bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of CTX‐M‐type extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase in clinical clones of Escherichia coli in Southwest China
Authors: Zhao Wei‐Dong , Yan Ping , Guan Hai‐Ning , Zhang Qun‐Zhi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe rapid and widespread dissemination of CTX‐M‐type extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (ESBLs) Escherichia coli in most of the provinces in China has been previously characterized; however, these enzymes have been rarely reported among minority regions. A prospective study using 180 E. coli clones from three hospitals in the minority district of Dali Bai was conducted between January 2009 and June 2010 to characterize the profiles of blaCTX‐M‐producing E. coli. Overall, 87 of the isolates (48.3%) encoded the resistance phenotypes of ESBLs. Among these 87 isolates, 56 (64.4%) exconjugants were successfully obtained. The genotypes of blaCTX‐M were evaluated by PCR and DNA sequencing. In total, 22 and 53 E. coli isolates possessed CTX‐M cluster 1 and CTX‐M cluster 9, respectively. Five blaCTX‐M subtypes were detected, namely, blaCTX‐M3 (n = 12), blaCTX‐M15 (n = 4), blaCTX‐M22 (n = 2), blaCTX‐M14 (n = 41), and blaCTX‐M9 (n = 8). The broth microdilution method was performed to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration of 13 antibiotics. Most CTX‐M producers were multiply resistant to both β‐lactam and non‐β‐lactam antibiotics. Imipenem showed excellent activity, and only one isolate harboring blaCTX‐M14+CTX‐M3 exhibited resistance to it. In conclusion, there seems to be great concern regarding the distribution and drug resistance of CTX‐M ESBL‐producing E. coli.
A regulatory gene (ECO‐orf4) required for ECO‐0501 biosynthesis in Amycolatopsis orientalis
Authors: Shen Yang , Huang He , Zhu Li , Luo Minyu , Chen Daijie 
Published: May 2013

AbstractECO‐0501 is a novel linear polyene antibiotic, which was discovered from Amycolatopsis orientalis. Recent study of ECO‐0501 biosynthesis pathway revealed the presence of regulatory gene: ECO‐orf4. The A. orientalis ECO‐orf4 gene from the ECO‐0501 biosynthesis cluster was analyzed, and its deduced protein (ECO‐orf4) was found to have amino acid sequence homology with large ATP‐binding regulators of the LuxR (LAL) family regulators. Database comparison revealed two hypothetical domains, a LuxR‐type helix‐turn‐helix (HTH) DNA binding motif near the C‐terminal and an N‐terminal nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) binding motif included. Deletion of the corresponding gene (ECO‐orf4) resulted in complete loss of ECO‐0501 production. Complementation by one copy of intact ECO‐orf4 restored the polyene biosynthesis demonstrating that ECO‐orf4 is required for ECO‐0501 biosynthesis. The results of overexpression ECO‐orf4 on ECO‐0501 production indicated that it is a positive regulatory gene. Gene expression analysis by reverse transcription PCR of the ECO‐0501 gene cluster showed that the transcription of ECO‐orf4 correlates with that of genes involved in polyketide biosynthesis. These results demonstrated that ECO‐orf4 is a pathway‐specific positive regulatory gene that is essential for ECO‐0501 biosynthesis.
Identification of aldolase and ferredoxin reductase within the dbt operon of Burkholderia fungorum DBT1
Authors: Piccoli Stefano , Andreolli Marco , Giorgetti Alejandro , Zordan Fabio , Lampis Silvia , Vallini Giovanni 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBurkholderia fungorum DBT1, first isolated from settling particulate matter of an oil refinery wastewater, is a bacterial strain which has been shown capable of utilizing several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including dibenzothiophene (DBT). In particular, this microbe is able to efficiently degrade DBT through the Kodama pathway. Previous investigations have lead to the identification of six genes, on a total of eight, required for DBT degradation. In the present study, a combined experimental/computational approach was adopted to identify and in silico characterize the two missing genes, namely a ferredoxin reductase and a hydratase‐aldolase. Thus, the finding of all enzymatic components of the Kodama pathway in B. fungorum DBT1 makes this bacterial strain amenable for possible exploitation in soil bioremediation protocols.
