bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recombinant production and characterization of full-length and truncated β-1,3-glucanase PglA from Paenibacillussp. S09
Authors: Cheng Rui , Chen Jinping , Yu Xiaohong , Wang Yang , Wang Shiming , Zhang Jianfa 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
β-1,3-Glucanases catalyze the hydrolysis of glucan polymers containing β-1,3-linkages. These enzymes are of great biotechnological, agricultural and industrial interest. The applications of β-1,3-glucanases is well established in fungal disease biocontrol, yeast extract production and wine extract clarification. Thus, the identification and characterization of novel β-1,3-glucanases with high catalytic efficiency and stability is of particular interest.

Results
A β-1,3-glucanase gene designated PglA was cloned from a newly isolated strain Paenibacillus sp. S09. The gene PglA contained a 2631-bp open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 876 amino acids which shows 76% identity with the β-1,3-glucanase (BglH) from Bacillus circulans IAM1165. The encoded protein PglA is composed of a signal peptide, an N-terminal leader region, a glycoside hydrolase family 16 (GH16) catalytic domain and a C-terminal immunoglobulin like (Ig-like) domain. The Escherichia coli expression system of PglA and five truncated derivatives containing one or two modules was constructed to investigate the role of catalytic and non-catalytic modules. The pH for optimal activity of the enzymes was slightly affected (pH 5.5-6.5) by the presence of different modules. However, the temperature for optimal activity was strongly influenced by the C-terminal domain and ranged from 50 to 60°C. Deletion of C-terminal domain resulted in obviously enhancing enzymatic thermostability. Specific activity assay indicated that PglA specifically hydrolyzes β-1,3-glucan. Insoluble β-1,3-glucan binding and hydrolysis were boosted by the presence of N-and C-terminal domains. Kinetic analysis showed that the presence of N-and C-terminus enhances the substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency of the catalytic domain toward laminarin. Carbohydrate-binding assay directly confirmed the binding capabilities of the N-and C-terminal domains.

Conclusions
This study provides new insight into the impacts of non-catalytic modules on enzymatic properties of β-1,3-glucanase. Activity comparison of full-length PglA and truncated forms revealed the negative effect of C-terminal region on thermal stability of the enzyme. Both the N-and C-terminal domains exerted strong binding activity toward insoluble β-1,3-glucan, and could be classified into CBM families.
Comparison of the antibacterial activity of essential oils and extracts of medicinal and culinary herbs to investigate potential new treatments for irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Thompson Aiysha , Meah Dilruba , Ahmed Nadia , Conniff-Jenkins Rebecca , Chileshe Emma , Phillips Chris O , Claypole Tim C , Forman Dan W , Row Paula E 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, which may result from alteration of the gastrointestinal microbiota following gastrointestinal infection, or with intestinal dysbiosis or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. This may be treated with antibiotics, but there is concern that widespread antibiotic use might lead to antibiotic resistance. Some herbal medicines have been shown to be beneficial, but their mechanism(s) of action remain incompletely understood. To try to understand whether antibacterial properties might be involved in the efficacy of these herbal medicines, and to investigate potential new treatments for IBS, we have conducted a preliminary studyin vitroto compare the antibacterial activity of the essential oils of culinary and medicinal herbs against the bacterium,Esherichia coli.MethodsEssential oils were tested for their ability to inhibitE. coligrowth in disc diffusion assays and in liquid culture, and to killE. coliin a zone of clearance assay. Extracts of coriander, lemon balm and spearmint leaves were tested for their antibacterial activity in the disc diffusion assay. Disc diffusion and zone of clearance assays were analysed by two-tailed t tests whereas ANOVA was performed for the turbidometric assays.ResultsMost of the oils exhibited antibacterial activity in all three assays, however peppermint, lemon balm and coriander seed oils were most potent, with peppermint and coriander seed oils being more potent than the antibiotic rifaximin in the disc diffusion assay. The compounds present in these oils were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Finally, extracts were made of spearmint, lemon balm and coriander leaves with various solvents and these were tested for their antibacterial activity againstE. coliin the disc diffusion assay.In each case, extracts made with ethanol and methanol exhibited potent antibacterial activity.ConclusionsMany of the essential oils had antibacterial activity in the three assays, suggesting that they would be good candidates for testing in clinical trials. The observed antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of coriander, lemon balm and spearmint leaves suggests a mechanistic explanation for the efficacy of a mixture of coriander, lemon balm and mint extracts against IBS in a published clinical trial.
Containing the accidental laboratory escape of potential pandemic influenza viruses
Authors: Merler Stefano , Ajelli Marco , Fumanelli Laura , Vespignani Alessandro 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The recent work on the modified H5N1 has stirred an intense debate on the risk associated with the accidental release from biosafety laboratory of potential pandemic pathogens. Here, we assess the risk that the accidental escape of a novel transmissible influenza strain would not be contained in the local community.

