bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations and determinants of antibiotic consumption in Hungarian adult intensive care units
Authors: Benkő Ria , Matuz Mária , Pető Zoltán , Bogár Lajos , Viola Réka , Doró Péter , Soós Gyöngyvér , Hajdú Edit 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTPurposeThe aim of this work was to study the use of systemic antibacterials and its possible determinants in Hungarian intensive care units (ICUs).MethodsHospital pharmacy. departments provided package level dispensing data for their corresponding ICU (2006). Data were converted into defined daily doses (DDDs) and expressed as DDD per 100 patient‐days and DDD per 100 admissions. Antibiotics were ranked by volume of DDDs, and the agents responsible for 90% of total use (DU90%) were noted. To explore differences and relationships between antibiotic use and antibiotic policy elements/ICU characteristics, the analysis of variances or the Pearson correlation analysis was performed.ResultsValid data were obtained for 44 ICUs. Antibiotic use varied widely (from 27.9 to 167.8 DDD per 100 patient‐days and from 104.7 to 1784.6 DDD per 100 admissions). In total, 11–34 different antibacterials per ICUs were used, of which, 5–15 were in the DU90% segment. The proportional use of parenteral agents ranged from 46.2 to 98.3%. The mean of overall antibiotic use was highest for penicillins with beta‐lactamase inhibitors, followed by quinolones and third‐generation cephalosporins. Of the studied factors, only the ICU category (i.e., level of care) showed significant association with total antibacterial use.ConclusionsThe striking differences in total antibiotic use and the extensive use of the oral agents in some ICUs may indicate room for improvement. As none of the antibiotic policy elements were accompanied by lower antibiotic use in the pooled analysis, it suggests that—beside the ICU category—other unrevealed factors determine antibiotic use. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tailoring toughness of injection molded bar of polypropylene random copolymer through processing melt temperature
Authors: Luo Feng , Wang Ke , Wang Jinwen , Deng Hua , Zhang Qin , Chen Feng , Fu Qiang , Na Bing 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn this study, a facile route to realize the superior toughness of injection molded polypropylene random copolymer (PPR) is reported. The toughness of PPR is increased about twofold when the processing melt temperature increases from 180 to 250 °C. Systematic and detailed structural characterizations have been carried out to establish the structure–property relationships by using polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, infrared microscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis. It is found that increasing the melt temperature is beneficial for the coalescence of rubbery domains and enhanced molecular mobility which are mainly responsible for the improvement in toughness. Other factors, such as molecular orientation, crystallinity and so on, seem to have little effect. The vital role of enhanced molecular mobility in improving toughness is further demonstrated by the annealing of injection molded samples at elevated temperature, i.e. 110 °C. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Dielectric relaxation phenomena and dynamics in polyoxymethylene/polyurethane/alumina hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Psarras Georgios C , Siengchin Suchart , Karahaliou Panagiota K , Georga Stavroula N , Krontiras Christoforos A , Karger‐Kocsis József 
Published: July 2011

AbstractTernary hybrid composites composed of polyoxymethylene (POM), polyurethane (PU) and boehmite alumina nanoparticles were produced by melt blending with and without latex pre‐compounding. PU latex pre‐compounding was employed for the fine dispersion of both the PU and alumina particles within the POM matrix. In this study the electrical properties of the POM/PU/boehmite alumina nanocomposites were examined by means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy over a wide temperature (−100 to 150 °C) and frequency (10−1 to 106 Hz) range. Data were analysed by means of the electric modulus formalism. The recorded relaxations include contributions from both polymers and the inorganic reinforcing phase. In the ternary hybrid systems five distinct relaxation processes were detected. Relaxations were assigned and interpreted by considering the morphology of the corresponding composite. In particular, they were attributed to the γ‐mode of POM and/or of PU, the α‐mode of PU, the α‐mode of POM and to the interfacial polarization process. Finally, the dynamics of all the recorded processes are examined and discussed. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of protein expression in bovine bronchoalveolar fluid following challenge with Mannheimia haemolytica
