bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrospray Ionization Linear Trap Quadrupole Orbitrap in Analysis of Old Tempera Paintings: Application to Nineteenth-Century Orthodox Icons
Authors: Tripković T. , Charvy C. , Alves S. , Lolić A.Ð. , Baošić R.M. , Nikolić-Mandić S.D. , Tabet J.C.
Published: August 2015

Proteomic approach in combination with mass spectrometry demonstrates a great potential for identification of proteinaceous materials in works of art. In this study we used a linear trap quadrupole Orbitrap (LTQ-Orbitrap), a state-of-the-art mass spectrometer for parts per million accuracy analyses of peptides behind tryptic hydrolysis. After the efficiency of the proteomic method was confirmed for reference and model samples, micro-samples from historical paintings were for the first time analysed using this technique. Superior performances of the liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry approach using a LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometer allowed identification of egg yolk peptides in two samples from nineteenth-century Orthodox icons, indicating egg tempera as the painting technique. Accurate precursor ion masses, in the range of ±2 ppm, and retention times of tryptic peptides strengthen protein identification. Additionally, in all historical samples the presence of animal glues suggested that the ground layer was likely bound using bovine collagen. Comparing to results acquired using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry in our previous study, here we achieved higher ion scores and protein scores, better sequence coverage and more identified proteins. In fact, a combination of the two mass spectrometric techniques provided overlapping and complementary data, related to the detection of peptides with different physicochemical properties.
Evaluation of Intermolecular Association of Glycosaminoglycan Oligosaccharides Using Nanoelectrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Otsuka Yuya , Minamisawa Toshikazu
Published: August 2015

This study examines the non-covalent interactions between glycosaminoglycan (GAG) oligosaccharides using nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nanoESI-MS). It is the first time that interactions between oligosaccharides have been observed using MS. The importance of interactions between GAGs has recently attracted much interest because they are related to biological functions. For instance, hyaluronic acid (HA) is known to associate with chondroitin sulfates (CSs), although the details of the interaction remain unclear. In general, non-covalent interactions between glycans are too weak to detect by general means. In this work, we applied nanoESI-MS with high sensitivity, which is widely used to observe non-covalent interactions, to investigate the interaction between HA and CSs. HA and CS oligosaccharides are used to discuss the results in a simplified manner. Our approach is aimed at interpreting the behavior of GAG polysaccharides from the information obtained using the oligosaccharides. HA and CS tetrasaccharides were demonstrated to associate to form heterodimer ions that were easily detected using nanoESI-MS. We also determined the stoichiometry of the interaction and calculated the Kd values of the interactions between HA and CS tetrasaccharides. How these structures affect the strength and stability of the non-covalent complexes is discussed. Further study of the interactions between HA and CS oligosaccharides will clarify the biological meaning of the coexistence of HA and CS in body fluids and tissues.
Effect of Structural Parameters on the Electron Capture Dissociation and Collision-Induced Dissociation Pathways of Copper(II)–Peptide Complexes
Authors: Chen Xiangfeng , Wang Ze , Li Wan , Wong Y.L. Elaine , Chan T.-W. Dominic
Published: August 2015

The gas-phase dissociation pathways of proteins/peptides are usually affected by the nature of the charge carrier and the sequence of amino acid residues. The effects of peptide structural parameters, including peptide composition, chain length and amide hydrogen, on the gas-phase dissociation of Cu(II)–model peptide complexes were explored in this study. Polyglycine peptides with flexible frames were used as probes to reduce the complexity of the system and illustrate the mechanism. Results revealed that the types of fragment ions generated in the electron capture dissociation (ECD) of Cu(II)-adducted peptides changed according to the basic amino acid residue composition. Charged or neutral tryptophan side-chain losses were observed in the collision-induced dissociation (CID) of Cu(II)–peptide complexes. Internal electron transfer between tryptophan and metal ion within the complex occurred during the CID reaction, leaving the charge-reduced Cu+ as a closed d-shell stable electron configuration. The choice of the reaction channel was then determined by the gas-phase basicity of the peptide. Amide hydrogen was critical in the formation of metalated b-/ y-ions in the ECD process as determined through mutation of the backbone amide group. Increasing the chain length suppressed the ECD of Cu-metalated peptide species. Our results indicate that the structural parameters of peptides play important roles in the gas-phase dissociation processes of Cu–peptide complexes.
Letter: β-Cyclodextrin Affects the Formation of Isomerization Products during Peptide Deamidation
Authors: Qi Yulin , Volmer Dietrich A.
Published: August 2015

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a group of nontoxic oligosaccharides that are widely used as drug excipients and protein stabilizers. CDs have also been found to reduce the neurotoxicity and fibrillation of amyloid beta (Aβ), the major component of the amyloid plaques found in the brain of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The formation of these plaques was found to be enhanced by the presence of iso-aspartic acid (isoAsp) residues in the Aβ peptide, which can be formed by deamidation from asparagine (Asn). To explore further the influence of CDs on Aβ, we investigated three Asn-containing peptides, including Aβ25–35, by electrospray ionization, electron capture dissociation, and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry to explore details of the deamidation process in the presence and absence of peptide/CD adducts. The results showed that CDs reduced the formation of the isomerization product isoAsp during peptide deamidation. This finding might help to better understand the role of CDs during the protein-aggregation process.
Inverse Analysis of near Infrared Transmission Spectra for Triarylamine, Tetraaryldiamine, Nickel Dithiolene and Indolium-Iodide Dyes
Authors: Aiken Daniel C. , Ramsey Scott , Mayo Troy , Bellemare James , Lambrakos Samuel G. , Peak Joseph
Published: August 2015

