bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Partial purification of histone H3 proteolytic activity from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Azad Gajendra Kumar , Tomar Raghuvir Singh 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe proteolytic clipping of histone tails has recently emerged as a novel form of irreversible post‐translational modification (PTM) of histones. Histone clipping has been implicated as a regulatory process leading to the permanent removal of PTMs from histone proteins. However, there is scarcity of literature that describes the identification and characterization of histone‐specific proteases. Here, we employed various biochemical methods to report histone H3‐specific proteolytic activity from budding yeast. Our results demonstrate that H3 proteolytic activity was associated with sepharose bead matrices and activity was not affected by a variety of stress conditions. We have also identified the existence of an unknown protein that acts as a physiological inhibitor of the H3‐clipping activity of yeast H3 protease. Moreover, through protease inhibition assays, we have also characterized yeast H3 protease as a serine protease. Interestingly, unlike glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), yeast H3 proteolytic activity was not inhibited by Stefin B. Together, our findings suggest the existence of a novel H3 protease in yeast that is different from other reported histone H3 proteases. The presence of histone H3 proteolytic activity, along with the physiological inhibitor in yeast, suggests an interesting molecular mechanism that regulates the activity of histone proteases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proline accumulation protects Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells in stationary phase from ethanol stress by reducing reactive oxygen species levels
Authors: Takagi Hiroshi , Taguchi Junpei , Kaino Tomohiro 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDuring fermentation processes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells are exposed to multiple stresses, including a high concentration of ethanol that represents toxicity through intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. We previously reported that proline protected yeast cells from damage caused by various stresses, such as freezing and ethanol. As an anti‐oxidant, proline is suggested to scavenge intracellular ROS. In this study, we examined the role of intracellular proline during ethanol treatment in S. cerevisiae strains that accumulate different concentrations of proline. When cultured in YPD medium, there was a significant accumulation of proline in the put1 mutant strain, which is deficient in proline oxidase, in the stationary phase. Expression of the mutant PRO1 gene, which encodes the γ‐glutamyl kinase variant (Asp154Asn or Ile150Thr) with desensitization to feedback inhibition by proline in the put1 mutant strain, showed a prominent increase in proline content as compared with that of the wild‐type strain. The oxidation level was clearly increased in wild‐type cells after exposure to ethanol, indicating that the generation of ROS occurred. Interestingly, proline accumulation significantly reduces the ROS level and increases the survival rate of yeast cells in the stationary phase under ethanol stress conditions. However, there was not a clear correlation between proline content and survival rate in yeast cells. An appropriate level of intracellular proline in yeast might be important for its stress‐protective effect. Hence, the engineering of proline metabolism could be promising for breeding stress‐tolerant industrial yeast strains. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silanol Mediated π‐Assembly of Extended N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Krekić Kristijan , Hurkes Natascha F. , Bruhn Clemens , Belaj Ferdinand , Pietschnig Rudolf 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSelf‐assembly of silanetriols with 4,4′‐bipyridine affords infinite columns of cofacially arranged π‐stacks as evidenced by X‐ray data. Variation of the silanetriol reveals a subtle balance between hydrogen bonding and π interactions, which, by proper choice of the substituent, may foster either dominant hydrogen bonding or dominant π interaction.
