ALBERT

Description:    Sediments from Xuanwu Lake have been dredged in the past 3 years to improve the water quality, but methanogenesis should still exist in the newly settled sediment. Methane production, methanogens, and physiochemical parameters were detected in the surface sediments (0–5 cm) and/or vertical sediments (0–21 cm, segmented at interval of 3 cm). Methane flux at water–air interface varied among five detected sites. Principal component analysis showed that CH 4 flux, content of water and the concentration of total nitrogen (TN), CH 4 and organic matters (OM) weighed most heavily on the component I in surface sediments while different patterns were observed for vertical sediments. The copy number of the 16S rRNA gene for bacteria was lower in the surface sediment (0–6 cm) than that in deeper sediments (12–21 cm), while 16S rRNA genes of Archaea were almost evenly distributed in the vertical sediments. Representatives belonging to the orders Methanobacteriales , Methanomicrobiales , and Methanosarcinales were detected in all samples of the vertical sediments, except that no members of the Methanococcales were detected in the samples at 0–6 cm. The level of Methanobacteriales reached a highest density at 18.1 × 10 4  copies g −1  dry weight (dw) at 6–9 cm; for Methanosarcinales (76.89 × 10 6  copies g −1  dw) and Methanococcales (82.70 × 10 3  copies g −1  dw) at 12–15 cm, whereas for Methanomicrobiales (43.37 × 10 6  copies g −1  dw) at 9–12 cm. Methanosarcinaceae and Methanosaetaceae reached to their highest densities at 6–9 and 9–12 cm, respectively. These data provided useful information for better understanding the methanogenesis in the newly settled sediments of a recently dredged lake. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0103-x Authors Dong-Lin Zhu, The State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Cheng Sun, The State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Huan He, The State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Hexazinone, a triazine herbicide that is often detected as a ground and surface water contaminant, inhibits electron transport in photosynthetic organisms and is toxic to primary producers that serve as the base of the food chain. This laboratory study evaluated the ability of two types of microbial reactors, i.e., a vegetable oil-based nitrogen-limiting biobarrier and an aerobic slow sand filter, as methods for removing hexazinone from simulated groundwater. The N-limiting biobarriers degraded hexazinone, but did so with a 52 week incubation period and a removal efficiency that varied greatly among replicates, with one biobarrier showing a removal efficiency of ~95% and the other an efficiency of ~50%. More consistent degradation was obtained with the aerobic sand biobarriers. Four aerobic biobarriers were evaluated and all behaved in a similar manner degrading hexazinone with removal efficiencies of ~97%; challenging two of the aerobic biobarriers with large amounts of influent hexazinone showed that these barriers are capable of efficiently remediating large amounts (〉100 mg L −1 ) of hexazinone at high efficiency. The remediation process was due to biological degradation rather than abiotic processes. The long lag phase observed in both types of reactors suggests that an acclimation process, where microorganisms capable of degrading hexazinone increased in numbers, was required. Also, the isolation of bacteria that show a positive growth response to the presence of hexazinone in their growth media suggests biological degradation. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0086-7 Authors William J. Hunter, USDA–ARS, 2150-D Centre Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80526-8119, USA Dale L. Shaner, USDA–ARS, 2150-D Centre Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80526-8119, USA Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Little is known about the association among the transcription, post-transcription, and protein production of the fumA gene. This study demonstrates that increasing growth rate ( k ) from 0.24/h to 0.96/h causes a marked eightfold reduction in fumA transcription as assessed using the β-galactosidase activity from fumA promoter fused with a lacZ reporter. It was further confirmed using Northern blot analysis. Most interestingly, the FumA protein levels remained unchanged over the growth rate, as indicated by Western blot analysis. Therefore, whether the reduced fumA mRNA expression under the high growth rate can be overcome by increasing the stability of the fumA mRNA was tested. The half-life of fumA mRNA was established to significantly increase by fivefold when the growth rate was increased to 0.96/h. This finding suggests that the cells could turn down the expression of fumA mRNA because of increased stability of its mRNA under the high growth rate. This notion indicates that mRNA stability plays an essential role in maintaining a critical cellular level of a given protein when the mRNA transcript is downregulated by a metabolic event. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0087-6 Authors Hsiao-Hsien Lin, Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, 75 Po-Ai Street, Hsinchu, 30050 Taiwan, ROC Ching-Hsueh Lin, Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, 75 Po-Ai Street, Hsinchu, 30050 Taiwan, ROC Shiaw-Min Hwang, Bioresource Collection and Research Center, Food Industry Research and Development Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC Ching-Ping Tseng, Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, 75 Po-Ai Street, Hsinchu, 30050 Taiwan, ROC Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Mycoplasma mobile, a pathogen of freshwater fish, glides easily across surfaces, colonizes on the fish gill, and causes necrosis. The cell surface is differentiated into three parts: the head, neck, and body. Mobile variable surface proteins (Mvsps) localizing at each of these parts may be involved in surface variation including phase variation and antigenic variation, although no proof exists. In this study, we examined this possibility by focusing on MvspI, the largest Mvsp. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that MvspI is expressed on the surfaces of all cells. When anti-MvspI antibody was added at concentrations over 0.8 nM, MvspI was observed to decrease over time. After 72 h of cultivation with the antibody, the fluorescence intensity and amount of MvspI decreased up to 13 and 39%, respectively, compared to those of cells grown without antibody. These changes were reversed by the removal of the antibody. Such effects were not observed when another antibody targeting other Mvsps was used, suggesting that the decrease is specific to the relationship between MvspI and the antibody. Cell growth was also inhibited by the antibody, but the decrease in MvspI could not be explained by the selective growth of MvspI-negative variants or by the inhibition of growth with other conditions. The decrease in MvspI caused by the antibody binding may suggest a novel type of surface variation, designated here as “mycoplasmal antigen modulation.” Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0090-y Authors Heng Ning Wu, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, 558-8585 Japan Chie Kawaguchi, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, 558-8585 Japan Daisuke Nakane, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, 558-8585 Japan Makoto Miyata, Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, 558-8585 Japan Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    A Gram-positive aerobic rod-shaped non-motile bacterium designated A23 T was isolated from bamboo extract that had been used to remove odor and was characterized to determine its taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain A23 T belongs to the phylum Actinobacteria. The highest degree of sequence similarities was determined to be with Leucobacter salsicius M1-8 T (96.7%), Leucobacter exalbidus K-540B T (96.4%), Leucobacter chromiireducens subsp. chromiireducens L-1 T (96.4%), Leucobacter komagatae IFO 15245 T (96.4%) and Leucobacter aerolatus Sj10 T (96.4%). Chemotaxonomic data revealed that strain A23 T possesses menaquinone MK11, and its cell wall peptidoglycan contained 2,4-diaminobutyric acid, alanine, glycine, glutamic acid and γ-aminobutyric acid. The polar lipid profile of strain A23 T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown glycolipid. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C 16:0 (31.5%), anteiso-C 15:0 (43.2%) and anteiso-C 17:0 (13.9%), all of which corroborated the assignment of the strain to the genus Leucobacter. Based on these data, A23 T (=KEMC 551-022 T  = JCM 17538 T ) should be classified as the type strain for a novel Leucobacter species, for which the name Leucobacter margaritiformis sp. nov. is proposed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0089-4 Authors Jin-Ha Lee, Division of Natural Science, Department of Bioengineering, Kyonggi University, 94-6 Iui-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 433-760 Republic of Korea Sang-Seob Lee, Division of Natural Science, Department of Life Science, Kyonggi University, 94-6 Iui-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 433-760 Republic of Korea Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    We report the characterization of a small cryptic plasmid unlike any previously described from Moraxella bovis ATCC 10900, a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the family Moraxellaceae. The complete nucleotide sequence of the plasmid pMbo4.6 was determined. The plasmid was analyzed and found to be 4658 in size with a G+C content of 38.6 mol %. Computer analysis of the sequence data revealed four major open reading frames encoding putative proteins of 10.1 (ORF1), 64.2 (ORF2), 45.7 (ORF3), and 12.1 kDa (ORF4). ORF1 and ORF2 encode proteins that show a high level of amino acid sequence similarity (44 %) with some mobilization proteins. ORF3 encodes a protein showing a relatively high amino acid sequence similarity (about 40 %) with several plasmid replication initiator proteins. Upstream of ORF3, a 320-bp intergenic region, constituting the putative origin of replication that contained an AT-rich region followed by four direct repeats, was identified. This set of repeated sequences resembles iteron structures and plays an important role in the control of plasmid replication by providing a target site for the initiation of transcription and replication factors (IHF and RepA). Several palindromic sequences, inverted repeats, and hairpin-loop structures, which might confer regulatory effects on the replication of the plasmid, were also noted. ORF4 encodes an uncharacterized protein, conserved in bacteria, belonging to the DUF497 family. Sequence analysis and structural features indicate that pMbo4.6 replicates by a theta mechanism. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0257-6 Authors Beata Furmanek-Blaszk, Department of Microbiology, University of Gdansk, Kladki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland Natalia Kurpiewska, Department of Microbiology, University of Gdansk, Kladki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland Robert Boratynski, Department of Microbiology, University of Gdansk, Kladki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland Marian Sektas, Department of Microbiology, University of Gdansk, Kladki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Klebsiella bacteria have emerged as an increasingly important cause of community-acquired nosocomial infections. Extensive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in hospitalised patients has led to both increased carriage of Klebsiella and the development of multidrug-resistant strains that frequently produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases and/or other defences against antibiotics. Many of these strains are highly virulent and exhibit a strong propensity to spread. In this study, six lytic Klebsiella bacteriophages were isolated from sewage-contaminated river water in Georgia and characterised as phage therapy candidates. Two of the phages were investigated in greater detail. Biological properties, including phage morphology, nucleic acid composition, host range, growth phenotype, and thermal and pH stability were studied for all six phages. Limited sample sequencing was performed to define the phylogeny of the K. pneumoniae - and K. oxytoca -specific bacteriophages vB_Klp_5 and vB_Klox_2, respectively. Both of the latter phages had large burst sizes, efficient rates of adsorption and were stable under different adverse conditions. Phages reported in this study are double-stranded DNA bacterial viruses belonging to the families Podoviridae and Siphoviridae . One or more of the six phages was capable of efficiently lysing ~63 % of Klebsiella strains comprising a collection of 123 clinical isolates from Georgia and the United Kingdom. These phages exhibit a number of properties indicative of potential utility in phage therapy cocktails. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0264-7 Authors Natia Karumidze, Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology, Tbilisi, Georgia Ia Kusradze, Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology, Tbilisi, Georgia Sophio Rigvava, Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology, Tbilisi, Georgia Marine Goderdzishvili, Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology, Tbilisi, Georgia Kumar Rajakumar, Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN UK Zemphira Alavidze, Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology, Tbilisi, Georgia Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Currently the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection is largely limited due to the prevalence of multidrug resistance strains. Over-expressing the efflux pumps such as the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter has been reported to significantly contribute to its resistance to several antibiotics. This study investigated the expression profile of one important ABC efflux pump, Rv1217c–Rv1218c, by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) in clinical isolates from China, which also revealed its association with the multidrug resistance of M. tuberculosis . Significantly increased expressions of Rv1217c and Rv1218c at transcriptional level have been observed in multidrug-resistant TB group (MDR-TB) compared to those of the drug-susceptible group ( P  〈 0.05), when H37Rv strain was used as the control. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that the over-expression of both Rv1217c and Rv1218c resulted in the higher minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of rifampicin (RIF) (OR = 1.01, P  〈 0.05 of Rv1217c; OR = 1.23, P  〈 0.05 of Rv1218c), while the over-expression of Rv1218c only led to the higher MICs of isoniazid (INH) (OR = 1.17, P  〈 0.05). Our findings contributed to the better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ABC efflux pumps, in particular Rv1217c–Rv1218c, in M. tuberculosis and will assist in developing new antibiotic treatments for multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis in the future. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0215-3 Authors Ke Wang, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu Province, China Hao Pei, Wuxi Hospital of Infectious Disease, Wuxi, 214005 Jiangsu Province, China Biao Huang, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu Province, China Xue Zhu, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu Province, China Jue Zhang, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu Province, China Bin Zhou, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu Province, China Lan Zhu, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu Province, China Yi Zhang, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi, 214063 Jiangsu Province, China Fan-Fan Zhou, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, NSW, 2006 Australia Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    The potential for the transport and diffusion of some pathogenic microorganisms by migratory birds is of concern. Migratory birds may be involved in the dispersal of microorganisms and may play a role of mechanical and biological vectors. The efficiency of dispersal of pathogenic microorganisms depends on a wide range of biotic and abiotic factors that influence the survival or disappearance of a given agent in a geographical area. In the present study, 349 migratory birds were captured in four sites (Mazara del Vallo, Lampedusa, Ustica and Linosa), representing the main stop-over points during spring and autumnal migration, and analyzed for the presence of filamentous fungi. A total of 2,337 filamentous fungi were isolated from 216 birds and identified by a combined phenotypic-genotypic approach to species level. Twelve species were identified in the study, with Cladosporium cladosporioides , Alternaria alternata , and Aspergillus niger as the most abundant. The transport of these fungal species isolated in this study is of considerable importance because some of these species can create dangers to human health. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0262-9 Authors Antonio Alfonzo, DEMETRA Department, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy Nicola Francesca, DEMETRA Department, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy Ciro Sannino, DEMETRA Department, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy Luca Settanni, DEMETRA Department, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy Giancarlo Moschetti, DEMETRA Department, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    In this study, more than 150 bacteria showing antagonistic properties against bacterial and fungal pathogens of the tomato plant were isolated and characterized. The most efficient agents against these phytopathogenic microorganisms belong to the genus Bacillus : the best biocontrol isolates were representatives of Bacillus subtilis , B. mojavensis and B. amyloliquefaciens species. They intensively produced fengycin or/and surfactin depsipeptide antibiotics and also proved to be excellent protease secretors. It was proved, that the selected strains were able to use ethylenethiourea (ETU) as sole nitrogen source. These antagonistic and ETU-degrading Bacillus strains can be applied as biocontrol and also as bioremediation agents. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0263-8 Authors Csaba Vágvölgyi, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged, 6726 Hungary Enikő Sajben-Nagy, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged, 6726 Hungary Bettina Bóka, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged, 6726 Hungary Mónika Vörös, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged, 6726 Hungary Adrienn Berki, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged, 6726 Hungary Andrea Palágyi, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged, 6726 Hungary Judit Krisch, Faculty of Engineering, Institute of Food Engineering, University of Szeged, Mars tér 7, Szeged, 6724 Hungary Biljana Škrbić, Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia N. Đurišić-Mladenović, Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia László Manczinger, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged, 6726 Hungary Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Previous studies have shown that A. lumbricoides extracts capture sialic acid (SA) from human red blood cells (RBC). The aim of this work was to study hemorheological alterations in vitro caused by parasite larvae. The biorheological action of three larva concentrates of first and second larval stage on group O erythrocytes was analyzed by incubating the erythrocyte packed together with an equal volume of larvae (treated RBC) and PBS (control RBC). Distribution and parameters of aggregation (digital image analysis), aggregation kinetics (erythroaggregameter), and viscoelasticity (erythrodeformeter) were measured. The digital image analysis showed that all the larvae diminished the isolated cells percentage and increased the size of the formed aggregates. The aggregate formation velocity was lower in the treated than in the control. The deformability index (ID) values of treated RBC did not present variations with respect to those of the control, but a decrease in the erythrocyte elastic modulus (μ m ) and membrane surface viscosity (η m ) values was observed, indicating that the larvae not only induced a diminution in the membrane surface viscosity of RBC but also altered the dynamic viscoelasticity of the membrane. Experiments carried out in vitro support the conclusion that the contact between larvae and RBC produces hemorheological alterations. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9425-3 Authors Patricia Ponce de León, Área Parasitología. Fac. Cs. Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario, Argentina Gonzalo Del Balzo, Área Química Clínica Analítica, Fac. Cs. Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario, Argentina Bibiana Riquelme, Grupo de Óptica Aplicada a la Biología, Instituto de Física de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    In order to investigate the prognostic value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), the blood cells from 98 MBC patients and 60 controls were evaluated by RT-PCR to detect the presence of markers EpCAM , CK19 , and hMAM . Peripheral blood was obtained from all patients with MBC before any systemic therapy. Immunofluorescence staining experiment was conducted on CTCs samples from 10 patients to investigate the coexpression of EpCAM, CK19, and hMAM. In addition, analyses were carried out for their correlation with patients’ clinicopathologic features. EpCAM +, CK19 +, and hMAM + cells were detected in 50 (51.0 %), 43 (43.9 %), and 68 (69.4 %) of the 98 patients, respectively. Triple-marker-positive CTCs were detected in 86 of 98 (87.8 %) patients with a significantly higher rate than the control group. Among the 98 patients, 12 (12.2 %) patients were negative for three genes, 34 (34.7 %) positive for one gene, 29 (29.6 %) positive for any two genes, and 23 (23.5 %) positive for all three genes. Compared to single-marker detection, the triple combined marker detection exhibited significantly higher rate. Furthermore, the specificity of triple combined markers of serial test was 100 %. The expression of three genes was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, high histological grade, and high levels of serum CA153 and CEA. Double-immunofluorescence labeling confirmed the presence of following CTCs phenotypes: CK19+/hMAM+, CK19+/hMAM−, CK19−/hMAM+, CK19+/EpCAM+, CK19−/EpCAM+, CK19+/EpCAM−, hMAM+/EpCAM+, and hMAM+/EpCAM−. After 2 years of follow-up, the presence of CTCs with triple-marker positive in peripheral blood was an independent risk factor for reduced progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and the presence of CTCs before any chemotherapy predicts poor OS and PFS in patients with MBC. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9426-2 Authors Shu Zhao, Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Haping Road 150 of Nangang District, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang Province, China Huike Yang, Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081 China Minghui Zhang, Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Haping Road 150 of Nangang District, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang Province, China Dekai Zhang, Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases at the Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA Yupeng Liu, Department of Epidemiology, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150040 China Yan Liu, Department of Medical Oncology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001 China Ying Song, Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Haping Road 150 of Nangang District, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang Province, China Xiaosan Zhang, Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Haping Road 150 of Nangang District, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang Province, China Hongbin Li, Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Haping Road 150 of Nangang District, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang Province, China Wenjie Ma, Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Haping Road 150 of Nangang District, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang Province, China Qingyuan Zhang, Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Haping Road 150 of Nangang District, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang Province, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Heavy metal resistance microorganism plays an important role on polluted soil bioremediation. To obtain further knowledge of the resistant mechanism employed by cadmium-resistant bacteria, some gene expression profiles at transcription level were investigated in P. aeruginosa E 1 subjected to cadmium stress using real-time PCR. Exposure to cadmium for 1 h, the expression of czc A, czc B, and czc C all reached the peak of up-regulation 8.82-, 4.83-, and 7.43-fold, respectively. The response of czc D was earlier and stronger than czc ABC. Cys M contributed to cysteine synthesis kept up-regulation within the beginning 2 h. The expression of mgt AE genes related to Mg 2+ influx was up-regulated all the while, znuB responsible for Zn 2+ transportation kept up-regulation from 30 min to 4 h. The result support the two cadmium-resistance mechanisms including effluxing and inactive the heavy metal ions. The mechanism was brought that increase of Mg 2+ and Zn 2+ in cytoplasm would prevent Cd 2+ -binding enzymes to decrease the harm to cell. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0224-2 Authors Xiaoxi Zeng, Hunan Key Lab of Green Packaging and Biological Nanotechnology, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007 People’s Republic of China Jianxin Tang, Hunan Key Lab of Green Packaging and Biological Nanotechnology, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007 People’s Republic of China Xueduan Liu, School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 People’s Republic of China Pei Jiang, Hunan Key Lab of Green Packaging and Biological Nanotechnology, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007 People’s Republic of China Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular bacterium responsible for listeriosis in both humans and animals. Infected livestock is believed to be one source of this pathogen. Vaccination is an optimal approach to control the occurrence of this disease in livestock. However, inactivated vaccines have been reported to be insufficient to offer immune protection against L. monocytogenes . Here we evaluated the immune protection capacity of a combination of recombinant p60 and LLO. Mice immunized with p60 and LLO generated a high level of anti- L. monocytogenes antibodies. In addition, the elevated levels of IFN-γ and the decreased levels of IL-4 were also observed in these treated mice. Consistent with the colonization of L. monocytogenes post infection, all mice in the control group died within 5 days after infection of L. monocytogenes , while 40, 40, 80, and 100 % of animals immunized with inactivated L. monocytogenes vaccine (ILMV), LLO + ILMV, p60 + ILMV, and p60 + LLO + ILMV, respectively, survived for 2 weeks. Collectively, the results presented in this study demonstrate the capacity of a combination of LLO and p60 to elicit high protective immune responses against L. monocytogenes infection. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0238-9 Authors Xuenong Luo, Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of CAAS, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Xujiaping 1, Yanchangbu, Lanzhou, 730046 Gansu, China Xuepeng Cai, Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of CAAS, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Xujiaping 1, Yanchangbu, Lanzhou, 730046 Gansu, China Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Despite the advances of adjuvant chemotherapy and significant improvement of survival, the prognosis for patients with osteosarcoma is generally poor. The search for more effective anti-osteosarcoma agents is necessary and urgent. Here we report that perifosine induces cell apoptosis and growth inhibition in cultured human osteosarcoma cells. Perifosine blocks Akt/mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, while promoting caspase-3, c -Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), and p53 activation. Further, perifosine inhibits survivin expression probably by disrupting its association with heat shock protein-90 (HSP-90). These signaling changes together were responsible for a marked increase of osteosarcoma cell apoptosis and growth inhibition. Finally, we found that a low dose of perifosine enhanced etoposide- or doxorubicin-induced anti-OS cells activity. The results together suggest that perifosine might be used as a novel and effective anti-osteosarcoma agent. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9423-5 Authors Chen Yao, Department of Orthopedics, BenQ Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210019 Jiangsu, China Jian-jun Wei, Department of Orthopedics, BenQ Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210019 Jiangsu, China Zu-yu Wang, Department of Orthopedics, BenQ Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210019 Jiangsu, China Hui-min ding, Department of Orthopedics, BenQ Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210019 Jiangsu, China Dong Li, Department of Orthopedics, BenQ Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210019 Jiangsu, China Shi-chang Yan, Department of Orthopedics, BenQ Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210019 Jiangsu, China Yong-jiang Yang, Department of Orthopedics, BenQ Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210019 Jiangsu, China Zhang-ping Gu, Department of Orthopedics, BenQ Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210019 Jiangsu, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Glycerol and glucose fermentation redox routes by Escherichia coli and their regulation by oxidizing and reducing reagents were investigated at different pHs. Cell growth was followed by decrease of pH and redox potential ( E h ). During glycerol utilization at pH 7.5 ∆pH, the difference between initial and end pH, was lower compared with glucose fermentation. After 8 h growth, during glycerol utilization E h dropped down to negative values (−150 mV) but during glucose fermentation it was positive (+50 mV). In case of glycerol H 2 was evolved at the middle log phase while during glucose fermentation H 2 was produced during early log phase. Furthermore, upon glycerol utilization, oxidizer potassium ferricyanide (1 mM) inhibited both cell growth and H 2 formation. Reducing reagents dl -dithiothreitol (3 mM) and dithionite (1 mM) inhibited growth but stimulated H 2 production. The findings point out the importance of reductive conditions for glycerol fermentation and H 2 production by E. coli . Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0240-2 Authors Anna Poladyan, Department of Biophysics, Biology Faculty, Yerevan State University, 1 A. Manoukian Street, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia Arev Avagyan, Department of Microbiology, Plants and Microbes Biotechnology, Biology Faculty, Yerevan State University, 1 A. Manoukian Street, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia Anait Vassilian, Department of Ecology and Nature Protection, Biology Faculty, Yerevan State University, 1 A. Manoukian Street, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia Armen Trchounian, Department of Biophysics, Biology Faculty, Yerevan State University, 1 A. Manoukian Street, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Photorhabdus are motile Gram-negative bacteria that have a mutualistic association with Heterorhabditis nematodes (Heterorhabditidae). These bacteria possess peculiar biochemical characteristics such as inability to reduce nitrates, and the capacity to ferment only a limited number of carbohydrates. Heterorhabditis nematodes vector the bacteria from one insect host to another and also provide shelter to the bacteria from soil stressors and antagonists. Once inside the insect host, the bacterial symbionts are released and produce toxins and secondary metabolites and broad-spectrum antibiotics, which kill the host by septicemia within 48 h. At present, three Photorhabdus spp. have been identified: P. luminescens , P. temperata , and P. asymbiotica , and many subspecies have also been described. Characterization of new species and subspecies has been based on sequence data, mostly of the 16S rDNA, and also of a selection of protein coding genes. In addition to this, phenotypic traits including temperature growth, colony morphology, color, light production, carbohydrate response, and assimilation, among others, have been considered. In this study, we characterize the bacterial symbiont of Heterorbabditis sonorensis , a recently discovered entomopathogenic nematode species form the Sonoran desert in Arizona, USA. A selection of classic biochemical and molecular methods including sequence data of six genes: 16s rDNA, and four protein coding genes: gyr B, recA, glt X, and dna N were considered. Evolutionary relationships of this new Photorhabdus subsp. were inferred considering maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0220-6 Authors Rousel A. Orozco, Department of Entomology, The University of Arizona, 1140 E. South Campus Dr., Tucson, AZ 85721-0036, USA Tara Hill, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, BSW 360, P.O. Box 210088, Tucson, AZ, USA S. Patricia Stock, Department of Entomology, The University of Arizona, 1140 E. South Campus Dr., Tucson, AZ 85721-0036, USA Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Effects of electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phone on blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, hemolysis, Osmotic fragility, and blood components of rats have been investigated. Experimental results show that there are significant change on blood components and its viscosity which affects on a blood circulation due to many body problems. Red blood cells, White blood cells, and Platelets are broken after exposure to electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phone. Also blood viscosity and plasma viscosity values are increased but Osmotic fragility value decreased after exposure to electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phone. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9432-4 Authors Abu Bakr El-Bediwi, Metal Physics laboratory, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt Mohamed Saad, Metal Physics laboratory, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt Attall F. El-kott, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt Eman Eid, Metal Physics laboratory, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    The mechanisms for the enhancement of pristinamycin production in the high-yielding recombinants of Streptomyces pristinaespiralis obtained by genome shuffling were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) techniques. Q-PCR analysis showed that snaB and snbA involved, respectively, in the biosynthesis of pristinamycins II and I component had more extended high expression in the recombinant than that in the ancestor during fermentation process, indicating their expression changes might be key factors during the biosynthesis of the antibiotic. In addition, the antecedent establishment of the high self-resistance to pristinamycin, because ptr resistance gene started high-level expression ahead of the onset of the antibiotic production in the recombinant, might also lead to the increase of the antibiotics yield. AFLP analysis of these recombinants revealed genome variation of two novel genes, the homologs of AfsR regulatory gene and transposase gene, indicating these two gene variations were probably responsible for yield improvement of pristinamycin. This study provided several potential molecular clues for pristinamycin yield enhancement. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0233-1 Authors Qingchao Jin, Department of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China Zhihua Jin, Department of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China Lijing Zhang, Department of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China Shanjing Yao, Institute of Bioengineering, College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China Fuyong Li, Department of Internal Medicine, Weifang Municipal Hospital, Weifang, China Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    While much is known about the transcriptional regulation of the 12 gene alginate biosynthesis operon from the algD promoter in Pseudomonas aeruginosa , there has been little investigation into the possibility of other transcription starts within this operon, especially those genes dealing with the epimerization and acetylation of the alginate polymer. In this study, we utilized quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, a β-galactosidase reporter assay and sequence scanning to identify two putative promoters within the alginate biosynthesis operon upstream of the alginate epimerase gene algG and the alginate acetylation gene algI . These data support the possibility of differential regulation within the operon to alter polymer structure under varying environmental conditions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0228-y Authors Janice L. Paletta, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, P.O. Box 980678, Richmond, VA 23298-0678, USA Dennis E. Ohman, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, P.O. Box 980678, Richmond, VA 23298-0678, USA Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Early and rapid detection of the causative organism is necessary in tuberculosis. We present here an integrated and dedicated molecular biology system for tuberculosis diagnosis. One hundred and eighty-nine (189) biologic specimens from patients strongly suspected by clinical parameters of tuberculosis were studied by Ziehl–Neelsen staining, cultivation on a solid medium, and by a balanced heminested fluorometric PCR system (Orange G3TB) that preserves worker safety and produces a rather pure material free of potential inhibitors. DNA amplification was carried out in a low cost using a tuberculosis thermocycler-fluorometer. The double stranded DNA produced is fluorometrically detected. The whole reaction is carried out in one single tube which is never opened after adding the processed sample, thus minimizing the risk of cross contamination with amplicons. The assay is able to detect 30 bacilli/ml of sample having a 99.8 % inter-assay coefficient of variation. PCR was positive in 36 (18.9 %) tested samples (33 of them were smear-negative). In our study, it yields a preliminary overall sensitivity of 97.4 %. In addition, its overall specificity is 98.7 %. The total run time of the test is 4 h with two and a half real working hours. All PCR-positive samples also had a positive result by microbiological culture and clinical criteria. The results obtained showed that it could be a very useful tool to increase efficiency in detecting the tuberculosis disease in low bacillus inoculum samples. Furthermore, its low cost and friendly usage make it feasible to be used in regions with poor development. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9413-7 Authors Juan Garberi, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Pathology, School of Medicine, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Jorge Labrador, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Pathology, School of Medicine, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Federico Garberi, Orange Solutions, School of Medicine, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Juan Ezequiel Garberi, Orange Solutions, School of Medicine, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Julián Peneipil, Orange Solutions, School of Medicine, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Miguel Garberi, Orange Solutions, School of Medicine, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Luis Scigliano, Orange Solutions, School of Medicine, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Alcides Troncoso, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Helicobacter pylori able to express green fluorescent protein, as well as an ATCC strain, and a clinical isolate of this pathogen were evaluated for their ability to survive predation by Acanthamoeba polyphaga . Ingestion was evaluated by microscopic observation of the GFP- H. pylori and BacLight™-stained cells. Following phagocytosis, the fate of cells was assessed by fluorescent in situ hybridization with an oligonucleotide targeting H. pylori 16S rRNA and by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) tests with primers to 16S rDNA. Fluorescent in situ hybridization tests were inconclusive with only a small percentage of amoebae apparently containing active intracellular H. pylori . Furthermore, no increase in bacterial cells was detected by qPCR. Additional research is required to elucidate the mechanisms by which amoebae phagocytize this important bacterial pathogen. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0232-2 Authors Charlotte D. Smith, Charlotte Smith & Associates, Inc., PO Box 629, Orinda, CA 94563, USA Nicholas J. Ashbolt, National Exposure Research Laboratory (MD-593), U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Wireworms, the polyphagous larvae of click beetles belonging to the genus Agriotes (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are severe and widespread agricultural pests that affect numerous crops globally. A new bacterial specimen identified in diseased wireworms had previously been shown by microscopy and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene-based phylogenetic reconstruction to belong to the taxonomic genus Rickettsiella ( Gammaproteobacteria ) that comprises intracellular bacteria associated with and typically pathogenic for a wide range of arthropods. Going beyond these earlier results obtained from rRNA phylogenies, multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) using a four marker scheme has been employed in the molecular taxonomic characterization of the new Rickettsiella pathotype, referred to as ‘ Rickettsiella agriotidis ’. In combination with likelihood-based significance testing, the MLSA approach demonstrated the close phylogenetic relationship of ‘ R. agriotidis ’ to the pathotypes ‘ Rickettsiella melolonthae ’ and ‘ Rickettsiella tipulae ’, i.e., subjective synonyms of the nomenclatural type species, Rickettsiella popilliae . ‘ R. agriotidis ’ forms, therefore, part of a Rickettsiella pathotype complex that most likely represents the species R. popilliae . As there are currently no genetic data available from the R. popilliae type strain, the respective assignment cannot be corroborated directly. However, an alternative taxonomic assignment to the species Rickettsiella grylli has been positively ruled out by significance testing. MLSA has been shown to provide a more powerful tool for taxonomic delineation within the genus Rickettsiella as compared to 16S rRNA phylogenetics. However, the limitations of the present MLSA scheme for the sub-species level classification of ‘ R. agriotidis ’ and further R. popilliae synonyms has been critically evaluated. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0219-z Authors Christina Schuster, Institut für Biologischen Pflanzenschutz, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Heinrichstraße 243, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany Regina G. Kleespies, Institut für Biologischen Pflanzenschutz, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Heinrichstraße 243, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany Claudia Ritter, Centre for Field Vegetable Production (GKZ), State Institute for Agriculture and Fishing Research Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (LFA), Dorfplatz 1, 18276 Gülzow, Germany Simon Feiertag, Institut für Biologischen Pflanzenschutz, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Heinrichstraße 243, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany Andreas Leclerque, Institut für Biologischen Pflanzenschutz, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Heinrichstraße 243, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Bacteria acquire new DNA in a process known as horizontal gene transfer (HGT). To investigate the evolutionary impact of this transfer of DNA, various methods have been developed to detect past HGT events. For example, codon usage-based methods detect the presence of transferred genes by identifying atypical patterns of codon usage. However, some inherited genes exhibit atypical codon usage and some transferred genes have codon usage patterns similar to those of the inherited genes. In this study, we used a comparative phylogenetic approach with Methylobacterium and Caulobacter species to demonstrate that even well-designed codon usage methods fail to detect many HGT events and generate a high rate of false positives (60–75 %) and false negatives (23–61 %). Therefore, we recommend caution when employing codon usage methods to identify transferred genes and suggest that the rapidly increasing availability of bacterial genome sequences makes the phylogenetic approach the method of choice. Content Type Journal Article Pages 639-642 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0205-5 Authors Robert Friedman, Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA Bert Ely, Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651 Journal Volume Volume 65 Journal Issue Volume 65, Number 5

