bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Analysis of the Effect of the Use of the Fishbone Technique in “The Unit of Systems in Our Body” On the Academic Success of Students
Authors: BEKERECİ Üzeyir , YAZICI Mustafa
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study is to
research the effect of teaching of the unit of systems in our body with the
fishbone technıque on the academic success of the students. This study has been
carried out together with forty four students that study at the 6th grade of a
secondary school in Kahramanmaraş in 2015-2016 school years. Pretest-posttest
hasn’t been equalized as a control group in the study but quasi-experimental
model has been used. While the lessons in the control group were taught
according to the existing curriculum, the lessons in the experimental group
were taught with the fishbone technıque. The study datas have been collected by
the test of academic success which consists of thirty items. The reliability of
the success of the academic test that includes the unit of systems in our body
has been calculated as 0,85. The study was completed in 7 weeks-28course hours.
The data obtained have been evaluated in SPSS-15 packaged software. Group
distributions have been determined in the analysis of data and the result of
the test of Shipiro Wilk in which the groups showed a normal distribution has
been seen. After this phase, data have been analyzed with the use of the
techniques of paired samples t-test and ındependent samples t-test. As a
result, it has been observed that the use of the fishbone technıque in the 6th
grade unit of systems in our body provided a significant increase on the
academic success of the students, but a significant difference between the
fishbone technıque and the existing curriculum hasn’t been observed in respect
of academic success.
Computational Analysis of Igbo Numerals in a Number-to-text Conversion System
Authors: RHODA İyanda Abimbola
Published: November 2019

System for converting Arabic numerals to their textual equivalence is an
important tool in Natural Language processing (NLP) especially in high-level
speech processing and machine translation. Such system is scarcely available
for most African languages including the Igbo language. This translation system
is essential as Igbo language is one of the three major Nigerian languages
feared to be among the endangered African languages. The system was designed
using sequence as well as activity diagram and implemented using the python
programming language and PyQt. The qualitative evaluation was done by
administering questionnaires to selected native Igbo speakers and experts to
provide preferred representation of some random numbers. The responses were
compared with the output of the system. The result of the qualitative
evaluation showed that the system was able to generate correct and accurate
representations for Arabic numbers between 1-1000 in Igbo language being the
scope of this study. The resulting system can serve as an effective teaching
and learning tool of the Igbo language.
Internet Usage Habits and Internet Usage in Educational Studies of Vocational School Students
Authors: YAKINCI Zehra Deniz , GÜRBÜZ Perihan , YETİŞ Gülsüm
Published: November 2019

Internet
is the easiest way to access information. It provides positive contributions to
individual and surroundings, in learning and information era. At this point the
answers of the questions: ‘How do young people use internet and how much do they
use internet for their education?’ come into prominence. In order to find the
answers; a questionnaire prepared by resarchers and Young Internet Addiction
Test- Short Form (YIAT-SF) was used on ‘Health Services Vocational High School’
students, in this study. 3.4 % of students were found to have internet addiction
and the average internet usage was found to be 5 hours daily. When students were
asked to enumerate the internet sites they use, the result was: social media,
news sites, movie and series sites, educational and informational content
sites, play sites, e-mail, shopping sites, and sexual content sites in order of
usage preferance. While social media was preferred by 79.4% in the first place,
educational content sites were determined to be preferred by 5.7% in the first
place among others. The second most frequently used sites by students were movies
and series (22.8%). Educational / informational content (20.2 %) sites were the
fifth preferred sites in the preference order.
İlkokulda Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Fen Bilimleri Dersinde Argümantasyon Yöntemi Kullanımına İlişkin Görüşleri
Authors: APAYDIN Zeki , KANDEMİR Mehmet Ali
Published: November 2019

Bu çalışmanın amacı,
ilkokulda sınıf öğretmenlerinin fen bilimleri dersinde Toulmin argümantasyon
modeline uygun argümantasyon yönteminin kullanımına ilişkin görüşlerini
belirlemektir. Bu çalışma Balıkesir’in Bandırma ilçesinde 37 sınıf öğretmenini
katılımı 16 saatte (8 gün) gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu çalışma nitel araştırma
desenin durum çalışmasına göre hazırlanmıştır. Veriler yarı yapılandırılmış
görüşme formu ve altı sınıf öğretmen ile yapılan yarı yapılandırılmış
görüşmelerin videoya kaydedilmesi sonucu edilmiştir. Elde edilen veri analiz
yöntemlerinden biri olan içerik analizine göre analiz edilmiştir. 37 sınıf
öğretmeni 3 ve 4. sınıf fen bilimleri dersinde teorik ve uygulamalı olarak
Toulmin argümantasyon modeli doğrultusunda argümantasyon yöntemi kullanımına
ilişkin eğitime tabi tutuldular. Bu eğitim sonunda yaşadıkları deneyimler
sonucunda görüşleri belirttiler. Bu görüşlere göre argümantasyon yönteminin;
öğrencilerin ilgisinin ve dikkatini çekeceğini, öğrencilerin derslere karşı
olumlu tutum içinde olacağını, öğrencilerin derse aktif olarak katılıp anlamlı
öğrenmeyi gerçekleştireceğini, bilimsel düşünce becerilerini geliştirme ve
bilimin doğasını anlama fırsatı sunacağını, argümantasyon yönteminin sadece fen
bilimleri dersinde değil, diğer derslerde de kullanılabileceğini
belirtmişlerdir  (p<.05).
Efficacy of laparoscopic splenectomy in thalassemia patients
Authors: Koshour Ahmed , Mohamed Moharam Abdelsamie , Abdelgleal Elbalshy Mohammed , Nassar Mohammed Nazeeh Shaker
Published: November 2019

