bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the stereochemical configuration of lanthionines formed by the lanthipeptide synthetase GeoM
Authors: Garg Neha , Goto Yuki , Chen Ting , van der Donk Wilfred A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe biosynthesis of the class II lanthipeptide geobacillin II was reconstituted in vitro. The purified precursor peptide was modified by the lanthipeptide synthetase GeoM at temperatures ranging between 37 and 80°C demonstrating the thermostability of the enzyme. Geobacillin II shares with cytolysin, haloduracin, and carnolysin a DhxDhxXxxXxxCys motif (Dhx = dehydroalanine or dehydrobutyrine) as precursor to its N‐terminal A‐ring. Like in these other three lantibiotics, the lanthionine in the A‐ring of geobacillin II had the LL stereochemical configuration as shown by chiral gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Various analogues of geobacillin II were produced using co‐expression of mutants of the precursor peptide GeoAII and the synthetase GeoM in Escherichia coli. The findings in this study suggest that the stereochemical outcome of the A‐ring in geobacillin II is not solely dependent on the peptide sequence as previously suggested for haloduracin © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 834–842, 2016.
Stapling peptides using cysteine crosslinking
Authors: Fairlie David P , Dantas de Araujo Aline 
Published: May 2016

AbstractStapled peptides are an emerging class of cyclic peptide molecules with enhanced biophysical properties such as conformational and proteolytic stability, cellular uptake and elevated binding affinity and specificity for their biological targets. Among the limited number of chemistries available for their synthesis, the cysteine‐based stapling strategy has received considerable development in the last few years driven by facile access from cysteine‐functionalized peptide precursors. Here we present some recent advances in peptide and protein stapling where the side‐chains of cysteine residues are covalently connected with a range of different crosslinkers affording bisthioether macrocyclic peptides of varying topology and biophysical properties. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 843–852, 2016.
Cyclic peptide oral bioavailability: Lessons from the past
Authors: Wang Conan K , Craik David J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAchieving high oral bioavailability for drugs is a key design objective in drug development. It is not surprising then that with the growing expectation of peptides as future drugs, there has also been an increasing interest in developing oral peptide therapeutics. Brought to the fore are questions such as what makes peptides orally bioavailable and how this can be achieved; questions which have inspired research into the area for decades. Early research in the area focused on linear peptides with more recent literature focusing on cyclic peptides, motivated in part by cyclic peptides like cyclosporine A that have demonstrated drug‐like oral bioavailability. In this review, we take a look at research on the oral bioavailability of peptides, focusing on factors that affect passive permeability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 901–909, 2016.
Enhanced cell‐surface display and secretory production of cellulolytic enzymes with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sed1 signal peptide
Authors: Inokuma Kentaro , Bamba Takahiro , Ishii Jun , Ito Yoichiro , Hasunuma Tomohisa , Kondo Akihiko 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTRecombinant yeast strains displaying aheterologous cellulolytic enzymes on their cell surfaces using a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchoring system are a promising strategy for bioethanol production from lignocellulosic materials. A crucial step for cell wall localization of the enzymes is the intracellular transport of proteins in yeast cells. Therefore, the addition of a highly efficient secretion signal sequence is important to increase the amount of the enzymes on the yeast cell surface. In this study, we demonstrated the effectiveness of a novel signal peptide (SP) sequence derived from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SED1 gene for cell‐surface display and secretory production of cellulolytic enzymes. Gene cassettes with SP sequences derived from S. cerevisiae SED1 (SED1SP), Rhizopus oryzae glucoamylase (GLUASP), and S. cerevisiae α‐mating pheromone (MFα1SP) were constructed for cell‐surface display of Aspergillus aculeatus β‐glucosidase (BGL1) and Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase II (EGII). These gene cassettes were integrated into the S. cerevisiae genome. The recombinant strains with the SED1SP showed higher cell‐surface BGL and EG activities than those with the conventional SP sequences (GLUASP and MFα1SP). The novel SP sequence also improved the secretory production of BGL and EG in S. cerevisiae. The extracellular BGL activity of the recombinant strains with the SED1SP was 1.3‐ and 1.9‐fold higher than the GLUASP and MFα1SP strains, respectively. Moreover, the utilization of SED1SP successfully enhanced the secretory production of BGL in Pichia pastoris. The utilization of the novel SP sequence is a promising option for highly efficient cell‐surface display and secretory production of heterologous proteins in various yeast species. