bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial β-glucosidases from cow rumen metagenome enhance the saccharification of lignocellulose in combination with commercial cellulase cocktail
Authors: Del Pozo Mercedes V , Fernández-Arrojo Lucía , Gil-Martínez Jorge , Montesinos Alejandro , Chernikova Tatyana N , Nechitaylo Taras Y , Waliszek Agnes , Tortajada Marta , Rojas Antonia , Huws Sharon A , Golyshina Olga V , Newbold Charles J , Polaina Julio , Ferrer Manuel , Golyshin Peter N 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
A complete saccharification of plant polymers is the critical step in the efficient production of bio-alcohols. Beta-glucosidases acting in the degradation of intermediate gluco-oligosaccharides produced by cellulases limit the yield of the final product.

Results
In the present work, we have identified and then successfully cloned, expressed, purified and characterised 4 highly active beta-glucosidases from fibre-adherent microbial community from the cow rumen. The enzymes were most active at temperatures 45–55°C and pH 4.0-7.0 and exhibited high affinity and activity towards synthetic substrates such as p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (p NPbetaG) and p NP-beta-cellobiose, as well as to natural cello-oligosaccharides ranging from cellobiose to cellopentaose. The apparent capability of the most active beta-glucosidase, herein named LAB25g2, was tested for its ability to improve, at low dosage (31.25 units g-1 dry biomass, using p NPbetaG as substrate), the hydrolysis of pre-treated corn stover (dry matter content of 20%; 350 g glucan kg-1 dry biomass) in combination with a beta-glucosidase-deficient commercial Trichoderma reseei cellulase cocktail (5 units g-1 dry biomass in the basis of p NPbetaG). LAB25g2 increased the final hydrolysis yield by a factor of 20% (44.5 ± 1.7% vs. 34.5 ± 1.5% in control conditions) after 96–120 h as compared to control reactions in its absence or in the presence of other commercial beta-glucosidase preparations. The high stability (half-life higher than 5 days at 50°C and pH 5.2) and 2–38000 fold higher (as compared with reported beta-glucosidases) activity towards cello-oligosaccharides may account for its performance in supplementation assays.

Conclusions
The results suggest that beta-glucosidases from yet uncultured bacteria from animal digestomes may be of a potential interest for biotechnological processes related to the effective bio-ethanol production in combination with low dosage of commercial cellulases.
Analysis of the compatibility of dental implant systems in fibula free flap reconstruction
Authors: Carbiner Ramin , Jerjes Waseem , Shakib Kaveh , Giannoudis Peter V , Hopper Colin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAs a result of major ablative surgery, head and neck oncology patients can be left with significant defects in the orofacial region. The resultant defect raises the need for advanced reconstruction techniques. The reconstruction in this region is aimed at restoring function and facial contour. The use of vascularised free flaps has revolutionised the reconstruction in the head and neck. Advances in reconstruction techniques have resulted in continuous improvement of oral rehabilitation. For example, endosteal implants are being used to restore the masticatory function by the way of prosthetic replacement of the dentition. Implant rehabilitation usually leads to improved facial appearance, function, restoration of speech and mastication. Suitable dental implant placement’s site requires satisfactory width, height and quality of bone. Reconstruction of hard tissue defects therefore will need to be tailored to meet the needs for implant placement.The aim of this feasibility study was to assess the compatibility of five standard commercially available dental implant systems (Biomet 3i, Nobel Biocare, Astra tech, Straumann and Ankylos) for placement into vascularised fibula graft during the reconstruction of oromandibular region.Radiographs (2D) of the lower extremities from 142 patients in the archives of the Department of Radiology in University College London Hospitals (UCLH) were analysed in this study. These radiographs were from 61 females and 81 males. Additionally, 60 unsexed dry fibular bones, 30 right sided, acquired from the collection of the Department of Anatomy, University College London (UCL) were also measured to account for the 3D factor.In the right fibula (dry bone), 90% of the samples measured had a width of 13.1 mm. While in the left fibula (dry bone), 90% of the samples measured had a width of 13.3 mm. Fibulas measured on radiographs had a width of 14.3 mm in 90% of the samples. The length ranges of the dental implants used in this study were: 7-13 mm (Biomet 3i), 10-13 mm (Nobel biocare), 8-13 mm (Astra Tech), 8-12 mm (Straumann ) and 8-11 mm (Ankylos).This study reached a conclusion that the width of fibula is sufficient for placement of most frequently used dental implants for oral rehabilitation after mandibular reconstructive procedures.
Feasibility of recruitment to an oral dysplasia trial in the United Kingdom
Authors: Nankivell Paul , Dunn Janet , Langman Michael , Mehanna Hisham 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) has a malignant potential. Therapeutic options for OED remain both limited and without good evidence. Despite surgery being the most common method of treating OED, recurrence and potentially significant morbidity remain problematic. Consequently, there has been much interest in non-surgical treatments for OED. Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) up-regulation is known to occur in the dysplasia-carcinoma sequence and evidence now exists that COX-2 is a prognostic marker of malignant transformation in OED. COX-inhibitors are therefore considered a potential therapeutic strategy for treating this condition. We aimed to provide both proof of principal evidence supporting the effect of topical COX inhibition, and determine the feasibility of recruitment to an OED chemoprevention trial in the UK.

