2+ affinity than WT CaM.
Transmission of HIV-Associated Tuberculosis to Healthcare Workers
Authors: Perri Giovanni Di , Cadeo GianPietro , Castelli Francesco , Micciolo Rocco , Bassetti Sergio , Rubini Franco , Cazzadori Angelo , Marocco Stefania , Carlotto Antonio , Adami Teresa , Vento Sandro , Malena Marina , Carosi GianPiero , Concia Ercole , Bassetti Dante
Published: September 2009

Objective:

A retrospective investigation was made to compare the occupational risk of tuberculosis in personnel assisting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and uninfected subjects with active tuberculosis.

Design:

We retrospectively reviewed 6 years of hospital activity in 3 units where HIV-infected patients with tuberculosis are hospitalized and in 2 units where non-HIV-infected tuberculosis patients are hospitalized. The risk of occupational tuberculosis in healthcare workers who assisted HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected patients with tuberculosis was investigated.

Participants:

The risk of occupational tuberculosis in healthcare workers was studied by considering the numbers of potential source cases (hospitalized patients with tuberculosis) in the two conditions investigated (HIV-positive and HIV-negative). Both potential source cases and cases of tuberculosis in healthcare workers had to be microbiologically proven in order to be considered..

Results:

Seven cases of tuberculosis occurred in persons who cared for 85 HIV-infected subjects with tuberculosis, while only 2 cases occurred in staff members who took care of 1,079 HIV-negative tuberculosis patients over the same period (relative risk=44.4; 95% confidence interval = 8.5-438).

Conclusions:

Tuberculosis seems no longer to be a neglectable risk in healthcare workers assisting patients with HIV infection. Further study is urgently needed to see whether such unexpectedly high dissemination of tuberculosis also is demonstrable in the community.
Tuberculosis in the Healthcare Setting in the 1990s: From Bird Island to the Bronx
Authors: Beekman Susan E. , Osterholm Michael T. , Henderson David K.
Published: September 2009

Our nation's attention has recently been focused on the resurgence of tuberculosis as a significant public health problem. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has played a seminal role in this development. In addition, the concurrent increase in poverty and homelessness, particularly in our inner cities, and the changes in patterns of immigration into the United States have also played a contributing role. Finally, the deterioration of our public health infrastructure, together with decreasing access to medical care, served as the perfect breeding environment for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection to gain new and dangerous ground. The abrupt change in 1985 in the persistently downward trend in the incidence of tuberculosis cases in the U.S. signaled the first “shot across the bow” in what is now a full-scale war against this old enemy. In the 1990s, tuberculosis has now resumed its historical position of importance and danger in our inner cities. Tuberculosis control strategies -- once thought to be destined solely for the history books -- have regained public health and institutional attention, especially in settings serving inner-city, impoverished, or immunosuppressed populations.
Measles-Mumps-Rubella Immunization of Susceptible Hospital Employees During a Community Measles Outbreak Cost-Effectiveness and Protective Efficacy
Authors: Stover Beth H. , Adams Garrett , Kuebler Carol A. , Cost Karen M. , Rabalais Gerard P.
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To determine cost-effectiveness and protective efficacy of a program to identify and immunize susceptible hospital employees during a measles outbreak.

Design:

A cost analysis was made of blind measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization versus directed MMR immunization based on 2,000 employees born after December 31, 1956. A directed MMR immunization program for susceptible employees was instituted. Actual costs of the program were calculated at the conclusion of the program.

Setting:

A medical center complex with more than 4,000 employees, two acute care community hospitals, and a tertiary care children's hospital.

Results:

A directed MMR immunization program was projected to he less expensive than blind immunization ($23,106 versus $70,720). MMR vaccine was administered to 169 of 188 susceptible employees. Actual cost of the directed MMR immunization program was $25,384.

Conclusions:

The directed MMR immunization program was cost-effective and prevented secondary cases among hospital employees during a community measles outbreak.
Conference on Prevention of Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens in Surgery and Obstetrics
Authors: Bell David M. , Rhodes Robert S.
Published: September 2009

Few issues in hospital infection control have evoked as much debate as the controversies regarding the risk and prevention of transmission of blood-borne pathogens to healthcare workers and patients during invasive procedures. To promote direct discussions among researchers and other interested participants from multiple disciplines affected by these issues, the American College of Surgeons and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cosponsored a Conference on Prevention of Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens in Surgery and Obstetrics, February 13-15, 1994, in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference was attended by approximately 200 participants from nine countries, including surgeons from a variety of specialties, obstetricians, operating and delivery room personnel, anesthesiologists, hospital epidemiologists and infection control personnel, occupational health specialists, and public health professionals.

