bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential of newly isolated bacterial strains for simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium and reactive black‐5 azo dye from tannery effluent
Authors: Mahmood Shahid , Khalid Azeem , Mahmood Tariq , Arshad Muhammad , Ahmad Riaz 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDEffluents discharged from tannery industry contain significant amount of chromium and synthetic dyes. Both chromium and dyes can be transformed individually into less toxic forms, but very little is known about their simultaneous treatment. The present study was aimed at isolating bacteria capable of removing toxic hexavalent chromium (CrVI) and reactive black‐5 azo dye simultaneously in liquid mineral salt medium (MSM).RESULTSAbout 150 bacterial isolates were collected from tannery wastewater and sludge through enrichment of the MSM with CrVI (2 mg L−1) and reactive black‐5 dye (100 mg L−1) under static (batch) condition. Bacterial strains KI (Pseudomonas putida ) and SL14 (Serratia proteamaculans) were able to reduce simultaneously 93% CrVI and 100% color of reactive black‐5 azo dye in 24 h at pH 7.2 and 35 °C in a batch culture. Individually, 100% reduction of CrVI and reactive black‐5 dye was achieved in 12 h by strain KI and SL14.CONCLUSIONThese bacterial strains are one of the most efficient bacteria capable of reducing toxic CrVI and synthetic reactive dye simultaneously and could be used for developing bioreactors to treat tannery effluent prior to its discharge into the environment. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of lignin in a biorefinery: separation characterization and valorization
Authors: Yuan Tong‐Qi , Xu Feng , Sun Run‐Cang 
Published: December 2012

AbstractLignin, a major component of the cell wall of vascular plants, has long been recognized for its negative impact and treated as a by‐product in a biorefinery. This highly abundant by‐product of the biorefinery is undervalued and underdeveloped due to its complex nature. The development of value‐added products from lignin would greatly improve the economics of the biorefinery. The inherent properties of lignin significantly affect the productivity of the biorefinery processes and its potential applications. Although the structure and biosynthetic pathway of lignin have been studied for more than a century, they have not yet been completely elucidated. In this mini‐review, the primary obstacles to elucidating the structure of native lignin, including separation and characterization, are highlighted. Several classical methods for separation and various NMR techniques, especially 2D HSQC NMR, for characterization of lignin are reviewed. Some potential applications of lignin are introduced. It is believed that a knowledge of the method to separate lignin from the cell wall and structural features of the lignin polymer from lignocellulosic materials will help to maximize the exploitation of lignocelluloses for the biorefinery as well as the utilization of lignin for novel materials and chemicals. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Transvaginal sonography for preoperative assessment of deep endometriosis
Authors: Fratelli Nicola , Scioscia Marco , Bassi Emma , Musola Mariella , Minelli Luca , Trivella Giamberto 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPurpose.To determinate transvaginal scan (TVS) accuracy in the preoperative evaluation of deep endometriosis in a large cohort of patients with subsequent laparoscopic assessment.Methods.A retrospective study was performed in a tertiary referral center for endometriosis. Transvaginal scan reports were retrieved from an electronic database of all patients who underwent laparoscopy for pelvic pain or infertility in 2009. The accuracy of TVS was assessed for 10 different sites of pelvic endometriosis.Results.Four hundred twenty women were included in the study. Sensitivity and specificity of TVS were 61% and 99%, respectively, for bladder endometriosis, 52% and 96% for endometriosis of rectovaginal septum, 65% and 99% for rectum endometriosis, and 69% and 98% for endometriosis of the sigmoid colon.Conclusions.TVS appears to be useful for the detection of endometriosis located in the bladder and involving the sigmoid colon, the rectovaginal septum, and the rectum. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013
Liver T2‐weighted MR imaging: Assessment of a three‐dimensional fast spin‐echo with extended echo train acquisition sequence at 1.5 Tesla
Authors: Denoiseux Céline Cotereau , Boulay‐Coletta Isabelle , Nakache Jean‐Pierre , Claude Isabelle Dufour , Zins Marc 
Published: December 2012