Mycolytic enzymes produced by Streptomyces violaceusniger and their role in antagonism towards wood‐rotting fungi
Authors: Nagpure Anand , Choudhary Bharti , Gupta Rajinder K. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractExtracellular mycolytic enzymes produced under submerged fermentation by the fungal antagonist Streptomyces violaceusniger MTCC 3959 were characterized. This streptomycete produced higher amounts of extracellular chitinase and protease during late exponential phase, whereas β‐1,3‐glucanase production was at peak in mid‐stationary phase. Cell‐free culture filtrate (CCF) exhibited a broad range of antifungal activity against both white rot and brown rot fungi. The inhibitory activity was completely lost after treatment with proteinase K and heat, indicating that extracellular antifungal metabolites are heat labile and proteinaceous in nature. Optimum pH and temperature for enzyme activity were: 9.0 and 60 °C for chitinase; 6.0 and 60 °C for β‐1,3‐glucanase; and 9.0 and 70 °C for protease. Mycolytic enzymes were moderately thermostable, and had a wide pH stability range extending from pH 5.0 to 10.0. The zymogram analysis of CCF revealed five chitinase isoenzymes with an apparent molecular weight of 20.8, 33.3, 45.6, 67.4, and 114.8 kDa, one β‐1,3‐glucanase appeared as a single band of ∼131.8 kDa and four protease isoenzymes with approximate molecular weights of 22.8, 62.52, 74.64, and 120.5 kDa. S. violaceusniger MTCC 3959 produced mycolytic enzymes that can be effectively used for suppression of phytopathogenic basidiomycetes. It has the potential to be an effective biofungicide.
Pectinolytic yeasts from viticultural and enological environments: novel finding of Filobasidium capsuligenum producing pectinases
Authors: Merín María Gabriela , Mendoza Lucía M. , Morata de Ambrosini Vilma Inés 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn this study indigenous yeasts associated with wineries, grapes and Malbec fermented must from San Rafael viticulture region (Argentina) were isolated to select pectinolytic strains for their potential use in enology. Pectinolytic yeasts were identified by physiological and molecular methods. Among 78 isolates, only nine were able to produce extracellular pectinases. Six isolated from berry surface were identified as Aureobasidium pullulans and the remaining isolates, recovered from wineries, belonged to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Filobasidium capsuligenum species. Pectinase production was evaluated under vinification‐related conditions: pH 3.5, 12 and 28 °C. A. pullulans U‐12 produced the highest pectinolytic activity at low temperature (1.16 U ml−1), while F. capsuligenum strains showed good activity at 12 and 28 °C (0.77 and 1.15 U ml−1, respectively) being this study the first report on the capacity of this species to produce pectinases. The pectinolytic activity of F. capsuligenum B‐13 showed an optimum at pH 4.5 and two peaks at 20 and 50 °C. The enzyme half‐life was 2 h at 40 °C and retained 65% of its activity at 40 °C after 1 h of incubation. This pectinolytic system displayed remarkable activity at pH and temperatures found in vinification, suggesting a potential candidate for applying to wine‐making.
An extremophile Microbacterium strain and its protease production under alkaline conditions
Authors: Lü Jin , Wu Xiaodan , Jiang Yali , Cai Xiaofeng , Huang Luyao , Yang Yongbo , Wang Huili , Zeng Aibing , Li Aiying 
Published: May 2013

AbstractExtremophiles are potential resources for alkaline protease production. In order to search for alkaline protease producers, we isolated and screened alkaliphilic microorganisms from alkaline saline environments. The microorganism HSL10 was identified as a member of the genus Microbacterium by morphological observation, Gram staining and sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer region. By colony‐forming unit counting under alkali or salt stress, it was further identified as an alkaliphilic microbe with mild halotolerance. In addition, it was capable of secreting alkaline proteases, evidenced by larger hydrolyzation zones in the skim milk‐containing medium at pH 9.0 than at pH 7.0. Subsequently, we demonstrated that both NaCl and yeast extract significantly promoted protease production by HSL10. Finally, we established a sensitive colorimetric method for the detection of protease production by HSL10 under neutral and alkaline conditions, by using the Bradford reagent for substrate staining to improve the contrast between the hydrolyzation zone and the substrate background on agar plates. HSL10 was the first example of an alkaliphilic protease‐producing member in Microbacterium, and its isolation and characterization have both academic and commercial importance.