Titles of plenary sessions included Risk of Occupational Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens, Microbiologic Aspects (dealing with aerosols and disinfection and sterilization issues), Prevention of Injuries by Needles and Other Sharp Instruments, Hand Protection, Body and Facial Protection, Evaluation of New products on the Market, Postexposure Management, Are Universal Precautions Realistic, and Bloodborne Pathogen Transmission to Patients. Feedback from the attendees indicated that the conference achieved its goals and that future conferences on these issues would be welcome.
Healthcare Workers Risk of Contact With Body Fluids in a Hospital: The Effect of Complying With the Universal Precautions Policy
Authors: Kristensen Michael Seltz , Wernberg Niels Mogens , Anker-Moller Erling
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To test whether healthcare workers' knowledge of and compliance with the basic principle of the Universal Precautions policy (i.e., that all patients should be treated equally regarding contact with body fluids) influenced the rate of contact with patient blood.

Design:

Survey based on anonymous questionnaires.

Setting:

A 380-bed secondary and tertiary care hospital receiving emergency and elective patients.

Participants:

All employees having any contact with patients. Nine hundred one of 1,308 (69%) of the questionnaires were returned.

Results:

Twelve percent of the respondents (95% confidence interval [CI95] = 10.0%-14.4%) had experienced any contact with patient blood in the week preceding their answer. Physicians had the highest rate of contact with blood followed by nurses. In the five groups-physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians and phlebotomists, nursing aides, and student nurses-contact with blood was less frequent in the subgroup that did know and comply with the basic principle of the Universal Precautions policy, compared with the subgroup that did not. When adding the results for the 5 groups, contact with blood was experienced by 91 of 571 (15.9%, CI95=13%-19%) of the personnel who did not know and comply with Universal Precautions. The personnel who did know and comply with Universal Precautions had a significantly lower (9 of 111 [8.1%], p<.05, CI95 = 3.8%- 15%) rate of contact with blood.

Conclusions:

The healthcare workers who knew and complied with Universal Precautions had a significant lower rate of contact with patient blood than those who did not.
SUN-1 and ZYG-12, Mediators of Centrosome–Nucleus Attachment, Are a Functional SUN/KASH Pair in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Minn IL , Rolls Melissa M. , Hanna-Rose Wendy , Malone Christian J.
Published: September 2009

Klarsicht/ANC-1/Syne/homology (KASH)/Sad-1/UNC-84 (SUN) protein pairs can act as connectors between cytoplasmic organelles and the nucleoskeleton. Caenorhabditis elegans ZYG-12 and SUN-1 are essential for centrosome–nucleus attachment. Although SUN-1 has a canonical SUN domain, ZYG-12 has a divergent KASH domain. Here, we establish that the ZYG-12 mini KASH domain is functional and, in combination with a portion of coiled-coil domain, is sufficient for nuclear envelope localization. ZYG-12 and SUN-1 are hypothesized to be outer and inner nuclear membrane proteins, respectively, and to interact, but neither their topologies nor their physical interaction has been directly investigated. We show that ZYG-12 is a type II outer nuclear membrane (ONM) protein and that SUN-1 is a type II inner nuclear membrane protein. The proteins interact in the luminal space of the nuclear envelope via the ZYG-12 mini KASH domain and a region of SUN-1 that does not include the SUN domain. SUN-1 is hypothesized to restrict ZYG-12 to the ONM, preventing diffusion through the endoplasmic reticulum. We establish that ZYG-12 is indeed immobile at the ONM by using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and show that SUN-1 is sufficient to localize ZYG-12 in cells. This work supports current models of KASH/SUN pairs and highlights the diversity in sequence elements defining KASH domains.
High‐Throughput Near‐Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy for Predicting Quantitative and Qualitative Composition Phenotypes of Individual Maize Kernels
Authors: Spielbauer Gertraud , Armstrong Paul , Baier John W. , Allen William B. , Richardson Katina , Shen Bo , Settles A. Mark
Published: September 2009

