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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 17.

Bahija Jallal to replace Peter Greenleaf as head of MedImmune
MedImmune executive Bahija Jallal will be the new chief of the Gaithersburg biotech under a leadership shuffle by parent company AstraZeneca, a spokesman confirmed Wednesday. Current MedImmune President Peter Greenleaf will lead AstraZeneca's Latin American business. Jallal, who joined MedImmune in 2006 as a vice president of translational sciences, was promoted to AstraZeneca's senior executive team, according to an announcement on Tuesday. MedImmune spokesman Mike O'Brien wrote in an e-mail on…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines - January 16, 2013 Category: American Health Authors: Bill Flook Source Type: research

FDA will miss target decision date on Hyperion drug
Hyperion Therapeutics Inc. will not get an FDA decision on its urea cycle disorders drug by Jan. 23. The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday told the South San Francisco biotech company (NASDAQ: HPTX) not to expect a decision by Jan. 23 on Hyperion's drug, called Ravicti. The agency is working on label and post-marketing requirements, Hyperion said in a press release. "They are clearly working very hard on this," Hyperion CEO Don Santel told the San Francisco Business Times. Still, the news…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines - January 16, 2013 Category: American Health Authors: Ron Leuty Source Type: research

Ironwood falls 7% after UBS downgrades stock
Stock in Ironwood Pharmaceuticals fell sharply Wednesday after analysts at UBS downgraded it from neutral to sell following an full-year earnings report on Monday. The Cambridge biotech company, which just launched its newly-approved drug for irritable bowel syndrome, Linzess, in the U.S., on Monday reported a net loss of $72 million for the full year that ended in December, or 68 cents a share, up from $63 million for the year before. Most of that loss occurred in the last three months of the year,…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines - January 16, 2013 Category: American Health Authors: Don Seiffert Source Type: research

A Dangerous Game: Some Athletes Risk Untested Stem Cell Treatments
In 2005, at the age of 32, then Los Angeles Angel Bartolo Colón won the American League Cy Young Award for best pitcher, one of professional baseball's top honors. He stumbled through subsequent seasons, however, after a series of rips and strains in the tendons and ligaments of his throwing arm, shoulder and back. In 2009 he all but quit baseball. Desperate to reclaim his career, Colón flew home to the Dominican Republic in 2010 for an experimental procedure not vetted or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Doctors centrifuged samples of Colón's bone marrow and fat, skimmed off ...
Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed - January 16, 2013 Category: Science Tags: Health,Health,Society & Policy,Medical Technology,More Science,Biotechnology,Ethics,Biology,Everyday Science Source Type: research

UC Regents expected to consider UCSF-Children's Hospital Oakland affiliation on Wednesday
The Regents of the University of California are expected to consider a proposed affiliation agreement between UCSF Medical Center and Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland tomorrow, according to sources at UCSF. UCSF Medical Center and Children's Oakland signed a formal letter of intent to affiliate in late November. Details about how tight the proposed affiliation would be, and if it would constitute a merger or something looser, are not yet clear. Talks between the two medical centers…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Chris Rauber Source Type: research

Monitoring anaerobic sequential batch reactors via fractal analysis of pH time series
Abstract Efficient monitoring and control schemes are mandatory in the current operation of biological wastewater treatment plants because they must accomplish more demanding environmental policies. This fact is of particular interest in anaerobic digestion processes where the availability of accurate, inexpensive and suitable sensors for the on‐line monitoring of key process variables remains an open problem nowadays. In particular, this problem is more challenging when dealing with batch processes where the monitoring strategy has to be performed in finite time, which limits the application of current advanced monitori...
Source: Biotechnology and Bioengineering - January 16, 2013 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: H.O. Méndez‐Acosta, E. Hernandez‐Martinez, J.A. Jáuregui‐Jáuregui, J. Alvarez‐Ramirez, H. Puebla Tags: Article Source Type: research

