bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety Assessment and Probiotic Evaluation of Enterococcus Faecium YF5 Isolated from Sourdough
Authors: Tan Qianglai , Xu Hengyi , Aguilar Zoraida P. , Peng Shanshan , Dong Suqin , Wang Baogui , Li Ping , Chen Tingtao , Xu Feng , Wei Hua 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEnterococcus faecium YF5, a strain previously isolated from sourdough, was assessed for safety and probiotic potential. Its virulence and antibiotic resistant phenotypes (cytolysin and gelatinase production, antibiotic susceptibility) and genes (cylA, gelE, ace, agg, esp, and vanA) were surveyed. Results indicated that the tested virulence determinants were nontoxic. In addition, E. faecium YF5 was sensitive to 3 antibiotics such as amoxicillin, vancomycin, and chloramphenicol. Furthermore, results of in vivo animal acute oral toxicity of E. faecium YF5 studies were similar to the control group that indicated no abnormalities. In addition, E. faecium YF5 stably survived in low pH, bile salts, gastric, and intestinal fluids in vitro. Moreover, E. faecium YF5 was found to adhere to human colon cancer cell line HT‐29 at 3.39 (±0.67) × 105 CFU/mL. When cocultured with pathogenic organisms (Enterobacter sakazakii CMCC45402, Escherichia coli CMCC44102, enterohemorrhage Escherichia coli O157: H7 CMCC44828, Salmonella Typhimurium CMCC50071, Shigella flexneri 301, and Shigella sonnei ATCC 29930) and 2 gram‐positive strains (Listeria monocytogenes CMCC54001 and Staphylococcus aureus CMCC 26003), it inhibited these foodborne pathogens with exception of S. aureus. Therefore, E. faecium YF5 can be regarded as a safe strain and it may be used as a probiotic preparation or for microecologics.
Glucose metabolic flux distribution of Lactobacillus amylophilus during lactic acid production using kitchen waste saccharified solution
Authors: Liu Jianguo , Wang Qunhui , Zou Hui , Liu Yingying , Wang Juan , Gan Kemin , Xiang Juan 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe 13C isotope tracer method was used to investigate the glucose metabolic flux distribution and regulation in Lactobacillus amylophilus to improve lactic acid production using kitchen waste saccharified solution (KWSS). The results demonstrate that L. amylophilus is a homofermentative bacterium. In synthetic medium, 60.6% of the glucose entered the Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas (EMP) to produce lactic acid, whereas 36.4% of the glucose entered the pentose phosphate metabolic pathway (HMP). After solid–liquid separation of the KWSS, the addition of Fe3+ during fermentation enhanced the NADPH production efficiency and increased the NADH content. The flux to the EMP was also effectively increased. Compared with the control (60.6% flux to EMP without Fe3+ addition), the flux to the EMP with the addition of Fe3+ (74.3%) increased by 23.8%. In the subsequent pyruvate metabolism, Fe3+ also increased lactate dehydrogenase activity, and inhibited alcohol dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase and pyruvate carboxylase, thereby increasing the lactic acid production to 9.03 g l−1, an increase of 8% compared with the control. All other organic acid by‐products were lower than in the control. However, the addition of Zn2+ showed an opposite effect, decreasing the lactic acid production. In conclusion it is feasible and effective means using GC‐MS, isotope experiment and MATLAB software to integrate research the metabolic flux distribution of lactic acid bacteria, and the results provide the theoretical foundation for similar metabolic flux distribution.
Salt deliquescence drives photosynthesis in the hyperarid Atacama Desert
Authors: Davila Alfonso F. , Hawes Ian , Ascaso Carmen , Wierzchos Jacek 
Published: March 2013

