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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 19.

Anaerobic fermentation of glycerol: a platform for renewable fuels and chemicals.
Abstract To ensure the long-term viability of biorefineries, it is essential to go beyond the carbohydrate-based platform and develop complementing technologies capable of producing fuels and chemicals from a wide array of available materials. Glycerol, a readily available and inexpensive compound, is generated during biodiesel, oleochemical, and bioethanol production processes, making its conversion into value-added products of great interest. The high degree of reduction of carbon atoms in glycerol confers the ability to produce fuels and reduced chemicals at higher yields when compared to the use of carbohydrate...
Source: Trends in Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Clomburg JM, Gonzalez R Tags: Trends Biotechnol Source Type: research

Science-based bioprocess design for filamentous fungi.
Abstract Industrial bioprocesses are commonly based on empiricism rather than scientific process understanding. In this review, we summarize current strategies for science-based bioprocess design and control for filamentous fungi aiming at reducing development times and increasing process economics. We discuss recent developments and trends regarding three crucial aspects throughout the bioprocess life cycle of filamentous fungi, namely (i) strain and inoculum characterization, (ii) morphology, and (iii) rheology, as well as their effects on process performance. Complex interconnections between strain, inoculum, mo...
Source: Trends in Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Posch AE, Herwig C, Spadiut O Tags: Trends Biotechnol Source Type: research

Coping with complexity in metabolic engineering.
Abstract In the past decade, systems biology has revealed great metabolic and regulatory complexity even in seemingly simple microbial systems. Metabolic engineering aims to control this complexity in order to establish sustainable and economically viable production routes for valuable chemicals. Recent advances in systems-level data generation and modeling of cellular metabolism and regulation together with tremendous progress in synthetic biology will provide the tools to put biotechnologists on the fast track for implementing novel production processes. Great potential lies in the reduction of cellular complexit...
Source: Trends in Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Mampel J, Buescher JM, Meurer G, Eck J Tags: Trends Biotechnol Source Type: research

Biotechnology policy: where are we and why?
PMID: 23206572 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Trends in Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Shaklee PM Tags: Trends Biotechnol Source Type: research

Immunosignaturing: a critical review.
Abstract Health is a complex interaction between metabolism, physiology, and immunity. Although it is difficult to define quantitatively, the activity of the humoral immune system provides a reasonable proxy for changes in health. Immunosignaturing is a microarray-based technology that quantitates the dynamics of circulating antibodies. Recent advancements in the field warrant a review of the technology. Here, we provide an introduction to the technique, evaluate the current progress, contrast similar technologies, and suggest applications that immunosignaturing could facilitate. PMID: 23219199 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Trends in Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Sykes KF, Legutki JB, Stafford P Tags: Trends Biotechnol Source Type: research

Network analysis: tackling complex data to study plant metabolism.
Abstract Incomplete knowledge of biochemical pathways makes the holistic description of plant metabolism a non-trivial undertaking. Sensitive analytical platforms, which are capable of accurately quantifying the levels of the various molecular entities of the cell, can assist in tackling this task. However, the ever-increasing amount of high-throughput data, often from multiple technologies, requires significant computational efforts for integrative analysis. Here we introduce the application of network analysis to study plant metabolism and describe the construction and analysis of correlation-based networks from ...
Source: Trends in Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Toubiana D, Fernie AR, Nikoloski Z, Fait A Tags: Trends Biotechnol Source Type: research

Bioprinting for stem cell research.
Abstract Recently, there has been growing interest in applying bioprinting techniques to stem cell research. Several bioprinting methods have been developed utilizing acoustics, piezoelectricity, and lasers to deposit living cells onto receiving substrates. Using these technologies, spatially defined gradients of immobilized biomolecules can be engineered to direct stem cell differentiation into multiple subpopulations of different lineages. Stem cells can also be patterned in a high-throughput manner onto flexible implementation patches for tissue regeneration or onto substrates with the goal of accessing encapsul...
Source: Trends in Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Tasoglu S, Demirci U Tags: Trends Biotechnol Source Type: research

Rewriting history through proteins.
Abstract Today, researchers interested in exploring ancient samples and remains at the molecular level mainly rely on DNA. But proteins might tell us even more about history. Andrew Wiecek examines how protein analysis techniques are shedding new light on Inca history. PMID: 23311317 [PubMed - in process]
Source: BioTechniques - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Wiecek AS Tags: Biotechniques Source Type: research