Authors: Boehmer Jamie L. , DeGrasse Jeffrey A. , Lancaster Vicki A. , McFarland Melinda A. , Callahan John H. , Ward Jeffrey L. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractProteomics analysis of bovine bronchoalveolar fluid (BAF) following induction of pneumonia with Mannheimia haemolytica using nanoflow liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC‐MS/MS) resulted in the identification of 88 unique proteins. Proteins detected in BAF included antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), complement factors, acute‐phase proteins, protease inhibitors, and proteins involved in oxidation–reduction. Notwithstanding biological variation, differences in relative protein abundance, determined using normalized peptide counts, were detected for select proteins in BAF from genuinely infected versus sham‐infected animals. To demonstrate the applicability of using normalized peptide counts to assess protein expression trends, LC‐MS/MS data for the acute‐phase protein haptoglobin (HPT) were compared with ELISA data, and statistical evaluation of the relationship between the data revealed a strong measure of association. Differences were detected between sham‐ and genuinely infected animals for haptoglobin, as well as the AMPs cathelicidin‐1 and cathelicidin‐4, and inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain‐4, a fairly novel protein involved in the acute phase response. Though the small sample size limited the scope of the inferences, the results indicate the likely importance of AMPs and acute‐phase proteins during respiratory infection, and provide additional information regarding potential mechanisms involved in the bovine mucosal barrier defense.
Dietary phytoestrogen supplementation induces sex differences in the myocardial protein pattern of mice: A comparative proteomics study
Authors: Schwab Karima , Neumann Boris , Vignon‐Zellweger Nicolas , Fischer Andreas , Stein Robert , Jungblut Peter R. , Scheler Christian , Theuring Franz 
Published: July 2011

AbstractElevated cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women and beneficial actions of estrogen replacement in animal models have been related to protective effects of estrogens. However, randomized trials of hormone replacement therapy with synthetic estrogens in humans failed confirmation and phytoestrogens, natural plant hormones with agonistic properties for estrogen receptors, could represent potential alternatives. The aim of the present study is to characterize an animal model for alternative hormone replacement with genistein as a natural estrogenic compound. We performed a 2‐DE/ESI‐LC‐MS approach in order to identify protein species varying with genistein receipt and sex in their relative abundance in the healthy murine heart (http://www.mpiib‐berlin.mpg.de/2D‐PAGE). Oral genistein treatment revealed a substantial effect on the relative abundance of both estrogen receptors. Several enzymes of the fatty acid metabolism and their transcriptional regulators varied differentially in male and in female animals, at the transcript and/or the protein species level. Increased levels of enzyme species involved in the oxidative phosphorylation and generation of ROS were accompanied by decreased amounts of antioxidants in male mice receiving genistein compared with control males, which have been previously associated with various pathological conditions. Exposure of female animals to genistein provoked an increased abundance of two species of LIM domain‐binding protein and one species of desmin. These proteins have been associated with cardiac hypertrophy and our data warrant caution for the use of them as molecular markers, since the animals did not exhibit any histological signs of cardiac hypertrophy.
A reference map of the membrane proteome of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Maddalo Gianluca , Chovanec Peter , Stenberg‐Bruzell Filippa , Nielsen Hailyn V. , Jensen‐Seaman Michael I. , Ilag Leopold L. , Kline Kimberly A. , Daley Daniel O. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractEnterococcus faecalis is a gram‐positive bacterium that is part of the indigenous microbiotica of humans and animals as well as an opportunistic pathogen. In this study, we have fractionated the membrane proteome of E. faecalis and identified many of its constituents by mass spectrometry. We present blue native‐/SDS‐PAGE reference maps that contain 102 proteins. These proteins are important for cellular homeostasis, virulence, and antibiotic intervention. Intriguingly, many proteins with no known function were also identified, indicating that there are substantial gaps in the knowledge of this organism's biology. On a more limited scale, we also provide insight into the composition of membrane protein complexes. This study is a first step toward elucidating the membrane proteome of E. faecalis, which is critical for a better understanding of how this bacterium interacts with a host and with the extracellular milieu.
