bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multilocus sequence typing supports the hypothesis that Ochrobactrum anthropi displays a human-associated subpopulation
Authors: Romano Sara , Aujoulat Fabien , Jumas-Bilak Estelle , Masnou Agnès , Jeannot Jean-Luc , Falsen Enevold , Marchandin Hélène , Teyssier Corinne 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundOchrobactrum anthropiis a versatile bacterial species with strains living in very diverse habitats. It is increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogen in hospitalized patients. The population biology of the species particularly with regard to the characteristics of the human isolates is being investigated. To address this issue, we proposed a polyphasic approach consisting in Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), multi-locus phylogeny, genomic-based fingerprinting by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and antibiotyping.ResultsWe tested a population of 70O. anthropiclinical (n = 43) and environmental (n = 24) isolates as well as the type strainO. anthropiATCC49188Tand 2 strains ofOchrobactrum lupiniandOchrobactrum cytisiisolated from plant nodules. A Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) scheme forO. anthropiis proposed here for the first time. It was based on 7 genes (3490 nucleotides) evolving mostly by neutral mutations. The MLST approach suggested an epidemic population structure. A major clonal complex corresponded to a human-associated lineage since it exclusively contained clinical isolates. Genomic fingerprinting separated isolates displaying the same sequence type but it did not detect a population structure that could be related to the origin of the strains. None of the molecular method allowed the definition of particular lineages associated to the host-bacteria relationship (carriage, colonisation or infection). Antibiotyping was the least discriminative method.ConclusionThe results reveal a human-associated subpopulation in our collection of strains. The emergence of this clonal complex was probably not driven by the antibiotic selective pressure. Therefore, we hypothesise that the versatile speciesO. anthropicould be considered as a human-specialized opportunistic pathogen.
Adolescent type 1 Diabetes cardio-renal Intervention Trial (AdDIT)
Authors:   The Adolescent type 1 Diabetes cardio-renal Intervention Trial Research Group
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
The prognosis for young people diagnosed with diabetes during childhood remains poor and this is mainly related to the long-term risk of developing vascular complications.
Microalbuminuria identifies subjects at risk for diabetic nephropathy (DN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is often detected in adolescence but is rarely treated before the age of 18 years, as at the end of puberty albumin excretion may decline and in some subjects will return into the normal range. However, evidence indicates that subjects with both transient and persistent microalbuminuria have experienced renal damage during puberty and thus reno-protection to prevent long-term complications is warranted. In adults with diabetes and microalbuminuria, the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and Statins is increasing, and in order to determine whether these agents are of value in the adolescent population a large randomized controlled clinical trial is needed.

Methods/Design
The Adolescent type 1 Diabetes cardio-renal Intervention Trial (AdDIT) is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ACEI and Statin therapy in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. 500 high-risk adolescents, defined on the basis of their albumin excretion, are randomized to receive either ACEI (Quinapril) or Statins (Atorvastatin) or combination therapy or placebo for 3-4 years. There will also be a parallel open observational study, based on the follow-up of 400 low-risk non-randomized adolescents. The major endpoint of the study is the change in albumin excretion; secondary endpoints include markers of CVD, renal function, retinopathy, quality of life combined with assessment of compliance and potential health economic benefits.

Discussion
AdDIT will provide important data on the potential renal and cardiovascular protective effects of ACEI and Statins in high-risk adolescents. Long-term follow-up of the randomized subjects will provide direct evidence of disease outcomes, in addition to the data on early surrogate measures of DN and CVD. Follow-up of non-randomized low-risk subjects will determine the potential impact of intervention on DN and CVD. AdDIT will help to determine whether, in addition to encouraging young people to achieve good glycaemic control, pharmacological cardio-renal protection should also be implemented.

EudraCT Number
2007-001039-72

Trial Registration Number
ISRCTN91419926
The structure of pyogenecin immunity protein, a novel bacteriocin-like immunity protein from Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Chang Changsoo , Coggill Penny , Bateman Alex , Finn Robert D , Cymborowski Marcin , Otwinowski Zbyszek , Minor Wladek , Volkart Lour , Joachimiak Andrzej 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Many Gram-positive lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produce anti-bacterial peptides and small proteins called bacteriocins, which enable them to compete against other bacteria in the environment. These peptides fall structurally into three different classes, I, II, III, with class IIa being pediocin-like single entities and class IIb being two-peptide bacteriocins. Self-protective cognate immunity proteins are usually co-transcribed with these toxins. Several examples of cognates for IIa have already been solved structurally. Streptococcus pyogenes, closely related to LAB, is one of the most common human pathogens, so knowledge of how it competes against other LAB species is likely to prove invaluable.

