bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amniotic band sequence: An extreme case
Authors: Kahramaner Zelal , Cosar Hese , Turkoglu Ebru , Erdemir Aydin , Kanik Ali , Sutcuoglu Sumer , Ozer Esra Arun
Published: October 2010

Amniotic band sequence (ABS) is a rare cause of fetal disruptions associated with fibrous bands that entrap various fetal parts in utero and lead to abnormalities. Fetal disruptions of ABS are influenced by the timing of the amnion rupture and the site of amnion adherence. Herein we report an extreme case of ABS presented with dysmorphic face, amputation of four extremities and fusion of legs and genitalia with a fibrotic band. This is an extreme case of ABS characterized by an unusual combination of multiple fetal anomalies.
NirF is a periplasmic protein that binds d1 heme as part of its essential role in d1 heme biogenesis
Authors: Bali Shilpa , Warren Martin J. , Ferguson Stuart J.
Published: October 2010

The cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase from Paracoccus pantotrophus catalyses the one electron reduction of nitrite to nitric oxide using two heme cofactors. The site of nitrite reduction is the d1 heme, which is synthesized under anaerobic conditions by using nirECFD‐LGHJN gene products. In vivo studies with an unmarked deletion strain, ΔnirF, showed that this gene is essential for cd1 assembly and consequently for denitrification, which was restored when the ΔnirF strain was complemented with wild‐type, plasmid‐borne, nirF. Removal of a signal sequence and deletion of a conserved N‐terminal Gly‐rich motif from the NirF coded on a plasmid resulted in loss of in vivo NirF activity. We demonstrate here that the product of the nirF gene is a periplasmic protein and, hence, must be involved in a late stage of the cofactor biosynthesis. In vitro studies with purified NirF established that it could bind d1 heme. It is concluded that His41 of NirF, which aligns with His200 of the d1 heme domain of cd1, is essential both for this binding and for the production of d1 heme; replacement of His41 by Ala, Cys, Lys and Met all gave nonfunctional proteins. Potential functions of NirF are discussed.
CD91 interacts with mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) through the MBL‐associated serine protease‐binding site
Authors: Duus Karen , Thielens Nicole M. , Lacroix Monique , Tacnet Pascale , Frachet Philippe , Holmskov Uffe , Houen Gunnar
Published: October 2010

CD91 plays an important role in the scavenging of apoptotic material, possibly through binding to soluble pattern‐recognition molecules. In this study, we investigated the interaction of CD91 with mannan‐binding lectin (MBL), ficolins and lung surfactant proteins. Both MBL and L‐ficolin were found to bind CD91. The MBL–CD91 interaction was time‐ and concentration‐dependent and could be inhibited by known ligands of CD91. MBL‐associated serine protease 3 (MASP‐3) also inhibited binding between MBL and CD91, suggesting that the site of interaction is located at or near the MASP–MBL interaction site. This was confirmed by using MBL mutants deficient for MASP binding that were unable to interact with CD91. These findings demonstrate that MBL and L‐ficolin interact with CD91, strongly suggesting that they have the potential to function as soluble recognition molecules for scavenging microbial and apoptotic material by CD91.

Structured digital abstract

 MINT‐8040679, MINT‐8040706: MBL (uniprotkb: P11226) binds (MI:0407) to CD91 (uniprotkb: Q07954) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)

 MINT‐8040690: L‐ficolin (uniprotkb: Q15485) binds (MI:0407) to CD91 (uniprotkb: Q07954) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)

 MINT‐8040663: C1q B (uniprotkb: P02746), C1q C (uniprotkb: P02747), C1q A (uniprotkb: P02745) and CD91 (uniprotkb: Q07954) physically interact (MI:0915) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)

 MINT‐8040821, MINT‐8040869, MINT‐8040928: CD91 (uniprotkb: Q07954) binds (MI:0407) to MBL (uniprotkb: P11226) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)

 MINT‐8040880: CD91 (uniprotkb: Q07954) binds (MI:0407) to L‐ficolin (uniprotkb: Q15485) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)
National health and hospital network for Australia's future: Implications for emergency medicine
Authors: FitzGerald Gerry , Ashby Richard
Published: October 2010

The proposals arising from the agreement reached between the Rudd government and the States and Territories (except Western Australia) in April 2010 represent the most fundamental realignment of health responsibilities since the creation of Medicare in 1984. They will change the health system, and the structures that will craft its future direction and design. These proposals will have a significant impact on Emergency Medicine; an impact from not only the system‐wide effects of the proposals but also those that derive from the specific recommendations to create an activity‐based funding mechanism for EDs, to implement the four hour rule and to develop a performance indicator framework for EDs. The present paper will examine the potential impact of the proposals on Emergency Medicine to inform those who work within the system and to help guide further developments.