Description:    The distribution and diversity of acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) producing bacteria in black, brown, red, and meadow soils were investigated using culture-dependent method. One out of seventy six and five out of fifty isolates from the black and the brown soil were AHL-biosensor active, respectively. They were affiliated to the genera Ensifer and Pseudomonas and the family Enterobacteriaceae . Thin layer chromatography showed that the most of them produced AHLs with acyl side chain of 6 or 8 carbons. No AHL-producer was found in red and meadow soils. A potential novel AHL-based quorum sensing and quenching system was identified by sequencing in the black soil isolate Ensifer adhaerens X097 that harbored two AHL synthetase-like proteins and one amidohydrolase-like protein. This is the first report of comparison of AHL-producers among different soils. Our data showed that composition of AHL-producers were niche specific and were not in proportion with community population. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0234-0 Authors Yili Huang, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou, China Yanhua Zeng, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou, China Zhiliang Yu, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China Jing Zhang, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Process and Control, Hangzhou, China Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    A Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, motile by gliding and yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain 6Alg 8 T , was isolated from the common Pacific green alga Ulva fenestrata . The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence placed the novel strain within the genus Polaribacter , a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae , the phylum Bacteroidetes , with sequence similarities of 97.6 % to Polaribacter dokdonensis DSW-5 T and 92.8–96.1 % to other recognized Polaribacter species. The prevalent fatty acids of strain 6Alg 8 T were iso-C 15:0 , iso-C 15:1 , iso-C 15:0 2-OH, C 15:0 and C 15:1 ω6. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major lipids phosphatidylethanolamine, two unknown aminolipids and one unknown lipid. The DNA G+C content of the type strain is 31.6 mol%. The new isolate and the type strains of recognized species of the genus Polaribacter were readily distinguished based on a number of phenotypic characteristics. A combination of the genotypic and phenotypic data showed that the algal isolate represents a novel species of the genus Polaribacter , for which the name Polaribacter reichenbachii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 6Alg 8 T (= KCTC 23969 T  = KMM 6386 T  = LMG 26443 T ). Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0200-x Authors Olga I. Nedashkovskaya, G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pr. 100 Let Vladivostoku 159, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia Andrey D. Kukhlevskiy, A.V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pal’chevskogo St. 17, 690032 Vladivostok, Russia Natalia V. Zhukova, A.V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Far-Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pal’chevskogo St. 17, 690032 Vladivostok, Russia Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Proteases are of particular interest because of their action on insoluble keratin substrates and generally on a broad range of protein substrates. Proteases are one of the most important groups of industrial enzymes used in detergent, protein, brewing, meat, photographic, leather, dairy, pharmaceutical and food industry. In the present study, the organism isolated from the protein rich soil sample was identified by biochemical and molecular characterisation as Bacillus thuringiensis and further optimum conditions for alkaline protease synthesis were determined. The growth conditions for B. thuringiensis was optimised by inoculating into yeast extract casein medium at different pH and incubating at different temperatures. The maximum protease production occurred at pH 8 and at 37 °C. B. thuringiensis showed proteolytic activity at various culture conditions. Optimum conditions for the protease activity were found to be 47 °C and pH 8. In the later stage, the blood removing action of crude and partially purified protease was found to be effective within 25 min in the presence of commercial detergents indicating the possible use of this enzyme in detergent industry. Enzyme also showed good activity against hair substrate keratin and can be used for dehairing. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9396-4 Authors Annapurna S. Agasthya, Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India Naresh Sharma, Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India Anand Mohan, Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India Prabhpreet Mahal, Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are of great interest for regenerative purposes since they are believed to aid axonal growth. With the view set on the strategies to achieve reconnection between neuronal structures, it is of great importance to characterize the behaviour of these cells on long thread-like structures that may efficiently guide cell spread in a targeted way. Here, rat OECs were studied on polycaprolactone (PCL) long monofilaments, on long bars and on discs. PCL turns out to be an excellent substrate for OECs. The cells cover long distances along the monofilaments and colonize completely these structures. With the help of a one-dimensional (1D) analytical model, a migration coefficient, a net proliferation rate constant and the fraction of all cells which undergo migration were obtained. The separate effect of the three phenomena summarized by these parameters on the colonization patterns of the 1D path was qualitatively discussed. Other features of interest were also determined, such as the speed of the advance front of colonization and the order of the kinetics of net cell proliferation. Characterizing migration by means of these quantities may be useful for comparing and predicting features of the colonization process (such as times, patterns, advance fronts and proportion of motile cells) of different cell–substrate combinations. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9399-1 Authors Manuel Pérez-Garnés, Centro de Biomateriales e Ingeniería Tisular, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain Cristina Martínez-Ramos, Centro de Biomateriales e Ingeniería Tisular, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain Juan A. Barcia, Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, c/Profesor Martín Lagos, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain Jorge L. Escobar Ivirico, Centro de Biomateriales e Ingeniería Tisular, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain Ulises Gómez-Pinedo, Instituto de Neurociencias, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, c/Profesor Martín Lagos, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain Ana Vallés-Lluch, Centro de Biomateriales e Ingeniería Tisular, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain Manuel Monleón Pradas, Centro de Biomateriales e Ingeniería Tisular, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    T helper (Th) 17 cells are difficult to isolate which hinders experimental studies with these cells. Here, we report a novel method to obtain sortable, engineered mouse Th17 cells. First, we developed lentiviral vector (XZ12) containing RORγt gene and mouse ΔNGFR gene complemented with IL17A promoter (pXZ12-RORγt). As control, we used vector pXZ12 containing mouse ΔNGFR gene complemented with IL17A promoter. Μouse CD4 + CD25 − T cells were transduced with pXZ12-RORγt or pXZ12 vectors and cultured in the presence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β or interleukin (IL)-6. Then, we isolated Th17 cells using anti-ΔNGFR magnetic beads. The cytokine production profiles of isolated Th17 cells were assessed by qPCR, while cell functional capabilities tested in an experimental model of mouse autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We observed that overexpression of RORγt in the presence of TGF-β and IL-6 is highly efficient to produce Th17 cells. After sorting, the purity of IL-17A + population was over 90 %. The phenotype of pXZ12-RORγt transduced cells in the presence of TGF-β and IL-6 was similar to natural Th17 cells, in contrast to cells overexpressing RORγt alone which were deficient for IL-21. The engineered Th17 cells intensified EAE in C57BL6 mice indicating that these cells were phenotypically and functionally similar to natural Th17 cells. In conclusion, the engineered Th17 cells described here can be a useful tool to advance studies on Th17 cells. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9389-3 Authors Chong Chen, Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, No. 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu, China Huanxin Zhang, Laboratory of Transplantation and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical College, No. 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu, China Zhengxiang Han, Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China Jiang Cao, Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, No. 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu, China Jianjun Zhang, Laboratory of Transplantation and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical College, No. 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu, China Wei Chen, Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, No. 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu, China Lingyu Zeng, Laboratory of Transplantation and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical College, No. 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu, China Kailin Xu, Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, No. 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Leptospirosis is a globally prevalent zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp.; several serologic variants have reservoirs in synanthropic rodents. The capybara is the largest living rodent in the world, and it has a wide geographical distribution in Central and South America. This rodent is a significant source of Leptospira since the agent is shed via urine into the environment and is a potential public health threat. In this study, we isolated and identified by molecular techniques a pathogenic Leptospira from capybara in southern Brazil. The isolated strain was characterized by partial rpoB gene sequencing and variable-number tandem-repeats analysis as L. interrogans , serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. In addition, to confirm the expression of virulence factors, the bacterial immunoglobulin-like proteins A and B expression was detected by indirect immunofluorescence using leptospiral specific monoclonal antibodies. This report identifies capybaras as an important source of infection and provides insight into the epidemiology of leptospirosis. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0169-5 Authors Sérgio Jorge, Laboratório de Vacinologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil Leonardo G. Monte, Laboratório de Imunodiagnóstico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil Marco Antonio Coimbra, Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil Ana Paula Albano, Núcleo de Reabilitação da Fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil Daiane D. Hartwig, Laboratório de Vacinologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil Caroline Lucas, Laboratório de Genômica Funcional, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil Fabiana K. Seixas, Laboratório de Genômica Funcional, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil Odir A. Dellagostin, Laboratório de Vacinologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil Cláudia P. Hartleben, Laboratório de Imunodiagnóstico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    In Pseudomonas aeruginosa , quorum sensing (QS) autoinducer known as acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) acts as a key regulator in the expression of pathogenic characters. In this work, the efficiency of phenylacetic acid (PAA) in reducing the production of AHL-dependent factors in P. aeruginosa PAO1 was studied. PAA at a concentration of 200 μg ml −1 displayed significant reduction in QS-dependent pyocyanin, exopolysaccharide, and protease and elastase production in PAO1. In swimming inhibition assay, PAA-treated PAO1 cells exhibited poor motility in swimming agar plate. In in vivo analysis, PAO1-preinfected Caenorhabditis elegans showed enhanced survival when treated with PAA. PAA at the QS inhibitory concentration showed no growth inhibitory activity on PAO1. Results of the present study revealed the potential of PAA as antipathogenic compound to prevent QS-dependent pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa . Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0181-9 Authors Khadar Syed Musthafa, Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003 Tamil Nadu, India Bhagavathi Sundaram Sivamaruthi, Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003 Tamil Nadu, India Shunmugiah Karutha Pandian, Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003 Tamil Nadu, India Arumugam Veera Ravi, Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003 Tamil Nadu, India Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    The objective of the study was to explore the prevalence and characteristics of myocardial bridging in patients who underwent coronary angiography and to also evaluate the correlation between bridged coronary segments and atherosclerosis. For this purpose, clinical materials of 1,500 patients who had received coronary angiography were retrospectively analyzed. The location and length of the myocardial bridge were recorded as well as the extent and location of coronary artery stenosis was described. Segments proximal and distal to the bridging were evaluated for coronary arteriosclerosis as were the remaining coronary segments. We found that myocardial bridging was present in 179 (11.9 %) patients. Bridges were frequently (84.9 %) localized in the mid-distal segment of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Myocardial bridging was not considered a significant risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis (odds ratio 0.58) compared with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The incidence of coronary arteriosclerosis in the distal segments was significantly less affected than the proximal segments ( P  〈 0.01). It was, therefore, concluded that myocardial bridging frequently localized in the mid-distal segment of the LAD artery. The presence of myocardial bridging promotes proximal atherosclerosis but it is not an additional risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9438-y Authors Jian Ling Sun, Department of Cardiology, Aviation General Hospital, An Ding Men Wai Bei Yuan Road 3, Beijing, 100012 China Wei Min Huang, The Second Department of Spine Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Wu Lu Mu Qi Wu Xing Nan Road 39, Wulumuqi, 830002 China Ji Hong Guo, Electrophysiology Group, Department of Cardiology, People’s Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China Xiao Ying Li, Department of Geriatric Cardiology, The Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China Xian Lin Ma, Department of Cardiology, Beijing Jian Gong Hospital, Beijing, China Chong Yu Wang, Department of Cardiology, Aviation General Hospital, An Ding Men Wai Bei Yuan Road 3, Beijing, 100012 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Aim of the current study was to investigate the ability of deltamethrin to induce testicular injury in rats and its possible attenuation with lycopene. Rats were divided into three groups: Group I (DEL) received deltamethrin, 5 mg/kg b.w./day orally, in corn oil. Group II (DEL + Lyc) received oral dose of lycopene (4 mg/kg b.w./day) in corn oil concurrently with deltamethrin following the same regimen as in group I. Group III (Control) received appropriate volume of corn oil. After 4 weeks, deltamethrin-treated rats showed decreased body weight, serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Testicular total oxidant capacity (TOC), nitrite/nitrate (NOx), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and DNA damage were significantly increased. RT-PCR demonstrated significant up-regulation in testicular mRNA for glutathione- S -transferase and heat-shock protein-70 (HSP-70), whereas steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein was down-regulated after deltamethrin exposure. Lycopene was able to restore body weight, serum testosterone, StAR mRNA, TOC, NOx levels, and PARP activity with significant decrease in HSP-70 mRNA, and DNA damage. In conclusion, lycopene was able to counteract the deleterious effect of deltamethrin. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9446-y Authors Manal F. Ismail, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Eini Street, Cairo, 11562 Egypt Hanaa M. Mohamed, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    The objective was to evaluate the clinical value of preventative ileostomy following ultralow anterior rectal resection in decreasing the incidence of anastomotic leakage. For this purpose, 62 cases that had undergone ultralow anterior rectal resection during the period from June 2007 to June 2008 were included in this study. Preventative ileostomy was performed in 36 cases (group A) and 26 cases with no preventative ileostomy performed were included as controls (group B). The incidence rate of anastomotic leakage in both groups was compared. The results show that five cases in group A reported anastomotic leakage while no anastomotic leakage was reported in group B. Therefore, it was concluded that preventative ileostomy could effectively decrease the incidence of anastomotic leakage. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 1-3 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9445-z Authors Hai Gong, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Jiangyin People’s Hospital of Southeast University, 163# Shoushan Road, Jiangyin, 214400 Jiangsu Province, China Yifeng Yu, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Jiangyin People’s Hospital of Southeast University, 163# Shoushan Road, Jiangyin, 214400 Jiangsu Province, China Yong Yao, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Jiangyin People’s Hospital of Southeast University, 163# Shoushan Road, Jiangyin, 214400 Jiangsu Province, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Water is the major constituent of environmental medium and biological systems. The effects occurring in water as a result of low-intensity electromagnetic irradiation (EMI) in extremely high frequencies are supposed to be the primary mechanism to create conditions for biological responses. The EMI effects on Escherichia coli , after irradiation of their suspension, are most probably water-mediated. Indirect effects of EMI at 51.8, 53, 70.6, and 73 GHz frequencies on bacteria, through water, assay buffer (Tris–phosphate buffer with inorganic salts at low or moderate concentrations), or peptone growth medium were studied. The mediated effects of 70.6 and 73 GHz irradiated water, assay buffer, and growth medium on E. coli growth characteristics were insignificant. But the results were different for 51.8 and 53 GHz. EMI mediated effects on bacterial growth were clearly demonstrated. The effects were more strongly expressed with 53 GHz. Moreover, it was shown that 70.6 and 73 GHz similarly suppressed the cell growth after direct irradiation of E. coli in water or on solid medium. Interestingly, for 51.8 and 53 GHz the bacterial growth decreases after suspension irradiation was less, compared to the direct irradiation of bacteria on solid medium. Especially, it was also more expressed in case of 53 GHz. Also with electron microscopy, EMI-induced bacterial cell sizes and structure different changes were detected. In addition, the distinguished changes in surface tension, oxidation–reduction potential and pH of water, assay buffer, growth medium, and bacterial suspension were determined. They depended on EMI frequency used. The differences could be associated with the partial absorbance of EMI energy by the surrounding medium, which depends on a specific frequency. The results are crucial to understand biophysical mechanisms of EMI effects on bacteria. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9448-9 Authors Heghine Torgomyan, Department of Biophysics of Biology Faculty, Yerevan State University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia Karlen Hovnanyan, Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, 0014 Yerevan, Armenia Armen Trchounian, Department of Biophysics of Biology Faculty, Yerevan State University, 0025 Yerevan, Armenia Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Sleep adaptation in an unfamiliar environment, the so-called “first-night effect”, is known to occur in healthy individuals. To avoid the confounding effects of the “first-night effect”, the first-night sleep data are not used in most of sleep studies. In the present study, we examined changes of sleep adaptation in hospitalized patients with depression. Polysomnographic recordings were obtained for two consecutive nights from 14 patients, and sleep parameters were compared between both nights. Total sleep time, sleep latency, awakening times, movement awakening time, sleep efficiency, sleep architecture, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency, REM intensity, REM density, REM time, REM cycles, and other indicators showed no significant difference ( p  〉 0.05) between the first and second nights. To conclude, hospitalized patients with depression have relatively less change in sleep adaptation, thus, the data from their first night do not need to be discarded. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9454-y Authors Shasha Song, Department of Neurology, The Sixth People’s Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233 People’s Republic of China Zhi Geng, Department of Neurology, The Sixth People’s Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University, 600 Yishan Road, Shanghai, 200233 People’s Republic of China Shutao Zhai, Department of Neurophysiology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China Jie Xu, Department of Neurophysiology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China Gang Hou, Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China Xinbao Zhang, Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description: A bstract   The mechanisms of MHC allele associations with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and its aplastic anemia subtype (AA/PNH) remain unclear. It might be dependent on MHC molecule functional properties, such as a scope and frequency of antigen sampling and presentation. For documented PNH-associated MHC alleles we analyzed current reference databases on MHC molecule-eluted peptide presentation repertoires and searched for a range of presented peptides. MHC class II expression was measured on CD34+ cells and appeared to be increased in PNH patients. Two class I alleles (HLA -A*24:02 and B*18:01 ) have been previously confirmed to associate with protection and increased risk of AA/PNH, respectively. Their product molecules presented immunodominant epitopes derived from proapoptotic (serine/threonine–protein phosphatase) and antiapoptotic (phospholipase D), respectively, intracellular enzymes dependent on phosphoinositide (PI) content. For total PNH and non-aplastic PNH (n/PNH) subtype-associated DRB1*15:01 and DRB1*04:01 class II molecules presentation of exceptionally broad arrays of their own peptide fragments has been found. We conclude that self antigen peptides presented with high frequency in the context of MHC molecules of increased expression may be involved in the immune recognition and the regulation of HSC in the periphery. The block in the normal plasma membrane PI production due to the PIG - A mutation can help explain the differences in the activation of intracellular regulatory pathways observed between PNH and normal HSC. This is evident in the variation in MHC association patterns and peptide presentation repertoires between these two groups of patients. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9435-1 Authors Jacek Nowak, Department of Immunogenetics Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 14 Indira Gandhi Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland Jolanta Wozniak, Laboratory of Immunophenotyping Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland Ewa Mendek-Czajkowska, Department of Hematology Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland Agnieszka Dlugokecka, Department of Immunogenetics Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 14 Indira Gandhi Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland Renata Mika-Witkowska, Department of Immunogenetics Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 14 Indira Gandhi Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland Marta Rogatko-Koros, Department of Immunogenetics Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 14 Indira Gandhi Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland Elzbieta Graczyk-Pol, Department of Immunogenetics Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 14 Indira Gandhi Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland Anna Marosz-Rudnicka, Department of Immunogenetics Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 14 Indira Gandhi Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland Joanna Dziopa, Department of Immunogenetics Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 14 Indira Gandhi Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland Agnieszka Golec, Department of Immunogenetics Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 14 Indira Gandhi Street, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland Joanna Kopec-Szlezak, Laboratory of Immunophenotyping Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland Krzysztof Warzocha, Department of Hematology Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    We evaluated the neuroprotective effects of atorvastatin (2, 5, and 10 mg/kg) on experimentally induced intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in adult rats; controls were administered PBS. Plasma TNF-α and IL-10 levels before and after ICH were analyzed at various time points by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neurological behavior of rats was assessed by climbing scores. At 3-days postoperatively, brain water contents and TNF-α/IL-10 expression in brain tissue were determined. Histopathological changes and microglial cells in the brain tissue were evaluated by light-microscopy. Post-ICH neurological deficits differed significantly between sham-operated group A and experimental-ICH group B ( P  〈 0.05). Brain water contents were significantly less in group A than in group B ( P  〈 0.05). Significant differences ( P  〈 0.05) between two groups were observed regarding activated microglia, TNF-α and IL-10 levels. Compared with group B, neurological deficits, brain water contents, pathological changes, and activated microglia were reduced ( P  〈 0.05) in groups C (Experimental-ICH + atorvastatin 2 mg/kg), D (Experimental-ICH + atorvastatin 5 mg/kg) and E (Experimental-ICH + atorvastatin 10 mg/kg). Atorvastatin-induced a dose-dependent reduction of TNF-α and increase of IL-10 levels ( P  〈 0.05). Therefore, it was concluded that atorvastatin improved neurofunctional rehabilitation in rats through the suppression of cytokines-mediated inflammatory response and attenuation of brain damage following intracerebral hemorrhage. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9453-z Authors Tu Ewen, Department of Neurology, The Brains Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410007 Hunan Province, China Liu Qiuting, Department of Neurology, The Brains Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410007 Hunan Province, China Tang Chaogang, Department of Neurology, The Brains Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410007 Hunan Province, China Tang Tao, Department of Neurology, The Brains Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410007 Hunan Province, China Wu Jun, Department of Neurology, The Brains Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410007 Hunan Province, China Tan Liming, Department of Neurology, The Brains Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410007 Hunan Province, China Xiang Guanghong, Department of Neurology, The Brains Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, 410007 Hunan Province, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    In the present study, we evaluated whether stem cell-to-tenocyte differentiation could be evaluated via measurement of the mechanical properties of the cell. We used mechanical uniaxial cyclic stretching to induce the differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into tenocytes. The cells were subjected to cyclic elongation of 10 or 15 % at a cyclic frequency of 1 Hz for 24 or 48 h, and differentiation was assessed by real-time PCR (rtPCR) determination of messenger RNA expression levels for four commonly used markers of stem cell-to-tenocyte differentiation: type I collagen, type III collagen, tenascin-C, and scleraxis. The rtPCR results showed that cells subjected to 10 % cyclic elongation for 24 or 48 h differentiated into tenocytes. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was then used to measure the force curves around the cell nuclei, and the AFM data were used to calculate the elastic moduli of the cell surfaces. The elastic modulus values of the control (non-stretched) cells differed significantly from those of cells stretched at 10 % for 24 or 48 h ( P  〈 0.01). Confocal fluorescence microscopic observations of actin stress fibers suggested that the change in elastic modulus was ascribable to the development of the cellular cytoskeleton during the differentiation process. Therefore, we conclude that the atomic force microscopic measurement of the elastic modulus of the cell surface can be used to evaluate stem cell-to-tenocyte differentiation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9455-x Authors Yasuyuki Morita, Department of Mechanical Science & Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603 Japan Taichi Mukai, Department of Mechanical Science & Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603 Japan Yang Ju, Department of Mechanical Science & Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603 Japan Sachi Watanabe, Department of Mechanical Science & Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8603 Japan Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    We sought to analyze the dynamic properties of brain electrical activity from healthy volunteers and epilepsy patients using recurrence networks. Phase-space trajectories of synchronous electroencephalogram signals were obtained through embedding dimension in phase-space reconstruction based on the distance set of space points. The recurrence matrix calculated from phase-space trajectories was identified with the adjacency matrix of a complex network. Then, we applied measures to characterize the complex network to this recurrence network. A detailed analysis revealed the following: (1) The recurrence networks of normal brains exhibited a sparser connectivity and smaller clustering coefficient compared with that of epileptic brains; (2) the small-world property existed in both normal and epileptic brains consistent with the previous empirical studies of structural and functional brain networks; and (3) the assortative property of the recurrence network was found by computing the assortative coefficients; their values increased from normal to epileptic brain which accurately suggested the difference of the states. These universal and non-universal characteristics of recurrence networks might help clearly understand the underlying neurodynamics of the brain and provide an efficient tool for clinical diagnosis. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9452-0 Authors Peng Lang, Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University of Medical College, Jiangyin, 214400 Jiangsu, China Dong-Bai Liu, Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University of Medical College, Jiangyin, 214400 Jiangsu, China Shi-Min Cai, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026 Anhui, China Lei Hong, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026 Anhui, China Pei-Ling Zhou, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026 Anhui, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Escherichia coli has four hydrogenases (Hyd), three genes of which are encoded by the hya, hyb , and hyc operons. The proton-reducing and hydrogen-oxidizing activities of Hyd-2 ( hyb ) were analyzed in whole cells grown to stationary phase and cell extracts, respectively, during glycerol fermentation using novel double mutants. H 2 production rate at pH 7.5 was decreased by ~3.5- and ~7-fold in hya and hyc (HDK 103) or hyb and hyc (HDK 203) operon double mutants, respectively, compared with the wild type. At pH 6.5, H 2 production decreased by ~2- and ~5-fold in HDK103 and HDK203, respectively, compared with the wild type. At pH 5.5, H 2 production was reduced by ~4.5-fold in the mutants compared with the wild type. The total hydrogen-oxidizing activity was shown to depend on the pH of the growth medium in agreement with previous findings and was significantly reduced in the HDK103 or HDK203 mutants. At pH 7.5, Hyd-2 activity was 0.26 U (mg protein) −1 and Hyd-1 activity was 0.1 U (mg protein) −1 . As the pH of the growth medium decreased to 6.5, Hyd-2 activity was 0.16 U (mg protein) −1 , and Hyd-1 was absent. Surprisingly, at pH 5.5, there was an increase in Hyd-2 activity (0.33 U mg protein) −1 but not in that of Hyd-1. These findings show a major contribution of Hyd-2 to H 2 production during glycerol fermentation that resulted from altered metabolism which surprisingly influenced proton reduction. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9458-7 Authors Karen Trchounian, Department of Biophysics, Yerevan State University, 1 A. Manoukian Str., 0025 Yerevan, Armenia Basem Soboh, Institute of Microbiology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany R. Gary Sawers, Institute of Microbiology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany Armen Trchounian, Department of Biophysics, Yerevan State University, 1 A. Manoukian Str., 0025 Yerevan, Armenia Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Five novel macrocyclic monoterpene O -glycosides, parkinsenes A–E ( 1 – 5 ), and eleven known phenolic metabolites including three 3- O -glycosylflavonols ( 6 – 8 ), five C -glycosylflavones ( 9 – 13 ), p -hydroxybenzoic acid ( 14 ), esculetin ( 15 ), and diosmetin ( 16 ) were isolated from the leaves and small twigs of Parkinsonia aculeata L. (Fabaceae). Their structures were established by chemical and spectroscopic analyses (UV, ESI–MS, and 1D/2D NMR). The investigated 80 % aqueous methanol extract (AME) showed significant analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and antioxidant activities in a dose-dependent manner using two different doses 250 and 500 mg/kg b. wt. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9433-3 Authors M. S. Marzouk, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2457, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia F. A. Moharram, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy (Girls), King Faisal University, P. O. Box 400, Hofuf, 31982 Saudi Arabia R. A. El Dib, Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy (Girls), King Saud University, P. O. Box 2457, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia D. G. El-Hossary, Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Redox balance plays an important role in the maintenance of cell growth and survival. Disturbance of this equilibrium can alter normal cellular processes. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are often found in cancer cells. However, cancer cells have an efficient antioxidant system to counteract the increased generation of ROS. This high antioxidant capacity also favors resistance to drugs and radiation. Here, we show that isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a natural antioxidant, effectively decreased ROS in HepG2 cells in a time-dependant manner at 0.5, 1, and 2 h of treatment. The decreased ROS caused redox imbalance and reductive stress. To adapt to this state, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2, which regulates the antioxidant enzyme system, was significantly decreased. Antioxidant enzymes reached their lowest level at 6 h after ISL treatment. Endogenous ROS were still being generated so after 6 h of ISL treatment, ROS were clearly higher than before ISL treatment, causing redox imbalance in the HepG2 cells which changed from reductive to oxidative stress. At this stage, cells were irradiated with X-rays. The excess ROS induced serious oxidative stress, resulting in radiosensitization. Therefore, we concluded that ISL induced oxidative stress by disturbing the redox status and ultimately enhancing the radiosensitivity of HepG2 cells. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9447-x Authors Chao Sun, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 People’s Republic of China Hong Zhang, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 People’s Republic of China Xiao-fei Ma, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 People’s Republic of China Xin Zhou, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 People’s Republic of China Lu Gan, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 People’s Republic of China Yuan-yuan Liu, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 People’s Republic of China Zhen-hua Wang, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000 People’s Republic of China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Hemodynamic instability is a common condition during extra-cranial carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). We evaluated the safety and efficacy of prophylactic placement of temporary cardiac pacemaker during extra-cranial CAS for the prevention of hemodynamic instability. For this, forty-seven carotid artery stents were deployed in 41 high-risk patients. Temporary transvenous cardiac pacemakers were inserted before CAS procedure. The pacers were set to capture a heart rate 〈60 bpm. Clinical symptoms, blood pressure, heart rate, and pacing activation were monitored and data were collected. We found that pacing occurred in 25 carotid lesions during balloon predilatation; pacemakers were activated transiently in 25 patients. The longest pacing continued for 1 day. Among cases with pacemaker activation, 1 patient developed post-procedural symptomatic hypotension that lasted for 4 days. No related complications were observed. It was, therefore, concluded that pacing was technically effective in producing electrical ventricular responses and was hemodynamically effective in 25 carotid lesions which underwent balloon predilatation. The prophylactic use of a temporary transvenous cardiac pacemaker during CAS was rapid and effective in controlling peri-operative hemodynamic instability and preventing stroke and other complications. The prophylactic use of temporary pacemaker is particularly recommended for patients at high risk for developing hemodynamic instability. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9429-z Authors Juan Liu, Department of Neurology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China Guo-en Yao, Department of Neurology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China Hua-dong Zhou, Department of Neurology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China Xiao-jiang Jiang, Department of Neurology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China Qiao Chen, Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description: Characterization of Plasmid pML21 of Enterococcus faecalis ML21 from Koumiss Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-3 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0255-8 Authors Fanglei Zuo, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy Science of Chinese Ministry of Education and Municipal Government of Beijing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083 People’s Republic of China Xiujuan Feng, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy Science of Chinese Ministry of Education and Municipal Government of Beijing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083 People’s Republic of China Xiaofei Sun, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy Science of Chinese Ministry of Education and Municipal Government of Beijing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083 People’s Republic of China Chao Du, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy Science of Chinese Ministry of Education and Municipal Government of Beijing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083 People’s Republic of China Shangwu Chen, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy Science of Chinese Ministry of Education and Municipal Government of Beijing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100083 People’s Republic of China Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    In Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, the pvdQ gene has been shown to have at least two functions. It encodes the acylase enzyme and hydrolyzes 3-oxo-C12-HSL, the key signaling molecule of quorum sensing system. In addition, pvdQ is involved in swarming motility. It is required and up-regulated during swarming motility, which is triggered by high cell densities. As high density bacterial populations also display elevated antibiotics resistance, studies have demonstrated swarm-cell differentiation in P. aeruginosa promotes increased resistance to various antibiotics. PvdQ acts as a signal during swarm-cell differentiation, and thus may play a role in P. aeruginosa antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to examine whether pvdQ was involved in modifying antibiotic susceptibility during swarming conditions and to investigate the mechanism by which this occurred. We constructed the PAO1pME pvdQ strain, which overproduces PvdQ. PAO1pME pvdQ promotes swarming motility, while PAO1Δ pvdQ abolishes swarming motility. In addition, both PAO1 and PAO1pME pvdQ acquired resistance to ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, polymyxin B, and gentamicin, though PAO1pME pvdQ exhibited a twofold to eightfold increase in antibiotic resistance compared to PAO1. These results indicate that pvdQ plays an important role in elevating antibiotic resistance via swarm-cell differentiation and possibly other mechanisms as well. We analyzed outer membrane permeability. Our data also suggest that pvdQ decreases P. aeruginosa outer membrane permeability, thereby elevating antibiotic resistance under swarming conditions. Our results suggest new approaches for reducing P. aeruginosa resistance. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0217-1 Authors Lili Wang, Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei Province, China Chunling Zhang, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Central Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao, 266042 Shandong Province, China Fengyun Gong, Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei Province, China Hongtao Li, Department of Oncology, Affiliated People’s 6th Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200233 China Xuhua Xie, Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei Province, China Chao Xia, Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei Province, China Jia Chen, Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei Province, China Ying Song, Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei Province, China Aixia Shen, Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei Province, China Jianxin Song, Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 Hubei Province, China Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Th17 cells are newly identified effector CD4 + T cells, which play an active role in inflammation and autoimmune diseases and may be relevant for anti-tumor defenses. In the present study, we examined expression of Th17 cells in specimens of breast cancer tissue and its association with clinical, pathology, and immunological parameters. Expression rates of Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) cells in breast cancer and normal (i.e. non-cancerous) tissue were evaluated using flow cytometry in 30 patients with breast carcinoma. Further, expression of interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in breast cancer tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Associations between Th17 expression and other parameters were analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. We observed that expression of Th17 cells was significantly higher in breast cancer compared to normal breast tissue. Further, expressions of IL-17, IL-1β, and IL-6 in cancer tissue positively correlated with expression of Th17 cells. In addition, there was a negative association between the numbers of Th17 cells and TNM stage, blood vessel invasion, and increased numbers of metastatic lymph nodes. Finally, expression of Th17 was not associated with expression of Treg. In conclusion, Th17 cells appear to be involved in anti-tumor immune responses and are associated with a more favorable prognosis. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 153-159 DOI 10.1007/s12013-011-9276-3 Authors LiJuan Yang, Research Center, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011 China YiXin Qi, Department of Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011 China Jie Hu, Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017 China Longmei Tang, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017 China Sha Zhao, Research Center, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011 China BaoEn Shan, Research Center, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 1