Background: Haematological disorders in which splenectomy is indicated, the laparoscopic splenectomy became the standard management, except in β thalassemia in which laparoscopic splenectomy still not established yet.Methods: Thirty patients with thalassemia between November 2017 and April 2019 were operated by anterior approach laparoscopic splenectomy with early ligation of splenic artery then the splenic vein ligated. In initial 12 cases the specimen was extracted via the lower flank port after extending the trocar incision to 10 cm, while through a 7-8 cm Pfannenstiel incision in 17 cases and one case converted to open.Results: The procedure was completed in 29 patients while one patient converted to open. The mean age of patients was 15.2±3.8 years. The mean operating time was 104±23.5 minutes (90-120 minutes). The mean intra-operative blood loss was 179±37.2 ml (130-250 ml). No major intra-operative complications occurred. Only one patient required intraoperative blood transfusion. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.7 days (2-4 days).Conclusions: Laparoscopic splenectomy is feasible and safe procedure in β thalassemia patients even with huge splenomegaly. The specimen extraction via a Pfannenstiel incision saves more time, carries low morbidity and offer better cosmetic results.
A study of autoimmune thyroiditis in thyroid swellings
Authors: Reddy Yugandhar Gollapalli , Surender Losari
Published: November 2019

Background: The present study aimed to study occurrence, clinical presentation, biochemical status and management strategies, complications and clinical improvement during follow up of autoimmune thyroiditis in patients presenting with thyroid swellings.Methods: The prospective study was carried out from 18 months i.e., from January 2016-June 2017 at Department of General Surgery, Bhaskar Medical College, Yenkapally, Moinabad, Ranga Reddy, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. A detailed clinical history was taken from all patients followed by clinical examination. Following investigations were performed on all patients. Haematological investigations (T3, T4, TSH, thyroid antibodies), fine needle aspiration cytology, Histopathology report and Thyroid scan. Data was analyzed using SPSS software (V.23.0).Results: The occurrence of autoimmune thyroiditis was determined in 15 (22.73%) patients. Most of the patients were females. About clinical presentation; goitre was present in all 66 (100%) cases. In group A; following complications were seen at the time of 1 year follow up: 1(6.67 %) patient developed Graves disease, 2 (13.33%) patients who were initially euthyroid developed hyperthyroidism and thyroid lymphoma was detected in 2 (13.33%) patients. In group B, following complications were seen at the time of 1 year follow up; 4 (7.84%) patients who were initially euthyroid developed hyperthyroidism and 2 (3.92%) patients developed follicular thyroid carcinoma and mortality observed was 1 (1.96%) patient.Conclusions: All cases of goitre should thus be comprehensively evaluated even though they might be asymptomatic.
Identification of patients with psychiatric disorders in a surgical unit: a prospective study of risk factors
Authors: Metta Jayachandra Reddy , Chelamkuri Mrudula
Published: November 2019

Background: Many a times, surgical patients suffer from both physical diseases and mental disorders. Psychiatric comorbidity has been reported to be very high (8-53%) in primary health care units in developing countries including India.Methods: This study was conducted among four hundred in-patients in the Department of General Surgery at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune from May 2015 to April 2016. Patients aged 18 and above were included. Patients who were too ill to participate and who did not consent were excluded. The presence or absence of psychiatric illness was assessed using the general health questionnaire (GHQ) 28 questionnaire.Results: The mean age of participants with psychiatric co-morbidities as diagnosed with GHQ 28 was 46.79±12.73 years. The prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidities was more amongst females (76.35%) when compared to males (63.09%) with a statistical significance (95% CI: 2.08-23.61; p<0.05). The prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidities was more amongst participants living in a nuclear family (89.87%) than in a joint family (36.19%) (95% CI: 40.05-65.24; p<0.001). 74.62 % of the participants with psychiatric comorbidities had medical comorbidities as well.Conclusions: There was high prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidities in the participants of this study. We found that more than 2/3rd patients had psychiatric co-morbidity according to GHQ-28 total score, of which most common was found to be somatoform disorders, followed by mixed anxiety and depressive disorders.
A study of surgical management and its outcome in adult patients with intestinal obstruction
Authors: Deolekar Sandesh R. , Mahapatra Bibekananda , Subudhi Subash , Singhal Pragati
Published: November 2019

