bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current production in a microbial fuel cell using a pure culture of Cupriavidus basilensis growing in acetate or phenol as a carbon source
Authors: Friman Hen , Schechter Alex , Ioffe Yulia , Nitzan Yeshayahu , Cahan Rivka 
Published: January 2013

SummaryA microbial fuel cell (MFC) was operated with a pure culture of Cupriavidus basilensis bacterial cells growing in the anode compartment in a defined medium containing acetate or phenol. Operating this mediator‐less MFC under a constant external resistor of 1 kΩ with acetate or phenol led to current generation of 902 and 310 mA m−2 respectively. In the MFC which was operated using acetate or phenol, the current density measured from the plankton bacterial cells with a fresh electrode was 125 and 109 mA m−2, respectively, whereas the current obtained with biofilm‐covered electrodes in sterile medium was 541 and 228 mA m−2 respectively. After 72 h in the MFC, 86% of the initial phenol concentration was removed, while only 64% was removed after the same time in the control MFC which was held at an open circuit potential (OCP). Furthermore, SEM and confocal microscopy analyses demonstrated a developed biofilm with a live C. basilensis population. In conclusion, in this study we demonstrated, for the first time, use of C. basilensis facultative aerobe bacterial cells in a MFC using acetate or phenol as the sole carbon source which led to electricity generation.
Trends in bacterial trehalose metabolism and significant nodes of metabolic pathway in the direction of trehalose accumulation
Authors: Ruhal Rohit , Kataria Rashmi , Choudhury Bijan 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe current knowledge of trehalose biosynthesis under stress conditions is incomplete and needs further research. Since trehalose finds industrial and pharmaceutical applications, enhanced accumulation of trehalose in bacteria seems advantageous for commercial production. Moreover, physiological role of trehalose is a key to generate stress resistant bacteria by metabolic engineering. Although trehalose biosynthesis requires few metabolites and enzyme reactions, it appears to have a more complex metabolic regulation. Trehalose biosynthesis in bacteria is known through three pathways – OtsAB, TreYZ and TreS. The interconnections of in vivo synthesis of trehalose, glycogen or maltose were most interesting to investigate in recent years. Further, enzymes at different nodes (glucose‐6‐P, glucose‐1‐P and NDP‐glucose) of metabolic pathways influence enhancement of trehalose accumulation. Most of the study of trehalose biosynthesis was explored in medically significant Mycobacterium, research model Escherichia coli, industrially applicable Corynebacterium and food and probiotic interest Propionibacterium freudenreichii. Therefore, the present review dealt with the trehalose metabolism in these bacteria. In addition, an effort was made to recognize how enzymes at different nodes of metabolic pathway can influence trehalose accumulation.
Negativation of type 1 diabetes‐associated autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase and insulin in children treated with oral calcitriol (口服骨化三醇治疗维持儿童1型糖尿病相关的谷氨酸脱羧酶与胰岛素自身抗体阴性)
Authors: Papadimitriou Dimitrios T. , Marakaki Chrisanthi , Fretzayas Andreas , Nicolaidou Polyxeni , Papadimitriou Anastasios 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundBased on recent knowledge of the possible involvement of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the results of its administration in animal models, we conducted a clinical trial by treating high‐risk children, positive for T1D autoantibodies, with oral calcitriol.MethodsThe present prospective trial was performed on 12 children (1.5–13 years old) who were investigated for the potential risk of T1D because of an already diagnosed association of celiac disease and autoimmune thyroiditis (four girls), autoimmune thyroiditis at a very young age (two girls, two boys), a diagnosis of T1D in siblings (two boys), and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; one boy, one girl). Serum autoantibody levels, including islet cell autoantibodies, anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65, insulin autoantibodies (IAA), and anti‐tyrosine phosphatase, and markers of calcium metabolism were evaluated prior to and at 6‐monthly intervals after the initiation of 0.25 μg/day calcitriol for 1–3 years.ResultsIn all children, persistent negativation of the anti‐GAD65 antibodies and IAA was observed within 0.4–2.1 years. Of the two children with IGT, the boy proved to have maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) 2, whereas the glycemic profile was normalized in the girl.ConclusionsDespite the small number of subjects and the absence of a control group in the present study, 0.25 μg/day calcitriol effectively negativates anti‐GAD65 antibodies and IAA after a median time of 6 months. This simple, safe, and low‐cost strategy may prove effective in the prevention of T1D in the future.