Results
We have solved the crystal structure of the gene-product of locus Spy_2152 from S. pyogenes, (PDB:2fu2), and found it to comprise an anti-parallel four-helix bundle that is structurally similar to other bacteriocin immunity proteins. Sequence analyses indicate this protein to be a possible immunity protein protective against class IIa or IIb bacteriocins. However, given that S. pyogenes appears to lack any IIa pediocin-like proteins but does possess class IIb bacteriocins, we suggest this protein confers immunity to IIb-like peptides.

Conclusions
Combined structural, genomic and proteomic analyses have allowed the identification and in silico characterization of a new putative immunity protein from S. pyogenes, possibly the first structure of an immunity protein protective against potential class IIb two-peptide bacteriocins. We have named the two pairs of putative bacteriocins found in S. pyogenes pyogenecin 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Effects of intensive arm training with the rehabilitation robot ARMin II in chronic stroke patients: four single-cases
Authors: Staubli Patricia , Nef Tobias , Klamroth-Marganska Verena , Riener Robert 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundRobot-assisted therapy offers a promising approach to neurorehabilitation, particularly for severely to moderately impaired stroke patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of intensive arm training on motor performance in four chronic stroke patients using the robot ARMin II.MethodsARMin II is an exoskeleton robot with six degrees of freedom (DOF) moving shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. Four volunteers with chronic (≥ 12 months post-stroke) left side hemi-paresis and different levels of motor severity were enrolled in the study. They received robot-assisted therapy over a period of eight weeks, three to four therapy sessions per week, each session of one hour.Patients 1 and 4 had four one-hour training sessions per week and patients 2 and 3 had three one-hour training sessions per week. Primary outcome variable was the Fugl-Meyer Score of the upper extremity Assessment (FMA), secondary outcomes were the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), the Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS), the Maximal Voluntary Torques (MVTs) and a questionnaire about ADL-tasks, progress, changes, motivation etc.ResultsThree out of four patients showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the main outcome. The improvements in the FMA scores were aligned with the objective results of MVTs. Most improvements were maintained or even increased from discharge to the six-month follow-up.ConclusionData clearly indicate that intensive arm therapy with the robot ARMin II can significantly improve motor function of the paretic arm in some stroke patients, even those in a chronic state. The findings of the study provide a basis for a subsequent controlled randomized clinical trial.
Oral malignant melanomas and other head and neck neoplasms in Danish dogs - data from the Danish Veterinary Cancer Registry
Authors: Brønden Louise B , Eriksen Thomas , Kristensen Annemarie T 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Head and neck cancers (HNC) are relatively common and often very serious diseases in both dogs and humans. Neoplasms originating in the head and neck region are a heterogeneous group. HNC often has an unfavourable prognosis and the proximity of the tissue structures renders extirpation of tumours with sufficient margins almost incompatible with preservation of functionality. In humans oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is extremely rare, but represents a particular challenge since it is highly aggressive as is the canine counterpart, which thus may be of interest as a spontaneous animal model.

Methods
Canine cases entered in the Danish Veterinary Cancer Registry (DVCR) from May 15th 2005 through February 29th 2008 were included in this study. Fisher's exact test was used to compare proportions of HNC in dogs and humans as well as proportions of surgically treated cases of OMM and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Also the proportions of benign and malignant neoplasms of different locations in dogs were compared using Fisher's exact test.

Results
A total of 1768 cases of neoplasias (679 malignant, 826 benign, 263 unknown) were submitted. Of all neoplasias HNC accounted for 7.2% (n = 128). Of these, 64 (50%) were malignant and 44 (34%) benign. The most common types of malignant neoplasia were SCC (18; 28% of malignant), OMM (13; 20% of malignant), soft tissue sarcoma (11; 17% of malignant) and adenocarcinoma (5; 11% of malignant). The most common types of benign neoplasms were adenoma (7; 16% of benign), polyps (6; 14% of benign) and fibroma (5; 11% of benign).

