bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A genome-wide study of two-component signal transduction systems in eight newly sequenced mutans streptococci strains
Authors: Song Lifu , Sudhakar Padhmanand , Wang Wei , Conrads Georg , Brock Anke , Sun Jibin , Wagner-Döbler Irene , Zeng An-Ping 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Mutans streptococci are a group of gram-positive bacteria including the primary cariogenic dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans and closely related species. Two component systems (TCSs) composed of a signal sensing histidine kinase (HK) and a response regulator (RR) play key roles in pathogenicity, but have not been comparatively studied for these oral bacterial pathogens.

Results
HKs and RRs of 8 newly sequenced mutans streptococci strains, including S. sobrinus DSM20742, S. ratti DSM20564 and six S. mutans strains, were identified and compared to the TCSs of S. mutans UA159 and NN2025, two previously genome sequenced S. mutans strains. Ortholog analysis revealed 18 TCS clusters (HK-RR pairs), 2 orphan HKs and 2 orphan RRs, of which 8 TCS clusters were common to all 10 strains, 6 were absent in one or more strains, and the other 4 were exclusive to individual strains. Further classification of the predicted HKs and RRs revealed interesting aspects of their putative functions. While TCS complements were comparable within the six S. mutans strains, S. sobrinus DSM20742 lacked TCSs possibly involved in acid tolerance and fructan catabolism, and S. ratti DSM20564 possessed 3 unique TCSs but lacked the quorum-sensing related TCS (ComDE). Selected computational predictions were verified by PCR experiments.

Conclusions
Differences in the TCS repertoires of mutans streptococci strains, especially those of S. sobrinus and S. ratti in comparison to S. mutans, imply differences in their response mechanisms for survival in the dynamic oral environment. This genomic level study of TCSs should help in understanding the pathogenicity of these mutans streptococci strains.
Therapeutic implications of an enriched cancer stem-like cell population in a human osteosarcoma cell line
Authors: Martins-Neves Sara R , Lopes Áurio O , do Carmo Anália , Paiva Artur A , Simões Paulo C , Abrunhosa Antero J , Gomes Célia MF 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Osteosarcoma is a bone-forming tumor of mesenchymal origin that presents a clinical pattern that is consistent with the cancer stem cell model. Cells with stem-like properties (CSCs) have been identified in several tumors and hypothesized as the responsible for the relative resistance to therapy and tumor relapses. In this study, we aimed to identify and characterize CSCs populations in a human osteosarcoma cell line and to explore their role in the responsiveness to conventional therapies.

Methods
CSCs were isolated from the human MNNG/HOS cell line using the sphere formation assay and characterized in terms of self-renewal, mesenchymal stem cell properties, expression of pluripotency markers and ABC transporters, metabolic activity and tumorigenicity. Cell's sensitivity to conventional chemotherapeutic agents and to irradiation was analyzed and related with cell cycle-induced alterations and apoptosis.

Results
The isolated CSCs were found to possess self-renewal and multipotential differentiation capabilities, express markers of pluripotent embryonic stem cells Oct4 and Nanog and the ABC transporters P-glycoprotein and BCRP, exhibit low metabolic activity and induce tumors in athymic mice. Compared with parental MNNG/HOS cells, CSCs were relatively more resistant to both chemotherapy and irradiation. None of the treatments have induced significant cell-cycle alterations and apoptosis in CSCs.

Conclusions
MNNG/HOS osteosarcoma cells contain a stem-like cell population relatively resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic agents and irradiation. This resistant phenotype appears to be related with some stem features, namely the high expression of the drug efflux transporters P-glycoprotein and BCRP and their quiescent nature, which may provide a biological basis for resistance to therapy and recurrence commonly observed in osteosarcoma.
Clinical scale rapid expansion of lymphocytes for adoptive cell transfer therapy in the WAVE® bioreactor
Authors: Somerville Robert PT , Devillier Laura , Parkhurst Maria R , Rosenberg Steven A , Dudley Mark E 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
To simplify clinical scale lymphocyte expansions, we investigated the use of the WAVE®, a closed system bioreactor that utilizes active perfusion to generate high cell numbers in minimal volumes.

