bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) isolates from faeces of small ruminants and environmental samples in southern Jordan
Authors: Tarawneh Khaled A. , Al‐Tawarah Nafe' M. , Abdel‐Ghani Adel H. , Al‐Majali Ahmed M. , Khleifat Khaled M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of VTEC in slaughtered sheep and goats and to evaluate the contamination rate of VTEC in slaughterhouses and butchers' shops in southern Jordan. 201 E. coli isolates from animals' faecal samples and 33 E. coli isolates from slaughterhouse/butcher shop samples were characterized by multiplex PCR (mPCR) reaction for detection of stx1, stx2, eae A and E‐hly A virulent genes. Twenty‐six virulent E. coli isolates were characterized by mPCR to seven different virulent patterns: stx1, stx1+stx2, stx1+eae A, stx1+E‐hly A, stx1+eae A+E‐hly A, eae A and E‐hly A. It was found that VTEC comprised 6.4% and 21% of the total E. coli isolates from slaughtered small ruminants and slaughterhouses/ butchers' shops, respectively. The VTEC comprised 76.2% of the virulent isolates. The proportion of stx1:stx1+stx2 patterns was 19:1. It was found that the characterized complex VTEC (containing eae A and/or E‐hly A) possessed three virulence patterns, including (VTEC) stx1 +eae A, (VTEC/EHEC) stx1 +E‐hly A and (VTEC/EHEC) stx1 +eae A +E‐hly A in percentages of 30%, 25% and 10%, respectively, in relation to the total VTEC isolates. Only two VTEC isolates were characterized as E. coli O157 and O26 serotypes, as highly pathogenic strains. Each of the O157 and O26 VTEC isolates was in a percentage of 0.4% in relation to the total E. coli isolates with virulent patterns stx1, eae A and E‐hly A. The rest of the VTEC isolates were non‐O157 VTEC. The antibiotic sensitivity test showed that the isolated VTEC was highly sensitive to gentamicin and co‐trimoxazole and highly resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diterpenoids of macromycetes
Authors: Shen Jin‐Wen , Ruan Yuan , Ma Bing‐Ji 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis review surveys the chemical and biological literature dealing with the isolation, structure elucidation and bioactivity of diterpenoids from the fruiting bodies of macromycetes, concentrating on work that has appeared in the literature up to December 2007. In addition, this paper examines the research of diterpenoids produced by macromycetes grown in mycelial culture and the culture conditions for the fermentation of macromycetes. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate synthase mutation on the metabolism of Ensifer (formerly Sinorhizobium) meliloti
Authors: Povolo Silvana , Casella Sergio 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn order to investigate the effect of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate synthase mutation (phbC) on the synthesis of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and glycogen, on the symbiotic properties and on the survival under specific conditions of Ensifer meliloti (formerly Sinorhizobium), a new stable phbC mutant of Ensifer meliloti 41 was isolated and characterized.Under poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate accumulation conditions, the phbC ‐minus mutant (strain 41003) accumulates more glycogen and less exopolysaccharides as compared to the wild‐type strain, and grows poorly in pyruvate as carbon source. The inactivation of aniA, encoding for a global carbon flux regulator, restores in E. meliloti 41003 the ability to grow on pyruvate, indicating a new role for this gene. Survival studies of E. meliloti 41 and 41003 under carbon free medium in both liquid and soil microcosms showed prolonged survival of E. meliloti 41 under these adverse conditions as compared to the mutant strain unable to accumulate the polyester. On the other hand, the accumulation of P(3HB) gave no significant advantage in survival under oxygen‐limiting conditions. In both strains, E. meliloti 41 and 41003, nodule‐inducing ability on alfalfa plants and acetylene reduction activity did not significantly differ from each other, although the mutant strain was less competitive in terms of root colonization. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization and identification of Geobacillus spp. isolated from Soldhar hot spring site of Garhwal Himalaya, India
Authors: Sharma Avinash , Pandey Anita , Shouche Yogesh S , Kumar Bhavesh , Kulkarni Girish 
Published: November 2008

