bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on bioflocculant production by a mixed culture of Methylobacterium sp. Obi and Actinobacteriumsp. Mayor
Authors: Luvuyo Ntsaluba , Nwodo Uchechukwu U , Mabinya Leonard V , Okoh Anthony I 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Bioflocculants effect the aggregation of suspended solutes in solutions thus, a viable alternative to inorganic poly-ionic and synthetic organic flocculants which are associated with deleterious health problems. Consequently, a consortium of two bacteria species were evaluated for optimized bioflocculant yield following the inadequacies of axenic cultures.

Results
16S rDNA nucleotide sequencing and BLAST analysis of nucleotide sequences were used to identify the bacterial species, carbon and nitrogen sources optimally supporting bioflocculant production were assessed and the purified bioflocculant characterized.
Nucleotide sequences showed 97% and 96% similarity to Methylobacterium sp. AKB-2008-KU9 and Methylobacterium sp. strain 440. The second isolate, likewise, showed 98% similarity to Actinobacterium OR-221. The sequences were deposited in GenBank as Methylobacterium sp. Obi [accession number HQ537130] and Actinobacterium sp. Mayor [accession number JF799090]. Flocculating activity of 95% was obtained in the presence of Ca2+ and heat-stability was exhibited with retention of above 70% activity at 100°C in 30 min. In addition, bioflocculant yield was about 8.203 g/l. A dose of 1 mg/ml of purified bioflocculant was optimal for the clarification of Kaolin suspension (100 ml) following Jar test. FTIR spectrum revealed the presence of carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups amongst others.

Conclusions
The mixed culture produced bioflocculant with high flocculating activity and an improved yield. The efficiency observed with jar test may imply industrial applicability.
Lupin protein positively affects plasma LDL cholesterol and LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio in hypercholesterolemic adults after four weeks of supplementation: a randomized, controlled crossover study
Authors: Bähr Melanie , Fechner Anita , Krämer Julia , Kiehntopf Michael , Jahreis Gerhard 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
A couple of studies indicate a favorable impact of lupin protein on cardiovascular risk factors in humans. These studies, however, used relatively high doses of > 33 g/d, which can hardly be consumed under physiological conditions. Therefore, we investigated the effect of 25 g/d lupin protein isolate (LPI) on selected cardiovascular markers and on serum amino acids.

Methods
A total of 33 hypercholesterolemic subjects participated in a randomized, controlled, double-blind crossover study. LPI and the active comparator milk protein isolate (MPI) were incorporated in protein drinks and consumed over 8 wk separated by a 4 wk washout period. Anthropometric data, blood pressure, and nutrient intake were assessed at baseline and after 8 wk of both protein interventions. Blood was sampled at baseline, wk 4 and wk 8. All 33 subjects were included in final statistical analyses using repeated measures ANOVA with the general linear model or using linear mixed model.

Results
Except for higher HDL cholesterol at wk 4 of LPI (P ≤ 0.036), anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and plasma lipids did not differ among LPI and MPI intervention. Compared to baseline, the primary outcome LDL cholesterol was significantly reduced after 4 wk of both interventions (P ≤ 0.008), while LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio was decreased only by LPI (P = 0.003). These time effects were restricted to subjects with higher hypercholesterolemia and disappeared after 8 wk. Blood pressure was reduced after 8 wk of LPI (P ≤ 0.044). Almost all serum amino acids were higher at wk 4 but not at wk 8 of MPI compared to LPI. Following 4 wk and 8 wk of LPI intervention, most amino acids remained unchanged. Both interventions caused a slight, but significant rise in body weight and body fat after 8 wk (P ≤ 0.045).

Conclusion
In conclusion, 25 g LPI can beneficially modulate plasma LDL cholesterol at least over short-term. Using appropriate dietetic conditions that improve consumer compliance and avoid changes in energy intake as well as in body composition, lupin protein could positively impact cardiovascular risk factors particularly in individuals with higher hypercholesterolemia.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01304992
Access to antiretroviral treatment, issues of well-being and public health governance in Chad: what justifies the limited success of the universal access policy?
Authors: Azétsop Jacquineau , Diop Blondin A 
Published: August 2013