Methods
Recruitment of 40 patients with oral leukoplakia to 4 study arms was planned. The total daily dose of Aspirin would increase in each group and be used in the period between initial diagnostic and follow-up biopsies.

Results
During the 15-month recruitment period, 15/50 screened patients were eligible for recruitment, and 13 (87%) consented. Only 1 had OED diagnosed on biopsy. 16 patients were intolerant of, or already taking Aspirin and 16 patients required no biopsy. Initial recruitment was slow, as detection relied on clinicians identifying potentially eligible patients. Pre-screening new patient letters and directly contacting patients listed for biopsies improved screening of potentially eligible patients. However, as the incidence of OED was so low, it had little impact on trial recruitment. The trial was terminated, as recruitment was unlikely to be achieved in a single centre.

Conclusion
This feasibility trial has demonstrated the low incidence of OED in the UK and the difficulties in conducting a study because of this. With an incidence of around 1.5/100,000/year and a high proportion of those patients already taking or intolerant of Aspirin, a large multi-centred trial would be required to fulfil the recruitment for this study. The ability of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to modify COX and prostaglandin expression remains an important but unanswered question. Collaboration with centres in other parts of the world with higher incidences of the disease may be required to ensure adequate recruitment.

ISRCTN
31503555.
High throughput DNA sequencing to detect differences in the subgingival plaque microbiome in elderly subjects with and without dementia
Authors: Cockburn Andrew F , Dehlin Jonathan M , Ngan Tiffany , Crout Richard , Boskovic Goran , Denvir James , Primerano Donald , Plassman Brenda L , Wu Bei , Cuff Christopher F 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
To investigate the potential association between oral health and cognitive function, a pilot study was conducted to evaluate high throughput DNA sequencing of the V3 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene for determining the relative abundance of bacterial taxa in subgingival plaque from older adults with or without dementia.

Methods
Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from ten individuals at least 70 years old who participated in a study to assess oral health and cognitive function. DNA was isolated from the samples and a gene segment from the V3 portion of the 16S bacterial ribosomal RNA gene was amplified and sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq1000 DNA sequencer. Bacterial populations found in the subgingival plaque were identified and assessed with respect to the cognitive status and oral health of the participants who provided the samples.

Results
More than two million high quality DNA sequences were obtained from each sample. Individuals differed greatly in the mix of phylotypes, but different sites from different subgingival depths in the same subject were usually similar. No consistent differences were observed in this small sample between subjects separated by levels of oral health, sex, or age; however a consistently higher level of Fusobacteriaceae and a generally lower level of Prevotellaceae was seen in subjects without dementia, although the difference did not reach statistical significance, possibly because of the small sample size.