Methods
We have developed an optimized rapid expansion protocol for the WAVE bioreactor that produces clinically relevant numbers of cells for our adoptive cell transfer clinical protocols.

Results
TIL and genetically modified PBL were rapidly expanded to clinically relevant scales in both static bags and the WAVE bioreactor. Both bioreactors produced comparable numbers of cells; however the cultures generated in the WAVE bioreactor had a higher percentage of CD4+ cells and had a less activated phenotype.

Conclusions
The WAVE bioreactor simplifies the process of rapidly expanding tumor reactive lymphocytes under GMP conditions, and provides an alternate approach to cell generation for ACT protocols.
Implementation of legal abortion in Nepal: a model for rapid scale-up of high-quality care
Authors: Samandari Ghazaleh , Wolf Merrill , Basnett Indira , Hyman Alyson , Andersen Kathryn 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Unsafe abortion's significant contribution to maternal mortality and morbidity was a critical factor leading to liberalization of Nepal's restrictive abortion law in 2002. Careful, comprehensive planning among a range of multisectoral stakeholders, led by Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population, enabled the country subsequently to introduce and scale up safe abortion services in a remarkably short timeframe. This paper examines factors that contributed to rapid, successful implementation of legal abortion in this mountainous republic, including deliberate attention to the key areas of policy, health system capacity, equipment and supplies, and information dissemination. Important elements of this successful model of scaling up safe legal abortion include: the pre-existence of postabortion care services, through which health-care providers were already familiar with the main clinical technique for safe abortion; government leadership in coordinating complementary contributions from a wide range of public- and private-sector actors; reliance on public-health evidence in formulating policies governing abortion provision, which led to the embrace of medical abortion and authorization of midlevel providers as key strategies for decentralizing care; and integration of abortion care into existing Safe Motherhood and the broader health system. While challenges remain in ensuring that all Nepali women can readily exercise their legal right to early pregnancy termination, the national safe abortion program has already yielded strong positive results. Nepal's experience making high-quality abortion care widely accessible in a short period of time offers important lessons for other countries seeking to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity from unsafe abortion and to achieve Millennium Development Goals.
Low back pain during pregnancy caused by a sacral stress fracture: a case report
Authors: Pishnamaz Miguel , Sellei Richard , Pfeifer Roman , Lichte Philipp , Pape Hans C , Kobbe Philipp 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Sacral stress fractures are a rare but well known cause of low back pain. This type of fracture has also been observed as a postpartum complication. To date, no cases of intrapartum sacral stress fractures have been described in the literature.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 26-year-old Caucasian European primigravid patient (30 weeks and two days of gestation) who presented to our outpatient clinic with severe low back pain that had started after a downhill walk 14 days previously. She had no history of trauma. A magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a non-displaced stress fracture of the right lateral mass of her sacrum. Following her decision to opt for non-operative treatment, our patient received an epidural catheter for pain control. The remaining course of her pregnancy was uneventful and our patient gave birth to a healthy child by normal vaginal delivery.

Conclusions
We conclude that a sacral stress fracture must be considered as a possible cause of low back pain during pregnancy.
Plant polyphenols as electron donors for erythrocyte plasma membrane redox system: validation through in silico approach
Authors: Kesharwani Rajesh Kumar , Singh Durg Vijay , Misra Krishna , Rizvi Syed Ibrahim 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
The plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) has extensively been studied in erythrocytes. The PMRS plays an important role in maintaining plasma redox balance and provides a protective mechanism against oxidative stress. Earlier it was proposed that only NADH or NADPH provided reducing equivalents to PMRS; however, now it is acknowledged that some polyphenols also have the ability to donate reducing equivalents to PMRS.