Background: Intestinal obstruction (IO) is one of the most common surgical emergencies, for which the therapeutic strategy has evolved progressively. The aim of this study was to assess the etiology, clinical spectrum and the outcome after surgical management of IO in adult patients.Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in adult patients admitted for IO and undergoing surgical management. All patients underwent routine haematological investigations, urine examination (routine and microscopic) and ultrasonography abdomen and pelvis. Specific investigations like serum amylase levels, X-ray abdomen and pelvis (supine and erect) and computed tomography scan were done, if indicated. Treatment modality was confirmed once definitive diagnosis of IO was made. All treated patients were observed for postoperative complications. They were followed up after 7 days and one month postoperatively.Results: In this study, the mean age of patients was 45.8 years and 60% were males. The most common cause of IO was found to be postoperative adhesions followed by paralytic ileus. Out of 80 patients of IO, 50 required surgical intervention, majority of which were treated with release of adhesions (38%) and resection anastomosis (44%). Poorer outcomes were observed in cases of malignancy and mesenteric ischaemia. Mortality (14%) was mainly due to complications like septicemia and respiratory tract infection.Conclusions: The commonest cause of IO in our study was postoperative adhesions. Poor outcome of the disease was associated with late presentation to the hospital, which had high incidence of bowel damage with associated faecal contamination of the peritoneum.
A clinical study of outcome of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 30 cases of locally advanced breast carcinoma
Authors: Sonvane Shwetal Ravindrabhai , Pancholi Mukesh , Sharma Akhil
Published: November 2019

Background: Locally advanced breast cancer presents with a difficult management problem. It remains a challenge to achieve local and distant control of locally advanced breast cancer. Over the last decade preoperative/ neoadjuvant chemotherapy has emerged as the standard of care for these patients. Successful reduction in the size of the tumor is associated with increased rate of operability. The objective of this study is to observe the response of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast carcinoma in form of outcome and complications. The outcome is measured as down staging or downgrading of tumor, results of surgery and its complications, disease free survival and recurrence.Methods: This is the observational prospective study of consecutive 30 cases of locally advanced breast cancer admitted in department of general surgery during a period from May 2017 to August 2018 at new civil hospital, Surat. Neo adjuvant chemotherapy were given every three weekly and the response of therapy calculated in form of reduction in the size of tumor or getting the margin free from skin or pectoral muscles or reduction in the axillary lymph node mass.Results: In this study about 93% of cases responded to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 10% of cases shows complete clinical response where tumor becomes completely free from skin or pectoral muscles or negative axillary lymph nodes.Conclusions: With the evidence from the literature and study conducted earlier, our observations of clinical response of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer had corroborative evidence.
Emergency management and it’s effect on clinical profile of Fournier’s gangrene in patients presenting at a rural setup
Authors: Syed Tausif Kamal , Apturkar Dilip K. , Dandekar K. N.
Published: November 2019

Background: Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a rare, rapidly progressive, necrotizing fasciitis of the external genitalia and perineum, leading to soft-tissue necrosis. Despite antibiotics and aggressive debridement, the mortality rate of FG remains high. This study describes our experiences in the management of FG and identifies prognostic factors.Methods: It is a descriptive prospective study in 71 patients with FG treated at Pravara Rural Medical College and Hospital, Loni, who presented between September 2013 and September 2015.Results: In the present series of 71 patients, 57% were between 50-70 yrs. UTI and alcohol consumption being most common co-morbid conditions and scrotal abscess (53.52%) being the most common presentation. Serum creatinine (p value 0.0008), total leucocyte count at presentation (p value 0.004) had a significant association with duration of recovery. The mean duration of stay was 16.08±3.28 days with a median of 15 days. The Fournier gangrene severity index score calculated was <9 in 59.15% of patients, and >9 in the remaining ≈40% with a mean of 8.309±3.49. A single mortality was recorded during our study.Conclusions: Serum creatinine and total leucocyte count at presentation could play a pivotal role in not only initial emergency management but also as factors for monitoring the progress of treatment.
A comparative study regarding the intraoperative efficacy of conventional open (Milligan-Morgan) and harmonic scalpel haemorrhoidectomies
Authors: Madankar Swapnil P. , Jatkar Girish L. , Dandge Mahendra S.
Published: November 2019

Background: Human beings have suffered from haemorrhoids since they have started to walk. The surgical treatment for haemorrhoids is called ‘Haemorrhoidectomy’. Many techniques have been developed to minimize the morbidity and hasten the recovery. This study compares two such techniques: conventional open haemorrhoidectomy (Milligan-Morgan) and the harmonic scalpel haemorrhoidectomy, in terms of intraoperative efficacy.Methods: This was a randomized, prospective, single blind (patients), non-crossover type interventional study was carried out on patients more than 18 years of age presenting with haemorrhoids requiring surgical treatment. They were randomly divided into two groups and the surgeries were carried out accordingly. Intraoperative and immediate post-operative monitoring was done.Results: Operative time, intraoperative and immediate post-operative blood loss was less in the harmonic group compared to the conventional group.Conclusions: Harmonic scalpel haemorrhoidectomy is better surgical technique than conventional open haemorrhoidectomy as it has better intraoperative efficacy having significant positive impact on the morbidity and recovery of the patient.
Determining the correlation between transition zone index with international prostate symptom score and peak flow rate on clinical outcome after transurethral resection of the prostate in benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Mohanty Nalinikanta , Swain Samir , Hasan Arshad , Singh Gyanprakash , Hota Datteswar
Published: November 2019

