bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3′-Azidothymidine in the active site ofEscherichia colithymidine phosphorylase: the peculiarity of the binding on the basis of X-ray study
Authors: Timofeev Vladimir , Abramchik Yulia , Zhukhlistova Nadezda , Muravieva Tatiana , Fateev Ilya , Esipov Roman , Kuranova Inna 
Published: March 2014

The structural study of complexes of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) with nucleoside analogues which inhibit its activity is of special interest because many of these compounds are used as chemotherapeutic agents. Determination of kinetic parameters showed that 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (3′-azidothymidine; AZT), which is widely used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus, is a reversible noncompetitive inhibitor ofEscherichia colithymidine phosphorylase (TP). The three-dimensional structure ofE. coliTP complexed with AZT was solved by the molecular-replacement method and was refined at 1.52 Å resolution. Crystals for X-ray study were grown in microgravity by the counter-diffusion technique from a solution of the protein in phosphate buffer with ammonium sulfate as a precipitant. The AZT molecule was located with full occupancy in the electron-density maps in the nucleoside-binding pocket of TP, whereas the phosphate-binding pocket of the enzyme was occupied by phosphate (or sulfate) ion. The structure of the active-site cavity and conformational changes of the enzyme upon AZT binding are described in detail. It is found that the position of AZT differs remarkably from the positions of the pyrimidine bases and nucleoside analogues in other known complexes of pyrimidine phosphorylases, but coincides well with the position of 2′-fluoro-3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (N3FddU) in the recently investigated complex ofE. coliTP with this ligand (Timofeevet al., 2013). The peculiarities of the arrangement of N3FddU and 3′-azidothymidine in the nucleoside binding pocket of TP and correlations between the arrangement and inhibitory properties of these compounds are discussed.
Natural food resources bank in the form of forestry and grassland: Scenarios to ensure sustainable food security
Authors: Wu Wenbiao , Yang Yixing , Brennan Charles S. , Huang Wei 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAn evaluation was conducted to establish the feasibility of a Natural Food Resources Bank (NFRB), in the form of forestry or grassland, to achieve both continuous food production and an accumulation of primary nutrients in living perennial plants. The development of an NFRB protects our living environment from deterioration (especially soil erosion) by increasing the surface coverage of the world's land, even in mountainous areas. Additionally a functioning NFRB enhances food sustainably and security, representing a tangible and renewable food resource production system. Research has identified the prospects of cultivating the NFRB in the form of forestry and also grassland. The review investigated the distinct differences of an NFRB from a range of approaches and discusses the environmental advantage and feasibility of cultivating NFRB. The ability of the NFRB to realize sustainable food resources production for ensuring food security is evaluated in terms of environmental and economical feasibility. A NFRB can attenuate climatic change by increasing CO2 absorption and fixation. It is worth considering the replacement of the annual food production system by the NFRB (especially in steeplands) in environmental law, and replacing the policy of maintaining annual food reserves by the NFRB in food security policy.
Association of perceived neighborhood characteristics, socioeconomic status and rural residency with health outcomes in Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: one center study
Authors: Abdul‐Sattar Amal B. , Abou El Magd Sahar 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of perceived neighborhood characteristics, socioeconomic status (SES) and rural residency in influencing the health status outcome of Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsEighty patients affected with SLE were consecutively included in this a single‐center cross‐sectional study from July, 2011 to July, 2013. Outcome measures included the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ) score, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36 Health Survey physical functioning score and Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression (CES‐D score of ≥ 19 points). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.ResultsResults from multivariate logistic regression analyses, a separate adjusted model of each perceived neighborhood characteristic, indicate associations of worse perceived social cohesion with higher SLAQ scores (P < 0.01) and associations of worse perceived neighborhood aesthetics and safety with lower SF‐36 physical functioning scores after adjusting for covariates (P < 0.01). Regarding the association of socioeconomic status and rural residency with health status outcomes, the results found association of poor socioeconomic status with the three health status outcome measures and association between rural residency and depression symptoms. Individuals had increased odds of depressive symptoms if they perceived worse neighborhood social cohesion (odds ratio [OR]: 2.14; CI: 1.42–2.80), if they perceived worse neighborhood safety (OR: 1.64; CI: 1.02–2.40) and if they perceived worse neighborhood aesthetic characteristics (OR: 2.79; CI: 1.84–3.38).ConclusionsStudy findings indicate that poor socioeconomic status, rural residency and perceived neighborhood characteristics are associated with depression; worse perceived neighborhood aesthetics and safety are associated with lower SF‐36 physical functioning, and worse neighborhood social cohesion is associated with higher disease activity among patients with SLE.
