bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Engineering of the Actinomycete Amycolatopsis sp. Strain ATCC 39116 towards Enhanced Production of Natural Vanillin
Authors: Fleige Christian , Meyer Florian , Steinbüchel Alexander 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

The Gram-positive bacterium
Amycolatopsis
sp. ATCC 39116 is used for the fermentative production of natural vanillin from ferulic acid on an industrial scale. The strain is known for its outstanding tolerance to this toxic product. In order to improve the productivity of the fermentation process, the strain's metabolism was engineered for higher final concentrations and molar yields. Degradation of vanillin could be decreased by more than 90% through deletion of the
vdh
gene, which codes for the central vanillin catabolism enzyme, vanillin dehydrogenase. This mutation resulted in improvement of the final concentration of vanillin by more than 2.2 g/liter, with a molar yield of 80.9%. Further improvement was achieved with constitutive expression of the vanillin anabolism genes
ech
and
fcs
, coding for the enzymes feruloyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthetase (
fcs
) and enoyl-CoA hydratase/aldolase (
ech
). The transcription of both genes was shown to be induced by ferulic acid, which explains the unwanted adaptation phase in the fermentation process before vanillin was efficiently produced by the wild-type cells. Through the constitutive and enhanced expression of the two genes, the adaptation phase was eliminated and a final vanillin concentration of 19.3 g/liter, with a molar yield of 94.9%, was obtained. Moreover, an even higher final vanillin concentration of 22.3 g/liter was achieved, at the expense of a lower molar yield, by using an improved feeding strategy. This is the highest reported vanillin concentration reached in microbial fermentation processes without extraction of the product. Furthermore, the vanillin was produced almost without by-products, with a molar yield that nearly approached the theoretical maximum.

IMPORTANCE
Much effort has been put into optimization of the biotechnological production of natural vanillin. The demand for this compound is growing due to increased consumer concerns regarding chemically produced food additives. Since this compound is toxic to most organisms, it has proven quite difficult to reach high concentrations and molar yields. This study shows that improvements in the final vanillin concentrations and molar yields can be made through a combination of modification of the fermentation parameters and molecular strain engineering, without the need for methods such as continuous extraction from the fermentation broth. Using this approach, we were able to reach a final vanillin concentration of 22.3 g/liter, which is the highest vanillin concentration reported to date that was generated with
Amycolatopsis
sp. ATCC 39116 without additional extraction of the toxic product.
FDA Escherichia coli Identification (FDA-ECID) Microarray: a Pangenome Molecular Toolbox for Serotyping, Virulence Profiling, Molecular Epidemiology, and Phylogeny
Authors: Patel Isha R. , Gangiredla Jayanthi , Lacher David W. , Mammel Mark K. , Jackson Scott A. , Lampel Keith A. , Elkins Christopher A. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Most
Escherichia coli
strains are nonpathogenic. However, for clinical diagnosis and food safety analysis, current identification methods for pathogenic
E. coli
either are time-consuming and/or provide limited information. Here, we utilized a custom DNA microarray with informative genetic features extracted from 368 sequence sets for rapid and high-throughput pathogen identification. The FDA
Escherichia coli
Identification (FDA-ECID) platform contains three sets of molecularly informative features that together stratify strain identification and relatedness. First, 53 known flagellin alleles, 103 alleles of
wzx
and
wzy
, and 5 alleles of
wzm
provide molecular serotyping utility. Second, 41,932 probe sets representing the pan-genome of
E. coli
provide strain-level gene content information. Third, approximately 125,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of available whole-genome sequences (WGS) were distilled to 9,984 SNPs capable of recapitulating the
E. coli
phylogeny. We analyzed 103 diverse
E. coli
strains with available WGS data, including those associated with past foodborne illnesses, to determine robustness and accuracy. The array was able to accurately identify the molecular O and H serotypes, potentially correcting serological failures and providing better resolution for H-nontypeable/nonmotile phenotypes. In addition, molecular risk assessment was possible with key virulence marker identifications. Epidemiologically, each strain had a unique comparative genomic fingerprint that was extended to an additional 507 food and clinical isolates. Finally, a 99.7% phylogenetic concordance was established between microarray analysis and WGS using SNP-level data for advanced genome typing. Our study demonstrates FDA-ECID as a powerful tool for epidemiology and molecular risk assessment with the capacity to profile the global landscape and diversity of
E. coli
.

