bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Development of Coronary Artery Disease in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: GOLDBERG ROBERT J. , UROWITZ MURRAY B. , IBAÑEZ DOMINIQUE , NIKPOUR MANDANA , GLADMAN DAFNA D. 
Published: October 2009

Objective.To ascertain coronary artery disease (CAD) outcomes and predictive factors in a prospective study of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and matched healthy controls.Methods.SLE patients and non-SLE age-matched controls without a history of CAD were recruited into a prospective study between 1997 and 1999. CAD events were assessed at clinic visit for SLE patients and through telephone interview and chart review for controls. All events were verified with patient medical records.Results.Followup information was available on 237 controls and 241 SLE patients. The mean followup time was 7.2 years. Univariate analyses identified age and postmenopausal status as predictors of CAD in both the groups. Sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, the presence of metabolic syndrome, and the number of Framingham risk factors were predictive in the control group only. The 10-year risk of CAD score was predictive in both groups but was not as marked in the SLE group as in the controls. None of the lipid subfractions were predictive for CAD in the SLE group, whereas in the controls, a high triglyceride level ≥ 2.8 was predictive. Time-to-event multivariate analysis for CAD in all subjects revealed SLE itself, older age, and triglycerides ≥ 2.8 to be highly predictive for CAD.Conclusion.In a prospective study of patients with SLE and matched controls followed over a median of 8 years, patients with SLE developed significantly more CAD events than controls. Accounting for demographic variability, CAD risk factors, and lipid factors, SLE is an independent risk factor for the development of CAD.
Work Disability in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: ARIZA-ARIZA RAFAEL , HERNÁNDEZ-CRUZ BLANCA , COLLANTES EDUARDO , BATLLE ENRIQUE , FERNÁNDEZ-SUEIRO JOSE L. , GRATACÓS JORDI , JUANOLA XAVIER , LINARES LUÍS F. , MULERO JUAN , ZARCO PEDRO 
Published: October 2009

Objective.To determine the prevalence of work disability in Spanish patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to identify factors related to it.Methods.A cross-sectional study based on data from Regisponser (National Spanish Registry of Patients with Spondyloarthropathy). Demographic and disease-related variables were collected. AS patients were classified as work-disabled according to the Spanish Social Security System criteria. Variables that discriminated between AS patients with and those without work disability were identified using chi-square test or unpaired t test when appropriate. Multiple logistic regression was performed.Results.In total 699 AS patients, age 48.7 ± SD 12.7 years and with disease duration 14.1 ± 10.1 years, were analyzed; 179 patients (25.6%) had permanent work disability. Several variables had significantly different values in patients with compared to those without work disability. In the regression model (pseudo R2 = 0.26, p < 0.0001), age (p = 0.001), sex (p = 0.04), disease duration (p = 0.006), total Bath AS Radiological Index (p = 0.007), Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI; p = 0.007), and chest expansion (p = 0.03) retained an independent association with work disability. When BASFI was excluded from the model the independent association with sex did not remain, and a significant association with finger to floor distance was found (p = 0.040).Conclusion.The prevalence of permanent work disability in Spanish patients with AS is significant, and the main factors related to it are age, disease duration, structural damage, and physical functioning. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results.
Supporting Nurse Preceptors Through Online Continuing Education
Authors: Zahner Susan J. , Tipple Susan M. , Rather Marsha L. , Schendzielos Christine 
Published: October 2009

Background:
A pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility of using an online continuing education course to increase knowledge and self-efficacy in nurse preceptors who work with student nurses in acute and primary care settings.

Methods:

A one-group pre- and posttest repeated measures design was used. Pre-course knowledge and self-efficacy were assessed with an electronic survey. Post-course knowledge and satisfaction assessments were embedded in the course. Knowledge retention and change in self-efficacy were assessed with an electronic follow-up survey. Analysis used paired sample
t
tests.

Results:

Participants (
N
= 13) reported satisfaction with the course. Participant knowledge increased from pretest to post-course and from pretest to follow-up. Knowledge declined from post-course to follow-up. No change in self-efficacy ratings was observed.