PurposeTo retrospectively compare image quality and lesion detectability with two T2‐weighted sequences at 1.5 Tesla (T): respiratory‐triggered three‐dimensional fat sat fast‐spin‐echo with extended echo‐train acquisition (3D FSE‐XETA) and respiratory‐triggered two‐dimensional fat‐sat fast recovery fast‐spin‐echo (2D FRFSE).Materials and MethodsMR was performed at 1.5T in 53 consecutive patients. Two radiologists blinded to the sequence details reviewed the studies to determine: (i) signal and contrast to noise ratios, (ii) overall image quality, (iii) sensitivity for focal lesion detection.ResultsImage assessment scores for the 2D FRFSE sequence were significantly higher than those for the 3D FSE‐XETA sequence for overall image quality (P < 0.01) and artifacts (P < 0.001). Sensitivity for liver lesion detection was higher with the 3D FSE‐XETA sequence (69.3% versus 57.3%; P < 0.05) compared with the 2D FRFSE sequence. The 3D FSE‐XETA sequence improves the reader confidence score (P < 0.01) for liver lesions detection. Inter‐observer correlation was higher with the 3D FSE‐XETA sequence.ConclusionFor T2‐weighted liver imaging at 1.5T, the 3D FSE‐XETA sequence improves sensitivity, reader confidence score and interobserver correlation for focal liver lesion detection, but it suffers from a lower overall image quality and higher artifacts. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:336–343. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebral atrophy in elderly with subjective memory complaints
Authors: Palm Walter M. , Ferrarini Luca , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Bollen Eduard L.E.M. , Middelkoop Huub A.M. , Milles Julien R. , van der Grond Jeroen , van Buchem Mark A. 
Published: December 2012

PurposeTo evaluate ventricular shape differences along the complete surface of the lateral and third ventricles of persons with subjective memory complaints (MC).Materials and MethodsWe included 28 controls and 21 persons with MC. FLAIR, T2, and PD‐weighted brain MRI scans were acquired at 1.5 Tesla, followed by semi‐automated segmentation of the lateral and third ventricles, and local shape difference analysis based on growing and adaptive meshes. Ventricular meshes were used to highlight local areas with significant differences between controls and persons with MC, determined by permutation tests with a predefined threshold (P = 0.01).ResultsCompared with control subjects, relevant differences were found in the shape of the ventricular surface adjacent to the thalamus and corona radiata in persons with MC. Before correction for multiple comparisons, relevant differences were also found in the shape of the ventricular surface adjacent to the corpus callosum, hippocampus, and amydala.ConclusionOur findings suggest the presence of localized structural brain differences in patients with subjective memory complaints in the thalamus and the corona radiata. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:358–364. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in Hong Kong, 2008–2009
Authors: Chiu Diana M.Y. , Chan Martin C.W. , Yeung Apple C.M. , Ngai Karry L.K. , Chan Paul K.S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe public health impact of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection varies across the world. An HEV vaccine has been recently approved for clinical use in China. Population‐specific seroprevalence data are essential for cost‐effective assessment of vaccination programs. Here, a cross‐sectional study was performed to provide an update on the local seroprevalence of HEV. An archive of serum samples submitted for virological investigation between 2008 and 2009 to a general hospital was used. A total of 450 samples with equal numbers from each gender covering the age groups from 1–10 to >80 years (25 samples per group) were tested for HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) by enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Age‐ and gender‐specific seroprevalence were determined. The HEV IgG positive rate increased from 8% among 1–10 years to 56% among >80 years. The increase in prevalence was constant throughout all age groups without a steeper slope or plateau observed from any age group. The overall positive rate among males was significantly higher than among females (32.9% vs. 24.4%, P = 0.048). The best‐fitted seroprevalence curves also suggested a higher positive rate for males across all age groups. Increased HEV IgG positivity was noted in comparison with historical local studies. Collectively, the prevalence of HEV in Hong Kong has increased over the past decade. A large proportion of the population is still susceptible to infection, and all age groups are at risk. Territory‐wide vaccination program should be considered. J. Med. Virol. 85:459–461, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Infection with hepatitis E virus in kidney transplant recipients in southeastern France