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a pathologic process which has common contribution to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is an important means of assesment in the clinical research of LUTS and BPH. Free flow rates (peak flow rate or Qmax) give an indirect measure for the probability of obstruction whereas subvesical obstruction only can be measured by invasive pressure-flow studies. Among the various surgical or minimally invasive techniques available for BPH like Intraprostatic stents (temporary/permanent), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), transurethral electrovaporization of prostate (TUVP), Transurethral incision of prostate (TUIP), lasers (Nd: YAG (Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet), Ho: YAG (Holmium yttrium aluminium garnet), potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP), diode, thulium laser) etc, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a safe and effective procedure. Comparison of difference in the pre and postoperative ultrasonic prostatic volume with amount of tissue resected at operation has established the accuracy of the method. The aims of present study are to determine the correlation between transition zone index with international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and peak flow rate (Qmax) on clinical outcome after TURP in BPH patients.Methods: A prospective study was conducted to determine the effect of the extent of tissue resection on symptom improvement after TURP in men and to evaluate any potential correlation between prostate size and outcome.Results: Total of 52 patients studied prospectively. Transitional zone (TZ) index was found to have a significant correlation with the clinical outcome.Conclusions: Symptomatic improvement after TURP will depend on the amount of tissue resected in terms of IPSS and peak flow rates.
A rare case of huge retrosternal goiter
Authors: Bansod Atish , Gandhi Khushbu , Umalkar Rohan , Mishra Sarvagya , Tayde Priyanka , Awachar Neha
Published: November 2019

Retrosternal goiter is defined when more than or equal to 50% of the thyroid mass is below the thoracic inlet. A median sternotomy approach is required in selected cases especially those presenting with long standing history and radiological assessment is suggestive of thoracic component larger than thoracic inlet. The case reported by us was a 65 year old lady with huge retrosternal goiter with history of dyspnea. Her contrast-enhanced computed tomography neck and thorax suggested diffuse enlargement of both lobes with mediastinal extension and pressure effects in the form of luminal narrowing of trachea. A total thyroidectomy was performed with median sternotomy. No post-operative complications occurred and patient was discharged on 6th post-operative day. Histopathology suggested multinodular goiter.
Unravelling a case of rare peritoneal encapsulation following blunt abdominal trauma: a case report
Authors: Muthulingam Arun Prabhu , Padmanabhan Senthilkumar
Published: November 2019

Peritoneal encapsulation (PE) is a rare condition that has been described interchangeably with sclerosing encapsulated peritonitis as well as abdominal cocoon. Here we report a case of perforative peritonitis following blunt injury abdomen in a 30-year-old male patient. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed pneumoperitoneum possibly gastrointestinal tract perforation. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and the entire small bowel was encapsulated in a peritoneal sac. Peritoneal sac was excised. Perforation was noted in the proximal jejunum and primary closure done. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. PE is an extremely rare congenital condition in which there is abnormal return of the midgut loop to the abdominal cavity in the early stages of development. The small intestine is thus covered by the original dorsal mesentery, forming the characteristic accessory peritoneal sac. Management of cases is difﬁcult as CT ﬁndings may not be characteristic and may only be diagnosed at laparotomy. A discussion of the case and review of the literature are presented.
Left ventricular free-wall rupture: an unusual and deadly complication after iodinated contrast medium exposure during primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Upadhyay Amar Nath , Kumar Barun , Jayant Ashok Kumar
Published: November 2019

Acute left ventricular free-wall rupture (LVFWR) is a fatal mechanical complication that occurs in about 1-3% of acute myocardial infarction patients. Amongst, the iodinated contrast medium induced LVFWR is a very rare complication. Yet, it cannot be disregarded as the iodinated contrast medium is commonly used in contrast-enhanced imaging techniques. Here we have presented a rare case of iodinated contrast medium induced LVFWR after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The patient’s LV angiogram was suggestive of contrast extravasation from LV into the pericardial cavity. A small rent in the inferior LV wall was sutured, and the repaired area was covered with glutaraldehyde treated autologous pericardial patch. Post-operative complication of heavy bleeding and acute kidney injury was managed by blood components transfusion and hemodialysis. In conclusion, the contrast medium induced LVFWR has infrequent and unpreventable nature with acute hemodynamic alterations hence, should be treated aggressively to prevent life-threatening complication.
Unusual trichobezor of stomach and intestines as a manifestation of Rapunzel syndrome: a rare case report
Authors: Sodhi Tejinder Pal Singh , Pundeer Sameer , Utaal Maneshwar Singh , Goyal Kirti Savyasacchi
Published: November 2019