Near‐infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy can be used for fast and reliable prediction of organic compounds in complex biological samples. We used a recently developed NIR spectroscopy instrument to predict starch, protein, oil, and weight of individual maize (Zea mays) seeds. The starch, protein, and oil calibrations have reliability equal or better to bulk grain NIR analyzers. We also show that the instrument can differentiate quantitative and qualitative seed composition mutants from normal siblings without a specific calibration for the constituent affected. The analyzer does not require a specific kernel orientation to predict composition or to differentiate mutants. The instrument collects a seed weight and a spectrum in 4–6 sec and can collect NIR data alone at a 20‐fold faster rate. The spectra are acquired while the kernel falls through a glass tube illuminated with broad spectrum light. These results show significant improvements over prior single‐kernel NIR systems, making this instrument a practical tool to collect quantitative seed phenotypes at high throughput. This technology has multiple applications for studying the genetic and physiological influences on seed traits.
Two-parameter characterization of chromosome-scale recombination rate
Authors: Li Wentian , Freudenberg Jan
Published: September 2009

The genome-wide recombination rate (RR) of a species is often described by one parameter, the ratio between total genetic map length (G) and physical map length (P), measured in centimorgans per megabase (cM/Mb). The value of this parameter varies greatly between species, but the cause for these differences is not entirely clear. A constraining factor of overall RR in a species, which may cause increased RR for smaller chromosomes, is the requirement of at least one chiasma per chromosome (or chromosome arm) per meiosis. In the present study, we quantify the relative excess of recombination events on smaller chromosomes by a linear regression model, which relates the genetic length of chromosomes to their physical length. We find for several species that the two-parameter regression, G = G0 + k · P , provides a better characterization of the relationship between genetic and physical map length than the one-parameter regression that runs through the origin. A nonzero intercept (G0) indicates a relative excess of recombination on smaller chromosomes in a genome. Given G0, the parameter k predicts the increase of genetic map length over the increase of physical map length. The observed values of G0 have a similar magnitude for diverse species, whereas k varies by two orders of magnitude. The implications of this strategy for the genetic maps of human, mouse, rat, chicken, honeybee, worm, and yeast are discussed.
Miniature1-Encoded Cell Wall Invertase Is Essential for Assembly and Function of Wall-in-Growth in the Maize Endosperm Transfer Cell
Authors: Kang Byung-Ho , Xiong Yuqing , Williams Donna S. , Pozueta-Romero Diego , Chourey Prem S.
Published: September 2009

The miniature1 (mn1) seed phenotype in maize (Zea mays) is due to a loss-of-function mutation at the Mn1 locus that encodes a cell wall invertase (INCW2) that localizes exclusively to the basal endosperm transfer cells (BETCs) of developing seeds. A common feature of all transfer cells is the labyrinth-like wall-in-growth (WIG) that increases the plasma membrane area, thereby enhancing transport capacity in these cells. To better understand WIG formation and roles of INCW2 in the BETC development, we examined wild-type and mn1 mutant developing kernels by cryofixation and electron microscopy. In Mn1 seeds, WIGs developed uniformly in the BETC layer during 7 to 17 d after pollination, and the secretory/endocytic organelles proliferated in the BETCs. Mitochondria accumulated in the vicinity of WIGs, suggesting a functional link between them. In the mn1 BETCs, WIGs were stunted and their endoplasmic reticulum was swollen; Golgi density in the mutant BETCs was 51% of the Mn1 Golgi density. However, the polarized distribution of mitochondria was not affected. INCW2-specific immunogold particles were detected in WIGs, the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi stacks, and the trans-Golgi network in the Mn1 BETCs, while immunogold particles were extremely rare in the mutant BETCs. Levels of WIG development in the empty pericarp4 mutant was heterogeneous among BETCs, and INCW2 immunogold particles were approximately four times more abundant in the larger WIGs than in the stunted WIGs. These results indicate that polarized secretion is activated during WIG formation and that INCW2 is required for normal development of WIGs to which INCW2 is localized.
A Nuclear Factor Regulates Abscisic Acid Responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Shin Ryoung , Schachtman Daniel P.
Published: September 2009

