bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of enzymatic apple pomace hydrolysate to production of 2,3-butanediol by alkaliphilic Bacillus licheniformis NCIMB 8059
Authors: Białkowska Aneta M , Gromek Ewa , Krysiak Joanna , Sikora Barbara , Kalinowska Halina , Jędrzejczak-Krzepkowska Marzena , Kubik Celina , Lang Siegmund , Schütt Fokko , Turkiewicz Marianna 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BD) synthesis by a nonpathogenic bacterium Bacillus licheniformis NCIMB 8059 from enzymatic hydrolysate of depectinized apple pomace and its blend with glucose was studied. In shake flasks, the maximum diol concentration in fed-batch fermentations was 113 g/L (in 163 h, from the hydrolysate, feedings with glucose) while in batch processes it was around 27 g/L (in 32 h, from the hydrolysate and glucose blend). Fed-batch fermentations in the 0.75 and 30 L fermenters yielded 87.71 g/L 2,3-BD in 160 h, and 72.39 g/L 2,3-BD in 94 h, respectively (from the hydrolysate and glucose blend, feedings with glucose). The hydrolysate of apple pomace, which was for the first time used for microbial 2,3-BD production is not only a source of sugars but also essential minerals.
Gender differences in right ventricular function in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Martínez-Sellés M. , Pérez-David E. , Yotti R. , Jiménez-Borreguero J. , Loughlin G. , Gallego L. , Ayesta A. , Olivera M.J. , Bermejo J. , Fernández-Avilés F. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Aim
To evaluate sex-related differences in right ventricular (RV) function, assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, in patients with stable non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods
Prospective multicentre study. We included 71 patients (38 men) and 14 healthy volunteers.

Results
Mean age was 60.9 ± 12.2 years. Men presented higher levels of haemoglobin and white blood cell counts than women, and performed better in cardiopulmonary stress testing. A total of 24 patients (12 women) presented severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, 32 (13 female) moderate and 15 (8 women) mild LV systolic dysfunction. In the group with severe LV systolic dysfunction, average right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was normal in women (52 ± 4 %), whereas it was reduced in men (39 ± 3 %) p = 0.035. Only one woman (8 %) had severe RV systolic dysfunction (RVEF < 35 %) compared with 6 men (50 %) p < 0.001. In patients with moderate and mild LV dysfunction , the mean RVEF was normal in both men and women. In the 14 healthy volunteers, the lowest value of RVEF was 48 % and mean RVEF was normal in women (56 ± 2 %) and in men (51 ±  1 %), p = 0.08.

Conclusions
In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, RV systolic dysfunction is found mainly in male patients with severe LV systolic dysfunction.
Scientific evidence for health effects attributed to the consumption of probiotics and prebiotics: an update for current perspectives and future challenges
Authors: Martinez Rafael Chacon Ruiz , Bedani Raquel , Saad Susana Marta Isay 
Published: October 2015

AbstractProbiotics and prebiotics, mainly commercialised as food ingredients and also as supplements, are considered highly profitable niche markets. However, in recent years, the food industry has suffered from a series of health claim restrictions on probiotics and prebiotics in many parts of the world, including those made by the European Food Safety Authority. Therefore, we reviewed the core benefits of probiotic and prebiotic consumption on health. A number of studies have examined the prevention and/or management of intestinal infections, respiratory tract infections, CVD, osteoporosis, urogenital infections, cavities, periodontal disease and halitosis, allergic reactions, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome andHelicobacter pylorigastric infections. In fact, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in human microbiota and immune system modulation by probiotics and prebiotics relies on continuous efforts to establish suitable biomarkers of health and diseases risk factors for the design of clinical trials required for health claim approval. In spite of the promising results, the performance of large, long-term, well-planned, well-aligned clinical studies is crucial to provide more reliability and a more solid basis for the outcomes achieved and to support the potential use of probiotics and prebiotics in clinical practice.