Homopolymer tail-mediated ligation PCR: a streamlined and highly efficient method for DNA cloning and library construction.
Abstract The amplification of DNA fragments, cloned between user-defined 5' and 3' end sequences, is a prerequisite step in the use of many current applications including massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Here we describe an improved method, called homopolymer tail-mediated ligation PCR (HTML-PCR), that requires very little starting template, minimal hands-on effort, is cost-effective, and is suited for use in high-throughput and robotic methodologies. HTML-PCR starts with the addition of homopolymer tails of controlled lengths to the 3' termini of a double-stranded genomic template. The homopolymer tails enable...
Source: BioTechniques - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Lazinski DW, Camilli A Tags: Biotechniques Source Type: research

Rapid, Sensitive, and Specific Detection of Clostridium tetani by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay.
In this study, we developed a detection method for C. tetani using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, wherein the C. tetani tetanus toxin gene was used as the target gene. The method was highly specific and sensitive, with a detection limit of 10 colony forming units (CFU)/ml, and allowed quantitative analysis. While detecting C. tetani in clinical samples, it was found that the LAMP results completely agreed with those of the traditional API 20A anaerobic bacteria identification test. As compared with the traditional API test and PCR assay, LAMP detection of C. tetani is simple and rapid, and the results...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Jiang D, Pu X, Wu J, Li M, Liu P Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Role of the Salt Bridge Between Arg176 and Glu126 in the Thermal Stability of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-Amylase (BAA).
Abstract In the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase (BAA), the loop (residues 176-185; region I) that is the part of the calcium-binding site (CaI, II) has two more amino acid residues than the alpha-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis (BLA). Arg176 in this region makes an ionic interaction with Glu126 from region II (residues 118-130), but this interaction is lost in BLA owing to substitution of R176Q and E126V. The goal of the present work was to quantitatively estimate the effect of ionic interaction on the overall stability of the enzyme. To clarify the functional and structural significance of the corresp...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Zonouzi R, Khajeh K, Monajjemi M, Ghaemi N Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

"A La Recherche" of Functions for the Spore Protein SASP-E from Bacillus subtilis.
Abstract We previously observed that Bacillus subtilis spores from sspE mutants presented a lower germination capacity in media containing high salt concentrations (0.9M NaCl). This deficiency was attributed to the absence of SASP-E (gamma-type small-acid-soluble protein), rich in osmocompatible amino acids released by degradation. Herein we observed that, in addition, this mutant spore presented a reduced capacity to use L-alanine as germinant (L-ala pathway), required longer times to germinate in calcium dipicolinate (Ca2+-DPA), but germinated well in asparagine, glucose, fructose, and potassium chloride (AGFK pa...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Ruzal SM, Bustos PL, Sanchez-Rivas C Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Homologous Expression and T3SS-Dependent Secretion of TAP-Tagged Xo2276 in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Induced by Rice Leaf Extract and Its Direct In Vitro Recognition of Putative Target DNA Sequence.
Abstract Xo2276 is a putative transcription activator-like effector (TALE) in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Xo2276 was expressed with a TAP-tag at the C-terminus in Xoo cells to enable quantitative analysis of protein expression and secretion. Nearly all TAP-tagged Xo2276 existed in an insoluble form; addition of rice leaf extracts from a Xoosusceptible rice cultivar, Milyang23, significantly stimulated secretion of TAP-tagged Xo2276 into the medium. In a T3SS-defective Xoo mutant strain, secretion of TAPtagged Xo2276 was blocked. Xo2276 is a Xoo ortholog of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) AvrBs...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Kim S, Nguyen TD, Lee J, Hong MK, Pham TV, Ahn YJ, Lee BM, Han YS, Kim DE, Kim JG, Kang LW Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