AbstractUniversal access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Chad was officially declared in December 2006. This presidential initiative was and is still funded 100% by the country’s budget and external donors’ financial support. Many factors have triggered the spread of AIDS. Some of these factors include the existence of norms and beliefs that create or increase exposure, the low-level education that precludes access to health information, social unrest, and population migration to areas of high economic opportunities and gender-based discrimination. Social forces that influence the distribution of dimensions of well-being and shape risks for infection also determine the persistence of access barriers to ART. The universal access policy is quite revolutionary but should be informed by the systemic barriers to access so as to promote equity. It is not enough to distribute ARVs and provide health services when health systems are poorly organized and managed. Comprehensive access to ART raises many organizational, ethical and policy problems that need to be solved to achieve equity in access. This paper argues that the persistence of access barriers is due to weak health systems and a poor public health leadership. AIDS has challenged health systems in a manner that is essentially different from other health problems.
The fate of lignin during hydrothermal pretreatment
Authors: Trajano Heather L , Engle Nancy L , Foston Marcus , Ragauskas Arthur J , Tschaplinski Timothy J , Wyman Charles E 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundEffective enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass benefits from lignin removal, relocation, and/or modification during hydrothermal pretreatment. Phase transition, depolymerization/repolymerization, and solubility effects may all influence these lignin changes. To better understand how lignin is altered,Populus trichocarpaxP. deltoideswood samples and cellulolytic enzyme lignin (CEL) isolated fromP. trichocarpa x P. deltoideswere subjected to batch and flowthrough pretreatments. The residual solids and liquid hydrolysate were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, heteronuclear single quantum coherence NMR, compositional analysis, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsChanges in the structure of the solids recovered after the pretreatment of CEL and the production of aromatic monomers point strongly to depolymerization and condensation being primary mechanisms for lignin extraction and redeposition. The differences in lignin removal and phenolic compound production from nativeP. trichocarpa x P. deltoidesand CEL suggested that lignin-carbohydrate interactions increased lignin extraction and the extractability of syringyl groups relative to guaiacyl groups.ConclusionsThese insights into delignification during hydrothermal pretreatment point to desirable pretreatment strategies and plant modifications. Because depolymerization followed by repolymerization appears to be the dominant mode of lignin modification, limiting the residence time of depolymerized lignin moieties in the bulk liquid phase should reduce lignin content in pretreated biomass. In addition, the increase in lignin removal in the presence of polysaccharides suggests that increasing lignin-carbohydrate cross-links in biomass would increase delignification during pretreatment.
XIST-induced silencing of flanking genes is achieved by additive action of repeat a monomers in human somatic cells
Authors: Minks Jakub , Baldry Sarah EL , Yang Christine , Cotton Allison M , Brown Carolyn J 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The establishment of facultative heterochromatin by X-chromosome inactivation requires the long non-coding RNA XIST/Xist. However, the molecular mechanism by which the RNA achieves chromosome-wide gene silencing remains unknown. Mouse Xist has been shown to have redundant domains for cis-localization, and requires a series of well-conserved tandem ‘A’ repeats for silencing. We previously described a human inducible XIST transgene that is capable of cis-localization and suppressing a downstream reporter gene in somatic cells, and have now leveraged these cells to dissect the sequences critical for XIST-dependent gene silencing in humans.

Results
We demonstrated that expression of the inducible full-length XIST cDNA was able to suppress expression of two nearby reporter genes as well as endogenous genes up to 3 MB from the integration site. An inducible construct containing the repeat A region of XIST alone could silence the flanking reporter genes but not the more distal endogenous genes. Reporter gene silencing could also be accomplished by a synthetic construct consisting of nine copies of a consensus repeat A sequence, consistent with previous studies in mice. Progressively shorter constructs showed a linear relationship between the repeat number and the silencing capacity of the RNA. Constructs containing only two repeat A units were still able to partially silence the reporter genes and could thus be used for site-directed mutagenesis to demonstrate that sequences within the two palindromic cores of the repeat are essential for silencing, and that it is likely the first palindrome sequence folds to form a hairpin, consistent with compensatory mutations observed in eutherian sequences.