More work is required to better evaluate the proposals and to guide the design and development of specific reform instruments. Any such efforts should be based upon a proper analysis of the available evidence, and a structured approach to research and development so as to deliver on improved services to the community, and on improved quality and safety of emergency medical care.
Fatal methaemoglobinaemia induced by self‐poisoning with sodium nitrite
Authors: Harvey Martyn , Cave Grant , Chanwai Giles
Published: October 2010

Inadvertent ingestion of sodium nitrite is known to precipitate metheamoglobinaemia. No cases exist, however, of intentional suicide by methaemoglobinaemia following self‐poisoning with sodium nitrite. A 76‐year‐old man collapsed and rapidly developed brady‐asystolic cardiac arrest 25 min following self‐poisoning with an unknown quantity of crystalline sodium nitrite. On arrival in the ED the patient was asystolic with cardiopulmonary resuscitation in progress. Haemoglobin concentration was 110 g/L, arterial methaemoglobin measured 82.6% and serum lactate 9.6 mmol/L. Antioxidative treatment was undertaken with total 5 mg/kg intravenous methylene blue administered in divided aliquots. Despite prolonged resuscitative efforts the patient died. Resuscitation from methaemoglobinaemia‐induced asystole following self‐poisoning presents a unique therapeutic challenge. Treatment of methaemoglobinaemia‐induced cardiovascular instability and overt cardiopulmonary arrest are discussed.
Getting the blues at a rock concert: A case of severe methaemoglobinaemia
Authors: Wilkerson R Gentry
Published: October 2010

Methaemoglobin is the form of haemoglobin in which the iron moiety of the haem group has been oxidized from the ferrous to the ferric state. Methaemoglobinaemia is due to either an increase in the production of the oxidized haem moiety or due to decreased conversion back to the reduced form. This article presents a case of amyl nitrite‐induced methaemoglobinaemia and discusses the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
Comparison of Delivery Methods for Enhanced In Situ Remediation in Clay Till
Authors: Christiansen Camilla M. , Damgaard Ida , Broholm Mette , Kessler Timo , Klint Knud E. , Nilsson Bertel , Bjerg Poul L.
Published: October 2010

Three methods for enhanced delivery of in situ remediation amendments in low‐permeability deposits have been tested at a site in Denmark: pneumatic fracturing, direct‐push delivery, and hydraulic fracturing. The testing was carried out at an uncontaminated part of a farm site, previously used for storage of chlorinated solvents, underlain by basal clay till with hydraulic conductivity ranging from 7.1× 10–11 to 3.5 × 10–7 m/s at testing depths 2.5 to 9.5 m b.s. Fluorescent tracers fluorescein and rhodamine WT were delivered. Tests of all three delivery methods have not been carried out at a single site before, and thus, this study provides unique data for comparison of enhanced delivery methods in both the vadose and saturated zone. Results show that pneumatic fracturing with nitrogen gas and propagation pressures of 1 to 9 bar had a distribution radius of less than 2 m, and produced dense networks of tracer‐filled natural fractures above the redox boundary (0 to 3 m b.s.) and widely spaced, discrete, induced, tracer‐filled subhorizontal fractures at depth (>3 m b.s.). Direct‐push delivery at pressures of 8 to 30 bar had a distribution radius of approximately 1 m, distributed tracer primarily in natural fractures above the redox boundary and in discrete, closely spaced (but not merging) induced fractures below the redox boundary. Hydraulic fracturing with a sand‐guar mixture at pressures of 0 to 6 bar produced an elliptical, asymmetrical, bowl‐shaped fracture with a physical radius of approximately 3.5 m at 3 m b.s. The geometry of hydraulic fractures attempted emplaced at 6.5 and 9.5 m b.s. is uncertain, but clearly not horizontal as desired. The direct‐push delivery method is robust and efficient for enhanced delivery at the clay till site in question, which based on thorough geological characterization is deemed a geologically representative basal clay till site.
Innate inflammation in myocardial perfusion and its implication for heart failure
Authors: Picano Eugenio , Morales Maria Aurora , del Ry Silvia , Sicari Rosa
Published: October 2010

Heart failure is characterized by a chronic inflammatory status, with high circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines significantly correlated with deterioration of functional capacity, cardiac performance, and coronary flow reserve—the latter occurring even with normal systemic endothelial function. Impaired coronary flow reserve in heart failure is poorly related to systemic inflammation levels and somewhat matched by a reduction in myocardial contractile reserve. Both coronary flow and myocardial functional reserve can be imaged noninvasively and can be useful clinically for disease severity titration, diagnostic anticipation, and prognostic stratification. Coronary microcirculatory dysfunction can be a trigger of disease and a potential target for therapeutic intervention in heart failure patients. Clinical observational studies showed a striking beneficial effect of endogenous adenosine accumulation on symptoms, exercise capacity, and left ventricular function in chronic heart failure, but this needs to be confirmed in prospective randomized large‐scale trials.
Role of inflammation in cognitive impairment: results of observational epidemiological studies and clinical trials
Authors: Gorelick Philip B.
Published: October 2010

