bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic engineering of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for poly‐gamma‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) overproduction
Authors: Feng Jun , Gu Yanyan , Sun Yang , Han Lifang , Yang Chao , Zhang Wei , Cao Mingfeng , Song Cunjiang , Gao Weixia , Wang Shufang 
Published: July 2014

SummaryWe constructed a metabolically engineered glutamate‐independent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain with considerable γ‐PGA production. It was carried out by double‐deletion of the cwlO gene and epsA‐O cluster, as well as insertion of the vgb gene in the bacteria chromosome. The final generated strain NK‐PV elicited the highest production of γ‐PGA (5.12 g l−1), which was 63.2% higher than that of the wild‐type NK‐1 strain (3.14 g l−1). The γ‐PGA purity also improved in the NK‐PV strain of 80.4% compared with 76.8% for the control. Experiments on bacterial biofilm formation experiment showed that NK‐1 and NK‐c (ΔcwlO) strains can form biofilm; the epsA‐O deletion NK‐7 and NK‐PV strains could only form an incomplete biofilm.
Angiographic evaluation of the effects of glucose metabolic status on progression of coronary artery lesions in patients with coronary artery disease 血管造影评估糖代谢对于冠心病患者的冠状动脉病变进展的影响
Authors: Wang Hua , Tang Zhaosheng , Li Xu , Hu Bo , Feng Bo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to assess the effect of glucose metabolic status on the progression of coronary artery lesions in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsTwo hundred and ninety‐eight CAD patients who underwent coronary angiography were included in the study; follow‐up angiography was performed after 9–15 months. The Gensini score, SYNTAX score, and the number of diseased vessels (at baseline and follow‐up, as well as the change from baseline to follow‐up) were used to determine the severity and progression of coronary artery lesions. The relationship between glucose metabolic status and progression of coronary artery lesions was investigated. Based on results of an oral glucose tolerance test, patients were divided into three groups: normal glucose tolerance (NGT); impaired glucose regulation(IGR); and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).ResultsCompared with the NGT group, changes (from baseline to follow‐up) in the Gensini score, SYNTAX score, and the number of diseased vessels were significantly higher in the IGR and DM groups. There were no significant differences between the IGR and DM groups. Multivariate regression analysis suggested abnormal glucose metabolism was an independent risk factor for greater changes in the Gensini and SYNTAX scores, as well as for a greater number of diseased vessels.ConclusionsGreater progression of coronary artery lesions is seen in patients with abnormal glucose metabolism (DM and/or IGR), even when levels of HbA1c are on target.
The allure of multi‐line games in modern slot machines
Authors: Dixon Mike J. , Graydon Candice , Harrigan Kevin A. , Wojtowicz Lisa , Siu Vivian , Fugelsang Jonathan A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimsIn multi‐line slot machines, players can wager on more than one line per spin. We sought to show that players preferred multi‐line over single‐line games, and that certain game features could cause multi‐line game play to feel more rewarding.Measurement and ParticipantsReward was measured using post‐reinforcement pauses (PRPs) following each outcome (the time between outcome delivery and the next spin). Gamblers (n = 102) played 250 spins on a 20‐line game and 250 spins on a one‐line game (answering questions about game experiences following each session). Playing one‐line, a small credit gain (e.g. 2 cents) was a net win. In the 20‐line game it was a net loss of 18 credits but was still accompanied by ‘winning’ sights and sounds.ResultsMost players (94%) preferred the 20‐line game. PRPs for small credit gains (net losses) in the 20‐line game were equivalent, or larger than in the one‐line game where such gains were wins. The largest increase in PRP size was between the 0 and 2 credit conditions for both games. Thus 20‐line players reacted as though these net losses of 18 credits were rewarding. Players' estimates of the number of true wins were accurate in the one‐line game, but they significantly over‐estimated the number of true wins in the 20‐line game (P < 0.01). Problem gamblers felt more skilful (P < 0.01) and were more absorbed (P < 0.01) by multi‐line than single‐line game play.ConclusionsMulti‐line games appear to be more appealing to gaming machine (‘slots’) players than single‐line games. These games may be particularly absorbing for those with gambling problems.