IMPORTANCE
This study describes a robust, state-of-the-art platform developed from available whole-genome sequences of
E. coli
and
Shigella
spp. by distilling useful signatures for epidemiology and molecular risk assessment into one assay. The FDA-ECID microarray contains features that enable comprehensive molecular serotyping and virulence profiling along with genome-scale genotyping and SNP analysis. Hence, it is a molecular toolbox that stratifies strain identification and pathogenic potential in the contexts of epidemiology and phylogeny. We applied this tool to strains from food, environmental, and clinical sources, resulting in significantly greater phylogenetic and strain-specific resolution than previously reported for available typing methods.
Impact of health insurance status changes on healthcare utilisation patterns: a longitudinal cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jae-Hyun , Lee Sang Gyu , Lee Kwang-Soo , Jang Sung-In , Cho Kyung-Hee , Park Eun-Cheol 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesThe study examined medical care utilisation by health insurance status changes.SettingThe Korean Welfare Panel Study (KoWePs) was used.ParticipantsThis study analysed 14 267 participants at baseline (2006).InterventionsThe individuals were categorised into four health insurance status groups: continuous health insurance, change from health insurance to Medical Aid, change from Medical Aid to health insurance, or continuous Medical Aid.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThree dependent variables were also analysed: days spent in hospital; number of outpatient visits; and hospitalisations per year. Longitudinal data analysis was used to determine whether changes in health insurance status were associated with healthcare utilisation.ResultsThe number of outpatient visits per year was 0.1.363 times higher (p<0.0001) in the continuous Medical Aid than in the continuous health insurance group. The number of hospitalisations per year was 1.560 times higher (p<0.001) in new Medical Aid and −0.636 times lower (p<0.001) in new health insurance than in continuous health insurance group. The number of days spent in hospital per year was −0.567 times lower (p=0.021) in the new health insurance than in the continuous health insurance group.ConclusionsHealth insurance beneficiaries with a coverage level lower than Medical Aid showed lower healthcare utilisation, as measured by the number of hospitalisations and days spent in hospital per year.
Towards a standardised informed consent procedure for live donor nephrectomy: the PRINCE (Process of Informed Consent Evaluation) project—study protocol for a nationwide prospective cohort study
Authors: Kortram Kirsten , Spoon Emerentia Q W , Ismail Sohal Y , d'Ancona Frank C H , Christiaans Maarten H L , van Heurn L W Ernest , Hofker H Sijbrand , Hoksbergen Arjan W J , Homan van der Heide Jaap J , Idu Mirza M , Looman Caspar W N , Nurmohamed S Azam , Ringers Jan , Toorop Raechel J , van de Wetering Jacqueline , Ijzermans Jan N M , Dor Frank J M F 
Published: April 2016

IntroductionInformed consent is mandatory for all (surgical) procedures, but it is even more important when it comes to living kidney donors undergoing surgery for the benefit of others. Donor education, leading to informed consent, needs to be carried out according to certain standards. Informed consent procedures for live donor nephrectomy vary per centre, and even per individual healthcare professional. The basis for a standardised, uniform surgical informed consent procedure for live donor nephrectomy can be created by assessing what information donors need to hear to prepare them for the operation and convalescence.Methods and analysisThe PRINCE (Process of Informed Consent Evaluation) project is a prospective, multicentre cohort study, to be carried out in all eight Dutch kidney transplant centres. Donor knowledge of the procedure and postoperative course will be evaluated by means of pop quizzes. A baseline cohort (prior to receiving any information from a member of the transplant team in one of the transplant centres) will be compared with a control group, the members of which receive the pop quiz on the day of admission for donor nephrectomy. Donor satisfaction will be evaluated for all donors who completed the admission pop-quiz. The primary end point is donor knowledge. In addition, those elements that have to be included in the standardised format informed consent procedure will be identified. Secondary end points are donor satisfaction, current informed consent practices in the different centres (eg, how many visits, which personnel, what kind of information is disclosed, in which format, etc) and correlation of donor knowledge with surgeons' estimation thereof.Ethics and disseminationApproval for this study was obtained from the medical ethical committee of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, on 18 February 2015. Secondary approval has been obtained from the local ethics committees in six participating centres. Approval in the last centre has been sought.ResultsOutcome will be published in a scientific journal.Trial registration numberNTR5374; Pre-results.