Improved prediction of complex diseases by common genetic markers: state of the art and further perspectives
Authors: Müller Bent , Wilcke Arndt , Boulesteix Anne-Laure , Brauer Jens , Passarge Eberhard , Boltze Johannes , Kirsten Holger 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Reliable risk assessment of frequent, but treatable diseases and disorders has considerable clinical and socio-economic relevance. However, as these conditions usually originate from a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors, precise prediction remains a considerable challenge. The current progress in genotyping technology has resulted in a substantial increase of knowledge regarding the genetic basis of such diseases and disorders. Consequently, common genetic risk variants are increasingly being included in epidemiological models to improve risk prediction. This work reviews recent high-quality publications targeting the prediction of common complex diseases. To be included in this review, articles had to report both, numerical measures of prediction performance based on traditional (non-genetic) risk factors, as well as measures of prediction performance when adding common genetic variants to the model. Systematic PubMed-based search finally identified 55 eligible studies. These studies were compared with respect to the chosen approach and methodology as well as results and clinical impact. Phenotypes analysed included tumours, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. All studies applied one or more statistical measures reporting on calibration, discrimination, or reclassification to quantify the benefit of including SNPs, but differed substantially regarding the methodological details that were reported. Several examples for improved risk assessments by considering disease-related SNPs were identified. Although the add-on benefit of including SNP genotyping data was mostly moderate, the strategy can be of clinical relevance and may, when being paralleled by an even deeper understanding of disease-related genetics, further explain the development of enhanced predictive and diagnostic strategies for complex diseases.
A new dynamic six degrees of freedom disc-loading simulator allows to provoke disc damage and herniation
Authors: Wilke Hans-Joachim , Kienle Annette , Maile Sebastian , Rasche Volker , Berger-Roscher Nikolaus 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Purpose
The cause of disc herniation is not well understood yet. It is assumed that heavy lifting and extreme postures can cause small injuries starting either in the inner anulus or from the outside close to the endplate. Such injuries are accumulated over years until its structure is weakened and finally a single loading event leads to a sudden failure of the last few intact lamellae. This paper describes a novel, custom-developed dynamic 6-DOF disc-loading simulator that allows complex loading to provoke such disc damage and herniations.

Methods
The machine’s axes are driven by six independent servomotors providing high loads (10 kN axial compression, 2 kN shear, 100 Nm torque) up to 5 Hz. A positional accuracy test was conducted to validate the machine. Subsequently, initial experiments with lumbar ovine motion segments under complex loading were performed. After testing, the discs were examined in an ultra-high field MRI (11.7 T). A three-dimensional reconstruction was performed to visualise the internal disc lesions.

Results
Validation tests demonstrated positioning with an accuracy of ≤0.08°/≤0.026 mm at 0.5 Hz and ≤0.27°/≤0.048 mm at 3.0 Hz with amplitudes of ±17°/±2 mm. Typical failure patterns and herniations could be provoked with complex asymmetrical loading protocols. Loading with axial compression, flexion, lateral bending and torsion lead in 8 specimens to 4 herniated discs, two protrusions and two delaminations. All disc failures occurred in the posterior region of the disc.

Conclusion
This new dynamic disc-loading simulator has proven to be able to apply complex motion combinations and allows to create artificial lesions in the disc with complex loading protocols. The aim of further tests is to better understand the mechanisms by which disc failure occurs at the microstructural level under different loading conditions. Visualisation with ultra-high field MRI at different time points is a promising method to investigate the gradual development of such lesions, which may finally lead to disc failure. These kinds of experiments will help to better investigate the mechanical failure of discs to provide new insights into the initiation of intervertebral disc herniation. This device will also serve for many other applications in spine biomechanics research.
Authentication of Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oils
Authors: Ok Salim 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe goal of the current contribution is to determine the geographical origins of olive oil samples obtained from eight different countries during the harvest seasons of 2013 and 2014. First, the contents of olive oil samples were quantified by integrating the peaks of 1H‐NMR spectra and using linear mathematical equations. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), a statistical method examining whether there is a significant difference between the groups mean. The origins of the majority of the olive oil samples were discriminated by ANOVA and the minor constituents of the olive oils. Tocopherol and cycloartenol were the most discriminative minor constituents of the olive oil samples.
Do All Women with Abnormal Sonographic Axillary Lymph Nodes Need a Biopsy?