Methods
Two different docking simulation softwares, Molegro Virtual Docker and Glide were used to study the interaction of certain plant polyphenols viz. quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, catechin epicatechin and resveratrol with human erythroyte NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, which is a component of PMRS and together with the identification of minimum pharmacophoric feature using Pharmagist.

Results
The derived common minimum pharmacophoric features show the presence of minimum bioactive component in all the selected polyphenols. Our results confirm wet lab findings which show that these polyphenols have the ability to interact and donate protons to the Human NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase.

Conclusion
With the help of these comparative results of docking simulation and pharmacophoric features, novel potent molecules can be designed with higher efficacy for activation of the PMRS system.
Highly Efficient Aqueous Oxidation of Furfural to Succinic Acid Using Reusable Heterogeneous Acid Catalyst with Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Choudhary Hemant , Nishimura Shun , Ebitani Kohki 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Green oxidation of inedible biomass-based 2-furaldehyde (furfural) to succinic acid (SA), one of the most important building blocks, was successfully achieved using Amberlyst-15 as a reusable solid acid catalyst in water at 353 K in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Synthesis and Adsorption Properties of Azulene-containing Porous Interdigitated Framework
Authors: Kishida Keisuke , Horike Satoshi , Nakagawa Keiji , Kitagawa Susumu 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
A porous interdigitated 2D coordination framework {[Zn(azdc)(bpy)]·DMF}n (azdc: 1,6-azulenedicarboxylate; bpy: 4,4′-bipyridyl; DMF: N,N-dimethylformamide) was synthesized and structurally characterized. By comparing with its constitutional isomer, [Zn(azdc)(bpy)]n showed stronger H2O interaction which was induced by polarized azulene moiety.
Possibility of Vitamin C to Induce the Formation of Lecithin Organogel
Authors: Hashizaki Kaname , Watanabe Naohito , Imai Miko , Taguchi Hiroyuki , Saito Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
We investigated the formation of a new lecithin organogel composed of reverse worm-like micelles. The organogel is a mixed organic solution containing lecithin and vitamin C (i.e., ascorbic acid). The highly viscoelastic reverse worm-like micelles were formed upon addition of a small amount of ascorbic acid.
Microwave-assisted Synthesis of Highly Crystalline Mesoporous Hydroxyapatite with a Rod-shaped Morphology
Authors: Benzigar Mercy R , Mane Gurudas P , Talapaneni Siddulu N , Varghese Shaji , Anand Chokkalingam , Aldeyab Salem S , Balasubramanian Veerappan V , Vinu Ajayan 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Mesoporous hydroxyapatite (MHA) with a rod-shaped morphology has been successfully synthesized for the first time employing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a template and CaCl2 and K2HPO4 as the precursors for hydroxyapatite under alkaline medium at the reaction temperature of 120 °C via microwave method. The obtained material exhibits a disordered mesoporous structure with a high crystallinity and highly uniform rod-like morphology with an average size of ca. 25 nm in width and 100 nm in length.
Numerical Assessment of One-Chamber Plenums Lined with Multi-Layer Sound Absorbers Using a Particle Swarm Method
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie 
Published: April 2012

