bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bipartite recognition and conformational sampling mechanisms for hydride transfer from nicotinamide coenzyme to FMN in pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase
Authors: Pudney Christopher R. , Hay Sam , Scrutton Nigel S. 
Published: July 2009

Elucidating the origin of substrate and coenzyme specificity has been the focus of much work relating to enzyme engineering. Many enzymes exhibit tight specificity for particular substrates despite a close structural relationship to other nonreactive compounds. This tight specificity is especially remarkable and important biologically for the coenzymes NADH and NADPH. In the present study, we examined the preference of pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase, an ‘old yellow enzyme’ family member, for the coenzymes NADPH over NADH. Using structural and mutagenesis studies, we have previously established that the coenzyme nicotinamide group is the key binding determinant in old yellow enzymes [Khan H et al. (2005)FEBS J272, 4660–4671]. We have now performed detailed transient‐state studies using NAD(P)H and the nonreactive analogues 1,4,5,6‐tetrahydroNAD(P)H [NAD(P)H4], leading us to uncover an additional binding step in the reductive half‐reaction of pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase. We suggest that this initial binding step may primarily reflect binding of the adenine ribophosphate portion of the coenzyme, and that the second step reflects a rearrangement of the nicotinamide. Bipartite recognition, in which the adenine ribophosphate moiety localizes the coenzyme in the active site region, enables subsequent and localized searches of configurational space by the nicotinamide moiety to form the catalytically relevant charge‐transfer complex. We suggest that this localized search contributes to catalytic efficiency via the principle of ‘reduction in dimensionality’.
THE WRONG WAY TO MANDALAY: THE MASSACHUSETTS SELECTIVE PURCHASING ACT AND THE CONSTITUTION
Authors: DHOOGE LUCIENJ 
Published: July 2009

The United States cannot and should not approach the world as fifty states and thousands of municipalities who embark on setting their own foreign policy whenever it suits them.1It's a core principle of democracy that the federal government should not intrude on state powers to spend local tax dollars unless there's an overwhelming federal interest at stake.2
A NATURAL LAW DEFENSE TO THE EMPLOYMENT LAW QUESTION: A RESPONSE TO RICHARD EPSTEIN
Authors: Macdonald James E. , Beck‐Dudley Catyn L. 
Published: July 2009

Every individual is continually exerting himself to find out the most advantageous employment for whatever capital he can demand. It is his own advantage, indeed, and not that of the society which he has in view. But the study of his own advantage naturally, or rather necessarily, leads him to prefer that employment which is most advantageous tothe society.1The modern laborer, … instead of rising with the progress of industry, sinks deeper and deeper below the conditions of existence of his own class. He becomes a pauper, and pauperism develops more rapidly than population and wealth.2Eveyone has the right to work to free choice Of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. Eveyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work. Everyone who works has the right to just and favorable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented if necessary, other means of social protection. Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests. Evereyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holiday with pay.3
Interactions between Fusarium species from sugarcane and the stalk borer, Eldana saccharina (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: McFarlane S.A. , Govender P. , Rutherford R.S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIn this study, beneficial relationships between Fusarium species in sugarcane and the stalk borer, Eldana saccharina (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were demonstrated in vitro. In addition, Fusarium species with antagonistic properties were found to inhabit sugarcane. Attenuated Fusarium isolates from sugarcane stalks collected across the South African sugar industry were incorporated into diet formulated to mass rear E. saccharina. Of the over 200 Fusarium isolates obtained, 10 that significantly improved the survival and development of E. saccharina larvae and considered to be beneficial were selected for further study, as were 10 that were detrimental or antagonistic to the stalk borer. Twelve of the selected isolates were identified as F. sacchari by direct sequencing of translation elongation factor‐1α fragments, eight of which resulted in reduced numbers of surviving larvae and significantly lower larval masses. F. proliferatum isolates resulted in increased survival and mass of E. saccharina and three of the five isolates assigned to the F. pseudonygamai group enhanced E. saccharina development. Results from olfactory choice experiments suggested the production of attractive and repellent metabolites by certain isolates. Findings from this study may offer additional or alternative strategies for managing E. saccharina infestation of sugarcane.