Conclusions
In the current study, the proportion of neoplasia in the head and neck region in dogs in Denmark was similar to other canine studies and significantly more common than in humans with a large proportion of malignancies. Spontaneous HNC in dogs thus, may serve as a model for HNC in humans.
Canine OMM is a spontaneous cancer in an outbred, immune-competent large mammal population and could be a clinical model for OMM in humans.
The role of renal biopsy in a patient with multiple synchronous cancers: a case report
Authors: Kaprin Andrey , Nesterov Pavel , Fadeev Andrey 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
A 51-year-old male with a long history of tobacco smoking presented to the outpatient clinic with left renal colic. A renal ultrasound revealed a mass in the left kidney. The patient was admitted to surgical clinic of Russian Scientific Center of Roentgen-Radiology of Rosmedtechnology. A renal biopsy and subsequent histopathological tests revealed adenocarcinoma of the right kidney of most likely metastatic origin. This discovery has lead to vigorous diagnostics search for the primary tumor. Finally, the following diagnosis was established: Primarily-multiple synchronous cancer: cancer of the left kidney T1N0M0, cancer of the thyroid gland T2N0M1, metastasis to the right kidney and lungs. The patient had left kidney and thyroid gland removed and was successfully treated with radioiodine therapy. The patient remains alive and well 7 months since his admission to our clinic. We report this case to emphasize the importance of the renal biopsy and thorough histological analysis, which made it possible to diagnose thyroid cancer in this patient.
Argon: Neuroprotection in in vitro models of cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury
Authors: Loetscher Philip D , Rossaint Jan , Rossaint Rolf , Weis Joachim , Fries Michael , Fahlenkamp Astrid , Ryang Yu-Mi , Grottke Oliver , Coburn Mark 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Recently, it has been shown in several experimental settings that the noble gases xenon and helium have neuroprotective properties. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the noble gas argon has a neuroprotective potential as well. Since traumatic brain injury and stroke are widespread and generate an enormous economic and social burden, we investigated the possible neuroprotective effect in in vitro models of traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia.

Methods
Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures from mice pups were subjected to either oxygen-glucose deprivation or to a focal mechanical trauma and subsequently treated with three different concentrations (25, 50 and 74%) of argon immediately after trauma or with a two-or-three-hour delay. After 72 hours of incubation tissue injury assessment was performed using propidium iodide, a staining agent that becomes fluorescent when it diffuses into damaged cells via disintegrated cell membranes.

Results
We could show argon's neuroprotective effects at different concentrations when applied directly after oxygen-glucose deprivation or trauma. Even three hours after application, argon was still neuroprotective.

