bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin infection in NADPH oxidase deficiency: defective mycobacterial sequestration and granuloma formation
Authors: Deffert Christine , Schäppi Michela G. , Pache Jean-Claude , Cachat Julien , Vesin Dominique , Bisig Ruth , Mulone Xiaojuan Ma , Kelkka Tiina , Holmdahl Rikard , Garcia Irene , Olleros Maria L. , Krause Karl-Heinz 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPatients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) lack generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the phagocyte NADPH oxidase NOX2. CGD is an immune deficiency that leads to frequent infections with certain pathogens; this is well documented forS. aureusandA. fumigatus, but less clear for mycobacteria. We therefore performed an extensive literature search which yielded 297 cases of CGD patients with mycobacterial infections;M.bovisBCG was most commonly recovered (74%). The relationship between NOX2 deficiency and BCG infection however has never been studied in a mouse model. We therefore investigated BCG infection in three different mouse models of CGD: Ncf1 mutants in two different genetic backgrounds and NOX2 knock-out mice. In addition we investigated a macrophage-specific rescue (transgenic expression of Ncf1 under the control of the CD68 promoter). Wild type mice did not develop severe disease upon BCG injection. In contrast, all three types of CGD mice were highly susceptible to BCG, as witnessed by a severe weight loss, development of hemorrhagic pneumonia, and a high mortality (∼ 50%). Rescue of NOX2 activity in macrophages restored BCG resistance, similar as seen in wild-type mice. Granulomas from mycobacteria-infected wild type mice generated ROS, while granulomas from CGD mice did not. Bacterial load in CGD mice was only moderately increased, suggesting that it was not crucial for the observed phenotype. CGD mice responded with massively enhanced cytokine release (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-12) to BCG infection, which might account for severity of the disease. Finally, in wild-type mice, macrophages formed clusters and restricted mycobacteria to granulomas, while macrophages and mycobacteria were diffusely distributed in lung tissue from CGD mice. Our results demonstrate that lack of the NADPH oxidase leads to a markedly increased severity of BCG infection through mechanisms including increased cytokine production and impaired granuloma formation.
Systems Analysis of the Response of Photosynthesis, Metabolism, and Growth to an Increase in Irradiance in the Photosynthetic Model OrganismChlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Mettler Tabea , Mühlhaus Timo , Hemme Dorothea , Schöttler Mark-Aurel , Rupprecht Jens , Idoine Adam , Veyel Daniel , Pal Sunil Kumar , Yaneva-Roder Liliya , Winck Flavia Vischi , Sommer Frederik , Vosloh Daniel , Seiwert Bettina , Erban Alexander , Burgos Asdrubal , Arvidsson Samuel , Schönfelder Stephanie , Arnold Anne , Günther Manuela , Krause Ursula , Lohse Marc , Kopka Joachim , Nikoloski Zoran , Mueller-Roeber Bernd , Willmitzer Lothar , Bock Ralph , Schroda Michael , Stitt Mark 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe investigated the systems response of metabolism and growth after an increase in irradiance in the nonsaturating range in the algal model Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In a three-step process, photosynthesis and the levels of metabolites increased immediately, growth increased after 10 to 15 min, and transcript and protein abundance responded by 40 and 120 to 240 min, respectively. In the first phase, starch and metabolites provided a transient buffer for carbon until growth increased. This uncouples photosynthesis from growth in a fluctuating light environment. In the first and second phases, rising metabolite levels and increased polysome loading drove an increase in fluxes. Most Calvin-Benson cycle (CBC) enzymes were substrate-limited in vivo, and strikingly, many were present at higher concentrations than their substrates, explaining how rising metabolite levels stimulate CBC flux. Rubisco, fructose-1,6-biosphosphatase, and seduheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase were close to substrate saturation in vivo, and flux was increased by posttranslational activation. In the third phase, changes in abundance of particular proteins, including increases in plastidial ATP synthase and some CBC enzymes, relieved potential bottlenecks and readjusted protein allocation between different processes. Despite reasonable overall agreement between changes in transcript and protein abundance (R 2 = 0.24), many proteins, including those in photosynthesis, changed independently of transcript abundance.
