bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial community dynamics during start‐up operation of flowerpot‐using fed‐batch reactors for composting of household biowaste
Authors: Hiraishi Akira , Narihiro Takashi , Yamanaka Yosuke 
Published: August 2003

SummaryMicrobial community changes during start‐up operation of flowerpot‐using fed‐batch reactors for composting of household biowaste were studied by quinone profiling, rRNA‐targeted fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and cultivation methods. Total and plate counts of bacteria and quinone contents in the reactors increased sharply with time during the start‐up period. These increase patterns had two phases; the first increase occurred during 3–4 weeks from the start of waste loading and the second increase was found during the subsequent 4 weeks. The microbial biomass was temporally reduced between the two succession phases. Ubiquinones predominated at the beginning of operation but decreased sharply with time, whereas partially saturated menaquinones became predominant at the fully acclimated stage. These data indicated that the major constituents of microbial populations changed from ubiquinone‐containing Proteobacteria to Actinobacteria during the period of operation. Neighbour‐joining dendrograms constructed based on the quinone profile data suggested that at least one month is required to establish a stable community structure with the Actinobacteria predominating. The characteristic population shift in the start‐up process was also demonstrated by FISH probing and 16S rDNA sequence comparisons of bacterial strains isolated.
Acidovorax‐like symbionts in the nephridia of earthworms
Authors: Schramm Andreas , Davidson Seana K. , Dodsworth Jeremy A. , Drake Harold L. , Stahl David A. , Dubilier Nicole 
Published: August 2003

SummaryDense accumulations of bacteria in the excretory organs, nephridia, were first described more than 75 years ago in members of the annelid family Lumbricidae (earthworms). These nephridial symbionts were assumed to play a role in the degradation of proteins in the excretory fluid for nitrogen recycling. In the present study, the phylogenetic affiliation of the nephridial bacteria of the earthworms Lumbricus terrestris, Aporrectodea tuberculata, Octolasion lacteum and Eisenia foetida was resolved. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the symbionts formed a monophyletic cluster within the genus Acidovorax. Similarity between symbiont sequences from different host species was 95.5–97.6%, whereas similarity was> 99% between symbiont sequences from individuals of the same species. Densely packed bacteria were detected in the ampulla of the nephridia by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using Acidovorax‐specific oligonucleotide probes. No other bacterial cells could be found by FISH, although a few sequences other than Acidovorax had been found by PCR and cloning. These results suggest that the Acidovorax‐earthworm symbiosis is a stable, host‐specific association that has evolved from a common bacterial ancestor. Given the close phylogenetic relationship of the symbionts to proteolytic, free‐living Acidovorax species, they may indeed play a role in protein degradation during nitrogen excretion by earthworms.
Iron‐responsive genes of Phanerochaete chrysosporium isolated by differential display reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Assmann Eliana Maria , Ottoboni Laura Maria Mariscal , Ferraz André , Rodríguez Jaime , De Mello Maricilda Palandi 
Published: August 2003

SummaryWhite‐rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a ligninolytic basidiomycete, was studied to identify iron‐responsive genes. Using the differential display reverse transcription PCR technique (DDRT‐PCR), a total of 97 differentially expressed cDNA fragments were identified by comparing band intensities among fingerprints obtained from mycelia cultivated in iron‐deficient and iron‐replete media. Transcripts induced under iron‐starvation exhibited homologies to: a modular polyketide synthase, a TonB protein, a probable transmembrane protein, a putative ABC transporter permease and a HSP70‐related heat‐shock protein. Modular polyketide synthase and TonB proteins are normally expressed under iron‐starvation and are known to be involved in biosynthesis and transport of siderophores respectively. Also, a deduced protein with 96% similarity to a precursor of the well‐known P. chrysosporium lignin peroxidase was identified under iron‐deficiency. Two DDRT‐PCR products confirmed their iron‐induced expression. One was homologue to the CNOT3, which is a global regulator of RNA polymerase II transcription and has been implicated in multiple roles in the control of mRNA metabolism. The other was similar to the Schizosaccharomyces pombe putative proteasome maturation factor upm1. In conclusion, the majority of iron‐responsive P. chrysosporium transcripts isolated in the DDRT‐PCR encode proteins involved in iron acquisition, especially members of biosynthesis and transport of iron chelators.
Diversity and abundance of Crenarchaeota in terrestrial habitats studied by 16S RNA surveys and real time PCR
Authors: Ochsenreiter Torsten , Selezi Drazenka , Quaiser Achim , Bonch‐Osmolovskaya Liza , Schleper Christa 
Published: August 2003

