bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrutura das comunidades de macroalgas da bacia de drenagem do rio Cascavel, Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Krupek Rogério Antonio , Branco Ciro César Zanini
Published: April 2014

A bacia de drenagem do rio Cascavel encontra-se quase que inteiramente dentro do perímetro urbano do município de Guarapuava, Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Foram amostrados sete segmentos de riachos em duas estações do ano (verão e inverno). Foram encontrados 12 táxons de macroalgas com dominância de Chlorophyta (sete táxons) seguido de Cyanophyta (três táxons), Heterokontophyta e Rhodophyta (um táxon cada). Riqueza, índice de diversidade e equidade foram mais elevados durante o período de inverno enquanto a abundância e dominância foram mais elevadas no verão. Entre as características microambientais, a velocidade da correnteza foi a única que diferiu significativamente entre os períodos climáticos. A Análise de Regressão revelou que a riqueza do substrato foi responsável pela variação de riqueza, diversidade, equidade e dominância de espécies durante o período de verão. Durante o inverno, a velocidade da correnteza foi responsável pela variação da diversidade de espécies. A análise de agrupamento das comunidades de macroalgas não reuniu pontos do mesmo período temporal. A Análise de Correspondência Canônica (CCA) mostrou que os segmentos aproximaram-se devido à ocorrência de uma ou poucas espécies em comum. Os padrões de distribuição espacial e temporal de macroalgas lóticas parecem fortemente influenciados por características de microhabitat em diferentes escalas, porém apoiadas em variáveis mais regionais.
Morfologia de esporos de pteridófitas do Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (São Paulo, Brasil). Família: 21-Tectariaceae
Authors: Lebrão Cynthia , Coelho Carolina Brandão , Esteves Luciano Mauricio
Published: April 2014

Foram estudados os esporos de sete espécies de pteridófitas pertencentes à família Tectariaceae no Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga. A família está representada na área por três gêneros: Ctenitis, Lastreopsis e Megalastrum. Para todos os táxons estudados são apresentadas descrições, ilustrações, observações, bem como chave para a identificação das espécies.
Activation of Hindbrain Neurons Is Mediated by Portal-Mesenteric Vein Glucosensors During Slow-Onset Hypoglycemia
Authors: Bohland MaryAnn , Matveyenko Aleksey V. , Saberi Maziyar , Khan Arshad M. , Watts Alan G. , Donovan Casey M.
Published: April 2014

Hypoglycemic detection at the portal-mesenteric vein (PMV) appears mediated by spinal afferents and is critical for the counter-regulatory response (CRR) to slow-onset, but not rapid-onset, hypoglycemia. Since rapid-onset hypoglycemia induces Fos protein expression in discrete brain regions, we hypothesized that denervation of the PMV or lesioning spinal afferents would suppress Fos expression in the dorsal medulla during slow-onset hypoglycemia, revealing a central nervous system reliance on PMV glucosensors. Rats undergoing PMV deafferentation via capsaicin, celiac-superior mesenteric ganglionectomy (CSMG), or total subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (TSV) were exposed to hyperinsulinemic–hypoglycemic clamps where glycemia was lowered slowly over 60–75 min. In response to hypoglycemia, control animals demonstrated a robust CRR along with marked Fos expression in the area postrema, nucleus of the solitary tract, and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Fos expression was suppressed by 65–92% in capsaicin-treated animals, as was epinephrine (74%), norepinephrine (33%), and glucagon (47%). CSMG also suppressed Fos expression and CRR during slow-onset hypoglycemia, whereas TSV failed to impact either. In contrast, CSMG failed to impact upon Fos expression or the CRR during rapid-onset hypoglycemia. Peripheral glucosensory input from the PMV is therefore required for activation of hindbrain neurons and the full CRR during slow-onset hypoglycemia.
RP-HPLC-UV-ESI-MS phytochemical analysis of fruits of Conocarpus erectus L.
Authors: Abdel-Hameed El-Sayed , Bazaid Salih , Shohayeb Mohamed
Published: April 2014

Previous work revealed that the defatted methanol (MeOH) extract of fruits of Conocarpus erectus L. (Combretaceae family) exhibited antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-cancer activities. In further studies of this valuable plant, the defatted MeOH extract of C. erectus fruits was subjected to chromatographic fractionation in a silica gel glass column followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet-electrospray ionisation spectrometry analysis (RP-HPLC-UV-ESI-MS). The major and sharp peaks in each sample were identified or tentatively identified based on matching with some standard compounds and a review of the literature. Ellagic acid, vescalagin/castalagin isomer and di-(hexahydroxy diphenoyl) galloyl hexose isomer were tentatively identified as major components with many hydrolysable types of tannins on the basis of a comparison of its mass patterns with relevant items in the literature. Gallic acid, kaempferol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside were identified on the basis of matching retention time (t R) and mass spectra with the standards. Polymethoxylated flavonoid isomers were also tentatively identified. The antioxidant properties of all samples were found to be associated with the total content of phenolic compounds. This may be considered as the first detailed phytochemical report in identifying the phytochemicals in C. erectus fruits. Due to the high antioxidant activity exhibited by both the crude MeOH extract and its fractions, it could be used as an effective natural antioxidant after further in vitro and in vivo studies.
Antioxidant and binding properties of methanol extracts from indigo plant leaves
Authors: Park Yun-Jum , Shin Chang-Sik , Kim Bo-Eun , Cheon Gil-Yong , Bae Jong-Hyang , Ku Yang-Gyu , Park Su-Min , Heo Buk-Gu , Kim Dae-Guk , Cho Ja-Yong , Gorinstein Shela
Published: April 2014