Fabrication of a new electrochemical sensor based on a new nano-molecularly imprinted polymer for highly selective and sensitive determination of tramadol in human urine samples.
Abstract A new nano-molecularly imprinted polymer bead was synthesized and applied to the fabrication of a chemically modified carbon paste electrode. Nano-molecularly imprinted polymer with molecular recognition capacity was made-up by using SiO(2)@Fe(3)O(4) as the core and the supporting material. The electrode was applied to the simple, rapid, highly selective and sensitive determination of tramadol using square wave voltammetry. The molecularly imprinted polymer and multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified carbon paste electrode was prepared by incorporating the synthesized nano-MIP and multi-walled carbon nanotu...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Afkhami A, Ghaedi H, Madrakian T, Ahmadi M, Mahmood-Kashani H Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

A novel photoelectrochemical sensor based on PPIX-functionalized WO(3)-rGO nanohybrid-decorated ITO electrode for detecting cysteine.
Abstract A universal photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platform was fabricated based on the composition of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), tungsten trioxide (WO(3)) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode for detecting cysteine in aqueous solution. The rGO layer was not only providing bridges for the ITO electrode to anchor tightly with the WO(3) nanostructures, but behaved as an electron transfer medium to enhance the electron transport from the conduction band (CB) of WO(3). Furthermore, the strong absorption coefficient of porphyrin adsorbed onto WO(3) nanoplates by bidentate binding coul...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Sun B, Zhang K, Chen L, Guo L, Ai S Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

A highly sensitive label-free electrochemical aptasensor for interferon-gamma detection based on graphene controlled assembly and nuclease cleavage-assisted target recycling amplification.
We report here a highly sensitive and label-free electrochemical aptasensing technology for detection of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) based on graphene controlled assembly and enzyme cleavage-assisted target recycling amplification strategy. In this work, in the absence of IFN-γ, the graphene could not be assembled onto the 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHA) modified gold electrode because the IFN-γ binding aptamer was strongly adsorbed on the graphene due to the strong π-π interaction. Thus the electronic transmission was blocked (eT OFF). However, the presence of target IFN-γ and DNase I led to desorption of aptamer fr...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Yan G, Wang Y, He X, Wang K, Liu J, Du Y Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

A novel enzyme-free and label-free fluorescence aptasensor for amplified detection of adenosine.
Abstract A novel enzyme-free and label-free fluorescence aptasensor based on target-catalyzed hairpin self-assembly is developed for amplified detection of adenosine. This aptasensor contains four DNA strands termed as aptamer-catalysis strand, inhibit strand, hairpin structures H1 and H2 which are partially complementary. Meanwhile, a sequence that can form DNA G-quadruplex is partly hidden in the stem of H2. In the absence of adenosine, aptamer-catalysis strand is inhibited, and cannot trigger the self-assembly between H1 and H2. Upon the addition of adenosine, the binding event of aptamer and adenosine triggers ...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Fu B, Cao J, Jiang W, Wang L Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

Construction of an amperometric bilirubin biosensor based on covalent immobilization of bilirubin oxidase onto zirconia coated silica nanoparticles/chitosan hybrid film.
Abstract A method is described for the construction of a highly sensitive electrochemical biosensor for the detection of bilirubin. The sensor is based on covalent immobilization of bilirubin oxidase (BOx) onto zirconia coated silica nanoparticles (SiO(2)@ZrONPs)/chitosan (CHIT) composite electrodeposited onto Au electrode. The enzyme electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The biosensor showed optimum response within 2s at pH 8.5 (0.1M Tris-HCl) and 35°C, when opera...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Batra B, Lata S, Sunny, Rana JS, Pundir CS Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

Integration of gold nanoparticles in PDMS microfluidics for lab-on-a-chip plasmonic biosensing of growth hormones.
Abstract Gold nanoparticles were synthesized in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic chip by using an in-situ method, on the basis of reductive properties of the cross-linking agent of PDMS. The proposed integrated device was further used as a sensitive and low-cost LSPR-based biosensor for the detection of polypeptides. Synthesis of nanoparticles in the microfluidic environment resulted in improvement of size distribution with only 8% variation, compared with the macro-environment that yields about 67% variation in size. The chemical kinetics of the in-situ reaction in the microfluidic environment was stud...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Sadabadi H, Badilescu S, Packirisamy M, Wüthrich R Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