Functional analysis of the sortase YhcS in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Fasehee Hamidreza , Westers Helga , Bolhuis Albert , Antelmann Haike , Hecker Michael , Quax Wim J. , Mirlohi Agha F. , van Dijl Jan Maareten , Ahmadian Gholamreza 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSortases of Gram‐positive bacteria catalyze the covalent C‐terminal anchoring of proteins to the cell wall. Bacillus subtilis, a well‐known host organism for protein production, contains two putative sortases named YhcS and YwpE. The present studies were aimed at investigating the possible sortase function of these proteins in B. subtilis. Proteomics analyses revealed that sortase‐mutant cells released elevated levels of the putative sortase substrate YfkN into the culture medium upon phosphate starvation. The results indicate that YfkN required sortase activity of YhcS for retention in the cell wall. To analyze sortase function in more detail, we focused attention on the potential sortase substrate YhcR, which is co‐expressed with the sortase YhcS. Our results showed that the sortase recognition and cell‐wall‐anchoring motif of YhcR is functional when fused to the Bacillus pumilus chitinase ChiS, a readily detectable reporter protein that is normally secreted. The ChiS fusion protein is displayed at the cell wall surface when YhcS is co‐expressed. In the absence of YhcS, or when no cell‐wall‐anchoring motif is fused to ChiS, the ChiS accumulates predominately in the culture medium. Taken together, these novel findings show that B. subtilis has a functional sortase for anchoring proteins to the cell wall.
Controlled surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide from risedronate‐anchored hydroxyapatite nanocrystals: Novel synthesis of biodegradable hydroxyapatite/poly(L‐lactide) nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Jie , Chen Wei , Deng Chao , Meng Fenghua , Zhong Zhiyuan 
Published: July 2011

AbstractRisedronate‐anchored hydroxyapatite (HA‐RIS) nanocrystals were prepared with 4.1 wt % RIS and used for controlled surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of L‐lactide (L‐LA). The strong adsorption of RIS to HA surface not only led to enhanced dispersion of HA nanocrystals in water as well as in organic solvents but also provided alkanol groups as active initiating species for ROP of L‐LA. HA‐RIS was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic light scattering, 1H NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and X‐ray diffraction. The graft polymerization of L‐LA onto HA‐RIS took place smoothly in the presence of stannous octoate in toluene at 120 °C, resulting in HA/poly(L‐LA) nanocomposites with high yields of 85–90% and high poly(L‐LA) contents of up to 97.5 wt %. Notably, differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed that the poly(L‐LA) in HA/poly(L‐LA) nanocomposites exhibited considerably higher melting temperatures (Tm = 173.3−178.1 °C) and higher degrees of crystallinity (Xc = 41.0−43.1%) as compared to poly(L‐LA) homopolymer (Tm = 168.5 °C, Xc =25.7%). In addition, our initial results showed that these HA/poly(L‐LA) nanocomposites could readily be electrospun into porous matrices. This study presented a novel and controlled synthetic strategy to HA/RIS/poly(L‐LA) nanocomposites that are promising for orthopedic applications as well as for bone tissue engineering. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
New moderate bandgap polymers containing alkoxysubstituted‐benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole and thiophene‐based units
Authors: Lim Zheng Bang , Xue Bofei , Bomma Swarnalatha , Li Hairong , Sun Shuangyong , Lam Yeng Ming , Belcher Warwick J. , Dastoor Paul C. , Grimsdale Andrew C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAlkoxysubstituted benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole electron accepting units were prepared and copolymerized with various thiophene‐based electron donating monomers to produce new low bandgap polymers P1–4. The materials showed broad absorption in the range from 300 to 700 nm with bandgaps below 2 eV in solution. Efficiencies of over 1% were obtained from photovoltaic cells using P4 with PCBM as acceptor. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Co‐administration of piperine and docetaxel results in improved anti‐tumor efficacy via inhibition of CYP3A4 activity