Description:    Microcirculatory disturbance of inner ear is probably one of the important etiological factors of sudden deafness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of retreatment on the end-stage sudden deafness. For this purpose, the patients who met with the criteria for sudden deafness and showed poor response to conventional therapy over 2 months were assigned randomly to the retreatment group. Pure tone audiometry was conducted before and after retreatment among the 103 patients (112 ears). Sodium bicarbonate and dexamethasone were injected by intravenous drip for 2 days and batroxobin 5BU for 6 days. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and t test to determine the efficacy of retreatment. These data show that the efficacy rate in retreatment group was 46.43% and the difference between before and after retreatment was significant ( P  〈 0.01). It was, therefore, concluded that retreatment of the end-stage sudden deafness could improve the audition of the patients and should be valuable in clinics. In this regard, the combination of sodium bicarbonate and dexamethasone proved a rational therapeutic regimen for the end-stage sudden deafness. However, further large-size multicenter studies will be required for independent validation of these findings. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 403-406 DOI 10.1007/s12013-011-9314-1 Authors Zhai Suoqiang, Hospital of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Institute of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China Yu Ning, Hospital of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Institute of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China Zheng Guiliang, Hospital of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Institute of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China Zhu Yuhua, Hospital of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Institute of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China Qin He, Hospital of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Institute of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 2