This study was conducted to clarify the effect of ultra-pressure treatment on the extraction of bioactive compounds from indigo plant leaves (Polygonum tinctorium Lour.) and on their properties. Leaves were harvested the in mid-August, 2013, from Naju City (Korea), and treated using two methods: ultra-pressure (550 MPa, 3 min) and hot-air (70°C, 24 h). Then, the leaves were ultrasonically extracted with methanol. The content of indirubin in leaves treated with ultra pressure and hot air was (535.55 ± 26.14) mg kg−1 and (52.63 ± 6.45) mg kg−1, respectively, and that of tryptanthrin was (165.55 ± 8.74) mg kg−1 and (153.00 ± 7.62) mg kg−1, respectively. Polyphenolic content in the leaves extract was (127.24 ± 13.67) mg kg−1 after the ultrapressure and (88.22 ± 5.33) mg kg−1 after the hot-air treatment. The content of flavonoids was (2298.67 ± 83.27) mg kg−1 after the ultra-pressure and (3224.00 ± 21.45) mg kg−1 after the hotair treatment. Di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of the indigo extract obtained by ultra-pressure and hot-air treatment methods at the concentration of 1 mg mL−1 were (80.25 ± 0.73) % and (66.54 ± 2.35) %, respectively, and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities were estimated as (90.14 ± 0.79) % and (64.45 ± 8.97) %, respectively. The methanol leaf extract after ultra-pressure treatment exhibited higher binding properties to human serum albumin in comparison with catechin and conventional treatments. Consequently, it was assumed that the ultra-pressure treatment is an effective method for the extraction of bioactive compounds from indigo leaves.
Nitrobenzene degradation by micro-sized iron and electron efficiency evaluation
Authors: Wu Cheng-Qiang , Fu Dan-Ting , Chen Xiao
Published: April 2014

The effect of pH, temperature, zero-valent iron (ZVI) dosage and reaction duration on nitrobenzene (NB) degradation by micro-sized ZVI was investigated in batch experiments and the electron efficiency (EE) was evaluated at constant pH. The experimental results showed that the reaction rate constant attained 0.616 min−1, which was far higher than reported in previous studies. The decrease in pH and increase in temperature of the reaction bath promoted the reaction kinetics. ZVI dosage and reaction duration were two key factors affecting NB reduction and EE. A lower ZVI dosage and a slightly longer reaction duration could afford an optimised EE and optimum NB removal. A prolonged reaction or too high a ZVI dosage resulted in increased ZVI waste.
Modelling of ORL1 receptor-ligand interactions
Authors: Senćanski Milan , Ivanović Milovan , Došen-Mićović Ljiljana
Published: April 2014

An opioid receptor like (ORL1) receptor is one of a family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR); it represents a new pharmaceutical target with extensive therapeutic potential for the regulation of important biological functions such as nociception, mood disorders, drug abuse, learning or cardiovascular control. Although the crystal structure of the inactive form of the ORL1 receptor has been determined, little is known about its activation. By using X-ray structures of the β2-adrenegic receptor in its inactive (2RH1) and active (3P0G) states as templates, inactive and active homology models of the ORL1 receptor were constructed. Structurally diverse sets of strongly binding antagonists and agonists were docked with both ORL1 receptor forms. The major receptor-ligand interactions responsible for antagonist and agonist binding were identified. Although both sets of ligands, agonists and antagonists, bind to the same region of the receptor, they occupy partially different binding pockets. Agonists bind to the inactive receptor in a slightly different manner than antagonists. This difference is more pronounced in binding to the active ORL1 receptor model and points to the amino acids at the extracellular end of TM6, suggesting that this region is important for receptor-activation.
Expectation of students from their teachers in undergraduate Medical Education in selected Medical Colleges in Bangladesh
Authors: Miah Md Abdus Sabur , Talukder Md Humayun Kabir
Published: April 2014