Methods
We develop here a detailed agent-based model that specifically considers laboratory workers and their contacts in microsimulations of the epidemic onset. We consider the following non-pharmaceutical interventions: isolation of the laboratory, laboratory workers’ household quarantine, contact tracing of cases and subsequent household quarantine of identified secondary cases, and school and workplace closure both preventive and reactive.

Results
Model simulations suggest that there is a non-negligible probability (5% to 15%), strongly dependent on reproduction number and probability of developing clinical symptoms, that the escape event is not detected at all. We find that the containment depends on the timely implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions and contact tracing and it may be effective (>90% probability per event) only for pathogens with moderate transmissibility (reproductive number no larger than R0 = 1.5). Containment depends on population density and structure as well, with a probability of giving rise to a global event that is three to five times lower in rural areas.

Conclusions
Results suggest that controllability of escape events is not guaranteed and, given the rapid increase of biosafety laboratories worldwide, this poses a serious threat to human health. Our findings may be relevant to policy makers when designing adequate preparedness plans and may have important implications for determining the location of new biosafety laboratories worldwide.
Inhibition of Tetrodotoxin-Resistant Sodium Current in Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons Mediated by D1/D5 Dopamine Receptors
Authors: Galbavy William , Safaie Elham , Rebecchi Mario J , Puopolo Michelino 
Published: November 2013

Background Dopaminergic fibers originating from area A11 of the hypothalamus project to different levels of the spinal cord and represent the major source of dopamine. In addition, tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme for the synthesis of catecholamines, is expressed in 8–10% of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, suggesting that dopamine may be released in the dorsal root ganglia. Dopamine has been shown to modulate calcium current in DRG neurons, but the effects of dopamine on sodium current and on the firing properties of small DRG neurons are poorly understood. Results The effects of dopamine and dopamine receptor agonists were tested on the tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) sodium current recorded from acutely dissociated small (diameter ≤ 25 um) DRG neurons. Dopamine (20 μM) and SKF 81297 (10 μM) caused inhibition of TTX-R sodium current in small DRG neurons by 23% and 37%, respectively. In contrast, quinpirole (20 μM) had no effects on the TTX-R sodium current. Inhibition by SKF 81297 of the TTX-R sodium current was not affected when the protein kinase A (PKA) activity was blocked with the PKA inhibitory peptide (6-22), but was greatly reduced when the protein kinase C (PKC) activity was blocked with the PKC inhibitory peptide (19-36), suggesting that activation of D1/D5 dopamine receptors is linked to PKC activity. Expression of D1and D5 dopamine receptors in small DRG neurons, but not D2 dopamine receptors, was confirmed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. In current clamp experiments, the number of action potentials elicited in small DRG neurons by current injection was reduced by ˜ 30% by SKF 81297. Conclusions We conclude that activation of D1/D5 dopamine receptors inhibits TTX-R sodium current in unmyelinated nociceptive neurons and dampens their intrinsic excitability by reducing the number of action potentials in response to stimulus. Increasing or decreasing levels of dopamine in the dorsal root ganglia may serve to adjust the sensitivity of nociceptors to noxious stimuli.
Pharmacokinetics of piperacillin/tazobactam in cancer patients with hematological malignancies and febrile neutropenia after chemotherapy
Authors: Álvarez José C , Cuervo Sonia I , Garzón Javier R , Gómez Julio C , Díaz Jorge Augusto , Silva Edelberto , Sánchez Ricardo , Cortés Jorge A 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) exhibit changes in extracellular fluid that may alter the plasma concentrations of beta-lactams and result in therapeutic failure or toxicity. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of piperacillin/tazobactam in patients with hematological malignancies and FN after receiving chemotherapy at a primary public cancer center.