Vitamin D as a Novel Nontraditional Risk Factor for Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Pečovnik‐Balon Breda , Jakopin Eva , Bevc Sebastjan , Knehtl Masa , Gorenjak Maksimiljan 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe examined the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in hemodialysis patients and tested the hypothesis that decreased levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25D) are associated with an increased risk for early all‐cause mortality. One hundred and two patients, 57 (56%) men and 45 (44%) women, mean age 60.5 ± 13.1 years, were included in our study. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels were measured by routine laboratory methods. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) was measured by immunoassay and 25D by enzyme immunoassay. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the serum concentration of 25D: below or above 50 nmol/L. Survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier survival curves. The Cox regression model was used to define potential variables effecting all‐cause mortality. The mean level of 25D in all patients was 58 ± 35.6 nmol/L, 52% of patients had 25D levels >50 nmol/L and 48% had levels of 10.5–50 nmol/L. Compared with men, women were more likely to be 25D deficient (67% vs. 37%; P = 0.005). Patients were observed from the date of laboratory measurement until their death or to a maximum of 730 days. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that mortality in patients was significantly higher in the group with 25D levels ≤50 nmol/L (P < 0.033). With Cox multivariable regression modeling, the PTH level (P < 0.029) turned out to be the only predictor of mortality in our patients. Using the definitions recommended in the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines, we found that our hemodialysis patients on average have vitamin D insufficiency. Our results indicate that patients with 25D levels ≤50 nmol/L are associated with higher all‐cause early mortality.
Intima Media Thickness and Endothelial Function in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Rus Rina , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe purpose of our study was to evaluate the intima‐media thickness (IMT) of the carotid and brachial arteries, flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD), and nitroglycerin‐mediated dilatation (NMD) in diabetic and non‐diabetic hemodialysis patients. We also examined the effects of traditional and other risk factors on carotid and brachial IMT, FMD and NMD in all hemodialysis patients. Fifty‐eight adult hemodialysis patients, 14 of whom had diabetes, were studied. They had been on hemodialysis for 1–340 months. Using B‐mode ultrasonography, we measured the carotid and brachial IMT, FMD and NMD, and correlated the values with cardiovascular risk factors. FMD and NMD were significantly lower in diabetic patients (FMD 4.01 ± 0.99 vs. 6.69 ± 2.37 mm; NMD 9.1 ± 1.95 vs. 11.23 ± 2.86 mm), while no such differences were found between the two groups with respect to carotid or brachial IMT. In all patients with respect to age a positive correlation was found with carotid and brachial IMT, and a negative one with FMD and NMD. With respect to hypertension as well as diabetes, a negative correlation was found with FMD and NMD. Age is the most important factor that significantly affected all studied markers of atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients. The endothelial and smooth vascular functions are significantly impaired in diabetic and hypertensive hemodialysis patients, and hypertension is shown to be an independent risk factor for smooth vascular dysfunction in hemodialysis patients. According to our results, intensive antihypertensive treatment is recommended in hypertensive chronic hemodialysis patients.