Physical and functional outcomes following multidisciplinary residential rehabilitation for prearthritic hip pain among young active UK military personnel
Authors: Coppack Russell J , Bilzon James L , Wills Andrew K , McCurdie Ian M , Partridge Laura K , Nicol Alastair M , Bennett Alexander N 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThere are no studies describing the clinical outcomes of a residential, multidisciplinary team (MDT) rehabilitation intervention for patients with prearthritic hip pain. The aim of this cohort study was to describe the functional and physical outcomes of multidisciplinary residential rehabilitation for UK military personnel with prearthritic hip pain.MethodsParticipants (N=40) with a mean age of 33 years referred to a specialist residential rehabilitation centre completed a comprehensive multidisciplinary residential intervention. The main outcome measures were mean pain, physical function (modified shuttle test (MST) and Y-balance test), hip range of motion (HROM) and a patient-reported outcome measure (The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score, HAGOS). All scores for symptomatic hips were taken at baseline and post-treatment.ResultsThere were improvements in the Y-balance test and HROM following rehabilitation. There were significant improvements in mean difference (T1-to-T2) for Y-balance scores (15.8 cm, 95% CI 10.7 to 20.9, p<0.001), HROM (6.5° increase in hip flexion, 95% CI 4.6 to 9.4, p<0.001) and hip internal rotation (4.6°, 95% CI 2.7 to 6.6, p<0.001). Scores for HAGOS, pain, MST and functional activity assessment showed no improvement.ConclusionsAmong UK military personnel with prearthritic hip pain, MDT residential rehabilitation resulted in improvements in a functional Y-balance test, hip flexion and internal rotation. The study suggests short-term benefits across some outcomes for the current UK military approach to MDT residential rehabilitation.
Distinction between contrast staining and hemorrhage after endovascular stroke treatment: one CT is not enough
Authors: Dekeyzer Sven , Nikoubashman Omid , Lutin Bart , De Groote Jeroen , Vancaester Evelien , De Blauwe Sofie , Hemelsoet Dimitri , Wiesmann Martin , Defreyne Luc 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundPostinterventional cerebral hyperdensities (PCHDs) are a common finding after endovascular stroke treatment. There is uncertainty about the extent to which PCHDs correspond to hemorrhage or contrast staining. Our aim was to evaluate the use of PCHD density on immediate postinterventional CT, and PCHD evolution on follow-up CT for differentiating contrast staining from hemorrhage after endovascular treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the imaging data of 84 patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute arterial ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation and who received an immediate postinterventional CT, a follow-up CT within 36 h, and a follow-up MRI within 10 days.ResultsPCHDs were seen in 62 of 84 patients in a total of 130 Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) areas. A specificity of 100% to predict hemorrhage was only seen for PCHDs with densities <40 HU (for ruling hemorrhage out) and ≥140 HU (for ruling hemorrhage in), at the cost of a low sensitivity of 1.1% and 2.4%, respectively. Persisting PCHDs correlated with hemorrhage with a specificity of 93.3% and a sensitivity of 62.5%. When follow-up CT was performed at least 19 h after the first CT, persisting PCHDs correlated with hemorrhage with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 62.5%.ConclusionsThere are no density thresholds for PCHDs that allow predicting the absence or presence of hemorrhage with 100% specificity and acceptable sensitivity. A CT scan performed at least 19–24 h after endovascular therapy is the only reliable method to differentiate contrast staining from hemorrhage.