SummaryNovel phylogenetic lineages of as yet uncultivated crenarchaeota have been frequently detected in low to moderate‐temperature, marine and terrestrial environments. In order to gain a more comprehensive view on the distribution and diversity of Crenarchaeota in moderate habitats, we have studied 18 different terrestrial and freshwater samples by 16S rDNA‐based phylogenetic surveys. In seven different soil samples of diverse geographic areas in Europe (forest, grassland, ruderal) and Asia (permafrost, ruderal) as well as in two microbial mats, we have consistently found one particular lineage of crenarchaeota. The diversity of Crenarchaeota in freshwater sediments was considerably higher with respresentative 16S rDNA sequences distributed over four different groups within the moderate crenarchaeota. Systematic analysis of a 16S rDNA universal library from a sandy ecosystem containing 800 clones exclusively revealed the presence of the soil‐specific crenarchaeotal cluster. With primers specific for non‐thermophilic crenarchaeota we established a rapid method to quantify archaeal 16S rDNA in real time PCR. The relative abundance of crenarchaeotal rDNA was 0.5–3% in the bulk soil sample and only 0.16% in the rhizosphere of the sandy ecosystem. A nearby agricultural setting yielded a relative abundance of 0.17% crenarchaeotal rDNA. In total our data suggest that soil crenarchaeota represent a stable and specific component of the microbiota in terrestrial habitats.
COII: a useful tool for inferring phylogenetic relationships among New World monkeys (Primates, Platyrrhini)
Authors: Ascunce Marina S. , Hasson Esteban , Mudry Marta D. 
Published: August 2003

In this study we evaluated the performance of the cytochromecoxidase subunit II (COII) mitochondrial gene as a tool for inferring phylogenetic relationships among platyrrhines. Twenty‐nine COII sequences were examined in seven platyrrhine genera (Alouatta,Ateles,Lagothrix,Brachyteles,Cebus,Saimiri, andAotus) employing parsimony and distance methods. Phylogenetic signal (g1) was present in all codon positions, despite the transitional saturation detected at the third position. In tree reconstructions bootstrap support values decreased abruptly above the generic level. Parsimony trees based on weighted transversions (tv : ts, 10 : 1) at the third position showed similar topologies. The utility of COII in phylogenetic studies among platyrrhines seems to be limited, due to its low rate of replacement substitutions and a relatively fast saturation of silent substitutions at third codon positions. Our data suggest that its main utility in platyrrhine systematics lies at the intrageneric level.
A new species of Gieysztoria (Platyhelminthes, Rhabdocoela) from Argentina and a kinship analysis of South American species of the genus
Authors: Brusa Francisco , Damborenea M. Cristina , Noreña Carolina 
Published: August 2003

This study describes a new species of Gieysztoria found in lentic environments in Argentina. Gieysztoria falx sp. n. appears to be closely related to G. therapaina and G. intricata, and is differentiated principally by the presence of two strongly developed pincer‐shaped spines of the cuticular stylet. A preliminary analysis of the phylogeny among the South American species of this genus is undertaken, and the monophyly verified. This study constitutes the first approach to interpreting these relationships.
Systematics, molecular genetics and historical zoogeography of the viviparous freshwater gastropodPseudopotamis(Cerithioidea, Pachychilidae): a relic on the Torres Strait Islands, Australia
Authors: Glaubrecht Matthias , Von Rintelen Thomas 
Published: August 2003