Assessing DNA methylation levels in animals: choosing the right tool for the job
Authors: Couldrey Christine , Cave Vanessa 
Published: July 2014

SummarySelection of agricultural animals for improved performance based on genetics has seen significant progress made over the past few decades. Further improvements are likely by combining genetic selection with epigenetic selection or manipulation. However, before this can be undertaken, an understanding of epigenetic mechanisms is required, and this can be obtained only by precise and accurate analysis of epigenetic patterns. Even when one only considers a single epigenetic modification such as DNA methylation, the last 10 years have seen a wide array of technologies developed. For scientists whose primary training is in a field other than epigenetics, the choices can be confusing, and it can be challenging to determine which technology is best for the task at hand. There are many factors to take into consideration before beginning analysis of DNA methylation in animals. It is crucial that the most appropriate tools are selected to ensure that the best possible results are achieved. This review provides an overview of the most common methods of analysing DNA methylation in animals, when they are appropriate, what resolution of information they can provide and what their limitations are.
Tuberculosis cervical lymphadenopathy mimics lateral neck metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Kim Seok‐Mo , Jun Hak Hoon , Chang Ho‐Jin , Chun Ki Won , Kim Bup‐Woo , Lee Yong Sang , Chang Hang‐Seok , Park Cheong Soo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis (TB) lymphadenitis is a frequent cause of lymphadenopathy in areas in which TB is endemic. Cervical lymphadenopathy in TB can mimic lateral neck metastasis (LNM) from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This study evaluated the clinicopathological features of patients with PTC and TB lateral neck lymphadenopathy.MethodsOf the 9098 thyroid cancer patients who underwent thyroid cancer surgery at the Thyroid Cancer Center of Gangnam Severance Hospital between January 2009 and April 2013, 28 had PTC and showed TB lymphadenopathy of the lateral neck node. The clinicopathological features of these 28 patients were evaluated.ResultsPreoperatively, all 28 patients were diagnosed with PTC and showed cervical lymphadenopathy. All had radiological characteristics suspicious of metastasis in lateral neck nodes. Based upon the results from intraoperative frozen sections, lymph node dissection (LND) was not performed on 19 patients. Seven of eight patients who underwent LND had metastasis combined with tuberculous lymphadenopathy, with the remaining patient negative for LNM.ConclusionsIntraoperative sampling and frozen sectioning of lymph nodes suspicious of metastasis can help avoid unnecessary LND for tuberculous lymphadenopathy.
Bipolar I disorder and major depressive disorder show similar brain activation during depression
Authors: Cerullo Michael A , Eliassen James C , Smith Christopher T , Fleck David E , Nelson Erik B , Strawn Jeffrey R , Lamy Martine , DelBello Melissa P , Adler Caleb M , Strakowski Stephen M 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesDespite different treatments and courses of illness, depressive symptoms appear similar in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar I disorder (BP‐I). This similarity of depressive symptoms suggests significant overlap in brain pathways underlying neurovegetative, mood, and cognitive symptoms of depression. These shared brain regions might be expected to exhibit similar activation in individuals with MDD and BP‐I during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).MethodsfMRI was used to compare regional brain activation in participants with BP‐I (n = 25) and MDD (n = 25) during a depressive episode as well as 25 healthy comparison (HC) participants. During the scans, participants performed an attentional task that incorporated emotional pictures.ResultsDuring the viewing of emotional images, subjects with BP‐I showed decreased activation in the middle occipital gyrus, lingual gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus compared to both subjects with MDD and HC participants. During attentional processing, participants with MDD had increased activation in the parahippocampus, parietal lobe, and postcentral gyrus. However, among these regions, only the postcentral gyrus also showed differences between MDD and HC participants.ConclusionsNo differences in cortico‐limbic regions were found between participants with BP‐I and MDD during depression. Instead, the major differences occurred in primary and secondary visual processing regions, with decreased activation in these regions in BP‐I compared to major depression. These differences were driven by abnormal decreases in activation seen in the participants with BP‐I. Posterior activation changes are a common finding in studies across mood states in participants with BP‐I.