An Endophytic Nodulisporium sp. from Central America Producing Volatile Organic Compounds with Both Biological and Fuel Potential.
Abstract A Nodulisporium sp. (Hypoxylon sp.) has been isolated as an endophyte of Thelypteris angustifolia (Broadleaf Leaf Maiden Fern) in a rainforest region of Central America. It has been identified both on the basis of its morphological characteristics and by scanning electron microscopy as well as ITS sequence analysis. The endophyte produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have both fuel (mycodiesel) and use for biological control of plant disease. When grown on potato dextrose agar, the organism uniquely produces a series of ketones, including acetone; 2-pentanone; 3-hexanone, 4-methyl; 3-hexanone, 2,...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Riyaz-Ul-Hassan S, Strobel G, Geary B, Sears J Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Power density enhancement of anion-exchange membrane-installed microbial fuel cell under bicarbonate-buffered cathode condition.
Abstract We introduce a high-performance microbial fuel cell (MFC) that was operated using a 0.1M bicarbonate buffer as the cathodic electrolyte. The MFC had a 136.42 mW/m2 maximum power density under continuous feeding of 5 mM acetate as fuel. Results of the electrode potential measurements showed that the cathode potential of the bicarbonate-buffered condition was higher than the phosphate-buffered condition, although the phosphate condition had less interfacial resistance between the membrane and electrolyte. Therefore, we posit here that the increased power of the bicarbonate-buffered MFC may be caused by the h...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Piao J, An J, Ha PT, Kim T, Jang JK, Moon H, Chang IS Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Analysis of microflora profile in korean traditional nuruk.
In this study, a total of 64 bacterial species, 39 fugal species, and 15 yeast species were identified from nuruk. Among these strains, 37 bacterial species, 20 fungal species, and 8 yeast species were distributed less than 0.1%. PMID: 23314366 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Song SH, Lee C, Lee S, Park JM, Lee HJ, Bai DH, Yoon SS, Choi JB, Park YS Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Alteration of Media Composition and Light Conditions Change Morphology, Metabolic Profile, and Beauvericin Biosynthesis in Cordyceps bassiana Mycelium.
Abstract Metabolic alterations of Cordyceps bassiana mycelium were investigated under the following culture medium and light conditions: dextrose agar supplemented with 0.5% yeast extract (SDAY) medium with light (SL), SDAY medium without light (SD), nut medium without light (ND), and iron-supplemented SDAY medium without light (FD). The levels of asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, histidine, lysine, ornithine, and proline were significantly higher under SD and SL conditions. The levels of most of the alcohols, saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid esters, sterols, and terpene...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Hyun SH, Lee SY, Park SJ, Kim da Y, Chun YJ, Sung GH, Kim SH, Choi HK Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Enzymatic Properties of a Thermostable alpha-Glucosidase from Acidothermophilic Crenarchaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii Strain 7.
Abstract We have characterized the putative alpha-glucosidase gene (st2525) selected by total genome analysis from the acidothermophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii strain 7. The ORF was cloned and expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli, and recombinant ST2525 was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Maximum activity was observed at 95 degrees C and pH 4.0, and the enzyme exhibited stability with half-lives of 40.1 min and 7.75 min at extremely high temperatures of 100 degrees C and 105 degrees C, respectively. The enzyme retained at least 85% of its maximal activity in the pH range of 4.0-11...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Park JE, Park SH, Woo JY, Hwang HS, Cha J, Lee H Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Lactobacillus acidophilus Strain Suppresses the Transcription of Proinflammatory-Related Factors in Human HT-29 Cells.
In conclusion, the live L. acidophilus decreased the transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB and, in turn, inhibited the transaction of NF-kappaB on the three proinflammatory factors mentioned above. PMID: 23314369 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Chen K, Liang N, Luo X, Zhang TC Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody against enrofloxacin.
In this study, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against enrofloxacin was prepared and characterized for the development of a direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The obtained mAb, Enro44, was highly specific for enrofloxacin and had a 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of 1.99 ng/ml in a competitive ELISA, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.50 ng/ml. The cross-reactivity of the mAb with other quinolones and fluoroquinolones was lower than 0.01%. The subclass of the mAb Enro44 was identified as IgG1. The antigen (Ag)-captured direct competitive ELISA using the mAb Enro44 was tested on different spik...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Chusri M, Wongphanit P, Palaga T, Puthong S, Sooksai S, Komolpis K Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Comparison of bacterial community changes in fermenting kimchi at two different temperatures using a denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis.
Abstract A polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) technique followed by sequencing of the 16S rDNA fragments eluted from the bands of interest on denaturing gradient gels was used to monitor changes in the bacterial microflora of two commercial kimchi, salted cabbage, and ingredient mix samples during 30 days of fermentation at 4 degrees C and 10 degrees C. Leuconostoc (Lc.) was the dominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) over Lactobacillus (Lb.) species at 4 degrees C. Weissella confusa was detected in the ingredient mix and also in kimchi samples throughout fermentation in both s...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Hong Y, Yang HS, Chang HC, Kim HY Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