Performance Analysis of a Miniature Turbine Generator for Intracorporeal Energy Harvesting
Authors: Pfenniger Alois , Vogel Rolf , Koch Volker M. , Jonsson Magnus 
Published: March 2014

AbstractReplacement intervals of implantable medical devices are commonly dictated by battery life. Therefore, intracorporeal energy harvesting has the potential to reduce the number of surgical interventions by extending the life cycle of active devices. Given the accumulated experience with intravascular devices such as stents, heart valves, and cardiac assist devices, the idea to harvest a small fraction of the hydraulic energy available in the cardiovascular circulation is revisited. The aim of this article is to explore the technical feasibility of harvesting 1 mW electric power using a miniature hydrodynamic turbine powered by about 1% of the cardiac output flow in a peripheral artery. To this end, numerical modelling of the fluid mechanics and experimental verification of the overall performance of a 1:1 scale friction turbine are performed in vitro. The numerical flow model is validated for a range of turbine configurations and flow conditions (up to 250 mL/min) in terms of hydromechanic efficiency; up to 15% could be achieved with the nonoptimized configurations of the study. Although this article does not entail the clinical feasibility of intravascular turbines in terms of hemocompatibility and impact on the circulatory system, the numerical model does provide first estimates of the mechanical shear forces relevant to blood trauma and platelet activation. It is concluded that the time‐integrated shear stress exposure is significantly lower than in cardiac assist devices due to lower flow velocities and predominantly laminar flow.
Current approach to iron chelation in children
Authors: Aydinok Yesim , Kattamis Antonis , Viprakasit Vip 
Published: March 2014

SummaryTransfusion‐dependent children, mostly with thalassaemia major, but also and occasionally to a more significant degree, with inherited bone marrow failures, can develop severe iron overload in early life. Moreover, chronic conditions associated with ineffective erythropoiesis, such as non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia (NTDT), may lead to iron overload through increased gut absorption of iron starting in childhood. Currently, the goal of iron chelation has shifted from treating iron overload to preventing iron accumulation and iron‐induced end‐organ complications, in order to achieve a normal pattern of complication‐free survival and of quality of life. New chelation options increase the likelihood of achieving these goals. Timely initiation, close monitoring and continuous adjustment are the cornerstones of optimal chelation therapy in children, who have a higher transfusional requirements compared to adults in order to reach haemoglobin levels adequate for normal growth and development. Despite increased knowledge, there are still uncertainties about the level of body iron at which iron chelation therapy should be started and about the appropriate degree of iron stores’ depletion.