Description:    We sought to compare the preventive effects of mitomycin-C(MMC) and chitosan on intraarticular adhesion after knee surgery in rabbits. For this purpose, 48 New-Zealand rabbits were randomly and equally divided into MMC, chitosan, and control groups. Approximately 10 × 10 mm 2 of the cortical bone was removed from both sides of left femoral condyle and the cancellous bone underneath was exposed. The decorticated areas were topically treated with MMC and chitosan while control group was treated with physiological saline. The lower left limb was fixed in flexed position with Kirschner-wire for 4 weeks postoperatively. After 4 weeks, gross and histopathological examination, biochemical analysis, and fibroblast counts were performed on knee intraarticular adhesion in each group. The data show mild membrane-like fibrous intraarticular adhesion, presented in loose, in MMC group. There was moderate intraarticular adhesion in chitosan group while in controls; there was large-size compact fibrous tissue adhesion. Hydroxyproline contents and fibroblast quantity of MMC and chitosan groups were lower ( P  〈 0.05) than that of control group. We, therefore, concluded that MMC and chitosan could prevent intraarticular adhesion of the knee in rabbits by inhibiting fibroblast proliferation and reducing collagenous fiber formation while MMC had a better preventive effect than that of chitosan. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 101-105 DOI 10.1007/s12013-011-9266-5 Authors Wang Jingcheng, Department of Cadiothoracic, The Second Xiangya Hospital Affiliated with Central-South University, No. 139A, The Middle Renmin Road Changsha, Hunan, 410011 China Yan Lianqi, Department of Orthopedics, Subei People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Nantong West Road 98, Yangzhou, 225001 China Sun Yu, Department of Orthopedics, Subei People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Nantong West Road 98, Yangzhou, 225001 China Wang Daxin, Department of Orthopedics, Subei People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Nantong West Road 98, Yangzhou, 225001 China Dai Shanhe, Department of Orthopedics, Subei People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Nantong West Road 98, Yangzhou, 225001 China Yu Tangyun, Department of Orthopedics, Subei People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Nantong West Road 98, Yangzhou, 225001 China Gu Jiaxiang, Department of Orthopedics, Subei People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Nantong West Road 98, Yangzhou, 225001 China Jiang Baichuan, Department of Orthopedics, Subei People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Nantong West Road 98, Yangzhou, 225001 China Feng Xinmin, Department of Orthopedics, Subei People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Nantong West Road 98, Yangzhou, 225001 China Hu Hansheng, Department of Orthopedics, Subei People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Nantong West Road 98, Yangzhou, 225001 China Wang Qiang, Department of Orthopedics, Subei People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Nantong West Road 98, Yangzhou, 225001 China Yin Bangliang, Department of Cadiothoracic, The Second Xiangya Hospital Affiliated with Central-South University, No. 139A, The Middle Renmin Road Changsha, Hunan, 410011 China Lv Guohua, Department of Cadiothoracic, The Second Xiangya Hospital Affiliated with Central-South University, No. 139A, The Middle Renmin Road Changsha, Hunan, 410011 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 1

