bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High sensitivity detection of the glial fibrillary acidic protein as indicator for TSE risk material in meat products using an immuno‐PCR
Authors: Kuczius Thorsten , Becker Karsten , Karch Helge , Zhang Wenlan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe emergence of prion diseases in cattle during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic and the transmission to humans causing variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease by consume of BSE‐contaminated meat has focused attention on the use of tissues from the central nervous system (CNS) in food. To avoid food contamination, it is regulated by law that specified risk material has to be removed from food chains. Detection of well‐expressed CNS indicator proteins such as the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) assumes an important role in detection of food contamination; however, the sensitivity of detection performed on basis of ELISAs is limited. Consequently, there is an urgent need for high‐sensitivity detection methods. We describe the development of an immuno‐PCR assay with enhancement of the immunoreaction by amplification of a DNA fragment linked to the antigen–antibody complex. This immuno‐PCR assay shows enhanced sensitivity in GFAP detection of at least two orders of magnitude compared to the ELISA technique carried out under identical conditions. The immuno‐PCR proves to be a suitable tool for the high‐sensitivity detection of marker proteins in food imported by food chain processes. It is applicable for use by food and veterinary facilities, and institutes involved in food monitoring.
Detection of potential markers of primary fibromyalgia syndrome in human saliva
Authors: Bazzichi Laura , Ciregia Federica , Giusti Laura , Baldini Chiara , Giannaccini Gino , Giacomelli Camillo , Sernissi Francesca , Bombardieri Stefano , Lucacchini Antonio 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn the last few years, many attempts have been carried out for the research of specific biological biomarkers in fibromyalgia (FM) since, so far, no laboratory tests have been appropriately validated for the diagnosis and the prognostic stratification of the disease. In our study for the first time, we carried out a proteomic analysis of the whole saliva of FM patients in order to evaluate salivary biomarkers. Twenty‐two FM patients with all fulfilling the American College of Rheumathology diagnostic criteria for FM and 26 sex‐and age‐matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Proteomic analysis was performed by combining 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF‐MS. The most relevant observation which emerged from the data analysis was the exclusive and significant over‐expression of transaldolase and phosphoglycerate mutase I. These findings were validated by Western blot analysis and the total optical density confirmed the significant up‐regulation of transaldolase and phosphoglycerate mutase I in FM samples with respect to healthy subjects. It was noteworthy that seven further salivary proteins resulted differentially expressed, namely: calgranulin A, calgranulin C, cyclophilin A, profilin 1, Rho GDP‐dissociation inhibitor 2, proteasome subunit‐α‐type‐2 and haptoglobin‐related protein precursor. These preliminary results demonstrated the utility of salivary proteomic analysis in the identification of salivary biomarkers in FM patients and in clarifying some of the pathogenetic aspects of the disease.
High incidence of profound biotinidase deficiency detected in newborn screening blood spots in the Somalian population in Minnesota
Authors: Sarafoglou K. , Bentler K. , Gaviglio A. , Redlinger‐Grosse K. , Anderson C. , McCann M. , Bloom B. , Babovic‐Vuksanovic D. , Gavrilov D. , Berry S. A. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryNewborns identified with profound biotinidase deficiency (BTD) by the Minnesota Newborn Screening Program (MN NBS) between 1 October 2004 and 30 May 2008 were all from new immigrant groups. Thirty‐three positive cases of BTD were identified out of 264 727 infants screened by the Wolf colorimetric system during the period of this study by MN NBS. Five cases of profound BTD (0.1 to <0.6 nmol/min per ml) and 26 cases of partial BTD (0.9 to 2.3 nmol/min per ml) were later confirmed through measurement of serum biotinidase activity. The incidence of combined partial and profound BTD of 1/8540 and that of profound BTD of 1/52 945 in Minnesota are unusually high in comparison with the reported worldwide numbers of 1/61 067 for combined BTD and 1/137 401 for profound BTD. Four out of the 5 cases of profound BTD ascertained in the MN NBS cohort were of Somali ethnic background, and the remaining case was of Asian (Pakistani/Indian) ethnic background. All four Somali patients have the P497S mutation, with one of the four being homozygous for the mutation. The three compound heterozygotes all have a novel mutation (P142T) and two of them have another change (Y428Y) that has never been described. Within the last two decades, Minnesota has become home to an estimated 40 000 Somali immigrants and their children (<1% of the total Minnesota population). New population demographics prompt careful analysis of case cohorts to identify specific groups at risk for rare inborn errors of metabolism.