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a plant hormone that regulates plant growth as well as stress responses. In this study, we identified and characterized a new Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) protein, Nuclear Protein X1 (NPX1), which was up-regulated by stress and treatment with exogenous ABA. Stomatal closure, seed germination, and primary root growth are well-known ABA responses that were less sensitive to ABA in NPX1-overexpressing plants. NPX1-overexpressing plants were more drought sensitive, and the changes in response to drought were due to the altered guard cell sensitivity to ABA in transgenic plants and not to a lack of ABA production. The nuclear localization of NPX1 correlated with changes in the expression of genes involved in ABA biosynthesis and ABA signal transduction. To understand the function of NPX1, we searched for interacting proteins and found that an ABA-inducible NAC transcription factor, TIP, interacted with NPX1. Based on the whole plant phenotypes, we hypothesized that NPX1 acts as a transcriptional repressor, and this was demonstrated in yeast, where we showed that TIP was repressed by NPX1. Our results indicate that the previously unknown protein NPX1 acts as a negative regulator in plant response to changes in environmental conditions through the control of ABA-regulated gene expression. The characterization of this factor enhances our understanding of guard cell function and the mechanisms that plants use to modulate water loss from leaves under drought conditions.
Possible causes of decreasing migratory ungulate populations in an East African savannah after restrictions in their seasonal movements
Authors: Voeten Margje M. , Van De Vijver Claudius A.D.M. , Olff Han , Van Langevelde Frank
Published: September 2009

In many areas in Africa, seasonal movements of migratory ungulates are restricted and their population numbers decline, for example in the Tarangire region, Tanzania. Here, agriculture restricts migration of ungulates to their wet season ranges. We investigated whether low forage quality or supply are possible causes of population decline of wildebeest and zebra when access to these wet season ranges is restricted and migratory herds have to reside in the dry season range year‐round. We simulated grazing through a clipping experiment in the dry season range during the wet season. Clipping negatively affected forage supply and had a positive effect on forage quality by increasing proportions of live and leaf biomass as well as nutrient concentrations in the leaves. However, increase in forage quality in the dry season range due to grazing was not as such that requirements of wildebeest during the wet season, when females are lactating, could be met. We conclude that low forage quality in the dry season range during the wet season could cause the decrease in migratory ungulate populations in the Tarangire region. With this study, the necessity of protecting wet season ranges from expanding human activities to safeguard migratory systems is supported.
Pollution status of a tropical forest river using aquatic insects as indicators
Authors: Imoobe Tunde Ohiokhioya Thadeus , Ohiozebau Ehimai
Published: September 2009

Aquatic insects inhabiting Okhuo River, in a tropical forest near Benin City, Southern Nigerian, were studied between January and December 2006 to determine the taxa composition, diversity, EPT index, relative proportions of the various groups and hence the pollution level of the waterbody. Three stations were selected and sampled monthly using the kick sampling technique. A total of 3235 individual aquatic insects belonging to 24 taxa distributed among 23 genera in six orders were collected. The insect orders occurred in the following order of dominance: Ephemeroptera > Odonata > Coleoptera > Diptera > Plecoptera > Tricoptera. Based on the diverse composition of the community dominated by organisms intolerant of organic enrichment, and the high diversity and EPT index, water quality in Okhuo River is not significantly degraded. Community composition varies seasonally, with a trend toward a declining proportion during the rainy season and increasing proportions during the dry season. Aquatic insect composition in Okhuo River compares favourably with those in similar, relatively undisturbed forest streams and rivers in Nigeria, but the diversity and proportional distribution of taxa vary considerably between streams.
Umbilical cord blood processing using Prepacyte‐CB increases haematopoietic progenitor cell availability over conventional Hetastarch separation
Authors: Basford C. , Forraz N. , Habibollah S. , Hanger K. , McGuckin C. P.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Currently the most frequently used method for umbilical cord blood separation in many hospitals across the UK and the rest of the world, where small‐to‐medium amounts of samples are processed, is Hetastarch, a mechanical, starch‐based method, which causes red cell agglutination by rouleaux formation.

Aim:  In this study, a novel method (Prepa‐Cyte‐CB), in comparison with Hetastarch as part of an FDA‐approved clinical study, was evaluated.

Materials and Methods:  Validation of data included recovery of nucleated and CD34+ cells, red blood cell reduction, colony forming unit potential, flow cytometric analysis and sterility tests.

Results:  PrepaCyte‐CB, in comparison with Hetastarch offers fast, reliable separation with improved recovery of nucleated cells, 72.03% (±8.48 SD) compared to 58.09% (±20.06 SD), and CD34+ haematopoietic progenitor cells, 76% (±19.54 SD) compared to 64.19% (±29.77 SD). PrepaCyte‐CB was also 12‐fold more efficient in removing red blood cells and haemoglobin (P < 0.001) than Hetastarch.