Conclusions
Argon showed a neuroprotective effect in both in vitro models of oxygen-glucose deprivation and traumatic brain injury. Our promising results justify further in vivo animal research.
Comparison of Multiplex Immunoassay Platforms
Authors: Fu Qin , Zhu Jie , Van Eyk Jennifer E 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Background: Candidate biomarkers discovered with high-throughput proteomic techniques (along with many biomarkers reported in the literature) must be rigorously validated. The simultaneous quantitative assessment of multiple potential biomarkers across large cohorts presents a major challenge to the field. Multiplex immunoassays represent a promising solution, with the potential to provide quantitative data via parallel analyses. These assays also require substantially less sample and reagents than the traditional ELISA (which is further limited by its ability to measure only a single antigen). We have measured the reproducibility, reliability, robustness, accuracy, and throughput of commercially available multiplex immunoassays to ascertain their suitability for serum biomarker analysis and validation.
Methods: Assay platforms MULTI-ARRAY (Meso Scale Discovery), Bio-Plex (Bio-Rad Laboratories), A2 (Beckman Coulter), FAST Quant (Whatman Schleicher & Schuell BioScience), and FlowCytomix (Bender MedSystems) were selected as representative examples of technologies currently used for high-throughput immunoanalysis. All assays were performed according to protocols specified by the manufacturers and with the reagents (diluents, calibrators, blocking reagents, and detecting-antibody mixtures) included with their kits.
Results: The quantifiable interval determined for each assay and antigen was based on precision (CV &lt; 25%) and percentage recovery (measured concentration within 20% of the actual concentration). The MULTI-ARRAY and Bio-Plex assays had the best performance with the lowest limits of detection, and the MULTI-ARRAY system had the most linear signal output over the widest concentration range (105 to 106). Cytokine concentrations in unspiked and cytokine-spiked serum samples from healthy individuals were further investigated with the MULTI-ARRAY and Bio-Plex assays.
Conclusions: The MULTI-ARRAY and Bio-Plex multiplex immunoassay systems are the most suitable for biomarker analysis or quantification.
Biogas Plant Control and Optimization Using Computational Intelligence MethodsBiogasanlagenregelung und -optimierung mit Computational Intelligence Methoden
Authors: Wolf Christian , McLoone Seàn , Bongards Michael 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The optimization of agricultural and industrial biogas plants with respect to external influences and various process disturbances is essential for efficient plant operation. The fact that most biogas plants are manually operated because of a lack of online-measurements and limited knowledge about the anaerobic digestion process makes it necessary to develop new optimization and control strategies. However, the optimization and control of such plants is a challenging problem due to the underlying highly nonlinear and complex digestion processes. One approach to address this challenge is to exploit the flexibility and power of computational intelligence (CI) methods such as Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The use of CI methods in conjunction with a validated plant simulation model, based on the Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1, allows optimization of the substrate feed mix, a key factor in stable and efficient biogas production. Results show that an improvement of up to 20% in biogas production and substrate reduction can be achieved when compared to conventional manual operation.
Elektromagnetische Vibrationswandler — Techniken im Überblick und VergleichElectromagnetic Resonant Vibration Harvesting Devices
Authors: Spreemann Dirk , Folkmer Bernd , Manoli Yiannos 
Published: December 2009

Zusammenfassung
Mittlerweile wird an der Entwicklung elektromagnetischer Vibrationswandler in zahlreichen Forschungs- und Entwicklungseinrichtungen gearbeitet. Dabei kommen zahlreiche Kopplungsarchitekturen zum Einsatz. Dieser Beitrag stellt eine Übersicht internationaler Ergebnisse vor. Anhand von Optimierungsergebnissen wird gezeigt, welche der Architekturen die höchsten Leistungsdichten erzielen. Durch geeignete Wahl der Kopplungsarchitektur kann die Spannung verdoppelt und die Leistung verdreifacht werden. Darüber hinaus werden Ansätze zur Erhöhung der Breitbandigkeit diskutiert, was insbesondere für Anwendungen mit breitem Frequenzspektrum wichtig ist.
Kapazitive Energiewandler zum Aufbau kinetischer VibrationsgeneratorenCapacitive Converters for Design of Kinetic Vibration Harvesters
Authors: Kloub Hussam , Hoffmann Daniel , Folkmer Bernd , Manoli Yiannos 
Published: December 2009

Zusammenfassung
Die Technologie sowie der Stand der Technik kapazitiver Energiewandler zum Aufbau kinetischer Vibrationsgeneratoren werden präsentiert. Dabei wird auf das physikalische Wirkprinzip sowie auf aktuelle Prototypen aus der einschlägigen Literatur eingegangen. Um eine Optimierung kapazitiver Energiewandler mit Hinblick auf eine spezifische Einsatzumgebung vornehmen zu können, wurde ein auf mathematischen Gleichungen basierendes Signalfluss-Modell erstellt. Ziel der Optimierung ist die Maximierung der Effektivität des kapazitiven Energiewandlers. In diesem Zusammenhang wurden zwei Kondensator-Topologien untersucht.
Energiesparende Elektronik für selbstversorgende autarke SystemeLow-Power Electronics in Energy Harvesting Autonomous Systems
Authors: Maurath Dominic , Peters Christian , Hehn Thorsten , Lotze Niklas , Mohammed Sherif A. , Manoli Yiannos 
Published: December 2009