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare form of trichobezoar with accumulation of large amounts of hair extending from stomach to variable portion of small intestine. An 18 year old girl was brought to surgery opd with complaints of vomiting on and off since 3 months. Contrast enhanced computed tomography abdomen showed a bezoar extending from stomach into the duodenum and proximal jejunum suggestive of Rapunzel syndrome with 3rd and 4th part of duodenum along with duodenojejunal junction. On laparotomy, a trichobezoar occupying the entire stomach measured 100 cm in length and 700 grams in weight. Since the mass formed in Rapunzel syndrome is generally too large to be removed endoscopically or laparoscopically, it requires removal by open gastrostomy.
The YJL185C, YLR376C and YJR129C genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are probably involved in regulation of the glyoxylate cycle.
Authors: Boniewska-Bernacka Ewa , Wysocki Robert , Grochowalska Renata , Machnicka Beata , Ułaszewski Stanisław , Lachowicz Tadeusz
Published: November 2019

The ER24 aci (acidification) mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae excreting protons in the absence of glucose was transformed with a multicopy yeast DNA plasmid library. Three different DNA fragments restored the wild-type phenotype termed Aci- because it does not acidify the complete glucose medium under the tested conditions. Molecular dissection of the transforming DNA fragments identified two multicopy suppressor genes YJL185C, YJR129C and one allelic YLR376C. Disruption of either of the three genes in wild-type yeast strain resulted in acidification of the medium (Aci+ phenotype) similarly to the original ER24 mutant. These data indicate the contribution of the ER24 gene product Ylr376Cp and of the two suppressor gene products Yjl185Cp and Yjr129Cp to a complex regulation of the glyoxylate cycle in yeast.
A novel Delta12-fatty acid desaturase gene from methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris GS115.
Authors: Wei D Sh , Li M Ch , Zhang X X , Zhou H , Xing L J
Published: November 2019

The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris GS115, a widely used strain in production of various heterologous proteins, especially membrane-bound enzymes, can also produce linoleic and linolenic acids, which indicates the existence of membrane-bound Delta12 and Delta15-fatty acid desaturases. This paper describes the cloning and functional characterization of a novel Delta12-fatty acid desaturase gene from this methylotrophic yeast. The open reading frame of the gene (named Pp-FAD12) is 1263 bp in size and encodes a 420-amino-acid peptide. The deduced Pp-FAD12 protein shows high identity (50-67%) with Delta12-fatty acid desaturases from other fungi. It also shows a high identity (57%) with Delta15-fatty acid desaturase (named Sk-FAD15) from Saccharomyces kluyveri. Expression of Pp-FAD12 in polyunsaturated fatty acids non-producing yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated that its product converted oleic acid (18 : 1) to linoleic acid (18 : 2). This result suggests that Pp-FAD12 encodes a novel Delta12-fatty acid desaturase in P. pastoris GS115. This is the first report about the cloning and functional characterization of Delta12-fatty acid desaturase gene in methylotrophic yeast.
Hypothesis: cell volume limits cell divisions.
Authors: Biliński Tomasz , Bartosz Grzegorz
Published: November 2019

Mammalian somatic cells and also cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are capable of undergoing a limited number of divisions. Reaching the division limit is referred to, apparently not very fortunately, as replicative aging. A common feature of S. cerevisiae cells and fibroblasts approaching the limit of cell divisions in vitro is attaining giant volumes. In yeast cells this phenomenon is an inevitable consequence of budding so it is not causally related to aging. Therefore, reaching a critically large cell volume may underlie the limit of cell divisions. A similar phenomenon may limit the number of cell divisions of cultured mammalian cells. The term replicative (generative) aging may be therefore illegitimate.
Prediction of the structure of the common perimitochondrial localization signal of nuclear transcripts in yeast.
Authors: Ejsmont Radoslaw K , Golik Pawel , Stepien Piotr P
Published: November 2019

Many nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins require specific localization of their mRNAs to the vicinity of mitochondria for proper expression. Studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have shown that the cis-acting signal responsible for subcellular localization of mRNAs is localized in the 3' UTR of the transcript. In this paper we present an in silico approach for prediction of a common perimitochondrial localization signal of nuclear transcripts encoding mitochondrial proteins. We computed a consensus structure for this signal by comparison of 3' UTR models for about 3000 yeast transcripts with known localization. Our studies show a short stem-loop structure which appears in most mRNAs localized to the vicinity of mitochondria. The degree of similarity of a given 3' UTR to our consensus structure strongly correlates with experimentally determined perimitochondrial localization of the mRNA, therefore we believe that the structure we predicted acts as a subcellular localization signal. Since our algorithm operates on structures, it seems to be more reliable than sequence-based algorithms. The good predictive value of our model is supported by statistical analysis.
Sirtuin inhibition increases the rate of non-homologous end-joining of DNA double strand breaks.
Authors: Wojewódzka Maria , Kruszewski Marcin , Buraczewska Iwona , Xu Weizheng , Massuda Edmond , Zhang Jie , Szumiel Irena
Published: November 2019