Efficacy and tolerability of low‐volume (2 L) versus single‐ (4 L) versus split‐dose (2 L + 2 L) polyethylene glycol bowel preparation for colonoscopy: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: Téllez‐Ávila Félix I. , Murcio‐Pérez Enrique , Saúl Angela , Herrera‐Gómez Salvador , Valdovinos‐Andraca Francisco , Acosta‐Nava Victor , Barreto Rafael , Elizondo‐Rivera Javier 
Published: March 2014

Background and AimTo compare the efficacy and tolerability of a low‐volume (2‐L) polyethylene glycol (PEG) regimen for colonoscopy compared to single (4‐L) or split‐dose (2‐L + 2‐L) regimens.MethodsIn‐hospital patients who were candidates for colonoscopy were randomly assigned to: group 1 single‐dose (PEG 4 L the day before the study, n = 60); group 2: split‐dose (2 L the day before and 2 L on the day of the procedure, n = 61); and group 3: low‐volume 2‐L PEG solution (the day of the procedure, n = 59). A blinded evaluation of the quality of colonic preparation was assessed by the Boston bowel preparation scale.ResultsSatisfactory bowel preparation of the right colon was more frequently reported for group 3 than for group 1 (70% vs 53%, P = 0.045), in the transverse colon it was 82% versus 69% (P = 0.032), and on the left side of the colon it was 80% versus 67.7% (P = 0.028). Compared to group 2, satisfactory bowel preparation in group 3 was similar in the transverse colon and left colon. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort were less frequent in patients of group 3. Patients in group 3 had fewer sleep disorders and fewer hours of sleep loss compared to patients in the other groups.ConclusionsPreparation with 2 L caused less abdominal discomfort and fewer sleep disorders. The split dose had a better quality of preparation in the right colon. Both preparations were clearly better than the 4‐L preparation.
Left Ventricular Twisting Modifications in Patients with Left Ventricular Concentric Hypertrophy at Increasing After‐Load Conditions
Authors: Santoro Amato , Alvino Federico , Antonelli Giovanni , Zacà Valerio , Benincasa Susanna , Lunghetti Stefano , Mondillo Sergio 
Published: March 2014

AimsLeft ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) develops as a result of several clinical conditions, such as intensive training, hypertension, aortic valve stenosis. Aim of this study was to analyze the left ventricular twist (LVT) modifications in LVH patients with increasing after‐load conditions.MethodsA total of 131 patients were enrolled: 17 healthy sedentary people (Hg), without concentric LVH; 45 water polo players (ATg); 22 patients with hypertensive cardiopathy (HPg); 47 patients with different degrees of aortic stenosis (ASg); all patients had concentric LVH, ejection fraction (EF) >54%, and were age‐matched. The left ventricular end‐systolic wall stress (LV‐ESWS) was used as index of after‐load.ResultsLeft ventricular twist value showed a progressive increase from ATg to ASg, according to increasing after‐load. Longitudinal left ventricular function by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was reduced in HPg and ASg. There was a negative correlation between LVT and longitudinal systolic function at TDI and STE (r = −0.4; P < 0.001; −0.23; P < 0.05). E/A ratio was lower in HPg and ASg than ATg and Hg. LVT was linearly related to LV‐ESWS (r = 0.36; P < 0.01), E/A ratio (r = ‐0.59; P < 0.001), E/E′ ratio (r = 0.43; P < 0.001), age (r = 0.5; P < 0.001), relative wall thickness (RWT) (r = 0.38; P < 0.01), heart rate (HR) (r = 0.3; P < 0.05), maximum (G. max), and mean transvalvular gradient (G. mean) in ASg (r = 0.37; P < 0.01, r = 0.4; P < 0.01). RWT, E/A ratio, and HR were independent predictor of LVT (β = 0.23; P = 0.007; −0.44; P = 0.001; 0.17; P = 0.049). Only in ASg, G. mean was independent predictor of LVT (β = 0.44; P = 0.01).ConclusionLeft ventricular twist showed a linear trend at increasing after‐load values to compensate the reduction in systolic longitudinal function in pathological LVH patients.
Spontaneous Bileaflet Chordal Rupture Secondary to Myxomatous Degeneration of the Mitral Valve
Authors: Ocal Lutfi , Kalcik Macit , Toprak Cuneyt , Kılıcgedik Alev , Koyuncu Atilla , Kahveci Gökhan , Ozkan Mehmet 
Published: March 2014

Mini‐AbstractVarious pathological changes in the mitral valve apparatus have been reported to be associated with ruptured chordae tendineae. Myxomatous degeneration is one of the most common etiologies. The incidence of posterior chordal rupture is higher than that of anterior mitral leaflet. However, spontaneous rupture of both anterior and posterior chordae is very rare. Herein, we present a patient with severe mitral regurgitation due to bileaflet chordal rupture, evaluated by two‐dimensional and real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.