Introduction: An important aspect in higher education consists in improving the quality of students outcomes. Infact, different factors influence these outcomes. Among these factors are the quality of teaching, material used and at the students' expectation of the institution. Part of this perception is reflected in what students expect from their teachers. It is fact that students' performance depends on teachers' exigencies, teachers' perception of students' expectations and how the teachers fit with these expectations. Methodology: It was a cross sectional type of descriptive study. Conducted in 3 medical colleges for one year (July 2012 to June 2013) with the aim to find out the expectations of students from their teachers in undergraduate medical education in Bangladesh. The total respondents were 353 students selected by convenience sampling from preclinical, para clinical and clinical departments of those medical colleges. Pre-tested, self administered, structured anonymous using English & Bengal, Questionnaire, with Likert scale was used for data Collection. Comparison of expectation level between male & Female students, among the medical colleges were done by applying unpaired test. Results: 353 medical students of three selected medical colleges participated in this study. Among them 52% were female & 48% were male and 94% were Muslim and 6% were Hindu. There were 30 statement on students' expectations. Respondent expressed their views as expected and highly expected in all the statements. Regarding teaching, Teacher will be sincere, knowledgeable, will conduct class with adequate preparation. Punctual, teaching time will be used properly and will give explanation & example for better understandings' 92-97% students expressed their view as expected and highly expected. In interpersonal relation & in using modern instructional materials by the teachers 92-98% students expressed expected and highly expected. It is revealed that expectation on this 30 statement, students expectations are very high. So it is significant to address these issues by the teachers and administrator. Conclusion: It is revealed in the study that expectation of students from the selected three Medical Colleges were similar and no significant variations were found, students started their journey in Medical education with some expectation but all expectations which might not be perfect. But the students' expectation which they had in the study was the reflection of all the students of under graduate medical education in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjme.v3i1.18590 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.3(1) 2012: 12-17
Teachers' evaluation of formative assessment on summative assessment in undergraduate medical education
Authors: Hossain Sakhawat , Begum Nazma , Talukder Md Humayun Kabir
Published: April 2014

Background: Assessment is important in all forms of learning. Formative assessments have evolved as a means to adapt to student needs. Summative assessment designed to make judgments about students' performance and produce grades Formative assessment is the assessment that takes place during a course or programming of study whereas summative assessment is normally carried out at or towards the end of a course. Objective: To determine the teachers' view about the influence of formative assessment on the result of summative assessment in undergraduate medical course. Method: This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out from July 2009 to June 2010 over 106 teachers of selected two government and two private medical colleges. A structured and pretested questionnaire included different opinion about the influence of formative assessment on summative assessment was distributed among respondents and data were collected for analysis. Results: This study revealed that majority of the teachers (77%) considered feedback from formative assessment to students is important to close up the learning gap. Eighty two percent teachers were in agreement that through formative assessment teachers identified students' weak point and 69% supported that formative assessment motivates the students for deep learning and regular study. However, frequent formative assessment hampers students' independent learning which produces negative effects in summative exam. Conclusion: Formative assessment has got significant effect on summative assessment in various aspects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjme.v3i1.18591 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.3(1) 2012: 18-21
Perception of intern doctors about the newly introduced assessment system in the final professional MBBS examination
Authors: Chowdhury Fatima Parveen , Asaduzzaman AKM , Nargis Tahmina , Abeer Chowdhury Nasrath Munir
Published: April 2014

It was a descriptive study. The objective was to find out the perception of intern doctors regarding newly introduced assessment system in final professional MBBS examination which was held in July 2011. Data were collected from 500 inter doctors of selected medical colleges by using self administered questionnaire. It was found that majority (84%) of the respondent expressed their satisfaction with the newly introduced assessment method .Of the students 95.5% mentioned that SAQ is better than Essay questions. Inclusion of MCQ, SOE and OSCE in examination is worthy was opined by about 86.6%, 81.7%, 78% of the students respectively. Nearly eighty nine (89%) percent respondents thought that adding of a certain percentage of mark of formative assessment in final examination is better. About 29% of respondents said that examination phobia in oral /viva is not reduced by introducing SOE, 26.2% believed that all examinees are not judged in same standard by examiners by means of OSCE and 31% respondents believed that result of examination in SOE, some extent depends upon the examiners desire and intention. So, it reveals that the new assessment method is not implemented properly. Students also identified strengths and weakness of the new assessment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjme.v3i1.18592 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.3(1) 2012: 22-25
Characterization of Platelet–Monocyte Complexes in HIV-1–Infected Individuals: Possible Role in HIV-Associated Neuroinflammation
Authors: Singh Meera V. , Davidson Donna C. , Jackson Joseph W. , Singh Vir B. , Silva Jharon , Ramirez Servio H. , Maggirwar Sanjay B.
Published: April 2014

HIV-1–associated neuroinflammation persists even with effective combined antiretroviral therapy, and it is associated with the presence of activated monocytes/macrophages within the CNS. To infiltrate the CNS, monocytes transmigrate across the selectively permeable blood–brain barrier, which is compromised during HIV-1 infection. Interestingly, platelet-derived excess soluble CD40 ligand found in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-1–infected individuals with cognitive impairment has previously been implicated in increased blood–brain barrier permeability. In this study we show that soluble CD40 ligand also promotes the formation of complexes between inflammatory monocytes and activated platelets (PMCs), which are detected by flow cytometry as monocytes that express excess of CD61, a platelet marker, and that these complexes are increased in individuals with HIV-1 infection. PMCs exhibit an enhanced ability to adhere to human brain microvascular endothelial cells as compared with monocytes alone, and they migrate across the transendothelial barrier. These complexes can be found marginalized in the lumen of postcapillary venules in postmortem brain tissue derived from cases of HIV-1–associated encephalitis. The extravasation of monocytes across the brain endothelium may exacerbate neuroinflammation, indicating that enhancing this event via platelet interaction may be a contributing factor in the development of cognitive impairment. Thus, dampening platelet activation, and in turn PMC formation, with antiplatelet agents may prove beneficial in developing adjunctive therapies for use in combination with combined antiretroviral therapy in an effort to reduce HIV-1–associated neurologic deficit.
ATM Increases Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase Activity at Downstream S Regions during Class-Switch Recombination
Authors: Khair Lyne , Guikema Jeroen E. J. , Linehan Erin K. , Ucher Anna J. , Leus Niek G. J. , Ogilvie Colin , Lou Zhenkun , Schrader Carol E. , Stavnezer Janet
Published: April 2014