An inverse analysis of transmission spectra for triarylamine, tetraaryldiamine, nickel dithiolene and indolium iodide dyes in solution is presented. This analysis employs a parametric model of transmission through a sample of finite thickness, where the permittivity function is represented parametrically by a linear combination of Lorentzian functions. The results of this analysis provide estimates of permittivity functions, which can be adopted as input data to other types of models, such as those for prediction of transmission and reflectivity spectra for composites containing mixtures of dyes and other materials.
Evaluation of Diffuse Reflectance near Infrared Fibre Optical Sensors in Measurements for Chemical Identification and Quantification for Binary Granule Blends
Authors: Togashi D. , Alvarez-Jubete L. , Rifai H. , Cama-Moncunill R. , Cruise P. , Sullivan C. , Cullen P. J.
Published: August 2015

In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has focused on a better understanding of the real-time manufacturing process with online measurements. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is perhaps the most used and acceptable technique in such a highly regulated industry. However, one of the big challenges in using NIR systems for in-line manufacturing processes is the acquisition of measurements in real-time simultaneously at different locations. To this end, a series of different optical set-ups were investigated. Results are presented here using a multipoint NIR system based on a Fabry–Pérot Interferometer capable of recording simultaneously four independent spectra in four different points. NIR spectra of cellulose and sucrose granule mixtures were evaluated by the partial least-squares (PLS) regression method. By interpreting score values, loading of the principal components and the root mean square errors of cross-validation ( RMSECV), differences between two sensors composed of fibre optics and the effect of sampling (static or motion) were analysed. Sensors that allow large illumination and detection areas against small granule sizes showed better results in reducing the prediction errors ( RMSECV = 1.8%) than sensors with small illumination and detection areas against samples with large granule sizes ( RMSECV = 9.6%). These results are important to better understand errors associated with optic fibre probes and their configuration in multipoint NIR spectroscopy for monitoring the pharmaceutical manufacturing process.
Poly(U) RNA-templated synthesis of AppA
Authors: Puthenvedu Deepa , Janas Teresa , Majerfeld Irene , Illangasekare Mali , Yarus Michael
Published: August 2015

Simple nucleotide templating activities are of interest as potential primordial reactions. Here we describe the acceleration of 5′-5′ AppA synthesis by 3′-5′ poly(U) under normal solution conditions. This reaction is apparently templated via complementary U:A base-pairing, despite the involvement of two different RNA backbones, because poly(U), unlike other polymers, significantly stimulates AppA synthesis. These interactions occur in moderate (K+) and (Mg2+) and are temperature sensitive, being more efficient at 10°C than at 4°C, but absent at 20°C. The reaction is only slightly pH sensitive, despite potentially relevant substrate pKa’s. Kinetic data explicitly support production of AppA by interaction of stacked 2MeImpA and pA nucleotides paired with a single molecule of U template. At a lower rate, AppA can also be produced by a chemical reaction between 2MeImpA and pA, without participation of poly(U). Molecular modeling suggests that 5′-5′ joining between stacked or concurrently paired A's can occur without major departures from normal U-A helical coordinates. So, coenzyme-like 5′-5′ purine dinucleotides might be readily synthesized from 3′-5′ RNAs with complementary sequences.
egional features of sensibilization of patients with pollinosis in the Republic of North Osaetia Alania
Authors: Брциева  , Brtsieva Zarina , Хутиева  , Khutieva Larisa , Кцоева  , Ktsoeva Svetlana , Гатагонова  , Gatagonova Tamara , Бурдули  , Burduli Nina , Кцоева  , Ktsoeva alina
Published: August 2015

The work presents results of a clinical survey of 440 patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. The survey oncluded 272 urban residents and 168 rural residents aged 18-65. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis among adults living in environmentally unfavorable urban areas turned out to be 1.3 times higher in comparison with the conventionally clean rural areas (p <0,05). Predominantly seasonal forms of the disease were revealed among both groups of patients, the prevalence in urban and rural areas amounted to 8.2% and 6.4%, respectively. The main regional etiological factors of pollinosis in the adult population are weed pollen (61.4%), meadow grass (20.9%), fungal allergens – Alternaria, Cladosporium (22.5%). Low appeal ability a hypodiagnosis of seasonal allergic rhinitis has been detected as a result of the survey ,the diagnostics methods of the pathology should be improved.
Opportunities and results of treatment of the thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Уртаев  , Urtaev B. , Тотоева  , Totoeva Zalina
Published: August 2015