Conclusions
Silencing of adjacent reporter genes can be effected by as little as 94 bp of XIST, including two ‘monomers’ of the A repeat. This region includes a pair of essential palindromic sequences that are evolutionarily well-conserved and the first of these is likely to form an intra-repeat hairpin structure. Additional sequences are required for the spread of silencing to endogenous genes on the chromosome.
Deep exon resequencing of DLGAP2 as a candidate gene of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Chien Wei-Hsien , Gau SusanShur-Fen , Liao Hsiao-Mei , Chiu Yen-Nan , Wu Yu-Yu , Huang Yu-Shu , Tsai Wen-Che , Tsai Ho-Min , Chen Chia-Hsiang 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
We recently reported a terminal deletion of approximately 2.4 Mb at chromosome 8p23.2-pter in a boy with autism. The deleted region contained the DLGAP2 gene that encodes the neuronal post-synaptic density protein, discs, large (Drosophila) homolog-associated protein 2. The study aimed to investigate whether DLGAP2 is genetically associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in general.

Methods
We re-sequenced all the exons of DLGPA2 in 515 patients with ASD and 596 control subjects from Taiwan. We also conducted bioinformatic analysis and family study of variants identified in this study.

Results
We detected nine common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and sixteen novel missense rare variants in this sample. We found that AA homozygotes of rs2906569 (minor allele G, alternate allele A) at intron 1 (P = 0.003) and CC homozygotes of rs2301963 (minor allele A, alternate allele C) at exon 3 (P = 0.0003) were significantly over-represented in the patient group compared to the controls. We also found no differences in the combined frequency of rare missense variants between the two groups. Some of these rare variants were predicted to have an impact on the function of DLGAP2 using informatics analysis, and the family study revealed most of the rare missense mutations in patients were inherited from their unaffected parents.

Conclusions
We detected some common and rare genetic variants of DLGAP2 that might have implication in the pathogenesis of ASD, but they alone may not be sufficient to lead to clinical phenotypes. We suggest that further genetic or environmental factors in affected patients may be present and determine the clinical manifestations.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT00494754
Measuring microRNA reporter activity in skeletal muscle using hydrodynamic limb vein injection of plasmid DNA combined with in vivo imaging
Authors: Guess Martin G , Barthel Kristen KB , Pugach Emily K , Leinwand Leslie A 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
microRNA regulation plays an important role in the remodeling that occurs in response to pathologic and physiologic stimuli in skeletal muscle. In response to stress, microRNAs are dynamically regulated, resulting in a widespread “fine-tuning” of gene expression. An understanding of this dynamic regulation is critical to targeting future therapeutic strategies. Experiments elucidating this dynamic regulation have typically relied on in vitro reporter assays, ex vivo sample analysis, and transgenic mouse studies. Surprisingly, no experimental method to date allows rapid in vivo analysis of microRNA activity in mammals.

Methods
To improve microRNA studies we have developed a novel reporter assay for the measurement of skeletal muscle microRNA activity in vivo. To minimize muscle damage, hydrodynamic limb vein injection was used for the introduction of plasmid DNA encoding bioluminescent and fluorescent reporters, including click-beetle luciferase and the far-red fluorescent protein mKATE. We then applied this technique to the measurement of miR-206 activity in dystrophic mdx4cv animals.

Results
We found that hydrodynamic limb vein injection is minimally damaging to myofibers, and as a result no induction of muscle-specific miR-206 (indicative of an injury response) was detected. Unlike intramuscular injection or electroporation, we found that hydrodynamic limb vein injection results in dispersed reporter expression across multiple hindlimb muscle groups. Additionally, by utilizing click-beetle luciferase from Pyrophorus plagiophthalamus as a reporter and the far-red fluorescent protein mKATE for normalization, we show as a proof of principle that we can detect elevated miR-206 activity in mdx4cv animals when compared to C57Bl/6 controls.