Guillain–Barré Syndrome Treated by Membrane Plasma Exchange and/or Immunoadsorption
Authors: Marn Pernat Andreja , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Švigelj Viktor , Ponikvar Rafael 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIn this report, we evaluate the success of immunoadsorption and plasma membrane exchange treatment in patients with severe Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), and describe one case successfully treated by immunoadsorption after failure of plasma exchange therapy. Nineteen severely paralyzed GBS patients, aged 14–76 years, who were treated between 1998 and 2008, were retrospectively studied. They underwent 161 immunoadsorption and 119 plasma exchange procedures. In severe GBS, 4–30 immunoadsorption and 5–31 plasma exchange sessions were needed. Among 16 patients on mechanical ventilation, 11 recovered from disability completely, while in one patient mild muscle weakness persisted after one year. One patient suffered from ischemic stroke, two patients died after weaning from mechanical ventilation. One death was believed to be procedure‐unrelated, the other patient died from sepsis. Four patients were lost to follow‐up. We treated a 14‐year‐old, mechanically‐ventilated patient using two different apheresis methods. After failure of 31 membrane plasma exchanges over 34 days, the patient was then switched to the immunoadsorption apheresis method, receiving seven sessions in 15 days. He no longer required assisted ventilation and recovered from the disability completely. A high number of immunoadsorption as well as membrane plasma exchange treatments can be safely and effectively applied in severe GBS patients. Our patients often needed, and were provided with, more than the currently arbitrarily accepted four apheresis sessions before good clinical recovery was achieved. For non‐responders to plasma exchange treatment, immunoadsorption may be the first‐line therapy.
Treatment of Hyperlipidemic Acute Pancreatitis With Plasma Exchange: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: Gubenšek Jakob , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Marn‐Pernat Andreja , Kovač Janko , Knap Bojan , Premru Vladimir , Ponikvar Rafael 
Published: July 2009

AbstractOf the cases of acute pancreatitis, 1–7% are caused by severe hypertriglyceridemia and can be treated with plasma exchange (PE). We report on a large series of patients with acute hyperlipidemic pancreatitis (HLP) treated with PE. In the 1992–2008 period, 50 patients (45 ± 8 years old, 92% male) with acute HLP were treated with PE, during which 1–2 plasma volumes were exchanged. Heparin was used as anticoagulant in 85% of the procedures, and citrate in the rest. Cholesterol and triglycerides were measured before and after PE. In the 2003–2008 cohort of 40 patients, we retrospectively recorded an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score at the first PE session, hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay. A total of 79 PE treatments were done, 1–5 per patient. The volume exchanged was 4890 ± 1300 mL over a duration of 3.5 ± 2 h. During the first PE, the triglycerides were lowered from 58.9 ± 40.8 to 10.8 ± 10.8 mmol/L, and the total cholesterol was lowered from 20.0 ± 7.6 to 5.7 ± 4.3 mmol/L. In 10% of the procedures the plasmafilter was replaced, and in 3% the filter was clotted. Hypotension occurred in 3% of PE and there was one case of gastrointestinal bleeding after PE with heparin anticoagulation. In the 2003–2008 cohort, the median APACHE II score was 5 (range 0–15), the median overall hospital stay was 18 days (range 3–142 days) and the hospital mortality was 15%. To conclude, in acute hyperlipidemic pancreatitis, one to two plasma exchanges effectively reduce the serum triglyceride level. There is a low rate of procedure‐related complications. A mortality rate of 15% is considerable.
Membrane Plasma Exchange for the Treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Marn Pernat Andreja , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Kovač Janko , Knap Bojan , Premru Vladimir , Benedik Miha , Varl Janez , Škofic Nataša , Gubenšek Jakob , Kersnič Boštjan , Ponikvar Rafael 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe aim of our report is to present our 11‐year experience with therapeutic membrane plasma exchange therapy for the treatment of idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura syndrome (TTP). In 56 patients, membrane plasma exchange therapy was initiated immediately and performed once or twice daily until the platelet count normalized. During each plasma exchange procedure, 1–1.5 plasma volumes (3606 ± 991 mL) were replaced with fresh frozen plasma. In 37 females and 19 males (44 ± 21 years), 1066 plasma exchange procedures were performed. The average duration of treatment was 23 ± 17 days. The average number of plasma exchanges was 19 ± 17 per patient. Renal impairment was detected in 36% of patients. At the initiation of plasma exchange treatment, the average platelet count was 31 ± 30 × 109/L and reached 199 ± 95 × 109/L thereafter. Fifty‐two of 56 (93%) patients demonstrated an excellent response to plasma exchange therapy, of whom 48 patients (86%) attained complete remission with a platelet count of more than 100 × 109/L. Four patients died soon after the initiation of plasma exchange therapy, when only 1–3 procedures had been performed. During the follow‐up period, six patients with complete remission had 1–5 subsequent relapses each year. One of them died of acute hemolytic reaction during the tapering of plasma exchange procedures. Three patients underwent additional splenectomy. Our experience with primary TTP supports the plasma exchange treatment with fresh frozen plasma as a mandatory, up‐to‐date therapy. Close monitoring during all 1066 procedures showed no serious side‐effects.
