bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melanization of flavonoids by fungal and bacterial laccases
Authors: Fowler Zachary L. , Baron Christopher M. , Panepinto John C. , Koffas Mattheos A. G. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractLaccase activity in plants results in the formation of a number of brown pigments, often referred to as tannins. Laccase‐dependent pigment production is also catalogued in numerous fungal and bacterial species. The laccase of the haploid yeast Cryptococcus neoformans forms melanin‐like pigmentation outside the cell wall in the presence of exogenous substrates. While this process is a contributing factor to its virulence in humans, the evolutionary intent for the laccase function remains a mystery. We show here that C. neoformans and Bacillus subtilis have the ability to create melanin‐like pigments from a variety of flavonoid molecules across a range of conformations, preferring those with 3′,4′‐dihydroxylations. Since flavonoids are ubiquitous plant molecules and often‐considered antimicrobial agents, we postulate that they are the intended natural targets of laccase activity and result in the formation of a defensive melanin‐like coat. These results suggests a new mechanism by which flavonoid‐melanin formation may occur, using not only A‐ and C‐ring linkages, but also monomer links through the B‐ring of the flavonoid structure. We also show that resveratrol and other non‐ and mono‐hydroxylated polyphenol substrates have the ability to restrict pigment formation and may be potent inhibitors of laccase activity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous peripheral nerve blocks in acute pain management
Authors: Mariano Edward R. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractContinuous peripheral nerve block techniques offer many benefits for the surgical patient in terms of target‐specific pain control and avoidance of opioid‐related side effects. There are many acceptable techniques for perineural catheter placement and infusion management, and practitioners are encouraged to obtain specialized training to develop a consistent practice and ensure patient safety. Emerging technology in ultrasound guidance may offer advantages in perineural catheter insertion accuracy and procedural efficiency. Various infusion devices are available that permit delivery of a basal rate and patient‐controlled bolus for use in the event of breakthrough pain. A successful outpatient continuous peripheral nerve block program should include thorough patient education, detailed written instructions, daily telephone follow‐up, and contact information for a healthcare provider familiar with these techniques who can answer questions and intervene when necessary.
Transforaminal or translaminar approach for dorsal root ganglion and dorsal nerve root. Anatomical reason for technique decision
Authors: Reina Miguel A. , De Andrés José A. , Hernández José M. , Prats‐Galino Alberto , Machés Fabiola , Peláez Jesús 
Published: October 2010

AbstractRadiculopathy is probably one of the most frequent types of pain seen in Pain Clinics. Invasive techniques such as transforaminal or translaminar injections are used when other conservative methods have failed. In these procedures, medication such as corticosteroids and local anaesthetics are injected next to the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal nerve root.The decision to use one or another approach depends on factors such as the region to treat (cervical, dorsal or lumbar), the characteristics and the cause of the pain.In this study we review the anatomical and histological aspects that can influence the decision to use each of these techniques for the treatment of radicular pain.We describe the morphology of the intervertebral foramen, its dimensions and the vascular supply of spinal cord and intervertebral foramen.We also analyze ultrastructural details that may help understand the role of spinal nerve root cuffs and other structures such as capillaries and fat that plays an important role on the spread of substances injected in the epidural space and in transforaminal blockade.This review includes a microscopic analysis of the corticosteroids used and in some cases related to the complications published.
Automated Immunomagnetic Processing and Separation of Legionella Pneumophila with Manual Detection by Sandwich ELISA and PCR Amplification of the ompS Gene
Authors: Reidt Ulrich , Geisberger Beatrice , Heller Christoph , Friedberger Alois 
Published: October 2010

The culture-independent and automated detection of bacteria in the environment is a scientific and technological challenge. For detection alone, a number of sensitive methods are known (e.g., PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], fluorescent in situ hybridization) but a major problem remaining is the enrichment and separation of the bacteria that usually occur at low concentrations. Here, we present an automated capturing and separation system, which can easily be combined with one of the sensitive detection techniques. We have developed a method for enrichment and detection of Legionella pneumophila in liquid media. Concentrated microorganisms were either detected by PCR or by sandwich ELISA. The limit of detection with the immunological assay was about 750 bacteria. Using PCR, the equivalent of about 2000 genomes could be detected. The assays were then transferred to a laboratory prototype for automated processing. It was possible to automatically enrich L. pneumophila by immunomagnetic separation (IMS), and again, the bacteria were detected by sandwich ELISA and PCR amplification of the ompS gene. As a novel aspect, ompS gene was used for the first time as a target for the detection of L. pneumophila on magnetic beads. The aim of this work was to develop an automated procedure and a device for IMS of bacteria. With Legionella as a model organism, we could show that such a novel fully automated system can be an alternative to timeconsuming conventional cultivation methods for detecting bacteria or other microorganisms.
