bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EXPERIMENTAL SURVIVAL STUDIES OF SPOROTHRIX SCHENCKII IN A MEAT PRODUCT1
Authors: Scharding J. H. , Kelley D. C. , Cook J. E. , Kropf D. H. 
Published: December 2016

The literature includes a few reports on the ability of the fungus Sporothrix schenckii to survive at high temperatures, and one suggests that it could survive processing procedures used to manufacture frankfurters. Reported are studies to determine the extent that S. schenckii could survive processing procedures used by most manufacturers of commercial frankfurters.
A frankfurter test model was devised to approximate the length diameter, and cooking characteristics of a commercial frankfurter. Uncooked emulsion was inoculated with the organism and recovery was attempted throughout the experimental cooking process. In 32% of the experimental studies, the maximum times and temperatures for positive recovery of the organism met or exceeded the processing standards used by most manufacturers. Thus, S. schenckii may survive in commercial frankfurters and be a potential health hazard.
I. Environmental Contamination and Biochemical Relationships
Authors: HUGUNIN A. G. , BRADLEY R. L. 
Published: December 2016

Mercury is naturally concentrated in geographical belts, but geological cycling has distributed the element in all strata of the earth. Natural concentrations of mercury are approximately 100 ppb in soil, 0.06 ppb in fresh water, 0.01–0.30 ppb in sea water, and 0.003–0.009 μg/m3 in air. Concentrations vary, being highest near mineral deposits. The concentration of mercury in some areas has been significantly increased by human carelessness. An epidemic among Japanese fishing families, death of Swedish wildlife, and discovery of elevated mercury levels in American fish focused attention on this problem. The discovery that certain species are capable of methylating inorganic mercury indicates pollution with any chemical form of mercury is dangerous.
Alkylmercurials are the most dangerous form of mercury in the environment. Alkylmercurials are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, diffuse across the blood-brain carrier, and pass through the placental membrane in significantly higher proportions than other mercury compounds. The whole body half-life of methyl mercury in humans is 76 ± 3 days compared to half-lives of 37 ± 3 days for men and 48 ± 5 days for women observed for mercuric salts. Not readily broken down, sufficient concentrations of methyl mercury can cause irreversible damage to the central nervous system. Renal damage usually results from high levels of aryl- or alkoxyalkylmercurials and inorganic mercury; however, vapors of elemented mercury can damage the central nervous system. Organic mercury compounds cause chromosome changes, but the medical implications resulting from levels of mercury in food are unknown. The concentration of mercury in red blood cells and hair is indicative of the exposure to alkylmercurials. On a group basis, blood and urine concentrations of mercury may corrrelate with recent exposure to mercury.
Exposure of Man to Mercury. A review1,2
Authors: HUGUNIN A. G. , BRADLEY R. L. 
Published: December 2016

Man is exposed to mercury through every facet of his life, however, for the average citizen the most probable source of toxic levels of mercury would be his food supply. Although most foods contain less than 0.02 ppm mercury, considerable variation occurs depending on the type of food, production techniques, and location. Mercury is concentrated at higher trophic levels of food chains, particularily in aquatic food chains in which concentration factors of hundreds and thousands have been observed. The concentration of mercury in some large fish has been found to exceed the 0.5 ppm tolerance limit of the FDA and the 1.0 ppm limit of the Swedish government. Fifty-seven grams of fish containing 0.5 ppm mercury in the methyl form could be consumed daily without exceeding the joint FAO/WHO recommended weekly tolerable intake of 0.2 mg. In the U.S., Sweden, and Japan the per capita daily fish consumptions are 18, 56, and 88 g, respectively.
Determination of mercury concentrations generally involves colorimetric, atomic absorption or emission spectrometry, neutron activation, or gas chromatography techniques. The sample preparations are often time consuming, subject to numerous sources of error, and complicated by the low concentrations of mercury. Differentiation of mercury compounds usually necessitates selective extraction followed by gas chromatographic analysis.
