bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Seminal Plasma Fosters CD4+ Regulatory T‐cell Phenotype and Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 Expression
Authors: Balandya Emmanuel , Wieland‐Alter Wendy , Sanders Katherine , Lahey Timothy 
Published: July 2012

ProblemSemen mediates expansion of CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in the murine female reproductive tract. The impact of semen on Treg in humans, however, remains unclear.Method of StudyUsing seminal plasma (SP) from 20 healthy donors, we investigated the impact of human semen on CD4+ T‐cell expression of CD127 and CD49d as well as CD4+ CD127low
CD49dlow Treg proliferation, apoptosis, and intracellular expression of FoxP3, TGF‐β1, and IL‐10.Results
SP reduced CD4+ T‐cell expression of CD127 and CD49d and increased the proportion of CD127low
CD49dlow Treg. This increase was non‐proliferative, mediated in part via the conversion of CD4+ helper T cells into FoxP3− but not FoxP3+ Treg. Additionally, SP induced an increase in intracellular expression of the immunosuppressive cytokine TGF‐β1 by the FoxP3− but not FoxP3+ Treg. SP had no impact on Treg intracellular expression of IL‐10.ConclusionHuman seminal plasma fosters the non‐proliferative increase in the proportion and immunoregulatory activity of FoxP3− Treg.
Qualitative comparison of sonic or laser energisation of 4% sodium hypochlorite on an Enterococcus faecalis biofilm grown in vitro
Authors: Seet Aaron N. , Zilm Peter S. , Gully Neville J. , Cathro Peter R. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe effectiveness of sonic activation, laser activation and syringe irrigation of 4% sodium hypochlorite in removing an Enterococcus faecalis biofilm was compared. Biofilms were grown in extracted human single rooted teeth using a flow cell apparatus. After 4 weeks' growth, teeth were subjected to each treatment using 4% sodium hypochlorite and radicular dentinal surfaces of the root canals were analysed by scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that sonic activation and syringe irrigation with sodium hypochlorite showed reduced numbers of bacterial cells on the radicular dentine but were not effective in eliminating E. faecalis in the dentinal tubules. Laser activation of sodium hypochlorite resulted in clean dentine walls and undetectable levels of bacteria within dentinal tubules. Qualitatively, sonic or laser activation of 4% NaOCl resulted in greater bacterial reduction compared with syringe irrigation, with laser activation producing the greatest overall reduction.
A Novel Extracellular β‐Glucosidase from Trichosporon asahii: Yield Prediction, Evaluation and Application for Aroma Enhancement of Cabernet Sauvignon
Authors: Wang Yuxia , Xu Yan , Li Jiming 
Published: July 2012

Abstract:  The production and application of novel β‐glucosidase from Trichosporon asahii were studied. The β‐glucosidase yield was improved by response surface methodology, and the optimal media constituents were determined to be dextrin 4.67% (w/v), yeast extract 2.99% (w/v), MgSO4 0.01% (w/v), and K2HPO4 0.02% (w/v). As a result, β‐glucosidase production was enhanced from 123.72 to 215.66 U/L. The effects of different enological factors on the activity of β‐glucosidases from T. asahii were investigated in comparison to commercial enzymes. β‐Glucosidase from T. asahii was activated in the presence of sugars in the range from 10% to 40% (w/v), with the exception of glucose (slight inhibition), and retained higher relative activities than commercial enzymes under the same conditions. In addition, ethanol, in concentrations between 5% and 20% (v/v), also increased the β‐glucosidase activity. Although the β‐glucosidase activity decreased with decreasing pH, the residual activity of T. asahii was still above 50% at the average wine pH (pH 3.5). Due to these properties, extracellular β‐glucosidase from T. asahii exhibited a better ability than commercial enzymes in hydrolyzing aromatic precursors that remained in young finished wine. The excellent performs of this β‐glucosidase in wine aroma enhancement and sensory evaluation indicated that the β‐glucosidase has a potential application to individuate suitable preparations that can complement and optimize grape or wine quality during the winemaking process or in the final wine.Practical Application:  The present study demonstrated the usefulness of response surface methodology based on the central composite design for yield enhancement of β‐glucosidase from T. asahii. The investigation of the primary characteristics of the enzyme and its application in young red wine suggested that the β‐glucosidase from T. asahii can provide more impetus for aroma improvement in the future.