Conclusion:
This study suggests that online continuing education is a feasible strategy to support preceptor learning. Further research on the effectiveness of this approach in changing and retaining knowledge and improving self-efficacy is needed.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2009;40(10):468–474.
Adipocytes as Immune Cells: Differential Expression of TWEAK, BAFF, and APRIL and Their Receptors (Fn14, BAFF-R, TACI, and BCMA) at Different Stages of Normal and Pathological Adipose Tissue Development
Authors: Alexaki Vassilia-Ismini , Notas George , Pelekanou Vassiliki , Kampa Marilena , Valkanou Maria , Theodoropoulos Panayiotis , Stathopoulos Efstathios N. , Tsapis Andreas , Castanas Elias 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Adipose tissue represents a rich source of multipotent stem cells. Mesenchymal cells, isolated from this source, can differentiate to other cell types in vitro and therefore can be used for a number of regenerative therapies. Our view of adipose tissue has recently changed, establishing adipocytes as new members of the immune system, as they produce a number of proinflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6 and TNFα and chemokines, in addition to adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, resistin) and molecules associated with the innate immune system. In this paper, we report the differential expression of TNF-superfamily members B cell activating factor of the TNF Family (BAFF), a proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL), and TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) in immature-appearing and mature adipocytes and in benign and malignant adipose tissue-derived tumors. These ligands act through their cognitive receptors, BAFF receptor, transmembrane activator and calcium signal-modulating cyclophilic ligand (TACI), B cell maturation Ag (BCMA), and fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), which are also expressed in these cells. We further report the existence of functional BCMA, TACI, and Fn14 receptors and their ligands BAFF, APRIL, and TWEAK on adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal cells, their interaction modifying the rate of adipogenesis. Our data integrate BAFF, APRIL, and TWEAK and their receptors BCMA, TACI, and Fn14 as novel potential mediators of adipogenesis, in addition to their specific role in immunity, and define immature and mature adipocytes as source of immune mediators.
Identification of a Flavin Mononucleotide Module Residue Critical for Activity of Inducible Nitrite Oxide Synthase
Authors: Liu Xian-De , Mazumdar Tuhina , Xu Yi , Getzoff Elizabeth D. , Eissa N. Tony 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) contains an amino-terminal oxygenase domain, a carboxy-terminal reductase domain, and an intervening calmodulin-binding domain. For the synthesis of NO, iNOS is active as a homodimer formed by oxygenase domains, while the reductase domain is required to transfer electrons from NADPH. In this study, we identify glutamate 658 in the FMN domain of human iNOS to be a critical residue for iNOS activity and we explore the underlying mechanism for such role. Mutation of glutamate to aspartate almost abolished iNOS activity and reduced dimer formation. Substitution of this residue with noncharged alanine and glutamine, or positively charged lysine did not affect dimer formation and maintained around 60% of iNOS activity. These results suggest that the negative charge specific to glutamate plays an important role in iNOS activity.
Adsorption, Proteins with Synthetic Materials
Authors: Mcguire Joseph , Joshi Omkar 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe surfaces of materials of almost any type that come into contact with protein mixtures tend to become quickly occupied by proteins. Adsorbed proteins can differ substantially in structure and function from their counterparts in solution. In addition, protein layers lead to alterations in the properties of the material–fluid interface, affecting material performance in a number of bioprocess and biomedical applications. Performance of immobilized enzyme bioreactors, purification of therapeutic proteins in modern biotechnology, drug formulation strategies, bacterial adhesion and contamination of industrial process equipment, and cell adhesion to natural and synthetic materials in the body, are only a few examples of processes affected by protein behavior at interfaces. An important impediment to needed progress in all of these areas continues to be our inability to predict what the eventual makeup and nature of these layers will be under a given set of conditions. Protein interactions with solid surfaces have been studied for decades, and several reviews are available. In this treatment we describe some generally well understood, important results that have provided a basis for meeting the challenges facing engineers and scientists in this area. Emphasis is placed on the driving forces for protein adsorption, the rate and extent of post‐adsorptive events undergone by proteins adsorbed from single‐ and multiprotein solutions, and surfactant modulation of protein adsorption.
Affinity Fusions: Gene Expression
Authors: Gräslund Susanne , Hammarström Martin 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

In response to the rapidly growing field of proteomics, the use of recombinant proteins has increased greatly in recent years. Since proteins have very diverse physiological properties, they are not naturally adjusted to generic methods. Affinity tags, providing a common handle for all kinds of proteins, have consequently become indispensable tools for structural and functional analysis of whole proteomes. Although originally developed to facilitate the detection and purification of recombinant proteins, it has become clear in recent years that affinity tags can also have positive impact on the yield, solubility,
in vivo
half‐life, and even the folding of their fusion partners. However, no single affinity tag is optimal with respect to all these parameters. Each has its strengths and weaknesses and therefore a suitable tag must be chosen for each application. An alternative would be the use of combinatorial tags and thus combining several desired properties.
Aflatoxins
Authors: Yu Jiujiang , Chang Perng‐Kuang , Cleveland Thomas E. , Bennett Joan W. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAflatoxins are toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced primarily by the filamentous fungiAspergillus flavusandAspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxin biosynthesis is a complex process involving many intermediates and enzymes, which are regulated at multiple levels. Owing to its complexity and importance, scientists from biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics are attracted to the study of its mechanisms of biosynthesis and regulation. These efforts have resulted in significant process in the last decade. We present here a review of the present knowledge of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway, pathway enzymes, and the genes encoding these enzymes involved in the conversion of major aflatoxin intermediates. Genes confirmed to be involved in regulation of aflatoxin formation and control of aflatoxin contamination are summarized as well.
Amino Acid Production:L‐Lysine
Authors: Nagai Yuri , Ito Hisao , Yasueda Hisashi 
Published: October 2009