How to Silence Content with Porn, Context and Loaded Questions
Authors: Davies Alex 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCatharine MacKinnon claimed that pornography silence's women's speech where this speech is protected by free speech legislation. MacKinnon's claim was attacked as confused because, so it seemed, pornography is not the kind of thing that can silence speech. Using ideas drawn from John Austin's account of speech acts, Rae Langton defended MacKinnon's claim against this attack by showing how speech can, in principle, be silenced by pornography. However, Langton's defence requires us to deviate from a widely held understanding of what kind of speech is protected; namely the expression of opinions, ideas, and thoughts. In this paper I provide an alternative defence of MacKinnon's claim which requires no such deviation. I argue that because the truth‐conditions of sentences are context‐sensitive it is possible for there to be contexts in which, when those in attendance believe rape myths, it is not possible to express certain opinions, ideas, or thoughts. Given that pornography is a significant contributor to rape myth acceptance, this argument addresses the accusation of confusion facing MacKinnon without the need for deviation. The cross‐examination of a complainant in a rape trial is used as an illustration.
Joint effects of population size and isolation on genetic erosion in fragmented populations: finding fragmentation thresholds for management
Authors: Méndez María , Vögeli Matthias , Tella José L. , Godoy José A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSize and isolation of local populations are main parameters of interest when assessing the genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation. However, their relative influence on the genetic erosion of local populations remains unclear. In this study, we first analysed how size and isolation of habitat patches influence the genetic variation of local populations of theDupont's lark (Chersophilus duponti), an endangered songbird. An information‐theoretic approach to model selection allowed us to address the importance of interactions between habitat variables, an aspect seldom considered in fragmentation studies, but which explained up to 65% of the variance in genetic parameters. Genetic diversity and inbreeding were influenced by the size of local populations depending on their degree of isolation, and genetic differentiation was positively related to isolation. We then identified a minimum local population of 19 male territories and a maximum distance of 30 km to the nearest population as thresholds from which genetic erosion becomes apparent. Our results alert on possibly misleading conclusions and suboptimal management recommendations when only additive effects are taken into account and encourage the use of most explanatory but easy‐to‐measure variables for the evaluation of genetic risks in conservation programmes.
Penile haemangiosarcoma in a breeding stallion
Authors: Byrne D. P. , Woolford L. , Booth T. M. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryA 9‐year‐oldArab stallion was presented for haematuria and a haemorrhagic mass on the urethral process of the penis. Clinical examination and surgical excision suggested a tumour of the penis, histologically confirmed as a haemangiosarcoma. The stallion was successfully treated with surgical excision; however, successful breeding has not been achieved thus far (28 months). To the authors' knowledge, haemangiosarcoma of the equine penis has not previously been described.
Pain control in horses: What do we really know?
Authors: Sanchez L. C. , Robertson S. A. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryCurrently, approaches to pain control in horses are a mixture of art and science. Recognition of overt pain behaviours, such as rolling, kicking at the abdomen, flank watching, lameness or blepharospasm, may be obvious; subtle signs of pain can include changes in facial expression or head position, location in the stall and response to palpation or human interaction. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (i.e. phenylbutazone, flunixin meglumine and firocoxib), opioids (i.e. butorphanol, morphine and buprenorphine) and α2‐adrenergic agonists (i.e. xylazine, detomidine, romifidine and medetomidine) are the most commonly used therapeutic options. Multimodal therapy using constant‐rate infusions of lidocaine, ketamine and/or butorphanol has gained popularity for severe pain in hospitalised cases. Drugs targeting neuropathic pain, such as gabapentin, are increasingly used for conditions such as laminitis. Optimal strategies for management of pain are based upon severity and chronicity, including special considerations for use of intra‐articular or epidural delivery and therapy in foals. Strategies that aim to mitigate adverse effects associated with use of various analgesic agents are briefly discussed.