Conclusions
The results from this pilot study provide suggestive evidence that alterations in the subgingival microbiome are associated with changes in cognitive function, and provide support for an expanded analysis of the role of the oral microbiome in dementia.
Advances in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease: a re-evaluation of amyloid cascade hypothesis
Authors: Dong Suzhen , Duan Yale , Hu Yinghe , Zhao Zheng 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized clinically by progressive deterioration of memory, and pathologically by histopathological changes including extracellular deposits of amyloid-beta (A-beta) peptides forming senile plaques (SP) and the intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) of hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain. This review focused on the new developments of amyloid cascade hypothesis with details on the production, metabolism and clearance of A-beta, and the key roles of some important A-beta-related genes in the pathological processes of AD. The most recent research advances in genetics, neuropathology and pathogenesis of the disease were also discussed.
The relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentration and obesity in type 2 diabetic patients and healthy subjects
Authors: Taheri Ehsaneh , Saedisomeolia Ahmad , Djalali Mahmoud , Qorbani Mostafa , Madani Civi Manouchehr 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Background
Both obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with hypovitaminosis D. The aims of this study were to investigate the association of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH) D) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration with body mass index (BMI) in type 2 diabetic patients compared to control subjects and their predicting role in obesity.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 subjects (100 type 2 diabetics and 100 healthy controls). Concentration of 25(OH) D, calcium, phosphorous, parathyroid hormone (PTH), fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was determined in the fasting samples. Anthropometric measurements including body mass index (BMI) were also measured.

Results
Eighty-five percent of type 2 diabetics and 79% of healthy subjects were suffering from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Serum concentration of 25(OH) D (22.08 ± 15.20 ng/ml) (r = −0.11, P = 0.04) and calcium (8.94 ± 0.59 mg/dl) (r = −2.25, P = 0.04) has significant statistically with BMI in type 2 diabetic patients. Serum concentration of PTH has non-significantly associated with BMI in diabetic patients and healthy subjects.

Conclusion
Serum levels of vitamin D inversely and PTH positively are associated with BMI after adjusted for age, gender and serum calcium in both type 2 diabetic patients and healthy subjects. These associations were statistically significant for serum concentration of vitamin D and calcium only in diabetic patients. So the status of vitamin D is considered as an important factor in type 2 diabetic patients.
Betel-quid dependence and oral potentially malignant disorders in six Asian countries
Authors: Lee Chien-Hung , Ko Albert Min-Shan , Yen Cheng-Fang , Chu Koung-Shing , Gao Yi-Jun , Warnakulasuriya Saman , Sunarjo  , Ibrahim Salah Osman , Zain Rosnah Binti , Patrick Walter K. , Ko Ying-Chin 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundDespite gradual understanding of the multidimensional health consequences of betel-quid chewing, information on the effects of dependent use is scant.AimsTo investigate the 12-month prevalence patterns of betel-quid dependence in six Asian populations and the impact of this dependence on oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD).MethodA multistage random sample of 8922 participants was recruited from Taiwan, mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Participants were evaluated for betel-quid dependency using DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria and assessed clinically for oral mucosal lesions.ResultsThe 12-month prevalence of dependence was 2.8-39.2% across the six Asian samples, and 20.9-99.6% of those who chewed betel-quid were betel-quid dependent. Men dominated the prevalence among the east Asian samples and women dominated the prevalence in south-east Asian samples. ‘Time spent chewing’ and ‘craving’ were the central dependence domains endorsed by the Chinese and southern/south-east Asian samples respectively, whereas the Nepalese samples endorsed ‘tolerance’ and ‘withdrawal’. Dependency was linked to age, gender, schooling years, drinking, smoking, tobacco-added betel-quid use and environmental accessibility of betel-quid. Compared with non-users, those with betel-quid dependency had higher pre-neoplastic risks (adjusted odds ratios 8.0-51.3) than people with non-dependent betel-quid use (adjusted odds ratio 4.5-5.9) in the six Asian populations.ConclusionsBy elucidating differences in domain-level symptoms of betel-quid dependency and individual and environmental factors, this study draws attention to the population-level psychiatric problems of betel-quid chewing that undermine health consequences for OPMD in six Asian communities.
Anxiety, distress and anger among British nationals in Japan
following the Fukushima nuclear accident
Authors: Rubin G. James , Amlôt Richard , Wessely Simon , Greenberg Neil 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundThe 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused a meltdown at the
Fukushima nuclear power plant.AimsTo quantify emotional responses among British nationals in Japan and to
assess whether perceptions about the incident or accessing information
about it were associated with responses.MethodA total of 284 participants randomly selected from official records
completed a survey that included instruments to measure emotional
responses.ResultsIn total, 16% met the criteria for distress, 29.7% reported high anxiety
relating to the incident and 30.4% reported high anger. Perceptions that
strongly predicted these outcomes included feeling uncertain, being
unable to rule out harmful exposure, and believing that exposure would
have severe or hidden health effects or be difficult to detect. Using
information sources was associated with higher emotional outcome,
particularly for sources perceived to have low credibility.ConclusionsReducing uncertainty and improving the credibility of information is
essential in reducing the psychological impact of radiological
disasters.
Comprehensive Modulation of Tumor Progression and Regression with Periodic Fasting and Refeeding Circles via Boosting IGFBP-3 Loops and NK Responses
Authors: Chen Xiancheng , Lin Xiaojuan , Li Meng 
Published: September 2012