Abstract13 morphologically distinct strains of thermophilic bacteria isolated from a hot spring site in Garhwal region of Indian Himalaya have been characterized and identified using phenotypic and genotypic characters. All the strains developed circular to irregular colonies between 2–3 mm on Tryptone Yeast extract (TY) agar plates at 65 °C following 24–36 h incubation. In TY broth, facultative bacterial growth was observed within 12–16 h of incubation at 65 °C. The bacterial strains could tolerate a temperature range between 40–45 °C to 85–90 °C (optimum 65–70 °C) and pH between 4–11 (optimum 6–8). The cell morphology varied from short to long rods arranged in single, diplobacilli (in V or L shape) or short or long spiral chains with coiling. The bacterial strains varied in respect of their biochemical tests conducted for various enzymes, fermentation of sugars, tolerance to antibiotics and salt. Based on the 16S rRNA analysis, 11 strains showed maximum similarity with Geobacillus stereothermophilus, one strain with G. kaustophilus and one with Geobacillus sp. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Functional perfusion MRI predicts later occurrence of steroid‐associated osteonecrosis: An experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Sheng Hui , Zhang Ge , Wang Yi‐Xiang , Yeung David Ka‐Wai , Griffith James Francis , Leung Kwok‐Sui , Qin Ling 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIschemia is the defined pathway leading to steroid‐associated osteonecrosis (ON). Early detection of ischemic condition may help predict later ON occurrence. Bone marrow perfusion function evaluation by perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be a unique modality for this application. Twenty‐five adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and methylprednisolone (MPS) were administrated for ON induction based on a published protocol. T1‐weighted and fat suppression T2‐weighted MR imaging (conventional MRI) were performed for ON lesion detection based on the abnormal signal in the proximal femora at week 0 as the baseline (before LPS injection), and week 1 and week 2 after MPS injection. At the same time, the blood perfusion function in the proximal femora was measured by perfusion MRI. Maximum enhancement (ME)—an index of MRI perfusion function was analyzed. After MRI scanning, the proximal femora were prepared histopathologically for ON lesion analysis. The rabbit with bilateral histopathological ON lesions was defined as an ON+ rabbit and included in the ON+ group evaluated at week 1 and week 2, respectively, and the rabbit without ON lesions in bilateral femora was classified into the ON− group. For the underlying mechanism of perfusion change, the extravascular marrow fat cells were measured and the intravascular endothelium inflammation injury indicator of tissue factor (TF) expression and thrombus formation were detected. In ON+ group, ME in perfusion MRI showed a significant decrease at week 1 and week 2 as compared with the baseline (p < 0.01). There was a more than 50% decrease in ME at week 1 in ON+ group; whereas there were no detectable ON lesions by conventional MRI at week 1, though 93% (14/15) rabbits could be detected at week 2 in ON+ group. In ON− group, ME showed a slight decrease at week 1 (less than 30%), and nearly recovered to normal at week 2 as compared with the baseline. Histological results showed a much larger average marrow fat area and more severe marrow blood sinusoids compression from surrounding crowded fat cells, and stronger positive TF expression in marrow endothelium and more thrombus formation in ON+ rabbits than ON− rabbits. This study demonstrated that functional perfusion MRI could predict development of steroid‐associated ON. Our experimental data suggested that perfusion MRI might be a sensitive noninvasive modality for monitoring steroid‐associated ON in patients. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 742–747, 2009
Nucleus pulposus explant culture model
Authors: Feng Gang , Wan Yuqing , Shen Francis H. , Li Xudong 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMany of the therapeutic interventions for intervertebral disc degeneration attempt to repopulate the nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue; however, NP cells are heterogeneous and not well characterized. To address this, we have investigated the morphology, extracellular gene and protein expression, and apoptosis changes in NP explants cultured in vitro with or without chondrogenic reagents for different periods. We also compared the susceptibility of the explants to different treatments by comparing: treatment of NP explants with GDF5 protein, transfection of NP explants with GDF5 plasmid, and infection of NP explants with GDF5 adenovirus vector. We found that expression levels of two of the major extracellular proteins found in NP tissue, that is, collagen II and aggrecan, could be maintained in an NP explant culture model with a chondrogenic medium up to 7 days, and were significantly higher than that of fresh NP tissue after 14 days of culture in vitro, whether or not chondrogenic medium was used. In addition, the NP explant responded to treatment with growth factor, and could be infected by virus and transfected by plasmid for further evaluation of growth factor gene therapy. NP explant culture could therefore provide an easy in vitro culture model to characterize NP cells and evaluate potential therapeutic reagents. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 814–819, 2009