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) initiates Ab class-switch recombination (CSR) in activated B cells resulting in exchanging the IgH C region and improved Ab effector function. During CSR, AID instigates DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation in switch (S) regions located upstream of C region genes. DSBs are necessary for CSR, but improper regulation of DSBs can lead to chromosomal translocations that can result in B cell lymphoma. The protein kinase ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is an important proximal regulator of the DNA damage response (DDR), and translocations involving S regions are increased in its absence. ATM phosphorylates H2AX, which recruits other DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, including mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1 (Mdc1) and p53 binding protein 1 (53BP1), to sites of DNA damage. As these DDR proteins all function to promote repair and recombination of DSBs during CSR, we examined whether mouse splenic B cells deficient in these proteins would show alterations in S region DSBs when undergoing CSR. We find that in atm−/− cells Sμ DSBs are increased, whereas DSBs in downstream Sγ regions are decreased. We also find that mutations in the unrearranged Sγ3 segment are reduced in atm−/− cells. Our data suggest that ATM increases AID targeting and activity at downstream acceptor S regions during CSR and that in atm−/− cells Sμ DSBs accumulate as they lack a recombination partner.
Economic Evaluation of an Eye Hospital in Terms of Net Present Value and Profitability Index
Authors: John Shibu , Dabas Komal , Naseem Iffat
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Hospital projects are highly cost intensive and therefore, it takes few years to become a profit oriented entity. The success of these hospital projects can be measured through various economic evaluation methods. Economic evaluation can also be called as an effort to analyze inputs and outputs together and logically help decision makers evaluate whether a certain level of output is worth the amount of resources expended to produce it.

Method of the study

The present study was planned to do the economic evaluation of an Eye hospital, in Haryana state. Two parameters were considered for evaluating the project, i.e. Net Present Value (NPV) and Profitability Index (PI). The data used in the study was from 2010-2011 to 2016-2017. This includes actual and projected data.

Result and conclusion

A positive NPV explain the project is worthwhile and making profits, with current cost and revenue projections. PI for this center is found out to be 3.47 which also emphasize that the project is a value for money proposition.

How to cite this article

John S, Dabas K, Naseem I. Economic Evaluation of an Eye Hospital in Terms of Net Present Value and Profitability Index. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2014;2(1):36-40.
Sexual Harassment: A Growing Concern for Women in Indian Healthcare Industry
Authors: Singh Madhav Madhusudan , Patnaik Saroj Kumar , Prabhakaran Deepak , Srivastva Pradeep , Choudhary Pranav K
Published: April 2014

Centuries of development in the field of medicine, has been one among the many indispensable major factors behind India's sky-high growth and overall prosperity. Medicine has evolved itself from being just a subject of applied sciences at clinical level to become an industry occupied in constantly increasing the life-expectancy of the man kind. The Indian healthcare industry has been making an immense contribution in improving the quality of healthcare and ancillary services to the second largest populous country in the world, which shall continue only if every employee is secured from work-place crimes like sexual harassment. An employee is considered to be a victim of sexual harassment when he or she is mentally or/and physically pressurized against his or her will to get sexually exploited by a co-employee or a superior at his or her work-place. The Indian Penal Code along with several legislations governing the Indian healthcare industry have recognized the seriousness of ‘sexual harassment at work-place’, calling for an immediate attention from both legal and medical fraternity.

How to cite this article

Singh MM, Patnaik SK, Prabhakaran D, Srivastva P, Choudhary PK. Sexual Harassment: A Growing Concern for Women in Indian Healthcare Industry. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2014;2(1):41-49.
Clustering mesoscale convective systems with laser‐based water vapor δ18O monitoring in Niamey (Niger)
Authors: Tremoy Guillaume , Vimeux Françoise , Soumana Salifou , Souley Ide , Risi Camille , Favreau Guillaume , Oï Monique
Published: April 2014