Emergency healthcare of the future
Authors: FitzGerald Gerry , Toloo Ghasem (Sam) , Romeo Michele 
Published: June 2014

AbstractEmergency healthcare is a high profile component of modern healthcare systems, which over the past three decades has fundamentally transformed in many countries. However, despite this rapid development, and associated investments in service standards, there is a high level of concern with the performance of emergency health services relating principally to system wide congestion. The factors driving this problem are complex but relate largely to the combined impact of growing demand, expanded scope of care and blocked access to inpatient beds. These factors are unlikely to disappear in the medium term despite the National Emergency Access Target. The aim of this article is to stimulate a conversation about the future design and functioning of emergency healthcare systems; examining what we understand about the problem and proposing a rationale that may underpin future strategic approaches. This is also an invitation to join the conversation.
Physicochemical, Pasting, and Functional Properties of Amaranth Seed Flours: Effects of Lipids Removal
Authors: Shevkani Khetan , Singh Narpinder , Kaur Amritpal , Rana Jai Chand 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe present work was carried out to evaluate physicochemical (composition, hunter color, and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS‐PAGE]), pasting, and functional properties (foaming, emulsification, water, and fat absorption capacity) of amaranth full‐fat flours from 6 lines/cultivars (AFs), and to see the effects of lipid removal/defatting on these properties. Protein, ash, and lipid content of AFs ranged between 12.5% to 15.2%, 3.0% to 3.5%, and 7.1% to 8.0%, respectively. The flours showed a number of bands between 97 and 7 kDa, with main subunits of approximately 58, 37, 33, 31, 23, and 16 kDa in the SDS‐PAGE profiles. The protein content and L* value increased, while b* values decreased following defatting for most of the lines/cultivars. The defatted flours (DAFs) had higher final viscosity and stability (lower breakdown viscosity) as compared to counterpart AFs. The protein profiling of the flours was not affected with the lipid removal/defatting. However, water absorption capacity and foam stability of the flours improved upon defatting. Principal component analysis revealed that pasting temperature was positively related to lipid content, while breakdown viscosity was negatively related to protein content. Foaming properties (capacity and stability) showed negative relationship with lipid content, and positive with protein content, ash content, water, and fat absorption capacity.
The Influence of Different Processing Stages on Particle Size, Microstructure, and Appearance of Dark Chocolate
Authors: Glicerina Virginia , Balestra Federica , Rosa Marco Dalla , Bergenhstål Bjorn , Tornberg Eva , Romani Santina 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe effect of different process stages on microstructural and visual properties of dark chocolate was studied. Samples were obtained at each phase of the manufacture process: mixing, prerefining, refining, conching, and tempering. A laser light diffraction technique and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) were used to study the particle size distribution (PSD) and to analyze modifications in the network structure. Moreover, colorimetric analyses (L*, h°, and C*) were performed on all samples. Each stage influenced in stronger way the microstructural characteristic of products and above all the PSD. Sauter diameter (D [3.2]) decreased from 5.44 μm of mixed chocolate sample to 3.83 μm, of the refined one. ESEM analysis also revealed wide variations in the network structure of samples during the process, with an increase of the aggregation and contact point between particles from mixing to refining stage. Samples obtained from the conching and tempering were characterized by small PS, and a less dense aggregate structure. From color results, samples with the finest particles, having larger specific surface area and the smallest diameter, appeared lighter and more saturated than those with coarse particles.