Chondrocyte death in mechanically injured articular cartilage—the influence of extracellular calcium
Authors: Amin Anish K. , Huntley James S. , Bush Peter G. , Simpson A. Hamish R. W. , Hall Andrew C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCalcium is thought to be an important regulator of chondrocyte death associated with articular cartilage injury. Our objective was to determine the influence of extracellular calcium on chondrocyte death following mechanical injury. Using a surgically relevant model of sharp mechanical injury (with a scalpel) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), in situ chondrocyte death was quantified within the full thickness of articular cartilage as a function of medium calcium concentration and time (2.5 h and 7 days). Exposure of articular cartilage to calcium‐free media (∼0 mM) significantly reduced superficial zone chondrocyte death after mechanical injury compared with exposure to calcium‐rich media (2–20 mM, ANOVA at 2.5 h, p = 0.002). In calcium‐rich media, although the extent of chondrocyte death increased with increasing medium calcium concentration, cell death remained localized to the superficial zone of articular cartilage over 7 days (ANOVA, p < 0.05). However, in calcium‐free media, there was an increase in chondrocyte death within deeper zones of articular cartilage over 7 days. The early (within hours) chondroprotective effect in calcium‐free media suggests that the use of joint irrigation solutions without added calcium may decrease chondrocyte death from mechanical injury during articular surgery. The delayed (within days) increase in chondrocyte death in calcium‐free media supports the use of calcium supplementation in media used during cartilage culture for tissue engineering or transplantation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 778–784, 2009
Sex differences in coupled knee motions during the transition from non‐weight bearing to weight bearing
Authors: Shultz Sandra J. , Beynnon Bruce D. , Schmitz Randy J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractKnee ligament injuries frequently happen when the joint transitions from non‐weight bearing (NWB) to weight bearing (WB). To gain insight into the mechanism that produces these injuries, physically active females (N = 41) and males (N = 39) underwent measurement of coupled tibiofemoral joint displacements [anterior tibial translation (ATT) and varus–valgus and internal–external rotations] and neuromuscular responses as the knee transitioned from NWB to WB in response to a 40% body weight load applied under the control of gravity. The transition from NWB to WB produced no difference in ATT between males and females; however, significant sex‐based differences were noted for both transverse and frontal plane knee motions. With the knee NWB, females were in a greater absolute valgus compared to males (6.6 vs. 5.0°), and moved through greater varus motion than males during the transition from NW to WB (2.3 vs. 1.4°), resulting in similar valgus alignment for both sexes at peak WB (4.3 vs. 3.6°). In the transverse plane, the knees of females were positioned in more external rotation compared to males when NWB (1.4 vs. −0.3°), then females externally rotated their knees while males internally rotated their knees during the transition from NWB to WB. This resulted in a 3.4° difference in transverse plane knee position at peak WB (2.3 vs. −1.1°). Our findings suggest that the coupled knee motions produced during the transition from NWB to WB are sex dependent, and may provide insight into the knee motion patterns that place females at increased risk of knee ligament injury. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 717–723, 2009
Activated platelets increase fibrinolysis of mesenchymal progenitor cells