The isotopic composition of surface water vapor (δv) has been measured continuously in Niamey along with the isotopic composition of event‐based precipitation (δp) since 2010. We investigate the evolution of water vapor and precipitation isotope ratios during rain events of the 2010, 2011, and 2012 monsoon periods. We establish a classification of rain systems into three types based on the δv temporal evolution. We find that 51% of rain events (class A) exhibit a sharp decrease in δ18Ov in phase with the surface air temperature drop, leading to a depletion of water vapor by −1.9‰ on average during rainfall. Twenty‐nine percent of rain events (class B) show a similar decrease in δ18Ov in phase with the temperature drop but are characterized by a progressive enrichment of the vapor in the stratiform region, resulting in a depletion of water vapor by −1.2‰ on average during rainfall. The last 20% of the rain events (class C) are associated with a progressive increase in δ18Ov during rainfall (+0.8‰). We also examine the temporal evolution of water vapor deuterium excess (dv) which shows a sharp increase as δ18Ov decreases, followed by a progressive decrease in the stratiform part for classes A and B. Using a basic box model, we examine for each class the respective roles that mesoscale subsidence and rain evaporation play on the evolution of δ18Ov. We show that those two processes are dominant for class A, whereas other processes may exert a major role on δ18Ov for classes B and C.
Low concentration structural dynamics of lanreotide and somatostatin‐14
Authors: Hernández Belén , Coïc Yves‐Marie , Baron Bruno , Kruglik Sergei G. , Pflüger Fernando , Cohen Régis , Carelli Claude , Ghomi Mahmoud
Published: April 2014

Lanreotide, a synthetic cyclic octapeptide, analogue of the peptide hormone somatostatin‐14 (SST‐14), is routinely used as a long‐acting medication in the management of neuroendocrine tumors. Despite its therapeutic importance, low concentration structural data is still lacking for lanreotide. In fact, the major part of the previous structural investigations were focused on the remarkable aggregation properties of this peptide, appearing at high concentrations (>5 mM). Here, we have applied three optical spectroscopic techniques, i.e. fluorescence, circular dichroism and Raman scattering, for analyzing the structural dynamics at the concentrations below 5 mM, where lanreotide exists either in a monomer state or at the first stages of aggregation. The obtained data from lanreotide were discussed through their comparison with those collected from SST‐14, leading us to the following conclusions: (i) The central D‐Trp residue, forming with its adjacent Lys the main receptor interacting part of lanreotide, keeps a constant high rotational freedom whatever the environment (water, water/methanol, methanol). (ii) A solvent‐dependent tight β‐turn, belonging to the type‐II' family, is revealed in lanreotide. (iii) Raman data analyzed by band decomposition in the amide (I and III) regions allowed estimation of different secondary structural elements within the millimolar range. Interestingly, the applied protocol shows a perfect agreement between the structural features provided by the amide I and amide III Raman markers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 1019–1028, 2014.
Identification of novel biomass‐degrading enzymes from genomic dark matter: Populating genomic sequence space with functional annotation
Authors: Piao Hailan , Froula Jeff , Du Changbin , Kim Tae‐Wan , Hawley Erik R. , Bauer Stefan , Wang Zhong , Ivanova Nathalia , Clark Douglas S. , Klenk Hans‐Peter , Hess Matthias
Published: April 2014

Although recent nucleotide sequencing technologies have significantly enhanced our understanding of microbial genomes, the function of ∼35% of genes identified in a genome currently remains unknown. To improve the understanding of microbial genomes and consequently of microbial processes it will be crucial to assign a function to this “genomic dark matter.” Due to the urgent need for additional carbohydrate‐active enzymes for improved production of transportation fuels from lignocellulosic biomass, we screened the genomes of more than 5,500 microorganisms for hypothetical proteins that are located in the proximity of already known cellulases. We identified, synthesized and expressed a total of 17 putative cellulase genes with insufficient sequence similarity to currently known cellulases to be identified as such using traditional sequence annotation techniques that rely on significant sequence similarity. The recombinant proteins of the newly identified putative cellulases were subjected to enzymatic activity assays to verify their hydrolytic activity towards cellulose and lignocellulosic biomass. Eleven (65%) of the tested enzymes had significant activity towards at least one of the substrates. This high success rate highlights that a gene context‐based approach can be used to assign function to genes that are otherwise categorized as “genomic dark matter” and to identify biomass‐degrading enzymes that have little sequence similarity to already known cellulases. The ability to assign function to genes that have no related sequence representatives with functional annotation will be important to enhance our understanding of microbial processes and to identify microbial proteins for a wide range of applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1550–1565. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of manipulated variables for a glycosylation control strategy
Authors: St. Amand Melissa M. , Radhakrishnan Devesh , Robinson Anne S. , Ogunnaike Babatunde A.
Published: April 2014