Inflammation may be an important mechanism underlying dementia and cognitive decline in the elderly. Inflammation has been implicated in the neuropathological cascade leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease and other common forms of dementia in later life. These observations have led to observational epidemiological study to define the association of systemic and brain inflammatory markers on cognitive impairment and dementia. Furthermore, clinical trials have been carried out to better elucidate the possible role of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the prevention or slowing of progression of Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we discuss the observational epidemiological and clinical trial evidence of the role of inflammation on the occurrence and prevention of dementia or cognitive decline. NSAIDs hold promise to prevent dementia if given in an appropriate time window during the induction phase of dementia and to subjects with apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 alleles. Also, immunotherapy may prove beneficial.
Role of drug absorption in the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic interventions for stroke
Authors: Conrado Daniela J. , Gonzalez Daniel , Derendorf Hartmut
Published: October 2010

Absorption is a critical component of the pharmacokinetics for solid dosage forms administered orally. Many barriers must be overcome in order for a drug molecule to reach its effect site. To effectively address each of these barriers, drug‐specific properties, formulation issues, and (patho)physiological changes in the gastrointestinal tract must be considered. First‐pass metabolism in the gut and/or liver can dictate the extent to which a drug reaches the systemic circulation. Drug‐metabolizing enzymes in the gut and liver are very susceptible to inhibition by other drugs, increasing the risk of drug interactions. In this paper, we will discuss absorption‐related issues for solid dosage forms used in the management of stroke patients.
NF‐κB and innate immunity in ischemic stroke
Authors: Harari Olivier A. , Liao James K.
Published: October 2010

Acute cerebral ischemia elicits an innate immune response that leads to a cascade of events that culminates in necrotic death of neurons and injury to their supportive structures in the neurovascular unit. Indeed, clinical studies have shown a close relationship between elevated levels of inflammatory markers and the risk for ischemic stroke. However, the signaling pathways that link these events are not well understood. A central regulator of inflammatory response is the transcription factor, nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). The activation of NF‐κB is required for the transcriptional induction of many proinflammatory mediators involved in innate immunity, such as cellular adhesion molecules, cytokines, and growth factors. Therefore, factors that modulate the activity of NF‐κB could potentially regulate inflammatory processes in ischemic stroke. Here, we review the relationship between NF‐κB and ischemic stroke, its role in the neurovascular unit, and discuss some animal models that suggest that this relationship is causal.
Linking infection and inflammation in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Worthmann H. , Tryc A.B. , Deb M. , Goldbecker A. , Ma Y.T. , Tountopoulou A. , Lichtinghagen R. , Weissenborn K.
Published: October 2010

Infections after ischemic stroke are known to complicate the clinical course and worsen the outcome. Neuroinflammation is one of the predominant mechanisms of secondary progression of brain injury and infection and is far from being well understood. Experimental data demonstrate that ischemic stroke patients are at a higher risk for systemic infections if they show a pronounced anti‐inflammatory response after the event, which is considered an indication of a stress‐mediated reduction of immune competence. Only a small number of studies describe the time course of inflammation mediators after ischemic stroke in patients with early poststroke infections. Levels of inflammation mediators after the event of stroke differ, depending on clinical severity and concomitant infectious diseases. Thus, sequential dynamics of early inflammation must be considered in the development of both mechanism‐targeting anti‐inflammatory and anti‐infectious treatment strategies in ischemic brain damage.
The neurovascular unit, matrix proteases, and innate inflammation
Authors: del Zoppo Gregory J.
Published: October 2010

In the central nervous system, microvessel–neuron interactions appear highly coordinated. The rapid simultaneous responses of the microvasculature, neurons, and glia to focal ischemia in experimental ischemic stroke suggest that these responses could be viewed in a unitary fashion, rather than as individual components. The “neurovascular unit” consists of microvessels (endothelial cells–basal lamina matrix–astrocyte end‐feet [and pericytes]), astrocytes, neurons and their axons, and other supporting cells that are likely to modulate the function of the “unit.” Each cell component generates an inflammatory response to ischemia. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 was first associated with hemorrhagic transformation following focal ischemia in an experimental model. A series of studies of ischemic stroke patients also suggests a relationship between MMP‐9 levels and several consequences of ischemic injury, including hemorrhagic transformation. Recent experimental work suggests specific cell sources for MMP‐9 generation and for matrix proteases from four distinct families that could impact neurovascular unit integrity.
Acute anti‐inflammatory approaches to ischemic stroke
Authors: del Zoppo Gregory J.
Published: October 2010

In preparation for designing and undertaking trials of strategies that can modulate “innate inflammation” to improve outcomes of ischemic injury, consideration of approaches that have managed cellular inflammation in ischemic stroke are instructive. Robust experimental work has demonstrated the efficacy (and apparent safety) of targeting PMN leukocyte–endothelial cell interactions in the early moments following focal ischemia onset in model systems. Four clinical trial programs were undertaken to assess the safety and efficacy of inhibitors to PMN leukocyte interactions with the endothelial cell during ischemic stroke. Experiences in those clinical trial programs indicate specific limitations that halted progress in this line of investigation before an adequate hypothesis test could be achieved. Although innate inflammation is a central part of injury evolution following focal ischemia, great care in the translation from experimental studies to Phase I/II clinical safety assessments and to the design and conduct of Phase III trials is needed.
Pharmacological modulation of vascular inflammation in atherothrombosis
Authors: De Caterina Raffaele , Massaro Marika , Scoditti Egeria , Annunziata Carluccio Maria
Published: October 2010