Cardiomyopathy in the congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG): a case of late presentation and literature review
Authors: Footitt E. J. , Karimova A. , Burch M. , Yayeh T. , Dupré T. , Vuillaumier‐Barrot S. , Chantret I. , Moore S. E. H. , Seta N. , Grunewald S. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a recently described group of inherited multisystem disorders characterized by defects predominantly of N‐ and O‐glycosylation of proteins. Cardiomyopathy in CDG has previously been described in several subtypes; it is usually associated with high morbidity and mortality and the majority of cases present in the first 2 years of life. This is the first case with presentation in late childhood and the article reviews current literature. An 11‐year‐old female with a background of learning difficulties presented in cardiac failure secondary to severe dilated cardiomyopathy. Prior to the diagnosis of CDG, her condition deteriorated; she required mechanical support (Excor Berlin Heart) and was listed for cardiac transplant. Investigations included screening for glycosylation disorders, and isoelectric focusing of transferrin revealed an abnormal type 1 pattern. Analysis of phosphomannomutase and phosphomannose isomerase showed normal enzyme activity, excluding PMM2 (CDG Ia) and MPI (CDG Ib). Lipid‐linked oligosaccharide and mutational studies have not yet defined the defect. Despite aggressive therapy there were persistent difficulties achieving adequate anticoagulation and she developed multiple life‐threatening thrombotic complications. She was removed from the transplant list and died from overwhelming sepsis 5 weeks following admission. This case emphasizes the need to screen all children with an undiagnosed cardiomyopathy for CDG, regardless of age, and where possible to exclude CDG before the use of cardiac bridging devices. It highlights the many practical and ethical challenges that may be encountered where clinical knowledge and experience are still evolving.
Aging and inactivity—capitalizing on the protective effect of planned physical activity in old age
Authors: Mechling Heinz , Netz Yael 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe paper discusses two parallel biocultural trends—aging and inactivity. The principle of economy in movement in modern society versus the dependency of human beings on movement for their development and health is described. The results of inactivity are sometimes mistakenly considered irreversible losses caused by aging, but in actual fact, inactivity accelerates the irreversible losses caused by the aging process. The paper then describes the contribution of physical activity in terms of increasing positive aspects or decreasing risks: increasing life expectancy or decreasing risk of mortality, increasing cardiovascular fitness or decreasing risk of cardiovascular disease, increasing muscle mass or decreasing falls and instability, improving cognitive performance or reducing cognitive decline and neurological disorders, and improving well-being or reducing depression. The optimal dose of physical activity is then described, followed by recommendations for further research on mechanisms determining physical activity behavior.
Physical and Sensory Attributes of a trans‐Free Spread Formulated with a Blend Containing a Structured Lipid, Palm Mid‐Fraction, and Cottonseed Oil
Authors: Lumor Stephen E. , Pina‐Rodriguez Ashanty M. , Shewfelt Robert L. , Akoh Casimir C. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPhysical and sensory attributes of an experimental trans‐free margarine spread (MG‐X) and two commercial margarine spreads (MG‐A and MG‐B) were studied. The trans‐free margarine spread was formulated with a blend containing a structured lipid (SL) synthesized by reacting canola oil with 40% stearic acid (w/w), palm mid‐fraction (PMF), and cottonseed oil (CTO). No trans fatty acids were detected in MG‐X, whereas the trans fatty acid contents of MG‐A and MG‐B were 0.3 and 3.7% (w/w), respectively. MG‐X was considerably firmer than MG‐A and MG‐B, less cohesive, and its adhesiveness was intermediate between those of MG‐A and MG‐B. MG‐X’s stability to syneresis was also intermediate between those of MG‐A and MG‐B. Sensory evaluation showed that MG‐X was comparable to MG‐A in terms of spreadability and texture only, but was significantly different from MG‐B in all attributes.