Spontaneous regression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sipaul F , Ling B , Mason C , Keast A 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground:Spontaneous regression of solid malignancy is extremely rare. It is virtually unheard of in the last half century in the published literature. The overwhelming majority of medical professionals do not know that this phenomenon exists.Case report:This paper reports such a case involving a patient with proven laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in New Zealand. Whilst waiting for definitive treatment, he was afflicted with prolonged septicaemia secondary to peritonitis from percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube insertion. Following a total laryngectomy, histology of the specimen did not contain any evidence of neoplasia.Conclusion:Based predominantly on work established by Dr William Coley, we believe that a period of prolonged pyrexia preceding definitive surgery contributed to this apparent ‘miracle’. The time may be ripe to further debate on whether the medical profession should consider pyrexia therapy as a last resort treatment for patients deemed incurable by conventional methods.
Comparison of parasitological, immunological and molecular methods for evaluation of fecal samples of immunosuppressed rats experimentally infected withStrongyloides venezuelensis
Authors: CHAVES LEILANE A. , GONÇALVES ANA LÚCIA R. , PAULA FABIANA M. , SILVA NEIDE. M. , SILVA CLÁUDIO V. , COSTA-CRUZ JULIA M. , FREITAS MICHELLE A. R. 
Published: October 2015

SUMMARYDefinitive diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in humans is typically achieved by detection of larvae in fecal samples. However, limitations on sensitivity of parasitological methods emphasize the need for more robust diagnostic methods. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of three methods: eggs per gram of feces (EPG), coproantigen detection by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and DNA detection by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The assays were performed at 0 and 5, 8, 13, 21 and 39 days post-infection (dpi) using fecal samples from experimentally infected immunocompetent and immunosuppressed rats. In immunocompetent rats, eggs were detected in feces on days 5, 8 and 13 dpi; coproantigen detection and PCR amplification were successful at all post-infection time points (5, 8, 13, 21 and 39 dpi). In immunosuppressed rats, eggs were detected at 5, 8, 13 and 21; coproantigen detection and PCR amplification were successful at all post-infection time points. In conclusion, these results suggest that coproantigen detection and PCR may be more sensitive alternatives to traditional methods such as EPG for diagnosis ofStrongyloides venezuelensisinfection.
A survey on automating configuration and parameterization in evolutionary design exploration
Authors: Eichhoff Julian R. , Roller Dieter 
Published: October 2015

AbstractConfiguration and parameterization of optimization frameworks for the computational support of design exploration can become an exclusive barrier for the adoption of such systems by engineers. This work addresses the problem of defining the elements that constitute a multiple-objective design optimization problem, that is, design variables, constants, objective functions, and constraint functions. In light of this, contributions are reviewed from the field of evolutionary design optimization with respect to their concrete implementation for design exploration. Machine learning and natural language processing are supposed to facilitate feasible approaches to the support of configuration and parameterization. Hence, the authors further review promising machine learning and natural language processing methods for automatic knowledge elicitation and formalization with respect to their implementation for evolutionary design optimization. These methods come from the fields of product attribute extraction, clustering of design solutions, relationship discovery, computation of objective functions, metamodeling, and design pattern extraction.
Ventricular tachycardia in a child with diabetic ketoacidosis without heart disease
Authors: McGreevy Megan , Beerman Lee , Arora Gaurav 
Published: October 2015

AbstractVentricular tachycardia is uncommon in children without CHD. We present the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with severe diabetic ketoacidosis and ventricular tachycardia and was not responsive to traditional anti-arrhythmic therapy. This case highlights the importance of identification of the underlying metabolic derangement causing the arrhythmia to provide appropriate management.
Is neutral humanitarian action permissible under Islamic law?
Authors: Mohd Kamal Mohd Hisham 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this Opinion Note, Mohd Hisham Mohd Kamal examines neutral humanitarian action during armed conflicts from an Islamic perspective. By analyzing the Qur'an and theSunnah, he finds that it is permissible to recognize a neutral third party. Moreover, Mohd Hisham Mohd Kamal considerssiyasah al-Shar'iyyahandmaqasid al-Shari'ahand finds that neutrality leads to the protection of lives and dignity and is thus compatible with the two concepts. He concludes that neutrality is permissible from the Islamic perspective.