A comparative analysis of the results of surgical treatment of 75 patients with toxic diffuse goiter and nodular goiter forms, including by means of endovideo-surgical equipment. The direct results of conservative therapy and its economic component were studied, the consequences of radioiodine treatment with the development of indications and contraindications to such treatment were estimated. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of major complications arising from the various surgical interventions on the thyroid gland and while the treatment by radioactive iodine was performed.
Tte temporary organization of hemostasis system and microcirculation rhythms while gestational DIC-syndrome against the background of phytocorrection while the experiment
Authors: Датиева  , Datieva Fatima , Хетагурова  , Khetagurova Larisa
Published: August 2015

The state of temporal organization of hemostasis system (HS) and microcirculation (MC) was studied in 72 rats of Wistar line weighted 200-250 gr. They were in 8 groups: intact rats, rats with physiologic pregnancy; with experimental gestosis; prophylactic and treatment-and-prophylactic injections of complex phytoadaptogens – phytococktails “Biorhythm-E” and “Biorhythm-RG”. The analysis of coagulation and microcirculation indices was performed on the 21-st day of gestation. The biorhythms were estimated with the help of “cosinor-analysis” programmer. The reliable ultradian biorhythms prevailed in the intact rats, among which there were rhythms (5%) with high and middle amplitude, with the period of 5-7 hours. The chronic intersystemic pathologic desynchronosis developed while the experimental gestosis. The usage of phytococktail “Biorhythm-E” was more effective while the architectonics of temporal organization impairment at the expense of the part of the reliable circadian rhythms increase while the treatment-and-prophylactic administration. The usage of complex phytoadaptogens promoted the increase of HS and MC adaptation resources, normalizing the impaired architectonics of biological rhythms.
Recurring obstructive bronchitis as a risk factor asthma among children
Authors: Павловская  , Pavlovskaya Lyudmila , Бораева  , Boraeva Tatyana
Published: August 2015

In the present study there were analyzed the medical records of children aged 6 months to 15 years who were hospitalized in the pulmonary department of СRСH Vladikavkaz diagnosed with recurring obstructive bronchitis. It was found out that for the period from 2001 to 2009 there was a significant increase in the number of patients with recurrent, obstructive bronchitis. It was revealed a number of significant risk factors for the formation of asthma among children with ROB. It was determined the symptoms allowing to suspect the formation of asthma among children of the early ages, among which, first of all, it should be identified the recurring symptoms of respiratory tract, nocturnal episodes of coughing, which are equivalents of suffocation in infants.
Meta-analysis of elective surgical complications related to defunctioning loop ileostomy compared with loop colostomy after low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma
Authors: Geng Hong Zhi , Nasier Dilidan , Liu Bing , Gao Hua , Xu Yi Ke
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Defunctioning loop ileostomy (LI) and loop colostomy (LC) are used widely to protect/treat anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery. However, it is not known which surgical approach has a lower prevalence of surgical complications after low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma (LARRC).

Methods

We conducted a literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane databases to identify studies published between 1966 and 2013 focusing on elective surgical complications related to defunctioning LI and LC undertaken to protect a distal rectal anastomosis after LARRC.

Results

Five studies (two randomized controlled trials, one prospective non-randomized trial, and two retrospective trials) satisfied the inclusion criteria. Outcomes of 1,025 patients (652 LI and 373 LC) were analyzed. After the construction of a LI or LC, there was a significantly lower prevalence of sepsis (p=0.04), prolapse (p=0.03), and parastomal hernia (p=0.02) in LI patients than in LC patients. Also, the prevalence of overall complications was significantly lower in those who received LIs compared with those who received LCs (p<0.0001). After closure of defunctioning loops, there were significantly fewer wound infections (p=0.006) and incisional hernias (p=0.007) in LI patients than in LC patients, but there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of overall complications.

Conclusions

The results of this meta-analysis show that a defunctioning LI may be superior to LC with respect to a lower prevalence of surgical complications after LARRC.
Distal tibial fractures are a poorly recognised complication with fibula free flaps
Authors: Durst A , Clibbon J , Davis B
Published: August 2015

The fibula free flap is ideal for complex jaw reconstructions, with low reported donor and flap morbidity. We discuss a distal tibial stress fracture two months following a vascularised fibula free flap procedure. Despite being an unrecognised complication, a literature review produced 13 previous cases; only two were reported in the reconstructive surgery literature, with the most recent claiming to be the first.

The majority of these studies treated this fracture non-operatively; none reported their patient follow-up. Each case presented with ipsilateral leg pain, which has been cited as an early donor site morbidity in as many as 40% of fibula free flap cases. It is known that the fibula absorbs at least 15% of leg load on weight bearing. Studies have shown severe valgus deformities in up to 25% of patients with fibulectomies. We treated our patient operatively, first correcting his worsening valgus deformity with an external fixator, then reinforcing his healed fracture with a long distal tibial plate.

We believe that this complication is underreported, unexpected and not mentioned during the consenting process. By highlighting the management of our case and the literature, we aim to increase awareness (and thus further reporting and appropriate management) of this debilitating complication.
Ultrasonography alone can reliably locate parathyroid tumours and facilitates minimally invasive parathyroidectomy
Authors: Butt HZ , Husainy MA , Bolia A , London NJM
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is performed via a short incision (≤3cm). Previous studies have employed multiple imaging modalities including ultrasonography, sestamibi imaging and/or intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay. We present our eight-year experience of MIP using ultrasonography alone.