Ability of radiation therapists to assess radiation‐induced skin toxicity
Authors: Acharya Urvi , Cox Jennifer , Rinks Marianne , Gaur Pankaj , Back Michael 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIntroductionRadiation therapy has seen enhancement of the radiation therapist (RT) role, with RTs and nurses performing duties that were traditionally in the radiation oncologist's (RO) domain. This study aimed to assess whether RTs can consistently grade radiation‐induced skin toxicity and their concordance with the gradings given by ROs.MethodDigital photographs of skin reactions were taken at weeks 1, 3 and 6 of radiotherapy on nine patients with breast cancer. The randomly ordered photographs were reviewed once by eight ROs and four RO registrars and on two occasions separated by 6 weeks by 17 RTs. All graded the skin toxicities using the revised Radiation Therapy Oncology Group system.ResultsNo significant difference was seen between the median scores of the RTs at the first scoring session and the RO/Registrar group. The RTs at both measurement times showed greater inter‐rater reliability than the RO/Registrars (W = 0.6866, time 1 and 0.6981 time 2, vs. 0.6517), with the experienced RTs the most consistent (W = 0.7078). The RTs also showed high intra‐rater reliability (rho = 0.8461, P < 0.0010).ConclusionThese results from RTs with no specific preparation indicate that experienced RTs could assess breast cancer skin toxicity as part of their role.
The transition from freshwater to marine iron‐oxidizing bacterial lineages along a salinity gradient on the Sheepscot River, Maine, USA
Authors: McBeth Joyce M. , Fleming Emily J. , Emerson David 
Published: January 2013

SummaryOxygen‐dependent, neutrophilic iron‐oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) are important drivers of iron transformations in marine and freshwater environments. Despite remarkable similarities in physiology and morphotype, known freshwater and marine FeOB are clustered in different classes of Proteobacteria; freshwater FeOB in the Betaproteobacteria and marine FeOB in the Zetaproteobacteria. To determine effects of salinity on these microbes, we examined the mineral biosignatures and molecular ecology of bacteria in FeOB mats collected along an estuarine salinity gradient. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses showed the presence of iron oxide stalk and sheath structures in both freshwater and saline iron mats. Results of tagged pyrosequencing, quantitative PCR and fluorescent in situ hybridization, all based on the small subunit rRNA gene, confirmed Zetaproteobacteria were not present in freshwater mats, but were in saline mats at salinities down to 5‰. Among the Betaproteobacteria, Leptothrix spp. were only found in the freshwater mat. Gallionella spp. were limited to freshwater and low salinity mats (< 5‰). Sideroxydans sp. were salt tolerant; however, their relative abundance decreased with increasing salinity. These results suggest salinity is important in shaping the population biology of iron mat communities, and some coexistence between marine and freshwater populations occurs in brackish waters.
A comparison of oxycodone prolonged‐release vs. oxycodone + naloxone prolonged‐release after laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: COMELON M. , WISLOEFF‐AASE K. , RAEDER J. , DRAEGNI T. , UNDERSRUD H. , QVIGSTAD E. , BJERKELUND C. E. , LENZ H. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundTarginiq®, an oxycodone prolonged‐release (PR) formulation combined with the opioid antagonist naloxone PR, aims to prevent opioid‐induced constipation without impairing the analgesic efficacy. This has been confirmed during prolonged use in chronic pain or cancer patients. The purpose of our study was to compare clinical effects of oxycodone PR with oxycodone PR + naloxone PR for short‐term post‐operative pain management.MethodsThis randomised, double‐blind, prospective study included 85 women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. The two groups received either oxycodone PR 10 mg or oxycodone PR 10 mg + naloxone PR 5 mg as pre‐medication and twice daily for 3 days. As rescue analgesic, the patients received oxycodone intravenous during the first 24 h post‐operatively and oxycodone tablets in the 24–72‐h period. Constipation, other side effects, pain and satisfaction were registered during the first 7 post‐operative days.ResultsDemographic, pre‐ and perioperative variables and the use of rescue analgesics were similar in the groups. There were no significant differences in variables related to constipation. In the oxycodone PR + naloxone PR group, 25% had no defecation during the first 72 h post‐operatively, compared with 20% in the oxycodone PR group (mean 1.2 ± 1.1 vs. 2.1 ± 2.4 defecations). Other opioid‐induced effects and side effects showed no significant differences. Only 7% were dissatisfied with their oral pain treatment.ConclusionAddition of naloxone to oxycodone PR tablets in a pain regimen administered twice daily the first three post‐operative days had no significant clinical effects on constipation or other variables during the first week after hysterectomy.