Walking the walk: Evidence of Principles in Action from Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies
Authors: Kyazze Amelia B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUsing evidence from nine different National Societies, this essay illustrates how the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are practically applied in today's diverse contexts. The research has found that the Principles are not just abstract concepts but are in fact practical tools for initiating and implementing a range of programmes, particularly in difficult situations. The Fundamental Principles are useful for increasing access in both conflict and peaceful situations. Strong leadership is an important factor to ensure that the Principles are applied, particularly when neutrality is challenged. Lastly, all seven Principles work together and give additional strength to programmes when working as part of the Movement.
Developing an intervention to facilitate family communication about inherited genetic conditions, and training genetic counsellors in its delivery
Authors:   The Socio-Psychological Research in Genomics (SPRinG) Collaboration:, Eisler Ivan , Ellison Matthew , Flinter Frances , Grey Jo , Hutchison Suzanne , Jackson Carole , Longworth Louise , MacLeod Rhona , McAllister Marion , Metcalfe Alison , Murrells Trevor , Patch Christine , Pritchard Stuart , Robert Glenn , Rowland Emma , Ulph Fiona 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMany families experience difficulty in talking about an inherited genetic condition that affects one or more of them. There have now been a number of studies identifying the issues in detail, however few have developed interventions to assist families. The SPRinG collaborative have used the UK Medical Research Council’s guidance on Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions, to work with families and genetic counsellors (GCs) to co-design a psycho-educational intervention to facilitate family communication and promote better coping and adaptation to living with an inherited genetic condition for parents and their children (<18 years). The intervention is modelled on multi-family discussion groups (MFDGs) used in psychiatric settings. The MFDG was developed and tested over three phases. First focus groups with parents, young people, children and health professionals discussed whether MFDG was acceptable and proposed a suitable design. Using evidence and focus group data, the intervention and a training manual were developed and three GCs were trained in its delivery. Finally, a prototype MFDG was led by a family therapist and co-facilitated by the three GCs. Data analysis showed that families attending the focus groups and intervention thought MFDG highly beneficial, and the pilot sessions had a significant impact on their family’ functioning. We also demonstrated that it is possible to train GCs to deliver the MFDG intervention. Further studies are now required to test the feasibility of undertaking a definitive randomised controlled trial to evaluate its effectiveness in improving family outcomes before implementing into genetic counselling practice.
Large-scale association analysis in Asians identifies new susceptibility loci for prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Meilin , Takahashi Atsushi , Liu Fang , Ye Dingwei , Ding Qiang , Qin Chao , Yin Changjun , Zhang Zhengdong , Matsuda Koichi , Kubo Michiaki , Na Rong , Lin Xiaoling , Jiang Haowen , Ren Shancheng , Sun Jielin , Zheng S. Lilly , Marchand Loic Le , Isaacs William B. , Mo Zengnan , Haiman Christopher A. , Sun Yinghao , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Xu Jianfeng 
Published: October 2015

AbstractGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified ∼100 genetic loci associated with prostate cancer risk. Less than a dozen of these loci were initially identified from GWAS in two Asian populations, likely because of smaller sample sizes of these individual GWAS in Asians. Here, we conduct a large-scale meta-analysis of two GWAS from the Japanese population (1,583 cases and 3,386 controls) and the Chinese population (1,417 cases and 1,008 controls), followed by replication in three independent sample sets. We identify two independent susceptibility loci for prostate cancer at 11p15.4 (rs12791447, P=3.59 × 10−8; PPFIBP2) and 14q23.2 (rs58262369, P=6.05 × 10−10; ESR2). The mRNA levels of PPFIBP2 and ESR2 are differentially expressed in prostate tumours and paired normal tissues. Our study adds two new loci to the limited number of prostate cancer risk-associated variants in Asians and provides important insight into potential biological mechanisms of prostate cancer.