Sensitive amperometric biosensor for phenolic compounds based on graphene-silk peptide/tyrosinase composite nanointerface.
Abstract New graphene-silk peptide (Gr-SP) nanosheets were prepared and successfully fabricated with tyrosinase (Tyr) as a novel biosensor for the determination of phenolic compounds. The Gr-SP nanosheets were fully characterized with transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV/Vis and FTIR spectra. The developed biosensors were also characterized with scanning electronic microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Using bisphenol A (BPA) as a model substrate in the sensing system, a number of key factors including the volume of Gr-SP-Tyr solution, the applie...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Qu Y, Ma M, Wang Z, Zhan G, Li B, Wang X, Fang H, Zhang H, Li C Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

Porous silicon optical microcavity biosensor on silicon-on-insulator wafer for sensitive DNA detection.
Abstract Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer is one of the most appealing platforms for optical integrated circuit with the potential to realize high performance Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) and device miniaturization. In this work, based on simulations to obtain appropriate optical properties of a porous silicon microcavity (PSM), we successfully fabricated a highly efficient PSM on SOI wafer by electrochemical etching for DNA detection at optical wavelength 1555.0nm. The narrow resonance peak with a full width at half maximum about 26.0nm in the reflectance spectrum gives a high Q factor which causes high se...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Zhang H, Jia Z, Lv X, Zhou J, Chen L, Liu R, Ma J Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

Immobilization of bovine serum albumin-protected gold nanoclusters by using polyelectrolytes of opposite charges for the development of the reusable fluorescent Cu(2+)-sensor.
Abstract In this paper, we reported a facile method of fabricating a reusable fluorescent Cu(2+)-sensor. To fabricate the reusable sensor, the bovine serum albumin-protected gold nanoclusters (BSAGNCs) were complexed with polyelectrolytes, i.e., positively charged polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA) and negatively charged polystyrenesulfonate (PSS), and were coated on a glass slide. The prepared film-modified glass slides exhibited the recyclability of fluorescent signal "off-on" behaviors: the fluorescence could be switched "off" by immersing the film sensors in Cu(2+) solution and "on" by washing with ethylene dia...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Su L, Shu T, Wang Z, Cheng J, Xue F, Li C, Zhang X Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

Cloning, overexpression, purification, and characterization of a polyextremophilic ß-galactosidase from the Antarctic haloarchaeon Halorubrum lacusprofundi
Conclusion: The H. lacusprofundi β-galactosidase is a polyextremophilic enzyme active in high salt concentrations and low and high temperature. The enzyme is also active in aqueous-organic mixed solvents, with potential applications in synthetic chemistry. H. lacuprofundi proteins represent a significant biotechnology resource and for developing insights into enzyme catalysis under water limiting conditions. This study provides a system for better understanding how H. lacusprofundi is successful in a perennially cold, hypersaline environment, with relevance to astrobiology.
Source: BMC Biotechnology - Latest articles - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Ram KaranMelinda CapesPriya DasSarmaShiladitya DasSarma Source Type: research