Vascular inflammation, especially at the level of endothelial cells, has been shown to play a pivotal role in the inception, progression, and clinical complications of atherosclerosis. The common denominators for the activation of inflammatory genes appear to be a small subset of transcription factors—among which include nuclear factor‐κB, activator protein‐1 (AP‐1), and GATA—that function as the central hub of vascular inflammation. Strategies directed to inhibit both the secondary mediators and the primary triggers (atherosclerosis risk factors) appear viable to inhibit atherosclerosis. However, attempts have now been made to address the central hub of vascular inflammation. “Old” drugs, such as dipyridamole, can also now be revisited for properties related to inhibition of vascular inflammation, probably by acting on the common hub of inflammation.
How inflammation modulates central nervous system vessel activation and provides targets for intervention—a personal perspective
Authors: Hallenbeck John
Published: October 2010

I here describe a line of research that grew out of studies of spinal cord–damaging decompression sickness, focused on the blood–endothelial interface, that was influenced by the local Shwartzman phenomenon, addressed innate immune and inflammatory mechanisms, and ultimately arrived at mucosal tolerance approaches to prevent stroke. Intranasal instillation of E‐selectin is under development as a novel means of targeting immunomodulation to activating blood vessels within the vascular tree supplying the brain. The goal of this form of focused immunomodulation is to prevent recurrent strokes in patients that have previously suffered transient ischemic attacks or strokes.
Optimization of Medium Constituents for ɛ‐Poly‐L‐Lysine Fermentation with Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zong Hong , He Yibo , Zhan Yao , Du Juan , Feng Fengqin , Li Duo
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  ɛ‐Poly‐L‐lysine (ɛ‐PL) is a novel food biopreservative with broad antimicrobial activity. In the present study, single‐factor experiments were applied to screen optimal carbon and nitrogen sources that affect the yield of a ɛ‐PL‐producing strain, Streptomyces violaceusniger, which was obtained in our laboratory recently. Box‐Behnken design and response surface methodology (RSM) were adopted to derive a statistical model for optimizing the composition of the fermentation medium. The results showed that the main factors that affect ɛ‐PL production were glucose, carbon source; peptone, organic nitrogen source; and (NH4)2SO4, inorganic nitrogen source. The optimum fermentation medium for ɛ‐PL production of S. violaceusniger consisted of (g/L) glucose, 62.49; peptone, 5.71; (NH4)2SO4, 11.19; MgSO4, 0.5; FeSO4, 0.03; ZnSO4, 0.04; KH2PO4, 1.36; and Na2HPO4.12H2O, 3.58. When cultured in the optimum medium, the ɛ‐PL production was an average of 0.349 ± 0.025 mg/mL, which was 1.75 times higher than the initial medium.

Practical Application:  The present study illustrated the potential use of response surface methodology with the Box‐Behnken design in biotechnology. Results from this work suggested that ɛ‐PL production was increased greatly with the optimal medium constituents by the potential organism, S. violaceusniger, which may be a good resource for the industrial production of ɛ‐PL in future.
Antihyperlipidemic Effect of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Protein Isolate in Rats Fed a Normal and High Cholesterol Diet
Authors: Biswas Arundhati , Dhar Pubali , Ghosh Santinath
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  The dietary influence of sesame protein isolate (protein content 91.5%), produced from dehulled, defatted sesame meal, on blood and tissue lipid profile and lipid peroxidation has been assessed in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. To evaluate their hypocholesterolemic and antioxidative activity in vivo, we fed 18% sesame protein isolate with or without 2% cholesterol in comparison with casein to rats for 28 d. We determined plasma total protein, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol, triacylglycerol as well as susceptibility of plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipid to oxidation ex vivo. Liver tissue lipid, cholesterol, phospholipids, and lipid peroxidations were also determined. The total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels were significantly reduced in the sesame protein isolate and isolate containing cholesterol group than the corresponding control casein groups. HDL‐cholesterol level was also increased in sesame protein isolate (41%) and protein isolate containing cholesterol group (38%) than the corresponding control casein and casein containing cholesterol groups. There was 49% and 64% lowering of plasma lipid peroxidation as well as 36% and 56% lowering of lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility (LOS) in the 2 experimental groups (sesame protein isolate and isolate containing cholesterol group) than the corresponding control (casein and casein containing cholesterol) groups. There was significant lowering of erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation (68% and 63% lowering in sesame protein isolate and isolate containing cholesterol groups) and liver lipid peroxidation (61% and 76% lowering in the 2 experimental groups than the corresponding control casein groups). Therefore, our results indicate that sesame protein isolate decreases cholesterol concentration in plasma, increases HDL‐cholesterol, and also decreases plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation with or without cholesterol fed diet in rats.