Extracellular Visfatin-Promoted Malignant Behavior in Breast Cancer Is Mediated Through c-Abl and STAT3 Activation
Authors: Hung Amos C. , Lo Steven , Hou Ming-Feng , Lee Yi-Chen , Tsai Chun-Hao , Chen Yuan-Yin , Liu Wangta , Su Yu-Han , Lo Yi-Hsuan , Wang Chie-Hong , Wu Shiou-Chen , Hsieh Ya-Ching , Hu Stephen Chu-Sung , Tai Ming-Hong , Wang Yun-Ming , Yuan Shyng-Shiou F. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Purpose: Visfatin is an adipocytokine involved in cellular metabolism, inflammation, and cancer. This study investigated the roles of extracellular visfatin in breast cancer, and explored underlying mechanisms in clinical and experimental settings.
Experimental Design: Associations of serum visfatin with clinicopathologic characteristics and patient survival were assessed with Cox regression models and Kaplan–Meier analyses. Effects of extracellular visfatin on cultured breast cancer cells were examined, followed by in vivo investigation of tumor growth and metastasis in xenograft animal models. Imatinib and Stattic were used to inhibit c-Abl and STAT3 activation, respectively.
Results: Breast cancer patients with high serum visfatin levels were associated with advanced tumor stage, increased tumor size and lymph node metastasis, and poor survival. Elevated phosphorylation of c-Abl and STAT3 in breast tumor tissues were correlated with high serum visfatin levels in patients. Visfatin-promoted in vitro cell viability and metastatic capability were suppressed by imatinib (c-Abl inhibitor) and Stattic (STAT3 inhibitor). Increased in vivo cell invasiveness was observed in zebrafish xenografted with visfatin-pretreated breast cancer cells. Tumor growth and lung metastasis occurred in visfatin-administered mice xenografted with breast cancer cells. Tail vein–injected mice with visfatin-pretreated breast cancer cells showed increased lung metastasis, which was suppressed by imatinib.
Conclusions: Serum visfatin levels in breast cancer patients reveal potential prognostic values, and our findings that visfatin promoted breast cancer through activation of c-Abl and STAT3 may provide an important molecular basis for future design of targeted therapies that take into account different serum visfatin levels in breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4478–90. ©2016 AACR.
Glazed balconies as passive greenhouse systems – Potential of their use in Poland
Authors: Grudzińska Magdalena 
Published: April 2016

The paper discusses the possibilities of using passive greenhouse systems, such as glazed balconies, in an example residential building. The analyses were carried out for five localities in Poland, different in terms of external air temperature and insolation. Typical meteorological years were used as the source of climatic data needed in calculations. Two types of balcony’s casing were evaluated, with high and low thermal insulating properties. Demand for heating and cooling in a flat was determined with the use of dynamic computer simulations, and the outcomes were compared with the energy performance of a flat with an open balcony. Additionally, the number of hours with the internal operative temperature exceeding 26℃ was taken as a measure of overheating the apartment when natural airing by opening windows was included in simulations. The calculations showed diversification in the effectiveness of greenhouse systems resulting from climatic conditions, and allowed areas which are the most suitable for the passive use of solar radiation to be identified. Practical application: Analyses present energy savings in a typical dwelling achieved thanks to glazed balconies, and allow to choose the most efficient type of balcony’s envelope taking into account the heating and cooling demand, and the risk of overheating. The results are diversified in respect of building’s location, showing the areas of Poland where the passive use of solar energy would be most beneficial. The calculations may become the basis for further economical evaluation of greenhouse systems effectiveness.