Freshwater snails of the genusPseudopotamisMartens, 1894 exemplify one of the most enigmatic distributional patterns among limnic organisms in Australasia. These viviparous cerithioidean gastropods are endemic to the Torres Strait Islands, located on the Sahul shelf corridor between Australia and New Guinea. The occurrence of the two constituent species is highly restricted:P. supralirata(Smith, 1887) on Prince of Wales Island, andP. semoniMartens, 1894 on Hammond Island. Long recognized erroneously as members of the heterogeneous, polyphyletic and widespread Thiaridae, morphological and molecular data presented here reveal that the taxon has to be placed within Pachychilidae, a family otherwise absent from Australia. Comparison with other South East Asian pachychilids, in particularBrotiaH. Adams, 1866,TylomelaniaSarasin & Sarasin, 1897, andJagoraKöhler & Glaubrecht, 2003 suggests thatPseudopotamisis most closely related to taxa endemic to Sulawesi (Celebes), thus occurring disjunctly about 2000 km to the west of the Torres Strait. It is only with the Sulawesi pachychilids thatPseudopotamisshares its peculiar uterine brood pouch. Consequently, all pachychilid taxa east of the much‐debated Wallace's line (east of Bali, Borneo and the Philippines) possess this uterine incubatory structure. In this paper the historical background of the discovery, the taxonomic history, and an evaluation of the systematic position ofPseudopotamisis provided, including molecular genetic data (genes of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal DNA). Finally, based on the phylogenetic assignment and the recent distribution, implications for a historical biogeography are discussed utilizing a recently developed model for the palaeogeography in Australasia. According to these available data, we favour early vicariant event(s) over recent dispersal.
pH‐induced alterations in stratum corneum properties
Authors: Ananthapadmanabhan K. P. , Lips A. , Vincent C. , Meyer F. , Caso S. , Johnson A. , Subramanyan K. , Vethamuthu M. , Rattinger G. , Moore D. J. 
Published: August 2003

SynopsisSkin‐cleansing compositions based on alkyl carboxylates (soaps) have a higher irritation potential than those based on syndet surfactants such as alkyl isethionates or alkyl ether sulphates. Contributing factors include inherent differences in the irritation potential of soaps and syndet surfactants, pH‐induced changes in surfactant solution chemistry, and the direct effects of pH on the physical properties of the stratum corneum (SC). Past work has not directly addressed the effect of solution pH on the SC itself and its potential role in cleanser‐induced skin irritation. In the current work, alterations to SC properties induced by buffered pH solutions and two strongly ionizable surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulphate and sodium lauryl ether sulphate, at different pH values are measured. By utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy we have directly measured physical changes in SC proteins and lipids. Our results indicate that SC swelling, which reflects alterations to SC structural proteins, is increased significantly at pH 10, compared to pH 4 and 6.5. The transition temperature (Tm) of SC lipids is found to increase at pH 10, compared to pH 4 and 6.5, suggesting a more rigid SC lipid matrix. Surfactants cause a further increase in swelling and lipid rigidity. Some aspects of what these results mean for SC physical properties as well as their implications to potential mechanisms of surfactant‐induced skin irritation are discussed.
Formulation and development of a patch containing tamarind fruit extract by using the blended chitosan–starch as a rate‐controlling matrix
Authors: Viyoch J. , Patcharaworakulchai P. , Songmek R. , Pimsan V. , Wittaya‐Areekul S. 
Published: August 2003