Accidental out‐of‐hospital deliveries: a case–control study
Authors: Renesme L , Garlantézec R , Anouilh F , Bertschy F , Carpentier M , Sizun J 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimTo determine risk factors for accidental out‐of‐hospital deliveries (OHDs), which represent 0.5% of live births in France and are associated with poor neonatal outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective case–control study assessed accidental OHDs that occurred in the Finistère District (Brittany, France) between January 2007 and December 2009. For each OHD case, two controls were randomly selected. Outcome measures included maternal demographics, obstetric characteristics and neonatal outcomes.ResultsDuring the study period, accidental OHDs accounted for 0.42% of all births; 76 accidental OHDs were included in the analysis. Multivariate analysis found four independent risk factors for accidental OHD: multiparity [OR: 8.84 (3.22–24.29)], unemployment [OR: 4.99 (1.85–13.47)], lack of or poor antenatal care [OR: 9.00 (2.41–33.72)] and a travel time >45 min from home to the delivery unit [OR: 6.18 (1.33–28.65) versus < 15 min]. Significantly more newborns from the OHD group required admission to the neonatal unit (p = 0.04), but accidental OHD was not significantly associated with prematurity or low birth weight.ConclusionFour risk factors for accidental OHD were identified. Setting up an anonymous registry of OHD cases could improve our knowledge and screening of women at risk.
Miniaturized antibodies for imaging membrane type‐1 matrix metalloproteinase in cancers
Authors: Kondo Naoya , Temma Takashi , Shimizu Yoichi , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Higano Keiichi , Takagi Yoko , Ono Masahiro , Saji Hideo 
Published: January 2013

Since membrane type‐1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP) plays pivotal roles in tumor progression and metastasis and holds great promise as an early biomarker for malignant tumors, a method of evaluating MT1‐MMP expression levels would be valuable for molecular biological and clinical studies. Although we have previously developed a 99mTc‐labeled anti‐MT1‐MMP monoclonal IgG (99mTc‐MT1‐mAb) as an MT1‐MMP imaging probe by nuclear medical techniques for this purpose, slow pharmacokinetics were a problem due to its large molecular size. Thus, in this study, our aim was to develop miniaturized antibodies, a single chain antibody fragment (MT1‐scFv) and a dimer of two molecules of scFv (MT1‐diabody), as the basic structures of MT1‐MMP imaging probes followed by in vitro and in vivo evaluation with an 111In radiolabel. Phage display screening successfully provided MT1‐scFv and MT1‐diabody, which had sufficiently high affinity for MT1‐MMP (KD = 29.8 and 17.1 nM). Both 111In labeled miniaturized antibodies showed higher uptake in MT1‐MMP expressing HT1080 cells than in non‐expressing MCF7 cells. An in vivo biodistribution study showed rapid pharmacokinetics for both probes, which exhibited >20‐fold higher tumor to blood radioactivity ratios (T/B ratio), an index for in vivo imaging, than 99mTc‐MT1‐mAb 6 h post‐administration, and significantly higher tumor accumulation in HT1080 than MCF7 cells. SPECT images showed heterogeneous distribution and ex vivo autoradiographic analysis revealed that the radioactivity distribution profiles in tumors corresponded to MT1‐MMP‐positive areas. These findings suggest that the newly developed miniaturized antibodies are promising probes for detection of MT1‐MMP in cancer cells.