Authors: Moal Valérie , Legris Tristan , Burtey Stéphane , Morange Sophie , Purgus Raj , Dussol Bertrand , Garcia Stéphane , Motte Anne , Gérolami René , Berland Yvon , Colson Philippe 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging cause of acute hepatitis in Europe, particularly in southern France, and HEV is a new causative agent of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in immunocompromised patients. However, the data regarding HEV infection after kidney transplantation are still scarce with respect to the clinical issues that have been raised, and no study has specifically focused on kidney transplant recipients. This study described the clinical features and outcomes of HEV infections in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients living in southeastern France. The epidemiological, clinical, and virological characteristics of HEV infections diagnosed by PCR over a 53‐month period were retrospectively analyzed in a cohort of 1,350 kidney transplant recipients monitored at the Marseille University Hospital. Sixteen HEV infections were diagnosed, all of which were autochthonous and involved genotype 3 viruses (HEV‐3). Chronic infections occurred in 80% of these patients and resolved in half of the cases after a median time of 39 months. The rate of HEV clearance was 54% after a decrease in the dose of immunosuppressants. One patient developed liver cirrhosis 14 months after infection and experienced acute rejection after a decrease in the dose of immunosuppressants. Autochthonous HEV‐3 infections in kidney transplant recipients progress to chronicity in most cases and might be complicated by early liver cirrhosis. Chronic HEV infection can resolve following the reduction of immunosuppressive therapy, but ribavirin may be required if reduction of the immunosuppressant dose is not associated with HEV clearance or is inappropriate for the patient management. J. Med. Virol. 85:462–471, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
mTOR regulates fatty infiltration through SREBP‐1 and PPARγ after a combined massive rotator cuff tear and suprascapular nerve injury in rats
Authors: Joshi Sunil K. , Liu Xuhui , Samagh Sanjum P. , Lovett David H. , Bodine Sue C. , Kim Hubert T. , Feeley Brian T. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractRotator cuff tears (RCTs) are among the most common injuries seen in orthopedic patients. Chronic tears can result in the development of muscular atrophy and fatty infiltration. Despite the prevalence of RCTs, little is known about the underlying molecular pathways that produce these changes. Recently, we have shown that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling plays an important role in muscle atrophy that results from massive RCTs in a rat model. The purpose of this study was therefore to extend our understanding of mTOR signaling and evaluate its role in fatty infiltration after a combined tendon transection and suprascapular nerve denervation surgery. Akt/mTOR signaling was significantly increased and resulted in the up‐regulation of two transcription factors: SREBP‐1 and PPARγ. We also saw an increase in expression of adipogenic markers: C/EBP‐α and FASN. Upon treatment with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, we observed a decrease in mTOR signaling, activity of transcription factors, and reduction in fatty infiltration. Therefore, our study suggests that mTOR signaling mediates rotator cuff fatty infiltration via SREBP‐1 and PPARγ. Clinically, our finding may alter current treatment methods to address rotator cuff fatty infiltration. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 724–730, 2013
Unfocused extracorporeal shock waves induce anabolic effects in osteoporotic rats
Authors: van der Jagt Olav P. , Waarsing Jan H. , Kops Nicole , Schaden Wolfgang , Jahr Holger , Verhaar Jan A.N. , Weinans Harrie 
Published: December 2012

AbstractUnfocused extracorporeal shock waves (UESW) have been shown to have an anabolic effect on bone mass. Therefore we investigated the effects of UESW on bone in osteoporotic rats with and without anti‐resorptive treatment. Twenty‐week‐old rats were ovariectomized (n = 27). One group was treated with saline and another group with Alendronate (ALN) 2.4 µg/kg, 3×/week. UESW were applied 2 weeks after ovariectomy. Thousand UESW were applied to one hind leg, the contra‐lateral hind leg was not treated and served as control. With the use of in vivo micro‐CT scanning it was shown that in saline treated rats trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) was higher at 2 weeks follow‐up in UESW treated legs compared to control legs. However, at 4 and 10 weeks no difference was found. In ALN treated animals UESW led to a pronounced anabolic response resulting in an increase in BV/TV at all time‐points. Furthermore, UESW resulted in increased cortical volume (CtV), higher trabecular connectivity and, more plate‐like and thicker trabeculae. Biomechanical testing showed that UESW lead to a higher maximum force before failure and higher stiffness in all treatment groups. With histology abundant areas of intramembranous bone formation along the periosteal cortex and within the bone marrow were observed. In conclusion this study shows promising results for the use of UESW in the treatment of osteoporosis, especially when this treatment is combined with an anti‐resorptive treatment. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 768–775, 2013