SynopsisA cosmetic patch containing tamarind fruit extract was formulated and developed by blending two types of natural polymers: chitosan with molecular weight of 100 000 and starch such as corn, potato or tapioca starch. The physicochemical characteristics, i.e. flexibility, colour, transparency, integrity, gloss, water sorption and bioadhesion property and the stability of the patch without tamarind content were investigated. Stability test was performed by keeping the prepared patches at 4 °C, at room temperature or at 45 °C for 2 weeks. The results showed that the formulations composed of chitosan:corn starch ratio of 4.5 : 0.5 (CC4.5 : 0.5) and chitosan:tapioca starch ratios of 4.5 : 0.5 (CT4.5 : 0.5) and 4.0 : 1.0 (CT4 : 1) provide patches with favourable physical characteristics, high water sorption, good bioadhesion ability and good stability. After the lyophilized tamarind extract in an amount corresponding to 5% of tartaric acid was incorporated into the formulations of CC4.5 : 0.5, CT4.5 : 0.5 and CT4 : 1, the ability of the patches to adhere to skin was improved. However, after keeping the test patches at room temperature or at 45 °C for 6 weeks, their colours were intensified while their flexibilities and skin adhesion properties decreased. A 12‐h in vitro permeation was investigated by studying the cumulative amount of tartaric acid permeated through the Silastic® membrane (Dow‐Coming, Midland, MI, USA). The CC4.5 : 0.5 patch tended to give the highest amount of tartaric acid released. The release pattern of all the blended polymeric matrices was exhibited in two distinct phases: the rapid phase, where the flux averaged 3.61 µg min−1 mm−2; and the slow phase, where the flux averaged 1.89 µg min−1 mm−2.
Determination of butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, benzophenone‐3, octyl dimethyl PABA and octyl methoxycinnamate in lipsticks
Authors: Salvador A. , De La Ossa M. D. , Chisvert A. 
Published: August 2003

SynopsisThe complex composition of lipstick formulations usually needs the use of organic solvents for sample dissolution. A treatment based on dissolution of cosmetic samples in ethanol‐water (70 : 30, v/v) by use of ultrasonic irradiation is proposed. A C18 stationary phase and an isocratic mobile phase of ethanol:water:acetic acid (70 : 29.5 : 0.5, v/v/v) with a flow rate of 1 mL min−1 and an injection volume of 20 µL is proposed for the high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination of four UV‐filters, and detection was carried out at 309 nm. The limit of the chromatographic detection was 7.0 µg mL−1 for butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, 1.5 µg mL−1 for benzophenone‐3, 1.4 µg mL−1 for octyl dimethyl p‐aminobenzoic acid (octyl dimethyl PABA) and 2.7 µg mL−1 for octyl methoxycinnamate. The relative standard deviations of the results were between 1.8 and 2.4%. The results were comparable to those obtained by a procedure based on the use of tetrahydrofuran. The method can be considered as a green analytical procedure because it only requires the use of small quantities of ethanol.
Challenge testing: principles and practice
Authors: Russell A. D. 
Published: August 2003

SynopsisIt is difficult to predict accurately the ultimate effectiveness of a preservative in any but the simplest cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation. It is thus necessary to obtain some assurance of its likely in‐use performance in a formulated product. A challenge test is a procedure in which a product is challenged by exposure to specified types of bacteria and fungi to determine whether it is adequately preserved. Assessment of preservative efficacy is needed over the intended shelf‐life of that product. Test organisms should be representative of those likely to occur as contaminants during use and should consist of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, mould and yeast. In‐house factory isolates obtained as a result of contamination of earlier batches of a product may also be included. The organisms, as single or mixed inocula, are inoculated (usually as a single challenge, although some advocate multiple challenges) into samples of the product and aliquots removed at appropriate intervals for the determination of survivors. Interpretation of data is normally based on pharmacopoeial or other official protocols. Challenge testing should be undertaken at the beginning, during and at the end of the shelf‐life of the product. An alternative, the D‐value, approach is open to criticism and further studies are required that utilize rapid methods, e.g. impedance, for the detection of survivors before these can be considered to be a suitable replacement for the more traditional but very time‐consuming, viable counting procedures.
Iron sequestration on skin: a new route to improved deodorancy
Authors: Landa A. S. , Makin S. A. 
Published: August 2003