Description:    Gliosarcoma is a rare brain tumor consisting of both glial and mesenchymal components. Metastatic gliosarcoma is rare; however, here we report a 31-year-old Chinese woman with cranial gliosarcoma metastatic to the liver, lymph nodes and the spinal cord. Initially, the patient presented with dizziness, headache and vomiting and after surgery and histological examination, was diagnosed with cranial gliosarcoma. The patient was treated with surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Three years after completing treatment, the patient again presented with similar symptoms with the addition of a seizure. Test revealed recurrence of the gliosarcoma, and the same treatment was prescribed. Three years after treatment completion, the patient again presented with dizziness and headache. Masses at the right temple and in the right side of the neck were found. Tumors were surgically removed from the brain, skull, scalp and neck, the latter three diagnosed as metastatic gliosarcomas. The patient received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy following resection. One month after treatment, bone scans revealed possible metastasis in the right skull, lumbar and left ileum, soft neck tissue, lungs, collarbone, humeri, vertebrae, liver and abdominal lymph nodes. No further therapy was recommended due to the poor condition of the patient. The patient died 5 months later. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 391-395 DOI 10.1007/s12013-011-9312-3 Authors LiZhao Chen, Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, 10#, Changjiang Branch, Daping, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042 People’s Republic of China HuaLiang Xiao, Department of Pathology, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, 10#, Changjiang Branch, Daping, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042 People’s Republic of China Lunshan Xu, Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, 10#, Changjiang Branch, Daping, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042 People’s Republic of China YongWen Zou, Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, 10#, Changjiang Branch, Daping, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042 People’s Republic of China YunDong Zhang, Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, 10#, Changjiang Branch, Daping, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042 People’s Republic of China MinHui Xu, Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, 10#, Changjiang Branch, Daping, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042 People’s Republic of China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 2

Description:    We sought to evaluate the significance of Doppler tissue energy (DTE) and stressed echocardiography for diagnosing myocardial contusion (MC) in canines. Ten adult healthy dogs were anesthetized (3% pentobarbital sodium/i.v.) and impacted by BIM-II biological impact machine to induce MC. Conventional and stressed echocardiographies were used for segmental abnormal ventricular wall motions; DTE was also used to detect the abnormal ventricular wall motions and areas of injured myocardial fibers after MC, and the results were compared with those of triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The data show that both conventional and stressed echocardiographies identified ventricular wall segmental abnormal motions or even aneurysms. These segments were mainly distributed over the front and middle interventricular walls and anterolateral ventricular wall. The ventricular wall motion scoring and wall motion segment index (WMSI) increased remarkably after MC induction. Compared with TTC staining, the conventional echocardiography showed 100% sensitivity and 66.67% specificity, whereas the stressed echocardiography displayed 100% sensitivity and 88.89% specificity. DTE showed both the sensitivity and specificity of 100% for MC diagnosis. Thus, DTE has higher specificity than conventional and stressed echocardiographies. In conclusion, both DTE and stress echocardiography have higher clinical value for MC diagnosis in canines. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 383-389 DOI 10.1007/s12013-011-9311-4 Authors Du Wenhua, Department of Ultrasound, Daping Hospital and Research Institute of Surgery, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 40042 China Xiong Xiuqin, Department of Ultrasound, Daping Hospital and Research Institute of Surgery, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 40042 China Zhang Weimin, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400042 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 2

Description:    In this study, based on the resonator model and exciplex model of electromagnetic radiation within the human body, mathematical model of biological order state, also referred to as syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, was established and expressed as: “ \text Sy = n /ln(6 I + 1) ”. This model provides the theoretical foundation for experimental research addressing the order state of living system, especially the quantitative research syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 377-381 DOI 10.1007/s12013-011-9309-y Authors Jinxiang Han, Shandong Academy of Medicinal Sciences, 18877 Jingshi Road, Jinan, 250062 Shandong Province, China Jinzhao Huang, School of Physics, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250022 Shandong Province, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 2

Description:    The objective of the study was to evaluate the expression of survivin, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in survivin-specific siRNA-transfected human gastric cancer cell line MGC-803. For this purpose, the target gene fragments were cloned into pSilencer3.1-Hl neo vector. Recombinant eukaryotic expression vector, pSilencer3.1-SVV was successfully constructed and then the recombinant vector was transfected into gastric cancer MGC-803 cells. The mRNA expression of survivin was determined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Survivin protein expression was detected by Western blot. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Our data regarding RT-PCR and Western blot showed that pSilencer3.1-SVV vector could knockdown the expression of survivin mRNA and protein. In contrast with the control group, the apoptotic index of MGC-803 cells increased remarkably. Survivin-specific siRNA caused cells accumulation in the G2/M phase and the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase decreased after transfection. It was, therefore, concluded that the siRNA targeting survivin gene could inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and induce apoptosis. The use of survivin siRNA may provide a novel approach for gene therapy of gastric cancer. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 337-341 DOI 10.1007/s12013-011-9315-0 Authors Zhao Wenying, Department of Medical Oncology, Yijishan Hospital Wannan Medical College, Anhui Wuhu, 241000 China Ji Zhaoning, Department of Medical Oncology, Yijishan Hospital Wannan Medical College, Anhui Wuhu, 241000 China Yang Zhimin, Department of Medical Oncology, Yijishan Hospital Wannan Medical College, Anhui Wuhu, 241000 China Chen Dongyun, Department of Medical Oncology, Yijishan Hospital Wannan Medical College, Anhui Wuhu, 241000 China Sheng Lili, Department of Medical Oncology, Yijishan Hospital Wannan Medical College, Anhui Wuhu, 241000 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 2

Description:    The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical effect of repairing scalp defect after the excision of cutis verticis gyrata using expanded scalp skin flaps. For this purpose, 8 patients with cutis verticis gyrata were subjected to scalp skin expander implantation under the skin. After saline injection and scalp expansion for 2–3 months, the cutis verticis gyrata was excised and the expanded scalp flaps were applied to recover the skin defect. As a result, the flaps and hair grew well without contractures and significant scarring, suggesting that this method is useful for surgical correction of cutis verticis gyrata. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 373-376 DOI 10.1007/s12013-011-9308-z Authors Donghong Zhao, Department of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Jinan Military Region, Jinan, 250031 China Jiang Li, Department of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Jinan Military Region, Jinan, 250031 China Kehua Wang, Department of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Jinan Military Region, Jinan, 250031 China Xiaoping Guo, Department of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Jinan Military Region, Jinan, 250031 China Yuhong Lang, Department of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Jinan Military Region, Jinan, 250031 China Lijun Peng, Department of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Jinan Military Region, Jinan, 250031 China Qin Wang, Department of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Jinan Military Region, Jinan, 250031 China Yamin Li, Department of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Jinan Military Region, Jinan, 250031 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 2

Description:    Resveratrol (RES) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine having anti-inflammatory properties. We sought to explore the role of RES in intestinal injury during severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in a rat model study. For this purpose, RES-treated and sham-operated (SO) SAP rat models were established, and SAP was induced in rats by injecting 4% sodium taurocholate into the biliary-pancreatic duct. In the RES group, RES was infused intravenously immediately after the SAP induction in rats; SO group served as controls. Histopathological analysis, determination of tissue levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum levels of TNF-α as well as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression were carried out at 3, 6, and 12 h following SAP induction. The data show that following SAP induction, SOD levels decreased and MDA levels increased along with ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in the intestine. Serum TNF-α levels increased in the SAP group. Importantly, RES treatment significantly reversed all the pathological changes. In conclusion, this study confirmed the anti-inflammatory properties of RES and demonstrated the prevention of injury to the intestinal barrier in the rat SAP model. Content Type Journal Article Category Translational Biomedical Research Pages 397-402 DOI 10.1007/s12013-011-9313-2 Authors Rajiv K. Jha, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi’an, 710061 China Qingyong Ma, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi’an, 710061 China Zhang Lei, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi’an, 710061 China Huanchen Sha, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi’an, 710061 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 2

Description:    whi genes, named after the mutations turning Streptomyces coelicolor colonies into white, exist largely in Actinomyces and Mycobacterium. whiB genes, a subclass of whi , involve in wide range of events, such as cell division, spore formation, nutrient starvation, pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, and stress sense. To better understand the role of this family in physiology and pathology in the important pathogen— Mycobacterium tuberculosis, WhiB and WhiB-like proteins function and structures of were bioinformatically dissected. Seven WhiB proteins can be found in M. tuberculosis genome, most are highly conserved. Based on the data mining of published microarray profiling of wild type and mutants transcriptome response to diverse treatments, a regulatory network of whiB is established. Some findings from this network are obvious. WhiB2 and WhiB7 might be key nodes in drug resistance, WhiB3 might involve in the maintenance of redox homeostasis. These works provide new Mycobacterium persistence and virulence hypothesis for future experimental validation. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9348-z Authors Fei Zheng, Institute of Modern Biopharmaceiticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Enviroment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715 China Quanxin Long, Institute of Modern Biopharmaceiticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Enviroment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715 China Jianping Xie, Institute of Modern Biopharmaceiticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Enviroment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Previous research has reported that IGFBP7 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in different tumors, but its role in the trophoblast has not been elucidated. In this research, we studied the regulation mechanism of IGFBP7 in trophoblast proliferation and invasion in HTR-8 and JEG-3 cell lines. We found that IGFBP7 was abundantly expressed in normal human syncytiotrophoblast tissue samples but that this was lacking in hydatidiform moles. The proliferation and invasion capacities of HTR-8 and JEG-3 cells were significantly inhibited by recombinant IGFBP7. Estrogen (E2) stimulated the expression of IGFBP7 at a concentration of 5–10 ng/mL. This stimulation was inhibited by the estrogen receptor antagonist Fulvestrant (ICI182.780) and a TGFβ-neutralizing antibody. In conclusion, our data reveals that estrogen stimulates the expression of IGFBP7 through estrogen receptors and TGFβ. The expression of IGFBP7 could be stimulated by TGFβ in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited by IFNγ in HTR-8 and JEG-3 cells. IGFBP7 could also inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK and the expression of PCNA, MMP2 and MMP9 in HTR-8 and JEG-3 cells. These findings suggest that IGFBP7 is a key regulator of E2-induced trophoblast proliferation and invasion. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9342-5 Authors Zhen-Kun Liu, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China Hai-Yan Liu, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China Wen-Ning Fang, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China Ying Yang, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China Hong-Mei Wang, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China Jing-Pian Peng, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    We investigated the role of homeobox B4 (HOXB4) mRNA/protein expression induced by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and/or all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in proliferation and committed differentiation of human cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into colony-forming-units of T-lymphocyte (CFU-TL) and erythroid (CFU-E) progenitors in vitro. Twelve cord blood samples were collected from the fetal placenta umbilical vein and cultured in vitro. The proliferation and differentiation of cord blood HSCs into CFU-TL and CFU-E were continuously disrupted with HCMV-AD169 and/or 6 × 10 −8 mol/l of ATRA. HOXB4 mRNA/protein expression in CFU-TL and CFU-E was detected in control, ATRA, HCMV and ATRA + HCMV groups on days 3, 7, and 12 of culture by fluorescent qRT-PCR/western blot. We found that HOXB4 mRNA/protein expression was detectable on day 3, increased on day 7 and was highest on day 12. HOXB4 mRNA/protein expression in HCMV group was downregulated compared with control group ( P  〈 0.05). However, the levels were significantly upregulated in HCMV + ATRA group compared with HCMV group ( P  〈 0.05). We concluded that the abnormal HOXB4 mRNA/protein expression induced by HCMV could play a role in hematopoietic damage. ATRA, at the concentration used, significantly up-regulated HOXB4 mRNA/protein expression in normal lymphocyte and erythrocyte progenitor cells as well as in HCMV-infected cells. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9349-y Authors Liu Wen-jun, Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan Province, China Guo qu-lian, Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan Province, China Chen Hong-ying, Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan Province, China Zou Yan, Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan Province, China Huang Mei-xian, Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan Province, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of breast tumor. Fifty-seven breast tumor patients with 63 lesions were studied. Among the lesions, 34 are malignant and 29 are benign. A Philips iU-22 ultrasound scanner with L12-5 probe was used. Bolus SonoVue was injected via antecubital vein. Dynamic imaging was stored and analyzed with QLAB software. Parameters including initial time of perfusion (ITP), time to peak (TTP), peak intensity (PI), the enhancement pattern and the wash out pattern (WP) of contrast agent were observed. Results showed that about 85.3% of the malignant lesions showed heterogeneous enhancement and 79.3% of the benign ones showed homogeneous enhancement. The persistence time of the contrast agents was clearly longer inside the malignant lesion than inside the benign ones. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in the value as ITP and TTP between the malignant and the benign lesions, while the PI value of the malignant lesions was significantly higher than the benign lesions. This study suggested that real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is helpful to the differential diagnosis of breast tumors; however, the WP of the contrast agent inside the lesion also seems to be an important factor. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9346-1 Authors Du Wenhua, Department of Ultrasound, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042 China Liu Lijia, Department of Ultrasound, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042 China Wang Hui, Department of Ultrasound, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042 China You Wei, Department of Ultrasound, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042 China Tao Li, Department of Ultrasound, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Present study concerns with various biochemical changes in the developing rat brain exposed to 9.9 GHz (square wave modulated, 1 kHz) at power density 0.125 mW/cm 2 (specific absorption rate 1.0 W/kg) for 2 h/day for 35 days. Thirty days old male wistar rats were used for this present study. Each group consists of eight animals. After the exposure, biochemical assays such as calcium ion efflux, calcium-dependent protein kinase (PKC), and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) were performed on the brain tissue. Results of this study reveal that chronic exposure of rat to microwave radiation alter the activity of certain enzymes. There was a significant increase in calcium ion efflux and the activity of ODC. On the other hand, there is a significant decrease in PKC activity. Since these enzymes are related to growth, any alteration may lead to affect functioning of the brain and its development. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9344-3 Authors R. Paulraj, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110 067 India J. Behari, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110 067 India Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    The bacteria Xenorhabdus spp. are entomopathogenic symbionts that can produce several toxic proteins that interfere the immune system of insects. We purified an insecticidal protein from Xenorhabdus ehlersii , and designated it as XeGroEL with an estimated molecular mass of ~58 kDa. Galleria mellonella larva injected with XeGroEL presented prophenoloxidase activation and hemocyte decrease. XeGroEL can kill G. mellonella larva in 48 h with an LD 50 of 0.76 ± 0.08 μg/larva. Our results demonstrate that X. ehlersii possesses a toxic XeGroEL protein acting as a potential factor to activate proPO in host insect, which also provides a meaningful hypothesis to understand the interaction between nematode-symbiotic bacteria and host. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0114-7 Authors Huaixing Shi, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China Hongmei Zeng, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China Xiufen Yang, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China Jing Zhao, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China Mingjia Chen, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China Dewen Qiu, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081 China Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    We assessed the safety and efficacy of sorafenib with cryotherapy (cryoRx) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). One hundred four HCC patients were enrolled, who met the following criteria: (i) Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C; (ii) HCC without distant metastasis; (iii) the presence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT); (iv) Child-Pugh class A or B; and (v) life expectancy of at least 12 weeks. The patients were randomly divided into sorafenib-cryoRx and sorafenib (control) groups. Primary endpoint was time to progression (TTP); secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and tolerability. Microvessel density (MVD) was assessed by CD34-immunostaining. After a median 10.5 (4–26) months follow-up, the data showed that median TTP was 9.5 (8.4–13.5) months in combinatorial therapy group vs. 5.3 (3.8–6.9) months in sorafenib group ( P  = 0.02). The median OS was 12.5 (95 % CI 10.6–16.4) months in combination therapy group vs. 8.6 (7.3–10.4) months in sorafenib group ( P  = 0.01). Low MVD patients in combination therapy exhibited significantly longer median TTP and OS than controls. High MVD was predictive of poor responses to sorafenib. CryoRx did not increase frequency/degree of sorafenib-related adverse events. Therefore, it was concluded that the addition of cryoRx significantly improved clinical outcomes of Sorafenib therapy in advanced HCC with acceptable tolerance and similar safety profiles as previously reported. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9353-2 Authors Yongping Yang, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Yinying Lu, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Chunping Wang, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Wenlin Bai, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Jianhui Qu, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Yan Chen, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Xiujuan Chang, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Linjing An, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Lin Zhou, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Zhen Zeng, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Min Lou, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Jiyun Lv, Center of Therapeutic Research for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Beijing the 302nd Hospital, 100 Xisihuan Middle Road, Beijing, 100039 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Anaerobic gram-negative oral bacteria such as Treponema denticola , Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans , Porphyromonas gingivalis , Tannerella forsythia , Campylobacter rectus , and Fusobacterium nucleatum are closely associated with periodontal diseases. We measured the relative population (bacterial levels) of these oral pathogens in subgingival tissues of patients at different stages of Korean chronic periodontal diseases. We divided the individuals into those with chronic gingivitis (G), moderate periodontitis (P1), severe periodontitis (P2), and normal individuals (N) ( n  = 20 for each group) and subgingival tissue samples were collected. We used real-time PCR with TaqMan probes to evaluate the change of periodontal pathogens among different stages of periodontitis. Bacterial levels of A. actinomycetemcomitans and C. rectus are significantly increased in individuals with chronic gingivitis and moderate periodontitis, but unchanged in severe periodontitis patients. These results suggest that analyzing certain bacterial levels among total oral pathogens may facilitate understanding of the role of periodontal bacteria in the early stages of periodontitis. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0121-8 Authors Heon-Jin Lee, Department of Oral Microbiology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, 2-188-1 Samduk-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, 700-412 South Korea Jin-Kyoung Kim, Department of Oral Microbiology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, 2-188-1 Samduk-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, 700-412 South Korea Je-Yeol Cho, Department of Oral Biochemistry, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, 2-188-1 Samduk-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, 700-412 South Korea Jae-Mok Lee, Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, 2-188-1 Samduk-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, 700-412 South Korea Su-Hyung Hong, Department of Oral Microbiology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, 2-188-1 Samduk-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, 700-412 South Korea Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Six structurally related 3-keto-substituted macrolide antibiotics (ketolides) were compared for concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on growth rate, viable cell number, and protein synthesis rates in Staphylococcus aureus cells. Inhibitory effects on 50S ribosomal subunit formation were also examined, as this is a second target for these antibiotics. A concentration range of 0.01 to 0.1 μg/ml was tested. An IC 50 for inhibition of translation and 50S synthesis was measured for each compound, to relate structural features to inhibitory activity. ABT-773 was the most effective of the six compounds tested with an IC 50 = 0.035 μg/ml. HMR 3004 was almost as effective with an IC 50 = 0.05 μg/ml. Two 2-fluoroketolides (HMR 3562 and HMR 3787) were equivalent in their inhibitory activity with an IC 50 = 0.06 μg/ml. Telithromycin (HMR 3647) had an IC 50 = 0.08 μg/ml, and HMR 3832 was least effective with an IC 50 = 0.11 μg/ml. Each antibiotic had an equivalent inhibitory effect on translation and 50S subunit formation. These results indicate specific structural features of these antimicrobial agents, which contribute to defined inhibitory activities against susceptible organisms. Content Type Journal Article Pages 203-210 DOI 10.1007/PL00021055 Authors W. Scott Champney, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, J.H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University,, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA, US Craig L. Tober, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, J.H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University,, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA, US Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651 Journal Volume Volume 42 Journal Issue Volume 42, Number 3