Authors: Makhov Peter , Golovine Konstantin , Canter Daniel , Kutikov Alexander , Simhan Jay , Corlew Melany M. , Uzzo Robert G. , Kolenko Vladimir M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUNDDocetaxel is the mainline treatment approved by the FDA for castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) yet its administration only increases median survival by 2–4 months. Docetaxel is metabolized in the liver by hepatic CYP3A4 activity. Piperine, a major plant alkaloid/amide, has been shown to inhibit the CYP3A4 enzymatic activity in a cell‐free system. Thus, we investigated whether the co‐administration of piperine and docetaxel could increase docetaxel's pharmacokinetic activity in vitro and in vivo.METHODSLiver CYP3A4 enzymatic activity was measured by fluorescence. In vivo docetaxel pharmacokinetic activity was analyzed by liquid chromatography. An in vivo xenograft model of human CRPC was utilized to assess the anti‐tumor effect of docetaxel when co‐administered with piperine.RESULTSInhibition of hepatic CYP3A4 activity resulted in an increased area under the curve, half‐life and maximum plasma concentration of docetaxel when compared to docetaxel alone administration. The synergistic administration of piperine and docetaxel significantly improved the anti‐tumor efficacy of docetaxel in a xenograft model of human CRPC.CONCLUSIONSDocetaxel is one of the most widely used cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents and is currently the mainstay treatment for metastatic CRPC. Dietary constituents are important agents modifying drug metabolism and transport. In our studies, dietary consumption of piperine increases the therapeutic efficacy of docetaxel in a xenograft model without inducing more adverse effects on the treated mice. Prostate 72:661–667, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring the mechanical integrity of heat exchangers
Authors: Utne I. B. , Brurok T. , Larsen S. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractMonitoring the mechanical integrity (MI) of offshore oil and gas facilities is important. It enables early fault detection of emerging failure conditions and allows more time for planning and preparing remedial actions, which reduces revenue losses resulting from unnecessary and poorly coordinated maintenance actions. Static equipment, such as heat exchangers, constitutes crucial parts of offshore processing facilities. Heat exchangers are challenging to maintain, especially in ageing facilities, and major maintenance problems are the result of (a) poor designs, (b) poor utilization of process information, (c) poor interpretation of results, and (d) poor development and management of high‐quality maintenance and MI programs. This article addresses the most important technological, human and organizational challenges concerning monitoring of MI of shell and tube heat exchangers, and discusses recommendations for future improvements. A good MI program benefits the operation and maintenance of heat exchangers, and will lead to improved safety and reduced costs. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2011
New technology for inspecting critical in‐plant piping systems
Authors: Widrig James R. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractInspection and fitness‐for‐service (FFS) of critical in‐plant piping systems remains an ongoing concern for the chemical industry. Recent failures in the US indicate that there is a present and severe risk in piping systems. Historically, unpiggable in‐plant piping can now be inspected with advanced smart pigging technology for complete ultrasonic inspection. High‐resolution inspection data is analyzed to identify the locations and degree of corrosion and piping deformations. This article discusses current industry experience with the inspection and assessment of in‐plant piping systems using advanced smart pigging technology.Utilizing more advanced inline inspection and assessment technology helps operators reduce inspection costs associated with difficult‐to‐inspect pipelines and piping systems; reduce maintenance costs by more accurately pinpointing anomalies and assessing FFS conditions; and accurately determine the actual conditions for lines previously deemed unpiggable. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2011
Absorption, translocation and metabolism of metamitron in Chenopodium album