Sirtuins (type III histone deacetylases) are an important member of a group of enzymes that modify chromatin conformation. We investigated the role of sirtuin inhibitor, GPI 19015, in double strand break (DSB) repair in CHO-K1 wt and xrs-6 mutant cells. The latter is defective in DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK)-mediated non-homologous end-joining (D-NHEJ). DSB were estimated by the neutral comet assay and histone gammaH2AX foci formation. We observed a weaker effect of GPI 19015 treatment on the repair kinetics in CHO wt cells than in xrs6. In the latter cells the increase in DNA repair rate was most pronounced in G1 phase and practically absent in S and G2 cell cycle phases. The decrease in the number of histone gammaH2AX foci was faster in xrs6 than in CHO-K1 cells. The altered repair rate did not affect survival of X-irradiated cells. Since in G1 xrs6 cells DNA-PK-dependent non-homologous end-joining, D-NHEJ, does not operate, these results indicate that inhibition of sirtuins modulates DNA-PK-independent (backup) non-homologous end-joining, B-NHEJ, to a greater extent than the other DSB repair system, D-NHEJ.
The GC-box is critical for high level expression of the testis-specific Hsp70.2/Hst70 gene.
Authors: Widłak Wiesława , Vydra Natalia , Dudaladava Volha , Scieglińska Dorota , Winiarski Bolesław , Krawczyk Zdzisław
Published: November 2019

The Hsp70.2/Hst70 gene, which belongs to the 70 kDa heat-shock protein (HSP) family, is expressed specifically in primary spermatocytes and spermatids. The regulatory elements required for a high level of testis-specific expression of the gene are placed between the two major transcription start sites T1 and T2 (approximately 350 and 115 bp upstream of the starting ATG codon). Here we have shown that sequences proximal to the exon1/intron splicing site in the 5' untranslated region of the Hsp70.2/Hst70 gene, which include a highly conserved element called box B, are required for efficient expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene in testes of transgenic mice. However, in spite of the drastically reduced overall activity, the stage-specific expression pattern of the transgene was preserved after removal of these sequences. We have also shown that GC-box located downstream of the box B (approximately 210 bp upstream of the starting ATG codon) is indispensable for efficient expression of the Hsp70.2/Hst70 gene promoter in spermatogenic cells. The GC-box specifically binds proteins present in nuclear extracts from testes (putatively Sp1-like factors). A change in the pattern of such GC-box-interacting factors corresponds to activation of the Hsp70.2/Hst70 gene, confirming the importance of this regulatory element.
Comparison of the localization and post-translational modification of Campylobacter coli CjaC and its homolog from Campylobacter jejuni, Cj0734c/HisJ.
Authors: Wyszyńska Agnieszka , Tomczyk Karolina , Jagusztyn-Krynicka Elzbieta K
Published: November 2019

Campylobacter is an asaccharolytic microorganism which uses amino acids as a source of carbon and energy. CjaC/HisJ is a ligand-binding protein, a component of the ABC transport system. Campylobacter CjaC/HisJ is post-translationally modified by glycosylation. The number of glycosylation motifs present in the CjaC protein is species-specific. C. coli CjaC has two and C. jejuni one motif (E/DXNYS/T) which serves as a glycan acceptor. Although the two C. coli CjaC motifs have identical amino-acid sequences they are not glycosylated with the same efficiency. The efficacy of CjaC glycosylation in Escherichia coli containing the Campylobacter pgl locus is also rather low compared to that observed in the native host. The CjaC localization is host-dependent. Despite being a lipoprotein, CjaC is recovered in E. coli from the periplasmic space whereas in Campylobacter it is anchored to the inner membrane.
New bradykinin analogues acylated on the N-terminus: effect on rat uterus and blood pressure.
Authors: Labudda Olga , Wierzba Tomasz , Sobolewski Dariusz , Sleszyńska Małgorzata , Gawiński Łukasz , Plackova Marketa , Slaninová Jirina , Prahl Adam
Published: November 2019

Our previous studies suggested that acylation of the N-terminus of several known B2 antagonists with various kinds of bulky acyl groups consistently improved their antagonistic potency in rat blood pressure assay. On the other hand, our earlier observations also seemed to suggest that the effects of acylation on the contractility of isolated rat uterus depended substantially on the chemical character of the acyl group, as we observed that this modification might either change the range of antagonism or even transform it into agonism. Bearing all this in mind, we decided to synthesize seven new analogues of bradykinin by N-terminal acylation with various acyl groups of a moderately potent B2 antagonist, previously synthesized by Stewart's group, D-Arg-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Thr-Ser-D-Phe-Thi-Arg. The analogues were tested in vitro for their blood pressure-lowering and uterotonic activities. The modifications either preserved or increased the antagonistic potency in the rat blood pressure test. On the other hand, all seven substituents negatively influenced the interaction with the rat uterine receptors. Our results may be helpful for designing new B2 agonists and antagonists.
Psychosis: An Emerging Field for EMDR Research and Therapy
Authors: de Bont Paul , de Jongh Ad , van den Berg David
Published: November 2019