Prävention auf Bundesebene – Das Nationale Zentrum Frühe Hilfen (NZFH) zur Prävention von Kindesmisshandlung und -vernachlässigung
Authors: Paul Mechthild , Backes Jörg 
Published: October 2010

Einleitung
Gerade Eltern von kleinen Kindern sollen unterstützt werden, damit sie ihre Erziehungsaufgaben kompetent wahrnehmen können. Fachkräfte sowie Bezugs- und Betreuungspersonen können eine ergänzende oder sogar kompensatorische Rolle einnehmen, wenn Eltern an ihre Grenzen kommen oder gar überfordert sind. Hier sieht sowohl die Kinder- und Jugendhilfe als auch das Gesundheitswesen die Notwendigkeit Eltern ggf. noch frühzeitiger zu unterstützen. Daher wurden regional und bundesweit systemübergreifende Programme zu Frühen Hilfen eingeführt.
A debate on magnetic current: the troubled Einstein–Ehrenhaft correspondence
Authors: SANTOS GILDO MAGALHÃES 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe unconventional correspondence between physicists Albert Einstein and Felix Ehrenhaft, especially at the height of the alleged production by the latter of magnetic monopoles, is examined in the following paper. Almost unknown by the general public, it is sometimes witty, yet it can be pathetic, and certainly bewildering. At one point the arguments they exchanged became a poetic duel between Einstein and Ehrenhaft's wife. Ignored by conventional Einstein biographies, this episode took place during the initial years of the Second World War, but was rooted in disputes dating back to the early years of the twentieth century. The interesting intersection of a series of scientific controversies also highlights some aspects of the personal dramas involved, and after so many years the whole affair in itself is still intriguing.
Development of nutritional iron deficiency in growing male rats: haematological parameters, iron bioavailability and oxidative defence
Authors: Alférez María J. M. , Díaz-Castro Javier , López-Aliaga Inmaculada , Rodríguez-Ferrer María , Pérez-Sánchez Luis Javier , Campos Margarita S. 
Published: October 2010

Despite Fe deficiency having been widely studied, the sequence of events in its development still remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effects of nutritional Fe-deficiency development on haematological parameters, Fe bioavailability and the enzymes involved in oxidative defence in recently weaned male Wistar albino rats. Control (C) and Fe-deficient (ID) groups were fed the AIN-93 G diet with a normal Fe level (45 mg/kg diet) or with a low Fe level (5 mg/kg diet), respectively, for 20, 30 or 40 d. At day 20 serum Fe, serum ferritin and the saturation of transferrin decreased drastically, decreasing further in the course of Fe-deficiency development for the saturation of transferrin. The development of Fe deficiency did not affect plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance production, or catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in erythrocyte cytosol. Fe deficiency diminished hepatic Fe content and CAT and GPx activities in hepatic cytosol only at day the 20. However, in spite of the minor Fe deposits in the brain of ID rats, the CAT and GPx activities in the brain cytosolic fraction did not differ in any of the studied periodsv.control rats. These results show that brain is a tissue that does not seem to depend on Fe levels for the maintenance of antioxidant defence mechanisms in the course of nutritional Fe deficiency.