Knowledge, Beliefs, and Decisions of Pregnant Australian Women Concerning Donation and Storage of Umbilical Cord Blood: A Population‐Based Survey
Authors: Jordens Christopher F. C. , Kerridge Ian H. , Stewart Cameron L. , O'Brien Tracey A. , Samuel Gabrielle , Porter Maree , O'Connor Michelle A. C. , Nassar Natasha 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundMany women giving birth in Australian hospitals can choose to donate their child's umbilical cord blood to a public cord blood bank or pay to store it privately. We conducted a survey to determine the proportion and characteristics of pregnant women who are aware of umbilical cord blood (UCB) banking and who have considered and decided about this option. The survey also sought to ascertain information sources, knowledge, and beliefs about UCB banking, and the effect of basic information about UCB on decisions.MethodsResearchers and hospital maternity staff distributed a survey with basic information about UCB banking to 1,873 women of at least 24 weeks' gestation who were attending antenatal classes and hospital clinics in 14 public and private maternity hospitals in New South Wales.ResultsMost respondents (70.7%) were aware of UCB banking. Their main information sources were leaflets from hospital clinics, print media, antenatal classes, TV, radio, friends, and relatives. Knowledge about UCB banking was patchy, and respondents overestimated the likelihood their child would need or benefit from UCB. Women who were undecided about UCB banking were younger, less educated, or from ethnic or rural backgrounds. After providing basic information about UCB banking, the proportion of respondents who indicated they had decided whether or not to donate or store UCB more than doubled from 30.0 to 67.7 percent.ConclusionsBasic information for parents about UCB banking can affect planned decisions about UCB banking. Information should be accurate and balanced, should counter misconceptions, and should target specific groups.
A transgenic zebrafish model expressing KIT‐D816V recapitulates features of aggressive systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Balci Tugce B. , Prykhozhij Sergey V. , Teh Evelyn M. , Da'as Sahar I. , McBride Eileen , Liwski Robert , Chute Ian C. , Leger Daniel , Lewis Stephen M. , Berman Jason N. 
Published: July 2014

SummarySystemic mastocytosis (SM) is a rare myeloproliferative disease without curative therapy. Despite clinical variability, the majority of patients harbour a KIT‐D816V mutation, but efforts to inhibit mutant KIT with tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been unsatisfactory, indicating a need for new preclinical approaches to identify alternative targets and novel therapies in this disease. Murine models to date have been limited and do not fully recapitulate the most aggressive forms of SM. We describe the generation of a transgenic zebrafish model expressing the human KIT‐D816V mutation. Adult fish demonstrate a myeloproliferative disease phenotype, including features of aggressive SM in haematopoeitic tissues and high expression levels of endopeptidases, consistent with SM patients. Transgenic embryos demonstrate a cell‐cycle phenotype with corresponding expression changes in genes associated with DNA maintenance and repair, such as reduced dnmt1. In addition, epcam was consistently downregulated in both transgenic adults and embryos. Decreased embryonic epcam expression was associated with reduced neuromast numbers, providing a robust in vivo phenotypic readout for chemical screening in KIT‐D816V‐induced disease. This study represents the first zebrafish model of a mast cell disease with an aggressive adult phenotype and embryonic markers that could be exploited to screen for novel agents in SM.
Early adopters or laggards? Attitudes toward and use of social media among urologists
Authors: Fuoco Michael , Leveridge Michael J. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveTo understand the attitudes and practices of urologists regarding social media use. Social media services have become ubiquitous, but their role in the context of medical practice is underappreciated.Subjects and MethodsA survey was sent to all active members of the Canadian Urological Association by e‐mail and surface mail. Likert scales were used to assess engagement in social media, as well as attitudes toward physician responsibilities, privacy concerns and patient interaction online.ResultsOf 504 surveys delivered, 229 were completed (45.4%). Urologists reported frequent or daily personal and professional social media use in 26% and 8% of cases, respectively. There were no differences between paper (n = 103) or online (n = 126; P > 0.05) submissions. Among frequent social media users, YouTube™ (86%), Facebook™ (76%), and Twitter™ (41%) were most commonly used; 12% post content or links frequently to these sites. The most common perceived roles of social media in health care were for inter‐professional communication (67%) or as a simple information repository (59%); online patient interaction was endorsed by 14% of urologists. Fewer than 19% had read published guidelines for online patient interaction, and ≤64% were unaware of their existence. In all, 94.6% agreed that physicians need to exercise caution personal social media posting, although 57% felt that medical regulatory bodies should ‘stay out of [their] personal social media activities’, especially those in practice <10 years (P = 0.001). In all, 56% agreed that social media integration in medical practice will be ‘impossible’ due to privacy and boundary issues; 73% felt that online interaction with patients would become unavoidable in the future, especially those in practice >20 years (P = 0.02).ConclusionPracticing urologists engage infrequently in social media activities, and are almost universal in avoiding social media for professional use. Most feel that social media is best kept to exchanges between colleagues. Emerging data suggest an increasing involvement is likely in the continuing professional development space.