Conclusions:  These results show that PrepaCyte‐CB offers superior separation of UCB when compared to Hetastarch.
Physiological skin conditions of preterm and term neonates
Authors: Afsar F. S.
Published: September 2009

Skin problems in children during the first few weeks of life can raise concern, even for experienced neonatologists and paediatric dermatologists. The skin of preterm and term newborn babies has distinct differences from juvenile and adult skin. An understanding of the nature of neonatal skin, the physiological and nonphysiological skin conditions of preterm and term neonates, and skin care are essential in paediatric practice. This article discusses the nature of the neonatal skin and its physiological phenomena.
Considerations for Scottish soil monitoring in the European context
Authors: Aalders I. , Hough R. L. , Towers W. , Black H. I. J. , Ball B. C. , Griffiths B. S. , Hopkins D. W. , Lilly A. , McKenzie B. M. , Rees R. M. , Sinclair A. , Watson C. , Campbell C. D.
Published: September 2009

Two contrasting phases of work are described that help inform the development and requirements of a soil monitoring system: firstly, the development and application of a multi‐criterion analysis of soil quality indicators grounded in the basic natural sciences; and secondly, scrutiny of the outcome of that process by a wide range of non‐specialist but key stakeholders at a workshop. This process ensures that the final monitoring design meets both the scientific rigour expected from a monitoring system and as far as possible meets the aspirations of policy and regulatory stakeholders. Individual indicators of soil quality were evaluated in terms of their applicability against a number of important environmental and logistical parameters and therefore their overall fitness for purpose. These included relevance to different soil types, functions, habitats and threats to soil, the inherent variability of soil, and a range of technical aspects such as analytical complexity, precision and reproducibility of analytical results and whether a standard operating procedure (SOP) existed for the technique. A tiered approach to soil monitoring was supported by workshop delegates. This will require indicators that are suitable and effective at national, site‐specific and process‐level scales. In addition, the opportunities for synchronizing soil monitoring with air and water quality monitoring should be considered and the potential for integrating on‐site measurements with remote methods should be researched further. It was considered by workshop attendees that soil monitoring should be rooted in pedological principles (i.e. recognizing defined soil horizons) to ensure that results can be extrapolated from individual sites and to retain flexibility.
A physiologically relevant atherogenic diet causes severe endothelial dysfunction within 4 weeks in rabbit
Authors: Rai Sudarshan , Hare David L. , Zulli Anthony
Published: September 2009

A physiological atherogenic human diet consists of 0.1% cholesterol, fat, as well as high levels of methionine, which is the precursor to homocysteine. The pathological effects of a diet enriched with physiologically high levels of cholesterol, methionine and fat over a short period on the aorta are unknown. In this regard, we sought to determine the effects of a 0.1% cholesterol diet in combination with a 1% methionine over a 4‐week period on endothelial function and artery pathology and the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase as well as nitrosative stress by nitrotyrosine (NT), oxidative stress by heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and endoplasmic reticulum stress by glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78). Rabbits were fed for 4 weeks a diet supplemented with 1% methionine + 0.1% cholesterol + 5% peanut oil (MC). The endothelial function of the abdominal aorta was examined using organ bath techniques, atherosclerosis determined in each artery by microscopy and eNOS, NT, GRP78 and HSP70 by standard immunohistochemistry. Endothelium dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine significantly decreased by 63% at 1 μM acetylcholine (P < 0.001) compared with control arteries. There was no evidence of atherosclerosis formation in any artery studied, however, eNOS, NT and GRP78 was clearly present in all arteries studied but HSP70 was not easily detectable. Severe endothelial dysfunction is present in the abdominal aorta of rabbits within 4 weeks of physiological dietary manipulation, possibly due to NT formation and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This model could be used to study the early onset of endothelial dysfunction prior to the initiation of atherosclerosis.
A test procedure to characterise the heating performance of domestic microwave ovens
Authors: Swain Mark Jeffery , Spinassou Adrien , Swain Maria Veronica Lyra
Published: September 2009