SummaryEndolithic cyanobacteria are found in halite nodules in the hyperarid core of the Atacama Desert. Using Pulse Amplitude Modulated Fluorometry, we show here that photosynthetic systems of these cyanobacteria become active when the relative humidity rises above 70% and the salt becomes wet by way of deliquescence. This is the first evidence of active metabolism in the hyperarid core of the Atacama, and supports the view of a microbial community sustained by deliquescence. Our results expand the water activity envelope of life on Earth.
Comparing diversity data collected using a protocol designed for volunteers with results from a professional alternative
Authors: Holt Ben G. , Rioja‐Nieto Rodolfo , Aaron MacNeil M. , Lupton Jan , Rahbek Carsten 
Published: March 2013

Summary

In light of the continuing biodiversity crisis, the need for high‐resolution, broad‐scale ecological data is particularly acute. The expansive scale of volunteer data collection programmes provides an opportunity to address this challenge, however, protocols used to collect such data are typically less standardized than those used by professional scientists. Although previous studies have established that different protocols can lead to different results, it remains unclear how relevant these differences are to specific study goals, such as biodiversity assessment.

This study uses both null model and Bayesian occupancy approaches to examine the capacity of a widely used volunteer survey protocol, the roving diver transect, to detect patterns of marine fish diversity. Richness estimates are compared with those obtained using the conventional belt transects favoured in many peer reviewed studies, examining the power of both protocols to detect statistically significant differences between survey sites and quantifying differences in detectability.

Pairwise site comparisons of α‐diversity (i.e. within site diversity) were consistent between protocols, particularly for species totals.

The roving diver transect protocol detected a substantially larger number of species than the belt transect protocol, due to notably higher detectability, even after controlling for confounding factors. Both protocols detected the same species pool, although the species richness among observations was higher for the belt protocol at certain sites.

The significance of pairwise site β‐diversity (i.e. differentiation between sites) comparisons differed between the protocols and care should be exercised, when using either protocol, when studying variation in species composition.