Consumption of a fermented dairy product containing the probioticLactobacillus caseiDN-114 001 reduces the duration of respiratory infections in the elderly in a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Guillemard E. , Tondu F. , Lacoin F. , Schrezenmeir J. 
Published: September 2009

Common infectious diseases (CID) of the airways and the gastrointestinal tract are still a considerable cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly. The present study examined the beneficial effect of a dairy product containing the probiotic strainLactobacillus caseiDN-114 001 (fermented product) on the resistance of free-living elderly to CID. The study was multicentric, double blind and controlled, involving 1072 volunteers (median age = 76·0 years) randomised for consumption of either 200 g/d of fermented (n537) or control (non-fermented) dairy product (n535) for 3 months, followed by an additional 1 month's follow-up. The results showed that, when considering all CID, the fermented product significantly reduced the average duration per episode of CID (6·5v. 8 d in control group;P = 0·008) and the cumulative duration of CID (7v. 8 d in control group;P = 0·009). Reduction in both episode and cumulative durations was also significant for all upper respiratory tract infections (URTI;P < 0·001) and for rhinopharyngitis (P < 0·001). This was accompanied with an increase ofL. caseispecies in stools throughout the fermented product consumption (2–3·8 × 107equivalents of colony-forming unit/g of stools,P < 0·001). The cumulative number of CID (primary outcome) was not different between groups nor was the CID severity, fever, pathogens' occurrence, medication, immune blood parameters and quality of life. The fermented product was safe and well tolerated. In conclusion, consumption of a fermented dairy product containing the probiotic strainL. caseiDN-114 001 in elderly was associated with a decreased duration of CID in comparison with the control group, especially for URTI such as rhinopharyngitis.
The effect of the protein level in a pre-starter diet on the post-hatch performance and activation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase in muscle of neonatal broilers
Authors: Everaert Nadia , Swennen Quirine , Coustard Sonia Métayer , Willemsen Hilke , Careghi Christine , Buyse Johan , Bruggeman Veerle , Decuypere Eddy , Tesseraud Sophie 
Published: September 2009

The cytoplasmic serine/threonine ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1) plays a critical role in controlling protein translation. There is evidence that amino acids regulate S6K1 and protein synthesis in avian species, but the effect of dietary protein level on the activation of S6K1 in neonatal chicks is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of different protein levels, supplied during the first 5 d post-hatch, on body growth, breast muscle development and on the activation of S6K1 and its downstream target, the S6, in neonatal chicks. Chicks were fed a pre-starter diet during the first 5 d post-hatch containing low (19·6 % crude protein (CP); LP), medium (23·1 % CP; MP) or high (26·7 % CP) levels (HP) of protein. Weight gain of chicks fed the HP diet was higher (P < 0·05) compared with those fed the LP diet during day (d)3–d5 and the numerical advantage of this group was maintained from d2 to d7. On d2 and d3, greater levels of S6K1 and S6 phosphorylation and/or activity were observed in chicks receiving the HP diet compared with LP and MP diets, without differences between results of the latter two dietary treatments. In conclusion, the present results suggest that early protein nutrition impacts the development of broiler chicks.
Dynamics of a charged particle in progressive plane waves propagating in vacuum or plasma: Stochastic acceleration
Authors: Bourdier A. , Drouin M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe dynamics of a charged particle in a relativistic strong electromagnetic plane wave propagating in a nonmagnetized medium is studied first. The problem is shown to be integrable when the wave propagates in vacuum. When it propagates in plasma, and when the full plasma response is considered, an exhaustive numerical work allows us to conclude that the problem is not integrable. The dynamics of a charged particle in a relativistic strong electromagnetic plane wave propagating along a constant homogeneous magnetic field is studied next. The problem is integrable when the wave propagates in vacuum. When it propagates in plasma, the problem becomes nonintegrable. Finally, one particle in a high intensity wave, propagating in a nonmagnetized medium, perturbed by a low intensity traveling wave is considered. Resonances are identified and conditions for resonance overlap are studied. Stochastic acceleration is shown by considering a single particle. It is confirmed in plasma in realistic situations with particle-in-cell code simulations.