The improved L-tryptophan production in recombinant Escherichia coli by expressing the polyhydroxybutyrate synthesis pathway.
In this study, a PHB biosynthesis pathway, which contains phaCAB operon genes from Ralstonia eutropha, was introduced into an L-tryptophan producing Escherichia coli strain GPT1002. The expression of the PHB biosynthesis genes resulted in PHB accumulation inside the cells and improved the L-tryptophan production. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the transcription of tryptophan operon genes in GPT2000 increased by 1.9 to 4.3 times compared with the control, indicating that PHB biosynthesis in engineered E. coli changed the physiological state of the host. Xylose was added into the medium as co-substrate to en...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 16, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Gu P, Kang J, Yang F, Wang Q, Liang Q, Qi Q Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Distribution of chitin/chitosan-like bioflocculant-producing potential in the genus Citrobacter.
In this study, to investigate the distribution of the BF-producing potential in the genus Citrobacter and to screen stably and highly BF-producing strains, we obtained 36 Citrobacter strains from different culture collection centers, which were distributed among seven species in the genus, and tested for the flocculating activities of their culture supernatants using a kaolin suspension method. As a result, 21 strains belonging to C. freundii (17 strains in 23 strains tested), C. braakii (two in two), C. youngae (one in one), and C. werkmanii (one in two) showed flocculating activity, but this ability was limited to cells ...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 16, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Kimura K, Inoue T, Kato DI, Negoro S, Ike M, Takeo M Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Silica sol-gel encapsulation of cyanobacteria: lessons for academic and applied research.
Abstract Cyanobacteria inhabit nearly every ecosystem on earth, play a vital role in nutrient cycling, and are useful as model organisms for fundamental research in photosynthesis and carbon and nitrogen fixation. In addition, they are important for several established biotechnologies for producing food additives, nutritional and pharmaceutical compounds, and pigments, as well as emerging biotechnologies for biofuels and other products. Encapsulation of living cyanobacteria into a porous silica gel matrix is a recent approach that may dramatically improve the efficiency of certain production processes by retaining ...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 16, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Dickson DJ, Ely RL Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Flanking Sequence Determination and Event Specific Detection of Transgenic Wheat B72-8-11b Strain.
Abstract Exogenous fragment sequence and flanking sequence between exogenous fragment and recombinant chromosome of transgenic wheat B72-8-11b were successfully acquired through PCR amplification with cross-matched primers from exogenous genes. Newly acquired exogenous fragment covered the full-length sequence of transformed genes such as transformed plasmid and corresponding functional genes including marker uidA, promoter ubiquitin, lacZ, 1Dx5, and part of sequence of the wheat genome. A specific PCR detection method for transgenic wheat B72-8-11b strain was established on the basis of primers designed according ...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 16, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Zhang P, Xu J, Zheng Q, Luan F, Cao J, Hou H Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

hTERT Gene Immortalized Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and its Multiple Differentiations: a Preliminary Investigation.
Abstract Human adipose-derived adult stem cells (hADSCs) can express human telomerase reverse transcriptase phenotypes under an appropriate culture condition. Because adipose tissue is abundant and easily accessible, hADSCs offer a promising source of stem cells for tissue engineering application and other cell-based therapies. However, the shortage of cells number and the difficulty to proliferate, known as the "Hayflick limit" in vitro, limit their further clinical application. Here, hADSCs were transfected with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene by the lentiviral vector to prolong the lifespan o...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 16, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Wang L, Song K, Qu X, Wang H, Zhu H, Xu X, Zhang M, Tang Y, Yang X Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Isolation of AtNUDT5 Gene Promoter and Characterization of Its Activity in Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.
In this report, a 1,387-bp 5'-flanking region of the AtNUDT5 gene was isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana. The tissue-specific activity of the 5'-flanking region was investigated by using the GUS gene as a reporter in transgenic A. thaliana plants. Weak GUS activity appeared in vascular tissues of young plants, strong GUS activity appeared in the axial roots, but no GUS activity was observed in the root cap, lateral roots, rosette leaf, mature silique and reproductive tissues such as stamen, pistil, and petal. Furthermore, by using these transgenic A. thaliana plants, results of the histochemical staining and fluorometric a...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 16, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Zhang XC, Li MY, Ruan MB, Xia YJ, Wu KX, Peng M Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Bovine Serum Albumin Nanospheres Synchronously Encapsulating "Gold Selenium/Gold" Nanoparticles and Photosensitizer for High-Efficiency Cancer Phototherapy.
Abstract Gold nanostructures have generated significant attention in biomedical areas because of their major role in cancer photothermal therapeutics. In order to conveniently combine gold nanostructures and drugs into one nanocomposite, Au(2)Se/Au core-shell nanostructures with strong near-infrared-absorbing properties were synthesized using a simple method and embedded inside bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanospheres by using a spray dryer equipped with an ultrasonic atomizer followed by thermal denaturation. The nanospheres with narrow size distribution mainly ranging from 450 to 600 nm were obtained. The Au(2)Se/...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 16, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Yu C, Wo F, Shao Y, Dai X, Chu M Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Ethanol Production Using Whole Plant Biomass of Jerusalem Artichoke by Kluyveromyces marxianus CBS1555.
In this study, Jerusalem artichoke stalk was pretreated sequentially with dilute acid and alkali, and then hydrolyzed enzymatically. During enzymatic hydrolysis, approximately 88 % of the glucan and xylan were converted to glucose and xylose, respectively. Batch and fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of both pretreated stalk and tuber by Kluyveromyces marxianus CBS1555 were effectively performed, yielding 29.1 and 70.2 g/L ethanol, respectively. In fed-batch fermentation, ethanol productivity was 0.255 g ethanol per gram of dry Jerusalem artichoke biomass, or 0.361 g ethanol per gram of glucose, w...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 16, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Kim S, Park JM, Kim CH Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Letter to the Editor
Source: Biometrical Journal - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Changchun Xie, Ding‐Geng Chen Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research