It has only been in this last decade that trauma-focused treatments (TFT) have been studied in patients with psychotic disorders. Before, the paradigm stated that TFT was contraindicated in these patients because clinicians and researchers assumed the risk of exacerbation of symptoms was too high. The purpose of this article is to examine the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in the treatment of psychosis. To this end, we will present a brief narrative review of the current state of research in this particular field. The results suggest that, contrary to the “no-TFT-in-psychosis” paradigm, TFTs such as EMDR therapy can successfully be used to reduce trauma-related symptoms in patients with psychosis. Moreover, there are now provisional indications that psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations can be targeted directly and indirectly using EMDR therapy.
EMDR Therapy's Efficacy in the Treatment of Pain
Authors: Tesarz Jonas , Wicking Manon , Bernardy Kathrin , Seidler Günter H.
Published: November 2019

Chronic pain is the most common global cause of functional and quality of life limitations. Although there are many effective therapies for the treatment of acute pain, chronic pain is often unsatisfactory. Against this background, there is currently an urgent need to develop innovative therapies that enable more efficient pain relief. Psychosocial factors play an important role in the development and persistence of chronic pain. Especially in patients with high levels of emotional stress, significant anxiety, or relevant psychological comorbidity, classical pain therapy approaches often fail. This is in line with the results of recent pain research, which has shown that dysfunctions in emotion processing have a significant influence on the persistence of pain symptoms. The recognition that pain can become chronic through maladaptive emotional processing forms the pathophysiological basis for the application of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of chronic pain. In this sense, EMDR can be used as an established method for desensitizing and processing of emotional distress from trauma therapy specifically for processing emotional stress in patients with chronic pain. Against this background, it is not surprising that the implementation of EMDR for patients with chronic pain is expanding. However, the increasing clinical use of EMDR in the treatment of chronic pain has also led to a reputation to test the efficacy of EMDR in pain management through randomized clinical trials. In addition to numerous case control studies, there are now also six randomized controlled clinical trials available that demonstrate the efficacy and safety of EMDR in the treatment of different pain conditions. However, in order to overcome several methodological limitations, large multicenter studies are needed to confirm the results.
Bilan actuel et rétrospectif du dépérissement du cèdre de l’Atlas dans le Parc national de Theniet El Had (Algérie)
Authors: Sarmoum Mohamed , Navarro-Cerrilo Rafael , Guibal Frédéric
Published: November 2019

Le dépérissement du cèdre de l’Atlas en Algérie est un phénomène complexe qui a affecté les cédraies des Aurès et Theniet El Had depuis les années 1980, et dont les causes restent inconnues. Pour mieux comprendre l’évolution spatio-temporelle du dépérissement du cèdre de l’Atlas et établir une éventuelle relation avec les facteurs du milieu, notre travail s’est focalisé sur la cédraie de Theniet El Had. Ce travail est basé sur deux approches. L’une, spatiale, recense la répartition des arbres dépéris selon l’altitude, la pente, l’exposition, ainsi que leurs paramètres dendrométriques (diamètre, hauteur) et leur état de santé (taux de défoliation). L’autre, temporelle, compare l’évolution de la croissance radiale des arbres dépéris et des arbres sains dans six stations écologiques représentatives des peuplements de cèdre de l’Atlas dans la zone d’étude. Les résultats montrent que le phénomène de dépérissement du cèdre de l’Atlas a davantage marqué la cédraie de Theniet El Had vers sa limite inférieure, dans des stations situées à basse altitude, sur des terrains à forte pente et aux expositions ensoleillées et chaudes. Ce phénomène se présente dans un état avancé, et les arbres dépéris sont des arbres adultes et/ou âgés. Les arbres dépéris se distinguent par une faible croissance et une sensitivité moyenne au climat très élevée. En plus de l’effet de l’âge, la sécheresse prolongée dans la région au cours de la période 1980-2002 a affecté et aggravé l’état de santé du cèdre de l’Atlas. Ces résultats mettent au jour l’urgence d’entreprendre des travaux sylvicoles pour améliorer l’état de santé des peuplements et de mettre en place un dispositif de surveillance de la santé du cèdre.
Shade tree timber as a source of income diversification in agroforestry coffee plantations, Peru
Authors: Ehrenbergerová Lenka , Šeptunová Zuzana , Habrová Hana , Puerta Tuesta Ronald Hugo , Matula Radim
Published: November 2019

Coffee is traditionally grown in agroforestry systems. Shade trees in coffee plantations provide important ecosystem services, and their timber may also be a good source of income for coffee growers. However, key information on the value of shade tree timber and its potential contribution to the income of coffee growers based on empirical data is lacking. The income that could be obtained from shade trees was estimated for three coffee plantations with different shade tree species. To estimate the marketable timber volume of standing trees, allometric equations were developed. Our results showed that the value of the shade tree timber varied significantly. It represented only 2-3% of the annual coffee farm income on the coffee plantation dominated by native Inga spp. On the other hand, the plantation predominantly shaded by Eucalyptus trees had high potential annual (50-68% of plantation income) and total (92-96% of plantation income) timber value, followed by the plantation shaded predominantly by Pinus (32-49% of plantation income for annual timber volume and 89-94% of plantation income for total timber volume). It is evident that shade trees may be a good economic reserve for coffee growers when exotic Eucalyptus or Pinus tree species are planted. However, using individual-tree data, it was found that the relatively rare native shade tree Retrophyllum rospigliosii, which was found in almost all plantations, has a high timber value and a large timber supply, making it a shade species with high potential for agroforestry.
Do metal alloy primers increase the bond strength of orthodontic tubes?
Authors: Oliveira Keity Cristina Moreira de , Silva Daylana Pacheco da , Turssi Cecília Pedroso , Amaral Flávia Lucisano Botelho do , Cavalli Vanessa
Published: November 2019

