bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated Sampling Procedure for Metabolome Analysis
Authors: Schaub Jochen , Schiesling Carola , Reuss Matthias , Dauner Michael 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMetabolome analysis, the analysis of large sets of intracellular metabolites, has become an important systems analysis method in biotechnological and pharmaceutical research. In metabolic engineering, the integration of metabolome data with fluxome and proteome data into large‐scale mathematical models promises to foster rational strategies for strain and cell line improvement. However, the development of reproducible sampling procedures for quantitative analysis of intracellular metabolite concentrations represents a major challenge, accomplishing (i) fast transfer of sample, (ii) efficient quenching of metabolism, (iii) quantitative metabolite extraction, and (iv) optimum sample conditioning for subsequent quantitative analysis. In addressing these requirements, we propose an integrated sampling procedure. Simultaneous quenching and quantitative extraction of intracellular metabolites were realized by short‐time exposure of cells to temperatures ≤95 °C, where intracellular metabolites are released quantitatively. Based on these findings, we combined principles of heat transfer with knowledge on physiology, for example, turnover rates of energy metabolites, to develop an optimized sampling procedure based on a coiled single tube heat exchanger. As a result, this sampling procedure enables reliable and reproducible measurements through (i) the integration of three unit operations into a one unit operation, (ii) the avoidance of any alteration of the sample due to chemical reagents in quenching and extraction, and (iii) automation. A sampling frequency of 5 s−1and an overall individual sample processing time faster than 30 s allow observing responses of intracellular metabolite concentrations to extracellular stimuli on a subsecond time scale. Recovery and reliability of the unit operations were analyzed. Impact of sample conditioning on subsequent IC‐MS analysis of metabolites was examined as well. The integrated sampling procedure was validated through consistent results from steady‐state metabolite analysis ofEscherichia colicultivated in a chemostat atD= 0.1 h−1.
Water distribution pattern in treated wastewater irrigated soils: hydrophobicity effect
Authors: Tarchitzky J. , Lerner O. , Shani U. , Arye G. , Lowengart‐Aycicegi A. , Brener A. , Chen Y. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe shortage of fresh water (FW) in Israel and other semiarid regions has forced farmers to significantly expand the use of treated wastewater (TWW). Recently, farmers utilizing reclaimed wastewater (TWW) reported a unique type of water distribution regime in drip‐irrigated soils, as follows: (i) limited wetted area on the soil surface; and (ii) small saturated areas around and below the dripper, in TWW irrigated soil as opposed to an even, onion‐like wet profile, formed under fresh water (FW) irrigation. Following this observation in the field and after conducting preliminary tests in the laboratory, we hypothesized that TWW irrigation introduces water‐repellent organic constituents into the soil. Tests characterizing the water distribution showed the diameter of the saturated area on the soil surface and its water content (at a depth of 0–10 cm) was smaller with TWW than with FW irrigation. The TWW accumulated on the soil surface in small lenses and then flowed rapidly into the ground. The repellency of soils irrigated with FW and TWW was measured with the water drop penetration time test. Soils irrigated with FW were hydrophilic, whereas those irrigated with TWW exhibited hydrophobicity. Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR) and 13C‐NMR analyses of organic components extracted from the soils with organic solvents indicated differences in composition only at a depth of 0–2 cm. Extracting soils with a methanol + chloroform (1:1, by volume) mixture was found to be very effective in the removal and extraction of hydrophobic aliphatic components from soils irrigated with TWW.
Partnering with patients – a concept ready for action
Authors: Hook Mary L. 