The fat and protein fractions of freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) extract reduce serum cholesterol and enhance bile acid biosynthesis and sterol excretion in hypercholesterolaemic rats fed a high-cholesterol diet
Authors: Chijimatsu Takeshi , Umeki Miki , Okuda Yuji , Yamada Koji , Oda Hiroaki , Mochizuki Satoshi 
Published: October 2010

We investigated whether the fat and protein fractions of freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) extract (FCE) could ameliorate hypercholesterolaemia in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. We also explored the mechanism and the components that exert the hypocholesterolaemic effect of FCE. The doses of the fat and protein fractions were equivalent to those in 30 % FCE. The fat and protein fractions of FCE, two major components of FCE, significantly reduced the serum and hepatic cholesterol levels. The fat fraction more strongly reduced serum cholesterol levels than the same level of total FCE. The excretion of faecal neutral sterols increased in rats fed the total the FCE and the fat fraction of FCE. On the other hand, faecal bile acid levels were greater in rats fed the total FCE and the fat and protein fractions of FCE than in control animals. The hepatic gene expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter G5 and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase was up-regulated by the administration of the total FCE and both the fat and protein fractions of FCE. These results showed that the fat and protein fractions of FCE had hypocholesterolaemic properties, and that these effects were greater with the fat fraction than with the protein fraction. The present study indicates that FCE exerts its hypocholesterolaemic effects through at least two different mechanisms, including enhanced excretion of neutral sterols and up-regulated biosynthesis of bile acids.
Sexual size dimorphism, sex ratio and the relationship between seasonality and water quality in four species of Gordiida (Nematomorpha) from Catamarca, Argentina
Authors: Salas L. , De Villalobos C. , Zanca F. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA total of 687 adult nematomorphs of four species of Gordiida:Chordodes brasiliensis(393 specimens),Noteochorododes cymatium(47 specimens),N. talensis(162 specimens) andPseudochordodes dugesi(85 specimens) were collected during a period of 1 year from El Simbolar stream, Argentina. Free-living worms were abundant during autumn and spring, but their number decreased during winter and summer. Males were shorter and significantly more abundant than females. The presence ofN. cymatium,N. talensisandP. dugesiwas correlated with water temperature and these species were most abundant in winter and spring. The presence ofC. brasiliensiswas correlated with flow rate and pH; this species was more abundant in autumn and winter. These four species are sympatric.
Presence of individual (residual) symptoms during depressive episodes and periods of remission: a 3-year prospective study
Authors: Conradi H. J. , Ormel J. , de Jonge P. 
Published: October 2010

BackgroundResidual depressive symptomatology constitutes a substantial risk for relapse in depression. Treatment until full remission is achieved is therefore implicated. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the prevalence of (1) residual symptoms in general and (2) the individual residual symptoms in particular.MethodIn a 3-year prospective study of 267 initially depressed primary care patients we established per week the presence/absence of the individual DSM-IV depressive symptoms during subsequent major depressive episodes (MDEs) and episodes of (partial) remission. This was accomplished by means of 12 assessments at 3-monthly intervals with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI).ResultsIn general, residual depressive symptomatology was substantial, with on average two symptoms present during remissions. Three individual symptoms (cognitive problems, lack of energy and sleeping problems) dominated the course of depression and were present 85–94% of the time during depressive episodes and 39–44% of the time during remissions.ConclusionsResidual symptoms are prevalent, with some symptoms being present for almost half of the time during periods of remission. Treatment until full remission is achieved is not common practice, yet there is a clear need to do so to prevent relapse. Several treatment suggestions are made.
Solving a paradox against concrete-composite Christology: a modified hylomorphic proposal
Authors: LOKE ANDREW 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA paradox adapted from the well-known ‘paradox of increase’ has been formulated against composite Christology in recent literature. I argue that concrete-composite Christologists can reply by denying the premise that the pre-incarnate divine nature=the Second Person of the Trinity. This denial can be made by modifying a hylomorphic theory of individuals. Using an analogy from material coinciding objects, this modified theory provides an illuminating account of how a person can gain (or lose) parts over time but remain numerically identical, and it demonstrates that concrete nature and person are not the same thing.