Description:    Intensive treatment for newborns with trisomy 13 is controversial because of their lethal prognosis. We report the better life prognosis of patients with trisomy 13 who received intensive treatment. At our hospital, we provided an intensive management to such patients including resuscitation and surgical procedures as required. Herein, we present the results of a retrospective study (1989–2010) of 16 trisomy 13 cases who received an intensive treatment. None was diagnosed to have trisomy 13 before birth; 9 were delivered by C-section and oxygen was administered to all patients during postpartum resuscitation. Mechanical ventilation was used in 9 patients after tracheal intubation and tracheotomy was performed in 2 patients when withdrawing of extubation was difficult. Regarding prognosis, 9 patients died, 3 were referred to another hospital, and 4 were discharged from the hospital. Four and 7 patients died within 7 and 30 days after birth, respectively. Nine patients survived for 〉1 month, 7 for 〉180 days, and 5 for 〉3 years. Median survival for 16 patients was 733 days. The patients who received intensive treatments survived longer compared to the previous data. This study provides useful information concerning genetic counseling, especially from an ethical point of view, before providing intensive management to newborns with trisomy 13. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9355-0 Authors Keiko Tsukada, Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Kitakobayashi 880, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan George Imataka, Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Kitakobayashi 880, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan Hiroshi Suzumura, Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Kitakobayashi 880, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan Osamu Arisaka, Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Kitakobayashi 880, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description: Erratum to: Hyperhomocysteinemia and Related Genetic Polymorphisms Correlate with Ulcerative Colitis in Chinese Han population in Central China Content Type Journal Article Category Erratum Pages 407-407 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9337-2 Authors Yi Jiang, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, 430071 People’s Republic of China Xuanping Xia, Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325000 People’s Republic of China Wenxing Wang, Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325000 People’s Republic of China Limiao Lin, Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325000 People’s Republic of China Changlong Xu, Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325000 People’s Republic of China Zhenzai Cai, Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325000 People’s Republic of China Bo Zheng, Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325000 People’s Republic of China Jihua Pei, Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325000 People’s Republic of China Sujian Shen, Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325000 People’s Republic of China Bing Xia, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, 430071 People’s Republic of China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 2

Description:    Pathophysiological characteristics of hemorrhagic shock at high altitude are different from that at plain which involve severe injury, high mortality, difficult treatment and compromised liquid tolerance. High-altitude pulmonary/cerebral edema and multiple-organ dysfunction render the conventional treatment ineffective. Herein, we evaluated the resuscitation effects of hyperoxia solution on high-altitude hemorrhagic shock in rats. For this purpose, a rat model of high-altitude (3,658 m) hemorrhagic shock was established on the plateau and hyperoxia solution (4 ml/kg) was infused through external jugular vein for resuscitation at 60 min post-hemorrhage. Blood pressure, blood gas, left and right ventricular pressure, lung and brain water content, survival time, survival rate at 2 h, levels of inflammatory cytokines and free oxygen radicals in blood and tissue were determined. After resuscitation with hyperoxia solution, blood pressure, arterial oxygen partial pressure, left and right ventricular systolic pressure, ±d p /d t max, survival time and rate were significantly increased. Lung and brain water content were unchanged, malondialdehyde activity in lung, brain and plasma and levels of TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and endothelin were significantly decreased. Besides, CGRP was elevated with reduced injury and improved lung and kidney functions. Concludingly, resuscitation with hyperoxia solution is feasible and more effective than other classical liquids, making it the first choice of treatment for high-altitude hemorrhagic shock. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 343-352 DOI 10.1007/s12013-011-9316-z Authors Qiquan Zhou, Department of High Altitude Diseases, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, 3rd Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038 China Yongjun Luo, Department of High Altitude Diseases, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, 3rd Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038 China Fuyu Liu, Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, 3rd Military Medical University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400038 China Yuqi Gao, Key Laboratory of High Altitude Medicine, 3rd Military Medical University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400038 China Yi He, Research Center of Mountain Sickness, General Hospital of Tibetan Military Area, Lhasa, 850007 China Bihai Zheng, Research Center of Mountain Sickness, General Hospital of Tibetan Military Area, Lhasa, 850007 China Dingzhou Yang, Research Center of Mountain Sickness, General Hospital of Tibetan Military Area, Lhasa, 850007 China Suzhi Li, Research Center of Mountain Sickness, General Hospital of Tibetan Military Area, Lhasa, 850007 China Liangming Liu, Department-2 Research, Institute of Field Battle Surgery Research, 3rd Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 2

Description:    Human liver was closely associated with gut through various biological mechanisms, such as bacterium–gut interactions. Alterations of gut microbiota seemed to play an important role in induction and promotion of liver damage progression. The aim of this study was to characterize the gut microbiota in liver cirrhosis patients and assess whether there are alterations in the diversity and similarity of intestinal flora in cirrhotic patients when compared with healthy individuals. PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) with universal primers targeting V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was employed to characterize the overall intestinal microbiota composition, and some excised gel bands were cloned for sequencing. Real-time PCR was further utilized to quantitatively analyze the subpopulation of microbiota using group-specific primers targeting the Enterobacteriaceae , Enterococcus and Bifidobacterium genus. The DGGE profiles of two groups demonstrated significant differences between cirrhotic and healthy groups ( P  〈 0.05). While real-time PCR revealed significant increase of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus ( P  〈 0.05) in the cirrhotic group compared with the healthy group. The ratio of Bifidobacterium genus and Enterobacteriaceae decreased in the cirrhotic patients group, but no statistical significance. This study revealed strong relationship between alterations of gut microbiota and liver cirrhosis. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0105-8 Authors Jianjun Liu, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China Dachang Wu, Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044 China Ayaz Ahmed, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China Xinli Li, Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044 China Yufang Ma, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China Li Tang, Department of Microecology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China Dianjun Mo, Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng Medical University, Chifeng, China Yue Ma, Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China Yi Xin, Department of Biotechnology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044 China Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Mercury pollution is a major environmental problem that arises as a result of natural processes as well as from anthropogenic sources. In response to toxic mercury compounds, microbes have developed astonishing array of resistance systems to detoxify them. To address this challenge, this study was aimed in screening bacterial isolates for their tolerance against varied concentrations of phenylmercuric acetate. Mercury transformation by bacteria being sensitive to factors such as available carbon source, etc. that affect mer -mediated transformation, screened mercury tolerant bacteria were also studied for their tolerance to different antimicrobials and carbon sources, followed by identification using biochemical as well as 16S rRNA approach. Following identification, gene encoding organomercurial lyase catalyzing protonolytic cleavage of C–Hg bond of organic mercury was amplified using gene specific primers, cloned in pGEMT ® easy vector and sequenced. Microbe-based approach using organomercurial lyase encoded by merB gene being potentially economic, provides foundation to facilitate genetic manipulation of this environmentally important enzyme to remove high concentrations of obstinate mercury using holistic, multifaceted approach for use in bioremediation through generation of transgenics or as catalyst for use in bioreactors. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0118-3 Authors Arif Tasleem Jan, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025 India Mudsser Azam, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025 India Arif Ali, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025 India Qazi Mohd. Rizwanul Haq, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025 India Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Muscle damage is a common form of injury. The incidence of muscle damage accounts for up to half of the sports injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pulsed ultrasound on the healing process in an animal contusion injury model. SD rats (62) were randomly divided into control group (CG, 14 rats) and treatment group (48). According to the intensities of Ultrasound therapy, the treatment group was divided into 4 subgroups of 12 rats, each: A (0.25 W/cm 2 , US 1 ), B (0.5 W/cm 2 , US 2 ), C (0.75 W/cm 2 , US 3 ) and D (0.25 W/cm 2 ). The effectiveness of ultrasound treatment on muscle injuries was evaluated, and the optimal intensity of ultrasound in treating muscle injuries was explored. The results obtained provide experimental and theoretical evidence for the clinical effectiveness of Ultrasound therapy in treating muscle injuries. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 329-336 DOI 10.1007/s12013-011-9310-5 Authors Bin Shu, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042 China Zhijin Yang, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042 China Xiangping Li, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042 China Li-qun Zhang, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195 Journal Volume Volume 62 Journal Issue Volume 62, Number 2