Methods

One hundred parathyroidectomies performed by a single surgeon between April 2004 and December 2012 were identified in a prospectively maintained database. All patients underwent ultrasonography including preoperative marking of the lesion by a single radiologist. No other localising diagnostic tests were performed.

Results

Of the 100 patients (69% female) who underwent parathyroidectomy, 93 had MIP. The median age of all cases was 58 years (range: 19–90 years). All patients exhibited an elevated parathyroid hormone level (median: 19pmol) in the presence of hypercalcaemia (median: 2.86mmol/l, range: 2.54–3.94mmol/l). Conventional surgery was indicated in seven patients owing to the need for concurrent thyroidectomy. The median operative time was 30 minutes (range: 10–130 minutes). Ultrasonography localised parathyroid tumour position correctly in 98% of patients who underwent MIP, and in 97% across both MIP and non-MIP groups. Postoperative complications requiring treatment included pancreatitis and symptomatic hypocalcaemia. Follow-up review at 6–8 weeks demonstrated that 86% of open cases (6/7) and 94% of MIP cases (87/93) were rendered normocalcaemic.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to demonstrate that the sole use of ultrasonography including preoperative marking can localise parathyroid tumours correctly in 98% of cases suitable for MIP.
One-year mortality in patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas as an indicator of delay in presentation
Authors: Nandra R , Hwang N , Matharu GS , Reddy K , Grimer R
Published: August 2015

Introduction

For many cancers, one-year mortality following diagnosis is a reflection of either advanced stage at diagnosis, multiple co-morbidities and/or complications of treatment. One-year mortality has not been reported for soft tissue or bone sarcomas. This study reports 1-year sarcoma mortality data over a 25-year period, investigates prognostic factors and considers whether a delay in presentation affects 1-year mortality.

Methods

A total of 4,945 newly diagnosed bone sarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma patients were identified from a prospectively maintained, single institution oncology database. Of these, 595 (12%) died within 1 year of diagnosis. Both patient factors and tumour characteristics available at diagnosis were analysed for effect.

Results

There was significant variation in one-year mortality between different histological subtypes. There has been no significant change in mortality rate during the last 25 years (mean: 11.7%, standard deviation: 2.8 percentage points). Soft tissue sarcoma patients who survived over one year reported a longer duration of symptoms preceding diagnosis than those who died (median: 26 vs 20 weeks, p<0.001). Prognostic factors identified in both bone and soft tissue sarcomas mirrored those for mid to long-term survival, with high tumour stage, large tumour size, metastases at diagnosis and increasing age having the greatest predictive effect.

Conclusions

One-year mortality in bone and soft tissue sarcoma patients is easy to measure, and could be a proxy for late presentation and therefore a potential performance indicator, similar to other cancers. It is possible to predict the risk of one-year mortality using factors available at diagnosis. Death within one year does not correlate with a long history but is associated with advanced disease at diagnosis.
Is abdominal tuberculosis a surgical problem?
Authors: Pattanayak S , Behuria S
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) has always been a diagnostic challenge, even for the astute surgeon. In developing countries, extrapulmonary TB often presents as an acute abdomen in surgical emergencies such as perforations and obstructions of the gut. Abdominal TB in different forms has been found more often as an aetiology for the chronic abdomen. This paper aims to evaluate TB as a surgical problem.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature on abdominal TB was undertaken. PubMed searches for articles listing abdominal TB/different types/diagnosis/treatment (1980–2012) were performed.

Results

TB is still a global health problem and the abdomen is one of the most common sites of extrapulmonary TB. Presentation may vary from an acute abdomen to a number of different chronic presentations, which can mimic other abdominal diseases. While some may benefit from antitubercular therapy, others may develop surgical problems such as strictures or obstruction, which may necessitate surgical intervention.

Conclusions

Abdominal TB should always be considered one of the differential diagnoses of acute or chronic abdomen in endemic areas.
Is there an association between body temperature and serum lactate levels in hip fracture patients?
Authors: Murtuza F , Farrier AJ , Venkatesan M , Smith R , Khan A , Uzoigwe CE , Chami G
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Hyperlactataemia is associated with adverse outcomes in trauma cases. It is thought to be the result of anaerobic respiration during hypoperfusion. This produces much less energy than complete aerobic glycolysis. Low body temperature in the injured patient carries an equally poor prognosis. Significant amounts of energy are expended in maintaining euthermia. Consequently, there may be a link between lactate levels and dysthermia. Hyperlactataemia may be indicative of inefficient energy production and therefore insufficient energy to maintain euthermia. Alternatively, significant amounts of available oxygen may be sequestered in thermoregulation, resulting in anaerobic respiration and lactate production. Our study investigated whether there is an association between lactate levels and admission body temperature in hip fracture patients. Furthermore, it looked at whether there is a difference in the mean lactate levels between hip fracture patients with low (<36.5°C), normal (36.5–37.5°C) and high (>37.5°C) body temperature on admission, and for patients who have low body temperature, whether there is a progressive rise in serum lactate levels as body temperature falls.

Methods

The admission temperature and serum lactate of 1,162 patients presenting with hip fracture were recorded. Patients were divided into the euthermic (body temperature 36.5–37.5°C), the pyrexial (>37.5°C) and those with low body temperature (<36.5°C). Admission lactate and body temperature were compared.