AbstractProgressive tumor-bearing patients deserve to benefit from more realistic approaches. Here, a study revealed the impact of modified periodic fasting and refeeding regimen on tumor progression or regression with little or no loss of food intake and body weight. Human A549 lung, HepG-2 liver, and SKOV-3 ovary progressive tumor-bearing mice were established and subjected to 4 wk of periodic fasting/refeeding cycles (PFRC), including periodic 1-d fasting/6-d refeeding weekly (protocol 1) and periodic 2-d fasting/5-d refeeding weekly (P2DF/5DR, protocol 2), with ad libitum (AL)-fed hosts as controls. Afterwards, PFRC groups exhibited tumor growth arrest with some tendency towards regression; especially, complete regression of progressive tumors and metastases comprised between 43.75 and 56.25% of tumor-challenged hosts in P2DF/5DR group (P &lt; 0.05). AL controls, in contrast, showed continuous tumor progression and metastasis. Finally, 100% hosts in P2DF/5DR and 62.5–68.75% in periodic 1-d fasting/6-d refeeding weekly groups survived a 4-month study period vs. only 31.25–37.5% in AL control group. Immunological assays and Luminex microarray revealed that tumor growth remission is mainly via natural killer cell (NK) reactivity and cross-regulation of IGF-binding protein-3, IGF/IGF-receptor, and megakaryocyte growth and development factor autocrine and paracrine loops. In vivo cellular and humoral assays indicated that tumor-regressive induction by PFRC protocols could be partly terminated by NK cell and IGF-binding protein-3 blockade or replenishment of IGF-I/-II and megakaryocyte growth and development factor. These findings offer a better understanding of comprehensive modulation of periodic fasting/refeeding strategy on the balance between tumor progression and regression.
INSL5-Deficient Mice Display an Alteration in Glucose Homeostasis and an Impaired Fertility
Authors: Burnicka-Turek Ozanna , Mohamed Belal A. , Shirneshan Katayoon , Thanasupawat Thatchawan , Hombach-Klonisch Sabine , Klonisch Thomas , Adham Ibrahim M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractInsulin-like factor 5 (INSL5), a member of the insulin superfamily, is expressed in the colorectum and hypothalamus. To facilitate studies into the role of INSL5, we generated Insl5−/− mice by gene targeting. Insl5−/− mice were born in the expected Mendelian ratio, reached normal body weight, but displayed impaired male and female fertility that are due to marked reduction in sperm motility and irregular length of the estrous cycle. Furthermore, Insl5−/− mice showed impairment in glucose homeostasis with characteristic elevation of serum glucose levels at an advanced age. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests revealed that the increased blood glucose in Insl5−/− mice was due to glucose intolerance resulting from reduced insulin secretion. Morphometric and immunohistological analyses revealed that the Insl5−/− mice had markedly reduced average islets area and β-cell numbers. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed the expression of INSL5 in enteroendocrine cells in the colorectal epithelium and the presence of its putative receptor relaxin family peptide receptor 4 in pancreatic islet cells. These results suggest the potential role of INSL5 signaling in the regulation of insulin secretion and β-cell homeostasis.
Rosiglitazone Promotes PPARγ-Dependent and -Independent Alterations in Gene Expression in Mouse Islets