A test procedure has been developed and used to characterise the performance of domestic microwave ovens in relation to the heating of chilled ready meals. The procedure uses reproducible test loads, which simulate the heating and weight loss characteristics of a chilled ready meal under consumer use. The temperature distribution after heating from 5 °C to a defined minimum temperature of 70 °C is measured in the food simulant using a purpose designed multipoint thermocouple ‘hedgehog’ probe. The temperature, weight loss and heating time data from the test are entered into a spreadsheet analysis program, which provides a simple oven performance ‘score’ and/or comprehensive heating performance data.
Physiological and biochemical changes of different fresh‐cut mango cultivars stored at 5 °C
Authors: Gonzalez‐Aguilar Gustavo A. , Celis Jorge , Sotelo‐Mundo Rogelio R. , De La Rosa Laura A. , Rodrigo‐Garcia Joaquin , Alvarez‐Parrilla Emilio
Published: September 2009

Treatments to inhibit browning, decay and to extend shelf life of ‘Keitt’, ‘Kent’ and ‘Ataulfo’ mango cultivars as a fresh‐cut produce were investigated. Combinations of calcium chloride (CaCl2), antioxidants [ascorbic acid (AA), citric acid (CA)] and two commercial film coatings resulted in a reduction of browning and deterioration of fresh‐cut mangoes stored at 5 °C, especially for the Ataulfo cultivar. The use of CaCl2 + AA + CA significantly reduced colour deterioration, loss of firmness and did not affect sensory characteristics of fresh‐cut mango, with a larger effect in the Ataulfo cultivar. In general, these treatments prevented loss of sugar and vitamin C of cubes during storage at 5 °C. Shelf life of this cultivar was 21 days, while that of Keitt and Kent was only 9 and 12 days, respectively. There is a correlation between carotene and vitamin C content of Ataulfo mango and its longer shelf life compared with the other cultivars.
Determination of the veterinary drug maduramicin in food by fluorescence polarisation immunoassay
Authors: Wang Zhanhui , Zhang Suxia , Murtazina Nailya R. , Eremin Sergei A. , Shen Jianzhong
Published: September 2009

A fluorescence polarisation immunoassay (FPIA) using a specific polyclonal antiserum for the detection of maduramicin (MD) was developed and optimised. The polyclonal antiserum was produced against MD linked to bovine serum albumin. Fluorescein‐labelled MD (tracer) was synthesised by N‐hydroxysuccinimide active ester method and purified using thin layer chromatography. The developed FPIA for MD had a dynamic range from 0.01 to 5.6 μg mL−1 with an IC50 value of 0.16 μg mL−1 and a limit of detection of 0.002 μg mL−1. Recoveries from chicken muscle, fat and egg samples spiked at 0.25, 5 and 10 μg g−1 levels were 82–130%. The FPIA results from analysis of incurred residues in chicken muscle samples showed that the simple procedure is viable.
Effect of tumbling and multi‐needle injection of curing agents on quality characteristics of pastirma
Authors: Guner Ahmet , Gonulalan Zafer , Dogruer Yusuf
Published: September 2009

The influence of tumbling and injection of curing solution instead of dry curing on some chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of pastirma was investigated. Effect of the curing techniques on the pH value, moisture and salt contents was significant. On the other hand, tumbling increased the moisture content of dry‐cured pastirma and decreased the brine‐injected pastirma significantly. Brine injection and tumbling caused significant increase in Staphylococcus aureus, halophilic and lactic acid bacteria. The dry‐cured pastirma had higher colour and appearance score than the brine‐injected pastirma. Insignificant increases in the colour and appearance score of tumbled brine‐injected pastirma and flavour, texture and appearance score of tumbled dry‐cured pastirma were seen.
Antioxidative activities of grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extracts obtained from different varieties grown in Turkey
Authors: Yemis Oktay , Bakkalbasi Emre , Artik Nevzat
Published: September 2009

In this study, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of grape seed extracts obtained from twelve different grape seeds from common varieties grown in Turkey were determined. Grape seeds were extracted with 70% acetone and extraction yield of grape seed were calculated. The total phenolic content of grape seed extracts were determined by the Folin‐Ciocalteu procedure and ranged from 33 945 to 58 730 mg per 100 g extract as gallic acid equivalent. Antioxidant activities of grape seed extracts with two different free radical scavenging methods, ABTS [2,2/‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoneline‐6‐sulfonic acid)] and DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐picrylhydrazyl) assays, using Trolox equivalent as standards, were investigated. Grape seed extracts exhibited antioxidant activities 2.46–4.14 and 3.55–5.76 [Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacities (TEAC) mg−1 extracts] in ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively. Compared with varieties, Muskule extracts exhibited the lowest total phenolic content, TEACABTS and TEACDPPH value while Narince extracts had the highest total phenolic content and TEACDPPH value, and Alphonse Lavalleé had the highest TEACABTS value. Total phenolic content showed that there is a significant correlation with TEACDPPH (r = 0.7974, P ≤ 0.001) and TEACABTS values (r = 0.4860, P ≤ 0.05).
The suitability of muscle of Cirrhinus mrigala in the formation of gel: a comparative electrophoretic study of six tropical carp meats
Authors: Chakrabarti Rupsankar , Madhusudana Rao Badiveddy
Published: September 2009