Authors: Amitai Yoav , Menes Tehillah , Aviram Galit , Golan Orit 
Published: February 2016

Purpose With the increased use of breast ultrasound for different indications, sonographically abnormal axillary lymph nodes are not a rare finding. We examined clinical and imaging characteristics in correlation with pathological reports of the sonographic guided biopsies to assess the yield of needle biopsy of these nodes. Methods Clinical, imaging and pathology data were collected for 171 consecutive patients who underwent sonographic guided needle biopsy of an abnormal lymph node between 2008 and 2013. Malignancy rates were examined for different clinical settings: palpable axillary mass, previous history of breast cancer, findings suggestive of a systemic disease, and those with a breast finding of low suspicion or an incidental abnormal axillary lymph node. Patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer were excluded. Results Twelve patients (7%) were found to have a malignancy on their axillary lymph node biopsy. Malignancy rates increased with age, and varied with clinical presentation: Axillary mass (8, 26%); history of breast cancer (2, 11%); systemic disease (0%) and breast finding of low suspicion or incidental abnormal lymph node on screening (1, 1%). Low rates of malignancy were found when the cortex was <6 mm (1, 0.8%). The most important imaging finding associated with malignancy was lack of a preserved hilum, in which case almost a third (10, 29%) of the biopsies were malignant. Only 1 of 89 women with a breast finding of low suspicion or an incidental abnormal axillary lymph node was found to have malignancy. In this case the lymph node had no hilum. Conclusions In women without breast cancer, a highly suspicious breast mass or an axillary mass, more stringent criteria should be used when evaluating an abnormal axillary lymph node on sonography, as the malignancy rates are very low (1%).
Factors Influencing Radiology Residents' Fellowship Training and Practice Preferences in Canada
Authors: Mok Philip S. , Probyn Linda , Finlay Karen 
Published: February 2016

Purpose The study aimed to examine the postresidency plans of Canadian radiology residents and factors influencing their fellowship choices and practice preferences, including interest in teaching and research. Methods Institutional ethics approval was obtained at McMaster University. Electronic surveys were sent to second to fifth-year residents at all 16 radiology residency programs across Canada. Each survey assessed factors influencing fellowship choices and practice preferences. Results A total of 103 (31%) Canadian radiology residents responded to the online survey. Over 89% from English-speaking programs intended to pursue fellowship training compared to 55% of residents from French-speaking programs. The most important factors influencing residents' decision to pursue fellowship training were enhanced employability (46%) and personal interest (47%). Top fellowship choices were musculoskeletal imaging (19%), body imaging (17%), vascular or interventional (14%), neuroradiology (8%), and women's imaging (7%). Respondents received the majority of their fellowship information from peers (68%), staff radiologists (61%), and university websites (58%). Approximately 59% planned on practicing at academic institutions and stated that lifestyle (43%), job prospects (29%), and teaching opportunities (27%) were the most important factors influencing their decisions. A total of 89% were interested in teaching but only 46% were interested in incorporating research into their future practice. Conclusions The majority of radiology residents plan on pursuing fellowship training and often receive their fellowship information from informal sources such as peers and staff radiologists. Fellowship directors can incorporate recruitment strategies such as mentorship programs and improving program websites. There is a need to increase resident participation in research to advance the future of radiology.
Multivariate analysis of risk factors for the persistence of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions following loop electrosurgical excision procedure
Authors: dos Santos Melli Patrícia P. , Duarte Geraldo , Quintana Silvana M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate risk factors related to the persistence of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) following loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).MethodsThe present prospective, observational study evaluated a convenience sample of participants with HSILs who were treated using LEEP between January 7, 2003 and December 30, 2011. Participants were evaluated 6 months and 1 year after treatment. Potential risk factors included in multivariate analyses were HIV co‐infection, involved margins, multicentric lesions, smoking, and use of hormonal contraception.ResultsThe present study enrolled 307 participants. At 1 year, 250 (81.4%) participants were free from lesions, 30 (9.8%) had low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 26 (8.5%) had persistent HSILs, and 1 (0.3%) had developed invasive carcinoma. The risk of lesions persisting at 1 year after LEEP was increased by HIV infection (P = 0.003), involved margins (P = 0.05), and smoking (P = 0.02). The presence of multicentric lesions (P = 0.73) and the use of hormonal contraception (P = 0.99) did not increase the risk of lesion persistence. The risk of HSIL persistence was increased by the presence of involved margins (relative risk 3.25; 95% confidence interval 1.55–6.80; P = 0.001).ConclusionsThe presence of involved margins was the only variable that increased the risk of HSIL persistence after LEEP, increasing the risk of patients requiring further treatment.