Author's reply
Source: Biometrical Journal - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Frank Bretz, Martin Posch, Ekkehard Glimm, Florian Klinglmueller, Willi Maurer, Kornelius Rohmeyer Tags: Reply to Letter to Editor Source Type: research

A Path‐Specific SEIR Model for use with General Latent and Infectious Time Distributions
Summary. Most current Bayesian SEIR (Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, Removed (or Recovered)) models either use exponentially distributed latent and infectious periods, allow for a single distribution on the latent and infectious period, or make strong assumptions regarding the quantity of information available regarding time distributions, particularly the time spent in the exposed compartment. Many infectious diseases require a more realistic assumption on the latent and infectious periods. In this article, we provide an alternative model allowing general distributions to be utilized for both the exposed and infectio...
Source: Biometrics - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Aaron T. Porter, Jacob J. Oleson Source Type: research

Cloning, overexpression, purification, and characterization of a polyextremophilic beta-galactosidase from the Antarctic haloarchaeon Halorubrum lacusprofundi
Conclusion: The H. lacusprofundi beta-galactosidase is a polyextremophilic enzyme active in high salt concentrations and low and high temperature. The enzyme is also active in aqueous-organic mixed solvents, with potential applications in synthetic chemistry. H. lacuprofundi proteins represent a significant biotechnology resource and for developing insights into enzyme catalysis under water limiting conditions. This study provides a system for better understanding how H. lacusprofundi is successful in a perennially cold, hypersaline environment, with relevance to astrobiology.
Source: BMC Biotechnology - Latest articles - January 16, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Ram KaranMelinda CapesPriya DasSarmaShiladitya DasSarma Source Type: research

Aloha Salads challenges customers to lose weight
Aloha Salads, whose downtown Honolulu location is a popular lunch spot for office workers, is holding a weight-loss challenge at each of its four locations. Registration for the contest began Tuesday — in fact, I was told that I was the first person to register for it at the Bishop Street location — and closes on Jan. 31. Yes, I took off my shoes and stepped on the scale at Aloha Salads and let the employees record my weight. The contest period runs from Feb. 1 to March 31, with weigh-outs…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Stephanie Silverstein Source Type: research

Insiders: Washington sailing full speed toward debt disaster
Grim. Frightening. Appalling. Depressing. They all describe the fiscal challenges ahead for the United States. Perhaps even more concerning: These same words apply to the capacity of our political system to solve these fiscal issues and the public’s grasp of debt and deficits, rising health care costs, taxes and entitlement spending. Three Washington insiders — all lawyers with McKenna Long & Aldridge — presented a sobering assessment of the gargantuan fiscal problems facing the U.S.…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Neil Westergaard Source Type: research

Hard Candy Cases to move headquarters to Jack London Square
Hard Candy Cases, a maker of cases and accessories for Apple phones, laptops and tablets, is moving its headquarters to Jack London Square in Oakland from Danville. The company leased 4,600 square feeet in 10 Clay St. in a recently renovated office building owned by the Rogers Family Office. “Jack London Square isn't your typical office environment, it is a place that's attractive to progressive, creative people, which are the kind of employees we need for our business," said Tim Hickman, CEO…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Blanca Torres Source Type: research