Results

There was a significant difference in age between the three body temperature groups (p=0.007). The pyrexial cohort was younger than the low body temperature group (mean: 78 vs 82 years). Those with low body temperature had a higher mean lactate level than the euthermic (2.2mmol/l vs 2.0mmol/l, p=0.03). However, there was no progressive rise in serum lactate level as admission temperature fell.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that in hip fracture patients, the body attempts initially to maintain euthermia, incurring an oxygen debt. This would explain the difference in lactate level between the low body temperature and euthermic cohorts. The fact that there is no correlation with the degree of temperature depression and lactate levels indicates that the body does not fuel thermohomeostasis indefinitely with oxygen. Instead, in part, it abandons thermoregulatory mechanisms. Consequently, in this population, active rewarming may be indicated rather than depending on patients’ own thermogenic ability.
The impact of a dedicated orthoplastic operating list on time to soft tissue coverage of open lower limb fractures
Authors: Fernandez MA , Wallis K , Venus M , Skillman J , Young J , Costa ML
Published: August 2015

An observational study was conducted of 105 patients presenting with an open fracture of the tibia or ankle to determine the impact of a dedicated orthoplastic operating list on our management of these injuries over the time period January 2012 to July 2014. There were 51 patients before and 54 after the introduction of the orthoplastic list. Significant improvements were noted in our ability to deliver a service in line with national guidelines across all Gustilo–Anderson grades of injury.

Among patients with the most severe grades of injury (Gustilo types IIIB and IIIC), there was a trend towards an improved time to first skeletal stabilisation (29.5 vs 14.2 hours, p=0.068), an improvement in time to soft tissue coverage (173.6 vs 88.1 hours, p=0.009) and a trend towards a reduced length of inpatient stay (32.6 vs 23.2 days, p=0.138). Where the 72-hour target had been breached, there was a significant improvement in the proportion of patients covered within 7 days of injury (48.2% vs 83.3%, p=0.017).

Our compliance with national management standards increased significantly to reflect these improvements in care. These results support the implementation of dedicated orthoplastic operating sessions to meet the growing burden of patients presenting with open fractures at specialist centres.
Parastomal evisceration as an extremely rare complication of a common procedure
Authors: Lolis ED , Savvidou P , Vardas K , Loutseti D , Koutsoumpas V
Published: August 2015

The creation of an abdominal stoma is a common procedure performed as part of the treatment for many conditions. Common complications include poor stoma siting, high output, skin irritation, ischaemia, retraction, parastomal hernia and prolapse. An extremely rare stoma complication is parastomal evisceration. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman who presented to us with parastomal evisceration as a late complication of a transverse colostomy. It is the second case reported as acomplication of this procedure but the first that occurred after such a long postoperative period (almost 18 months).
Triple assessment is not necessary in most young women referred with breast symptoms
Authors: Yue D , Swinson C , Ravichandran D
Published: August 2015

Introduction

A palpable lesion in the breast is usually subjected to triple assessment (clinical examination [CE], imaging and core biopsy [CB] or fine needle aspiration [FNA]) to minimise the risk of missing breast cancer. However, breast cancer is rare in young women, and triple assessment (especially CB) is invasive and expensive. Our aim was to see whether CB/FNA could be avoided in young women with benign findings on CE and imaging.

Methods

This study analysed data from a prospectively entered database on female patients aged under 25 years who attended a rapid diagnosis breast clinic over a 68-month period.

Results

Among 10,301 patients seen, 955 females (9.3%) were aged <25 years. The most common presenting complaint was a lump, followed by pain and nipple discharge. CE was normal or revealed benign findings in all except 15 patients, in whom it was indeterminate. Ultrasonography was performed in 692 patients (72%) and was normal (n=289) or benign (n=382) in all except 21 patients, in whom it was indeterminate. In six patients, both were indeterminate. A total of 317 patients (35%) had triple assessment: FNA in 106, CB in 239 and both in 9 cases. No cancers were diagnosed.

Conclusions

It would appear safe to omit FNA/CB in patients aged under 25 years when clinical and ultrasonography findings are normal or benign. This approach would have avoided needle biopsies in all but 30 patients (3%) in the study.
Socio-demographic and Subjective Well-being Predictors of Social and Emotional Loneliness
Authors: Neto Félix
Published: August 2015

This research examined the relationship between loneliness and psychosocial variables among people from Portugal across the adult life span. The study examined, besides socio-demographic predictors, subjective well-being predictors of social and emotional loneliness. The sample was constituted by 1,209 participants with a mean age of 38.12 (SD = 17.49) and a range between 18 and 90 years. Social, family and romantic loneliness were measured (DiTommaso, Brannen, & Best, 2004). Overall, social, family and romantic loneliness were significantly associated with the indicators of subjective well-being. Subjective well-being factors accounted also for a larger proportion of the explained variance in social, family and romantic loneliness scores than socio-demographic factors. Limitations of the research are discussed.
The Grass is Greener: How Greenery Impacts the Perceptions of Urban Residential Property
Authors: Poškus Mykolas Simas , Poškienė Diana
Published: August 2015