Methods
This was an open, nonrandomized, observational, descriptive, and prospective study. Samples from 15 patients with hematological malignancies and FN were evaluated after the administration of chemotherapy. Five blood samples were taken from each patient when the antibiotic level was at steady-state 10, 60, 120, 180, and 350 min after each dose. Antibiotic concentrations were measured using gel diffusion with Bacillus subtilis. All study participants provided written informed consent.

Results
We investigated the pharmacokinetics of piperacillin in 14 patients between the ages of 18 years and 59 years and with a mean absolute neutrophil count of 208 cells per mm3 (standard deviation (SD) ± 603.2). The following pharmacokinetic measurements were obtained: maximum concentration, 94.1–1133 mg/L; minimum concentration, 0.47–37.65 mg/L; volume of distribution, 0.08–0.65 L/kg (mean, 0.34 L/kg); drug clearance (CL), 4.42–27.25 L/h (mean, 9.93 L/h); half-life (t1/2), 0.55–2.65 h (mean, 1.38 h); and area under the curve, 115.12–827.16 mg · h/L.

Conclusion
Patients with FN after receiving chemotherapy exhibited significant variations in the pharmacokinetic parameters of piperacillin compared with healthy individuals; specifically, FN patients demonstrated an increase in t1/2 and decreased CL.
Evidence that TNF-β (lymphotoxin α) can activate the inflammatory environment in human chondrocytes
Authors: Buhrmann Constanze , Shayan Parviz , Aggarwal Bharat B , Shakibaei Mehdi 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Inflammatory cytokines play a key role in the pathogenesis of joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Current therapies target mainly tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) as this has proven benefits. However, a large number of patients do not respond to or become resistant to anti-TNF-α therapy. While the role of TNF-α in RA is quite evident, the role of TNF-β, also called lymphotoxin-α (LT-α), is unclear. In this study we investigated whether TNF-β and its receptor play a role in chondrocytes in the inflammatory environment.

Methods
An in vitro model of primary human chondrocytes was used to study TNF-β-mediated inflammatory signaling.

Results
Cytokine-induced inflammation enhances TNF-β and TNF-β-receptor expression in primary human chondrocytes accompanied by the up-regulation of inflammatory (cyclooxygenase-2), matrix degrading (matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -13) and apoptotic (p53, cleaved caspase-3) signaling pathways, all known to be regulated by NF-κB. In contrast, anti-TNF-β, similar to the natural NF-κB inhibitor (curcumin, diferuloylmethane) or the knockdown of NF-κB by using antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), suppressed IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation and its translocation to the nucleus, and abolished the pro-inflammatory and apoptotic effects of IL-1β. This highlights, at least in part, the crucial role of NF-κB in TNF-β-induced-inflammation in cartilage, similar to that expected for TNF-α. Finally, the adhesiveness between TNF-β-expressing T-lymphocytes and the responding chondrocytes was significantly enhanced through a TNF-β-induced inflammatory microenvironment.

Conclusions
These results suggest for the first time that TNF-β is involved in microenvironment inflammation in chondrocytes during RA parallel to TNF-α, resulting in the up-regulation of NF-κB signaling and activation of pro-inflammatory activity.
Single-cell genomics reveal low recombination frequencies in freshwater bacteria of the SAR11 clade
Authors: Zaremba-Niedzwiedzka Katarzyna , Viklund Johan , Zhao Weizhou , Ast Jennifer , Sczyrba Alexander , Woyke Tanja , McMahon Katherina , Bertilsson Stefan , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Andersson Siv G E 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Background
The SAR11 group of Alphaproteobacteria is highly abundant in the oceans. It contains a recently diverged freshwater clade, which offers the opportunity to compare adaptations to salt- and freshwaters in a monophyletic bacterial group. However, there are no cultivated members of the freshwater SAR11 group and no genomes have been sequenced yet.