The impact of long‐haul air travel on variables of the athlete's biological passport
Authors: Schumacher Y. O. , Klodt F. , Nonis D. , Pottgiesser T. , Alsayrafi M. , Bourdon P. C. , Voss S. C. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryIntroductionDehydration, fluid shifts or changes in coagulation occurring during air travel can trigger distinct reactions in the haematological system. Athletes are concerned that these effects might impair sporting performance, increase the risk of thrombosis or cause abnormalities in blood values that might be mistaken for doping in the ‘Athlete′s biological passport’ (ABP) a longitudinal monitoring of haematological variables in antidoping. The aim of the study was to investigate key variables of the ABP before and after a long‐haul flight in athletes.MethodsFifteen endurance athletes were submitted to ABP blood samples in the morning before and after arrival of an 8 h flight. Two additional samples were obtained in the morning and the evening 3 days after the travel. Twelve nontravelling subjects served as controls.ResultsHaemoglobin concentration was higher before than after travel in athletes (+0.5 g/dL, P = 0.038), a similar pattern was observed 3 days after the travel. No difference was observed in the control group. Reticulocyte% did not show any significant changes in neither of the groups.ConclusionThe observed changes are in line with normal diurnal variations. There is no indication that travel will affect haematological variables in way that might be mistaken for blood doping.
Testing Greenfield run‐off estimation techniques using high‐resolution field observations
Authors: Rodda H.J.E. , Hawkins J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe current UK guidelines for sustainable drainage systems design [Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs/Environment Agency (DEFRA/EA), 2005; Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA), 2007] require that the design peak flow from a new development should not exceed that which would occur under the pre‐development or Greenfield conditions. Although these guidelines are fairly recent documents, the standard methodology for estimating Greenfield flows dates back to the results of studies from the 1970s. The recommendation of the guideline method was not the result of any testing and calibration but rather the assumption that it produced Greenfield flow estimates that were in the order of what would be expected. Experience of Greenfield peak flow estimates using the approved method has shown flows to be very low compared with what would be expected where a detailed knowledge of the site hydrology was available or from observational evidence of flooding events. Recent monitoring of surface run‐off and drainage using a 1‐min temporal resolution at the Rowden Moor Drainage Experiment at North Wyke Research, Devon, UK has provided an ideal dataset through which to test the current approved methodology for Greenfield flow estimation. The results show that the methods significantly underestimate the Greenfield peak flows.
Indeterminate pulmonary nodules on CT images in breast cancer patient: The additional value of 18F‐FDG PET/CT
Authors: Evangelista Laura , Panunzio Annalori , Cervino Anna Rita , Vinante Lorenzo , Al‐Nahhas Adil , Rubello Domenico , Muzzio Pier Carlo , Polverosi Roberta 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim: To assess the potential role of 18F‐Fluorodeoxiglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT) in characterizing indeterminate lung nodules detected at CT scan in patients previously treated for a breast cancer (BC).Materials and Methods: Twenty‐nine consecutive BC patients (28 females, mean age 65 ± 12 years) with evidence of indeterminate lung nodules at contrast‐enhanced CT (CECT) scan (lesions with axial diameter ≥8 mm) were retrospectively analysed: all patients underwent 18F‐FDG PET/CT within a mean 2 ± 1 months from CECT imaging. PET/CT was considered positive in the presence of abnormal FDG uptake in the pulmonary nodules and/or in other organs. The nature of lung nodules was defined at histopathology and/or imaging follow‐up.Results: Fourteen (48%) patients showed negative and 15 (52%) positive PET/CT scan in the lungs: of these 15 patients, 7 (47%) had pathologic FDG‐uptake in lungs only, whereas 8 (53%) showed abnormal FDG‐uptake also in sites different from lungs. At histology and/or imaging follow‐up, five (17%) patients were considered positive for BC lung metastases while in seven (24%) a second cancer was diagnosed. In this subset of patients, the sensitivity and specificity for FDG PET/CT in revealing lung lesions were 17% and 100%, respectively, for nodules <8 mm in diameter, and 77% and 85%, respectively, for nodules with diameter ≥8 mm.The therapeutic planning was changed to surgery in seven patients, chemotherapy in one patient and continued hormonal therapy in five. The inclusion of PET/CT in the diagnostic algorithm of the evaluated patients helped avoid unnecessary over‐treatment in 12 of 29 patients.Conclusion: FDG PET/CT appears useful in characterizing indeterminate lung nodules found at CECT scan in BC patients, with a sensitivity that is proportional to nodule size. In addition, PET/CT helped in avoiding over‐treatment in a significant proportion of patients.