N‐linked glycan distribution affects important end‐use characteristics such as the bioactivity and efficacy of many therapeutic proteins, (including monoclonal antibodies), in vivo. Yet, obtaining desired glycan distributions consistently during batch‐to‐batch production can be challenging for biopharmaceutical manufacturers. While an appropriately implemented on‐line glycosylation control strategy during production can help to ensure a consistent glycan distribution, to date no such strategies have been reported. Our goal is to develop and validate a comprehensive strategy for effective on‐line control of glycosylation, the successful achievement of which requires first identifying appropriate manipulated variables that can be used to direct the glycan distribution to a desired state. While various culture conditions such as bioreactor process variables, media type, and media supplements have been shown to affect the glycan distribution, in this study we focus on the latter. Specifically, we implemented a statistically designed series of experiments to determine the significant main effects (as well as interaction effects) of media supplementation with manganese, galactose, ammonia and found that each had significant effects on certain glycans. We also include data indicating the glycosylation enzyme gene transcript levels as well as the intracellular nucleotide sugar concentrations in the presence of the media supplements to provide insight into the intracellular conditions that may be contributing to the changes in glycan distribution. The acquired experimental data sets were then used to identify which glycans can be controlled by the media supplements and to what degree. We determined that MnCl2 can be used as a manipulated variable to increase the relative abundance of M51 and decrease FA2 simultaneously, and galactose can be used as a manipulated variable to increase the relative abundance of FA2G1 and decrease FA2 and A2 simultaneously. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1957–1970. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reference and counter electrode positions affect electrochemical characterization of bioanodes in different bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Zhang Fang , Liu Jia , Ivanov Ivan , Hatzell Marta C. , Yang Wulin , Ahn Yongtae , Logan Bruce E.
Published: April 2014

The placement of the reference electrode (RE) in various bioelectrochemical systems is often varied to accommodate different reactor configurations. While the effect of the RE placement is well understood from a strictly electrochemistry perspective, there are impacts on exoelectrogenic biofilms in engineered systems that have not been adequately addressed. Varying distances between the working electrode (WE) and the RE, or the RE and the counter electrode (CE) in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can alter bioanode characteristics. With well‐spaced anode and cathode distances in an MFC, increasing the distance between the RE and anode (WE) altered bioanode cyclic voltammograms (CVs) due to the uncompensated ohmic drop. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) also changed with RE distances, resulting in a calculated increase in anode resistance that varied between 17 and 31 Ω (−0.2 V). While WE potentials could be corrected with ohmic drop compensation during the CV tests, they could not be automatically corrected by the potentiostat in the EIS tests. The electrochemical characteristics of bioanodes were altered by their acclimation to different anode potentials that resulted from varying the distance between the RE and the CE (cathode). These differences were true changes in biofilm characteristics because the CVs were electrochemically independent of conditions resulting from changing CE to RE distances. Placing the RE outside of the current path enabled accurate bioanode characterization using CVs and EIS due to negligible ohmic resistances (0.4 Ω). It is therefore concluded for bioelectrochemical systems that when possible, the RE should be placed outside the current path and near the WE, as this will result in more accurate representation of bioanode characteristics. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1931–1939. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcome of sleeve gastrectomy as a primary bariatric procedure
Authors: van Rutte P W J , Smulders J F , de Zoete J P , Nienhuijs S W
Published: April 2014

Background

Sleeve gastrectomy is being performed increasingly in Europe. Data on long-term outcome would be helpful in defining the role of sleeve gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of sleeve gastrectomy as a primary bariatric procedure.

Methods

Medical charts of all patients who underwent a primary sleeve gastrectomy at the authors' institution between August 2006 and December 2012 were reviewed retrospectively using a prospective online data registry. For evolution of weight loss and co-morbidity, only patients with follow-up of at least 1 year were included. A subgroup analysis was done to compare patients with an intended stand-alone procedure and those with an intended two-stage procedure.

Results

A total of 1041 primary sleeve gastrectomies were performed in the study period. Median duration of surgery was 47 min, and median hospital stay was 2 days. Intra-abdominal bleeding occurred in 27 patients (2·6 per cent) and staple-line leakage in 24 (2·3 per cent). Some 866 patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. Mean excess weight loss was 68·4 per cent after 1 year (P < 0·001) and 67·4 per cent after 2 years. Smaller groups of patients achieved a mean excess weight loss of 69·3 per cent (163 patients), 70·5 per cent (62) and 58·3 per cent (19) after 3, 4 and 5 years respectively. No difference in postoperative complications was found between the subgroups. Seventy-one (8·2 per cent) of 866 patients had a revision of the sleeve gastrectomy; reflux or dysphagia was the indication in 34 (48 per cent) of these patients.

Conclusion

Sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective bariatric procedure. Maximum weight loss was achieved after 4 years. Long-term results regarding weight loss and co-morbidities were satisfactory.
Intestinal tumor suppression in ApcMin/+ mice by prostaglandin D2 receptor PTGDR
Authors: Tippin Brigette L. , Kwong Alan M. , Inadomi Michael J. , Lee Oliver J. , Park Jae Man , Materi Alicia M. , Buslon Virgilio S. , Lin Amy M. , Kudo Lili C. , Karsten Stanislav L. , French Samuel W. , Narumiya Shuh , Urade Yoshihiro , Salido Eduardo , Lin Henry J.
Published: April 2014