A Foodborne Outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus Associated with Fried Chicken in Republic of Korea.
Abstract An outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus infections occurred in a university with an enrollment of 80 students in the city of Daejon, Republic of Korea. All nine S. aureus isolates from patients (n = 7), staff members (n = 1), and the fried chicken served as the lunch (n = 1) harbored the enterotoxin A gene and showed an identical antibioticresistant profile, PFGE banding pattern (STAS16.001), and sequence type, ST 6. These results suggested that the outbreak was associated with eating the fried chicken that had been handled by an infected staff member. This case report demonstrated a practical approach to ide...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Hyeon JY, Chung GT, Bing SH, Kwon KS, Lee HH, Kim SJ, Jeon SE, Kang YH, Kim J Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Cyt1Aa from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis Enhances Mosquitocidal Activity of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD-1 Against Aedes aegypti but not Culex quinquefasciatus.
Abstract The Cyt1Aa protein of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis is known to synergize mosquitocidal proteins of B. thuringiensis and Bacillus sphaericus strains. Cyt1Aa is highly lipophilic, and after binding in vivo to the midgut microvillar membrane serves as a "receptor" for mosquitocidal Cry proteins, which subsequently form cation channels that kill mosquito larvae. Here we report that Cyt1Aa can serve a similar function for lepidopteran-specific Cry proteins of B. thuringiensis in certain mosquito larvae. Engineering Cyt1Aa into the HD-1 isolate of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki enhanced toxicity a...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Park HW, Pino BC, Kozervanich-Chong S, Hafkenscheid EA, Oliverio RM, Federici BA, Bideshi DK Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Increased microalgae growth and nutrient removal using balanced N:p ratio in wastewater.
Abstract Microalgal cultivation using wastewater is now regarded as essential for biodiesel production, as two goals can be achieved simultaneously; that is, nutrient removal efficiency and biomass production. Therefore, this study examined the effects of carbon sources, the N:P ratio, and the hydraulic retention time (HRT) to identify the optimal conditions for nutrient removal efficiency and biomass production. The effluent from a 2nd lagoon was used to cultivate microalgae. Whereas the algal species diversity and lipid content increased with a longer HRT, the algal biomass productivity decreased. Different carbo...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Lee SH, Ahn CY, Jo BH, Lee SA, Park JY, An KG, Oh HM Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Effect of Aeration on Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emission from Nitrogen-Removing Sequencing Batch Reactors.
In this study, nitrous oxide (N2O) emission was compared between the operations of two different sequencing batch reactors, conventional sequencing batch reactor (CNVSBR) and simultaneous nitrification and denitrification sequencing batch reactor (SND-SBR), using synthetic wastewater. The CNV-SBR consisted of anoxic (denitrification) and aerobic phases, whereas the SND-SBR consisted of a microaerobic (low dissolved oxygen concentration) phase, which was achieved by intermittent aeration for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification. The CNV-SBR emitted 3.9 mg of N2O-N in the denitrification phase and 1.6 mg of N2O-N i...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Kim DJ, Kim Y Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Microbial consortia in oman oil fields: a possible use in enhanced oil recovery.
Abstract Microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) is one of the most economical and efficient methods for extending the life of production wells in a declining reservoir. Microbial consortia from Wafra oil wells and Suwaihat production water, Al-Wusta region, Oman were screened. Microbial consortia in brine samples were identified using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene sequences. The detected microbial consortia of Wafra oil wells were completely different from microbial consortia of Suwaihat formation water. A total of 33 genera and 58 species were identified in Wafra oil wells and Suwaihat ...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Al-Bahry SN, Elshafie AE, Al-Wahaibi YM, Al-Bemani AS, Joshi SJ, Al-Maaini RA, Al-Alawi WJ, Sugai Y, Al-Mandhari M Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Lactobacillus brevis KB290 Enhances IL-8 Secretion by Vibrio parahaemolyticus-Infected Caco-2 Cells.
Abstract Vibrio parahaemolyticus in uncooked seafood causes acute gastroenteritis. The microorganism has two sets of type III secretion systems and two hemolysins. When it injects its effector proteins into a host cell via type III secretion system 1, one of the type III secretion systems induces secretion of interleukin (IL)-8, a proinflammatory chemokine, through the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK. Although probiotics have beneficial effects on hosts and can help control some infectious diseases, there is little research on the efficacy of probiotics in V. parahaemolyticus infection. Here we pretreated V...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Yakabe T, Shimohata T, Takahashi A Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Antiviral Activity of the Plant Extracts from Thuja orientalis, Aster spathulifolius, and Pinus thunbergii Against Influenza Virus A/PR/8/34.
In this study, we examined the antiviral efficacy of the plant extracts against the influenza A/PR/8/34 infection. In vitro, the antiviral activities of the plant extracts were investigated using the cell-based screening. Three plant extracts, Thuja orientalis, Aster spathulifolius, and Pinus thunbergii, were shown to induce a high cell viability rate after the infection with the influenza A/PR/8/34 virus. The antiviral activity of the plant extracts also increased as a function of the concentration of the extracts and these extracts significantly reduced the visible cytopathic effect caused by virus infections. Furthermor...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Won JN, Lee SY, Song DS, Poo H Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Synthesis of NBD-Labeled DOTAP Analog to Track Intracellular Delivery of Liposome.
Abstract A DOTAP analog labeled by NBD on the head group (DTNBD) was designed and synthesized to label DOTAP liposome. The structure was confirmed by (1)H NMR and FAB-MS, and the fluorescence of the newly synthesized DT-NBD was observed by fluorescent microscopy. The transfection efficiency of DOTAP liposome containing DT-NBD was comparable to commonly used NBD PE in COS7 and MCF7 cells. Furthermore, the level of cellular uptake and fluorescent intensity of fluorescent liposome containing DT-NBD was higher than NBD PE. Therefore, the novel NBD-labeled DOTAP analog seems to be effectively used for investigation of t...
Source: Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Doh KO, Kim BK, Lee TJ, Park JW, Seu YB Tags: J Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Efficient approximate k‐fold and leave‐one‐out cross‐validation for ridge regression
In model building and model evaluation, cross‐validation is a frequently used resampling method. Unfortunately, this method can be quite time consuming. In this article, we discuss an approximation method that is much faster and can be used in generalized linear models and Cox’ proportional hazards model with a ridge penalty term. Our approximation method is based on a Taylor expansion around the estimate of the full model. In this way, all cross‐validated estimates are approximated without refitting the model. The tuning parameter can now be chosen based on these approximations and can be optimized in less time. The...
Source: Biometrical Journal - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Rosa J. Meijer, Jelle J. Goeman Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