Practical Application:  Sesame protein isolate (SPI) can be produced from dehulled, defatted sesame meal. SPI consumption can reduce cardiovascular disease by reducing LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and by increasing HDL cholesterol. As sesame is an important oil seed crop in various parts of the world, SPI can be utilized in various food formulation for its beneficial effect.
Development of a Rapid HPLC‐UV Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Protodioscin and Rutin in White and Green Asparagus Spears
Authors: Lee Eun Jin , Yoo Kil Sun , Patil Bhimanagouda S.
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) spears are rich in bioactive compounds such as protodioscin, a saponin, and rutin, a flavonoid. Protodioscin and rutin are routinely quantified separately, and an approach permitting simultaneous measurement would significantly improve speed of analysis. We have optimized an extraction procedure and modified a method of high‐performance liquid chromatography by coupling to an ultraviolet detector to simultaneously analyze protodioscin and rutin in asparagus extracts. An acidic ethanol solvent was more efficient than methanol, acetonitrile, or water in coextraction of protodioscin and rutin. Protodioscin and rutin were detected at 210 nm, with retention times of 12.6 min and 7.9 min, respectively. The method was validated by high linear correlations between 3.13 and 1000.0 μg/mL for protodioscin (r2= 0.9999), and between 0.3 and 1087.5 μg/mL for rutin (r2= 0.9997). The limit(s) of detection and quantification for protodioscin were 1.6 μg/mL and 3.13 μg/mL, respectively, and for rutin 0.2 μg/mL and 0.3 μg/mL, respectively. White asparagus spears and the crown of the plants were revealed to be rich sources of protodioscin and contained 2.59 to 10.4 mg/g dry weight. Green asparagus spears, particularly the upper portion, were rich in rutin and contained between 1.51 and 7.29 mg/g dry weight.
Accumulation of refractory factors for pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy in older female patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Chayama Kazuaki , Hayes C. Nelson , Yoshioka Kentaro , Moriwaki Hisataka , Okanoue Takeshi , Sakisaka Shotaro , Takehara Tetsuo , Oketani Makoto , Toyota Joji , Izumi Namiki , Hiasa Yoichi , Matsumoto Akihiro , Nomura Hideyuki , Seike Masataka , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: October 2010

Aim:  Several host and viral factors have been reported to influence the effectiveness of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C. In Japan, where the age of treated patients is comparatively high, recent studies have reported poor response to treatment in older female patients, but little is known about the relationship between advanced age in women and previously reported factors.

Methods:  Using a database of 1167 patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b, we analyzed the amino acid sequences of the HCV core protein and interferon sensitivity determining region (ISDR) and examined the relationships among predictive factors.

Results:  The proportion of patients with substitutions at core 70, which is associated with poor response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy, increased with age only in female patients. A similar trend was observed for ISDR wild type (wt). We also found that core 70 wt is associated with core 91 wt (P = 5.4 × 10−9) as well as ISDR wt (P = 0.025). HCV RNA levels were higher in patients with core and ISDR wt (P < 0.001). Furthermore, core amino acid mutations were associated with advanced fibrosis and higher inflammatory activity (P = 0.028 and 0.048, respectively) as well as higher gamma‐glutamyltranspeptidase, alanine aminotransferase and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < 0.001, 0.006 and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion:  A combination of factors account for poor response rate in older female patients in Japan. Elucidating the relationship between amino acid substitutions and metabolic alteration is an important step in understanding the mechanism of HCV interferon resistance.
Meta‐analysis of the association between anti‐HBc seropositivity and a poor prognosis of chronic HCV infection
Authors: Nan Xiao , Shi Shuang , Yu Canqing , Zhuang Hui
Published: October 2010

Aim:  The impact of serological HBsAg− and anti‐HBc+ on the prognosis of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is unknown. We conducted a systematic review to analyze whether anti‐HBc positivity imposes any effect on the course of HCV‐related chronic liver disease.

Methods:  We retrieved references from online databases that included PubMed and EMBASE. Data were gathered with regard to demographic information, disease progression and prognosis, and the results of serological tests. The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the endpoint of follow‐up of all cohort studies.

Results:  Eighteen references were included in this study, of which four were cohort studies. Twelve studies were retrospective, observational and non‐interventional studies. According to our meta‐analysis, the rate of serological HBsAg− and anti‐HBc+ was higher among HCC patients compared with non‐HCC patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.55; 95% CI, 1.22–1.98). HCV patients that were anti‐HBc+ had a greater chance of developing HCC than their anti‐HBc− counterparts (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.34–3.47).

Conclusions:  The serological status of HBsAg− and anti‐HBc+ appears to be correlated with a poor prognosis for chronic HCV infection. Though the general quality of these references was low, and multiple confounding factors existed, the likelihood of a poorer outcome of HCV patients that are positive for anti‐HBc should be considered by their physicians.
Group Buying of Competing Retailers
Authors: Chen Rachel R. , Roma Paolo
Published: October 2010