Potential ammonia emissions from penguin guano, ornithogenic soils and seal colony soils in coastal Antarctica: effects of freezing-thawing cycles and selected environmental variables
Authors: Zhu Renbin , Sun Jianjun , Liu Yashu , Gong Zhijun , Sun Liguang 
Published: October 2010

AbstractVery little attention has been paid to quantifying ammonia (NH3) emissions from Antarctic marine animal excreta. In this paper, penguin guano and ornithogenic soils from four penguin colonies and seal colony soils were collected in coastal Antarctica, and laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate potential NH3emissions and effects of environmental factors on NH3fluxes. Ammonia fluxes were extremely low from the frozen samples. Significantly enhanced NH3emissions were observed following thawing. The mean fluxes were 7.66 ± 4.33 mg NH3kg-1h-1from emperor penguin guano, 1.31 ± 0.64 mg NH3kg-1h-1from Adélie penguin guano and 0.33 ± 0.39 mg NH3kg-1h-1from seal colony soils during the thawing period. Ammonia emissions from penguin guano were higher than those from ornithogenic soils during freezing-thawing cycles (FTCs). The temperature, pH, total nitrogen (TN) and drying-wetting conversion had an important effect on NH3fluxes. For the first time, we provide a quantitative relationship between NH3flux and temperature, TN and pH. Our results show that marine animal excreta and ornithogenic soils are significant NH3emission sources. In coastal Antarctica, FTC-induced NH3emissions might account for a large proportion of annual flux from marine animal colonies due to high freezing-thawing frequency.
Foraminiferal, calcareous algal and problematica assemblages from the Mississippian Lower Limestone Formation in the Midland Valley, Scotland
Authors: Cózar Pedro , Somerville Ian D. , Burgess Iain 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTForaminiferal, algal and problematica assemblages from the Mississippian (late Viséan and early Serpukhovian) Lower Limestone Formation have been studied in order to validate lithostratigraphical correlations of limestones within the central and western parts of the Midland Valley of Scotland. Analysis of more than 100 outcrops allows recognition of four calcareous microfossil assemblages, which span the late Brigantian and early Pendleian, and enables a detailed correlation to be made within the Central Coalfield (north Lanarkshire) and with the thinner sequences to the west (north Ayrshire), to the south (Douglas area, south Lanarkshire), and to the east (Bathgate area, West Lothian). The age of the Lower Limestone Formation is modified because the upper part of this formation is now assigned to the Pendleian (due to the first occurrences of new foraminiferans and the co-occurrence with the Namurian goniatites), and some individual limestone horizons within the formation are repositioned, or their precise correlation with other limestones is established. A refined stratigraphical framework is proposed for the above noted areas, and a correlation between them and the Pennine region in northern England is proposed, passing through the Archerbeck Borehole sequence in the Scottish Borders.
Late Ordovician (Katian) brachiopods from the Southern Uplands of Scotland: biogeographic patterns on the edge of Laurentia
Authors: Candela Yves , Harper David A. T. 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTSome 40 brachiopod species are known from the localities of Kilbucho and Wallace’s Cast in the Kirkcolm Formation in the Northern Belt of the Southern Uplands of Scotland. The fauna is diverse despite the relatively small numbers of brachiopod specimens (c. 180) available for study. Much of the fauna was transported downslope and is locally preserved in obtrution deposits. It represents a broad census of outer shelf and upper slope palaeocommunities around this part of the Laurentian margin during the early Katian, and is dominated by relatively small plectambonitoid brachiopods. When compared with other circum-Iapetus assemblages, the brachiopods from the Southern Uplands compare most closely with those from the Bardahessiagh Formation, Pomeroy, Northern Ireland, rather than with adjacent, well-known faunas from the Girvan district, SW Scotland. These new data suggest that this part of the Southern Uplands was located in closer proximity to Pomeroy than Girvan, and located in deep-water environments similar to those in the upper parts of the Bardahessiagh Formation.