SynopsisAxillary malodour is caused by the biotransformation of non‐odorous precursors present in apocrine sweat and sebum by the axillary microflora. To counter this, underarm products typically contain high levels of bactericides. However, after an initial decrease in bacterial numbers, the surviving cells grow, producing a concomitant rise in axillary odour. A sustained deodorant effect might be achieved without recourse to bactericidal action if this bacterial growth could be inhibited for extended periods. The current study attempted to inhibit axillary bacterial growth by nutrient deprivation, primarily that of iron (Fe(III)). In vitro analyses identified iron (Fe(III)) as the trace metal whose deprivation had the most profound effect on bacterial growth. Further in vitro investigations with Fe‐chelating agents demonstrated that a number of compounds with high binding constants for Fe(III) showed optimal activity. One candidate molecule, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), was capable of effectively inhibiting bacterial growth in vitro and on the skin of the lower back. Some bacterial species could additionally utilize iron bound to the iron carrier protein transferrin present in eccrine sweat. This was minimized by the use of an agent, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), capable of liberating iron from transferrin via reduction of transferrin‐bound ferric ions, allowing subsequent sequestration of Fe(II). Deodorant efficacy evaluation of the combination of DTPA and BHT showed deodorancy benefits over and above that afforded by DTPA alone. This mixture of DTPA and BHT supplemented to a standard ethanolic deodorant, used on 50 people for 2 weeks, was highly effective in limiting bacterial growth in the axilla. Total aerobic bacteria in the axillae were reduced from a mean of log 5.75 (±0.73) to log 4.50 (±0.90) colony‐forming units (cfu) cm−2 (n = 27, P < 0.01) compared with a non‐fortified standard ethanolic deodorant. This was reflected in significant decreases in axillary malodour production, as determined by malodour assessments (P < 0.01). The profile of the axillary microflora was maintained, and all populations were rapidly returned to preuse levels after cessation of product use. This new deodorant technology was benchmarked against leading antimicrobial‐based deodorant systems. In three separate deodorant efficacy evaluations, the combination of DTPA and BHT was tested against Triethyl citrate, Triclosan and Farnesol in standard unfragranced ethanolic formulations. The combination of DTPA and BHT showed highly significant deodorancy benefits over and above all these antimicrobial‐based deodorant technologies. The combination of an efficient iron chelator with an agent capable of liberating iron from transferrin offers significant benefits in terms of bacterial growth inhibition on the skin and provides a new route to axillary deodorancy.
Characterization of the microflora of the human axilla
Authors: Taylor D. , Daulby A. , Grimshaw S. , James G. , Mercer J. , Vaziri S. 
Published: August 2003

SynopsisIt is widely accepted that axillary malodour is attributable to the microbial biotransformation of odourless, natural secretions into volatile odorous products. Consequently, there is a need to understand the microbial ecology of the axilla in order that deodorant products, which control microbial action in this region, can be developed in the appropriate manner. A detailed characterization of the axillary microflora of a group of human volunteers has been performed. The axillary microflora is composed of four principal groups of bacteria (staphylococci, aerobic coryneforms, micrococci and propionibacteria), and the yeast genus Malassezia. Results indicated that the axillary microflora was dominated by either staphylococcal or aerobic coryneform species. Comparisons between axillary bacterial numbers and levels of axillary odour demonstrated the greatest association between odour levels and the presence of aerobic coryneforms in the under‐arm.As the taxonomy of cutaneous aerobic coryneforms is poorly understood, a further study was conducted to characterize selected axillary aerobic coryneform isolates. Using the molecular technique of 16S rDNA sequencing, selected genomic sequences of a number of axillary aerobic coryneform isolates were obtained. Comparisons with sequence databases indicated the likely presence of a range of Corynebacterium species on axillary skin, although the majority of isolates were most similar to either Corynebacterium G‐2 CDC G5840 or C. mucifaciens DMMZ 2278. Although for a panel of individuals differences in the carriage of Corynebacterium species were noted, similar species were carried by a number of panellists. All isolates examined in this limited evaluation failed to demonstrate the capability to metabolize long‐chain fatty acids (LCFAs) to shorter chain, more volatile products. The application of this modern molecular phylogenetic technique has increased understanding of the diversity of aerobic coryneform carriage in the axilla, and on human skin. The application of this technique in other studies to assess the ethnic differences in cutaneous bacterial ecology, or the effects on the microflora of specific product use, will assist in the future development of novel deodorant systems.