Knowledge and Awareness about Colorectal Cancer and Its Screening Guidelines among Doctors in Al Ahsa, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Surendra Bathula , Hashir Muhammad Mujtaba , Al Harbi Fahad Salman , Al Nuwaysir Mohammed Jassim , Al Khaldi Khalid Majed , Alqahtani Abdulrahman Majid 
Published: December 2016

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is a major public health problem. Worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of deaths due to cancer in both men and women. Among, Saudi men, CRC is the most common malignancy while it is the third most common among Saudi women. Over, two decades the incidence and deaths due to CRC have been steadily increasing in Saudi Arabia. Regular and timely screening has the potential in reducing the incidence and deaths due to colorectal cancer. The present study is conducted to evaluate the knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancer and its screening among the doctors.OBJECTIVES: To measure the frequency of knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancer and its screening guidelines among doctors in Al-Ahssa.METHODS: A questionnaire based survey of the doctors (Specialists & residents), working in different hospitals and primary health centers under the Ministry of Health in Al Ahssa region, Eastern province, KSA. Knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancer and its screening among the doctors is evaluated.RESULTS: Over 80% of the doctors knew, screening reduces deaths due to CRC. Only 60% were aware about the risk factors and less than 50% knew the clinical features of CRC. About 60% doctors agreed Colonoscopy is gold standard screening test. While, less than 60% knew the ideal age to initiate screening and the actual interval of screening tests in the standard risk and high-risk population. Fewer than 25% doctors were aware about the American cancer society recommended screening guidelines. Majority of the doctors expressed keen interest to know and receive information about CRC and its screening guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Regular and timely screening reduces deaths due to CRC. There is a need for improving knowledge and awareness of doctors about CRC and its screening. Awareness among the doctors improves uptake of screening by the general and high-risk population.
Science from women’s lives. Better Science? How gendered studies improve science and lives
Authors: Magallón Portolés Carmen 
Published: December 2016

Recent gender analyses have been opening new paths for innovation and excellence. They are the basis for the Gendered Innovations project, led by the science historian Londa Schiebinger, in joint collaboration with the European Union. However, this work did not come out of nowhere; it is supported by decades of gender and science studies consisting of different research lines that critically reviewed the history of science and recovered the story of women’s contributions to different scientific fields. This paper reviews the origin and genealogy of the project, highlights its positive effects, and highlights examples of its achievements.
Splay fault branching from the Hikurangi subduction shear zone: Implications for slow slip and fluid flow
Authors: Plaza‐Faverola A. , Henrys S. , Pecher I. , Wallace L. , Klaeschen D. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPrestack depth migration data across the Hikurangi margin, East Coast of the North Island, New Zealand, are used to derive subducting slab geometry, upper crustal structure, and seismic velocities resolved to ∼14 km depth. We investigate the potential relationship between the crustal architecture, fluid migration, and short‐term geodetically determined slow slip events. The subduction interface is a shallow dipping thrust at <7 km depth near the trench and steps down to 14 km depth along an ∼18 km long ramp, beneath Porangahau Ridge. This apparent step in the décollement is associated with splay fault branching and coincides with a zone of maximum slip (90 mm) inferred on the subduction interface during slow slip events in June and July 2011. A low‐velocity zone beneath the plate interface, updip of the plate interface ramp, is interpreted as fluid‐rich overpressured sediments capped with a low permeability condensed layer of chalk and interbedded mudstones. Fluid‐rich sediments have been imbricated by splay faults in a region that coincides with the step down in the décollement from the top of subducting sediments to the oceanic crust and contribute to spatial variation in frictional properties of the plate interface that may promote slow slip behavior in the region. Further, transient fluid migration along splay faults at Porangahau Ridge may signify stress changes during slow slip.