Zusammenfassung
Diese Arbeit befasst sich mit innovativen Schaltungskonzepten für integrierte Gleichrichter und Spannungskonverter für energieautarke Applikationen. Dies umfasst außerdem integrierte Digitalschaltungstechnik im Sub-Threshold-Betrieb und auch leistungseffiziente Funk (RF)-Module für drahtloses Senden und Empfangen. Die Elektronik soll dabei ausschließlich von Mikrogeneratoren, welche durch parasitäre Umgebungseinflüsse angeregt sind, versorgt werden. Da übliche Spannungsamplituden solcher Generatoren sehr vom Konversionprinzip, der baulichen Größe und Anregungstransienten abhängen, wird besonders sowohl auf eine effiziente Gleichrichtung als auch auf geeignete Interface-Schaltungen zur Impedanzanpassung eingegangen. Es werden zunächst generelle Problemstellungen angesprochen, im Weiteren ein Überblick gegeben und konkrete Implementierungsbeispiele aufgezeigt.
Mikroimplantate in der Medizintechnik mit drahtloser Daten- und EnergieübertragungMicro Implants in Medical Technology with Wireless Data and Power Transmission
Authors: Trieu Hoc Khiem , Görtz Michael , Göttsche Thorsten , Osypka Peter 
Published: December 2009

Zusammenfassung
Intelligente Implantate sind implantierbare Mikrosensoren oder Mikroaktoren mit integrierter Signalverarbeitung und drahtloser Datenübertragung. Sie bilden einen unverzichtbaren Bestandteil moderner Diagnostik und Therapie in der Medizin. Während Herzschrittmacher oder Defibrillatoren genügend Raum für eine Batterie bieten, werden Mikroimplantate wie Cochlea-Implantat, Retina-Implantat oder solche zur Überwachung physiologischer Parameter als passive Transponder ausgelegt. Die Energie- und Datenübertragung erfolgt mittels induktiver Kopplung. Für eine störungssichere Informationsübertragung werden die Daten digitalisiert, codiert und mit einer Prüfsumme abgesichert übermittelt. Anhand eines Mikrosensorsystems zur Überwachung des Blutdrucks bei Hypertonikern und eines Mikrostimulatorsystems als Sehprothese für Retinitis-Pigmentosa-Patienten wird das Potenzial der Mikroimplantattechnologie dargestellt.
Principle of the Shortest Way to the Equilibrium State
Authors: Zimmermann Herbert W. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
We investigate the temporal evolution of the entropy S(t) of an isolated system from an initial non-equilibrium state i of entropy Si to the final equilibrium state of maximum entropy Smax > Si . The equations of classical thermodynamics and of phenomenological irreversible thermodynamics are unsuited for handling this problem. Hence, in order to determine S(t), we make use of Hamilton´s principle of mechanics and of the Euler-Lagrange equation of motion, which were adapted to thermodynamics. Now the Lagrangian F(S, P, t) depends on the entropy S, the entropy production P = dS/dt, and the time t. Application of variational calculus leads us straightforward to the time-dependent equations S(t) and P(t), which represent the geodesic line and the geodesic slope on a S,t diagram. Both equations agree with results of former calculations on the basis of quantum thermodynamics. The geodesic line S(t) describes the shortest way of the system from its initial state i to the final equilibrium state. This way is irreversible.
Force and Movement of Non-Osseointegrated Implants: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Flanagan Dennis , Ilies Horea , Lasko Brian , Stack Jeffrey 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Dental implants have enabled a dramatic increase in the quality of life for many partially edentulous and edentulous patents. Immediate loading of newly placed dental implants is a recent advancement that attempts to meet patient demand. However, immediate loading of a just placed implant may induce implant failure to osseointegrate. Some patients can generate a biting force that can reach approximately 1300 Newtons (N) in the posterior jaws. The magnitude of bite force that would cause failure of osseointegration of newly placed implants is currently unknown. It has been proposed that osseointegration would fail if an implant is luxated in bone more than 50 to 150 microns. Fibrous tissue, not bone, would form. This study investigated the quantity of various off-axial forces required to move a nonosseointegrated 4.3 × 13 mm implant 50 microns. The previously published pilot study for this study found that the amount of horizontal force required to displace an implant 50 microns was approximately 150 N. This study found that the force needed to move the implants 100 microns at a horizontal approach, 0 degrees, averaged 50 N, with a range of 23–79 N; at 22 degrees, averaged 52 N, with a range of 27–70 N; and at 60 degrees averaged 87 N, with a range of 33–105 N.