The annual inland fish production in India is 3.2 million tonnes and above. Aquaculture is around 80% of total inland fish production. The enhanced aquaculture production demands alternate processing methods for better utilisation of the farmed fish. Cirrhinus mrigala is one of the dominated species among cultured Indian major carps, but rated with lowest price. Fish meat with good gel‐forming capacity is a prerequisite in the production of fast‐moving fabricated analogue product. Cirrhinus mrigala had the highest gel strength, i.e. 435 gcm of its fresh meat in comparison with other carps. Apart from the highest protein and salt‐soluble protein nitrogen content in fresh C. mrigala meat, this article also reports that the presence of the darkest thick band of myosin heavy chain and actin in the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis pattern of salt‐soluble extract of C. mrigala might be another possible reason for the highest gel strength in comparison with other carps. Cirrhinus mrigala contained white meat around 90%. This carp could be suitably used in the preparation of high‐valued fabricated analogue product.
The unique role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 in cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Mousavi S. A. , Berge K. E. , Leren T. P.
Published: September 2009

The LDL receptor (LDLR) plays an essential role in the regulation of plasma (LDL) cholesterol concentrations by virtue of its ability to clear plasma LDL. Down‐regulation of the LDLR by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) has recently emerged as a regulatory mechanism that controls plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations. Studies in which PCSK9 is over‐expressed in mice, have demonstrated that PCSK9, by enhancing hepatic LDLR degradation, decreases the availability of the LDLR for LDL uptake, resulting in increased plasma LDL cholesterol levels. However, PCSK9 has also recently been shown to mediate down‐regulation of surface receptors other than the LDLR, suggesting that it may have much broader roles than initially thought.
Phylogenetic endemism: a new approach for identifying geographical concentrations of evolutionary history
Authors: ROSAUER DAN , LAFFAN SHAWN W. , CRISP MICHAEL D. , DONNELLAN STEPHEN C. , COOK LYN G.
Published: September 2009

We present a new, broadly applicable measure of the spatial restriction of phylogenetic diversity, termedphylogenetic endemism(PE). PE combines the widely used phylogenetic diversity and weighted endemism measures to identify areas where substantial components of phylogenetic diversity are restricted. Such areas are likely to be of considerable importance for conservation. PE has a number of desirable properties not combined in previous approaches. It assesses endemism consistently, independent of taxonomic status or level, and independent of previously defined political or biological regions. The results can be directly compared between areas because they are based on equivalent spatial units. PE builds on previous phylogenetic analyses of endemism, but provides a more general solution for mapping endemism of lineages. We illustrate the broad applicability of PE using examples of Australian organisms having contrasting life histories: pea‐flowered shrubs of the genusDaviesia(Fabaceae) and the Australian species of the Australo‐Papuan tree frog radiation within the family Hylidae.
The resuscitation‐promoting factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are required for virulence and resuscitation from dormancy but are collectively dispensable for growth in vitro
Authors: Kana Bavesh D. , Gordhan Bhavna G. , Downing Katrina J. , Sung Nackmoon , Vostroktunova Galina , Machowski Edith E. , Tsenova Liana , Young Michael , Kaprelyants Arseny , Kaplan Gilla , Mizrahi Valerie
Published: September 2009