The impact of laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer resection with respect to the development of liver metastasis in the long-term
Authors: Rostirolla Renata , Fontes Paulo , Pinho Mauro , Pedroso Miguel , Masuko Tatiana , Novelli Paula , Lima Renato , Sampaio José 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) shows high incidence and mortality worldwide, particularly in Western and developed countries. The objective of this study is to evaluate the oncologic results during a minimum follow-up of 2 years of curable CRC patients submitted to laparoscopic resection in our environment, regarding to the development of hepatic metastases.Methods Medical records of 189 colon and rectal patients with potentially curable adenocarcinoma who have been submitted to laparoscopic resection have been reviewed through a retrospective cohort between January 2005 and March 2012 at a single institution regarded as reference to this type of treatment. Pearson's χ 2 and Long-rank tests have been used for statistical analysis and data was analyzed by statistic package STATA version 11.0.Results The eligible population for the study was 146 patients, 91 women (62%), with a mean age of 61 ± 13 years. Minimum follow-up was 24 months, having an mean follow-up of 60 ± 27 months and an mean follow-up of global disease recurrence of 27 ± 11 months. Hepatic metastases occurred in 7.5% of the population, most from stage III, and the mean recurrence period was 25 ± 16 months.Conclusions Laparoscopic resection for potentially curable CRC in this cohort did not change the long-term incidence of hepatic metastases, considering that our results are comparable to large randomized clinical trial results. Laparoscopic resection was effective and safe for analyzed patients, regarding long-term oncologic results.
Quality of life in stomized oncological patients: an approach of integrality from Brazilian Unified Health System
Authors: Kimura Cristilene Akiko , Kamada Ivone , Guilhem Dirce Bellezi 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Introduction Integrality is considered an essential constitutional doctrinal principle of SUS, being considered as a major challenge in health in Brazil. This involves practicing focusing on the quality of life of oncological stomized people.
Objective To analyze quality of life of oncological stomized people from the Health Department, the Federal District, Brazil, from the perspective of integrality of the Unified Health System in Brazil.
Methods Cross-sectional, exploratory and descriptive study with a quantitative and qualitative approach in the light of a content analysis. This was a convenience sample, including 120 patients registered in the Stomized People Program of the Health Department, the Federal District, Brazil. In this study, sociodemographic, clinical, and WHOQOL-bref questionnaires and an individual interview were used. Data were analyzed by Microsoft® Office Excel 2010 program and SPSS 20.0 software. Statistical significance was accepted at 5%.
Results Physical, Social Affairs, and Environment domains are correlated with the mean score, with statistically significant results (p < 0.0001), the content analysis resulted in three categories: complications with the stoma, self-care, and Comprehensive health care.
Conclusion Our results highlight the need to realize the integrality as a principle at various levels of discussion and of the practice of health care for stomized oncological people.
Using amniotic membrane for anal sphincter repair in animal model
Authors: Izadpanah Ahmad , Rezazadehkermani Mohammad , Ghaderi Mohammadali , Rahimikazerooni Salar , Safarpour Alireza , Homayouni Kaynoosh , Mokhtari Maral , Bananzadeh Alimohammad 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Purpose Sphincter repair is the primary management for fecal incontinence especially in traumatic causes. Regardless of progression in the method and material of sphincter repair, the results are still disappointing. This study evaluates the efficacy of using amniotic membrane during sphincteroplasty regarding its effects in healing of various tissues.