†Henningsmoenicaris scutula, †Sandtorpia vestrogothiensis gen. et sp. nov. and heterochronic events in early crustacean evolution
Authors: Haug Joachim T. , Maas Andreas , Waloszek Dieter 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTA detailed account of the morphology and ontogeny of the late Middle Cambrian crustacean †Henningsmoenicaris scutula is presented. Ten successive ontogenetic stages could be recognised in the material collected from various localities in Sweden. Morphogenetic changes include the development of a pair of stalked lateral eyes and the increase in the number and size of appendages and their setal armature. Notably, early stages lack ‘proximal endites’ on all post-antennular appendages; such a spine-bearing endite has previously been thought to appear simultaneously on these limbs. In †H. scutula a single functional endite appears on the third limb in an advanced stage; an additional endite appears on the second limb and, subsequently, further endites appear on more posterior limbs. Furthermore, a single specimen of †Sandtorpia vestrogothiensis gen. et sp. nov. is described. Based on this new information and data of other ‘Orsten’ taxa, particularly those assigned already to the early evolutionary lineage of Crustacea, a small-scale computer-based phylogenetic analysis was performed. This resolved the basal branchings of Crustacea s. l. as follows: †Oelandocarididae (=†Oelandocaris oelandica+†H. scutula+†S. vestrogothiensis)+(†Cambropachycopidae (=†Goticaris longispinosa+†Cambropachycope clarksoni)+ (†Martinssonia elongata+Labrophora (=†Phosphatocopina+Eucrustacea))). Plotting ontogenetic data on the phylogram and comparing the ground pattern at every node led to the detection of three peramorphic heterochronic events in the evolutionary lineage towards Eucrustacea.
Morphology and systematics of the Pennsylvanian amphibian Platyrhinops lyelli (Amphibia: Temnospondyli)
Authors: Clack J. A. , Milner A. R. 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTThe morphology of the amphibamid temnospondyl amphibian Platyrhinops lyelli from the Middle Pennsylvanian of Linton, Ohio is reassessed from previously described and undescribed specimens. Newly reported or newly significant features include the presence of bicuspid marginal teeth, anteriorly widened frontals, elongate choanae, a broad rhomboidal sphenethmoid and a pair of flattened blade-like ceratohyals. One specimen shows an unusual distribution of tooth sizes along the premaxillaries. No derived characters can be found to justify reference of the species lyelli to the genus Amphibamus as represented by its type species A. grandiceps, but Platyrhinops does belong to the ‘Amphibamus branch’ of the Amphibamidae.
Isolation of circulating tumor cells using a microvortex-generating herringbone-chip
Authors: Stott Shannon L. , Hsu Chia-Hsien , Tsukrov Dina I. , Yu Min , Miyamoto David T. , Waltman Belinda A. , Rothenberg S. Michael , Shah Ajay M. , Smas Malgorzata E. , Korir George K. , Floyd Frederick P. , Gilman Anna J. , Lord Jenna B. , Winokur Daniel , Springer Simeon , Irimia Daniel , Nagrath Sunitha , Sequist Lecia V. , Lee Richard J. , Isselbacher Kurt J. , Maheswaran Shyamala , Haber Daniel A. , Toner Mehmet 
Published: October 2010

Rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) present in the bloodstream of patients with cancer provide a potentially accessible source for detection, characterization, and monitoring of nonhematological cancers. We previously demonstrated the effectiveness of a microfluidic device, the CTC-Chip, in capturing these epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-expressing cells using antibody-coated microposts. Here, we describe a high-throughput microfluidic mixing device, the herringbone-chip, or “HB-Chip,” which provides an enhanced platform for CTC isolation. The HB-Chip design applies passive mixing of blood cells through the generation of microvortices to significantly increase the number of interactions between target CTCs and the antibody-coated chip surface. Efficient cell capture was validated using defined numbers of cancer cells spiked into control blood, and clinical utility was demonstrated in specimens from patients with prostate cancer. CTCs were detected in 14 of 15 (93%) patients with metastatic disease (median = 63 CTCs/mL, mean = 386 ± 238 CTCs/mL), and the tumor-specific TMPRSS2-ERG translocation was readily identified following RNA isolation and RT-PCR analysis. The use of transparent materials allowed for imaging of the captured CTCs using standard clinical histopathological stains, in addition to immunofluorescence-conjugated antibodies. In a subset of patient samples, the low shear design of the HB-Chip revealed microclusters of CTCs, previously unappreciated tumor cell aggregates that may contribute to the hematogenous dissemination of cancer.