Published: July 2006

Aim.  This paper is a report of a concept analysis of partnership within the context of a professional–patient relationship.Background.  The concept of partnership has been previously characterized as immature, with a need for further consensus and consistency. Critical attributes previously reported include relationship, power sharing and negotiation, with empowerment as the primary consequence.Method.  Rodgers’ evolutionary method of analysis for concept development was used to re‐examine the concept of partnership. Historical documents and previously published conceptual papers were reviewed for context. A search of multidisciplinary literature published between 2000 and 2004 was undertaken using the keywords of ‘partnership’ and ‘partnering’, combined with nurse/professional/physician–client relationship. Attributes, uses, antecedents and consequences were inductively derived from the citations analysed (n = 62).Results.  Previous authors affirmed that partnership involves a process and a consistent set of eight attributes. Relationship, shared power, shared decision‐making and patient autonomy are attributes that distinguish partnership from other related concepts. Most of the literature, however, consisted of expert opinion or descriptive research. Little progress has been made in applying theory, developing tools to test the process, identifying when partnerships are needed and what specific outcomes occur when they are present.Conclusion.  Partnerships between healthcare providers and patients develop over time. They are created to support patients in having a greater voice in their care and to empower them in self‐management. A descriptive model of partnership is proposed to support researchers in generating or applying existing theory to the development of research designs and tools that could test how this process actually works.
l‐galactonate dehydratase is part of the fungal path for d‐galacturonic acid catabolism
Authors: Kuorelahti Satu , Jouhten Paula , Maaheimo Hannu , Penttilä Merja , Richard Peter 
Published: July 2006

SummaryAn l‐galactonate dehydratase and the corresponding gene were identified from the mould Hypocrea jecorina (Trichoderma reesei). This novel enzyme converts l‐galactonate to l‐threo‐3‐deoxy‐hexulosonate (2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐l‐galactonate). The enzyme is part of the fungal pathway for d‐galacturonic acid catabolism, a pathway which is only partly known. It is the second enzyme of this pathway after the d‐galacturonic acid reductase. l‐galactonate dehydratase activity is present in H. jecorina cells grown on d‐galacturonic acid but absent when other carbon sources are used for growth. A deletion of the l‐galactonate dehydratase gene in H. jecorina results in a strain with no growth on d‐galacturonic acid. The active enzyme was produced in the heterologous host Saccharomyces cerevisiae and characterized. It exhibited activity with l‐galactonate and d‐arabonate where the hydroxyl group of the C2 is in l‐ and the hydroxyl group of the C3 is in d‐configuration in the Fischer projection. However, it did not exhibit activity with d‐galactonate, d‐gluconate, l‐gulonate or d‐xylonate where the hydroxyl groups of the C2 and C3 are in different configuration.
New weed species recently introduced into Morocco
Authors: TANJI A. , TALEB A. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryTwelve species were identified as having been introduced into Morocco since 1980. These were Abutilon theophrasti Medik., Ammannia coccinea Griseb. Brachiaria eruciformis (Smith) Griseb. Corchorus olitorius L. Cyperus difformis L., Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Richt., Echinochloa phyllopogon (Stapf) Koss, Euphorbia heterophylla L., Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad., Panictun capillare L., Solanum cornutum Lam, and S. elaeagnifolium Cav. They were possibly introduced with contaminated crop seeds. With the exception of S. cornutum, which has disappeared from the site where it was first collected in 1987, the other species are becoming major weeds in one or more provinces. Details of their biology and importance are discussed.