Oral homeostasis disruption by medical plasticizer component bisphenol A in adult male rats
Authors: Folia Mireille , Boudalia Sofiane , Ménétrier Franck , Decocq Laurence , Pasquis Bruno , Schneider Charles , Bergès Raymond , Artur Yves , Canivenc‐Lavier Marie‐Chantal 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisBisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen‐like chemical mimetic widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins found in numerous consumer products including food packaging, medical devices, and dental sealants. Because it is recovered in fluids and it can reach high levels in saliva, this study aimed to evaluate its safety on oral homeostasis by examining its effects on salivary glands, mouth epithelium, water consumption, and salt preference, each parameter being estrogen sensitive.Study DesignRandomized controlled trial involving rats.MethodsA dose‐response study was conducted in adult Wistar rats randomized into five groups (n = 12). BPA was administered over 6 weeks via drinking water to obtain daily dose exposures of 0 μg/kg, 5 μg/kg, 50 μg/kg, 5 mg/kg, and 12.5 mg/kg of body weight. To evaluate salt preference, 1% NaCl solution and pure water intakes were measured for 3 days by offering two‐bottle choices. The rats were then killed; oral biopsies were done and submandibular glands were removed for histologic and morphometric analysis.ResultsAccording to the dose‐response curve, BPA decreased total drinking but increased salt preference, which was inversely proportional to water consumption (Kruskal‐Wallis, P < .01). It also causes oral dryness and histologic changes in the acinar structures of the submandibular glands at the lowest doses (Kruskal‐Wallis, P < .01).ConclusionsThis study shows that oral exposure to BPA in the rat disrupts thirst and buccal homeostasis and raises questions about the salivary gland secretions.Level of EvidenceN/A.
Surgical anatomy of human soft palate
Authors: Cho Jae Hoon , Kim Jin Kook , Lee Hye‐Yeon , Yoon Joo‐Heon 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisThe soft palate is composed of several muscles. So far, these muscles have been analyzed separately and the whole structure of the soft palate has been described very vaguely. The purpose of this study was to describe the structure of soft palate collectively.Study DesignHuman cadaver dissection.MethodsAnatomical dissection was performed on 20 Korean, formalin‐fixed cadavers (13 men and 7 women). The heads were randomly assigned to either dissection groups, medial‐to‐lateral (10 heads) or posterior‐to‐anterior (10 heads).ResultsFibro‐fatty layer was located in the oral side of the soft palate and became thick and dense along the midline. The levator veli palatini was distributed on the nasal side of the soft palate. The average vertical distance from the top of palatopharyngeal arch to the levator veli palatini was 12.3 ± 5.2 mm. The palatopharyngeus was also spread out widely and filled the palatopharyngeal arch. The periosteum of the hard palate became the fascia of the soft palate, which was merged with the aponeurosis of the tensor veli palatini in the midline. The Passavant's ridge was located between the levator veli palatini and palatopharyngeus, inserting onto the aponeurosis. The palatoglossus was very thin and embedded in the palatoglossal arch.ConclusionThe muscles of the soft palate are intermingled with each other in the fibro‐fatty layer. Comprehensive anatomical knowledge is needed to reduce unnecessary damage and obtain good surgical results for obstructive sleep apnea.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 123:2900–2904, 2013
Lead and the deafness of Ludwig van Beethoven
Authors: Stevens Michael H. , Jacobsen Teemarie , Crofts Alicia Kay 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo reexamine the cause of Beethoven's hearing loss because of significant recent articles.Data SourcesMedical and musical literature online, in print, and personal communication.MethodsRelevant literature review.ResultsEvidence of otosclerosis is lacking because close gross examination of Beethoven's middle ears at autopsy did not find any otosclerotic foci. His slowly progressive hearing loss over a period of years differs from reported cases of autoimmune hearing loss, which are rapidly progressive over a period of months. He also lacked bloody diarrhea that is invariably present with autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease. The absence of mercury in Beethoven's hair and bone samples leads us to conclude that his deafness was not due to syphilis because in that era syphilis was treated with mercury. High levels of lead deep in the bone suggest repeated exposure over a long period of time rather than limited exposure prior to the time of death. The finding of shrunken cochlear nerves at his autopsy is consistent with axonal degeneration due to heavy metals such as lead. Chronic low‐level lead exposure causes a slowly progressive hearing loss with sensory and autonomic findings, rather than the classic wrist drop due to motor neuropathy from sub‐acute poisoning. Beethoven's physicians thought that he had alcohol dependence. He particularly liked wine that happened to be tainted with lead.ConclusionsBeethoven's chronic consumption of wine tainted with lead is a better explanation of his hearing loss than other causes.Level of EvidenceN/A. Laryngoscope, 123:2854–2858, 2013