Cognitive Science and the Cultural Nature of Music
Authors: Cross Ian 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe vast majority of experimental studies of music to date have explored music in terms of the processes involved in the perception and cognition of complex sonic patterns that can elicit emotion. This paper argues that this conception of music is at odds both with recent Western musical scholarship and with ethnomusicological models, and that it presents a partial and culture‐specific representation of what may be a generic human capacity. It argues that the cognitive sciences must actively engage with the problems of exploring music as manifested and conceived in the broad spectrum of world cultures, not only to elucidate the diversity of music in mind but also to identify potential commonalities that could illuminate the relationships between music and other domains of thought and behavior.
Efficacy of Ramelteon in Patients with Insomnia and Nocturia
Authors: SHIMIZU Nobutaka , SUGIMOTO Koichi , NOZAWA Masahiro , KOBAYASHI Yasuyuki , YAMAMOTO Yutaka , MINAMI Takafumi , HAYASHI Taiji , YOSHIMURA Kazuhiro , ISHII Tokumi , UEMURA Hirotsugu , NOSE Kazuhiro , NISHIOKA Tsukasa 
Published: July 2012

Objectives: To study the efficacy of ramelteon for patients with insomnia and nocturia.Methods: Forty‐nine patients experiencing insomnia and two or more nocturnal voids were included. The degree of lower urinary tract symptoms and sleep disorders was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)1 score, and frequency/volume chart (FVC). The patients were treated with ramelteon (8 mg) for four weeks and then reexamined by questionnaire and FVC to evaluate the therapeutic efficacies.Results: The mean IPSS score was 16.1 ± 6.9 at baseline and 12.4 ± 7.1 at four weeks. The subject scores for the number of nocturnal voids also decreased significantly from 3.3 ± 0.9 to 2.9 ± 1.0. In addition, PSQI scores improved significantly from 7.4 ± 2.9 to 5.4 ± 2.8. According to the FVC, the number of nocturnal voids decreased significantly from 3.1 ± 1.2 at baseline to 2.2 ± 1.1 at four weeks, and nighttime bladder capacity improved significantly from 181.4 ± 79.9 to 201.1 ± 93.7 mL.Conclusion: Ramelteon alleviated nocturia and disturbed sleep in patients with insomnia and nocturia and led to increased nighttime bladder capacity.
Altered expression and function of hepatic natural killer T cells in obese and diabetic KK‐Ay mice
Authors: Yamagata Hisafumi , Ikejima Kenichi , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Aoyama Tomonori , Kon Kazuyoshi , Okumura Ko , Watanabe Sumio 
Published: July 2012

Aim:  To evaluate the role of natural killer (NK)T cells in the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), here we investigated the expression and function of hepatic NKT cells in KK‐Ay mice, an animal model of metabolic syndrome.Methods:  Male, 8‐week‐old KK‐Ay and C57Bl/6 mice were fed a high‐fat (HF) diet for 4 weeks. Some mice were given daily intragastric injections of pioglitazone for 5 days prior to or after dietary treatment.Results:  In untreated KK‐Ay mice, the percentages of NKT cells in liver mononucleolar cells were nearly one‐third of those in C57Bl/6 controls. Elevations in interleukin (IL)‐4 and interferon (IFN)‐γ mRNA in the liver after a single injection of α‐galactosylceramide (GalCer) were blunted in KK‐Ay mice largely. Percentages of NKT cells, as well as GalCer‐induced increases in IL‐4 mRNA, were blunted significantly in both strains after HF diet feeding for 4 weeks. Interestingly, KK‐Ay mice pretreated with pioglitazone showed significant increases in NKT cell proportion, and GalCer‐induced increases in IL‐4 and IFN‐γ mRNA were also enhanced by pioglitazone. In KK‐Ay mice, the percentages of annexin V positive NKT cells were nearly 2.5‐fold higher than those in C57Bl/6 controls; however, pioglitazone decreased annexin V positive cells significantly. Moreover, pioglitazone increased NKT cell fraction in KK‐Ay mice even after HF diet feeding.Conclusion:  KK‐Ay mice exhibit proportional and functional alterations in hepatic NKT cells in close relation with the development of steatohepatitis, and it is postulated that pioglitazone improves steatohepatitis in part through restoration of hepatic NKT cells.