Anti‐gravity treadmills are effective in reducing knee forces
Authors: Patil Shantanu , Steklov Nikolai , Bugbee William D. , Goldberg Timothy , Colwell Clifford W. , D'Lima Darryl D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractLower body positive pressure (LBPP) treadmills permit significant unweighting of patients and have the potential to enhance recovery following lower limb surgery. We determined the efficacy of an LBPP treadmill in reducing knee forces in vivo. Subjects, implanted with custom electronic tibial prostheses to measure forces in the knee, were tested on a treadmill housed within a LBPP chamber. Tibiofemoral forces were monitored at treadmill speeds from 1.5 mph (0.67 m/s) to 4.5 mph (2.01 m/s), treadmill incline from −10° to +10°, and four treadmill chamber pressure settings adjusted to decrease net treadmill reaction force from 100% to 25% of the subject's body weight (BW). The peak axial tibiofemoral force ranged from 5.1 times BW at a treadmill speed of 4.5 mph (2.01 m/s) and a pressure setting of 100% BW to 0.8 times BW at 1.5 mph (0.67 m/s) and a pressure setting of 25% BW. Peak knee forces were significantly correlated with walking speed and treadmill reaction force (R2 = 0.77, p = 0.04). The LBPP treadmill might be an effective tool in the rehabilitation of patients following lower‐extremity surgery. The strong correlation between tibiofemoral force and walking speed and treadmill reaction forces allows for more precisely achieving the target knee forces desired during early rehabilitation. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 672–679, 2013
Apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy in rat nucleus pulposus cells: Implications for diabetic intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Jiang Libo , Zhang Xiaolei , Zheng Xuhao , Ru Ao , Ni Xiao , Wu Yaosen , Tian Naifeng , Huang Yixing , Xue Enxing , Wang Xiangyang , Xu Huazi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis research was aimed to study the mechanisms by which diabetes aggravates intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and to discuss the relationship between autophagy and IDD in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. Sixteen weeks after injecting streptozotocin (STZ), the intervertebral discs (IVDs) were studied by histology, Alcian blue, 1,9‐dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB), immunohistochemistry, and RT‐PCR to explore the IDD. The apoptosis and senescence of NP cells was investigated by terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TDT)‐mediated dUTP‐digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot for caspase3, caspase8, caspase9, and p16lnk4A (increased in cellular senescence). The level of autophagy in NP cells was detected by Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The proteoglycan and collagen II in the extracellular matrix and the aggrecan and collagen II mRNA expression in NP cells of diabetic rats were decreased compared with the control group. Diabetes increased apoptosis of NP cells and led to activations of initiators of intrinsic (caspases‐9) and extrinsic (caspase‐8) pathways as well as their common executioner (caspase‐3). Cellular senescence was increased about twofold in NP of diabetic rats. In addition, the Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and TEM demonstrated higher level of autophagy in NP cells of diabetic rats than control rats to a statistically significant extent. These findings support that diabetes induced by STZ can cause IDD by accelerating the apoptosis and senescence of NP cells excluding the overweight influence. And the results suggest that the autophagy may be a response mechanism to the change of NP cells in diabetic rats. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 692–702, 2013
Fractal Structuring in Polymer Processing
Authors: Neerincx Peter E. , Meijer Han E. H. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractFor a multitude of high‐end applications such as photovoltaics and membranes for fuel cells or gas separation, creating large internal surfaces via fractal structuring during polymer processing can result in unique possibilities for enhancing performance. Structuring is possible even in processing techniques like injection molding. Inspired by microfluidic practice, an optimized splitting and recombining static mixer is realized on the parting surface of a mold. Different geometries are used to multiply, rotate, and add stratified structures. After the obvious structuring of a number of parallel layers, attention is focused on layers perpendicular to the product surface. A combination of the two allows complex hierarchical fractal structures to be obtained. A first demonstration of its feasibility is reported.