A PI3K p110β–Rac signalling loop mediates Pten-loss-induced perturbation of haematopoiesis and leukaemogenesis
Authors: Yuzugullu Haluk , Baitsch Lukas , Von Thanh , Steiner Allison , Tong Haoxuan , Ni Jing , Clayton Linda K. , Bronson Roderick , Roberts Thomas M. , Gritsman Kira , Zhao Jean J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe tumour suppressor PTEN, which antagonizes PI3K signalling, is frequently inactivated in haematologic malignancies. In mice, deletion of PTEN in haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) causes perturbed haematopoiesis, myeloproliferative neoplasia (MPN) and leukaemia. Although the roles of the PI3K isoforms have been studied in PTEN-deficient tumours, their individual roles in PTEN-deficient HSCs are unknown. Here we show that when we delete PTEN in HSCs using the Mx1–Cre system, p110β ablation prevents MPN, improves HSC function and suppresses leukaemia initiation. Pharmacologic inhibition of p110β in PTEN-deficient mice recapitulates these genetic findings, but suggests involvement of both Akt-dependent and -independent pathways. Further investigation reveals that a p110β–Rac signalling loop plays a critical role in PTEN-deficient HSCs. Together, these data suggest that myeloid neoplasia driven by PTEN loss is dependent on p110β via p110β–Rac-positive-feedback loop, and that disruption of this loop may offer a new and effective therapeutic strategy for PTEN-deficient leukaemia.
Giant photovoltaic effect of ferroelectric domain walls in perovskite single crystals
Authors: Inoue Ryotaro , Ishikawa Shotaro , Imura Ryota , Kitanaka Yuuki , Oguchi Takeshi , Noguchi Yuji , Miyayama Masaru 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe photovoltaic (PV) effect in polar materials offers great potential for light-energy conversion that generates a voltage beyond the bandgap limit of present semiconductor-based solar cells. Ferroelectrics have received renewed attention because of the ability to deliver a high voltage in the presence of ferroelastic domain walls (DWs). In recent years, there has been considerable debate over the impact of the DWs on the PV effects, owing to lack of information on the bulk PV tensor of host ferroelectrics. In this article, we provide the first direct evidence of an unusually large PV response induced by ferroelastic DWs—termed ‘DW’-PV effect. The precise estimation of the bulk PV tensor in single crystals of barium titanate enables us to quantify the giant PV effect driven by 90° DWs. We show that the DW-PV effect arises from an effective electric field consisting of a potential step and a local PV component in the 90° DW region. This work offers a starting point for further investigation into the DW-PV effect of alternative systems and opens a reliable route for enhancing the PV properties in ferroelectrics based on the engineering of domain structures in either bulk or thin-film form.
Volatile Organic Metabolites Identify Patients with Mesangial Proliferative Glomerulonephritis, IgA Nephropathy and Normal Controls
Authors: Wang Changsong , Feng Yue , Wang Mingao , Pi Xin , Tong Hongshuang , Wang Yue , Zhu Lin , Li Enyou 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUrinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analysis for kidney diseases has attracted a large amount of scientific interest recently and urinary metabolite analysis has already been applied to many diseases. Urine was collected from 15 mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) patients, 21 IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients and 15 healthy controls. Solid phase microextraction–chromatography– mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) was used to analyse the urinary metabolites. The statistical methods principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLSDA) were performed to process the final data. Five metabolites were significantly greater in the group of MsPGN patients than in the normal control group (P < 0.05) while three metabolites were found at increased levels in the group of IgAN patients compared with the normal controls (P < 0.05). In addition, five metabolites were significantly increased in the group of IgAN patients compared with the MsPGN patients (P < 0.05). These five metabolites may be specific biomarkers for distinguishing between MsPGN and IgAN. The analysis of urinary VOCs appears to have potential clinical applications as a diagnostic tool.