Can different types of greenery improve the perceived value, safety, prestige, coziness, and aesthetics of multistory residential buildings?
To find the answer, two studies were carried out. In Study 1, participants filled in questionnaires designed to measure the perceived value,
safety, prestige, coziness, and aesthetics of a building. Every questionnaire was accompanied with one of four images of the same residential building, the only difference between them was the type of greenery present near the building. Participants were asked to evaluate the building in the image by filling in the questionnaire. A convenience sample of 238 university students (mean age 20, SD = 2) participated in the experiment. Study 2 was an internet-based survey in which participants were presented with four images of a residential building and were asked to identify the most cozy, most expensive, most prestigious, most safe, and most aesthetic building. The pictures were the same as in Study 1. A snowball sample of 356 respondents (mean age 30, SD = 11) participated in the survey. The results indicate that buildings with sophisticated greenery and plain grass greenery are perceived most favorably, while unkempt and chaotic greenery were found to be associated with worse overall perceptions and decreased perceived value of residential property. When creating green spaces near residential buildings, we recommend considering plain grass greenery as it is the most cost-effective solution and has a positive effect on the perceptions of residential property and its value.
Acculturation Profiles and Perceived Discrimination: Associations with Psychosocial Well-being Among Tunisian Adolescents in Italy
Authors: Musso Pasquale , Inguglia Cristiano , Lo Coco Alida
Published: August 2015

Research usually analyzed the relationships between acculturation or perceived discrimination and immigrants’ well-being, but few studies used an integrative perspective. Framed from a person-oriented approach, the current paper tried to advance the literature examining how acculturation profiles and perceived (group and personal) discrimination were associated with psychosocial well-being in a sample of 348 Tunisian adolescents (females = 48.28%; mean age = 15.72) living in southern Italy. Cluster analytic methods on the scores of acculturation strategies, ethnic and national identities, ethnic and national languages, ethnic and national peer social contacts produced three acculturation profiles: integrated, ethnic, and national. Adolescents of both integrated and national profiles reported higher levels of psychosocial well-being than those of the ethnic profile in terms of self-esteem and socio-cultural competence, whereas Tunisian adolescents of ethnic profile reported higher levels of perceived personal discrimination than the others. Also, the acculturation profile moderated the relationships between perceived discrimination and adolescents’ psychosocial well-being. Specifically, across integration and national profiles perceived group discrimination significantly predicted decreases in psychosocial well-being, but there was no significant association considering the ethnic profile group. The association between perceived personal discrimination and psychosocial well-being was moderated since it was more negative for adolescents of an ethnic profile than the others. Findings are discussed in the light of theoretical expectations, research context, and limitations as well as suggesting implications for the practitioners in the field.
AVALIANDO COMPROMISSOS COM A SUSTENTABILIDADE E A RESPONSABILIDADE SOCIOAMBIENTAL: O CASO DA UNIVERSIDADE DO VALE DO ITAJAÍ
Authors: Guerra Antonio Fernando Silveira , Orsi Raquel Fabiane Mafra , Carletto Denise Lemke , Pereira Yára Christina Cesário
Published: August 2015

Este artigo apresenta os resultados do diagnóstico de avaliação de políticas de sustentabilidade da Red de Indicadores de Universidades Sostenibles (RISU), na Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina. Traça um panorama da articulação de pesquisadores de redes nacionais e internacionais sobre a temática da sustentabilidade na Educação Superior. Apresenta a trajetória e o desdobramento das ações realizadas na Universidade do Vale do Itajaí no diagnóstico de indícios de ambientalização em seus cursos de graduação e de estratégias e práticas sustentáveis e de responsabilidade socioambiental na instituição. Destaca a participação na organização em seminários nacionais e fóruns internacionais sobre o tema, com redes nacionais e internacionais que participam da ARIUSA, como também na coordenação e articulação das 13 Instituições de Educação Superior do Brasil que participaram do projeto. O enfoque metodológico utilizado foi de cunho quanti-qualitativo, com a aplicação de questionário com 114 indicadores distribuídos em 11 dimensões sobre a possibilidade de aplicação da sustentabilidade e da responsabilidade social nas universidades. Como resultados, a análise apontou fragilidades que dizem respeito aos indicadores de sustentabilidade na dimensão da docência, principalmente quanto à avaliação da aprendizagem e uma metodologia para verificar a incorporação da sustentabilidade nas disciplinas. A universidade destacou-se principalmente nas dimensões da sensibilização e da participação – Extensão/ Ensino e da Responsabilidade Socioambiental. Ainda, no âmbito institucional, destacam-se a formulação e os subsídios para o Programa UNIVALI Sustentável e a revisão do Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional (PDI). Conclui-se identificando alguns desafios que exigem um compromisso das IES no Brasil na transição e na incorporação da cultura da sustentabilidade como política efetiva.
COMPROMISSOS DE SUSTENTABILIDADE NA UNIVERSIDADE DO ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA- UDESC, BRASIL: ESTUDO DE CASO DO PROJETO REDE DE INDICADORES DE UNIVERSIDADES SUSTENTÁVEIS – RISU
Authors: Da Cunha Isabel Cristina , Freitas Mario Jorge Cardoso , Mendonça Ana Waley , Bogo Amauri
Published: August 2015