Conclusion
Hydrodynamic limb vein injection of plasmid DNA followed by in vivo bioluminescent imaging is a novel assay for the detection of reporter activity in skeletal muscle in vivo. We believe that this method will allow for the rapid and precise detection of both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in response to skeletal muscle stress. Additionally, given the post-mitotic status of myofibers and stable expression of plasmid DNA, we believe this method will reduce biological variability in animal studies by allowing longitudinal studies of the same animal cohort.
The road to clinical use of high-intensity focused ultrasound for liver cancer: technical and clinical consensus
Authors: Aubry Jean-Francois , Pauly Kim Butts , Moonen Chrit , Haar Gailter , Ries Mario , Salomir Rares , Sokka Sham , Sekins Kevin Michael , Shapira Yerucham , Ye Fangwei , Huff-Simonin Heather , Eames Matt , Hananel Arik , Kassell Neal , Napoli Alessandro , Hwang Joo Ha , Wu Feng , Zhang Lian , Melzer Andreas , Kim Young-sun , Gedroyc Wladyslaw M 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Clinical use of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) under ultrasound or MR guidance as a non-invasive method for treating tumors is rapidly increasing. Tens of thousands of patients have been treated for uterine fibroid, benign prostate hyperplasia, bone metastases, or prostate cancer. Despite the methods' clinical potential, the liver is a particularly challenging organ for HIFU treatment due to the combined effect of respiratory-induced liver motion, partial blocking by the rib cage, and high perfusion/flow. Several technical and clinical solutions have been developed by various groups during the past 15 years to compensate for these problems. A review of current unmet clinical needs is given here, as well as a consensus from a panel of experts about technical and clinical requirements for upcoming pilot and pivotal studies in order to accelerate the development and adoption of focused ultrasound for the treatment of primary and secondary liver cancer.
CD14+CD33+ myeloid cell-CCL11-eosinophil signature in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Lampinen Maria , Waddell Amanda , Ahrens Richard , Carlson Marie , Hogan Simon P 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThis study tested the hypothesis that eotaxins (CCL11, CCL24, and CCL26) and IL-5 contribute to eosinophil recruitment to the intestine in UC and that intestinal macrophages are important producers of CCL11 in this disease. Peripheral blood and rectal biopsy samples were obtained from patients with active (n=18) and quiescent UC (n=9), and control patients (n=7). Eosinophil and macrophage levels and activation were analyzed by flow cytometry. Rectal mRNA levels of CCL11, CCL24, CCL26, and IL-5 were determined by qRT-PCR. The cellular source of CCL11 was visualized by immunofluorescence analyses. Eosinophil numbers were elevated in the blood and rectum of active and quiescent UC patients compared with controls. Levels of activated eosinophils (CD66bhigh) correlated with disease severity. Rectal CCL11, CCL24, and CCL26 mRNA levels were increased in active UC, whereas only CCL11 was elevated in quiescent UC. Levels of CCL11, but not CCL24 and CCL26, positively correlated with eosinophil numbers. Numbers of CD14+CD33+ cells correlated with CCL11 and eosinophil levels. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed the presence of CD14+CCL11+ mononuclear cells in colonic biopsies in UC. These results support the hypothesis that CCL11 contributes to eosinophil recruitment in UC and that intestinal myeloid cells are a source of CCL11. Interestingly, rectal levels of CCL24, CCL26, and IL-5 only increase during active UC, coinciding with further elevation of eosinophil numbers and with the activation of rectal eosinophils. In conclusion, there is a link among CD14+CD33+ myeloid cells, CCL11, and eosinophils in adult UC.
Dropping out of dialectical behaviour therapy in the NHS: the role of care coordination
Authors: Gaglia Amy , Essletzbichler Jurgen , Barnicot Kirsten , Bhatti Nyla , Priebe Stefan 
Published: August 2013

Aims and methodDialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is associated with particularly high drop-out rates in the National Health Service (NHS). This paper seeks to investigate the characteristics of patients with borderline personality disorder dropping out from DBT and the role of care coordination in this phenomenon. Data for the 102 patients receiving DBT in east London, 58% of whom had dropped out of treatment prematurely, were analysed.ResultsIn a multivariable analysis, a history of care coordination was the only variable significantly correlated with drop out: 88% of patients with a history of care coordination dropped out prematurely compared with 52% of patients without such history.Clinical implicationsThe experience of comprehensive care within the care programme approach, particularly care coordination at the start of DBT, affects the retention of patients in DBT. Further qualitative research is required to understand how care coordination and DBT drop out are related, which could lead to changes in how the therapy is delivered in the UK and influence decisions regarding the use of care coordination with patients with borderline personality disorder.
Magnesium-Promoted Reductive Silylation and Acylation of Tropone and Tropone Acetal
Authors: Maekawa Hirofumi , Nagakubo Keisuke , Nishi Midori , Nishimura Makoto , Nagahara Daisuke 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Magnesium-promoted reductive coupling of chlorotrialkylsilanes and tropone or tropone acetal in DMF, followed by oxidation with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone in benzene gives 2-trialkylsilyltropones as the main product, and the reductive coupling of tropone with acid anhydrides under similar reaction conditions yields benzene derivatives after ring contraction.
Detection of High-frequency Ultrasound-induced Singlet Oxygen by the ESR Spin-trapping Method
Authors: Matsumura Yuriko , Iwasawa Atsuo , Kobayashi Toshihiro , Kamachi Toshiaki , Ozawa Toshihiko , Kohno Masahiro 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Singlet oxygen (1O2) generated by high-frequency (1.65 MHz) ultrasonic irradiation of an aqueous solution was detected using the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping method.
Wundauflagen in der Therapie chronischer Wunden
Authors: Schreml S. , Klein S. M. , Babilas P. , Karrer S. 
Published: August 2013