Moderne Strategien zur Synthese funktioneller Fluorophore
Authors: de Moliner Fabio , Kielland Nicola , Lavilla Rodolfo , Vendrell Marc 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDie biomedizinische Forschung ist auf die schnelle, akkurate und nicht‐invasive Charakterisierung spezifischer Biomoleküle und Zellen angewiesen. Funktionelle Fluorophore sind für derartige Studien von enormem Nutzen. Da diese komplexen Strukturen oftmals mit konventionellen Mitteln der Synthese nur schwer zugänglich sind, wurden in den letzten Jahren neuartige chemische Prozesse entwickelt. Dieser Kurzaufsatz beschreibt die jüngsten Entwicklungen im Bezug auf Design, Herstellung und Feinregulierung von Fluorophoren mittels Mehrkomponentenreaktionen, C‐H‐Aktivierungsprozessen, Cycloadditionen und Biomolekül‐basierten chemischen Transformationen.
The Transcriptional Coactivator Bob1 Is Associated With Pathologic B Cell Responses in Autoimmune Tissue Inflammation
Authors: Levels Maria J. , Van Tok Melissa N. , Cantaert Tineke , Cañete Juan D. , Kroese Frans G. M. , Germar Kristine , Spits Hergen , Baeten Dominique L. P. , Yeremenko Nataliya G. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveThe molecular mechanisms steering abnormal B cell responses in autoimmune diseases remain poorly understood. We undertook this study to identify molecular switches controlling pathologic B cell responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsCandidate molecules were identified by gene expression profiling of RA synovitis and validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. B cell–specific expression was confirmed by immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry. The role of Bob1 in pathologic B cell responses was assessed in collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).ResultsTranscriptional profiling of RA synovitis revealed a prominent B cell signature, with the transcriptional coactivator Bob1 and its putative target BCMA being among the most up‐regulated genes. Further analysis confirmed the microarray data and demonstrated elevated levels of Bob1 in B cells in RA synovium. A functional study showed that Bob1‐deficient mice failed to produce pathogenic anti–type II collagen (anti‐CII) antibodies and were resistant to CIA. Adoptive transfer of cells from Bob1‐deficient and Bob1‐sufficient mice to recombination‐activating gene 1–null mice demonstrated that Bob1 deficiency exclusively in B cells abrogated germinal center (GC) B cell formation, anti‐CII antibody production, and CIA development. Consistent with data from animal studies, immunophenotyping of human B cell subsets revealed increased expression of Bob1, predominantly in centrocytes and centroblasts. Correspondingly, Bob1 expression in RA synovitis was strongly correlated with CD21L, a molecular marker of GCs. In addition, similar Bob1 overexpression and correlation with CD21L expression was evidenced in parotid salivary gland tissue from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.ConclusionThese expression and functional data identify the transcriptional coactivator Bob1 as a candidate molecular switch of pathogenic B cell responses in autoimmune diseases in humans.
Smartphone‐based portable wireless optical system for the detection of target analytes
Authors: Gautam Shreedhar , Batule Bhagwan S , Kim Hyo Yong , Park Ki Soo , Park Hyun Gyu 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRapid and accurate on‐site wireless measurement of hazardous molecules or biomarkers is one of the biggest challenges in nanobiotechnology. A novel smartphone‐based Portable and Wireless Optical System (PAWS) for rapid, quantitative, and on‐site analysis of target analytes is described. As a proof‐of‐concept, we employed gold nanoparticles (GNP) and an enzyme, horse radish peroxidase (HRP), to generate colorimetric signals in response to two model target molecules, melamine and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. The colorimetric signal produced by the presence of the target molecules is converted to an electrical signal by the inbuilt electronic circuit of the device. The converted electrical signal is then measured wirelessly via multimeter in the smartphone which processes the data and displays the results, including the concentration of analytes and its significance. This handheld device has great potential as a programmable and miniaturized platform to achieve rapid and on‐site detection of various analytes in a point‐of‐care testing (POCT) manner.