Technical Note: Electronic chart checks in a paperless radiation therapy clinic
Authors: Yang Deshan , Wu Yu , Brame Ryan S. , Yaddanapudi Sridhar , Rangaraj Dharanipathy , Li H. Harold , Goddu S. Murty , Mutic Sasa 
Published: July 2012

Purpose:EcCk, which stands forElectronic Chart ChecK, is a computer software and database system. It was developed to improve quality and efficiency of patient chart checking in radiation oncology departments. The core concept is to automatically collect and analyze patient treatment data, and to report discrepancies and potential concerns.Methods:EcCk consists of several different computer technologies, including relational database, DICOM, dynamicHTML, and image processing. Implemented in MATLAB and C#, EcCk processes patient data in DICOM, PDF, Microsoft Word, database, and Pinnacle native formats. Generated reports are stored on the storage server and indexed in the database. A standalone report‐browser program is implemented to allow users to view reports on any computer in the department. Checks are performed according to predefined logical rules, and results are presented through color‐coded reports in which discrepancies are summarized and highlighted. Users examine the reports and take appropriate actions. The core design is intended to automate human task and to improve the reliability of the performed tasks. The software is not intended to replace human audits but rather to aid as a decision support tool.Results:The software was successfully implemented in the clinical environment and has demonstrated the feasibility of automation of this common task with modern clinical tools. The software integrates multiple disconnected systems and successfully supports analysis of data in diverse formats.Conclusions:While the human is the ultimate expert, EcCk has a significant potential to improve quality and efficiency of patient treatment record audits, and to allow verification of tasks that are not easily performed by humans. EcCk can potentially relieve human experts from simple and repetitive tasks, and allow them to work on other important tasks, and in the end to improve the quality and safety of radiation therapy treatments.
The pH-Sensitive Fusogenic 3-Methyl-Glutarylated Hyperbranched Poly(Glycidol)-Conjugated Liposome Induces Antigen-Specific Cellular and Humoral Immunity
Authors: Hebishima Takehisa , Yuba Eiji , Kono Kenji , Takeshima Shin-nosuke , Ito Yoshihiro , Aida Yoko 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

We examined the ability of a novel liposome, surface modified by 3-methyl-glutarylated hyperbranched poly(glycidol) (MGlu-HPG), to enhance antigen-specific immunity
in vitro
and
in vivo
and to function as a vaccine carrier. Murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells took up ovalbumin (OVA) encapsulated in MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes more effectively than free OVA or OVA encapsulated in unmodified liposomes. Immunization of mice with OVA-containing MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes induced antigen-specific splenocyte proliferation and production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) more strongly than did immunization with free OVA or OVA encapsulated in unmodified liposomes. The immune responses induced by OVA encapsulated in MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes were significantly suppressed by addition of anti-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II monoclonal antibodies, indicating the involvement of antigen presentation via MHC class I and II. Furthermore, delayed-type hypersensitivity responses and OVA-specific antibodies were induced more effectively in mice immunized with OVA encapsulated by MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes than with unencapsulated OVA or OVA encapsulated in unmodified liposomes. These results suggested that MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes effectively induced both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. Collectively, this study is the first to demonstrate the induction of both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses
in vivo
by MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes.
Genome Sequence of Micromonospora lupini Lupac 08, Isolated from Root Nodules of Lupinus angustifolius
Authors: Alonso-Vega Pablo , Normand Philippe , Bacigalupe Rodrigo , Pujic Petar , Lajus Aurelie , Vallenet David , Carro Lorena , Coll Pedro , Trujillo Martha E. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Micromonospora
strains have been isolated from diverse niches, including soil, water, and marine sediments and root nodules of diverse symbiotic plants. In this work, we report the genome sequence of
Micromonospora lupini
Lupac 08 isolated from root nodules of the wild legume
Lupinus angustifolious
.
Complete Genome Sequences of Probiotic Strains Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.lactisB420 and Bi-07
Authors: Stahl Buffy , Barrangou Rodolphe 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTWe present the complete genomes ofBifidobacterium animalissubsp.lactisB420 and Bi-07. Comparative genomic analysis with the type strain DSMZ10140 revealed 40 to 55 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and an indel in a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) locus. These genetic differences provide a molecular basis for strain typing within the two main phylogenetic groups of this monomorphic species.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium Bacillus siamensis KCTC 13613
T
Authors: Jeong Haeyoung , Jeong Da-Eun , Kim Sun Hong , Song Geun Cheol , Park Soo-Young , Ryu Choong-Min , Park Seung-Hwan , Choi Soo-Keun 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Bacillus siamensis
KCTC 13613
T
, a novel halophilic
Bacillus
species isolated from a salted Thai food, produced antimicrobial compounds against plant pathogens and promoted plant growth by volatile emission. We determined the 3.8-Mb genome sequence of
B. siamensis
KCTC 13613
T
to reveal the plant-beneficial effect at the genomic level.