Georgia Senate committee approves tax on hospitals
Legislation aimed at keeping Georgia’s Medicaid program solvent is moving quickly in the General Assembly. A state Senate committee Tuesday approved a bill authorizing the Georgia Department of Community Health to reimpose for four years a “bed tax” on hospitals that would bring in $689 million a year in state and federal funds to prop up a Medicaid program facing a shortfall. Tuesday’s vote came on just the second day of the 2013 legislative session and put the measure on track to be taken…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Dave Williams Source Type: research

Health Care District of Palm Beach chairman steps down
Attorney Benjamin Frank is stepping down as chairman of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. His replacement hasn’t been determined. Frank was appointed to the board of the district, a taxing authority that runs health care services throughout the county and funds trauma care at local hospitals, in 2009 by former Governor Charlie Crist. He was elected as chair by the district board in October 2011. Frank submitted an application for reappointment to the board by Governor Rick Scott…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Brian Bandell Source Type: research

Sutter consolidating print services to West Sacramento printer
A Colfax company is losing a significant chunk of business to a West Sacramento rival as Sutter Health consolidates the number of printing suppliers it uses. Colfax-based Tully-Wihr has printed hospital business documents and some marketing materials for Sutter’s Sierra-Sacramento region for about 11 years. Known locally under the name GKM Corp., the company also provides print management services, including inventory and replacement, Tully-Wihr vice president of sales Scott Michels said. Sutter…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Kathy Robertson Source Type: research

Sen. Watson: Texas' budget surplus should bolster schools, roads and health care
Sen. Kirk Watson released a statement Tuesday comparing the comptroller’s estimate of the state’s revenue for the current and next budget to a can of spinach falling out from under Popeye’s sailor shirt at the critical moment. But whereas the empowering effect of the cartoon character’s favorite foodstuff always saves the day, the Democrat representing Austin isn’t convinced the budget surplus will have the same effect for Texas’ health, education and transportation infrastructure —…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: James Jeffrey Source Type: research

GI Dynamics launches weight loss device trial
Medical device firm GI Dynamics (ASX: GID) has launched a clinical trial for its weight loss device that would form the application for approval by the U.S. Food and Drug administration. The Lexington, Mass.-based company won approval in 2010 from European regulators and in 2011 from regulators in Australia, where the company trades on the Australian Securities Exchange. EndoBarrier is a thin, flexible, tube-shaped liner that forms a physical barrier between food and a portion of the wall of the…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Julie M. Donnelly Source Type: research

Wal-Mart eyes moving into the health insurance business
Wal-Mart is exploring the idea of building a private health insurance exchange tailored to offer cheaper health insurance to small businesses, a vice president told Orlando Business Journal Jan. 11. Marcus Osborne, vice president of health and wellness payer relations for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT), spoke to the Orlando Business Journal after his keynote speech at the Foundation of Associated Industries of Florida’s 2013 Health Care Affordability Summit. Osborne said Wal-Mart wants to work…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Abraham Aboraya Source Type: research

Arizona governor to expand state’s Medicaid program
In her “State of the State” address Monday, Gov. Jan Brewer said she has agreed to expand Arizona’s Medicaid program, which is expected to inject $2 billion into the state’s economy. For more on this story, click on the Phoenix Business Journal link below.
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 15, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Source Type: research