Results
We isolated ten single SAR11 cells from three freshwater lakes and sequenced and assembled their genomes. A phylogeny based on 57 proteins indicates that the cells are organized into distinct microclusters. We show that the freshwater genomes have evolved primarily by the accumulation of nucleotide substitutions and that they have among the lowest ratio of recombination to mutation estimated for bacteria. In contrast, members of the marine SAR11 clade have one of the highest ratios. Additional metagenome reads from six lakes confirm low recombination frequencies for the genome overall and reveal lake-specific variations in microcluster abundances. We identify hypervariable regions with gene contents broadly similar to those in the hypervariable regions of the marine isolates, containing genes putatively coding for cell surface molecules.

Conclusions
We conclude that recombination rates differ dramatically in phylogenetic sister groups of the SAR11 clade adapted to freshwater and marine ecosystems. The results suggest that the transition from marine to freshwater systems has purged diversity and resulted in reduced opportunities for recombination with divergent members of the clade. The low recombination frequencies of the LD12 clade resemble the low genetic divergence of host-restricted pathogens that have recently shifted to a new host.
Vitamin D Is a Regulator of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Arterial Stiffness in Mice
Authors: Andrukhova Olena , Slavic Svetlana , Zeitz Ute , Riesen Sabine C. , Heppelmann Monika S. , Ambrisko Tamas D. , Markovic Mato , Kuebler Wolfgang M. , Erben Reinhold G. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The vitamin D hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] is essential for the preservation of serum calcium and phosphate levels but may also be important for the regulation of cardiovascular function. Epidemiological data in humans have shown that vitamin D insufficiency is associated with hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, increased arterial stiffness, and endothelial dysfunction in normal subjects and in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these associations remain largely unexplained. In this study, we aimed to decipher the mechanisms by which 1,25(OH)2D3 may regulate systemic vascular tone and cardiac function, using mice carrying a mutant, functionally inactive vitamin D receptor (VDR). To normalize calcium homeostasis in VDR mutant mice, we fed the mice lifelong with the so-called rescue diet enriched with calcium, phosphate, and lactose. Here, we report that VDR mutant mice are characterized by lower bioavailability of the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) due to reduced expression of the key NO synthesizing enzyme, endothelial NO synthase, leading to endothelial dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness, increased aortic impedance, structural remodeling of the aorta, and impaired systolic and diastolic heart function at later ages, independent of changes in the renin-angiotensin system. We further demonstrate that 1,25(OH)2D3 is a direct transcriptional regulator of endothelial NO synthase. Our data demonstrate the importance of intact VDR signaling in the preservation of vascular function and may provide a mechanistic explanation for epidemiological data in humans showing that vitamin D insufficiency is associated with hypertension and endothelial dysfunction.
Dynamic Postnatal Developmental and Sex-Specific Neuroendocrine Effects of Prenatal Polychlorinated Biphenyls in rats
Authors: Walker Deena M. , Goetz Benjamin M. , Gore Andrea C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractGestational exposures to estrogenic compounds, both endogenous hormones and exogenous endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), have long-term effects on reproductive physiology and behavior. We tested the hypothesis that prenatal treatment of rats with low doses of Aroclor 1221 (A1221), a weakly estrogenic polychlorinated biphenyl mix previously used in industry, or estradiol benzoate (EB), alters development of the hypothalamus in a sexually dimorphic manner and subsequently perturbs reproductive function. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were injected on embryonic days 16 and 18 with vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide), A1221 (1 mg/kg), or EB (50 μg/kg). Developmental milestones were monitored, and on postnatal days 15, 30, 45, and 90, 1 male and 1 female per litter were euthanized. Because of their key roles in the mediation of steroid actions on reproductive function, the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and the arcuate nucleus (ARC) were punched for a low-density quantitative PCR array of 48 neuroendocrine genes and analysis of DNA methylation of a subset of genes. Gestational exposure to A1221 or EB delayed the timing of puberty in males and disrupted estrous cyclicity in females. In the AVPV, 28 genes were affected by treatment in a developmental stage–specific manner, mostly in females, which exhibited a masculinized expression profile. This included 2 clock genes, Per2 and Arntl, implicating circadian circuits as being vulnerable to endocrine disruption. DNA methylation analysis of 2 genes, Per2 and Ar, showed no effect of EDCs and suggested alternative mechanisms for the altered mRNA levels. In the ARC, 12 genes were affected by treatment, mostly in males, again with dynamic developmental changes. Bionetwork analysis of relationships among genes, hormones, and physiological markers showed sexually dimorphic effects of estrogenic EDC exposures, with the female AVPV and the male ARC being most vulnerable, and provided novel relationships among hypothalamic genes and postnatal reproductive maturation.
Metal–Carbon Bonds in Biopolymer Conjugates: Bioorganometallic Nucleic Acid Chemistry
Authors: Duprey Jean-Louis H A , Tucker James H R 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This review summarizes the field of bioorganometallic nucleic acid chemistry, with a specific focus on various synthetic approaches for utilizing organometallic groups, in particular ferrocene, as functional tags for existing nucleic acids or as components for novel nucleic acid analogues.
Stereochemical Communication within Tetrahedral Capsules
Authors: Castilla Ana M , Ramsay William J , Nitschke Jonathan R 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The creation of isolated chirotopic environments that mimic enzyme binding pockets has been a long-term goal in supramolecular chemistry. Metal–organic cages with enclosed and defined inner spaces have proven useful for this purpose. Here, we provide a review of recent progress on understanding, and controlling the transmission of stereochemistry within [M4(L)6] and [M4(L)4] tetrahedral cages.
Personnel Policy and Personnel Management as Factors of Russia's Modernization
Authors: Турчинов  , Turchinov Alyeksandr 
Published: November 2013