Authors: Aper Jonas , Mechant Els , Rubin Baruch , Heyerick Arne , Callebaut Gert , Mangelinckx Sven , Deforce Dieter , De Kimpe Norbert , Bulcke Robert , Reheul Dirk 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: In recent years, common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) populations from sugar beet fields in different European countries have responded as resistant to the as‐triazinone metamitron. The populations have been found to have the same D1 point mutation as known for atrazine‐resistant biotypes (Ser264 to Gly). However, pot experiments revealed that metamitron resistance is not as clear‐cut as observed with triazine resistance in the past. The objectives of this study were to clarify the absorption, translocation and metabolic fate of metamitron in C. album.RESULTS: Root absorption and foliar absorption experiments showed minor differences in absorption, translocation and metabolism of metamitron between the susceptible and resistant C. album populations. A rapid metabolism in the C. album populations was observed when metamitron was absorbed by the roots. The primary products of metamitron metabolism were identified as deamino‐metamitron and metamitron‐N‐glucoside. PABA, known to inhibit the deamination of metribuzin, did not alter the metabolism of metamitron, and nor did the cytochrome P450 inhibitor PBO. However, inhibition of metamitron metabolism in the presence of the cytochrome P450 inhibitor ABT was demonstrated.CONCLUSION: Metamitron metabolism in C. album may act as a basic tolerance mechanism, which can be important in circumstances favouring this degradation pathway. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Site factors and management influence short‐term host resistance to spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), in a species‐specific manner
Authors: Fuentealba Alvaro , Bauce Éric 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: This study examined the interactions between thinning and soil drainage classes on the resistance of balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) Mill, white spruce, Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, and black spruce, P. mariana (Mill.) BSP, to spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), defoliation 1 year after treatment. To estimate host tree resistance, foliage production and larval foliage consumption were determined to generate an index of resistance quantifying the amount of residual foliage available for photosynthesis after insect defoliation.RESULTS: Significant interactions on tree resistance and foliage chemistry were detected between thinning and soil drainage in balsam fir. Drainage class affected spruce budworm performance, foliar chemistry and balsam fir resistance to spruce budworm, whereas no effect was found in white spruce. Thinning had a significant effect on the foliar chemistry of balsam fir and white spruce, but no effect on black spruce.CONCLUSION: Thinning reduced balsam fir resistance to spruce budworm defoliation. This response is due to increased defoliation linked to reduction in concentrations of certain monoterpenes, and a decrease in foliage production, except on hydric drainage, demonstrating the importance of drainage class to tree resistance. The results suggest that the use of Bacillus thuringiensis might be required when conducting stand thinning during spruce budworm outbreaks. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Ar ion bombardment modification of Pd–Au/MWCNTs catalyst surfaces studied by electron spectroscopy
Authors: Lesiak B. , Stobinski L. , Kövér L. , Tóth J. , Kurzydłowski K. J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe Pd–Au multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) supported catalyst prepared by polyol method was found to be catalytically active material in direct formic acid fuel cell electrooxidation reaction and during cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. The surface of the catalyst after calcination and reduction treatments was investigated previously. The effect of Ar ion bombardment modification on the calcinated catalyst was studied by electron spectroscopy. The chemical and structural changes were deduced from the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray excited Auger electron spectroscopy (XAES) spectra. The XPS quantitative and qualitative analysis of different chemical forms of atoms indicated that the sputtering causes an increase of Pd surface content, accompanied by decreasing content of N, O, C sp2, and Au (due to preferential sputtering of Au) and significant increase of C sp3 amount. A decrease was also observed in the surface content of (i) carboxyl groups, (ii) water, and (iii) Pd oxide (mainly less stable PdO2). Analysis of XPS inelastic background shape by QUASES indicates that Pd crystallites phase is covered by PdOx + Camorphous overlayer of decreasing thickness after sputtering. Namely, thickness of PdOx overlayer decreased from 8.2 to 3.5 nm and the thickness of amorphous carbon overlayer located on the top increased from 2.3 to 3.5 nm. Significant increase of C sp3 content results from carbon nanotube (CNT) π bonds damaging, whereas decrease of PdO2 content from lower stability of PdO2. Larger thickness of Camorphous overlayer, in contrary to PdOx, may result from higher preferential sputtering of oxygen than carbon atoms and cracking of the MWCNTs structure by Ar+ ions.