Authors: Agis Hermann , Kandler Barbara , Fischer Michael B. , Watzek Georg , Gruber Reinhard 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBone regeneration is initiated by the formation of a blood clot. Activated platelets within this fibrin‐rich matrix release signaling molecules that can attract mesenchymal progenitor cells. To gain insight into the cellular mechanism by which activated platelets can support the immigration of mesenchymal progenitors, we have tested the hypothesis that platelet‐released signaling molecules increase the capacity of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) to activate plasminogen. We report herein that platelet‐released supernatants (PRS) elevate total urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) and total plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) levels in BMSC, as assessed by immunoassay. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed an upregulation of uPA, uPA receptor, and PAI‐1. Zymography and kinetic analysis based on casein hydrolysis revealed enhanced activity of cell‐associated uPA upon exposure of BMSC to PRS. Inhibiting c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) signaling reduced uPA production and decreased plasminogen activation. Corresponding Western blot analysis showed increased phosphorylation of JNK and AKT in BMSC treated with PRS. These results suggest that activated platelets can enhance the plasminogen activation capacity of mesenchymal progenitors through the stimulation of uPA production, requiring JNK and PI3K/AKT signaling. By this mechanism platelets may contribute to the organization of the blood clot during bone regeneration. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 972–980, 2009
Effects of dietary humate supplementation on performance, egg quality and egg yolk fatty acid composition in layers
Authors: Macit Muhlis , Celebi Saban , Esenbuga Nurinisa , Karaca Hatice 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of humate on performance, egg quality and egg yolk fatty acid (FA) composition in laying hens.RESULTS: Six hundred and thirty White Lohmann layers at 46 weeks of age were assigned randomly to seven groups, each with 18 replicate cages of five hens. Control diet (C) and C supplemented with 0.10 (H1), 0.15 (H2), 0.20 (H3), 0.25 (H4), 0.30 (H5) and 0.35 (H6) wt% humate were offered for 25 weeks. Humate supplementation improved performance variables and egg quality indices including shape index, yolk colour, albumen index, yolk index and Haugh unit, but not specific gravity, shell strength and shell thickness. Average feed intake (g), egg production (%), egg weight (g) and feed efficiency for the groups were 118.9, 87.2, 68.1 and 2.07 (C), 118.8, 87.7, 66.3 and 2.08 (H1), 119.3, 89.8, 66.6 and 2.03 (H2), 119.5, 88.9, 66.9 and 2.05 (H3), 118.3, 86.5, 66.9 and 2.11 (H4), 119.3, 90.6, 66.9 and 2.02 (H5) and 123.6, 88.5, 66.1 and 2.16 (H6) respectively. Palmitoleic acid concentration increased from 4.34% (C) to 7.65% (H5) and stearic acid concentration decreased from 7.39% (C) to 5.39% (H6) of total FA.CONCLUSION: Dietary humate supplementation improved performance, inner egg quality parameters and egg yolk fatty acid composition. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Texture and colour properties of proteins recovered from whole gutted silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) using isoelectric solubilisation/precipitation
Authors: Taskaya Latif , Chen Yi‐Chen , Beamer Sarah , Jaczynski Jacek 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: According to an FAO report, carp are the cheapest and by far the most commonly consumed fish in the world. Carp have minimal growth requirements, yet rapid growth rates. Although carp are generally considered unsuitable for human consumption in the USA, they have rapidly started populating major bodies of fresh water in the USA to the extent that commercial processing becomes of interest. However, typical mechanical means of meat recovery from carp are impractical owing to the bony nature of the carp carcass. Therefore the aim of the present study was to devise processing strategies to recover fish meat from carp that could be used in the development of human food products.RESULTS: Isoelectric solubilisation/precipitation at acidic and basic pH values was applied to whole gutted silver carp. Depending on the solubilisation pH, protein and fat recovery yields were approximately 420–660 and 800–950 g kg−1 respectively. The process effectively removed impurities such as bones, scales, skin, fins, etc. from whole gutted carp. The proteins were concentrated to approximately 900 g kg−1, while the fat was reduced by 970–990 g kg−1. Functional additives (potato starch, beef plasma protein, transglutaminase and polyphosphate) improved (P < 0.05) the texture of carp protein‐based gels such that it was generally comparable to the texture of Alaska pollock surimi gels. Although titanium dioxide improved (P < 0.05) the whiteness of carp gels, it was lower (P < 0.05) than the whiteness of Alaska pollock surimi gels.CONCLUSION: Isoelectric solublisation/precipitation allows protein and lipid recovery from whole gutted carp. However, if the proteins are used as a gelling ingredient in fish food products, functional additives are recommended. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Evolution of plant water status indices during butterhead lettuce growth and its impact on post‐storage quality