Biotechnological production of ethanol from renewable resources by Neurospora crassa: an alternative to conventional yeast fermentations?
Abstract Microbial production of ethanol might be a potential route to replace oil and chemical feedstocks. Bioethanol is by far the most common biofuel in use worldwide. Lignocellulosic biomass is the most promising renewable resource for fuel bioethanol production. Bioconversion of lignocellulosics to ethanol consists of four major unit operations: pretreatment, hydrolysis, fermentation, and product separation/distillation. Conventional bioethanol processes for lignocellulosics apply commercial fungal cellulase enzymes for biomass hydrolysis, followed by yeast fermentation of resulting glucose to ethanol. The fun...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 15, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Dogaris I, Mamma D, Kekos D Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Production of tetraacetyl phytosphingosine (TAPS) in Wickerhamomyces ciferrii is catalyzed by acetyltransferases Sli1p and Atf2p.
Abstract Wickerhamomyces ciferrii secretes tetraacetyl phytosphingosine (TAPS), and in this study, the catalyzing acetyltransferases were identified using mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The proteome of wild-type strain NRRL Y-1031 served as control and was compared to the tetraacetyl phytosphingosine defective mating type NRRL Y-1031-27. Acetylation of phytosphingosine in W. ciferrii is catalyzed by acetyltransferases Sli1p and Atf2p, encoded by genes similar to Saccharomyces cerevisiae YGR212W and YGR177C, respectively. Ablation of SLI1 resulted in an almost complete loss of tri- and tetraacetyl phytosphingos...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 15, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Ter Veld F, Wolff D, Schorsch C, Köhler T, Boles E, Poetsch A Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Indole and 7-benzyloxyindole attenuate the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus.
Abstract Human pathogens can readily develop drug resistance due to the long-term use of antibiotics that mostly inhibit bacterial growth. Unlike antibiotics, antivirulence compounds diminish bacterial virulence without affecting cell viability and thus, may not lead to drug resistance. Staphylococcus aureus is a major agent of nosocomial infections and produces diverse virulence factors, such as the yellow carotenoid staphyloxanthin, which promotes resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the host immune system. To identify novel antivirulence compounds, bacterial signal indole present in animal gut and div...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 15, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Lee JH, Cho HS, Kim Y, Kim JA, Banskota S, Cho MH, Lee J Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Beneficial effects of phytoestrogens and their metabolites produced by intestinal microflora on bone health.
Abstract Phytoestrogens are a class of bioactive compounds derived from plants and exert various estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. Estrogen deficiency osteoporosis has become a serious problem in elderly women. The use of ovariectomized (OVX) rat or mice models to simulate the postmenopausal condition is well established. This review aimed to clarify the sources, biochemistry, absorption, metabolism, and mode of action of phytoestrogens on bone health in intervention studies. In vitro, phytoestrogens promote protein synthesis, osteoprotegerin/receptor activation of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand ratio, and mine...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 15, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Chiang SS, Pan TM Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Nondestructive monitoring of carotenogenesis in Haematococcus pluvialis via whole-cell optical density spectra.
Abstract We investigated the feasibility of rapid, nondestructive assay of carotenoid-to-chlorophyll (Car/Chl) ratio and total carotenoids (Car) in cell suspensions of the carotenogenic chlorophyte Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow under stressful conditions. Whole-cell spectra are characterized by variable nonlinear contributions of Car and chlorophylls (Chl), with a strong influence of Car packaging and sieve effect inherent to stressed H. pluvialis cells. Nevertheless, nondestructive assay of Car/Chl in the range of 0.55-31.2 (Car content up to 188 mg L(-1); 5.4 % of the cell dry weight) turned to be achievable...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 15, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Solovchenko A, Aflalo C, Lukyanov A, Boussiba S Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