Aim: To evaluate the bond strength (BS) and failure mode of orthodontic tubes treated with different alloy primers at the interface among enamel, resin and orthodontic tubes. Methods: Orthodontic tubes were bonded to the enamel of 80 bovine incisors with the orthodontic resin (Transbond XT, 3M Unitek). Prior to bonding, the tubes were chemically treated with (n=20) Metal/Zirconia Primer (MZ, Ivoclar), Scothbond Universal (SB, 3M Espe); Orthoprimer (OP, Morelli) or left untreated (Control - C). Specimens were submitted to 5,000 thermal cycles (5 and 55o C) to age the bonded interface. A shear BS test and failure modes were conducted, and the results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Fisher’s exact test, respectively. Results: No differences were observed among groups regardless of the type of alloy primer used (p = 0.254). However, no differences were observed among the failure modes of the groups tested (p=0.694). The adhesive failure mode between the resin and enamel was the most prevalent failure (45%) for groups OP and C, whereas cohesive failure in the orthodontic resin was the most prevalent failure (40%) for groups SB and MZ. Conclusion: Alloy primers were unable to increase the BS of the orthodontic tubes to enamel.
Evaluation of friction on self-ligating and conventional brackets associated with different types of archwires submitted to sliding mechanics
Authors: Barbosa William Carlos Silva , Correr Américo Bortolazzo , Carneiro Diego Patrik Alves , Vedovello Filho Mário , Godoi Ana Paula Terossi de , Valdrighi Heloísa Cristina
Published: November 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to verify the frictional force during sliding mechanics in orthodontic tooth movement, using conventional metal brackets of the active and passive self-ligating types with stainless steel and copper nickel titanium archwires. Methods: This experimental in vitro study was conducted with conventional metal (Morelli, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil) brackets, active self-ligated (SLI Morelli, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil) and passive self-ligated (SLP Morelli, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil), with slot 0.022 x 0.028 inches and Roth prescription.  The brackets were tested with rectangular section 0.019 x 0.025 inch copper nickel titanium and stainless steel archwires. For each type of bracket, 10 sets of plate/bracket/archwire segment (n=10) were fabricated. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests were used for comparison between types of brackets and Wilcoxon tests for comparison between types of archwires. Results: The results showed that the frictional force values were higher with copper nickel titanium than with stainless steel archwires (p<0.05). When copper nickel titanium archwires were used, the active self-ligating brackets showed higher frictional force values than the other types, followed by the conventional brackets.  Lower frictional force values were observed with passive self-ligating brackets. For stainless steel archwires, no difference was observed between conventional and active self-ligating brackets, the passive self-ligating type presented lower frictional force values than the others. Conclusion: It was concluded that the higher frictional force was observed when active self-ligating brackets were associated with copper nickel titanium archwires.  Lower frictional force was verified between passive self-ligating brackets combined with stainless steel archwires.
The Vibrio cholerae Cytotoxin (VCC) Simultaneously Activates Responses of Death, Inflammation (NF-κB) and Survival (AP-1) through the MAPK Signaling in Human Macrophages THP-1
Authors: Escartín-Gutiérrez Julio R. , Reséndiz Albor Aldo Arturo , Castañón-Sánchez Carlos Alberto , Campos-Rodríguez Rafael , Pedraza-Alva Gustavo , Torres-Vega Miguel Ángel , Figueroa-Arredondo Paula
Published: November 2019

The human innate immune response to the pore-forming toxin of Vibrio cholerae VCC, is currently under study. Here, in vitro studies on a human macrophage cell line (THP-1), helped explore the activated pathways involved on the onset the innate immune response towards the cytotoxin. The secreted monomeric 65 KDa form interacts with mature macrophages in pg/ml concentrations, determined by dose response experiments after treatments under 1 h. Non vacuolating concentrations (pg/ml) were applied to the cells; immunoblots revealed activation of MAPKs: early overexpression of p38 and ERK. Cell lysis by release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was not apparent in the first hour, nonetheless it was positive after 24 h. Finally, to discern whether the VCC stimulates transcriptional activators via MAPKs pathway, NF-κB and AP-1 were studied by real time quantitation. Increased expression of p50 (NF-κB), cJun and cFos (AP-1) was observed. Given that NF-κB is the transcription factor initiating inflammation of innate immune response and in turn, AP-1 is responsible for cell surviving response, results from this study lead us to conclude that VCC in vitro treatments, induce a pro-inflammatory and a surviving response, in less than one hour on activated macrophages.