O artigo tem como objetivo apresentar os resultados da aplicação, na Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), de um questionário de Indicadores de Sustentabilidade e enfatizar dados relativos aos compromissos assumidos para os próximos 3 a 5 anos. A UDESC faz parte do projeto Rede de Indicadores de Universidades Sustentáveis (RISU) e a aplicação do questionário se constituiu em uma oportunidade para relançar um debate entre a comunidade universitária sobre a problemática da sustentabilidade. O questionário, com 114 indicadores distribuídos por 11 blocos temáticos, foi preenchido pelas autoridades competentes da UDESC. A análise dos resultados permite identificar quais as ações que já foram e/ou ainda não foram implementadas na universidade e, o que é mais importante, quais são os compromissos assumidos pela instituição. Com base na consideração de tais compromissos, debatem-se quais deverão ser os próximos passos para a construção da sustentabilidade na universidade.
INVESTIGAÇÃO DE INDICADORES DE SUSTENTABILIDADE: TRAJETÓRIA DA UNISINOS NA REFERÊNCIA À POLÍTICA DOS FLUXOS DA RESPONSABILIDADE SOCIOAMBIENTAL
Authors: Ruscheinsky Aloisio , Gomes Luciana Paulo
Published: August 2015

O texto aborda os resultados de investigação referente aos indicadores de sustentabilidade em universidade que se pauta por uma política da responsabilidade socioambiental. A trajetória para uma política de sustentabilidade, mediante a sensibilização e a participação dos agentes, alça a esfera do planejamento estratégico institucional. Cabe destacar a tríade da questão ambiental no ensino/docência, na investigação e na transferência de conhecimento e na gestão do campus com rotinas que orientam o crescimento dentro de cuidados com o meio ambiente. Outra tipologia enfatiza os temas candentes na atualidade para incorporar um projeto de sustentabilidade: energia, água, resíduos e mobilidade. As múltiplas exigências sobre o espaço acadêmico suscitam temas concorrentes, em cujo fenômeno enreda­ conflitos para tornar a sustentabilidade ambiental socialmente percebida como relevante.
The effect of carfentrazone-ethyl on soil microorganisms and soil enzymes activity / Wpływ karfentrazonu etylu na mikroorganizmy i aktywność enzymów glebowych
Authors: Tomkiel Monika , Baćmaga Małgorzata , Wyszkowska Jadwiga , Kucharski Jan , Borowik Agata
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of carfentrazone-ethyl (CE) doses of 0.265, 5.280, 10.560, 21.180, 42.240 μg kg-1 soil DM on fungi, Acnomycetes, organotrophic bacteria, total oligotrophic bacteria and spore-forming oligotrophic bacteria, and on the activity of dehydrogenases, catalase, urease, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase and β-glucosidase. Carfentrazone-ethyl had a stimulating effect on total oligotrophic bacteria and organotrophic bacteria, but it inhibited the growth of Azotobacter, fungi, spore-forming oligotrophic bacteria and Actinomycetes. The analyzed substance modified the structure of soil microbial communities, and it induced the most profound changes in fungi. The highest values of the colony development (CD) index and the eco-physiological (EP) index were observed in organotrophic bacteria. The optimal dose of carfentrazone-ethyl stimulated the activity of dehydrogenases, catalase, urease, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and β-glucosidase, but it had no effect on arylsulfatase. The highest doses of the analyzed substance inhibited the activity of dehydrogenases (reduction from 11.835 to 11.381 μmol TPF), urease (reduction from 0.545 to 0.500 mmol N-NH4) and arylosulfatase (reduction from 0.210 to 0.168 mmol PNP). Dehydrogenases were most resistant to CE, whereas acid phosphatase and arylsulfatase were least resistant to the analyzed compound
Assessment of the influence of composts on microbiological and biochemical parameters of substrates and the morphological traits of scarlet sage / Ocena wpływu kompostów na parametry mikrobiologiczne i biochemiczne podłoży oraz cechy morfologiczne szałwii błysz czącej
Authors: Wolna-Maruwka Agnieszka , Mocek-Płóciniak Agnieszka , Głuchowska Katarzyna , Schroeter-Zakrzewska Anita , Borowiak Klaudia , Niewiadomska Alicja , Starzyk Justyna , Dach Jacek
Published: August 2015

The aim of the research was to assess the microbiological (number of heterotrophic bacteria, actinobacteria and moulds) and biochemical (urease and acid phosphatase activity) state of peat with the admixture of composts produced from sewage sludge. An additional aim of the research was to demonstrate the influence of those substrates on the morphological traits of scarlet sage (height, number and length of shoots, number of buds and inflorescences, greenness index (SPAD)). Composts produced from sewage sludge, wheat, maize and lupine straw were mixed with peat, where their percentage varied from 25% to 75%.

The substrate which included the composts applied in the experiment had a higher number of heterotrophic bacteria and a higher acid phosphatase activity level than the control substrate (peat). The multiplication of moulds and actinobacteria was more intensive than in the peat only in the combinations with K3 (sewage sludge 50%+sawdust 20%+ lupine straw 30%) and K4 (sewage sludge 50%+sawdust 20%+fresh maize straw 30%) composts, whereas the highest urease activity level was observed in the soils produced from K1 (sewage sludge 50%+sawdust 20%+white straw 30%) compost.