Production of lactic acid using a new homofermentative Enterococcus faecalis isolate
Authors: Subramanian Mohan Raj , Talluri Suvarna , Christopher Lew P. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryLactic acid is an intermediate‐volume specialty chemical for a wide range of food and industrial applications such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and chemical syntheses. Although lactic acid production has been well documented, improved production parameters that lead to reduced production costs are always of interest in industrial developments. In this study, we describe the production of lactic acid at high concentration, yield and volumetric productivity utilizing a novel homofermentative, facultative anaerobe Enterococcus faecalis CBRD01. The highest concentration of 182 g lactic acid l−1 was achieved after 38 h of fed‐batch fermentation on glucose. The bacterial isolate utilized only 2–13% of carbon for its growth and energy metabolism, while 87–98% of carbon was converted to lactic acid at an overall volumetric productivity of 5 g l−1 h−1. At 13 h of fermentation, the volumetric productivity of lactate production reached 10.3 g l−1 h−1, which is the highest ever reported for microbial production of lactic acid. The lactic acid produced was of high purity as formation of other metabolites was less than 0.1%. The present investigation demonstrates a new opportunity for enhanced production of lactic acid with potential for reduced purification costs.
Bacterial seed endophytes: genera, vertical transmission and interaction with plants
Authors: Truyens Sascha , Weyens Nele , Cuypers Ann , Vangronsveld Jaco 
Published: June 2014

SummaryAlthough the importance of plant‐associated microorganisms for plant growth and health was getting more recognition recently, the role of seed‐associated microorganisms, and especially seed endophytic bacteria, still is underestimated. Nevertheless, these associations could be beneficial for germination and seedling establishment as seed endophytic bacteria are already present in these very early plant growth stages. Moreover, bacteria with beneficial characteristics can be selected by the plants and could be transferred via the seed to benefit the next generation. In this paper, the current literature concerning bacterial endophytes that have been isolated from seeds of different plant species is reviewed. Their colonization routes, localization inside seeds and mode of transmission as well as their role and fate during germination and seedling development are discussed. At the end, some examples of bacterial seed endophytes with applications as a plant growth‐promoting or biocontrol agent are given.
Induced systemic resistance and growth promotion in tomato by an indole‐3‐acetic acid‐producing strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa
Authors: Mei L. , Liang Y. , Zhang L. , Wang Y. , Guo Y. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPaenibacillus polymyxa strain CF05, a plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) showed inhibitory effect on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycoersici in vitro, causal agent of Fusarium‐wilt of tomato. In the greenhouse experiments, tomatoes inoculated with strain CF05 promoted the significant growth. Meanwhile, strain CF05 suppressed the Fusarium‐wilt with 78.24% in control efficiency, which was similar to the carbendazim treatment. The bacterial culture supernatant was found to have the presence of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), which could be accumulated throughout the growth. Furthermore, strain CF05 could greatly stimulate the activities of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in either the absence or the presence of fungal pathogen, and the stimulation stayed throughout the entire experimental assessment. Activities of POD and SOD reached the maximum amount at the second day post‐inoculation (dpi) after inoculation while activities of PAL and PPO reached the maximum amount at the third dpi and the fourth dpi, respectively. Moreover, strain CF05 could stimulate the H2O2 and phenol contents in the initial phase after pathogen inoculation. These results suggest that the sustained and timely induction of defence enzymes and accumulation of H2O2 and phenolics treated with P. polymyxa might have contributed to restriction of invasion of fungal pathogen in tomato roots. In summary, P. polymyxa strain CF05, which elicited both plant growth promotion and induction of defence response, could be potential agent to improve the yield of tomato and manage Fusarium‐wilt disease.