Access to the parapharyngeal space: An anatomical study comparing the endoscopic and open approaches
Authors: Van Rompaey Jason , Suruliraj Anand , Carrau Ricardo , Panizza Benedict , Solares C. Arturo 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisA subtemporal preauricular approach to the infratemporal fossa and parapharyngeal space has been the traditional path to tumors of this region. The morbidity associated with this procedure has lead to the pursuit of less invasive techniques. Endoscopic access using a minimally invasive transmaxillary/transpterygoid approach potentially may obviate the drawbacks associated with open surgery. The anatomy of the parapharyngeal space is complex and critical; therefore, a comparison of the anatomy exposed by these different approaches could aid in the decision making toward a minimally invasive surgical corridor.Study DesignTechnical Note.MethodsThe parapharyngeal space was accessed endonasally by removal of the medial and posterior walls of the maxillary sinus. To allow better visualization and increased triangulation of a bimanual dissection technique, a sublabial canine fossa antrostomy was created. The medial and lateral pterygoid plates were removed. Further lateral dissection exposed the relevant anatomy of the parapharyngeal space. A subtemporal preauricular infratemporal approach was also completed.ResultsThe endoscopic approach provided sufficient access to the superior portion of the parapharyngeal space. The open approach also provided adequate access; however, it required a larger surgical window, causing greater injury. A significant advantage of the subtemporal approach is the improved access to the petrous portion of the internal carotid artery. Conversely, the endonasal approach provided improved access to the anterior and medial portions of the superior parapharyngeal space.ConclusionEndoscopic endonasal access utilizing a transmaxillary/transpterygoid approach provides a sufficient surgical window for tumor extirpation. Utilization of this approach obviates some of the morbidity associated with an open procedure.Level of Evidence5. Laryngoscope, 123:2378–2382, 2013
Quantitative evaluation of vocal‐fold mucosal irregularities using GLCM‐based texture analysis
Authors: Song Chan Il , Ryu Chang Hwan , Choi Seung‐Ho , Roh Jong‐Lyel , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisVisualization of the vocal folds is essential when reaching a primary diagnosis of laryngeal disease. However, the examination is subjective and highly dependent on the experience of the treating physician. The present study is the development of objective tools for the diagnosis of laryngeal malignancy based on laryngeal texture analysis.Study DesignTexture analysis using gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) in vocal fold images of 198 patients.MethodsVocal‐fold images were subjected to texture analysis using gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM)‐based parameters, which were computed by a novel digital image‐processing program. Patients were divided into two groups: those with benign‐looking lesions and those with malignant‐looking lesions. Textural irregularities were compared using GLCM‐based parameters. The relationship between the texture‐analysis parameters and the diagnosis was then statistically evaluated.ResultsTexture irregularity was negatively correlated with energy and the inverse difference moment (IDM) and positively correlated with entropy, variance, contrast, dissimilarity, and mean values. All of the GLCM‐based parameters evaluated differed significantly according to the degree of differentiation of the benign‐ or malignant‐looking lesion (P < 0.001). Entropy had a sensitivity of 82.9% and a specificity of 82.2% at a cutoff value of 5.94; for variance, the sensitivity was 82.9% and the specificity was 84.5% at a cutoff value of 167.ConclusionGLCM‐based texture analysis of vocal‐fold lesions, especially in association with a differential diagnosis of benign and malignant‐looking diseases, contributes to achieving an objective image‐based analysis of vocal‐fold lesions. In addition, this approach can be used to create algorithms permitting a reproducible classification of laryngeal pathologies.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 123:E45–E50, 2013