Authors: Welters Hannah J. , El Ouaamari Abdelfattah , Kawamori Dan , Meyer John , Hu Jiang , Smith David M. , Kulkarni Rohit N. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The glitazone class of insulin-sensitizing agents act, in part, by the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ in adipocytes. However, it is unclear whether the expression of PPARγ in the islets is essential for their potential β-cell-sparing properties. To investigate the in vivo effects of rosiglitazone on β-cell biology, we used an inducible, pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 enhancer element-driven, Cre recombinase to knockout PPARγ expression specifically in adult β-cells (PPARgKO). Subjecting the PPARgKO mice to a chow diet led to virtually undetectable changes in glucose or insulin sensitivity, which was paralleled by minimal changes in islet gene expression. Similarly, challenging the mutant mice with a high-fat diet and treatment with rosiglitazone did not alter insulin sensitivity, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, islet size, or proliferation in the knockout mice despite PPARγ-dependent and -independent changes in islet gene expression. These data suggest that PPARγ expression in the β-cells is unlikely to be directly essential for normal β-cell function or the insulin-sensitizing actions of rosiglitazone.
Evidence for a Celiac Ganglion-Ovarian Kisspeptin Neural Network in the Rat: Intraovarian Anti-Kisspeptin Delays Vaginal Opening and Alters Estrous Cyclicity
Authors: Ricu Manuel A. , Ramirez Victor D. , Paredes Alfonso H. , Lara Hernan E. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Kisspeptin and its receptor GPR54 have been described as key hypothalamic components in the regulation of GnRH secretion. Kisspeptin is also present in several regions of the central nervous system and the peripheral organs and has recently been identified in the superior ganglion. Herein, we tested the possibility that ovarian kisspeptin is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system and participates locally in the regulation of ovarian function. Both ovarian and celiac ganglion kisspeptin mRNA levels increase during development, whereas kisspeptin peptide levels and plasma levels decrease during development. In the celiac ganglion, kisspeptin colocalized with tyrosine hydroxylase, indicating potential kisspeptin synthesis and transport within the sympathetic neurons. A continuous (64 h) cold stress induced marked changes within the kisspeptin neural system along the celiac ganglion-ovary axis. In vitro incubation with the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol increased ovarian kisspeptin mRNA and peptide levels, and this increase was inhibited by treatment with the β-antagonist propranolol. Sectioning the superior ovarian nerve altered the feedback information within the kisspeptin celiac ganglion-ovary axis. In vivo administration of a kisspeptin antagonist to the left ovarian bursa of 22- to 50-d-old unilaterally ovariectomized rats delayed the vaginal opening, decreased the percentage of estrous cyclicity, and decreased plasma, ovarian, and celiac ganglion kisspeptin concentrations but did not modify the LH plasma levels. These results indicate that the intraovarian kisspeptin system may be regulated by sympathetic nerve activity and that the peptide, either from a neural or ovarian origin, is required for proper coordinated ovarian function.