A combinatorial approach towards the design of nanofibrous scaffolds for chondrogenesis
Authors: Ahmed Maqsood , Ramos Tiago André da Silva , Damanik Febriyani , Quang Le Bach , Wieringa Paul , Bennink Martin , van Blitterswijk Clemens , de Boer Jan , Moroni Lorenzo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional (3D) structure composed of proteinaceous fibres that provide physical and biological cues to direct cell behaviour. Here, we build a library of hybrid collagen-polymer fibrous scaffolds with nanoscale dimensions and screen them for their ability to grow chondrocytes for cartilage repair. Poly(lactic acid) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) at two different monomer ratios (85:15 and 50:50) were incrementally blended with collagen. Physical properties (wettability and stiffness) of the scaffolds were characterized and related to biological performance (proliferation, ECM production and gene expression) and structure-function relationships were developed. We found that soft scaffolds with an intermediate wettability composed of the highly biodegradable PLGA50:50 and collagen, in two ratios (40:60 and 60:40), were optimal for chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells as determined by increased ECM production and enhanced cartilage specific gene expression. Long-term cultures indicated a stable phenotype with minimal de-differentiation or hypertrophy. The combinatorial methodology applied herein is a promising approach for the design and development of scaffolds for regenerative medicine.
Mapping the H+ (V)-ATPase interactome: identification of proteins involved in trafficking, folding, assembly and phosphorylation
Authors: Merkulova Maria , Păunescu Teodor G. , Azroyan Anie , Marshansky Vladimir , Breton Sylvie , Brown Dennis 
Published: October 2015

AbstractV-ATPases (H+ ATPases) are multisubunit, ATP-dependent proton pumps that regulate pH homeostasis in virtually all eukaryotes. They are involved in key cell biological processes including vesicle trafficking, endosomal pH sensing, membrane fusion and intracellular signaling. They also have critical systemic roles in renal acid excretion and blood pH balance, male fertility, bone remodeling, synaptic transmission, olfaction and hearing. Furthermore, V-ATPase dysfunction either results in or aggravates various other diseases, but little is known about the complex protein interactions that regulate these varied V-ATPase functions. Therefore, we performed a proteomic analysis to identify V-ATPase associated proteins and construct a V-ATPase interactome. Our analysis using kidney tissue revealed V-ATPase-associated protein clusters involved in protein quality control, complex assembly and intracellular trafficking. ARHGEF7, DMXL1, EZR, NCOA7, OXR1, RPS6KA3, SNX27 and 9 subunits of the chaperonin containing TCP1 complex (CCT) were found to interact with V-ATPase for the first time in this study. Knockdown of two interacting proteins, DMXL1 and WDR7, inhibited V-ATPase-mediated intracellular vesicle acidification in a kidney cell line, providing validation for the utility of our interactome as a screen for functionally important novel V-ATPase-regulating proteins. Our data, therefore, provide new insights and directions for the analysis of V-ATPase cell biology and (patho)physiology.
Microbial metabolic networks in a complex electrogenic biofilm recovered from a stimulus-induced metatranscriptomics approach
Authors: Ishii Shun’ichi , Suzuki Shino , Tenney Aaron , Norden-Krichmar Trina M. , Nealson Kenneth H. , Bretschger Orianna 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMicroorganisms almost always exist as mixed communities in nature. While the significance of microbial community activities is well appreciated, a thorough understanding about how microbial communities respond to environmental perturbations has not yet been achieved. Here we have used a combination of metagenomic, genome binning and stimulus-induced metatranscriptomic approaches to estimate the metabolic network and stimuli-induced metabolic switches existing in a complex microbial biofilm that was producing electrical current via extracellular electron transfer (EET) to a solid electrode surface. Two stimuli were employed: to increase EET and to stop EET. An analysis of cell activity marker genes after stimuli exposure revealed that only two strains within eleven binned genomes had strong transcriptional responses to increased EET rates, with one responding positively and the other responding negatively. Potential metabolic switches between eleven dominant members were mainly observed for acetate, hydrogen and ethanol metabolisms. These results have enabled the estimation of a multi-species metabolic network and the associated short-term responses to EET stimuli that induce changes to metabolic flow and cooperative or competitive microbial interactions. This systematic meta-omics approach represents a next step towards understanding complex microbial roles within a community and how community members respond to specific environmental stimuli.