Intravesical drug delivery for dysfunctional bladder
Abstract The bladder is a hollow organ that can be treated locally by transurethral catheter for intravesical drug instillation or cystoscopy for intravesical drug injection. With advancing technology, local organ‐specific therapy and drug delivery is of expanding interest for treating dysfunctional bladder, including interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, overactive bladder and sterile hemorrhagic cystitis after chemotherapy or pelvic radiation. Intravesical therapy has shown varying degrees of efficacy and safety in treating interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, overactive bladder and hemorrhagic cystitis ...
Source: International Journal of Urology - January 1, 2013 Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Chun‐Chien Hsu, Yao‐Chi Chuang, Michael B Chancellor Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Sample size calculation for studies comparing binary outcomes using historical controls
In historical control trials (HCTs), the experimental therapy is compared with a control therapy that has been evaluated in a previously conducted trial. Makuch and Simon developed a sample size formula where the observations from the HC group were considered not subject to sampling variability. Many researchers have pointed out that the Makuch–Simon sample size formula does not preserve the nominal power and type I error. We develop a sample size calculation approach that properly accounts for the uncertainty in the true response rate of the HC group. We demonstrate that the empirical power and type I error, obtained ov...
Source: Biometrical Journal - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Song Zhang, Jing Cao, Chul Ahn Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

Bayesian nonparametric centered random effects models with variable selection
In a linear mixed effects model, it is common practice to assume that the random effects follow a parametric distribution such as a normal distribution with mean zero. However, in the case of variable selection, substantial violation of the normality assumption can potentially impact the subset selection and result in poor interpretation and even incorrect results. In nonparametric random effects models, the random effects generally have a nonzero mean, which causes an identifiability problem for the fixed effects that are paired with the random effects. In this article, we focus on a Bayesian method for variable selection...
Source: Biometrical Journal - January 1, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Mingan Yang Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