Efficacy and toxicity of the combination chemotherapy of thalidomide, alkylating agent, and steroid for relapsed/refractory myeloma patients: a report from the Korean Multiple Myeloma Working Party (KMMWP) retrospective study
Authors: Kwon Jihyun , Min Chang‐Ki , Kim Kihyun , Han Jae‐joon , Moon Joon Ho , Kang Hye Jin , Eom Hyeon‐Seok , Kim Min Kyoung , Kim Hyo Jung , Yoon Dok Hyun , Lee Jeong‐Ok , Lee Won Sik , Lee Jae Hoon , Lee Je‐Jung , Choi Yoon‐seok , Kim Sung hyun , Yoon Sung‐soo 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe analyzed the treatment responses, toxicities, and survival outcomes of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who received daily thalidomide, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (CTD) or daily thalidomide, melphalan, and prednisolone (MTP) at 17 medical centers in Korea. Three‐hundred and seventy‐six patients were enrolled. The combined chemotherapy of thalidomide, corticosteroid, and an alkylating agent (TAS) was second‐line chemotherapy in 142 (37.8%) patients, and third‐line chemotherapy in 135 (35.9%) patients. The response rate overall was 69.4%. Patients who were not treated with bortezomib and lenalidomide before TAS showed a higher response rate compared to those who were exposed to these agents. The estimated median progression‐free survival and overall survival times were 10.4 months and 28.0 months, respectively. The adverse events during TAS were generally tolerable, but 39 (10.4%) patients experienced severe infectious complications. There were no differences in terms of efficacy between CTD and MTP, but infectious complications were more common in CTD group. TAS is an effective treatment regimen which induces a high response rate in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients. Due to the high incidence of grade 3 or 4 infection, proper management of infection is necessary during the TAS treatment, especially the CTD.
Phylogenetic Studies, Gene Cluster Analysis, and Enzymatic Reaction Support Anthrahydroquinone Reduction as the Physiological Function of Fungal 17β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase
Authors: Fürtges Leon , Conradt David , Schätzle Michael A. , Singh Shailesh Kumar , Kraševec Nada , Rižner Tea Lanišnik , Müller Michael , Husain Syed Masood 
Published: December 2016

Abstract17β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSDcl) from the filamentous fungus Curvularia lunata (teleomorph Cochliobolus lunatus) catalyzes NADP(H)‐dependent oxidoreductions of androgens and estrogens. Despite detailed biochemical and structural characterization of 17β‐HSDcl, its physiological function remains unknown. On the basis of amino acid sequence alignment, phylogenetic studies, and the recent identification of the physiological substrates of the homologous MdpC from Aspergillus nidulans and AflM from Aspergillus parasiticus, we propose an anthrahydroquinone as the physiological substrate of 17β‐HSDcl. This is also supported by our analysis of a secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene cluster in C. lunata m118, containing 17β‐HSDcl and ten other genes, including a polyketide synthase probably involved in emodin formation. Chemoenzymatic reduction of emodin by 17β‐HSDcl in the presence of sodium dithionite verified this hypothesis. On the basis of these results, the involvement of a 17β‐HSDcl in the biosynthesis of other anthrahydroquinone‐derived natural products is proposed; hence, 17β‐HSDcl should be more appropriately referred to as a polyhydroxyanthracene reductase (PHAR).
Total Synthesis of Leupyrrins A1 and B1, Highly Potent Antifungal Agents from the Myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum
Authors: Thiede Sebastian , Wosniok Paul R. , Herkommer Daniel , Debnar Thomas , Tian Maoqun , Wang Tongtong , Schrempp Michael , Menche Dirk 
Published: December 2016

AbstractFull details on the design, elaboration, and application of efficient strategies for the high‐yielding total syntheses of leupyrrins A1 and B1, unique antifungal agents from the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum, are reported. A sequential zirconocene‐mediated diyne‐cyclization, and regioselective opening of the zirconacyclopentadiene intermediate enabled a concise entry into the unique dihydrofuran fragment, whereas another domino reaction was developed for the butyrolactone involving a one‐pot lactol opening, stereoselective aldehyde addition and in situ lactonization. Furthermore, an innovative sp2‐sp3‐cross‐coupling for pyrrole functionalization and an optimized HATU‐mediated amide coupling protocol of two elaborate fragments were established. In addition, an unusual protective group strategy, involving a Teoc‐acetonide protected amine in combination with tert‐butyl and acetate esters, was successfully elaborated. These tactics and strategies are generally useful and may be also applied in the synthesis of other functionalized compounds. It is expected that the material which was obtained by these total syntheses will enable the further exploration of the biological profile of these potent antifungal agents.