AbstractL‐Lysine is an essential amino acid for humans and animals and is exclusively used as a feed additive for swine and poultry throughout the world, since most grains used for the feed are deficient inL‐lysine in nutritional amino acid balance. This amino acid has been extensively produced by fermentation using gram‐positive coryneform bacteria includingCorynebacterium glutamicum. To date, many studies on strain improvement have been carried out using various methods including conventional mutagenesis and screening, genetic engineering, and metabolic engineering. Recently, the complete genome sequence ofC. glutamicumhas been determined, and the genetic information is very valuable for strain development for higher performance, in coordination with various “omics” analyses. BesidesC. glutamicum, other bacteria includingEscherichia colihave also been considered as promising producers of amino acids with high interest. Together with strain development, the improvements of fermentation and purification technologies also contribute to the success of the industrial production ofL‐lysine. It is estimated that the current annual production ofL‐lysine is more than 850,000 metric tons throughout the world.
Animal Cell Types andB‐Cell Lineage
Authors: Walker Kenneth Barry , Rodgers Angela 
Published: October 2009

AbstractB cells are fundamentally important cells in immune responses and the production of immunoglobulins. They have a complex developmental pathway and have a unique gene rearrangement capability providing a wide repertoire of antigen recognition that encompasees most possible epitope combinations available in nature. These cells and the antibodies they produce have been developed into useful clinical applications through the development of monoclonal antibodies, and studies of the cells themselves have revealed much about the biology of cell maturation and gene regulation.This article provides an overview of the biology and activities of these cellsin vivoalong with their applications and uses in the laboratory and sources of cell lines for research and potential applications.
Animal Cell Types, Monocyte, Macrophage and Dendrite Lineage
Authors: Rodgers Angela , Walker Kenneth Barry 
Published: October 2009

AbstractMonocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells are generated from progenitor bone marrow stem cells. These cells are found in anatomically diverse regions, where they display various functions and phenotypes, which facilitate their involvement in both the innate and adaptive immune responses. The functions and importance of these cells in immune responses have been ascertained by examining specific cell lines andin vitroculture of defined isolated cell types. An overview of these cells is detailed here with consideration of their uses for definingin vivofunctions and, particularly for dendritic cells, harnessing their potential to dampen or develop better immune responses.
Basidiomycetous Yeasts for Production of Carotenoids
Authors: Buzzini Pietro , Goretti Marta , Branda Eva , Turchetti Benedetta 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWhileSaccharomyces cerevisiaeis the most widely exploited yeast in biotechnology, it cannot be forgotten that this species represents only a small percentage of blastomycetes biodiversity. Currently, in fact, numerous other species are being utilized or studied for potentially important roles such as many basidiomycetous yeasts. Nevertheless, in spite of their enormous biosynthetic potential, studies regarding their many useful catalytic attributes and products are still primarily confined to the laboratory.The ability of some basidiomycetous yeast to produce and accumulate carotenoids as intracellular pigments is well known. The astaxanthin‐producing speciesXanthophyllomyces dendrorhous(formerlyPhaffia rhodozyma) is by far the most famous carotenoid‐synthesizing yeast. Although the occurrence of astaxanthin in yeasts appears to be confined to this species, others, belonging to the generaRhodotorula,Rhodosporidium,Sporobolomyces, andSporidiobolus, have been shown to produce various important carotenoids such as β‐carotene, γ‐carotene, torulene, and torularhodin.
Beer Brewing, Applications of Metabolic Engineering
Authors: Piddocke Maya , Olsson Lisbeth 
Published: October 2009

AbstractCurrently, beer is one of the beverage products with the largest annual production worldwide of 1767 million hL in 2007 alone, with lager beer production accounting for 90% of the total beer produced. The present drivers for technological improvement in brewing are increased industrial competition and consolidation, constant demand for increased productivity and flexibility, and the need for achieving high quality together with low costs and compliance with environmental policies. Using metabolic engineering strategies, improvements in the brewer's yeast fermentation performance has involved increased attenuation rate, improved control of the production of beer flavor metabolites, increased ethanol yields and osmotolerance for high‐gravity beer fermentations, and reduced ethanol yield for low or zero alcohol beer production. With the availability of theSaccharomyces cerevisiaegenome sequence, together with the bioinformatics tools enabling integration and interrogation of largex‐omicsdata sets, it is possible to identify high‐probability targeted genetic or metabolic strategies to increase yield, titer, productivity, and/or robustness of the existing brewing process. As the use of GMO strains in brewing is not accepted, mutagenesis remains the alternative approach for obtaining brewer's yeast variants with superior performances. However, the use of enzymes, often products of genetically modified strains, for brewing process optimization is currently recognized. As brewing is a product‐based process, introduction of new technologies for process optimization such as high‐gravity brewing and continuous fermentation using immobilized yeast in brewing lead to improved economics without change in the product characteristics and quality.
Biofilters, Air Purification
Authors: Zilli Mario , Kennes Christian , Veiga María C. , Converti Attilio 
Published: October 2009