These results provide vital information for managers and researchers considering the use of volunteer data or protocols for the purpose of biodiversity assessment in aquatic systems, helping to quantify the value of thousands of existing survey records. The larger number of species detected by the volunteer protocol suggests this protocol may be advantageous with regards to the completion of taxonomic lists.
Heterochronic parabiosis: historical perspective and methodological considerations for studies of aging and longevity
Authors: Conboy Michael J. , Conboy Irina M. , Rando Thomas A. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryPairing two animals in parabiosis to test for systemic or circulatory factors from one animal affecting the other animal has been used in scientific studies for at least 150 years. These studies have led to advances in fields as diverse as endocrinology, immunology, and oncology. A variation on the technique, heterochronic parabiosis, whereby two animals of different ages are joined to test for systemic regulators of aspects of aging or age‐related diseases also has almost a century‐long scientific history. In this review, we focus on the history of heterochronic parabiosis, methodological considerations and caveats, and the major advances that have emerged from those studies, including recent advances in our understanding of stem cell aging.
Ethanol Inhibition of a T‐Type Ca2+ Channel Through Activity of Protein Kinase C
Authors: Shan Hong Qu , Hammarback James A. , Godwin Dwayne W. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundT‐type calcium channels (T‐channels) are widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system, where they mediate calcium entry and regulate the intrinsic excitability of neurons. T‐channels are dysregulated in response to alcohol administration and withdrawal. We therefore investigated acute ethanol (EtOH) effects and the underlying mechanism of action in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cell lines, as well as effects on native currents recorded from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons cultured from Long‐Evans rats.MethodsWhole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings were performed at 32 to 34°C in both HEK cell lines and DRG neurons. The recordings were taken after a 10‐minute application of EtOH or protein kinase C (PKC) activator (phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate [PMA]).ResultsWe recorded T‐type Ca2+ currents (T‐currents) from 3 channel isoforms (CaV3.1, CaV3.2, and CaV3.3) before and during administration of EtOH. We found that only 1 isoform, CaV3.2, was significantly affected by EtOH. EtOH reduced current density as well as producing a hyperpolarizing shift in steady‐state inactivation of both CaV3.2 currents from HEK 293 cell lines and in native T‐currents from DRG neurons that are known to be enriched in CaV3.2. A myristoylated PKC peptide inhibitor (MPI) blocked the major EtOH effects, in both the cell lines and the DRG neurons. However, PMA effects were more complex. Lower concentration PMA (100 nM) replicated the major effects of EtOH, while higher concentration PMA (1 μM) did not, suggesting that the EtOH effects operate through activation of PKC and were mimicked by lower concentration of PMA.ConclusionsEtOH primarily affects the CaV3.2 isoform of T‐type Ca2+ channels acting through PKC, highlighting a novel target and mechanism for EtOH effects on excitable membranes.
Physiological and Endocrine Reactions to Psychosocial Stress in Alcohol Use Disorders: Duration of Abstinence Matters
Authors: Starcke Katrin , van Holst Ruth J. , van den Brink Wim , Veltman Dick J. , Goudriaan Anna E. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundRecent research findings suggest that heavy alcohol use is associated with alterations of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system function and that early abstinence is associated with blunted stress responsiveness.MethodsThis study investigated abstinent alcohol‐dependent participants (AADs; n = 31), who had a drinking history of levels about 97 drinks per week (abstinence range: 2 weeks to 24 months), actively drinking problem drinkers (PRDs; n = 23), who reported drinking levels about 47 drinks per week and who were abstinent for at least 24 hours, and healthy control (HC) participants (n = 20). It was investigated how participants responded to a psychosocial stress task. All of them were exposed to a modified Trier Social Stress Test. Salivary cortisol, heart rate, skin conductance levels, and negative affect were assessed as stress indicators.ResultsAADs showed stress reactions comparable to HC participants, whereas active PRDs showed increased heart rate and cortisol stress responses. In the AAD group, duration of abstinence was positively related to cortisol stress responses.ConclusionsActive PRDs showed increased responses to psychosocial stress. Results indicate that duration of abstinence is a key factor when analyzing and interpreting stress responses in alcohol abuse and dependence.
Clinical and psychological impact after surgical, medical or expectant management of first‐trimester miscarriage – a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kong Grace Wing Shan , Lok Ingrid Hung , Yiu Alice Ka Wah , Hui Annie Shuk Yi , Lai Beatrice Pui Yee , Chung Tony Kwok Hung 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundThe management of first‐trimester miscarriage has been studied extensively in recent years. However, relatively little attention has been focussed on woman's satisfaction and psychological impact from different treatment modalities.AimTo investigate the clinical and psychological outcomes of surgical, medical and expectant management of first‐trimester miscarriage.Materials and MethodsA prospective randomised controlled trial of 180 women suffering miscarriage managed by either surgical evacuation, medical evacuation or expectant management was conducted in a university‐affiliated, tertiary referral hospital. The complete miscarriage rate, clinical symptomatology, complications, women's satisfaction and the psychological impact were evaluated.ResultsWomen in surgical evacuation (98.1%) had a significantly higher complete miscarriage rate when compared with medical evacuation (70%) and expectant management (79.3%). Women who had surgical evacuation had significantly shorter duration of vaginal bleeding, but higher rate of infection. Women who had medical evacuation had significantly more gastrointestinal symptoms. Despite differences in efficacy and complication profile, there was no significant difference in satisfaction among groups. There were no significant differences in terms of psychological well‐being, depression scores, anxiety level, fatigue symptoms as measured in General Health Questionnaire‐12, Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberger's State Anxiety Inventory and fatigue scale at treatment and four weeks after treatment. However, women with active intervention had greater post‐traumatic stress symptoms as measured in Chinese version of Impact of Event Scale – Revised at the time of treatment when compared with women in expectant management.ConclusionWithout substantial differences in the clinical and psychological impact between different treatment modalities, a more conservative approach with expectant management for miscarriage may be an option for women.
Clinical significance of nucleophosmin/B23 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu expressions in gastric cancers
Authors: Zhou Fang , Qiu Wensheng , Sun Lingling , Xiang Jinyu , Sun Xiaoxiao , Sui Aihua , Ding Aiping , Yue Lu 
Published: March 2013