Increased cardiovascular risk profile and mortality in kidney allograft recipients with post‐transplant diabetes mellitus in Spain
Authors: González‐Posada José Manuel , Hernández Domingo , Genís Beatriz Bayés , Tamajón Lourdes Perez , Pérez Javier García , Maceira Benito , Sánchez Manuel Rivero , Serón Daniel ,   for the Spanish Chronic Allograft Nephropathy Study Group
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Background:  Post‐transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is associated with poorer outcomes in kidney transplantation (KT) but little information exists about the evolution of traditional cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors under this disorder.Methods:  We retrospectively analysed CVR factors at 3, 12 and 24 months of follow‐up and mortality at three yr in 3365 KT performed in Spain during the years 1990, 1994 and 1998 with a functioning graft after the first year. Three groups were considered: (i) (PTDM, n, 251), (ii) diabetes mellitus as primary disease (DM, n = 156) and (iii) the remaining patients (controls, n = 2958).Results:  Recipient age, weight and body mass index (BMI) were higher in PTDM than in the other groups (p < 0.0001), with a lower increase of body weight during follow‐up (p < 0.003). PTDM patients showed higher total‐cholesterol levels than controls at one (p < 0.01) and two yr (p < 0.0009), and higher triglyceride levels than the other groups during follow‐up (p < 0.002). Compared with Controls, PTDM patients had significantly higher systolic blood pressure at one (p < 0.001) and two yr (p < 0.005). Diastolic blood pressure was higher in PTDM and controls (p < 0.001), while pulse pressure was higher in PTDM and DM patients (p < 0.0001) during follow‐up. Using Cox proportional hazards analysis, PTDM correlated with total mortality (RR = 1.55; range 1.05–2.3; p < 0.02) but not with cardiovascular mortality.Conclusions:  In Spanish KT recipients with graft function after one yr, PTDM is associated with a worse traditional CVR profile and a higher overall mortality. Although short‐term cardiovascular mortality remains similar, better control of CVR factors is mandatory to prevent long‐term cardiovascular mortality inherent to this population.
Sexual Signals of the Male American Goldfinch
Authors: Rosen Rafael F. , Tarvin Keith A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMale American goldfinches (Carduelis tristis) exhibit conspicuous yellow plumage, orange bills, and black caps during the breeding season. These secondary sexual characteristics may serve as criteria by which females evaluate males as potential mates because the traits vary among individuals and are likely to be costly. We quantified plumage and bill color and cap characteristics of wild, free‐ranging American goldfinches during the breeding season and tested for relationships between those features, body condition and individual genetic diversity in males. Overall, male and female goldfinches were highly sexually dichromatic, with plumage saturation and brightness and bill brightness contributing strongly to the dimorphism. Body condition decreased significantly with Julian date, even over the 2‐wk period immediately prior to the onset of nesting during which we collected our color and cap measurements. Principal components describing color of the back and the bill significantly predicted date‐corrected body condition based on quadratic regressions, suggesting that there is reliable information in back and bill color that females could use when choosing mates. In a subset of captive males, we found that bill hue faded from orange to yellow within 24 h of capture, suggesting that bill color may reflect short‐term changes in health status or carotenoid availability. Individual genetic diversity based on a panel of eight microsatellite loci was correlated with back brightness and perhaps with cap symmetry. Based on the results of this field study, ornamentation of male American goldfinches appears to signal both long‐ and short‐term aspects of phenotypic quality.
An Outbreak of Salmonella Abortusovis Abortions in Sheep in South Croatia
Authors: Habrun B. , Listes E. , Spicic S. , Cvetnic Z. , Lukacevic D. , Jemersic L. , Lojkic M. , Kompes G. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe aim of the study was to give an account of the epidemic of abortions in sheep caused by Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Abortusovis, which occurred in Dalmatia, south Croatia, in winter 2003–2004. Five sheep flocks with rate of abortion ranging from 22% to 38% during the last‐third of gestation were examined. Salmonella Abortusovis was isolated from 13 vaginal smears and two fetuses. Direct inoculation was found to be superior to pre‐enrichment and enrichment in selective broth for Salmonella Abortusovis isolation. The isolates were biochemically identified, and characterized by serotyping and polymerase chain reaction based on the amplification of the IS200 sequence specific for Salmonella Abortusovis. A fragment of 900 bp was detected in all Salmonella Abortusovis isolates. The sensitivity testing of the isolates, carried out by the disk diffusion method and the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentrations, resulted in a high sensitivity to almost all antimicrobials used. Only two isolates were moderately sensitive to oxytetracycline, whereas one isolate showed resistance to streptomycin. Campylobacter fetus ssp. fetus and Listeria monocytogenes were excluded as causative agents of abortion in sheep by culture testing, and brucellosis, leptospirosis, Q fever and chlamydiosis by serological testing.