AbstractFor economic and safety reasons, biofiltration is now recognized as one of the most advantageous treatment technologies available to control odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic air emissions from diverse municipal and industrial sources, provided the volatile compound does not need to be recovered and when the pollutant concentration does not exceed 5–10 g/m3. It is considered a clean technology with minimal energy requirements and low waste production.This article reviews the history and current state of the biofiltration technology, summarizes its principles, design, and operation, and discusses the applicability of biofiltration systems for a wide variety of specific emission sources. Moreover, an overview of the key factors influencing biofilter design, operation, and performance is provided.A comparison with other biological systems outlines that conventional biofilters have the easiest mode of operation combined with quite a wide application range and relatively low capital and operating costs.A wide picture of the biofilter applications either at pilot‐scale or full‐scale with related pollutants that can be removed is given. The results reported show that, under proper conditions, biofilters can offer high removal efficiencies for a wide range of common air pollutants.The principal groups of microorganisms involved in biofilters as well as their respective main metabolic pathways are also presented and discussed.Economic analysis made on different bases demonstrates that biofiltration is by far the most convenient process if applied to high flow rates of air emissions containing relatively low concentrations of easily biodegradable compounds.Finally, current and potential future developments of the biofiltration technology are also addressed.
Bionanofabrication of Nanostructures and Functional Materials
Authors: Sierra‐Sastre Yajaira , Mark Sonny S. , Niamsiri Nuttawee , Mathew Esha , Bergkvist Magnus , Batt Carl A. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Owing to the increasing demand for miniaturized devices, and due to the limitations currently faced by conventional fabrication approaches, researchers aiming to construct nanometer‐scale devices have begun to explore novel bottom–up approaches lying at the interface of the inorganic and biological worlds. This article offers an overview of recent developments in bionanofabrication, as a unique approach for the manufacturing of inorganic nanostructures and materials with potential applications ranging from nanoelectronics, sensor devices to nanomedicine. First, two main areas of investigation are presented: (i) bionanofabrication via structural specificity of biomacromolecules and (ii) bionanofabrication via biochemical processes/catalytic activity in microorganisms (bacterial‐based bionanofabrication). This article will limit its discussion to bionanofabrication approaches that make use of DNA, proteins, and bacterial cells for the synthesis and organization of nanostructures and materials of (bio) technological relevance, such as metallic and semiconducting nanostructures (nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanotubes) and polymer‐based nanostructured materials. Finally, the advantages, limitations, and future directions of the bionanofabrication approach will be discussed.
Bioprocess Design, Computer‐Aided
Authors: Papavasileiou Victor , Siletti Charles , Koulouris Alexandros , Petrides Demetri 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Design and evaluation of integrated biochemical processes is carried out at various levels of detail, depending on the stage of product and process development. Back‐of‐the envelope and preliminary evaluations are performed at the early stages of development; detailed design and evaluation are performed prior to the construction of a new facility. Both the preliminary and detailed design of integrated bioprocesses can be greatly facilitated by the use of appropriate computer aids, such as process simulators, discrete‐event simulators, finite capacity scheduling tools, and so on. The benefits of computer‐aided bioprocess design are illustrated using a typical monoclonal antibody production process. The process is described in detail, including thorough material balances. The batch execution of the process is visualized through Gantt charts and the concepts of cycle time analysis and reduction are presented. A methodology for sizing purified water supply systems and other utilities of batch manufacturing plants is described. Estimates of the capital and operating cost of such processes are provided with detailed breakdowns for the cost of materials and consumables are presented. The impact of multiple bioreactor trains, bioreactor scale, and product titer on the manufacturing cost is evaluated through sensitivity analysis. An introduction to Monte Carlo simulation is provided as a means for quantifying the impact of uncertainty and variability in process and market parameters. Finally, an introduction is provided to the design and operational challenges associated with multiproduct facilities.
Bioreactors, Mist
Authors: Weathers Pamela J. , Wyslouzil Barbara E. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractMist reactors offer unique capabilities to provide complete control of gases to in vitro cultures. This article covers the engineering fundamentals related to the design, fabrication, and operation of simple mist bioreactors for use in micropropagation and hairy root cultures, and includes lists of plant species successfully cultured in mists. Issues related to scale‐up are also discussed.