Development of an Improved Selective and Differential Medium for Isolation of Salmonella spp
Authors: Park Sang-Hyun , Ryu Sangryeol , Kang Dong-Hyun 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

We describe an improved selective, differential, and cost-effective medium, XA medium, which contains
d
-arabinose, to facilitate the selective isolation of
Salmonella
spp. The sensitivity and the specificity of XA medium were compared to those of xylose lysine desoxycholate agar (XLD) using stock cultures and naturally contaminated food samples. XA medium and XLD were evaluated with a total of 82
Salmonella
and 69 non-
Salmonella
stock cultures. Of 82 strains of
Salmonella
spp. tested, 76 produced a characteristic black colony on XA medium and XLD. The remaining 6 strains belonged to
Salmonella enterica
serovars Berta (
n
= 1), Paratyphi A (
n
= 1), Gallinarum (
n
= 2), and Pullorum (
n
= 2). The sensitivities of XA medium and XLD were identical (92.7%).
Citrobacter freundii
(
n
= 21) and
Proteus mirabilis
(
n
= 21) stock cultures produced black colonies on XLD, whereas only 4 strains of
P. mirabilis
appeared as black colonies on XA medium. In the second phase of the study, a total of 180 food samples were cultured onto XA medium and XLD after selective enrichment. The sensitivities of XA medium and XLD were equal (100%), and a total of 6
Salmonella
strains were isolated from the 180 food samples. The specificity of XA medium (92.0%) was superior to that of XLD (73.0%), with a total of 14 and 47 false-positive results found on XA medium and XLD, respectively. On the basis of its good specificity, XA medium is useful for the isolation of
Salmonella
spp. from food samples.
Clinical-Epidemiological Features of 13 Cases of Melioidosis in Brazil
Authors: Brilhante Raimunda S. N. , Bandeira Tereza J. P. G. , Cordeiro Rossana A. , Grangeiro Thalles B. , Lima Rita A. C. , Ribeiro Joyce F. , Castelo-Branco Débora S. C. M. , Rodrigues Jorge L. N. , Coelho Ivo C. B. , Magalhães Francisco G. , Rocha Marcos F. G. , Sidrim José J. C. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT
The aim of this work was to catalog the clinical and ecoepidemiological characteristics of melioidosis in Brazil. The clinical-epidemiological features of melioidosis in Ceará are similar to those in other regions where the disease is endemic. These findings support the inclusion of this Brazilian state as part of the zone of endemicity for melioidosis.
Expression of the Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus Receptor on Atlantic Salmon Endothelial Cells Correlates with the Cell Tropism of the Virus
Authors: Aamelfot Maria , Dale Ole Bendik , Weli Simon Chioma , Koppang Erling Olaf , Falk Knut 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTInfectious salmon anemia (ISA) is a World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)-listed disease of farmed Atlantic salmon, characterized by slowly developing anemia and circulatory disturbances. The disease is caused by ISA virus (ISAV) in theOrthomyxoviridaefamily; hence, it is related to influenza. Here we explore the pathogenesis of ISA by focusing on virus tropism, receptor tissue distribution, and pathological changes in experimentally and naturally infected Atlantic salmon. Using immunohistochemistry on ISAV-infected Atlantic salmon tissues with antibody to viral nucleoprotein, endotheliotropism was demonstrated. Endothelial cells lining the circulatory system were found to be infected, seemingly noncytolytic, and without vasculitis. No virus could be found in necrotic parenchymal cells. From endothelium, the virus budded apically and adsorbed to red blood cells (RBCs). No infection or replication within RBCs was detected, but hemophagocytosis was observed, possibly contributing to the severe anemia in fish with this disease. Similarly to what has been done in studies of influenza, we examined the pattern of virus attachment by using ISAV as a probe. Here we detected the preferred receptor of ISAV, 4-O-acetylated sialic acid (Neu4,5Ac2). To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating thein situdistribution of this sialic acid derivate. The pattern of virus attachment mirrored closely the distribution of infection, showing that the virus receptor is important for cell tropism, as well as for adsorption to RBCs.