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2358–2366. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Health‐related quality of life before and after head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare Health Outcomes Survey linkage
Authors: Rettig Eleni M. , D'Souza Gypsyamber , Thompson Carol B. , Koch Wayne M. , Eisele David W. , Fakhry Carole 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUNDUnderstanding health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is crucial to providing high‐quality survivorship care for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Trends in and prognostic significance of HRQOL before and after HNSCC have not been well described.METHODSHRQOL for older individuals with HNSCC was examined using the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare Health Outcomes Survey database. Surveys assessing HRQOL from 5 years prediagnosis to 10 years postdiagnosis were included. HRQOL over time was modeled using multilevel linear regression with restricted cubic splines and was reported as either total HRQOL or change in HRQOL (denoted Δ). The association of prediagnosis HRQOL with survival was examined.RESULTSIn total, 1653 individuals were included; of these, 61% completed 1 survey, and 39% completed multiple surveys. Overall HRQOL decreased progressively until 13 months postdiagnosis, then recovered toward baseline between 2 and 5 years. However, after stratification by survival group, the postdiagnosis recovery was not observed. Individuals with shorter survival had lower HRQOL prediagnosis (<2‐year survivors, 87.3; > 5‐year survivors, 96.4; P = .004) with a steeper decline in HRQOL during diagnosis and treatment (<2‐year survivors: Δ, −16.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], −23.8, −9.4; > 5‐year survivors: Δ, −0.9; 95% CI, −1.8, 0.08). Radiotherapy and advanced stage were associated with greater declines in HRQOL during diagnosis and treatment (P < .001). Higher prediagnosis HRQOL was independently associated with improved overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio for 10‐point increase, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85‐0.97).CONCLUSIONSHRQOL declines before and after HNSCC, whereas any observed posttreatment recovery is likely an artifact of shorter survival among individuals with the lowest HRQOL. The prognostic implication of prediagnosis HRQOL may inform patient counseling. Cancer 2016;122:1861–70. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Increased incidence but improved median overall survival for biliary tract cancers diagnosed in Ontario from 1994 through 2012: A population‐based study
Authors: Flemming Jennifer A. , Zhang‐Salomons Jina , Nanji Sulaiman , Booth Christopher M. 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUNDTo the authors’ knowledge, the incidence of biliary tract cancer (BTC) in Canada is unknown. In the current study, the authors sought to describe the epidemiology of BTC using a large population‐based cancer database from Ontario, Canada.METHODSThe current study was a population‐based cohort study using the Ontario Cancer Registry. Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC), and gallbladder cancer (GBC) diagnosed between 1994 and 2012 were included. Age‐standardized incidence and mortality rates were compared using incidence rate ratios (IRRs). Overall survival from the time of diagnosis was calculated for 3 eras: 1994 through 1999, 2000 through 2005, and 2006 through 2012. The number of patients receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery was determined using linked clinical data.RESULTSA total of 9039 cases (1569 IHCC cases, 4337 EHCC cases, and 3133 GBC cases) were identified. The rate of BTC increased by 1.6% per year (IRR, 1.016; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.008‐1.024 [P<.001]). The incidence increased by 7.0% per year among cases of IHCC (IRR, 1.070; 95% CI, 1.058‐1.081 [P<.001]) and 1.8% per year in cases of EHCC (IRR, 1.018; 95% CI, 1.009‐1.027 [P<.001]), whereas the incidence of GBC remained unchanged (IRR, 0.991; 95% CI, 0.982‐1.001 [P = .086]). The median survival for the cohort was 8.3 months, with improvement noted over the study period (6.1 months for 1994‐1999 vs 8.5 months for 2000‐2005 vs 10.3 months for 2006‐2012 [P<.001]). The median survival was the longest for EHCC (11.3 months), followed by GBC (6.4 months) and IHCC (6.2 months). The percentage of patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy increased over the study (P<.001), whereas the percentage of patients receiving surgery decreased (P<.001).CONCLUSIONSAn increased incidence of BTC during 1994 through 2012 was observed. Explanations for the observed temporal improvement in median survival require further exploration. Cancer 2016;122:2534–43. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Predictors of psychological outcome in patients with eating disorders: A routine outcome monitoring study
Authors: Dingemans Alexandra E. , van Son Gabriëlle E. , Aardoom Jiska J. , Bruidegom Kiki , Slof‐Op 't Landt Margarita C.T. , van Furth Eric F. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundIdentifying predictors of psychological outcome for patients with eating disorders may improve the effectiveness of treatment. Patients with different pre‐treatment characteristics and symptoms may benefit from different therapies. This study aimed to identify potential predictors of treatment outcome in a large naturalistic cohort of patients with an eating disorder.MethodThe study sample included patients (N = 1153) with all types of eating disorders who were receiving residential, day, or outpatient treatment. Remission was defined by means of four different indicators based on the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire global score: 1. achieving reliable change; 2. showing a 50% reduction in baseline symptom severity; 3. reaching the clinical significance cut‐off point; and 4. a combination of indicators 2 and 3. Potential predictor variables were investigated in univariate and multivariate Cox regression models.ResultsDifferent predictors were found for the four outcome criteria. Patients with high levels of interpersonal distrust at baseline were less likely to have achieved reliable change in eating disorder psychopathology. Higher self‐esteem and less body dissatisfaction at baseline was independently associated with a symptom reduction of more than 50% and/or reaching the clinical significance cut‐off point. Contrary to our expectations, no differences in outcome were found between the eating disorder subtypes.DiscussionClinically, it is important to reduce the risk of poor outcome and to achieve a rapid response in treatment using an intervention designed for this purpose, such as shared decision making or an intervention directed at self‐esteem or body image, which may act as a catalyst for change. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:863–873)
Role of Wasp and the small GTPases RhoA, RhoB, and Cdc42 during capacitation and acrosome reaction in spermatozoa of English guinea pigs
Authors: Delgado‐Buenrostro Norma L. , Mújica Adela , Chiquete‐Felix Natalia , Déciga‐Alcaraz Alejandro , Medina‐Reyes Estefany I. , Uribe‐Carvajal Salvador , Chirino Yolanda I. 
Published: May 2016

SUMMARYCytoskeleton remodeling is necessary for capacitation and the acrosome reaction in spermatozoa. F‐actin is located in the acrosome and equatorial region during capacitation, but is relocated in the post‐acrosomal region during the acrosome reaction in spermatozoa from bull, rat, mice, and guinea pig. Actin polymerization and relocalization are generally regulated by small GTPases that activate Wasp protein, which coordinates with Arp2/3, profilin I, and profilin II to complete cytoskeletal remodeling. This sequence of events is not completely described in spermatozoa, though. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if Wasp interacts with small GTPases (RhoA, RhoB, and Cdc42) and proteins (Arp2/3, profilin I, and profilin II) that co‐localize with F‐actin during capacitation and the acrosome reaction in English guinea pig spermatozoa obtained from the vas deferens. The spermatozoa were capacitated in calcium‐free medium, incubated with an activator or an inhibitor of GTPases, and then induced to acrosome react using calcium. The distribution patterns of F‐actin were compared to the patterns of Wasp and its putative interaction partners: Wasp and RhoB, but not RhoA or Cdc42, localization overlap with F‐actin during capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Activation of small GTPases localized RhoB to the post‐acrosomal region whereas their inhibition prevented acrosome exocytosis. Arp2/3 and profilin II appear to interact with Wasp in the post‐acrosomal region and flagellum, while profilin I and Wasp could be found in the equatorial region. Thus, Wasp and F‐actin distribution overlap during capacitation and acrosome reaction, and small GTPases play an important role in cytoskeleton remodeling during these processes in spermatozoa.Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 927–937, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single amino acid loss in the dystrophin protein associated with a mild clinical phenotype