Natural and human‐mediated selection in a landrace of Thai rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Pusadee T. , Oupkaew P. , Rerkasem B. , Jamjod S. , Schaal B.A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractLandrace rice in Thailand consists of managed populations grown under traditional and long‐standing agricultural practices. These populations evolve both in response to environmental conditions within the local agro‐ecosystem and in response to human activities. Single landraces are grown across varying environments and recently have experienced temporal changes in local environments due to climate change. Here we assess the interplay between natural selection in a changing climate and human‐mediated selection on the population genetic structure of Muey Nawng, a local landrace of Thai rice. Genetic diversity and population structure of landrace rice were assessed by a STRUCTURE analysis of 20 microsatellite loci. The first exon–intron junction of the waxy gene was sequenced to determine genotypes for glutinous or non‐glutinous grain starch. Muey Nawng rice is genetically variable and is structured based on starch grain types and the level of resistance to gall midge pest. A strong positive correlation was found between genetic diversity and the percentage of gall midge infestation. Variation in the waxy locus is correlated with starch quality; selection for non‐glutinous rice appears to involve additional genes. The dynamics of genetic diversity within Muey Nawng rice depends on three factors: (a) a genetic bottleneck caused by strong selection associated with gall midge infestation, (b) selection by local farmers for starch quality and (c) variation introduced by farmer practices for cultivation and seed exchange. These results, when taken in total, document the ability of landrace rice to quickly evolve in response to both natural and human‐mediated selection.
Mesopredator release facilitates range expansion in fisher
Authors: LaPoint S. D. , Belant J. L. , Kays R. W. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractSome central and eastern populations of fisherPekania[Martes]pennantiare expanding their ranges following historic range contractions, while many western populations have yet to do so. We investigated whether expanding fisher populations are benefiting from a mesopredator release following reductions in their carnivore predator communities. This hypothesis posits that local extinctions of the largest predators ‘release’ mesopredator populations from direct predation and competition, leading to an increase in their abundance, expansion of their range and potentially to shifts in their morphology and ecological niche. Our comparison of the conservation status and predator communities of fishers across four geographic regions of their range supports the mesopredator release hypothesis, especially in their eastern range. Our meta‐analysis of fisher diet also suggests that released fisher populations may benefit by complementing their diverse diets with more large‐bodied prey species, whereas those with more specialized diets (e.g. northwestern populations) or diverse diets with small amounts of large‐bodied prey (e.g. populations withinCalifornia) have experienced little range expansion. Further, measurements of museum specimens suggest that individuals within released populations have evolved a larger body size since the time of their most contracted range, which may help them hunt larger prey species that are expected to be more available in the absence of larger carnivores. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that a reduced predator community is contributing to the geographic variation in modern fishers' range expansion. In addition to harvest restrictions, habitat protection and translocations, future conservation plans should consider the potential effects of the predator community, emphasizing the need to quantify fisher mortality sources and fisher–predator interactions.
Efficacy of the nicotine vaccine 3′‐AmNic‐rEPA (NicVAX) co‐administered with varenicline and counselling for smoking cessation: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Hoogsteder Philippe H. J. , Kotz Daniel , van Spiegel Paul I. , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , van Schayck Onno C. P. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsNicotine vaccination has been proposed as a possible treatment to aid smoking cessation. First efficacy results of the nicotine vaccine 3′‐AmNic‐rEPA (NicVAX) showed that only a subgroup of the top 30% antibody responders achieved higher abstinence rates than placebo. The present study examined the efficacy of adding NicVAX versus placebo to varenicline and behavioural support as an aid in smoking cessation and relapse prevention.DesignRandomized placebo‐controlled trial.SettingTwo research centres (Maastricht University Medical Centre and Slotervaart Hospital) in the Netherlands.ParticipantsA total of 558 smokers were assigned randomly to six injections with NicVAX (n = 278) or placebo (n = 280) both co‐administered with open label varenicline and behavioural support.MeasuresOutcomes were prolonged carbon monoxide‐validated abstinence from weeks 9 to 52 (primary) and weeks 37 to 52 (secondary). We also performed a pre‐planned subgroup analysis in the top 30% antibody responders.FindingsThere was no difference in abstinence rates between NicVAX and placebo from weeks 9 to 52 [27.7 versus 30.0%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.62–1.29] or weeks 37 to 52 (33.8 versus 33.2%, OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.73–1.46). The top 30% antibody responders, compared to the placebo group, showed a non‐significant tendency towards higher abstinence rates from weeks 37 to 52 (42.2 versus 33.2%, OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 0.89–2.42).ConclusionThe nicotine vaccine, NicVAX, does not appear to improve the chances of stopping smoking when given in addition to varenicline and behavioural support.
Randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of bupropion in methamphetamine‐dependent participants with less than daily methamphetamine use
Authors: Heinzerling Keith G. , Swanson Aimee‐Noelle , Hall Timothy M. , Yi Yi , Wu Yingnian , Shoptaw Steven J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimsTwo previous randomized trials found an effect for bupropion in reducing methamphetamine use in the subgroup with lower frequency of methamphetamine use at baseline. This study aimed to replicate these results by comparing bupropion versus placebo in methamphetamine‐dependent participants with less than daily methamphetamine use at baseline.MethodsMethamphetamine‐dependent volunteers reporting methamphetamine use on ≤29 of past 30 days were randomized to bupropion 150 mg twice daily (n = 41) or placebo (n = 43) and out‐patient counseling for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion achieving end‐of‐treatment (EOT) methamphetamine abstinence (weeks 11 and 12) for bupropion versus placebo. A post‐hoc analysis compared EOT abstinence by medication adherence assessed via plasma bupropion/hydroxybupropion level.ResultsThere was no significant difference in EOT abstinence between bupropion (29%, 12 of 41) and placebo (14%, six of 43; P = 0.087). Among participants receiving bupropion, EOT abstinence was significantly higher in participants assessed as medication adherent by plasma bupropion/hydroxybupropion levels (54%, seven of 13) compared to non‐adherent participants (18%, five of 28; P = 0.018). Medication adherence by plasma levels was low (32%).ConclusionsBupropion may be efficacious for reducing methamphetamine in people with less than daily baseline methamphetamine use, but the evidence remains inconclusive.
Assisted colonization as a climate change adaptation tool
Authors: Gallagher Rachael V. , Makinson Robert O. , Hogbin Patricia M. , Hancock Nola 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAssisted colonization is a form of conservation translocation which introduces species at risk from extinction to new habitats, beyond their current range, in anticipation of more suitable conditions. Identifying which species, communities and ecosystems may benefit most from assisted colonization in coming decades is a key goal for conservation. Climate change is expected to lead to the loss or movement of suitable habitat for a range of species and anticipating which can be effectively conserved through assisted colonization is critical. Here, we identify a series of scenarios that may predispose terrestrial species to the need for assisted colonization in order to reduce extinction risk resulting from anthropogenic climate change and assemble a list of traits commonly associated with at‐risk species. These traits may help to provide broad‐scale guidance on how to select species to target for assisted colonization as a conservation management response to climate change. We also identify six key themes associated with successful conservation translocations including recipient site selection and preparation, a clear understanding of species biology and ecology, and taking lessons from invasive species research.
The intubation scoop (i‐scoop) – a new type of laryngoscope for difficult and normal airways
Authors: Raymondos K. , Seidel T. , Sander B. , Gerdes A. , Goetz F. , Helmstädter V. , Panning B. , Dieck T. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe i‐scoop is an intubation device with a curved guiding bar with laterally located lenses at its tip, rather than a blade. Twenty‐five anaesthesiologists intubated a manikin that simulated first a normal and then a difficult airway. All participants were able to intubate the difficult airway with a good view of the glottis using the i‐scoop. None was able to intubate using seven other laryngoscopes (Macintosh laryngoscope, GlideScope® GVL and AVL, McGrath® (Series 5/MAC), C‐MAC®, A.P. Advance™). Intubation was successful only with the Airtraq® (n = 10), the Airway Scope (n = 5), the C‐MAC D‐Blade (n = 2), the A.P. Advance DAB (n = 1) and the GlideScope DL Trainer (n = 1) (p < 0.001, success rate of i‐scoop vs all 12 laryngoscopes combined). In contrast to all other videolaryngoscopes, intubation of the normal airway with the i‐scoop was achieved even faster than with the Macintosh laryngoscope (p < 0.02). The i‐scoop outperformed all other laryngoscopes in both difficult and normal airways, and therefore has potential as an easier and safer alternative to present devices.