Long‐term administration of a commercial porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)‐inactivated vaccine in PRRSV‐endemically infected sows
Authors: Papatsiros V. G. , Alexopoulos C. , Kritas S. K. , Koptopoulos G. , Nauwynck H. J. , Pensaert M. B. , Kyriakis S. C. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a commercial European porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)‐inactivated vaccine after 18‐month use in gilts/sows at a farm with high seroprevalence. In a farrow‐to‐finish farm with 1100 sows, all sows and gilts were systematically vaccinated with the PRRS‐inactivated PROGRESSIS® vaccine for a period of 18 months. Farm's reproductive and litter characteristics were longitudinally recorded for this period and historically compared with those of the year prior to vaccination. Serology, employing immunoperoxidase monolayer assay, had confirmed a high prevalence of PRRS‐specific antibodies in most age groups within the farm prior to vaccination. Seroprevalence during the experiment ranged between 0% and 100% in weaners and growers, but remained at stable high levels (>93%) in finishing pigs and gilts throughout all 2‐year period of serology measurements. No local or systemic vaccine side effects were noted throughout the trial period. Vaccinations had resulted over time in a significant improvement of sow reproductive performance (e.g. reduction of premature farrowings, abortions and increase of farrowing rate) and litter characteristics (e.g. increase of the number of live born and weaned pigs and decrease of stillborn, mummified, weak and splay‐legged piglets). It has also been observed that the higher the degree of immunization of a sow, the better the improvement of her reproductive parameters. Sows after vaccination have shown improved characteristics compared to homoparous sows prior to the application of vaccinations in the farm.
Carboxypeptidase‐B activation peptide, a marker of pancreatic acinar injury, but not l‐selectin, a marker of neutrophil activation, predicts severity of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Hilal Moh’d Abu , Ung C Tsiang , Westlake Sarah , Johnson Colin D 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  Severity prediction is difficult early in the course of acute pancreatitis. Markers of pancreatic injury, or inflammatory activation are candidate markers of severity. The aim of the present study was to assess predictive abilities of carboxypeptidase‐B activation peptide (CAPAP‐B) and soluble l‐selectin (sL‐selectin) using samples collected on admission to hospital.Methods:  Patients with acute pancreatitis and disease (acute abdomen) and normal controls were studied. Samples were collected at admission and daily for 5 days. There were significant differences between mild and severe pancreatitis in urinary and plasma CAPAP‐B on admission, C‐reactive protein on day 3 and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE)‐II scores. Prediction of severity with CAPAP‐B on admission was as good as with APACHE‐II score after 48 h. Carboxypeptidase‐B activation peptide was not raised in disease controls. By contrast, sL‐selectin was lowered in all cases of acute pancreatitis, and in disease controls. There was no difference between mild and severe pancreatitis.Conclusion:  Urinary CAPAP‐B, a marker of acinar injury, can be used to predict severity of acute pancreatitis at the time of admission to hospital, but sL‐selectin has no value in this regard. The extent of acinar injury may be a more important early marker of severity than markers of inflammatory activation.