Disulfide Cross‐Linked Polypeptide Nanogel Conjugated with a Fluorescent Probe as a Potential Image‐Guided Drug‐Delivery Agent
Authors: Xing Tao , Lai Bin , Yan Lifeng 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA disulfide cross‐linked PEGylated polypeptide nanogel with a near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) group has been synthesized. At first, a NIRF nanogel precursor is prepared by a ring‐opening polymerization of L‐cystine‐N‐carboxy anhydride with azide‐functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether. Alkyne cyanine is then conjugated to the nanogel by a click chemical reaction. The formation of the targeted nanogel is confirmed by a series of characterizations. The anticancer drug doxorubicin can be loaded into the NIRF nanogel by physical encapsulation, and the obtained drug‐loaded NIRF nanoparticle shows reduction‐promoted drug‐release behavior in the presence of 10 mM glutathione. The as‐prepared drug‐loaded NIRF nanoparticle has potential applications in the real‐time imaging of drug delivery in vivo.
Enantioselective Enzymatic Modification of Chiral Block Copolymers
Authors: Yeniad Bahar , Naik Hemantkumar , Koning Cor E. , Heise Andreas 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBlock copolymers comprising blocks with pendant hydroxy groups of opposite chirality are synthesized by RAFT polymerization of (R)‐ and (S)‐1‐(4‐vinylphenyl)ethanol (1R and 1S) as monomers. Initially, poly(styrene) macro‐RAFT agents are chain‐extended with both enantiomeric monomers to obtain poly(styrene‐b‐1R) and poly(styrene‐b‐1S) with controlled molecular weight and low polydispersities. Enantioselective esterification with vinyl acetate by Candida Antarctica Lipase B (CALB) is only possible on the 1R‐containing block copolymer. This concept is extended to a series of chiral block copolymers poly(1R‐b‐1S) which, apart from their optical rotation, all behave like very similar homopolymers. By enzymatic enantioselective esterification on the 1R‐block, block copolymer structures were obtained.
Solvent‐Annealing‐Induced Nanowetting in Templates: Towards Tailored Polymer Nanostructures
Authors: Chen Jiun‐Tai , Lee Chih‐Wei , Chi Mu‐Huan , Yao I‐Chun 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe study the solvent‐annealing‐induced nanowetting in templates using porous anodic aluminum oxide membranes. The morphology of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) nanostructures can be controlled, depending on whether the swollen polymers are in the partial or complete wetting regimes, which are characterized by the spreading coefficient. When the swollen polymers are in the partial wetting regime, polymers wet the nanopores by capillary action, resulting in the formation of polymer nanorods. When the swollen polymers are in the complete wetting regime, polymers form wetting layers in the nanopores, resulting in the formation of polymer nanotubes. The solubility parameters of polymers and solvents are also used to predict the wetting behavior of swollen polymers in cylindrical geometry.