Pre‐ and post‐natal Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation decreases allergen responsiveness in infancy
Authors: Forsberg A. , Abrahamsson T. R. , Björkstén B. , Jenmalm M. C. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundWe have previously shown that Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation from pregnancy week 36 and to the infant through the first year of life decreased the prevalence of IgE‐associated eczema at 2 years. The underlying immunological mechanisms are unknown, however.ObjectiveTo investigate the immunomodulatory effect of probiotic supplementation on allergen‐ and mitogen‐induced immune responses in children until 2 years of age.MethodsBlood mononuclear cells were collected at birth, 6, 12 and 24 months from 61 children (29 probiotic and 32 placebo treated) and cultured with ovalbumin, birch and cat extract and Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Cytokine and chemokine secretion was determined using an in‐house multiplexed Luminex assay and ELISA. Real‐time PCR was performed to investigate the Ebi3, Foxp3, GATA‐3 and T‐bet mRNA expression.ResultsProbiotic treatment was associated with low cat‐induced Th2‐like responses at 6 months (IL‐5, P = 0.01, and IL‐13, P = 0.009), with a similar trend for IL‐5 at 12 months (P = 0.09). Cat‐induced IFN‐γ responses were also lower after probiotic than after placebo treatment at 24 months (P = 0.007), with similar findings for the anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 at birth (P = 0.001) and at 12 months (P = 0.009). At 24 months, Th2‐associated CCL22 levels were lower in the probiotic than in the placebo group after birch stimulation (P = 0.02), with a similar trend after ovalbumin stimulation (P = 0.07). Lower CCL22 levels were recorded at 12 and 24 months (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01) after PHA stimulation.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceLactobacillus reuteri supplementation decreases allergen responsiveness and may enhance immunoregulatory capacity during infancy. L. reuteri supplementation from week 36 and during the first year of life significantly decreases IgE‐associated eczema and lowers allergen and mitogen responsiveness.
Respiratory mechanics and peripheral airway inflammation and dysfunction in asthma
Authors: Shirai T. , Mori K. , Mikamo M. , Shishido Y. , Akita T. , Morita S. , Asada K. , Fujii M. , Suda T. , Chida K. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryBackgroundClinical application of the forced oscillation technique (FOT) has progressed with the spread of commercially available FOT devices. The correlation between respiratory impedance and spirometry has been reported; however, the association with airway inflammation and pulmonary function, in the lung periphery in particular, is unclear.ObjectiveTo assess whether respiratory impedance is associated with peripheral airway inflammation and dysfunction in asthma.MethodsSubjects included 78 patients with overall controlled asthma. We measured whole‐breath or within‐breath respiratory system resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) using a commercially available multi‐frequency FOT device (MostGraph‐01), and assessed the correlation with the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), alveolar nitric oxide concentration (CANO), maximal NO flux in the conductive airways (J'awNO), and the N2 phase III slope of single breath N2 washout (delta N2).ResultsThe differences between inspiratory and expiratory phases of Xrs at 5 Hz (X5), resonant frequency (Fres), and a low‐frequency reactance area (ALX) were significantly correlated with CANO; however, there was no correlation between respiratory impedance and FeNO or J'awNO. The delta N2 values were significantly correlated with whole‐breath, inspiratory, and expiratory Rrs and Xrs, except for R20.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceWe conclude that respiratory impedance reflects peripheral airway inflammation and ventilation inhomogeneity.
An SNP of the ZBTB38 gene is associated with idiopathic short stature in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Zhi‐min , Teng Yue‐chun , Shi Jin‐xiu , Wang Hai‐feng , Yuan Wen‐tao , Chu Xun , Wang De‐fen , Wang Wei , Huang Wei 
Published: January 2013

SummaryObjectiveIdiopathic short stature (ISS) refers to extreme short stature without any diagnostic explanation. Recently, three genome‐wide association studies discovered associations between the ZBTB38 and adult height in different populations. Therefore, variations in the ZBTB38 might contribute to ISS. Furthermore, one study in Korean population showed that ZBTB38 gene was significantly associated with adult height, but not with ISS. We want to examine whether the variants in ZBTB38 are associated with ISS in Chinese Han.MethodsA case–control association study was performed in 268 ISS patients and 513 healthy controls from Chinese Han population. Fourteen tag SNPs were selected and genotyped using SNaPshot method. Furthermore, expression of mRNA was quantified by RT‐qPCR, and assessment of allelic expression imbalance was conducted with SNaPshot method.ResultsSeven ZBTB38 SNPs were significantly associated with ISS by allele tests (rs724016, rs1582874, rs11919556, rs6440006, rs7612543, rs62282002, rs18651435). And five loci were associated with ISS according to genotype (rs11919556, rs16851419, rs6440006, rs62282002, rs18651435). Notably, after applying the stringent Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, one SNP, rs16851435, remained significantly associated by allele and genotype (P = 5·30 × 10−4 for allele and P = 0·002 for genotype). Furthermore, the rs16851435 alleles were investigated association with ZTBT38 mRNA expression levels. The G allele showed a higher transcriptional activity than the T allele (P = 0·002).ConclusionsOur study indicated that the nonsynonymous SNP (rs16851435:T > G,p.Ser319Ala) of ZBTB38 was contributed to susceptibility of ISS in the Chinese Han population.