ZusammenfassungEinleitung: Die nicht heilende Wunde stellt einen zunehmenden Kostenfaktor im Gesundheitssystem dar. Ziel der fachgerechten Wundtherapie ist es, die gestörte Wundhei-lung zu durchbrechen, um das Durchlaufen der physiologischen Abheilung zu ermögli-chen.Methoden: Es erfolgte eine selektive Literaturrecherche in den Datenbanken AWMF, PubMed und Cochrane Library mit den Schlüsselwörtern „chronic wound” oder „ulcer” in Kombination mit den Begriffen alginates, hydrofibre, hydrogel, collagen, foam.Ergebnisse: Die heute verfügbaren Wundtherapeutika erlauben es nicht, bei chronischen Wunden anstelle einer narbigen Reparatur eine physiologische Regeneration der Haut zu erreichen. Vor jeder Wundtherapie müssen mögliche Ursachen für die gestörte Wundhei-lung identifiziert werden und sofern möglich kausal therapiert werden. Zur topischen Therapie chronischer Wunden steht eine große Auswahl verschiedener Wundauflagen zur Verfügung. Die dezidierte Kenntnis dieser Wundtherapeutika ermöglicht deren differenzierten Einsatz, und ist damit die Voraussetzung für eine heilungsphasenadaptierte Anwendung.Schlussfolgerung: Die derzeitige Studienlage erlaubt kaum Rückschlüsse auf die Überlegenheit einzelner Wundauflagen bezüglich des Endpunktes Wundverschluss. Obwohl die mangelhafte Evidenz die Entscheidung bei den Behandelnden für oder gegen die einzelnen Produkte erschwert, zeigt es auch, dass teure Wundauflagen preiswerteren Alternativen nicht eindeutig überlegen sind.
Ulcus cruris venosum auf dem Boden eines Adipositas-assoziierten Dependency-Syndroms
Authors: Altmeyer P. , Stücker M. , Doerler M. 
Published: August 2013

ZusammenfassungFallbericht: Wir beschreiben den Fall eines 42-jährigen adipösen Mannes, der sich mit fibrinös belegten Ulcera crurum in unserer Klinik vorstellte. Die Ulcera waren umgeben von Hyperpigmentierungen und einer initialen Dermatolipofasziosklerose. Duplexsonographisch zeigte sich eine Stammvarikosis der V. saphena magna am linken Bein. Am rechten Bein waren jedoch weder venöse Insuffizienzen noch Obstruktionen nachweisbar. Hinweise für eine periphere arterielle Verschlusskrankheit, ein Lymphödem oder Infektzei-chen fehlten.Ergebnisse: Durch eine lokale Wundbehand-lung mit Polyurethan-Wundauflagen in Kombination mit einer Kompressionstherapie mit einem 2-lagigen Kompressionssystem konnte nach 8 Monaten eine vollständige Abheilung der Ulcera am rechten Bein erzielt werden. In Zusammenschau mit dem klinischen Bild stellten wir die Diagnose Ulcera crurum bei Adipositas-assoziiertem Dependency-Syndrom.Diskussion: Das Adipositas-assoziierte Dependency Syndrom stellt eine Ursache für hydrostatische Ulcera ohne Vorhandensein von Klappeninsuffizienzen oder Obstruktionen dar und kann als funktionelle Veneninsuffizienz verstanden werden. Pathogenetisch liegt ein andauerndes Herabhängenlassen der Beine aufgrund von eingeschränkter Mobilität zugrunde. Zudem wurde eine Kompression der Beinvenen durch die abdominelle Fettschürze beschrieben. Therapeutisch stehen neben einer konsequenten Kompressionstherapie eine Remobilisierung der Patienten und eine Gewichtsreduktion im Vordergrund.English version available at: www.phlebologieonline.de