Measurement of NO in biological samples
Authors: Csonka C , Páli T , Bencsik P , Görbe A , Ferdinandy P , Csont T 
Published: July 2014

Although the physiological regulatory function of the gasotransmitter NO (a diatomic free radical) was discovered decades ago, NO is still in the frontline research in biomedicine. NO has been implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological processes; therefore, pharmacological modulation of NO levels in various tissues may have significant therapeutic value. NO is generated by NOS in most of cell types and by non‐enzymatic reactions. Measurement of NO is technically difficult due to its rapid chemical reactions with a wide range of molecules, such as, for example, free radicals, metals, thiols, etc. Therefore, there are still several contradictory findings on the role of NO in different biological processes. In this review, we briefly discuss the major techniques suitable for measurement of NO (electron paramagnetic resonance, electrochemistry, fluorometry) and its derivatives in biological samples (nitrite/nitrate, NOS, cGMP, nitrosothiols) and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method. We conclude that to obtain a meaningful insight into the role of NO and NO modulator compounds in physiological or pathological processes, concomitant assessment of NO synthesis, NO content, as well as molecular targets and reaction products of NO is recommended.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of the Gasotransmitters. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-6
Endothelin‐converting enzyme 2 differentially regulates opioid receptor activity
Authors: Gupta A , Fujita W , Gomes I , Bobeck E , Devi L A 
Published: July 2014

Background and PurposeOpioid receptor function is modulated by post‐activation events such as receptor endocytosis, recycling and/or degradation. While it is generally understood that the peptide ligand gets co‐endocytosed with the receptor, relatively few studies have investigated the role of the endocytosed peptide and peptide processing enzymes in regulating receptor function. In this study, we focused on endothelin‐converting enzyme 2 (ECE2), a member of the neprilysin family of metallopeptidases that exhibits an acidic pH optimum, localizes to an intracellular compartment and selectively processes neuropeptides including opioid peptides in vitro, and examined its role in modulating μ receptor recycling and resensitization.Experimental ApproachThe effect of ECE2 inhibition on hydrolysis of the endocytosed peptide was examined using thin‐layer chromatography and on μ opioid receptor trafficking using either elisa or microscopy. The effect of ECE2 inhibition on receptor signalling was measured using a cAMP assay and, in vivo, on antinociception induced by intrathecally administered opioids by the tail‐flick assay.Key ResultsThe highly selective ECE2 inhibitor, S136492, significantly impaired μ receptor recycling and signalling by only those ligands that are ECE2 substrates and this was seen both in heterologous cells and in cells endogenously co‐expressing μ receptors with ECE2. We also found that ECE2 inhibition attenuated antinociception mediated only by opioid peptides that are ECE2 substrates.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese results suggest that ECE2, by selectively processing endogenous opioid peptides in the endocytic compartment, plays a role in modulating opioid receptor activity.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Non‐irritant concentrations and amounts of active ingredient in drug patch tests
Authors: Brajon Delphine , Menetre Sophie , Waton Julie , Poreaux Claire , Barbaud Annick 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBackgroundDrug patch tests (DPTs) with medicaments suspected of causing an allergic reaction represent a method of diagnostic testing that is low risk;DPTs can reproduce delayed hypersensitivity to drugs, and entail only a moderate re‐exposure of patients to potential offending drugs. We assessed the non‐irritating concentrations ofDPTs and determined the amounts of active ingredient (AI) contained in the drugs used in the tests.ObjectivesThe objectives were to assess the non‐irritating concentration of DPTs and determine the amounts of active ingredient (AI) contained in the drugs used in the tests.MethodsFrom a retrospective, single‐centre study of all patients investigated during a 6‐year period with a drug eruption, each potentially responsible drug was tested with the commercially available preparation diluted to 30% in water, petrolatum, or alcohol. Data collection was performed with a customized computer database. For each type ofDPTstudied, the numbers of positive and negative test results were recorded. The amount ofAIcontained in theDPT(as a percentage) was then calculated after weighing of each tablet.ResultsOf the 5558DPTs studied, all were non‐irritant. The average concentration ofAIwas 9.8%; 25% ofDPTs had anAIconcentration of < 2%, and 25% had anAIconcentration of > 16%. TheAIconcentration ranged from 0.05% (digoxin) to 30% (paracetamol lyophilisate).ConclusionThese data provide thresholds for the non‐irritating concentration ofAIof 68 different drugs, and thresholds for the non‐irritating dilution for 82 drugs, and will help to standardizeDPTmethods.