Increased mRNA expression of chemokines in hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Hirano Seitaro , Iwashita Yukio , Sasaki Atsushi , Kai Seiichiro , Ohta Masayuki , Kitano Seigo 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  The infiltration of lymphocytes in tumor tissue has been associated with a good prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of the present study was to estimate the correlation between mRNA expression of chemokines and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in HCC.Methods:  A total of 44 HCC were examined. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using antibodies to CD4, CD8, CD68, and L‐26. The mRNA expression of each chemokine was investigated: regulated upon activation normal T‐cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), epithelial‐derived neutrophil attractant‐78 (ENA78), interferon‐inducible protein‐10 (IP‐10), monokine induced by interferon‐γ (Mig), and interferon‐γ in HCC were quantified via a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay. Chemokine proteins of Mig and IP‐10 were examined by immunohistochemistry.Results:  The mean number of infiltrating lymphocytes in HCC was 136.9 ± 32.9/0.25 mm2. Of these infiltrating lymphocytes, CD8‐positive T lymphocytes were those predominantly seen around the tumor cells. The mean mRNA expression (copies/103 glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase [GAPDH] mRNA) of the following chemokines was determined to be follows: 3.0 ± 1.9 copies/103 GAPDH mRNA, RANTES; 9.2 ± 4.9 copies/103 GAPDH mRNA, IL‐8; 44.6 ± 24.4 copies/103 GAPDH mRNA, ENA78; 215.7 ± 93.9 copies/103 GAPDH mRNA, IP‐10; 77.3 ± 38.5 copies/103 GAPDH mRNA, Mig; and 1.7 ± 0.4 copies/103 GAPDH mRNA, interferon‐γ. Significant close correlations were observed between the number of infiltrating lymphocytes in these HCC and the expression of Mig and IP‐10 mRNA. In the immunostaining, expression of Mig and IP‐10 proteins was found only in the HCC cells in the high‐infiltration group.Conclusions:  Some chemokines induced by interferon‐γ, such as Mig and IP‐10, may promote lymphocyte recruitment to HCC and may thus play important roles in cancer immunology.
Development of the Human Cortex and the Concept of “Critical” or “Sensitive” Periods
Authors: Uylings H. B. M. 
Published: July 2006

This review describes the prenatal and postnatal development of the human cortex. Neurogenesis, neuronal migration, dendrite maturation, synaptogenesis, and white matter development are discussed. In addition, the concept of “critical” or “sensitive” periods is discussed as well as genetic and environmental influences (Nature‐Nurture). The effects of irradiation, alcohol, smoking, and prenatal maternal influenza and stress on brain functions and language performance are reviewed. The periods of plasticity are reviewed for stereoscopic vision, brain lesions, social neglect, and first and second language acquisition.This article illustrates that “critical” or “sensitive” periods exist for those functions for which axonal rewiring across a long distance in the brain is necessary. This is virtually impossible after completion of the developmental competition between different axonal systems. Furthermore, genotyping allows the maximum of structural and functional properties, but the eventual outcome is under the influence of the environment in positive or negative directions. Under dramatic circumstances, environmental factors during the first years of life can be quite decisive for the development of language, social, and other intellectual functions.
Docosahexaenoic acid prevents apoptosis of retina photoreceptors by activating the ERK/MAPK pathway
Authors: German Olga Lorena , Insua María Fernanda , Gentili Claudia , Rotstein Nora P. , Politi Luis E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIdentifying the trophic factors for retina photoreceptors and the intracellular pathways activated to promote cell survival is crucial for treating retina neurodegenerative diseases. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the major retinal polyunsaturated fatty acid, prevents photoreceptor apoptosis during early development in vitro, and upon oxidative stress. However, the signaling mechanisms activated by DHA are still unclear. We investigated whether the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) or the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway participated in DHA protection. 1,4‐Diamino‐2,3‐dicyano‐1,4‐bis(2‐aminophynyltio) butadiene (U0126), a specific MEK inhibitor, completely blocked the DHA anti‐apoptotic effect. DHA rapidly increased ERK phosphorylation in photoreceptors, whereas U0126 blocked this increase. U0126 hindered DHA prevention of mitochondrial depolarization, and blocked the DHA‐induced increase in opsin expression. On the contrary, PI3K inhibitors did not diminish the DHA protective effect. DHA promoted the early expression of Bcl‐2, decreased Bax expression and reduced caspase‐3 activation in photoreceptors. These results suggest that DHA exclusively activates the ERK/MAPK pathway to promote photoreceptor survival during early development in vitro and upon oxidative stress. This leads to the regulation of Bcl‐2 and Bax expression, thus preserving mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibiting caspase activation. Hence, DHA, a lipid trophic factor, promotes photoreceptor survival and differentiation by activating the same signaling pathways triggered by peptidic trophic factors.