Authors: Barg Mónica , Agüero María V , Yommi Alejandra , Roura Sara I 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:The stage of maturity of perishable commodities has an important bearing on their quality and shelf‐life. Lettuce is a highly perishable vegetable whose quality and shelf‐life are influenced not only by its water content but also by its water status. The purpose of this study was to analyse the evolution of water status indices (relative water content, water content, free water, bound water and free water/total water ratio) during lettuce growth, their behaviour after storage (7 days at 0–2 °C and 97–99% relative humidity) and how they impact visual quality. To accomplish these objectives, several harvests were gathered (at different maturity stages) and water status indices and visual quality were analysed in both fresh and stored lettuces.RESULTS:As harvests were gathered in a more advanced state of maturity, a tendency of diminishment in the differences between values of outer and inner leaves was observed for all water status indices. Lettuces were able to retain high indices after storage only at final development stages. Sensory quality was higher in lettuces harvested at final development stages. Consequently, optimal maturity from the point of view of physiology and quality coincided with optimal weight and size for harvesting.CONCLUSION:The stage of maturity at harvest affected the sensory quality of lettuces, those harvested at later stages being the ones that best maintained their quality attributes after storage. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Purification and structural elucidation of a novel fucoglucan from the fruiting bodies of Phellinus baumii Pilát
Authors: Ge Qing , Zhang Anqiang , Sun Peilong 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Recently, much attention has focused on the biological properties of fungal polysaccharides. Polysaccharides extracted from Phellinus baumii Pilát are reported to have antitumor and immunostimulatory properties, as well as anti‐mutagenicity activity, hypoglycemic and free radical scavenging properties. In this paper, we report the chemical and structural characterization of a novel neutral polysaccharide isolated from the fruiting bodies of P. baumii Pilát.RESULTS: PBF4, a purified polysaccharide, was isolated from the fruiting bodies of P. baumii Pilát, and was shown to be composed of L‐fucose and D‐glucose in a ratio of 1:4. It was found to be a fucoglucan consisting of a α‐(1 → 4)‐D‐glucopyranose backbone with some insertions of α‐(1 → 2)‐L‐Fucp residues. It also contained a minor β‐(1 → 4,6)‐linked D‐glucopyranosyl and β‐glycosidically linked nonreducing‐end D‐glucopyranosyl residues.CONCLUSION: Our results add a new polysaccharide to those already described for different fungal groups. This kind of polysaccharide is useful for further study of the structure–function relationships and mechanism responsible for its biological activities. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Two‐photon stereolithography for realizing ultraprecise three‐dimensional nano/microdevices
Authors: Park S.‐H. , Yang D.‐Y. , Lee K.‐S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTwo‐photon stereolithography (TPS) provides many advantages for achieving two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) micrometer‐scale polymeric, ceramic and metallic structures applicable to complicated optical and neo‐electronic microdevices. In the fabrication of high‐resolution 3D microstructures, TPS has significant advantages over conventional microelectromechanical system (MEMS) processing, which involves time‐consuming multistep indirect fabrication processes. Many studies have recently been made to develop and improve the TPS process, focusing on creating greater efficiency, higher resolution, and greater productivity, which are essential requirements of a practical TPS process. For the first time, an artistic microstructure has recently been successfully produced with an ultraprecise spatial resolution, sub‐30 nm nanofibers, 3D multilayer imprint stamps for mass production, and ceramic 3D microstructures. In this review, we report the progress of two‐photon polymerization based on 3D microfabrication, including the results obtained from the original research. This report is presented in three sections: improvement of resolution, precise design schemes, and applications of 3D microstructures.