Under group buying, quantity discounts are offered based on the buyers' aggregated purchasing quantity, instead of individual quantities. As the price decreases with the total quantity, buyers receive lower prices than they otherwise would be able to obtain individually. Previous studies on group buying focus on the benefit buyers receive in reduced acquisition costs or enhanced bargaining power. In this paper, we show that buyers can instead get hurt from such cooperation. Specifically, we consider a two‐level distribution channel with a single manufacturer and two retailers who compete for end customers. We show that, under linear demand curves, group buying is always preferable for symmetric (i.e., identical) retailers. For asymmetric retailers (i.e., differing in market base and/or efficiency), group buying is beneficial to the smaller (or less efficient) player. However, it can be detrimental to the larger (or more efficient) one. Despite the lower wholesale price under group buying, the manufacturer can receive a higher revenue. Interestingly, group buying is more likely to form when retailers are competitive in different dimensions. These insights are shown to be robust under general nonlinear demand curves, except for constant elastic demand with low demand elasticity.
Interpretation of capillary zone electrophoresis compared with cellulose acetate and agarose gel electrophoresis: reference intervals and diagnostic efficiency in dogs and cats
Authors: Giordano Alessia , Paltrinieri Saverio
Published: October 2010

Background:Serum protein electrophoresis is widely used for diagnostic and research purposes. Cellulose acetate (CAE) and agarose gel (AGE) electrophoresis are the most frequently used methods, but capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is beginning to be used more in veterinary laboratories. However, reference intervals for CZE in animals and comparison studies with the other electrophoretic techniques are lacking, compromising the diagnostic utility of CZE.

Objectives:The aims of this study were to compare results obtained using CAE, AGE, and CZE; to establish reference intervals for CZE in dogs and cats; and to assess the capacity of CZE to detect abnormalities identified by AGE.

Methods:Serum samples from 204 dogs, including 104 healthy animals, and 62 cats, including 28 healthy animals, were analyzed using automated systems for CAE, AGE, and CZE. Descriptive statistics and Passing–Bablok and Bland–Altman tests were used to compare results. For each technique, reference intervals were calculated based on results from healthy animals. Concordance between CZE and AGE in detecting pathologic changes was assessed using Cohen'skcoefficient.

Results:For most protein fractions, values obtained by CAE, AGE, and CZE were significantly different from each other, and constant and proportional errors were often detected. Nevertheless, reference intervals obtained by the 3 techniques overlapped. Moreover, Cohen'skcoefficient demonstrated that the capacity of CZE and AGE to detect pathologic changes was comparable.

Conclusions:CZE performs comparably to AGE and CAE as long as CZE‐specific reference intervals are used for interpretation and distinctive visual patterns for albumin, gaps between fractions, and subpeaks found on CZE tracings are recognized. In addition, CZE offers several technical advantages, such as ease of use and complete automation.
Production of Biodiesel From Used Mustard Oil and Its Performance Analysis in Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Singh Baljinder , Kaur Jagdeep , Singh Kashmir
Published: October 2010

Decline in fossil fuel resources along with high crude oil prices generated attention toward the development of fuel from alternate sources. Such fuel should be economically attractive and performance competent in order to replace the fossil fuel. Mustard oil from Indian mustard, Brassica campestris, is commonly used for cooking in Indian households and restaurants. Cooking produces spent mustard oil waste, which is generally drained as garbage. We explored the possibility of using such spent mustard oil for making biodiesel. Transesterification of spent oil was carried out using methanol and sulfuric acid (95%) as catalysts followed by bubble washing. Clear biodiesel was obtained from esterified oil after five bubble washings. Methyl ester formations were calculated by measuring its density at 15°C and viscosity at 40°C and were found to be 89 g/cm3 and 4.83 mm2/s, respectively. Studies on engine performance were conducted using a Prony brake internal combustion (IC) diesel engine using various blending ratios of biodiesel with commercial diesel. The fuel blends were evaluated for parameters such as speed of engine, fuel consumption, and torque against pure diesel. Brake power, specific fuel consumption, and thermal efficiency were also measured. The results indicate that dual fuel with a blend of 8% biodiesel yielded good efficiency in the IC-diesel engines without the need for making any modifications in the engine.
Finite Element Simulation of Compression of Elastomeric Seals in Open Hole Liners
Authors: Alzebdeh Khalid , Pervez Tasneem , Qamar Sayyad Z.
Published: October 2010

Control of water flow in open hole wells is an urgent necessity to minimize water production and maximize oil output. Elastomers provide tight seals as they deform against formation during the expansion process of a solid expandable tubular. A better prediction of behavior of elastomers in compression will achieve an effective sealing mechanism. Due to the inherent nonlinearity of tubular expansion and elastomer compression against open hole formation, a closed form solution is extremely difficult to obtain. Finite element modeling provides a viable alternative, as an approximate simulation tool, to determine the seal pressure without significant compromise on the complexity of the problem. The finite element analysis software is employed to model the tubular expansion resulting in compression of elastomer seal to effectively isolate unwanted water producing zones. The formation is modeled as a rigid body or an elastic or elastic-plastic material. Two different boundary conditions, fixed-free and fixed-fixed, are employed depending on prevailing practices of oil operators in such applications. The effect of seal length and thickness, compression ratio and shear resistance at seal-formation interface are determined on the contact pressure between seal and formation.
Unique cryogenic pumping array for low sticking coefficient gas flows
Authors: Ngalande Cedrick , Ketsdever Andrew D.
Published: October 2010