The most optimal development of plants was observed in the substrate with compost produced from wheat straw. Composts produced from municipal sewage sludge were found to be suitable for growing scarlet sage. However, their effect depends on the percentage of high peat in the substrate.
Variability of the Warta River water discharge in the city of Poznań as influenced by the Jeziorsko reservoir / Zmienność przepływów rzeki Warty w Poznaniu w aspekcie eksploatacji zbiornika Jeziorsko
Authors: Miler Antoni T.
Published: August 2015

The data set of the Warta discharges in Poznań (Poland) is one of the largest in the world as the daily observations of river stages have been conducted without interruptions since January, 1st, 1822. The Poznań measurement profile is situated in the 243.6 km and closes the catchment area of approximately 25 thousand square kilometers. The data used as the input in the paper were daily values of the Warta discharges in Poznań in the years 1822-2012. The climate in Poznań, a city situated in the centre of the Wielkopolska (Greater Poland) region, is relatively stable (Miler et al. 2005). Also the Warta River runoff shows considerable stability, especially in terms of mean annual values. Short-term trends are random in character. It was found that the Jeziorsko reservoir (total storage volume of 203 000 000 m3, officially put to use on September, 9th, 1987) significantly reduced daily variability of the flows and reduced peak discharge of the flood wave in the summer of 1997 on the Warta River at Poznań. The calculated periodogram for mean annual discharges of the Warta River in Poznań shows that there are main periodicities of ca. 10 year lengths. The research of the Provincial Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (WIOŚ) in Poznań shows a gradual improvement of water quality in the Warta River in Poznań.
Ras Transformation Overrides a Proliferation Defect Induced by Tpm3.1 Knockout
Authors: Coombes Jason D. , Schevzov Galina , Kan Chin-Yi , Petti Carlotta , Maritz Michelle F. , Whittaker Shane , Mackenzie Karen L. , Gunning Peter W.
Published: August 2015

Extensive re-organisation of the actin cytoskeleton and changes in the expression of its binding proteins is a characteristic feature of cancer cells. Previously we have shown that the tropomyosin isoform Tpm3.1, an integral component of the actin cytoskeleton in tumor cells, is required for tumor cell survival. Our objective was to determine whether cancer cells devoid of Tpm3.1 would evade the tumorgenic effects induced by H-Ras transformation. The tropomyosin isoform (Tpm) expression profile of a range of cancer cell lines (21) demonstrates that Tpm3.1 is one of the most broadly expressed Tpm isoform. Consequently, the contribution of Tpm3.1 to the transformation process was functionally evaluated. Primary embryonic fibroblasts isolated from wild type (WT) and Tpm3.1 knockout (KO) mice were transduced with retroviral vectors expressing SV40 large T antigen and an oncogenic allele of the H-Ras gene, H-RasV12, to generate immortalized and transformed WT and KO MEFs respectively. We show that Tpm3.1 is required for growth factor-independent proliferation in the SV40 large T antigen immortalized MEFs, but this requirement is overcome by H-Ras transformation. Consistent with those findings, we found that Tpm3.1 was not required for anchorage independent growth or growth of H-Ras-driven tumors in a mouse model. Finally, we show that pERK and Importin 7 protein interactions are significantly decreased in the SV40 large T antigen immortalized KO MEFs but not in the H-Ras transformed KO cells, relative to control MEFs. The data demonstrate that H-Ras transformation overrides a requirement for Tpm3.1 in growth factor-independent proliferation of immortalized MEFs. We propose that in the SV40 large T antigen immortalized MEFs, Tpm3.1 is partly responsible for the efficient interaction between pERK and Imp7 resulting in cell proliferation, but this is overidden by Ras transformation.
Spatially-constrained harvest scheduling with respect to environmental requirements and silvicultural system / Prostorové plánování mýtních těžeb zahrnující environmentální požadavky a hospodářské způsoby
Authors: Marušák Róbert , Kašpar Jan
Published: August 2015

There has been an increasing demand for environmental considerations (e.g. unharvested patches) in forest harvest scheduling in the last decades. In Slovakia and the Czech Republic, allowable cut indicators are not based on the spatial structure; thus, they are unable to incorporate these additional conditions. Many harvest scheduling models based on integer and mixed integer programming have been developed throughout the world, but their use in forest management in Slovakia and the Czech Republic is rare. These approaches have mostly been developed for clear-cut management systems and do not exist for shelterwood systems. Harvest scheduling approaches for a two-phase, small-scale shelterwood system and a clear-cut system are presented. The models also include environmental requirements that restrict area of forest stands that are not to be harvested over the planning horizon. A mathematical formulation of that requirement was integrated into the forestry decision support system Optimal to solve all analysed harvest scheduling alternatives for small-scale shelterwood and clear-cut systems. Our results indicated that the total harvest volume amounts could be higher when a two-phase, small- -scale shelterwood system is applied. While there are legal adjacency constraints regulating clear-cut harvests, the influence of additional environmental requirements on the total harvested amount is more restrictive for the shelterwood system because of greater area available for harvest. Both scenarios of maximization of harvested volume and net present value provided comparable results.