Description:    Either the role of the adaptive immune system or the interaction between innate and adaptive immune systems in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is not clear so far. So, we planned to search for the interaction between the innate and adaptive immune systems in the pathogenesis of FMF by investigating polymorphism for CTLA - 4 gene, which plays a role in controlling antigen presentation to T cells. We also aimed to investigate whether there is an association between −318C/T and + 49A/G polymorphisms in the CTLA - 4 gene and the main clinical features of the disease. 75 FMF patients and 179 controls were studied. Polymorphism was detected by the PCR-RFLP technique. The CT genotype and T allele frequencies of the −318C/T polymorphism and the haplotype frequency for the −318T/ + 49A in the CTLA - 4 gene were higher in the FMF (21.3, 21.3, and 10.7 %) when compared with the controls (10.6, 10.6, and 5.3 %; P  = 0.029, 0.044, and 0.029). However, these differences did not reach a statistically significant level after the Bonferroni correction. A significant linkage disequilibrium was found between the −318C/T and +49A/G polymorphisms in the CTLA-4 gene (D′ = 0.997, r 2  = 0.027, P  = 0.0002). Genotype and carrier frequencies of the CTLA - 4 gene + 49A/G polymorphism were not significantly different between FMF patients and healthy controls. No association was found between the studied polymorphisms and the main clinical features of the disease. Our findings suggest that although not statistically significant, higher frequencies of CTLA - 4 gene −318CT genotype, T allele, and −318T/ + 49A haplotype in FMF patients may be related to the non-autoimmune pathogenesis of FMF. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9416-4 Authors Ramazan Gunesacar, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey Eren Erken, Department of Rheumatology-Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey Suzan Dinkci, Department of Rheumatology-Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    The contribution of RecA, Dps, and RpoS to survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 during desiccation and osmotic stress was determined in Luria–Bertani broth with 12 % NaCl (LB-12) at 30 and 37 °C, on filter disks at 23 and 30 °C, and in sterile bovine feces at 30 °C. RecA did not significantly contribute to survival in any condition or temperature. The contribution of Dps to survival was only significant in LB-12 at 37 °C. RpoS was necessary for survival during desiccation and osmotic stress, and survival of the RpoS mutant was significantly less than the parent in all conditions and temperatures. The RpoS mutant survived up to 21 days in bovine feces, 〈4 days on filter disks, and 〉8 and 〈4 days in LB-12 at 30 and 37 °C, respectively. The parent, ΔrecA , dps , and dps / ΔrecA mutant strains survived 〉8 days in LB-12, 〉28 days on filter disks, and 〉28 days in bovine feces. Increased incubation temperatures were associated with decreased survival. E. coli O157:H7 can persist in desiccating and osmotically challenging environments, especially sterile feces, for an extended period time. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0210-8 Authors Andrew J. Stasic, Department of Bacteriology, Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA Amy C. Lee Wong, Department of Bacteriology, Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA Charles W. Kaspar, Department of Bacteriology, Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1550 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Unlike dairy lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus brevis cannot ferment milk. We characterized the lactose utilization by L. brevis KB290. In a carbohydrate fermentation assay using API 50 CHL, we showed during 7 days L. brevis did not ferment lactose. L. brevis grew to the stationary phase in 2 weeks in MRS broth containing lactose as the carbon source. L. brevis slowly consumed the lactose in the medium. L. brevis hydrolyzed lactose and a lactose analog, o -nitrophenyl-β- d -galactopyranoside (ONPGal). This β-galactosidase activity for ONPGal was not repressed by glucose, galactose, fructose, xylose, or maltose showing the microorganism may not have carbon catabolite repression. We purified the L. brevis β-galactosidase using ammonium sulfate precipitation and several chromatographies. The enzyme’s molecular weight is estimated at 72 and 37 kDa using SDS-PAGE analysis. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the larger protein was 90 % similar to the sequence of the putative β-galactosidase (YP_796339) and the smaller protein was identical to the sequence of the putative β-galactosidase (YP_796338) in L. brevis ATCC367. This suggests the enzyme is a heterodimeric β-galactosidase. The specific activity of the purified enzyme for lactose is 55 U/mg. We speculate inhibition of lactose transport delays the lactose utilization in L. brevis KB290. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0216-2 Authors Hiroyuki Honda, Research Institute, Kagome Co., Ltd., 17 Nishitomiyama, Nasushiobara, 329-2762 Japan Nobuhiro Yajima, Research Institute, Kagome Co., Ltd., 17 Nishitomiyama, Nasushiobara, 329-2762 Japan Tadao Saito, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori-Amamiyamachi, Aoba, Sendai, 981-8555 Japan Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Aspergillus niger LOCK 62 produces an antifungal chitinase. Different sources of chitin in the medium were used to test the production of the chitinase. Chitinase production was most effective when colloidal chitin and shrimp shell were used as substrates. The optimum incubation period for chitinase production by Aspergillus niger LOCK 62 was 6 days. The chitinase was purified from the culture medium by fractionation with ammonium sulfate and affinity chromatography. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was 43 kDa. The highest activity was obtained at 40 °C for both crude and purified enzymes. The crude chitinase activity was stable during 180 min incubation at 40 °C, but purified chitinase lost about 25 % of its activity under these conditions. Optimal pH for chitinase activity was pH 6–6.5. The activity of crude and purified enzyme was stabilized by Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ ions, but inhibited by Hg 2+ and Pb 2+ ions. Chitinase isolated from Aspergillus niger LOCK 62 inhibited the growth of the fungal phytopathogens: Fusarium culmorum , Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani . The growth of Botrytis cinerea , Alternaria alternata , and Fusarium oxysporum was not affected. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0208-2 Authors Maria Swiontek Brzezinska, Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Gagarina 9, Toruń, Poland Urszula Jankiewicz, Department of Biochemistry, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, Warsaw, Poland Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Cell–cell interactions play an important role in spatial organization (pattern formation) during the development of multicellular organisms. An understanding of these biological roles requires identifying cell phenotypes that are regulated by cell–cell interactions and characterizing the spatial organizations of the phenotypes. However, conventional methods for assaying cell–cell interactions are mainly applicable at a cell population level. These measures are incapable of elucidating the spatial organizations of the phenotypes, resulting in an incomplete view of cell–cell interactions. To overcome this issue, we developed an automated image-based method to investigate cell–cell interactions based on spatial localizations of cells. We demonstrated this method in cultured cells using cell density-dependent nucleocytoplasmic distribution of β-catenin and aryl hydrocarbon receptor as the phenotype. This novel method was validated by comparing with a conventional population-based method, and proved to be more sensitive and reliable. The application of the method characterized how the phenotypes were spatially organized in a population of cultured cells. We further showed that the spatial organization was governed by cell density and was protein-specific. This automated method is very simple, and will be applicable to study cell–cell interactions in different systems from prokaryotic colonies to multicellular organisms. We envision that the ability to extract and interpret how cell–cell interactions determine the spatial organization of a cell phenotype will provide new insights into biology that may be missed by traditional population-averaged studies. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9412-8 Authors Fujun Han, Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 People’s Republic of China Biliang Zhang, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou, 510182 People’s Republic of China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    In clinical trials, methadone, but not morphine, appeared to prevent beneficial effects of lubiprostone, a ClC-2 Cl − channel activator, on opioid-induced constipation. Effects of methadone and morphine on lubiprostone-stimulated Cl − currents were measured by short circuit current (Isc) across T84 cells. Whole cell patch clamp of human ClC-2 (hClC-2) stably expressed in HEK293 cells and in a high expression cell line (HEK293EBNA) as well as human CFTR (hCFTR) stably expressed in HEK293 cells was used to study methadone and morphine effects on recombinant hClC-2 and hCFTR Cl − currents. Methadone but not morphine inhibited lubiprostone-stimulated Isc in T84 cells with half-maximal inhibition at 100 nM. Naloxone did not affect lubiprostone stimulation or methadone inhibition of Isc. Lubiprostone-stimulated Cl − currents in hClC-2/HEK293 cells, but not forskolin/IBMX-stimulated Cl − currents in hCFTR/HEK293 cells, were inhibited by methadone, but not morphine. HEK293EBNA cells expressing hClC-2 showed time-dependent, voltage-activated, CdCl 2 -inhibited Cl − currents in the absence (control) and the presence of lubiprostone. Methadone, but not morphine, inhibited control and lubiprostone-stimulated hClC-2 Cl − currents with half-maximal inhibition at 100 and 200–230 nM, respectively. Forskolin/IBMX-stimulated hClC-2 Cl − currents were also inhibited by methadone. Myristoylated protein kinase inhibitor (a specific PKA inhibitor) inhibited forskolin/IBMX- but not lubiprostone-stimulated hClC-2 Cl − currents. Methadone caused greater inhibition of lubiprostone-stimulated currents added before patching (66.1 %) compared with after patching (28.7 %). Methadone caused inhibition of lubiprostone-stimulated Cl − currents in T84 cells and control; lubiprostone- and forskolin/IBMX-stimulated recombinant hClC-2 Cl − currents may be the basis for reduced efficacy of lubiprostone in methadone-treated patients. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9406-6 Authors John Cuppoletti, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0576, USA Jayati Chakrabarti, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0576, USA Kirti Tewari, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0576, USA Danuta H. Malinowska, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0576, USA Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Wood-feeding termites live on cellulolytic materials that typically lack of nitrogen sources. It was reported that symbiotic microbes play important roles in the maintenance of a normal nitrogen contents in termite by different metabolisms including nitrogen fixation. In this study, the diversity of nitrogen-fixing organisms in the symbiotic intestinal microflora of Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder was investigated with culture independent method. Fragments of the nifH genes, which encode dinitrogenase reductase, were directly amplified from the DNA of the mixed microbial population in the termite gut with four sets of primers corresponding to the conserved regions of the genes. Clones were randomly selected and analyzed by RFLP. Sequence analysis revealed that a large number of nifH sequences retrieved from the termite gut were most closely related to strict anaerobic bacteria such as clostridia and spirochetes, some of the others were affiliated with proteobacteria, bacteroides, or methanogenic archaea. The results showed that there was a remarkable diversity of nitrogenase genes in the gut of Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0185-5 Authors Xin Du, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Avenue, Wuhan, 430079 People’s Republic of China Xiaojuan Li, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Avenue, Wuhan, 430079 People’s Republic of China Yin Wang, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Avenue, Wuhan, 430079 People’s Republic of China Jianxin Peng, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Avenue, Wuhan, 430079 People’s Republic of China Huazhu Hong, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Avenue, Wuhan, 430079 People’s Republic of China Hong Yang, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Avenue, Wuhan, 430079 People’s Republic of China Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    In the last few years, numerous cases of multidrug-resistant Achromobacter xylosoxidans infections have been documented in immunocompromised and cystic fibrosis patients. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms and mobile elements related to multidrug resistance in this bacterium, we studied 24 non-epidemiological A. xylosoxidans clinical isolates from Argentina. Specific primers for plasmids, transposons, insertion sequences, bla ampC , intI1 , and intI2 genes were used in PCR reactions. The obtained results showed the presence of wide host range IncP plasmids in ten isolates and a high dispersion of class 1 integrons ( n  = 10) and class 2 integrons ( n  = 3). Four arrays in the variable region (vr) of class 1 integrons were identified carrying different gene cassettes as the aminoglycoside resistance aac(6′) - Ib and aadA1 , the trimethoprim resistance dfrA1 and dfrA16 , and the β-lactamase bla OXA-2 . In only one of the class 2 integrons, a vr was amplified that includes sat2 - aadA1 . The bla ampC gene was found in all isolates, confirming its ubiquitous nature. Our results show that A. xylosoxidans clinical isolates contain a rich variety of genetic elements commonly associated with resistance genes and their dissemination. This supports the hypothesis that A. xylosoxidans is becoming a reservoir of horizontal genetic transfer elements commonly involved in spreading antibiotic resistance. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0213-5 Authors German Matías Traglia, Laboratorio de Investigaciones de los Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos, Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Paraguay 2155 Piso 12, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina Marisa Almuzara, Laboratorio de Bacteriología Clínica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina Andrea Karina Merkier, Laboratorio de Investigaciones de los Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos, Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Paraguay 2155 Piso 12, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina Christina Adams, Laboratorio de Investigaciones de los Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos, Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Paraguay 2155 Piso 12, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina Laura Galanternik, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina Carlos Vay, Laboratorio de Bacteriología Clínica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina Daniela Centrón, Laboratorio de Investigaciones de los Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos, Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Paraguay 2155 Piso 12, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina María Soledad Ramírez, Laboratorio de Investigaciones de los Mecanismos de Resistencia a Antibióticos, Instituto de Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Paraguay 2155 Piso 12, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Parietal endoderm-secreted S100A4 promotes early cardiomyogenesis in embryoid bodies [ 1 ]. After an acute ischemic event, S100A4 protein appears in cardiac myocytes only in the border zone in rat and human hearts [ 2 ]. In wound research, a large outward current of 4 μA/cm 2 was always measured at the wound edges of rat cornea and human skin [ 3 ]. We hypothesize that a special electrical circumstance at the border zone may contribute to the phenomenon. An electric stimulation system was designed to give the cells electric pulse current stimulation (EPCS), the feature of the signal is pulse polarity altered one after another, rectangular 2 ms, 2 Hz, 40 μA. This intensity of stimulation is proved to be safe to cardiac myocytes (both in structure and beating behavior compared with the cardiac myocytes which do not receive stimulation) and MSCs (in cell vitality, proliferation, cell cycle, and gap junction generation potential) through our previous work. Canine MSCs are capable of generating voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ channel and Na + channels and generating the Ca 2+ handling system during differentiation. We found that CD44 was reduced in the MSCs monolayer treated with EPCS, compared with non-stimulated MSCs; and EPCS MSCs (3 h/day, 6 h/day, 5 days) showed an 14.04 ± 3.44 and 14.55 ± 3.97 % reduction in CD44, compared with the cotemporary MSCs; these reveal that CD44 reduction amplitude is not correlated with time for EPCS disposure and CD29 (integrin β1) expression is not affected by EPCS exposure. EPCS was given to the MSCs and cardiac myocytes coculture monolayer (ratio 3:1) for different time (1, 3, and 6 h/day) for 4 days to see the biological effects. Gap junction protein and troponin T show an increase after EPCS. We found that the gap junction protein Cx43 increased with treating time—in the EPCS group, it exhibited 1.5 and 1.7 fold in the 3 h/day group and 6 h/day group ( P  〈 0.01), and troponin T exhibited to about 3.6 and 4.4 fold in the 3 h/day group ( P  〈 0.01) and 6 h/day group ( P  〈 0.05). Since coculture was used as stimuli, immunofluorescence was used to visualize the changes during EPCS for the purpose of elucidating the impact of EPCS on cardiac myocytes and MSCs. We found that after 5 days exposure, EPCS can enhance the expression of S100A4, which is 2.33 fold in cardiac myocytes ( P  〈 0.01) and 1.99 fold in MSCs ( P  〈 0.01) in gray value. A significant increasing expression of the myocyte enhancer factor (MEF) and GATA4 is detected in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes ( P  〈 0.01) compared with cotemporary coculture monolayer in the control group. Also, EPCS can trigger the assembly of MEF2c in the nuclei. In addition, more cardiac myocytes were found to have two nuclei. But MSCs fail to active MEF2C transcriptional factor like that in cardiac myocytes after EPCS exposure. The elevation of MEF2 in both cytoplasm and nuclei of cardiac myocytes can always make a clear distinction of the cardiac myocytes and MSCs in coculture. Some factors show strong upregulation tendency with EPCS in both cardiac myocytes and MSCs—these include the troponin T ( P  〈 0.01) and Cx43 ( P  〈 0.05) in cardiac myocytes, and troponin T ( P  〈 0.01) and Cx43 ( P  〈 0.01) in MSCs. Collagen I expression is not affected with EPCS. In conclusion, mild EPCS can upregulate the secretion of S100A4 in both cardiac myocytes and MSCs, which is a factor supporting the cardiomyogenesis and angiogenesis; it further triggers the development of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes through upregulation of MEF2C and GATA4, the number of cardiac myocytes with two nuclei increases with EPCS, but this phenomenon does not appear in MSCs. Despite this, Cx43 and troponin T in both cardiac myocytes and MSCs are very sensitive to EPCS. EPCS can act as an effective and multi-targeted physical intervention method in cardiomyogenesis. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9402-x Authors Lei Wen, Department of Cardiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China Changhai Zhang, Department of Cardiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China Yaoming Nong, Department of Cardiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China Qing Yao, Department of Cardiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China Zhiyuan Song, Department of Cardiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    There are possible hazardous health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations emitted from mobile phone on the human reproductive pattern. It is more effective while keeping mobile phones in pocket or near testicular organs. Present review examines the possible concern on radio frequency radiation interaction and biological effects such as enzyme induction, and toxicological effects, including genotoxicity and carcinogenicity, testicular cancer, and reproductive outcomes. Testicular infertility or testicular cancer due to mobile phone or microwave radiations suggests an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Though generation of ROS in testis has been responsible for possible toxic effects on physiology of reproduction, the reviews of last few decades have well established that these radiations are very harmful and cause mutagenic changes in reproductive pattern and leads to infertility. The debate will be focused on bio-interaction mechanism between mobile phone and testicular cancer due to ROS formation. This causes the biological damage and leads to several changes like decreased sperm count, enzymatic and hormonal changes, DNA damage, and apoptosis formation. In the present review, physics of mobile phone including future research on various aspects has been discussed. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9414-6 Authors Kavindra Kumar Kesari, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India Sanjay Kumar, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India Jayprakash Nirala, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India Mohd. Haris Siddiqui, Department of Biotechnology, Integral University, Lucknow, India Jitendra Behari, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    FtsZ is a widely distributed major cytoskeletal protein involved in the archaea and bacteria cell division. It is the most critical component in the division machinery and similar to tubulin in structure and function. Four major roles of FtsZ have been characterized: cell elongation, GTPase, cell division, and bacterial cytoskeleton. FtsZ subunits can be assembled into protofilaments. Mycobacteria consist of a large family of medical and environmental important bacteria, such as M. leprae, M. tuberculosis , the pathogen of leprosy, and tuberculosis. Structure, function, and regulation of mycobacteria FtsZ are summarized here, together with the implication of FtsZ as potential novel drug target for anti-tuberculosis therapeutics. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9415-5 Authors Weiling Hong, Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715 China Wanyan Deng, Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715 China Jianping Xie, Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    The thesis as a book on formation and cooperative behavior of protein complexes on the cell membrane highlights three major sections on protein oligomerization on cell surface, review approaches on membrane protein oligomerization and validation of oligomer formation process mainly using pure physical/theoretical models. These chapters cover an existing knowledge on membrane protein oligomer formation, experimental approaches with focus on mechanosensitive channels, interactions in oligomer assembly/stability, protein fragmentation, and pore formation in Tat complex system. In almost every chapter, physical/theoretical models have been integrated. A merger of protein oligomerization phenomena and theoretical physics is not quite intriguing for biologists/biochemists lacking adequate knowledge in physical modeling and its theoretical applications, and vice versa. Content Type Journal Article Category Book Review Pages 1-3 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9420-8 Authors Mobeen Raja, School of Molecular and Systems Medicine, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Daidzein belongs to the group of isoflavones, found in a wide variety of plant-derived foods, especially in soybeans and soy-based foods. In this study, the effect of daidzein on human gastric carcinoma cells (BGC-823) and its mechanism were investigated. MTT assay was applied in the detection of the inhibitory effects of daidzein on cell proliferation. Hoechst–propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry were used to examine the apoptosis as well as the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins: cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax. Daidzein significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of human gastric carcinoma cells (BGC-823) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, it was found that an insult of daidzein to BGC-823 cells caused them to die by disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, demonstrated not only by staining dead cells for phosphatidylserine but also by the up-regulation (cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, Bax) and down-regulation (Bcl-2) of proteins associated with apoptosis and survival; whereas, the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk could partially rescue cells against damage of daidzein. Taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that daidzein significantly induces apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway. Specifically, daidzein induced a change in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratios and activation of caspases-3 and -9 and the cleavage of PARP. Therefore, daidzein has the potential for use as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric carcinoma. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9418-2 Authors Shuyao Tang, Department of Emergency Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23 Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang, China Jing Hu, Department of Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Qingfeng Meng, Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Xuesong Dong, Department of Emergency Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23 Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang, China Kaifu Wang, Department of Emergency Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23 Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang, China Yuebin Qi, Department of Emergency Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23 Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang, China Chao Chu, Department of Emergency Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23 Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang, China Xiaochuan Zhang, Department of Emergency Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23 Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang, China Limin Hou, Department of Emergency Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23 Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Many known prokaryotic organisms depend on a single bifunctional enzyme, encoded by the RibC of RibF gene and named FAD synthetase (FADS), to convert Riboflavin (RF), first into FMN and then into FAD. The reaction occurs through the sequential action of two activities present on a single polypeptide chain where the N-terminus is responsible for the ATP:FMN adenylyltransferase (FMNAT) activity and the C-terminus for the ATP: riboflavin kinase (RFK) activity. Sequence and structural analysis suggest that T208, N210 and E268 at the C-terminus RFK module of Corynebacterium ammoniagenes FADS ( Ca FADS) might be key during RF phosphorylation. The effect of site-directed mutagenesis on the RFK activity, as well as on substrates and products binding, indicates that T208 and N210 provide the RFK active-site geometry for binding and catalysis, while E268 might be involved in the catalytic step as catalytic base. These data additionally suggest concerted conformational changes at the RFK module of Ca FADS during its activity. Mutations at the RFK site also modulate the binding parameters at the FMNAT active site of Ca FADS, altering the catalytic efficiency in the transformation of FMN into FAD. This observation supports the hypothesis that the hexameric assembly previously revealed by the crystal structure of Ca FADS might play a functional role during catalysis. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9403-9 Authors Ana Serrano, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Saragossa, Spain Susana Frago, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Saragossa, Spain Beatriz Herguedas, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Saragossa, Spain Marta Martínez-Júlvez, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Saragossa, Spain Adrián Velázquez-Campoy, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Saragossa, Spain Milagros Medina, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Saragossa, Spain Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Molecular imaging employing 18 [F]FDG-PET/CT enables in-vivo visualization, characterisation and measurement of biological process in tumour at the molecular and cellular level. In oncology, this approach can be directly applied as translational biomarkers of disease progression. In this article, the improved roles of FDG as an in-vivo glycolytic marker which reflect biological changes across in-vitro cellular environment are discussed. New understanding in how altered metabolism via glycolytic downstream drivers of malignant transformation as reviewed below offers unique promise as to monitor tumour aggressiveness and hence optimize the therapeutic management. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9395-5 Authors F. Fathinul, Centre for Diagnostic Nuclear Imaging, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia A. J. Nordin, Centre for Diagnostic Nuclear Imaging, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia W. F. E. Lau, Department of Radiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Recently we observed increased adipose tissue (AT) expression of CD40-related signaling proteins but no activation of tumor necrosis factor-α or CD68 in patients with chronic sustained hypoxia resulting from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) is involved in cellular responses to hypoxia and activates the proinflammatory gene expression with concomitant upregulation of its own repressors—inhibitors of κB (IκB) in an auto feedback loop. Inhibitor of kappaB kinase (IKK)-γ and inhibitor of kappaB kinase complex-associated protein (IKAP) are further regulatory proteins involved in NFκB signaling. In this study, we hypothesized that chronic sustained hypoxia significantly relates to IκBα, IKKγ and IKAP within the AT in COPD patients. In 20 patients with stable disease, samples of subcutaneous AT were analyzed using real-time PCR. Although no significant differences were observed between two groups categorized by median PaO 2 in NFκB ( p  = 0.065), gene expressions of IκBα, IKKγ and IKAP were all higher in hypoxemic patients ( p  = 0.033; p  = 0.050; p  = 0.010, respectively). In multivariate analyses, PaO 2 independently predicted AT IκBα, IKKγ and IKAP ( R 2  = 0.490, p  = 0.012; R 2  = 0.586, p  = 0.002; R 2  = 0.504, p  = 0.009, respectively). In conclusion, our data suggest significant AT upregulation of IκBα, IKKγ and IKAP by chronic sustained hypoxia in COPD patients. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9391-9 Authors R. Tkacova, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, P.J. Safarik University and L. Pasteur Teaching Hospital, Rastislavova 43, Kosice, 041 90 Slovakia J. Ukropec, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia P. Skyba, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, P.J. Safarik University and L. Pasteur Teaching Hospital, Rastislavova 43, Kosice, 041 90 Slovakia B. Ukropcova, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia P. Pobeha, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, P.J. Safarik University and L. Pasteur Teaching Hospital, Rastislavova 43, Kosice, 041 90 Slovakia T. Kurdiova, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia P. Joppa, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, P.J. Safarik University and L. Pasteur Teaching Hospital, Rastislavova 43, Kosice, 041 90 Slovakia I. Klimes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia I. Tkac, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, P.J. Safarik University and L. Pasteur Teaching Hospital, Rastislavova 43, Kosice, 041 90 Slovakia D. Gasperikova, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Acute myeloblastic leukaemia is characterised by the extreme clonal proliferation of haematopoietic precursor cells with abnormal or arrested differentiation. Chemotherapy of acute leukaemia is channelled towards the reduction and eradication of leukaemic cells. However, relapse is generally assumed to occur in residual host cells, which are refractory to or elude therapy. The cancer stem cell hypothesis has gained considerable importance in recent years and could interpret this behaviour. This persuasive theory states that cells within a tumour are organised in a hierarchy similar to that of normal tissues and are maintained by a small subset of cells responsible for tumour dormancy. These cells, defined as ‘tumour initiating cells’ (TICs), possess several properties of normal tissue stem cells. Recently, the TICs associated with AML have been shown to comprise distinct, hierarchically arranged classes similar to those observed for haematopoietic stem cells. We know now that the growth and survival of blasts in AML are driven by the same growth factors that stimulate normal cells. Furthermore, direct evidence of the role of membrane stem cell factor and its receptor c-Kit in cell–cell interactions and cell survival in primary AML blasts have been provided, defining the importance of juxtacrine stimulation. Inhibition of c-Kit signalling induces combinations of cell death: autophagy (compensatory mechanism towards survival) and apoptosis. While recent work confirmed that c-Kit inhibitors reduce cancer cell proliferation, it also demonstrated that future inappropriate prescriptions could cause normal tissue deterioration. The purpose of this paper was to review some of the salient features of leukaemic blasts in support of the proposal that research into neoplasia be increased. Rather than presenting the details of various studies, I have attempted to indicate general areas in which work has been done or is in progress. It is hoped that this survey of the subject will demonstrate a variety of opportunities for additional research in human neoplasia. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9392-8 Authors Julio Roberto Cáceres-Cortés, Laboratory of Cancer and Hematopoiesis, Superior School of Medicine, National Polytechnic Institute, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, 11340 Mexico, D.F., Mexico Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    The purpose of this study was to develop a new apparatus for in vitro studies applying low frequency electrical fields to cells without interfering side effects like biochemical reactions or magnetic fields which occur in currently available systems. We developed a non-invasive method by means of the principle of transformer-like coupling where the magnetic field is concentrated in a toroid and, therefore, does not affect the cell culture. Next to an extensive characterization of the electrical field parameters, initial cell culture studies have focused on examining the response of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to pulsed electrical fields. While no significant differences in the proliferation of human MSCs could be detected, significant increases in ALP activity as well as in gene expression of other osteogenic markers were observed. The results indicate that transformer-like coupled electrical fields can be used to influence osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs in vitro and can pose a useful tool in understanding the influence of electrical fields on the cellular and molecular level. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9388-4 Authors R. Hess, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, TU Dresden, Budapester Str. 27, 01069 Dresden, Germany H. Neubert, Institute of Electromechanical and Electronic Design, TU Dresden, Helmholtzstr. 10, 01069 Dresden, Germany A. Seifert, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, TU Dresden, Budapester Str. 27, 01069 Dresden, Germany S. Bierbaum, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, TU Dresden, Budapester Str. 27, 01069 Dresden, Germany D. A. Hart, McCaig Institute of Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada D. Scharnweber, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, TU Dresden, Budapester Str. 27, 01069 Dresden, Germany Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    We investigated clinical features, therapy, and outcomes of patients hospitalized for drug-induced liver injury (DILI). DILI resolution was defined as liver biochemistry values back to normal or lower than CIOMS laboratory criteria; Chronicity was defined as persistent biochemical abnormality for 〉6 months after drugs’ withdrawal. Three-hundred cases were reviewed retrospectively; mean age 51 (13–86) years, and 204 (68 %) were females. It included 267 (89 %) hepatocellular injury, 16 (5.3 %) cholestatic injury, and 17 (5.7 %) mixed injury cases. In hepatocellular injury group, 197 (73.8 %) patients with TBIL 〈 10× ULN included 142 (72.1 %) females and 70 (26.2 %) patients with TBIL ≥ 10× ULN included 39 (55.7 %) females ( P  = 0.012). Of 70 patients (TBIL ≥ 10× ULN), 20 were treated with steroid step-down therapy (79 ± 26 days) and others with non-steroid therapy. The steroid therapy group showed higher DILI resolution rate ( P  = 0.029) and shorter recovery time ( P  = 0.012). Notably, 274/300 (91.3 %) patients resolved, 18/300 (6 %) developed chronic liver injury, 7/300 (2.3 %) died, and one patient received liver transplantation. In death group, TBIL, ALB, PT, and PTA revealed more severe abnormality than in recovery group. In 121/300 (40.3 %) patients, use of herbal medicines was the leading cause of liver injury, followed by antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, and endocrine drugs. We concluded that step-down steroid therapy for DILI improved curative effect, shortened disease course, and was safe. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9373-y Authors Feng-Qin Hou, Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8, XiShiKu Street, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100034 China Zheng Zeng, Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8, XiShiKu Street, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100034 China Gui-Qiang Wang, Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8, XiShiKu Street, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100034 China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    The antimicrobial properties of methyl (MTS) and ethyl (ETS) esters of thiosulfonic acid alone and in combination with rhamnolipid-biosurfactant (RL) have been characterized for their ability to disrupt the normal physiological functions of living pathogens. Bactericidal and fungicidal activities of MTS and ETS and their combination with rhamnolipid were demonstrated on strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Alcaligenes faecalis, and Rhizopus ngtricans . It was found that the combination of rhamnolipid and thiosulfonic esters has a synergistic effect leading to decreasing of bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations of MTS and ETS. More extensively was studied the effect of rhamnolipid on the lipid composition of B. subtilis bacterial membrane. To our knowledge, in this article is reported for the first time a remarkable increase of negatively charged phospholipid cardiolipin in the presence of rhamnolipid. The capacity of RL as a surface-active substance was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The occurrence of surface infolds and blebs on B. subtilis shown by SEM, was not accompanied by changes in membrane permeability tested by a live/dead viability staining for fluorescence microscopy. When RL was applied in combination with MTS, a dramatic permeability shift for propidium iodide was observed in vegetative cells. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0191-7 Authors Anna Sotirova, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev St., Block 26, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria Tatyana Avramova, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev St., Block 26, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria Stoyanka Stoitsova, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev St., Block 26, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria Irina Lazarkevich, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev St., Block 26, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria Vera Lubenets, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, Bandera Str. 12, Lviv, Ukraine Elena Karpenko, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, Bandera Str. 12, Lviv, Ukraine Danka Galabova, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev St., Block 26, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    The identification of Trichoderma genes whose expression is altered during early stages of interaction with developing roots of germinated seeds is an important step toward understanding the rhizosphere competency of Trichoderma spp. The potential of 13 Trichoderma strains to colonize tomato root and promote plant growth has been evaluated. All used strains successfully propagated in spermosphere and continued their growth in rhizoplane simultaneously root enlargement while the strains T6 and T7 were the most abundant in the apical segment of roots. Root colonization in most strains associated with promoting the roots and shoots growth while they significantly increased up to 43 and 40 % roots and shoots dry weights, respectively. Differential display reverse transcriptase-PCR (DDRT-PCR) has been developed to detect differentially expressed genes in the previously selected strain, Trichoderma harzianum T7, during colonization stages of tomato-germinating seeds and roots. Amplified DDRT-PCR products were analyzed on gel agarose and 62 differential bands excised, purified, cloned, and sequenced. Obtained ESTs were submit-queried to NCBI database by BLASTx search and gene ontology hierarchy. Most of transcripts (29 EST) corresponds to known and hypothetical proteins such as secretion-related small GTPase, 40S ribosomal protein S3a, 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, DNA repair protein rad50, lipid phosphate phosphatase-related protein type 3, nuclear essential protein, phospholipase A2, fatty acid desaturase, nuclear pore complex subunit Nup133, ubiquitin-activating enzyme, and 60S ribosomal protein L40. Also, 13 of these sequences showed no homology ( E  〉 0.05) with public databases and considered as novel genes. Some of these ESTs corresponded to genes encodes enzymes potentially involved in nutritional support of microorganisms which have obvious importance in the establishment of Trichoderma in spermosphere and rhizosphere, via potentially functioning in acquisition of nutrients from energy-rich carbon compounds leaked from the germinating seeds and roots. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0189-1 Authors Mehdi Mehrabi-Koushki, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Hamid Rouhani, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Esmat Mahdikhani-Moghaddam, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Molecular motors are responsible of transporting a wide variety of cargos in the cytoplasm. Current efforts are oriented to characterize the biophysical properties of motors in cells with the aim of elucidating the mechanisms of these nanomachines in the complex cellular environment. In this study, we present an algorithm designed to extract motor step sizes and dwell times between steps from trajectories of motors or cargoes driven by motors in cells. The algorithm is based on finding patterns in the trajectory compatible with the behavior expected for a motor step, i.e., a region of confined motion followed by a jump in the position to another region of confined motion with similar characteristics to the previous one. We show that this algorithm allows the analysis of 2D trajectories even if they present complex motion patterns such as active transport interspersed with diffusion and does not require the assumption of a given step size or dwell period. The confidence on the step detection can be easily obtained and allows the evaluation of the confidence of the dwell and step size distributions. To illustrate the possible applications of this algorithm, we analyzed trajectories of myosin-V driven organelles in living cells. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9397-3 Authors Augusto Bruno, Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón 1, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 1428 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina Luciana Bruno, Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón 1, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 1428 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina Valeria Levi, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 1428 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Preeclampsia is a disease of worldwide significance with increasing maternal mortality rate of 20–80 %. Though apoptosis is a normal constituent during pregnancy, there seems to be an altered balance between proliferation and apoptosis of endothelial cell in preeclampsia leading to a placental dysregulation resulting in premature delivery. Molecular chaperones like HSP70 and 90 play a significant role in control of preeclamptic progression and protect the developing fetus. This is governed by alterations in expression of HSF1, HIF1α a nuclear transcription factor and signaling molecule like ERK, JNK1/2, and Bcl-2. Endothelial cell from normotensive and preeclamptic placenta were analyzed for variation in viability and expression of signaling molecules. A significant decrease in viability of endothelial cell ( p  〈 0.05) was noted in preeclamptic samples when compared to normotensive samples. The results indicate that there was an increase in, HSP70 and 90 ( p  〈 0.01), HSF1 ( p  〈 0.01), HIF1α ( p  〈 0.05), ERK ( p  〈 0.05), JNK1/2 ( p  〈 0.05), and Bcl-2 ( p  〈 0.05). Though there is a significant change in the viability of endothelial cell, the live fetal delivery is not predominantly affected during preeclampsia. The interplay between these signaling molecules which alter the apoptotic pathway to sustain endothelial cell viability is discussed. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9371-0 Authors Ekambaram Padmini, P.G. Department of Biochemistry, Bharathi Women’s College, Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Venkatraman Uthra, P.G. Department of Biochemistry, Bharathi Women’s College, Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Srinivasan Lavanya, P.G. Department of Biochemistry, Bharathi Women’s College, Affiliated to University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    This study focuses on providing diagnosis and treatment for xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC). Clinical data from 39 patients diagnosed with XGC by pathological examination between 2002 and 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. As a result, in this group of patients, the male to female ratio was 30:9 and the average age of XGC onset was 62.2 years. Clinical manifestation of the disease was similar to general cholecystitis and preoperative CT examination showed that there were only 4 XGC cases, while the others were possibly misdiagnosed. Intraoperative observations showed that all the patients had gallbladder wall thickening. This was associated with gallbladder stones in 37 patients (94.9 %), choledocholith in 11 patients (28.2 %), and Mirizzi syndrome in 5 patients (12.8 %). In this study, intraoperative frozen section pathology was conducted in 14 patients and no gallbladder cancer was found. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed on 7 patients, of which two were transferred to laparotomy. Of the remaining 32 cases, 25 were subjected to open cholecystectomy, 3 to partial cholecystectomy, and 4 to the cholecystectomy and partial liver wedge resection. It was concluded that XGC is a unique type of cholecystitis with atypical clinical manifestations and is often difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Pathological examination is a key to diagnose XGC and cholecystectomy is the primary surgical treatment. In patients with choledochectasia or jaundice, for whom we cannot exclude calculus of common bile duct, common bile duct exploration should be considered. The prognosis of XGC appears to be good with the above approaches. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9381-y Authors Sheng-Hua Han, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China Yan-Ling Chen, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People’s Republic of China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    Proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) is an important contributor to the progress of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Anti-inflammatory therapies may have therapeutic applicability for PAH. Resveratrol (RES) has prominent anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, but in vivo its beneficial effects are limited by short systemic half life and poor lipotrophy. A derivative of RES, trimethoxystilbene (TMS), has higher lipotropy and extended half life compared with RES, and can potentially overcome the limitations of RES. In the present study, we studied the effects of TMS and RES on proliferation and apoptosis of PASMC stimulated with Tumor Necrosis Factor-α. The effects on PASMC proliferation were quantified by MTT, while apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry (Annexin V/propidium iodide assay). We observed strong inhibitory effects of TMS on the growth of PASMC, and these effects were 20 times more potent than those of RES. We further documented induction of apoptosis in PASMC treated with TMS, again, to a higher degree than with RES. In conclusion, TMS is more potent than RES in the inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis of PASMC, demonstrating its potentially beneficial role for treating PAH. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9377-7 Authors Ge Gao, Department of Physiology, Xiangya Medicine School, Central South University, Changsha, 410011 Hunan, China Xin Wang, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 86 Ren-ming Road, Changsha, 410011 Hunan, China Xiaoqun Qin, Department of Physiology, Xiangya Medicine School, Central South University, Changsha, 410011 Hunan, China Xinyu Jiang, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 Hunan, China Daxiong Xiang, Institute for Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 Hunan, China Li Xie, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 86 Ren-ming Road, Changsha, 410011 Hunan, China Jianguo Hu, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 86 Ren-ming Road, Changsha, 410011 Hunan, China Jiesheng Gao, Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410083 Hunan, China Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195