Hemodialysis Catheters With Citrate Locking in Critically Ill Patients With Acute Kidney Injury Treated With Intermittent Online Hemofiltration or Hemodialysis
Authors: Škofic Nataša , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Kovač Janko , Premru Vladimir , Knap Bojan , Marn Pernat Andreja , Kersnič Boštjan , Gubenšek Jakob , Ponikvar Rafael 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to compare the long‐term catheter‐related complications associated with temporary untunneled hemodialysis catheters, locked with citrate in the interdialysis period, inserted in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury, between different catheter insertion sites (femoral vs. jugular and subclavian) and catheter types (single‐lumen [SL] vs. double‐lumen [DL]). In a retrospective clinical study, the long‐term catheter‐related complications in 290 critically ill patients treated with intermittent high‐volume online hemofiltration or hemodialysis between December 2004 and January 2008 were analyzed. Among 534 inserted catheters, 493 (92.3%) were femoral, 29 (5.4%) jugular, and 12 (2.3%) subclavian; 304 (56.9%) were SL and 230 (43.1%) were DL. There were 125 (20.3/1000 catheter days [c.d.]) thrombotic complications, while infectious complications were exceptionally rare, that is, only 13 (2.1/1000 c.d.), of which 10 (1.6/1000 c.d.) were possible catheter‐related bloodstream infections and 3 (0.5/1000 c.d.) exit‐site infections. The incidence rate of all thrombotic complications was significantly lower in all jugular and subclavian vs. all femoral catheters (7.7/1000 c.d. vs. 21.8/1000 c.d., P = 0.01), and in all SL vs. DL catheters (11.4/1000 c.d. vs. 32.2/1000 c.d., P < 0.001). The incidence rate of any possible catheter‐related bloodstream and exit‐site infections was not significantly different in all jugular and subclavian vs. all femoral catheters, neither in femoral SL vs. DL catheters. The major long‐term catheter‐related complications were thrombotic, and significantly more frequent in DL vs. SL catheters. Infectious complications were exceptionally rare, most probably due to the strict catheter care protocol, as well as the routine use of a citrate catheter lock and antibiotic ointment at the catheter exit‐site.
Surgical Salvage of Thrombosed Native Arteriovenous Fistulas for Hemodialysis by Interventional Nephrologists
Authors: Ponikvar Rafael 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this retrospective clinical study with prospective data collection was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis after surgical thrombectomy performed by surgically skilled interventional nephrologists. In 111 hemodialysis patients (66 men [59%], aged 59 ± 16 [20–87] years), acute thrombosis of the native forearm or arm AVF occurred. The primary patency before thrombosis was 4.0 ± 4.7 years (range 1.2–28). Thrombectomies were performed as outpatient procedures under local anesthesia (2% lidocaine), using microsurgical instruments and magnifying glasses. The total number of surgical procedures was 128–91 thrombectomies with reanastomosis and 37 thrombectomies alone. In a few cases, angioplasty with stenting and “jump grafts” were used (because of outflow stenosis). The time between thrombosis and surgery was 3.7 ± 8.6 days (range 0–64), and the number of surgeries to maintain secondary patency was 1.15 ± 0.47 (range 1–4). The immediate success rate was 93.8% (120/128); 7/8 of failures were in the “thrombectomy alone” group. The post‐interventional secondary patency rate at one year was 68%, and in the “thrombectomy with reanastomosis” and “thrombectomy alone” subgroups it was 73% and 54%, respectively. A better outcome with thrombectomy and reanastomosis was achieved in the AVF with perianastomotic stenosis. It seems that intima‐media thickening of a new anastomosis was less pronounced because of previous remodeling of the fistula vein. Surgical salvage of a thrombosed AVF performed by an interventional nephrologist was shown to be a safe procedure, significantly prolonging AVF function and avoiding hemodialysis catheter insertion in many cases. Thrombectomy with reanastomosis was more successful than simple thrombectomy.