Our earlier work showed that knockout of hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (HPGDS, an enzyme that produces prostaglandin D2) caused more adenomas in ApcMin/+ mice. Conversely, highly expressed transgenic HPGDS allowed fewer tumors. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) binds to the prostaglandin D2 receptor known as PTGDR (or DP1). PGD2 metabolites bind to peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARG). We hypothesized that Ptgdr or Pparg knockouts may raise numbers of tumors, if these receptors take part in tumor suppression by PGD2. To assess, we produced ApcMin/+ mice with and without Ptgdr knockouts (147 mice). In separate experiments, we produced ApcMin/+ mice expressing transgenic lipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase (PTGDS), with and without heterozygous Pparg knockouts (104 mice). Homozygous Ptgdr knockouts raised total numbers of tumors by 30–40% at 6 and 14 weeks. Colon tumors were not affected. Heterozygous Pparg knockouts alone did not affect tumor numbers in ApcMin/+ mice. As mentioned above, our Pparg knockout assessment also included mice with highly expressed PTGDS transgenes. ApcMin/+ mice with transgenic PTGDS had fewer large adenomas (63% of control) and lower levels of v‐myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) mRNA in the colon. Heterozygous Pparg knockouts appeared to blunt the tumor‐suppressing effect of transgenic PTGDS. However, tumor suppression by PGD2 was more clearly mediated by receptor PTGDR in our experiments. The suppression mechanism did not appear to involve changes in microvessel density or slower proliferation of tumor cells. The data support a role for PGD2 signals acting through PTGDR in suppression of intestinal tumors.
Effects of correlated color temperature on focused and sustained attention under white LED desk lighting
Authors: Huang Rong‐Hwa , Lee Leemen , Chiu Yi‐An , Sun Yi
Published: April 2014

Since the Kruithof's work on general illumination, the relationships between correlated color temperatures (CCTs) and human behavior are well documented. In the recent years, because of the high growth of light‐emitting diode (LED) lighting products, studies on the effects of LED lighting on human behavior have emerged. This study examines the effects of CCTs on focused and sustained attention under white LED desk lighting. Three CCT conditions (2700, 4300, and 6500 K) are examined, and the Chu Attention Test was used to measure focused and sustained attention. Results show that CCTs affect attention. In specific, the 4300 K condition resulted in a significantly better focused and sustained attention. Comfortableness and clarity are rated by the subjects. The self‐reported comfort shows no significant differences among the three conditions, but clarity shows significant differences. Gender differences are also discussed. It is found that the self‐reported clarity by males show no significant differences among the three lighting conditions, whereas the self‐reported clarity by females is significantly lower when CCT is 2700 K. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 281–286, 2015
Intraspecific variation in vertical habitat use by tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) in the western North Atlantic
Authors: Vaudo Jeremy J. , Wetherbee Bradley M. , Harvey Guy , Nemeth Richard S. , Aming Choy , Burnie Neil , Howey‐Jordan Lucy A. , Shivji Mahmood S.
Published: April 2014

Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are a wide ranging, potentially keystone predator species that display a variety of horizontal movement patterns, making use of coastal and pelagic waters. Far less, however, is known about their vertical movements and use of the water column. We used pop‐up satellite archival tags with two data sampling rates (high rate and standard rate tags) to investigate the vertical habitat use and diving behavior of tiger sharks tagged on the Puerto Rico–Virgin Islands platform and off Bermuda between 2008 and 2009. Useable data were received from nine of 14 sharks tagged, tracked over a total of 529 days. Sharks spent the majority of their time making yo‐yo dives within the upper 50 m of the water column and considerable time within the upper 5 m of the water column. As a result, sharks typically occupied a narrow daily temperature range (~2°C). Dives to greater than 200 m were common, and all sharks made dives to at least 250 m, with one shark reaching a depth of 828 m. Despite some similarities among individuals, a great deal of intraspecific variability in vertical habit use was observed. Four distinct depth distributions that were not related to tagging location, horizontal movements, sex, or size were detected. In addition, similar depth distributions did not necessitate similar dive patterns among sharks. Recognition of intraspecific variability in habitat use of top predators can be crucial for effective management of these species and for understanding their influence on ecosystem dynamics.
Proteomic characterization of pediatric craniopharyngioma intracystic fluid by LC‐MS top‐down/bottom‐up integrated approaches
Authors: Martelli Claudia , Iavarone Federica , Vincenzoni Federica , Rossetti Diana Valeria , D'Angelo Luca , Tamburrini Gianpiero , Caldarelli Massimo , Di Rocco Concezio , Messana Irene , Castagnola Massimo , Desiderio Claudia
Published: April 2014

The combination of top‐down and bottom‐up platforms was utilized for the LC‐MS proteomic characterization of the intracystic fluid of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma pediatric brain tumor disease. Proteins and peptides characterization was achieved by high‐resolution LC‐ESI‐LTQ‐Orbitrap‐MS analysis while low‐resolution LC‐ESI‐IT‐MS was applied for the complete screening of the samples and the evaluation of the protein distribution within patients. Top‐down analyses were applied to liquid/liquid extracted samples while bottom‐up analyses were performed after trypsin digestion of both untreated and pretreated samples. The two proteomic approaches were complementary for the characterization of the proteome of craniopharyngioma intracystic fluid. Proteins and peptides involved in inflammation, mineralization processes and lipid transport were identified, in agreement with the calcium flecks, cholesterol granules and bone residues characteristic of this fluid. Apolipoprotein A‐I, A‐II, C‐I and J, hemoglobin fragments, ubiquitin, α‐2‐HS‐glycoprotein or fetuin A, α‐1‐antichymotrypsin, vitamin D binding protein, and α‐1‐acid glycoprotein were characterized. These data could be relevant for the comprehension of the processes involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and the development of the cyst and could contribute to the individuation of therapeutic targets for the reduction of the cyst volume delaying and/or avoiding invasive surgical treatments.
Confined trisomy 8 mosaicism of meiotic origin: A rare cause of aneuploidy in childhood cancer
Authors: Valind Anders , Pal Niklas , Asmundsson Jurate , Gisselsson David , Holmquist Mengelbier Linda
Published: April 2014