Mycobacterium tuberculosis contains five resuscitation‐promoting factor (Rpf)‐like proteins, RpfA‐E, that are implicated in resuscitation of this organism from dormancy via a mechanism involving hydrolysis of the peptidoglycan by Rpfs and partnering proteins. In this study, the rpfA‐E genes were shown to be collectively dispensable for growth of M. tuberculosis in broth culture. The defect in resuscitation of multiple mutants from a ‘non‐culturable’ state induced by starvation under anoxia was reversed by genetic complementation or addition of culture filtrate from wild‐type organisms confirming that the phenotype was associated with rpf‐like gene loss and that the ‘non‐culturable’ cells of the mutant strains were viable. Other phenotypes uncovered by sequential deletion mutagenesis revealed a functional differentiation within this protein family. The quintuple mutant and its parent that retained only rpfD displayed delayed colony formation and hypersensitivity to detergent, effects not observed for mutants retaining only rpfE or rpfB. Furthermore, mutants retaining rpfD or rpfE were highly attenuated for growth in mice with the latter persisting better than the former in late‐stage infection. In conjunction, these results are indicative of a hierarchy in terms of function and/or potency with the Rpf family, with RpfB and RpfE ranking above RpfD.
Modelling the effects of temperature and wetness duration on development of light leaf spot on oilseed rape leaves inoculated withPyrenopeziza brassicaeconidia
Authors: Gilles T. , Fitt B. D. L. , Welham S. J. , Evans N. , Steed J. M. , Jeger M. J.
Published: September 2009

A model was developed to describe the effects of temperature and leaf wetness duration in controlled‐environment experiments on the development of light leaf spot on oilseed rape (cv. Bristol) leaves inoculated withPyrenopeziza brassicaeconidial suspensions. A Gompertz function was used to describe the progress with time in percentage leaf area with sporulation, and included the parameters maximum percentage leaf area with sporulation (c); maximum rate of increase in percentage leaf area with sporulation (r); and latent period (l, the time from inoculation until the leaf area with sporulation reached 37% ofc). The effects of leaf wetness duration oncandrwere also described with Gompertz functions, which included the parameters minimum leaf wetness duration (vcorvr); and maximum ofc(mc) or maximum ofr(mr). The effects of temperature onmc,vcandvrwere described by quadratic functions, and the effect of temperature onmrwas described by a linear function. The combined model described the progress with time in percentage leaf area with sporulation, including the effects of temperature and leaf wetness duration on the parametersc,randl. It generally fitted well to the observed data. Latent periods in previously published experiments were predicted accurately by the model, but percentage leaf area with sporulation was not. Assuming a great number of conidia were dispersed and infection occurred when there was 2 mm h−1rain for 0·5 h, the model estimates for latent period were used to predict the dates when large increases in light leaf spot severity occurred in experiments at Rothamsted on winter oilseed rape (cv. Bristol) under natural conditions in 1998/99 and 1999/2000. The predictions agreed with the observations.
Rice cellulose synthase‐like D4 is essential for normal cell‐wall biosynthesis and plant growth
Authors: Li Ming , Xiong Guangyan , Li Rui , Cui Jiajun , Tang Ding , Zhang Baocai , Pauly Markus , Cheng Zhukuan , Zhou Yihua
Published: September 2009

Cellulose synthase‐like (CSL) proteins of glycosyltransferase family 2 (GT2) are believed to be involved in the biosynthesis of cell‐wall polymers. The CSL D sub‐family (CSLD) is common to all plants, but the functions of CSLDs remain to be elucidated. We report here an in‐depth characterization of a narrow leaf and dwarf1 (nd1) rice mutant that shows significant reduction in plant growth due to retarded cell division. Map‐based cloning revealed that ND1 encodes OsCSLD4, one of five members of the CSLD sub‐family in rice. OsCSLD4 is mainly expressed in tissues undergoing rapid growth. Expression of OsCSLD4 fluorescently tagged at the C‐ or N‐terminus in rice protoplast cells or Nicotiana benthamiana leaves showed that the protein is located in the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi vesicles. Golgi localization was verified using phenotype‐rescued transgenic plants expressing OsCSLD4–GUS under the control of its own promoter. Two phenotype‐altered tissues, culms and root tips, were used to investigate the specific wall defects. Immunological studies and monosaccharide compositional and glycosyl linkage analyses explored several wall compositional effects caused by disruption of OsCSLD4, including alterations in the structure of arabinoxylan and the content of cellulose and homogalacturonan, which are distinct in the monocot grass species Oryza sativa (rice). The inconsistent alterations in the two tissues and the observable structural defects in primary walls indicate that OsCSLD4 plays important roles in cell‐wall formation and plant growth.
Clinicopathologic challenge
Authors: Becker Maria Rita , Gaiser Timo , Middel Peter , Rompel Rainer
Published: September 2009

What is your diagnosis?