High cell density cultivation of a recombinant E. coli strain expressing a key enzyme in bioengineered heparin production.
In this study, high cell density cultivation techniques were exploited to obtain recombinant 6-OST-1. Physiological studies were performed in shake flasks to establish optimized growth and production conditions. Induction strategies were tested in fed-batch experiments to improve yield and productivity. High cell density cultivation in 7-l culture, together with a coupled inducer strategy using isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside and galactose, afforded 482 mg l(-1) of enzyme with a biomass yield of 16.2 mg g(cdw) (-1) and a productivity of 10.5 mg l(-1) h(-1). PMID: 23318839 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 15, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Restaino OF, Bhaskar U, Paul P, Li L, De Rosa M, Dordick JS, Linhardt RJ Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Recent advances on physiological functions and biotechnological production of epilactose.
This article presents a review of recent studies on epilactose formation in food system, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and its physiological functions. In addition, the biochemical properties and kinetic parameters of the epilactose-producing enzyme, cellobiose 2-epimerase, are compared, and the biotechnological production of epilactose from lactose is reviewed. PMID: 23318840 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 15, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Mu W, Li Q, Fan C, Zhou C, Jiang B Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Random UV Mutagenesis Approach for Enhanced Biodegradation of Sulfonated Azo Dye, Green HE4B.
The objective of the study was to execute mutant bacteria for efficient biodegradation of sulfonated azo dye, Green HE4B (GHE4B). UV irradiation was used to introduce random mutations in Pseudomonas sp. LBC1. Genetic alterations induced by UV irradiation in selected mutant bacteria were confirmed by random amplification of polymorphic DNA technique. The mutant bacteria named as Pseudomonas sp. 1 F reduced the time required for complete degradation of recalcitrant dye GHE4B by 25 % when compared with the wild one. The biodegradation was monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis. Activities of enzymes like laccase, l...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 15, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Joshi SM, Inamdar SA, Jadhav JP, Govindwar SP Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Characterization of a Novel Glutelin Subunit OsGluBX by the Experimental Approach and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
In this study, a novel subunit (OsGluBX) was discovered by sequence alignment in the UniProtKB database. And then, the OsGluBX of rice from japonica cv. Nipponbare and indica cv. 9311 were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli system and further identified by Western blotting. The total storage proteins were extracted from the grains of Nipponbare and 9311, and the native OsGluBX were identified. The novel OsGluBX subunit was classified into the subfamily B based on its high homology to the subfamily B members and their immunoblotting identification against the subfamily-specific antibody. Furthermore, two-dimensional e...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 15, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: He Y, Zhang Y, Wang S, Zeng H, Ding Y Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Gene Cloning and Characterization of a Novel Salt-Tolerant and Glucose-Enhanced β-Glucosidase from a Marine Streptomycete.
Abstract The gene BglNH encoding a β-glucosidase was cloned from a marine streptomycete. Sequence analysis revealed that BglNH encoded a 456-aa peptide with a calculated mass of 51 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence of BglNH showed the highest identities of 61 % with known β-glucosidases and contained a catalytic domain which belonged to the glycoside hydrolase family 1. The gene BglNH was expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant enzyme (r-BglNH) was purified. The optimum pH and temperature of r-BglNH were pH 6.0 and 45 °C, respectively. The r-BglNH displayed the typical salt-tolerant and glucose...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 15, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Mai Z, Yang J, Tian X, Li J, Zhang S Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Enhanced Production of Bacterial Cellulose by Using Gluconacetobacter hansenii NCIM 2529 Strain Under Shaking Conditions.
Abstract Bacterial cellulose (BC), a biopolymer, due to its unique properties is valuable for production of vital products in food, textile, medicine, and agriculture. In the present study, the optimal fermentation conditions for enhanced BC production by Gluconacetobacter hansenii NCIM 2529 were investigated under shaking conditions. The investigation on media components and culture parameters revealed that 2 % (w/v) sucrose as carbon source, 0.5 % (w/v) potassium nitrate as nitrogen source, 0.4 % (w/v) disodium phosphate as phosphate source, 0.04 % (w/v) magnesium sulfate, and 0.8 % (w/v) calcium chloride as...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 15, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Mohite BV, Salunke BK, Patil SV Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

An 'omics approach towards CHO cell engineering
Abstract Chinese hamster ovarian cells (CHO) cells have been extensively utilized for industrial production of biopharmaceutical products, such as monoclonal antibodies, human growth hormones, cytokines, and blood‐products. Recent advances in recombinant DNA technology have resulted in the bioengineering of CHO cells that have robust gene amplification systems and can also be adapted to grow in suspension cultures. In parallel, recent advances in techniques and tools for decoding the CHO cell genome, transcriptome, proteome, and glycome have led to new areas of study for better understanding the metabolic pathways in CHO...
Source: Biotechnology and Bioengineering - January 15, 2013 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Payel Datta, Robert J. Linhardt, Susan T. Sharfstein Tags: Review Source Type: research