The aim of the study was to investigate the expression levels of ‘NPM’/nucleophosmin/B23 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her‐2)/neu in gastric cancer (GC) and corresponding non‐malignant tissues, correlation with their clinicopathological parameters and the relationship of nucleophosmin/B23 and Her‐2/neu in the occurrence and development of GC. A total of 131 postoperative patients were examined for nucleophosmin/B23 expression by immuno‐histochemistry and for Her‐2/neu expression by fluorescence in situ hybridization with the median follow‐up period of 38 months. The positive expression rates of nucleophosmin (NPM) in neoplastic tissues and adjacent gastric mucosa were 65.6% and 52.7%, respectively. Nucleophosmin/B23 levels were linked to more advanced tumor stages, poor prognosis, and likelihood of recurrence (p < 0.05). The Cox multivariate analysis indicated that the nucleophosmin/B23 expression was an independent indicator for tumor recurrence (p = 0.011). Of the total GC specimens 12.21% were positive for Her‐2/neu, but whose expression was of no correlation with patients' survival. Patients who were positive for Her‐2/neu also had high NPM expression levels (p = 0.0303). The results suggest that nucleophosmin/B23 is a favorable prognostic indicator for GC. But Her‐2/neu has no relationship with the prognosis of GC. The combined clinical significance of nucleophosmin/B23 and Her‐2/neu remains to be further investigated.
Multi‐components of evoked‐brain potentials in deficit and nondeficit schizophrenia
Authors: Li Zhe , Zheng Bo , Deng Wei , Liu Xiang , Zheng Zhong , Li Tao 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe present study aims to detect the specific and common impairment index relative to evoked brain potentials (EBPS) in deficit schizophrenia (DS) and nondeficit schizophrenia (NDS), and investigates the relationship between EBPs and clinical variables.MethodsThe study used EBPs in 21 patients with DS, 38 patients with NDS, and 50 healthy controls (HCs) to investigate P300 waves, mismatch negative (MMN), sensory gating (SG) P50 and contingent negative variation (CNV). A comparison of three groups and the relationship between EBPs and clinical variables were performed using general linear model analyses and partial correlation, respectively.ResultsCompared with HCs, both groups of patients showed delayed N1, N2, and P3a latency, and reduced N1 and N2 amplitude. The MMN showed delayed latency. The P50 ratios and the inhibited ratios were impaired, whereas SG loss ratios increased. CNV amplitude was reduced. Compared with HCs, NDS showed delayed latency of S2′‐C in CNV, whereas DS showed shortened latency. Only NDS, when compared with HCs, showed delayed latency of P3b, Also, only DS, when compared with HCs, showed delayed latency of point A in CNV. Latency of point A in CNV of DS, correlated with a poorer Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (6 weeks) and was independent of clinical characteristics.DiscussionSchizophrenia represents a clinical syndrome with shared impairments in brain function, whereas DS is a relatively homogeneous subgroup of schizophrenia with unique pathophysiological changes.
Randomized controlled trials of antibiotics for neonatal infections: a systematic review
Authors: Kaguelidou Florentia , Turner Mark A. , Choonara Imti , van Anker John , Manzoni Paolo , Alberti Corinne , Langhendries Jean‐Paul , Jacqz‐Aigrain Evelyne 
Published: March 2013