Description:    This study describe the use of a combination of two recently proposed typing approaches, multiple amplification of prophage locus typing (MAPLT) and multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) for subdividing within Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg ( S. Heidelberg). The combined typing method was compared with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) by Simpson’s index of diversity (DI). PFGE was shown to have a DI = 0.84 and was poor at differentiation of the predominant PT1 (Phage Type 1) phenotype. In comparison, the combined MAPLT/MLVA method comprising 3 MLVA and 9 MAPLT primer pairs provided a higher differentiating ability DI = 0.92. More importantly, the combined methodology was found to be superior in the differentiation of the predominant PT1 isolates. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of the rapid and simple amalgamated MAPLT/MLVA approach in determining transmission of isolates of clonal phage type groups from various environmental sources to humans. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0179-3 Authors Chun-Chun Young, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Ian L. Ross, Public Health Unit, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology (at Women’s and Children’s Hospital), 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia Michael W. Heuzenroeder, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Rapid and accurate identification of mycobacteria isolates from primary culture is important due to timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy. Conventional methods for identification of Mycobacterium species based on biochemical tests needs several weeks and may remain inconclusive. In this study, a novel multiplex real-time PCR was developed for rapid identification of Mycobacterium genus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and the most common non-tuberculosis mycobacteria species including M. abscessus , M. fortuitum , M. avium complex, M. kansasii , and the M. gordonae in three reaction tubes but under same PCR condition. Genetic targets for primer designing included the 16S rDNA gene, the dnaJ gene, the gyrB gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Multiplex real-time PCR was setup with reference Mycobacterium strains and was subsequently tested with 66 clinical isolates. Results of multiplex real-time PCR were analyzed with melting curves and melting temperature ( T m ) of Mycobacterium genus, MTC, and each of non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium species were determined. Multiplex real-time PCR results were compared with amplification and sequencing of 16S-23S rDNA ITS for identification of Mycobacterium species. Sensitivity and specificity of designed primers were each 100 % for MTC, M. abscessus , M. fortuitum, M. avium complex, M. kansasii , and M. gordonae. Sensitivity and specificity of designed primer for genus Mycobacterium was 96 and 100 %, respectively. According to the obtained results, we conclude that this multiplex real-time PCR with melting curve analysis and these novel primers can be used for rapid and accurate identification of genus Mycobacterium , MTC, and the most common non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium species. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0188-2 Authors Bahram Nasr Esfahani, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Esfahān, Iran Hadi Rezaei Yazdi, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Esfahān, Iran Sharareh Moghim, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Esfahān, Iran Hajieh Ghasemian Safaei, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Esfahān, Iran Hamid Zarkesh Esfahani, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Esfahān, Iran Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    Two-hundred-and-thirty-six isolates were collected from fresh flowers, bees and bee-hives. Of these, 20 isolates preferred d -fructose as carbon source, produced lactic acid and acetic acid but trace amounts of ethanol and were classified as fructophilic. Poor growth was recorded when strains were incubated anaerobically in the presence of d -glucose as sole carbon source. Good growth was, however, recorded when d -glucose was metabolized in the presence of external electron acceptors such as fructose, pyruvate and oxygen. Nineteen of the strains were classified as Lactobacillus kunkeei and one as Lactobacillus brevis based on phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA sequences, recA sequences and DNA homology. This is the first description of a fructophilic strain of L. brevis . Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0186-4 Authors Deon P. Neveling, Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602 South Africa Akihito Endo, Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602 South Africa Leon M. T. Dicks, Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602 South Africa Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    This study sought to investigate the effect of sulfur levels on changes in the fungal community composition of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) at the pod-setting stage and the relationship between the amount of applied sulfur and AM fungal diversity in different soybean cultivars. The objective of the research was to determine the optimal sulfur application level for different soybean cultivars and to improve soybean yield and quality from the perspective of AM fungal diversity. Three soybean cultivars, Heinong 44, Heinong 48, and Heinong 37, were selected as study materials. In addition to 0.033 g each of N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O per kg of soil, 0, 0.02, 0.04, or 0.06 g of elemental sulfur was applied to each kg of soil for the four treatment groups, S1, S2, S3, and S4, respectively. The AM fungal community structure was analyzed in the soil and root of different soybean cultivars using the PCR-DGGE technology. The results indicated a significant effect of sulfur on the AM fungal community structure in the roots and rhizospheric soil of different soybean cultivars. The three soybean cultivars in group S2 exhibited the highest diversity in AM fungus. Significant changes in the dominant fungal species were observed in the DGGE fingerprints of each sample, and Glomus , Funneliformis , Rhizophagus , and Claroideoglomus fungi were the dominant species of AM fungus in the roots and soil of soybean. The application of an appropriate amount of sulfur improved the diversity of AM fungi in roots and rhizospheric soil of different soybean cultivars. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00284-012-0183-7 Authors Weiguang Jie, Key Laboratory of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, China Baiyan Cai, Key Laboratory of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, China Yong Zhang, Department of Food and Environment Engineering, Heilongjiang East University, Harbin, China Jin Li, Key Laboratory of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, China Jingping Ge, Key Laboratory of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, China Journal Current Microbiology Online ISSN 1432-0991 Print ISSN 0343-8651

Description:    We report a reaction of direct electrophilic fluorination of phenolsulfonphthalein at mild conditions. This reaction affords the synthesis of novel positron-emitting 18 F-labeled pH indicators. These compounds are useful for non-invasive in vivo pH measurement in biological objects. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Paper Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s12013-012-9390-x Authors Alexander V. Kachur, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 195 John Morgan Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6072, USA Anatoliy V. Popov, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 195 John Morgan Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6072, USA Joel S. Karp, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 195 John Morgan Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6072, USA E. James Delikatny, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 195 John Morgan Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6072, USA Journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics Online ISSN 1559-0283 Print ISSN 1085-9195