Slovenian Renal Replacement Therapy Registry: Excerpts From the 2006 Annual Report
Authors: Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka ,   Slovenian Renal Replacement Therapy Registry Group
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe total number of end‐stage renal disease patients treated by renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Slovenia on 31 December 2006 was 1835, that is, 913 per million population (pmp). Of these patients, 1271 (69%) were treated by hemodialysis, 102 (6%) by peritoneal dialysis, and 461 (25%) had a functioning kidney graft. Two hundred and forty‐nine incident patients, 124 pmp (at day one), started RRT: median age 66 years, 60% men, 30.5% diabetics. Of the hemodialysis patients, 77% were dialyzed in hospital and 23% in private dialysis centers. Hemodiafiltration was used in 38% of the hemodialysis patients. The vascular accesses were native arteriovenous fistulas in 84%, polytetrafluoroethylene grafts in 5%, and hemodialysis catheters in 11% of patients. The crude death rate of dialysis patients was 14.7%, of transplant recipients 1.35%, of both dialysis and transplant patients 11.4%. The number of patients positive for hepatitis B or C viruses is stable and low at 2.3% of the dialysis patients.
Global Sensitivity Analysis Techniques for Probabilistic Ground Water Modeling
Authors: Mishra Srikanta , Deeds Neil , Ruskauff Greg 
Published: July 2009

AbstractGlobal sensitivity analysis techniques are better suited for analyzing input‐output relationships over the full range of parameter variations and model outcomes, as opposed to local sensitivity analysis carried out around a reference point. This article describes three such techniques: (1) stepwise rank regression analysis for building input‐output models to identify key contributors to output variance, (2) mutual information (entropy) analysis for determining the strength of nonmonotonic patterns of input‐output association, and (3) classification tree analysis for determining what variables or combinations are responsible for driving model output into extreme categories. These techniques are best applied in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulation‐based probabilistic analyses. Two examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of these methods. The usefulness of global sensitivity techniques is examined vis‐a‐vis local sensitivity analysis methods, and recommendations are provided for their applications in ground water modeling practice.
Current state and perspectives of producing biodiesel‐like compounds by biotechnology
Authors: Uthoff Stefan , Bröker Daniel , Steinbüchel Alexander 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe global demand for crude oil is expected to continue to rise in future while simultaneously oil production is currently reaching its peak. Subsequently, rising oil prices and their negative impacts on economy, together with an increased environmental awareness of our society, directed the focus also on the biotechnological production of fuels. Although a wide variety of such fuels has been suggested, only the production of ethanol and biodiesel has reached a certain economic feasibility and volume, yet. This review focuses on the current state and perspectives of biotechnological production of biodiesel‐like compounds. At present by far most of the produced biodiesel is obtained by chemical transesterification reactions, which cannot meet the demands of a totally ‘green’ fuel production. Therefore, also several biotechnological biodiesel production processes are currently being developed. Biotechnological production can be achieved by purified enzymes in the soluble state, which requires cost‐intensive protein preparation. Alternatively, enzymes could be immobilized on an appropriate matrix, enabling a reuse of the enzyme, although the formation of by‐products may provide difficulties to maintain the enzyme activity. Processes in presence of organic solvents like t‐butanol have been developed, which enhance by‐product solubility and therefore prevent loss of enzyme activity. As another approach the application of whole‐cell catalysis for the production of fatty acid ethyl esters, which is also referred to as ‘microdiesel’, by recombinant microorganisms has recently been suggested.