Stains recently certified.
Authors: PMID: 23249168 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Biotechnic and Histochemistry - January 1, 2013 Category: Research Tags: Biotech Histochem Source Type: research

Tuning the mechanical properties of self‐assembled mixed‐peptide tubes
In this study, nano‐ and microscale fibrillar and tubular structures formed by mixing two aromatic peptides known to self‐assemble separately, (diphenylalanine and di‐D‐2‐napthylalanine) have been investigated. The morphology, mechanical strength and thermal stability of the tubular structures formed have been studied. The tubes are shown to consist of both peptides with some degree of nanoscale phase separation. The ability of the mixed peptides to form structures, which display variable mechanical properties dependent on the percentage composition of the peptides is presented. Such materials with tuneable prope...
Source: Journal of Microscopy - January 1, 2013 Category: Laboratory Medicine Authors: V.L. SEDMAN, X. CHEN, S. ALLEN, C.J. ROBERTS, V.V. KOROLKOV, S.J.B. TENDLER Source Type: research

Alzheimer's Association Update for January 2013
In 2011, workgroups established by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) published four papers in which they proposed revising the 25-year-old criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of the new criteria revised guidelines was to improve diagnostic accuracy, particularly during the early phases of disease. These papers have generated a flurry of discussion in the Alzheimer's community as researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies consider the implications of implementing revised criteria in clinical practice, research, and drug development. Among those weighin...
Source: Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association - January 1, 2013 Category: Geriatrics Tags: Association Pages Source Type: research

Toxin‐Antitoxin systems are ubiquitous and versatile modulators of prokaryotic cell fate
Abstract Toxin‐antitoxin (TA) systems are small genetic elements found on plasmids or chromosomes of countless bacteria, archaea and possibly also unicellular fungi. Under normal growth conditions the activity of the toxin protein or its translation is counteracted by an antitoxin protein or non‐coding RNA. Five types of TA systems have been proposed which differ markedly in their genetic architectures and modes of activity control. Subtle regulatory properties, frequently responsive to environmental cues, impact the behavior of TA systems. Typically, stress conditions result in the degradation or depletion of the anti...
Source: FEMS Microbiology Letters - January 1, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Christopher F. Schuster, Ralph Bertram Tags: MiniReview Source Type: research

Legislative Status of the Biofuels Tax Credit
Biotechnology Law Report , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Biotechnology Law Report - December 31, 2012 Category: Medical Law Tags: article Source Type: research

Fiscal cliff deadline looms
An agreement to avoid the worst impacts of the "fiscal cliff" appeared closer Monday evening, but House Republican leaders said they wouldn't vote on the matter until Tuesday at the earliest, meaning the nation would go over the edge for at least a day. The cliff refers to a combination of tax increases and spending cuts that some economists fear will plunge the nation back into recession. The question of what might happen was on the minds of Dallas-Fort Worth business people as the sun's rays…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - December 31, 2012 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Bill Hethcock Source Type: research

Reversible and irreversible electroporation of cell suspensions flowing through a localized DC electric field.
Abstract Experiments on reversible and irreversible cell electroporation were carried out with an experimental setup based on a standard apparatus for horizontal electrophoresis, a syringe pump with regulated cell suspension flow velocity and a dcEF power supply. Cells in suspension flowing through an orifice in a barrier inserted into the electrophoresis apparatus were exposed to defined localized dcEFs in the range of 0-1000 V/cm for a selected duration in the range 10-1000 ms. This method permitted the determination of the viability of irreversibly electroperforated cells. It also showed that the uptake by rever...
Source: Cellular and Molecular Biology Letters - December 31, 2012 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Korohoda W, Grys M, Madeja Z Tags: Cell Mol Biol Lett Source Type: research

Navigating the new health-care law: Some tips for employers
This week’s edition of the Puget Sound Business Journal includes some updates on the state Health Exchange – now branded as the Washington Healthplanfinder. It includes five key questions employers need to consider in 2013 (subscription required) as they march toward the exchange’s October enrollment period. The updates are all part of a series of major changes introduced through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Below I’ve included a few extra considerations and helpful…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - December 31, 2012 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Valerie Bauman Source Type: research