Fasting and postprandial liver glycogen content in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus after successful pancreas–kidney transplantation with systemic venous insulin delivery
Authors: Stadler M. , Krššák M. , Jankovic D. , Göbl C. , Winhofer Y. , Pacini G. , Bischof M. , Haidinger M. , Saemann M. , Mühlbacher F. , Korbonits M. , Baumgartner‐Parzer S. M. , Luger A. , Prager R. , Anderwald C.‐H. , Krebs M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), insulin is usually replaced systemically (subcutaneously) and not via the physiological portal route. According to previous studies, the liver's capacity to store glycogen is reduced in T1DM patients, but it remains unclear whether this is due to hyperglycaemia, or whether the route of insulin supply could contribute to this phenomenon. T1DM patients after successful pancreas–kidney transplantation with systemic venous drainage (T1DM‐PKT) represent a suitable human model to further investigate this question, because they are normoglycaemic, but their liver receives insulin from the pancreas transplant via the systemic route.Materials and methodsIn nine T1DM‐PKT, nine controls without diabetes (CON) and seven patients with T1DM (T1DM), liver glycogen content was measured at fasting and after two standardized meals employing 13C‐nuclear‐magnetic‐resonance‐spectroscopy. Circulating glucose and glucoregulatory hormones were measured repeatedly throughout the study day.ResultsThe mean and fasting concentrations of peripheral plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon and C‐peptide were comparable between T1DM‐PKT and CON, whereas T1DM were hyperglycaemic and hyperinsulinaemic (P < 0·05 vs T1DM‐PKT and CON). Total liver glycogen content at fasting and after breakfast did not differ in the three groups. After lunch, T1DM‐PKT and T1DM had a 14% and 21% lower total liver glycogen content than CON (P < 0·02).ConclusionIn spite of normalized glycaemic control, postprandial liver glycogen content was reduced in T1DM‐PKT with systemic venous drainage. Thus, not even optimized systemic insulin substitution is able to resolve the defect in postprandial liver glycogen storage seen in T1DM patients.
Effect of Implant Angulation on Attachment Retention in Mandibular Two‐Implant Overdentures: A Clinical Study
Authors: Jabbour Zaher , Fromentin Olivier , Lassauzay Claire , Abi Nader Samer , Correa José A. , Feine Jocelyne , de Albuquerque Junior Rubens F. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPurposeAttachment wear can affect the performance of mandibular two‐implant overdentures (IODs). This prospective clinical study aimed to investigate the effect of interimplant angulation on the retention achieved by two attachment systems at different time points within 1 year of wearing IODs.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐four patients (mean age = 73.2 years; standard deviation (SD) = 3.1) wearing IODs opposed by conventional maxillary complete dentures were randomly assigned to two groups in two‐by‐two crossover design. Retentive Anchor (RA) and Locator (LA) were installed in the IODs of both groups for 1 year, sequentially. Coronal and sagittal interimplant angulation were measured on posterior–anterior and lateral cephalometric radiographs. Retention was measured at baseline, 1 week, 3, 6, and 12 months postattachment installation. Data were analyzed using mixed models with α = 0.05.ResultsMean coronal and sagittal interimplant angulations were 4.6 (SD = 2.9) and 3.5 (SD = 2.6) degrees, respectively. Only with LAs a statistically significant decrease was found in retention (average 1.1 Newton; standard error = 0.38; p = .007) per 1 degree increased sagittal interimplant angulation.ConclusionsIncreased interimplant angulation appears to have higher impact on the retention of LA than of RA attachments. The effect of larger interimplant angulation on the loss of attachment retention and its clinical implications should be further assessed.