Whether chromosome abnormalities observed in tumor cells may in some cases reflect low‐grade somatic mosaicism for anomalies present already at zygote formation, rather than acquired somatic mutations, has for long remained a speculation. We here report a patient with Wilms tumor, where constitutional somatic mosaicism of trisomy 8 was detected in a previously healthy 2 ½‐year‐old boy. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) array analysis of tumor tissue revealed a complex distribution of allele frequencies for chromosome 8 that could not be explained solely by mitotic events. Combined analysis of allele frequencies, chromosome banding, and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that the majority of tumor cells contained four copies of chromosome 8, with three distinct haplotypes at a 2:1:1 ratio. Because the patient had not been subject to organ transplantation, these findings indicated that the tumor karyotype evolved from a cell with trisomy 8 of meiotic origin, with subsequent somatic gain of one additional chromosome copy. Haplotype analysis was consistent with trisomy 8 through nondisjunction at meiosis I. Matched normal renal tissue or peripheral blood did not contain detectable amounts of cells with trisomy 8, consistent with the complete lack of mosaic trisomy 8 syndrome features in the patient. This case provides proof of principle for the hypothesis that tumor genotypes may in rare cases reflect meiotic rather than mitotic events, also in patients lacking syndromic features. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High prevalence of immunoglobulin light chain gene aberrations as revealed by FISH in multiple myeloma and MGUS
Authors: Türkmen Seval , Binder Anastasia , Gerlach Antje , Niehage Sylke , Theodora Melissari Maria , Inandiklioglu Nihal , Dörken Bernd , Burmeister Thomas
Published: April 2014

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant B‐cell neoplasm characterized by an uncontrolled proliferation of aberrant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Chromosome aberrations in MM are complex and represent a hallmark of the disease, involving many chromosomes that are altered both numerically and structurally. Nearly half of the cases are nonhyperdiploid and show IGH translocations with the following partner genes: CCND1, FGFR3 and MMSET, MAF, MAFB, and CCND3. The remaining 50% are grouped into a hyperdiploid group that is characterized by multiple trisomies involving chromosomes 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15, 19, and 21. In this study, we analyzed the immunoglobulin light chain kappa (IGK, 2p12) and lambda (IGL, 22q11) loci in 150 cases, mostly with MM but in a few cases monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), without IGH translocations. We identified aberrations in 27% (= 40 patients) including rearrangements (12%), gains (12%), and deletions (4.6%). In 6 of 18 patients with IGK or/and IGL rearrangements, we detected a MYC rearrangement which suggests that MYC is the translocation partner in the majority of these cases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antibodies against high‐risk human papillomavirus proteins as markers for invasive cervical cancer
Authors: Combes Jean‐Damien , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Hammouda Doudja , Rajkumar Thangarajan , Vanhems Philippe , Snijders Peter , Herrero Rolando , Franceschi Silvia , Clifford Gary
Published: April 2014

Different human papillomavirus (HPV) genes are expressed during the various phases of the HPV life cycle and may elicit immune responses in the process towards malignancy. To evaluate their association with cervical cancer, antibodies against proteins from HPV16 (L1, E1, E2, E4, E6 and E7) and HPV18/31/33/35/45/52/58 (L1, E6 and E7) were measured in serum of 307 invasive cervical cancer cases and 327 controls from Algeria and India. Antibody response was evaluated using a glutathione S‐transferase‐based multiplex serology assay and HPV DNA detected from exfoliated cervical cells using a GP5+/6+‐mediated PCR assay. Among HPV16 DNA‐positive cases, seroprevalence of HPV16 antibodies ranged from 16% for HPV16 E1 to 50% for HPV16 E6 and all were significantly higher than controls. Seroprevalence of E6, E7 and L1 antibodies for HPV18 and for at least one of HPV31/33/35/45/52/58 were also higher in cases positive for DNA of the corresponding type (50% and 30% for E6 of HPV18 and HPV31/33/35/45/52/58 combined, respectively). E6 and E7 antibodies were rarely found in controls, but cross‐reactivity was evident among cancer cases positive for DNA of closely phylogenetically‐related HPV types. E6 or E7 antibodies against any of the eight HPV types were detected in 66.1% of all cervical cancer cases, as compared to 10.1% of controls. E6, and to a lesser extent E7, antibodies appear to be specific markers of HPV‐related malignancy. However, even among cases positive for the same type of HPV DNA, approximately one‐third of cervical cancer cases show no detectable immune response to either E6 or E7.