The article deals with current problems of management
theory and practice devoted to personnel policy, personnel management
in the context of the modernization of society, as well as risks, challenges
and threats to human resources of an organization and the state under
the conditions of a globalizing world.
Depth map color constancy
Authors: Ebner Marc , Hansen Johannes 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
A human observer is able to determine the color of objects independent of the light illuminating these objects. This ability is known as color constancy. In the first stages of visual information processing, data are analyzed with respect to wavelength composition, orientation, motion, and depth. With this contribution, we investigate whether depth information can help in estimating the color of the objects. We assume that local space average color is computed in V4 through resistively coupled neurons to estimate the color of the illuminant. We show how this computational model can be extended to incorporate depth information.
Effect of Rare Earth Yttrium on the Hot Ductility of Eco-friendly Bi-S Based Free Cutting Steel
Authors: Liu Haitao , Chen Weiqing , Qi Fengyou , Li Wenying 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe hot ductility of eco-friendly Bi-S based free cutting steels micro-alloyed with and without yttrium was studied using a Gleeble-1500 thermal–mechanical simulator over the temperature range 850–1200 °C. The results showed that the addition of rare earth yttrium had a substantial improvement in the hot ductility of Bi-S based free-cutting steel, especially at 1000 °C. The beneficial effect of yttrium on the hot ductility of Bi-S based free-cutting steel at the temperature no less than 1000 °C was mainly associated to the refinement of austenite grain size, which could effectively reduce the segregation density of bismuth at the grain boundary, and the lowering of the DRX onset temperature by yttrium addition. At 850–950 °C, the improvement of the hot ductility in these steels by yttrium addition might be attributed to the reduction of the low melting point sulphides at grain boundary and the refinement of the austenite grain size. However, the hot ductility of these steels micro-alloyed with yttrium was still poor at 850–950 °C, which was mainly owning to the presence of pro-eutectoid ferrite films and the absence of dynamic recrystallization as well as the segregation of liquid bismuth films at austenite grain boundaries.