A radial fin cryogenic pumping array design is described which enhances the pumping efficiency of high enthalpy and high kinetic energy flows in vacuum. In general, these flows have relatively low sticking coefficients due to the large temperature differences between the particles in the flow and the cryogenic pumping surfaces. A Monte Carlo numerical model has been developed to investigate the pumping efficiency of the radial fin array. A comparison of the pumping efficiency of the radial fin array with a flat plate pumping surface has shown that particles with a high sticking coefficient will be pumped better with a simple flat panel, whereas particles with low sticking coefficients will be more efficiently pumped with the radial fin array. A set of experiments has been performed to investigate the pumping efficiency of the radial fin array as manufactured. These experiments compared the radial fin results to a more traditional flat plate pumping surface with a neutral gas flow. The experimental results indicate that there are flow regimes in which the radial fins are more efficient at pumping incident particles than a flat surface.
The Evolution and Future of Earth’s Nitrogen Cycle
Authors: Canfield Donald E. , Glazer Alexander N. , Falkowski Paul G.
Published: October 2010

Nitrogen's Past and Future

Microorganisms have been controlling Earth's nitrogen cycle since life originated. With life evolving around it, nitrogen became both an essential nutrient and a major regulator of climate.

Canfield
et al.

(p.
192
) review the major changes in the nitrogen cycle throughout Earth's history. Most of the time, perturbations typically coincided with the evolution of new metabolic pathways in various Bacteria or Archaea. The last century, however, has seen humans push the biological nitrogen cycle into a new stage altogether. The addition of large quantities of fixed nitrogen to crops in the form of fertilizer chokes out aquatic life that relies on runoff and adds significant amounts of N
2
O—a potent greenhouse gas—to the atmosphere. Although microorganisms may one day restore balance to the nitrogen cycle that they helped shape for billions of years, humans must modify their behavior or risk causing irreversible changes to life on Earth.
Areawide Suppression of European Corn Borer with Bt Maize Reaps Savings to Non-Bt Maize Growers
Authors: Hutchison W. D. , Burkness E. C. , Mitchell P. D. , Moon R. D. , Leslie T. W. , Fleischer S. J. , Abrahamson M. , Hamilton K. L. , Steffey K. L. , Gray M. E. , Hellmich R. L. , Kaster L. V. , Hunt T. E. , Wright R. J. , Pecinovsky K. , Rabaey T. L. , Flood B. R. , Raun E. S.
Published: October 2010

Economic Benefits of Bt Maize

Maize containing a transgenically expressed toxin originating from
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt maize) is planted across the United States to combat insect herbivory. Non-Bt Maize is also planted alongside Bt maize fields to provide refuges for the insects, which helps to prevent resistance to Bt maize from evolving.

Hutchison
et al.

(p.
222
; see the Perspective by

Tabashnik

) analyzed how Bt maize affected the economic impact of the European corn borer moth in the midwestern United States, as well as its population dynamics. Larval density, a predictor of corn borer population size, has dropped in correlation with the percentage of Bt maize planted. In the highest Bt maize producing state, the positive effects of Bt maize in controlling insect herbivore populations extended to non-Bt maize. Furthermore, the decrease in insect populations demonstrated an overall economic benefit outweighing the overall extra costs associated with planting Bt maize.
Species Interactions in a Parasite Community Drive Infection Risk in a Wildlife Population
Authors: Telfer Sandra , Lambin Xavier , Birtles Richard , Beldomenico Pablo , Burthe Sarah , Paterson Steve , Begon Mike
Published: October 2010

Web of Parasite Interactions

We live under constant assault from a variety of pathogens. Pathogen exposure will be more or less harmful depending on host factors, including immune status, and, as

Telfer
et al.

(p.
243
; see the Perspective by

Lafferty

) point out, the presence of co-infecting pathogens. In a time-series study of wild voles and four pathogens, co-infection had a larger effect on disease than any other factor. For example, infection with cowpox virus increased susceptibility and prolonged bacterial co-infections. Conversely, an ongoing infection with the bacterium
Anaplasma
reduced the rodents' susceptibility to the protozoan
Babesia
. In turn, chronic infection with
Babesia
limited susceptibility to the bacterium
Bartonella
.
An Oxidative Enzyme Boosting the Enzymatic Conversion of Recalcitrant Polysaccharides
Authors: Vaaje-Kolstad Gustav , Westereng Bjørge , Horn Svein J. , Liu Zhanliang , Zhai Hong , Sørlie Morten , Eijsink Vincent G. H.
Published: October 2010

Polysaccharide Breakdown

One of the current challenges in the biofuels industry is achieving efficient bioconversion of complex polysaccharides like cellulose and chitin. Recently, chitin-binding proteins (CBPs) have been identified that potentiate chitin hydrolysis. Now,

Vaaje-Kolstad
et al.