High noise levels can be harmful to workers and can lead to psychological and physiological ailments. Consequently, noise control in an industrial setting is vital. Acoustical plenums have been widely used in depressing industrial venting noise. Because of the constrainment problem in practical engineering work, there is a growing need to optimize acoustical performance within a fixed space. However, research work of shape optimization on a space-constrained acoustical plenum by adjusting the design parameters has been neglected. In addition, the optimal mechanism of internal sound absorbers within the plenum has been ignored. In order to efficiently design a better performancing acoustical plenum with minumum manufacturing costs, a numerical assessment used to search for an optimally shaped one-chamber acoustical plenum lined with four kinds of multi-layer sound absorbers (one-layer, two-layer, three layer, and four-layer) in conjunction with a particle swarm method ( PSO) will be introduced. Before dealing with a broadband noise, a reliability check of the PSO method by maximizing the sound absorption coefficient ( α) for a three-layer sound absorber at a pure tone (500 Hz) will be performed. Consequently, this paper provides a quick economical, and effective method for reducing noise levels by optimally designing a shaped one-chamber acoustical plenum lined with multi-layer sound absorbers using a particle swarm method.
Is there a need for early post-operative x-rays in primary total knee replacements? Experience of a centre in the UK
Authors: Hassan S , Wall A , Ayyawamy B , Rogers S , Mills SP , Charalambous CP 
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION Early post-operative x-rays are often taken in total knee replacements (TKRs). Patient mobilisation may be delayed until these x-rays are obtained and this may prolong discharge. The aim of this study was to assess the value of such early x-rays and whether they influenced the early post-operative management of these patients. METHODS A total of 624 consecutive TKRs performed at the Blackpool Victoria Hospital over a 34-month period were evaluated. Plain anteroposterior and lateral x-rays were examined. RESULTS Two patients were found to have significant abnormalities: an undisplaced peri prosthetic tibial fracture and a partial inferior pole patellar avulsion. Neither of these required further treatment or influenced mobility. No other complications were noted that changed routine post-operative management. CONCLUSIONS These results question the need for immediate x-rays in primary TKRs.
The development of a supraregional network for the management of penile cancer
Authors: Kumar P , Singh S , Goddard JC , Terry TR , Summerton DJ 
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION Although its incidence is increasing, penile cancer remains a rare disease in the UK. In view of this low volume, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommended that treatment is centralised in a limited number of centres arranged as supraregionai networks. The aim of this centralisation is to allow the best standardised treatment for the primary tumours and nodal disease, thereby avoiding under or overtreatment. In this paper we review the formation and functioning of our network in the East Midlands. METHODS Data were collected up to August 2010 from our prospective penile network database since its inception in 2005. These data were analysed to see our workload, patterns of referral and surgeries performed over this time period. RESULTS The structure and function of the East Midlands network are described. There has been an increase in the number of cases discussed since its formation. There has also been a trend towards more conservative surgery, both of the primary tumour and of nodal management. Between September 2009 and August 2010, 16 glansectomies were performed versus 5 total and 9 partial penectomies. The same period saw 18 dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsies against 7 bilateral and 3 unilateral superficial groin dissections. There was a very high patient satisfaction rate, with patients feeling they had good support and information. CONCLUSIONS On reviewing the literature it can be clearly seen that supraregionai networks have led to a decrease in overtreatment and better recognition of the need to manage lymph node status optimally. Our network has demonstrated the trend toward conservative surgery and sentinel node biopsy. The formation of supraregionai networks with a multidisciplinary approach will facilitate high volume centres that will offer optimal surgical therapy and also allow recruitment into studies and new chemotherapeutic regimens. It will also allow better data collection to aid clinical studies that hopefully will also demonstrate better outcomes.
Investigation prior to thyroglossal duct cyst excision
Authors: Joseph J , Lim K , Ramsden J 
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION Investigation of the anterior midiine neck lump has been debated over the years with little agreement on best practice. Thyrogiossai duct cysts (TDCs) are the most common aetiology. A TDC may contain ectopic thyroid tissue, which may affect the decision to excise. METHODS A computerised survey was sent to a representative sample of UK-based ENT surgeons to determine current practice in investigation of presumed TDCs and the incidence of ectopic thyroid tissue. RESULTS Overall, 95% of those surveyed use ultrasonography, with 32% also arranging thyroid function tests. Fifteen per cent had encountered absent normal thyroid tissue in the presence of a midiine neck swelling. In 64% of cases this represented the only functioning thyroid tissue. Thyroid function tests were normal in all but two cases. CONCLUSIONS The results show a significant change in practice over the last decade. All surgeons would arrange some form of investigation of a presumed TDC, with the vast majority using ultrasonography. Radioisotope scanning should only be used if the ultrasonography or thyroid function tests are abnormal. The incidence of ectopic thyroid tissue in this survey was higher than previously calculated, with a 0.17% prevalence of midiine neck lumps representing the only functioning thyroid tissue.
Value of the Student Pharmacist to Experiential Practice Sites: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Mersfelder Tracey L , Bouthillier Michael J 
Published: April 2012