Otologic assessment of blast and nonblast injury in returning middle east‐deployed service members
Authors: Shah Anil , Ayala Marco , Capra Gregory , Fox David , Hoffer Michael 
Published: May 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine if tympanic membrane perforation offers any protection from inner ear damage and determine the incidence and pattern of otologic blast injury in military personnel returning from deployment.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of US service members injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom from October 2006 to October 2007.MethodsOne‐hundred ten blast‐injured patients were compared to 54 nonblast‐injured patients returning from deployment. Data captured included audiogram results, presence of tympanic membrane perforation, demographic data, location and nature of injury, loss of consciousness, sleep disturbance, confusion, and symptoms of headache, dizziness, memory loss, and tinnitus.ResultsOf 110 blast‐injured patients, 18 patients suffered tympanic membrane perforation (16%), of which nine patients suffered bilateral tympanic membrane perforation (8%). Blast patients suffered more hearing loss than controls as measured by pure‐tone averages of varying speech reception frequencies and at 6,000 Hz. Of the blast patients who recorded an audiogram, nearly 24% suffered moderate to profound hearing loss. There was no statistically significant difference in hearing outcomes between blast‐injured patients with tympanic membrane perforations and those without; however, when comparing patients with unilateral perforations with their contralateral ear, there was a difference in hearing thresholds at 6,000 Hz. There was a significantly increased risk of tinnitus, memory loss, headache, and dizziness between blast‐injured patients compared to controls.ConclusionsDue to its violent nature, blast exposure causes greater neuro‐otological manifestations and deserves prompt otologic evaluation.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 124:272–277, 2014
A Stimulus‐Response and Self‐Healing Supramolecular Polymer Gel Based on Host–Guest Interactions
Authors: Li Shuang , Lu Hai‐Yan , Shen Yun , Chen Chuan‐Feng 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA supramolecular polymer gel is formed by host‐guest interactions between a DB24C8‐based bis(crown ether) and a copolymer containing the dibenzylammonium moiety. The formation of the gel and its cross‐linked networks structure are evidenced by 1H NMR spectroscopy, viscometry, and SEM. Interestingly, the gel shows both pH‐ and thermoesponsive behaviors, and excellent self‐healing properties. The self‐healing property of the gel is tested by rheological measurements, and it can also be seen visually and directly. The presented work provides a new strategy for the construction of the self‐healing supramolecular polymer gels with potential applications in smart materials.magnified image
Facile Polymer Functionalization of Hydrothermal‐Carbonization‐Derived Carbons
Authors: Urakami Hiromitsu , Yilmaz Ali Gorkem , Osiceanu Petre , Yagci Yusuf , Vilela Filipe , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA simple and efficient polymer grafting onto hydrothermal carbonization (HTC)‐derived materials is described. The method pertains to the Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction of furan moieties present on the surface of a HTC material with the maleimide groups stemming from a maleimide protected poly(ethylene glycol) (Me‐PEG‐MI) by a retro Diels‐Alder reaction. The precursor polymer, HTC material, and final product are characterized. Successful grafting is confirmed by elemental analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and dispersion studies.magnified image
Performance analysis of a 7‐kW crystalline silicon generator after 17 years of operation in Madrid
Authors: Lorenzo Eduardo , Zilles Roberto , Moretón Rodrigo , Gómez Trinidad , Martínez de Olcoz Ainhoa 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe degradation observed on a 7‐kWp Si‐x photovoltaic array after 17 years of exposure on the roof of the Solar Energy Institute of the Polytechnic University of Madrid is presented. The mean peak power degradation has been 9% over this time, or an equivalent to 0.53% per year, whereas peak power standard deviation has remained constant. The main visual defects are backsheet delamination at the polyester/polyvinyl fluoride outer interface and cracks in the terminal boxes and at the joint between the frame and the laminate. Insulation resistance complies well with the requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission 61215 tests. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.