(p.
219
) show that a CBP from the chitinolytic bacterium
Serratia marcescens
appears to catalyze an oxygenase reaction on the surface of crystallized chitin, leading to chain breakage and generating oxidized ends that can be degraded by chitinases. A structurally similar enzyme, GH61, may play a similar role in the degradation of cellulose.
Regulating Direct-to-Consumer Personal Genome Testing
Authors: McGuire Amy L. , Evans Barbara J. , Caulfield Timothy , Burke Wylie
Published: October 2010

International cooperation and postmarket regulation are needed for Internet-based direct-to-consumer genome tests.
Bacteria Use Type IV Pili to Walk Upright and Detach from Surfaces
Authors: Gibiansky Maxsim L. , Conrad Jacinta C. , Jin Fan , Gordon Vernita D. , Motto Dominick A. , Mathewson Margie A. , Stopka Wiktor G. , Zelasko Daria C. , Shrout Joshua D. , Wong Gerard C. L.
Published: October 2010

A searchable database of images allows detailed analysis of bacterial motility.
Nanophase Transition Metal Oxides Show Large Thermodynamically Driven Shifts in Oxidation-Reduction Equilibria
Authors: Navrotsky Alexandra , Ma Chengcheng , Lilova Kristina , Birkner Nancy
Published: October 2010

Feeling the Pinch

Nanoparticles exhibit many different properties compared to their larger counterparts, but how the stability of certain phases relative to others is affected by a change in particle size is often unclear. Using a thermodynamic probe sensitive to nanoparticle surfaces,

Navrotsky
et al.

(p.
199
) show that surface energy strongly influences the stability of some metal oxides relative to others. For example, nanoparticles of CoO, which are stable at larger sizes, are only stable over a very narrow range of conditions due their high surface energies. Cobalt oxides are catalysts that may one day promote the cost-effective generation of hydrogen from water, but nanoparticles in soils and biological systems—including iron and manganese oxides—also feel the pinch of surface energy on their range of stability.
Looking at How Things Slip
Authors: Zapperi Stefano
Published: October 2010

New measurement techniques are overturning some long-held assumptions related to the microscopic processes controlling friction.
Communal Benefits of Transgenic Corn
Authors: Tabashnik Bruce E.
Published: October 2010

Genetically engineered corn plants can reduce pest damage on neighboring, unmodified plants.
Interacting Parasites
Authors: Lafferty Kevin D.
Published: October 2010

Parasites interact in complex ways in the voles they infect.
Prepare and Inspire
Authors: Lander Eric S. , Gates S. James
Published: October 2010

A few weeks ago, we and our colleagues on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) presented President Obama with the report
Prepare and Inspire: K-12 Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education for America's Future
.
*
It advocates a two-pronged strategy: To prepare all students to use STEM in their personal and professional lives, and to inspire them to learn STEM subjects and pursue STEM careers. It also provides a roadmap of programs that the federal government must seriously consider if the United States is to remain a vibrant and innovative society.
New Technique RiPS Open Stem Cell Field
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: October 2010

A paper published last week described a new method for prompting mature cells to take on a different fate that promises to give researchers a powerful new tool for making and using stem cells.
Importance of Nonenteric Protozoan Infections in Immunocompromised People
Authors: Barratt J. L. N. , Harkness J. , Marriott D. , Ellis J. T. , Stark D.
Published: October 2010

There are many neglected nonenteric protozoa able to cause serious morbidity and mortality in humans, particularly in the developing world. Diseases caused by certain protozoa are often more severe in the presence of HIV. While information regarding neglected tropical diseases caused by trypanosomatids andPlasmodiumis abundant, these protozoa are often not a first consideration in Western countries where they are not endemic. As such, diagnostics may not be available in these regions. Due to global travel and immigration, this has become an increasing problem. Inversely, in certain parts of the world (particularly sub-Saharan Africa), the HIV problem is so severe that diseases like microsporidiosis and toxoplasmosis are common. In Western countries, due to the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), these diseases are infrequently encountered. While free-living amoebae are rarely encountered in a clinical setting, when infections do occur, they are often fatal. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to the survival of patients infected with these organisms. This paper reviews information on the diagnosis and treatment of nonenteric protozoal diseases in immunocompromised people, with a focus on patients infected with HIV. The nonenteric microsporidia, some trypanosomatids,Toxoplasmaspp.,Neosporaspp., some free-living amoebae,Plasmodiumspp., andBabesiaspp. are discussed.
Helicobacter pyloriand Gastric Cancer: Factors That Modulate Disease Risk
Authors: Wroblewski Lydia E. , Peek Richard M. , Wilson Keith T.
Published: October 2010

Helicobacter pyloriis a gastric pathogen that colonizes approximately 50% of the world's population. Infection withH. pyloricauses chronic inflammation and significantly increases the risk of developing duodenal and gastric ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Infection withH. pyloriis the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. OnceH. pyloricolonizes the gastric environment, it persists for the lifetime of the host, suggesting that the host immune response is ineffective in clearing this bacterium. In this review, we discuss the host immune response and examine other host factors that increase the pathogenic potential of this bacterium, including host polymorphisms, alterations to the apical-junctional complex, and the effects of environmental factors. In addition to host effects and responses,H. pyloristrains are genetically diverse. We discuss the main virulence determinants inH. pyloristrains and the correlation between these and the diverse clinical outcomes followingH. pyloriinfection. SinceH. pyloriinhibits the gastric epithelium of half of the world, it is crucial that we continue to gain understanding of host and microbial factors that increase the risk of developing more severe clinical outcomes.