Study of the relationship between male erectile dysfunction and type 2 diabetes mellitus/metabolic syndrome and its components
Authors: Chaudhary Rakesh Kumar , Shamsi Bilal Haider , Tan Tan , Chen Hui-Ming , Xing Jun-Ping 
Published: April 2016

Aim To study the relationship between erectile dysfunction and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)/metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods This prospective study invited male patients with T2DM attending for a routine outpatient check-up to complete two questionnaires. A general questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical characteristics, while sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function scoring system. The prevalence of MetS in this patient population was determined using information from the general questionnaire. Risk factors for erectile dysfunction were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results A total of 175 patients provided valid questionnaires; of these, 148 (84.6%) had MetS. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction was 90.9% (159/175) in the entire survey population compared with 89.2% (132/148) in patients with MetS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following risk factors for erectile dysfunction in patients with T2DM and/or MetS: age, blood pressure and duration of diabetes. Conclusion These current findings suggest that the MetS and its components have a negative impact on male erectile function.
Scent of aura? Clinical features of olfactory hallucinations during a migraine attack (OHM)
Authors: Mainardi Federico , Rapoport Alan , Zanchin Giorgio , Maggioni Ferdinando 
Published: April 2016

Introduction Olfactory hallucination during a migraine attack (OHM) is a rare phenomenon. At present, it is not considered a manifestation of migraine aura. Material and methods The clinical features of OHM were collected in 11 patients. Results Of the 11 patients, 10 had migraine without aura and one migraine with aura associated with OHM. Mean age at onset of headache and at appearance of OHM were respectively 17.8 and 32.3 years. Migraine average frequency was 3.9 attacks/month, 19% of them being associated with OHM. The temporal pattern of OHM maintained the same characteristics in the different attacks. OHM onset was described as sudden ( n = 5), gradual ( n = 3), initially sudden and then gradual ( n = 2), or developing in a few seconds ( n = 1). In most of the cases ( n = 8) OHM lasted from 3 to 10 minutes; it persisted during the pain phase (2–24 hours) in only three patients. The type of the perceived smell was invariably constant in nine patients. Conclusion OHM features fulfilled the ICHD-III beta criteria for typical aura.
Clinical Practices in Collegiate Concussion Management
Authors: Baugh Christine M. , Kroshus Emily , Stamm Julie M. , Daneshvar Daniel H. , Pepin Michael J. , Meehan William P. 
Published: April 2016

Background: In recent years, sports leagues and sports medicine experts have developed guidelines for concussion management. The extent to which current clinical practice is consistent with guideline recommendations is unclear. At the collegiate level, there have been few examinations of concussion management practices and the extent to which meaningful differences across divisions of competition exist. Purpose: The purposes of this study were to (1) examine current practices in concussion diagnosis and management at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member colleges, (2) explore the extent to which current practices reflect current recommendations for concussion diagnosis and management, and (3) determine whether there are differences in management patterns across divisions of competition. Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was sent to sports medicine clinicians at all NCAA member colleges during September and October 2013. Clinicians were asked about baseline assessments, diagnosis and management practices, return-to-play protocols, the perceived prevalence of underdiagnosis, and basic demographic information. Results: Approximately 30% (n = 866) of contacted clinicians, representing nearly 50% (n = 527) of NCAA member colleges, responded to the questionnaire. Preparticipation baseline examinations were administered at the majority of schools (95%), but most (87.5%) administered baseline assessments only to selected high-risk athletes. Computerized neurocognitive testing and balance assessments were most commonly used as preseason baseline and postinjury assessments. Multimodal examination in line with NCAA and other guidance was used only at a minority of institutions. Athletic trainers most commonly administered and interpreted the preseason baseline examination. Most clinicians reported that their institutions’ practices were in line with NCAA guidelines during the first 24 hours of an athlete’s concussion diagnosis, with exact percentages varying across measures. Differences across divisions of competition included shorter return-to-play time at Division I schools than Division III schools (9.13 vs 10.31 days, respectively) and more frequently referring concussed athletes to a physician within 24 hours of diagnosis at Division I schools. Conclusion: Concussion management at many colleges in the United States incorporates elements recommended by current guidelines; however, there is room to improve. Increasing the use of a multimodal baseline and postinjury examination will elevate the concussion care provided to college athletes and better align with best practice guidance.