Soft X-ray emissions from neon gas-puff Z-pinch powered by Qiang Guang-I accelerator
Authors: Kuai B. , Wu G. , Qiu A. , Wang L. , Cong P. , Wang X. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe X-ray emission, especially the K-shell emission, from a neon gas-puff Z-pinch powered by the Qiang Guang-I accelerator, about 1.5 MA in amplitude and 100 ns in rise time, were calculated based on the two-level model and measured with X-ray diodes and an eight-frame X-ray pinhole camera. The simulation results showed that the K-shell yield is highly sensitive to the peak current. The experimental results confirmed that the matching of the Z-pinch load (mass and initial radius) to the current is crucial for getting a higher X-ray yield. Being determined by the imploding time, the pinch current plays a more important role than the current amplitude in K-shell emission. It seems that the preferable imploding time is about 110 ns. The K-shell radiation power with double shells, as a whole, is higher than that using single neon shell. While an implosion of a light (32 µg/cm) and small (20 mm in diameter) neon shell evolves with rather twist and asymmetries, a heavier (41 µg/cm) and bigger (25 mm in diameter) neon shell implodes more symmetrically. The double neon shells, 30 mm and 30 µg/cm for the outer shell, and 15-mm and 10 µg/cm for the inner shell, create almost “perfect” implosions evidenced by the early-time plasma shells with little perturbation and late stagnated pinch liners with a good axial uniformity. It was found that the “Zippering” effect leads to an earlier K-shell emission in the cathode region than that in the anode region, which extends the pulse width of K-shell emission.
High quality GeV proton beams from a density-modulated foil target
Authors: Yu T.P. , Chen M. , Pukhov A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe study proton acceleration from a foil target with a transversely varying density using multi-dimensional Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations. In order to reduce electron heating and deformation of the target, circularly polarized Gaussian laser pulses at intensities on the order of 1022 Wcm−2 are used. It is shown that when the target density distribution fits that of the laser intensity profile, protons accelerated from the center part of the target have quasi-monoenergetic spectra and are well collimated. In our two-dimensional PIC simulations, the final peak energy can be up to 1.4 GeV with the full-width of half maximum divergence cone of less than 4°. We observe highly efficient energy conversion from the laser to the protons in the simulations.
The effects of a control-enhancing intervention for nursing home residents: Cognition and locus of control as moderators
Authors: ANDERSON-HANLEY CAY , MESHBERG SARAH R. , MARSH MELISSA A. 
Published: September 2009

Objective: This study aimed to clarify which older adults benefit most from a control-enhancing intervention; in particular, whether cognitive functioning or locus of control might moderate the benefit derived.Methods: Nursing home residents were randomly assigned to two conditions: (1) a control-enhanced condition that provided the option of caring for a plant (n = 10), and (2) a comparison condition that monitored any change under the standard of care (n = 10). Comparison group participants were subsequently offered the intervention, which led to a total of 17 intervention participants.Results: Cognitive function and locus of control were found to significantly moderate the effects of the control-enhancing intervention on residents' perceived health competency, but not depression or life satisfaction.Significance of results: Interventions for nursing home residents could be tailored to fit specific needs. Screening for cognitive function and locus of control may help predict who is likely to benefit from control-enhancing interventions.
Ontology-based Trial Management System (ObTiMA)
Authors: Brochhausen Mathias , Weiler Gabriele , Schera Fatima , Rauch Jochen , Graf Norbert , Kiefer Stephan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe ACGT project which aims to foster the sharing of research result from both, clinical and molecular research for the benefit of cancer patients uses ontology-driven semantic services. One novelty ACGT provides is a tool named ObTiMA which allows to build questionnaires directly from the ACGT Master Ontology. This will facilitate the process of creating Case Report Forms. Furthermore, the clinical data collected is already annotated in the terms of the ontology.