Modified H‐pouch as an alternative to the J‐pouch for anorectal reconstruction
Authors: Farinella E. , Buggenhout A. , Van de Stadt J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimA modification is described of the J‐pouch to facilitate ileoanal anastomosis in the presence of an anal or anovaginal fistula.MethodThe bowel is divided at the level of the apex of the J‐pouch, the distal limb is advanced to project beyond the proximal limb by 3–5 cm. The pouch is constructed by a side‐to‐side anastomosis to form the H‐pouch with a distal ileal segment, which is passed through the anal canal to form an ileoanal anastomosis.ResultsThe modification allows the treatment of anal and rectal disorders not resolvable by a usual J‐pouch construction, as in cases where a rectal resection is needed for concomitant fistulation or destruction of the anal mucosa. The functional results are similar to those of the J‐pouch, with no added postoperative morbidity. This technique helps to avoid permanent stoma in selected cases.ConclusionThe modified pouch is relatively simple to perform and can help the surgeon to address complex anorectal disorders.
Anatomical vertebral artery hypoplasia and insufficiency impairs dynamic blood flow regulation
Authors: Sato Kohei , Yoneya Marina , Otsuki Aki , Sadamoto Tomoko , Ogoh Shigehiko 
Published: July 2014

SummaryRecent studies have suggested that vertebral artery (VA) hypoplasia is a predisposing factor for posterior cerebral stroke. We examined whether anatomical vertebrobasilar ischemia, i.e., unilateral VA hypoplasia and insufficiency, impairs dynamic blood flow regulation. Twenty‐eight female subjects were divided into three groups by defined criteria: (i) unilateral VA hypoplasia (n = 8), (ii) VA insufficiency (n = 6), and (iii) control (n = 14). Hypoplastic VA criterion was VA blood flow of 40 ml min−1, whereas VA insufficiency criterion was net (left + right) VA blood flow of 100 ml min−1 or less. We evaluated left, right, and net VA blood flows by ultrasonography during hypercapnia, normocapnia, and hypocapnia to evaluate VA CO2 reactivity. The unilateral VA hypoplasia group showed lower CO2 reactivity at hypoplastic VA than at non‐hypoplastic VA (2·65 ± 0·58 versus 3·00 ± 0·48% per mmHg, P = 0·027) and net VA CO2 reactivity was preserved (Unilateral VA hypoplasia, 2·95 ± 0·48 versus Control, 2·93 ± 0·42% per mmHg, P = 0·992). However, the VA insufficiency group showed a lower net VA CO2 reactivity compared to the control (2·29 ± 0·55 versus 2·93 ± 0·42% per mmHg, P = 0·032) and the unilateral VA hypoplasia (P = 0·046). VA hypoplasia reduced CO2 reactivity, although non‐hypoplastic VA may compensate this regulatory limitation. In subjects with VA insufficiency, lowered CO2 reactivity at the both VA could not preserve normal net VA CO2 reactivity. These findings provide a possible physiological mechanism for the increased risk of posterior cerebral stroke in subjects with VA hypoplasia and insufficiency.