Authors: Pons Roser , Kekou Kyriaki , Gkika Artemis , Papadimas George , Vogiatzakis Nikolaos , Svingou Maria , Papadopooulos Constantinos , Nikas Ioanis , Dinopoulos Argirios , Youroukos Sotiris , Kanavakis Emmanouel 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The dystrophinopathies include a spectrum of muscle diseases caused by mutations in the dystrophin (DMD) gene. The clinical phenotype ranges from severe Duchenne muscular dystrophy to a mild phenotype with elevated creatine kinase (CK). Methods: Clinical and molecular assessment of 7 patients carrying a single amino acid loss in the dystrophin protein (p.His1690del) caused by a c.5068_5070delCAC tri‐nucleotide deletion in exon 36 of the DMD gene. Results: All patients were asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic and had elevated CK levels. Febrile illness, but not exercise, induced muscle symptoms in some patients. None had evidence of cardiomyopathy. Analysis of the short tandem repeat (STR)45 locus and sequencing of exon 36 of the DMD gene indicates that c.5068_5070delCAC is a founder mutation. Conclusions: The c.5068_5070delCAC locus in the DMD gene is associated with a very mild phenotype. Further study is needed to evaluate disease progression in these patients. Muscle Nerve 55: 46–50, 2017
Structure, function and management of semi‐natural habitats for conservation biological control: a review of European studies
Authors: Holland John M , Bianchi Felix JJA , Entling Martin H , Moonen Anna‐Camilla , Smith Barbara M , Jeanneret Philippe 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDifferent semi‐natural habitats occur on farmland, and it is the vegetation's traits and structure that subsequently determine their ability to support natural enemies and their associated contribution to conservation biocontrol. New habitats can be created and existing ones improved with agri‐environment scheme funding in all EU member states. Understanding the contribution of each habitat type can aid the development of conservation control strategies. Here we review the extent to which the predominant habitat types in Europe support natural enemies, whether this results in enhanced natural enemy densities in the adjacent crop and whether this leads to reduced pest densities. Considerable variation exists in the available information for the different habitat types and trophic levels. Natural enemies within each habitat were the most studied, with less information on whether they were enhanced in adjacent fields, while their impact on pests was rarely investigated. Most information was available for woody and herbaceous linear habitats, yet not for woodland which can be the most common semi‐natural habitat in many regions. While the management and design of habitats offer potential to stimulate conservation biocontrol, we also identified knowledge gaps. A better understanding of the relationship between resource availability and arthropod communities across habitat types, the spatiotemporal distribution of resources in the landscape and interactions with other factors that play a role in pest regulation could contribute to an informed management of semi‐natural habitats for biocontrol. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The slider task: an example of restricted inference on incentive effects
Authors: Araujo Felipe A. , Carbone Erin , Conell-Price Lynn , Dunietz Marli W. , Jaroszewicz Ania , Landsman Rachel , Lamé Diego , Vesterlund Lise , Wang Stephanie W. , Wilson Alistair J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractReal-effort experiments are frequently used when examining a response to incentives. For a real-effort task to be well suited for such an exercise its measurable output must be sufficiently elastic over the incentives considered. The popular slider task in Gill and Prowse (Am Econ Rev 102(1):469–503, 2012) has been characterized as satisfying this requirement, and the task is increasingly used to investigate the response to incentives. However, a between-subject examination of the slider task’s response to incentives has not been conducted. We provide such an examination with three different piece-rate incentives: half a cent, two cents, and eight cents per slider completed. We find only a small increase in performance: despite a 1500 % increase in the incentives, output only increases by 5 %. With such an inelastic response we caution that for typical experimental sample sizes and incentives the slider task is unlikely to demonstrate a meaningful and statistically significant performance response.