Objective: To summarize the literature addressing clinical services provided by pharmacy students and the economic implications associated with those services. Data Sources: A literature search was performed through MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts from their inception through December 2011. Search terms included pharmacy students, doctor of pharmacy students, clinical interventions, documentations, and medication histories. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All research articles and abstracts published in English were included. Studies were excluded if they were not conducted in the US. Articles were reviewed and abstracted for number of interventions and proportion of total interventions performed by pharmacy students, type and duration of advanced practice experience, patient care location, time required for interventions, frequency of interventions that were accepted or implemented, and financial assessment of interventions when reported. Data Synthesis: A total of 29 fully published studies and 6 abstracts were identified. The majority of the studies evaluated the number of student recommendations made and the acceptance rate of those recommendations. On average, individual students made between 1.2 and 16 recommendations to prescribers per week. The acceptance rate ranged from 32% to 98%. In addition to recommendations, students performed intravenous to oral dose conversions and obtained medication histories. All of the studies that assessed the economic impact of student pharmacist involvement reported a cost savings or cost avoidance associated with having pharmacy students at the institution. Conclusions: Pharmacy students provide many recommendations with high acceptance rates. During their pharmacy practice experiences, students generally confer economic and clinical benefits that may exceed the costs associated with their supervision and training.
A Theoretical Study of the Effect of Carboxyl Hydroxamic Acid on the Flotation Behavior of Diaspore and Aluminosilicate Minerals
Authors: Jiang Yuren , Pan Yafei , Chen Dan , Wang Fangping , Yan Lingling , Li Guiyin , Xue Yulan 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe collector for separating diasporic bauxite serves as a type of flotation reagent by adsorbing selectively on diaspore to make it hydrophobic enough to separate it from the aluminosilicates. Although the flotation process is considered economical in the desilication of Chinese diasporic bauxite, the existing collectors fail to separate these ores because of their poor adsorption selectivity over other minerals. The present study was an attempt to seek a collector for selective flotation of diaspore over aluminosilicates. A novel carboxyl hydroxamic acid compound, 2,2-bis(hydroxycarbamoyl) decanoic acid (BHDA), was designed and synthesized, and the flotation behavior of diaspore, kaolinite, and illite was investigated by flotation tests with BHDA. The interactions between the BHDA and the minerals were also explored by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta-potential measurement, and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Using BHDA as the collector, the pulp pH value affected the floatability of diaspore significantly while the floatability of kaolinite or illite was unaffected or only slightly affected. The dosage of BHDA had little effect on the floatability of the three minerals. The greatest difference in floatability between diaspore and aluminosilicates occurred at mid-range pulp pH (7). Large shifts in characteristic absorption peaks and new absorption peaks were observed for BHDA-treated diaspore but were absent from BHDA-treated aluminosilicates. The change in the negative zeta potential of diaspore was also greater than those of aluminosilicates in the presence of BHDA. The O atoms in the carboxyl and hydroxycarbamoyl of BHDA have highly negative charges, and favorable stereo conditions existed to form five- or six-membered rings, resulting in their coordination with the Al atoms of diaspore, leading to chemisorption in chelate rings; the adsorption of BHDA on kaolinite or illite, on the other hand, was mainly physical in nature. The BHDA was, therefore, highly selective in the flotation between diaspore and aluminosilicates and possibly suitable for the separation of diasporic bauxite.