AimsAntibiotics are a key resource for the management of infectious diseases in neonatology and their evaluation is particularly challenging. We reviewed medical literature to assess the characteristics and quality of randomized controlled trials on antibiotics in neonatal infections.MethodsWe performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library from January 1995 to March 2010. Bibliographies of relevant articles were also hand‐searched. We included all randomized controlled trials that involved neonates and evaluated the use of an antibiotic agent in the context of a neonatal infectious disease. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Jadad scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion and evaluated methodological quality.ResultsA total of 35 randomized controlled trials were evaluated. The majority were conducted in a single hospital institution, without funding. Median sample size was 63 (34–103) participants. The most frequently evaluated antibiotic was gentamicin. Respectively, 18 (51%) and 17 (49%) trials evaluated the therapeutic or prophylactic use of antibiotics in various neonatal infections. Overall, the methodological quality was poor and did not improve over the years. Risk of bias was high in 66% of the trials.ConclusionsDesign and reporting of randomized controlled trials of antibacterial agents in neonates should be improved. Nevertheless, the necessity of implementing such trials when antibacterial efficacy has already been established in other age groups may be questioned and different methods of evaluation should be further developed.
Effects of Ethanolic Extract and Naphthoquinones Obtained from the Bulbs of Cipura paludosa on Short‐Term and Long‐Term Memory: Involvement of Adenosine A1 and A2A Receptors
Authors: Lucena Greice M. R. S. , Matheus Filipe C. , Ferreira Vania M. , Tessele Priscila B. , Azevedo Mariangela S. , Cechinel‐Filho Valdir , Prediger Rui D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPrevious studies from our group have indicated important biological properties of the ethanolic extract and isolated compounds from the bulbs of Cipura paludosa (Iridaceae), a native plant widely distributed in northern Brazil, including antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti‐nociceptive activities. In the present study, the effects of the ethanolic extract and its two naphthoquinones (eleutherine and isoeleutherine) on the short‐ and long‐term memory of adult rodents were assessed in social recognition and inhibitory avoidance tasks. Acute pre‐training oral administration of the ethanolic extract improved the short‐term social memory in rats as well as facilitated the step‐down inhibitory avoidance short‐ and long‐term memory in mice. Moreover, the co‐administration of ‘non‐effective’ doses of the extract of Cipura paludosa and the adenosine receptor antagonists caffeine (non‐selective), DPCPX (adenosine A1 receptor antagonist) and ZM241385 (adenosine A2A receptor antagonist) improved the social recognition memory of rats. In the inhibitory avoidance task, the co‐administration of sub‐effective doses of the extract with caffeine or ZM241385, but not with DPCPX, improved the short‐ and long‐term memory of mice. Finally, the acute oral administration of eleutherine and isoeleutherine facilitated the inhibitory avoidance short‐ and long‐term memory in mice. These results demonstrate for the first time the cognitive‐enhancing properties of the extract and isolated compounds from the bulbs of Cipura paludosa in rodents and suggest a possible involvement of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in these effects.
Drug and Therapeutics Committees in Danish Hospitals: A Survey of Organization, Activities and Drug Selection Procedures
Authors: Plet Hanne T. , Hallas Jesper , Nielsen Gitte S. , Kjeldsen Lene J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractTo implement rational pharmacotherapy in hospitals, it is important to develop, implement and evaluate hospital drug formularies (HDFs). A report from Denmark recommended standardizing activities of the drug and therapeutics committees (DTCs) in Denmark, but little is known about their current organization. The aim of the study was to describe the organization of DTCs in Denmark, how HDFs are developed and implemented, and to what extent policies that support the use of HDFs exist. A questionnaire was developed based on previous research and guidelines and contained 20 questions, which were divided into the following subjects: structure, activities, drug selection and implementation. The questionnaire was sent to the chairmen of the nine DTCs in Denmark. The response rate was 100% (9/9). The DTCs varied in structure and activities; meetings were held between 2 and 6 times annually, and the duration of the meetings lasted between 1 and 2.5 hr. Eight (89%) DTCs developed HDFs, policies and guidelines (P&Gs) that supported the use of HDFs. Eight (89%) had established criteria for inclusion of drugs on the HDFs, and seven had developed criteria for generic substitution and therapeutic interchange. The number of trade names on the HDFs varied between 116 and 1195. The nine DTCs in Denmark varied considerably regarding structure and activity. The main activity was to develop formularies, and most of the committees developed policies that supported medication use.