Scope and Limitations of Fmoc Chemistry SPPS‐Based Approaches to the Total Synthesis of Insulin Lispro via Ester Insulin
Authors: Dhayalan Balamurugan , Mandal Kalyaneswar , Rege Nischay , Weiss Michael A. , Eitel Simon H. , Meier Thomas , Schoenleber Ralph O. , Kent Stephen B. H. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe have systematically explored three approaches based on 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) chemistry solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) for the total chemical synthesis of the key depsipeptide intermediate for the efficient total chemical synthesis of insulin. The approaches used were: stepwise Fmoc chemistry SPPS; the “hybrid method”, in which maximally protected peptide segments made by Fmoc chemistry SPPS are condensed in solution; and, native chemical ligation using peptide‐thioester segments generated by Fmoc chemistry SPPS. A key building block in all three approaches was a Glu[O‐β‐(Thr)] ester‐linked dipeptide equipped with a set of orthogonal protecting groups compatible with Fmoc chemistry SPPS. The most effective method for the preparation of the 51 residue ester‐linked polypeptide chain of ester insulin was the use of unprotected peptide‐thioester segments, prepared from peptide‐hydrazides synthesized by Fmoc chemistry SPPS, and condensed by native chemical ligation. High‐resolution X‐ray crystallography confirmed the disulfide pairings and three‐dimensional structure of synthetic insulin lispro prepared from ester insulin lispro by this route. Further optimization of these pilot studies could yield an efficient total chemical synthesis of insulin lispro (Humalog) based on peptide synthesis by Fmoc chemistry SPPS.
Extended mortality results for prostate cancer screening in the PLCO trial with median follow‐up of 15 years
Authors: Pinsky Paul F. , Prorok Philip C. , Yu Kelly , Kramer Barnett S. , Black Amanda , Gohagan John K. , Crawford E. David , Grubb Robert L. , Andriole Gerald L. 
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUNDTwo large‐scale prostate cancer screening trials using prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) have given conflicting results in terms of the efficacy of such screening. One of those trials, the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, previously reported outcomes with 13 years of follow‐up. This study presents updated findings from the PLCO trial.METHODSThe PLCO trial randomized subjects from 1993 to 2001 to an intervention or control arm. Intervention‐arm men received annual PSA tests for 6 years and digital rectal examinations for 4 years. This study used a linkage with the National Death Index to extend mortality follow‐up to a maximum of 19 years after randomization.RESULTSMen were randomized to the intervention arm (n = 38,340) or the control arm (n = 38,343). The median follow‐up time was 14.8 years (25th/75th, 12.7/16.5 years) in the intervention arm and 14.7 years (25th/75th, 12.6/16.4 years) in the control arm. There were 255 deaths from prostate cancer in the intervention arm and 244 deaths from prostate cancer in the control arm; this meant a rate ratio (RR) of 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87‐1.24). The RR for all‐cause mortality was 0.977 (95% CI, 0.950‐1.004). It was estimated that 86% of the men in the control arm and 99% of the men in the intervention arm received any PSA testing during the trial, and the estimated yearly screening‐phase PSA testing rates were 46% and 84%, respectively.CONCLUSIONSExtended follow‐up of the PLCO trial over a median of 15 years continues to indicate no reduction in prostate cancer mortality for the intervention arm versus the control arm. Because of the high rate of control‐arm PSA testing, this finding can be viewed as showing no benefit of organized screening versus opportunistic screening. Cancer 2017;123:592–599. © 2016 American Cancer Society.