Methods Rabbits undergone sphincterotomy and after three weeks end to end sphincteroplasty was done. Animals divided to three groups: classic sphincteroplasty, sphincteroplasty with fresh amniotic membrane and sphincteroplasty with decellularized amniotic membrane. Three weeks after sphincteroplasty animals were sacrificed and sphincter complex was sent for histopathologic evaluation. Sphincter muscle diameter and composition of sphincter was evaluated. Before sphincterotomy, before and after sphincteroplasty electromyography of sphincter at the site of repair were recorded.
Results No statistical significant difference was seen between groups even in histopathology or electromyography.
Conclusion Although amniotic showed promising effects in the healing of different tissue in animal and human studies it was not effective in healing of injured sphincter.
Telling Reflections: Teaching Sustainably in a Complex Learning Environment
Authors: Prescott Debbie 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article examines learning design in a postgraduate preservice teacher setting. The overarching aim was to embed environmentally responsive approaches throughout two companion units for diverse student cohorts. This article reports on a teacher educator self-study in a regional university with extensive online delivery for large units (300–800 students) in a 1-year course. The author examines how assessment tasks in literacy- and numeracy-oriented units are designed to meaningfully integrate environmental sustainability using contextual cues, collaborative learning, complex tasks, and reflexivity. The author argues for the use of these four key guidelines of environmentally responsive pedagogies alongside environmental education programs to emphasise messages of sustainability even in units that are not traditionally environmentally oriented. Challenges include problematising the nature of effective teaching and dealing with the complexities of purposeful learning. Innovative unit learning design alone, however, is inadequate if the surrounding systems are fragmented and seen as separate to learning about sustainability.
Why Law Matters by Alon Harel*
Authors: Weinrib Jacob 
Published: February 2016

Alon Harel’sWhy Law Mattersarticulates a powerful and neglected approach for justifying legal institutions. Pushing back against the instrumentalist approach that dominates contemporary legal theory, he argues that legal institutions are not simply tools for realizing extrinsic values, but are themselves constitutive features of a just society. On this view, law is not an instrument for bringing about something that matters; rather, law itself matters and Harel elaborates a series of rich and insightful arguments to explain why. In this brief review, I will sketch the connection between Harel’s non-instrumental methodology and his account of (1) the nature of rights, (2) the distinctiveness of state authority, and (3) the justificatory basis of constitutional governance. I close with some critical comments about the non-instrumental justifications that Harel develops.
Analysis of Agreement between Expired-Air Carbon Monoxide Monitors
Authors: Karelitz Joshua L. , Michael Valerie C. , Perkins Kenneth A. 
Published: February 2016

Introduction: The current study examined the level of agreement in expired-air carbon monoxide (CO) values, focusing especially on those confirming abstinence, between the two most commonly used CO monitors, the Vitalograph BreathCO and the Bedfont piCO+ Smokerlyzer.Methods: Expired-air samples were collected via both monitors from adult dependent smokers (44 M, 34 F) participating in studies using CO values to confirm abstinence durations of: 24 hours, 12 hours, or no abstinence. All met DSM-IV nicotine dependence criteria and had a mean (SD) Fagerström Test of Cigarette Dependence score of 5.1 (1.8). Paired data collected across multiple visits were analyzed by regression-based Bland–Altman method of Limits of Agreement (LoA).Findings: Analysis indicated a lack of agreement in CO measurement between monitors. Overall, the Bedfont monitor gave mean (±SEM) readings 3.83 (±0.23) ppm higher than the Vitalograph monitor. Mean differences between monitors were larger for those ad lib smoking (5.65 ± 0.38 ppm) than those abstaining 12–24 hours (1.71 ± 0.13 ppm). Yet, there also was not consistent agreement in classification of 24-hour abstinence between monitors.Conclusions: Systematic differences in CO readings demonstrate these two very common monitors may not result in interchangeable values, and reported outcomes in smoking research based on CO values may depend on the monitor used.