Observational study on preservation of the superior rectal artery in sigmoid resection for diverticular disease.

Aim: Recent investigations have shown improved patient reported outcome after preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery in sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. We report on our experience with preservation of the superior rectal artery (SRA).

Methods: This is an observational single center study in a high-volume, level II inner city hospital from 2006 to 2008.

Analysis of in vivo function of predicted isoenzymes:a metabolomic approach.

Isoenzymes occur in all organisms. Often, they are regulated with respect to environmental perturbations to assure metabolic flexibility. In bioinformatics-driven functional genome annotations, the presence of isoenzymes is frequently predicted.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of a cold-active endo-β-1,4-D-xylanase from glycoside hydrolase family 8.

Endo-β-1,4-D-xylanases are used in a multitude of industrial applications. Native crystals of a cold-adapted xylanase from glycoside hydrolase family 8 were obtained by the vapour-diffusion technique. The crystals belonged to space group I222, with unit-cell parameters a=46.

Functional analysis of glycoside hydrolase family 8 xylanases shows narrow but distinct substrate specificities and biotechnological potential.

The potential of glycoside hydrolase family (GH) 8 xylanases in biotechnological applications is virtually unexplored. Therefore, the substrate preference and hydrolysis product profiles of two GH8 xylanases were evaluated to investigate their activities and substrate specificities. A GH8 xylanase from an uncultured bacterium (rXyn8) shows endo action but very selectively releases xylotriose from its substrates.