Evaluation of the Variety of Plasmid Profiles in S epidermidis Isolates from Hospital Patients and Staff
Authors: Valentine Carrie R. , Yandle Susan H. , Marsik Frederic J. , Ebright Jack R. , Dawson Mark S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPlasmid profiling was used to determine the variability of normal flora isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis in order to evaluate the usefulness of plasmid profiling for identifying pathogens. Fifteen hospital staff members and patients repeatedly had cultures taken from the hands and nares, and multiple isolates were examined for plasmid profiles. S epidermidis isolated from the nares of 15 neonates were also examined. The total number of isolates examined for plasmid profiles was 726. Repetition of profiles was common among the different isolates from a single sampling (one swab). The frequency of re-isolating similar profiles on different days varied from 7% to 13%. Simultaneous isolation of similar profiles from nares and hands on the same individual varied from 0% to 11%, the percentage being lower for personnel. Isolation of the same plasmid profile from different individuals occurred only twice and resulted in an assignment probability of Pa = 0.002 for isolates obtained from different individuals. Significantly more isolates from nares contained plasmids (97%) compared with isolates from hands (89%).Patients who had two or more isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci with similar profiles were judged, clinically, to have infections in 12 of 13 cases. However, the likelihood of re-isolating an S epidermidis strain with a similar plasmid profile twice from the same person at different times was sufficiently high to prevent plasmid profiling from being used as an absolute criterion for infection.
Subungual Bacteria of the Hand Contribution to the Glove Juice Test: Efficacy of Antimicrobial Detergents
Authors: Leyden J.J. , McGinley K.J. , Kates S.G. , Myung K.B. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMethodologies for evaluating the efficacy of antimicrobial agents in the bacterial flora of the hand involve variations of the “glove juice” or “sterile bag” procedures. In this study we demonstrate that the subungual flora contribute significantly to the recovery of bacteria in these procedures. Culturing hands that had the subungual spaces sealed with acrylic polish demonstrated a decay type of curve for the number of bacteria recovered in successive samplings with 106 colony forming units (CFU) bacteria recovered in the first sampling and 103 in the sixth while the opposite hand on which the subungual spaces were not sealed demonstrated a continuous recovery of 106 CFU.Serial scrubbings of three minutes with plain detergent, 10% povidone-iodine or 4% chlorhexidine demonstrated a three logarithm reduction for povidone-iodine and four logarithm reduction compared to plain detergent alone for chlorhexidine in hands that had subungual spaces sealed, while the opposite hand showed only a 0.5 to 1.0 logarithm reduction. Povidone-iodine produced a 0.6 logarithm reduction and 4% chlorhexidine or 1.4 logarithm reduction in the density of subungual bacteria.
Nosocomial Bloodstream Infection at a Veterans Hospital; 1979 to 1987
Authors: Mylotte Joseph M. , White Donald , McDermott Carolyn , Hodan Carolyn 
Published: September 2009

AbstractStudies of nosocomial bloodstream infection (NBI) have come primarily from university, municipal or community hospitals with little specific information from veterans hospitals. The objective of this study was to define trends in NBI at a tertiary care veterans hospital. Patients with NBI were identified by retrospective review of microbiology records and of infection control surveillance records from 1979 to 1987 at the Buffalo Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC). Between 1979 and 1985 there was no significant upward or downward trend. Beginning in early 1986 a significant increase in NBI was noted. This increase was because of changes in incidence of gram-positive NBI (primarily Streptococcus aureus and enterococcus) while there was no change in incidence of gram-negative NBI. The most common sources of NBI were similar to previous studies and included urinary tract infection, pneumonia, surgical wound infections and intravenous catheter related infections. The frequency of various organisms causing NBI was likewise similar to other studies except for pneumonia in which Streptococcus pneumoniae most commonly was isolated. The yearly incidence of gentamicin resistance among gram-negative NBI isolates demonstrated no significant trend. In conclusion, there was a significant increase in incidence of NBI at the Buffalo VAMC between 1979 and 1987 that occurred primarily in the last two years studied. The importance of gram-positive organisms as a cause of NBI at the Buffalo VAMC has been clearly documented as a recent phenomenon.