Pattern of Injuries and Treatment Given to Victims of Rana Plaza Tragedy in a Level II Armed Forces Medical Facility in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Shafiul , Alam Rabiul , Islam Manirul , Salek Amin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundRana Plaza building collapse is the worst industrial disaster of Bangladesh so far. The 9-storied structure collapsed suddenly on April 24, 2013, with more than 4000 people inside. Bangladesh Armed Forces played a key role in the massive rescue operations.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with 423 victims who were treated at a Combined Military Hospital to review the pattern of injuries and management provided.ResultsMiddle-aged (35±12.75 years) females (68.32%) were the majority of the victims. Among the injured, 42.35% had soft tissue injury, 22.55% had abrasions, 18.79% had fractures, 3.75% had facial injuries, and 2.5% each had head and abdominal injuries. We treated the injured with various surgical approaches, such as soft tissue debridement (38.84%), fasciotomy (18.79%), amputation (3.75%), and other procedures. We had to refer 8.27% of the patients to different advanced centers. The mortality rate was 5.91%, including 1 volunteer rescuer.ConclusionPattern of injuries and modalities of management needed in an industrial disaster is a valuable experience which can be utilized in preparing to face disasters in the future and beyond. Death of a voluntary rescuer once again warrants the necessity of using a helmet and safety gear during any rescue operation. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:21–24)
Boundary Element Analysis of Interior Thermoelastic Stresses in Three-Dimensional Generally Anisotropic Bodies
Authors: Shiah Y.-C. , Chong J.-Y. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper is to present the treatment of internal thermoelastic stress analysis in 3D anisotropic bodies by the boundary element method (BEM). Fundamentally, thermal effects will give rise to an additional volume integral in the boundary integral equation (BIE). By applying the fundamental solutions represented by Fourier series, the volume integral has been analytically transformed to the boundary. For the present work, spatial differentiations of the integral equation are performed to give displacement gradients at internal points of interest. This differentiated integral equation is further implemented to perform thermoelastic stress analysis inside 3D anisotropic bodies. This analysis is particularly important in engineering applications when thermoelastic stresses concentrations are present inside the bodies. The present work is the first BEM implementation for this study by the transformed BIE. In the end, two benchmark examples are tested to demonstrate the applicability of the present BEM treatment.
Effect ofα-linolenic acid and DHA intake on lipogenesis and gene expression involved in fatty acid metabolism in growing-finishing pigs
Authors: De Tonnac A. , Labussière E. , Vincent A. , Mourot J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe regulation of lipogenesis mechanisms related to consumption ofn-3 PUFA is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to find out whetherα-linolenic acid (ALA) or DHA uptake can have an effect on activities and gene expressions of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism in the liver, subcutaneous adipose tissue andlongissimus dorsi(LD) muscle of growing–finishing pigs. Six groups of ten pigs received one of six experimental diets supplemented with rapeseed oil in the control diet, extruded linseed, microalgae or a mixture of both to implement different levels of ALA and DHA with the same content in totaln-3. Results were analysed for linear and quadratic effects of DHA intake. The results showed that activities of malic enzyme (ME) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) decreased linearly in the liver with dietary DHA. Although the expression of the genes of these enzymes and their activities were poorly correlated,MEandFASexpressions also decreased linearly with DHA intake. The intake of DHA down-regulates the expressions of other genes involved in fatty acid (FA) metabolism in some tissues of pigs, such asfatty acid desaturase 2andsterol-regulatory element binding transcription factor 1in the liver and2,4-dienoyl CoA reductase 2in the LD muscle. FA oxidation in the LD muscle and FA synthesis decreased in the liver with increasing amount of dietary DHA, whereas a retroconversion of DHA into EPA seems to be set up in this last tissue.