Anti-diarrheal drug for HIV patients, made from South American tree bark, approved by FDA
An anti-diarrheal drug for HIV patients, developed by Napo Pharmaceuticals Inc. from the bark of a South American tree before a contentious handoff to a North Carolina drug maker, won Food and Drug Administration approval Monday. The FDA’s end-of-the-year approval of Fulyzaq, the second botanical drug OK’d by the agency, caps a 20-year journey by Napo’s principals to turn the highly purified form of red, sappy tree bark latex into a drug to relieve diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - December 31, 2012 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Ron Leuty Source Type: research

A fiscal cliff bonus: The Apple products a tax deal could buy you
UPDATE: CNBC and several other news outlets are reporting that the House of Representatives will not convene Monday night to vote on any potential fiscal cliff deals approved by the Senate. Cue discussion about whether we're really heading off a cliff, or rather a more gradual slope... Original Story: With all the chaos surrounding Washington’s inability to reach a deal on the fiscal cliff, some of you may have braced for a tax hike by setting aside more cash to pay the IRS in 2013. It's a long…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - December 31, 2012 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Lauren Hepler Source Type: research

Five of the biggest real estate deals of 2012
Commercial real estate seems like it went through fits and starts in 2012, with some major projects in the St. Louis area moving forward and others at a stand still. Many of the projects that began in 2012 were driven by institutional users such as local universities and health-care providers, including BJC Healthcare and Washington University. Here's a sampling: CORTEX’s $186 million plan to turn the blighted area between the campuses of Saint Louis University and the Washington University School…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - December 31, 2012 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Evan Binns Source Type: research

St. Louis’ 5 largest public companies end the year up
The S&P, Dow Jones and Nasdaq all ended the day up - the S&P by 1.7 percent, the Dow by 1.3 percent and the Nasdaq up 2 percent. St. Louis’ five biggest publicly held companies also ended the year on a high note. Express Scripts Holding Co. Inc. (Nasdaq: ESRX), led by CEO George Paz, closed Monday at $53.98 a share, up 2 percent from Friday’s close.Anheuser-Busch InBev. (NYSE: BUD), led by CEO Carlos Brito, closed at $87.42 a share, up .7 percent.Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE: EMR), led by Chairman…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - December 31, 2012 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Greta Weiderman Source Type: research

Growth prompts Oakstone to move HQ
Oakstone Publishing LLC, a health care education provider, has moved its headquarters to accommodate future growth, the Birmingham company announced. The move, effective Dec. 10, kept Oakstone at the same office park but its address is now 2700 Corporate Drive, Suite 100. The cost of the new headquarters was not disclosed. The new place will be equipped audio and video studios, a suite of production and editing studios and a distribution center, a news release said. "We look forward to accelerating…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - December 31, 2012 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Yann Ranaivo Source Type: research

Mylan begins contraceptive shipments
Mylan Inc. (Nasdaq:MYL) announced that its Mumbai, India, partner Famy Care Ltd. has received final U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to market the oral contraceptive ethinyl estradiol tablets. Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. will distribute the product domestically and immediate shipments are planned. Ethinyl estradiol is the generic version of Nordette, which is distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (NYSE: TEVA), the world’s largest generic drugmaker. “The approval and immediate launch…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - December 31, 2012 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Kris B. Mamula Source Type: research

Jewish Hospital launches STEMI Network program
Jewish Hospital officials are hoping a recent investment an a new program called the STEMI Network will reduce the time between when a patient suffers a heart attack and when that patient receives care. STEMI is an acronym meaning ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, which is a type of heart attack with a complete blockage of a coronary artery, Dr. Steven Raible, director of Jewish Hospital’s chest pain unit, explained in a recent interview. Through the new network, which launched in December,…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - December 31, 2012 Category: Biotechnology Authors: David A. Mann Source Type: research

Health Care Guide: Spotlight - Wendy Hanisch
When Wendy Hanisch joined the JDRF Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter in 1996, the organization annually raised about $80,000, largely through a walk, and had only one employee. As fundraising manager for the local chapter of JDRF, formerly called Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Hanisch was the chapter’s sole staff member. She quickly took on her current title of executive director and the local chapter took off.
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - December 31, 2012 Category: Biotechnology Source Type: research