A temporary filling material used for coronal sealing during endodontic treatment may cause tooth fractures in large Class II cavities in vitro
Authors: Tennert C. , Eismann M. , Goetz F. , Woelber J. P. , Hellwig E. , Polydorou O. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the use of a zinc oxide/zinc sulphate‐based cement (Coltosol® F, Coltène Whaledent, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA) as a temporary filling material during multiple‐visit root canal treatments and the occurrence of cracks within the filling material or the tooth.MethodologyRoot canals of one hundred and twenty‐two extracted human molars were prepared using ProTaper instruments up to size F2. After root canal preparation, standardized mesial‐occlusal‐distal cavities were prepared. The buccal‐lingual/palatal width of the cavities was 4.5 mm), so that the remaining cavity walls had a mean thickness of 3.5 mm. Teeth were checked for cracks and fracture lines using a stereomicroscope with 10× magnification. A calcium hydroxide slurry was used as an intracanal dressing. The teeth were divided into three groups. In the Coltosol group, the cavity was filled with Coltosol® F. In the Coltosol‐Clearfil group, a 2‐mm layer of Coltosol® F was placed into the coronal pulp chamber, the remaining cavity was filled with Clearfil™. In the Clearfil group, a foam pellet was placed onto the orifices of the root canals, the remaining cavity was filled with Clearfil™. In the control group, the cavities were left without any filling material. The teeth were stored in water at 37 °C for 14 days and examined every 24 h under a stereomicroscope for fracture lines occurring on the tooth surface or in the filling material.ResultsIn the Coltosol group, fractures within the filling material were observed in 28 (85%) of 33 teeth. 13 (39%) teeth had tooth fractures. Amongst these teeth, 8 (61%) had root fractures, 1 (8%) had a crown fracture and 4 (31%) had a root‐crown fracture.ConclusionColtosol® F, when used alone as a restorative material, led to tooth fractures in Class II cavities in teeth undergoing root canal treatment. Tooth fractures may occur 4 days after placement of the filling.
Optimising pulsed microwave‐vacuum puffing for Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) caps and comparison of characteristics obtained using three puffing methods
Authors: Liu Su‐Wen , Liu Li‐Jie , Shi Peng‐Bao , Chang Xue‐Dong 
Published: March 2014

SummaryShiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) caps were puffed using pulsed microwave‐vacuum puffing (PMVP), microwave‐vacuum puffing (MVP) and microwave puffing (MP). The response surface method was used to optimise the process parameters for using PMVP to puff mushroom caps. The experiments were conducted using a central composite design to determine the visual appearance and initial moisture content (30–50%) of the mushroom caps. The initial moisture content and microwave power intensity showed highly significant linear relations with the expansion ratio and sensory evaluation. The optimal conditions for puffing mushroom caps were initial moisture content, microwave intensity, vacuum pressure and pulse ratio of 35%, 40 W g−1, 77.5 ± 1.5 kPa and 1.35, which resulted in an optimal expansion ratio and sensory score of 163.2% and 6.83, respectively. The caps puffed using PMVP showed better textures, sensory scores and microstructures than those puffed using either MP or MVP.
Relationship between sexual function and prostate‐specific antigen bounce after iodine‐125 permanent implant brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Nishihara Kiyoaki , Nakiri Makoto , Chikui Katsuaki , Suekane Shigetaka , Matsuoka Kei , Hattori Chikayuki , Ogo Etsuyo , Abe Toshi , Matsumoto Yuuki , Ishitake Tatsuya 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo analyze clinical and dosimetric factors involved in prostate‐specific antigen bounce in patients who underwent permanent implant brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer, and to study the relationships among prostate‐specific antigen bounce, age and sexual function.MethodsBetween March 2007 and April 2012, 116 patients with localized prostate cancer underwent permanent implant, iodine‐125 brachytherapy. Patients receiving external‐beam radiotherapy or who used phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor pre‐ or post‐treatment were excluded. Prostate‐specific antigen bounce was defined as an increase of ≥0.2 ng/mL and ≥0.4 ng/mL above an initial prostate‐specific antigen nadir followed by a subsequent decline to or below the initial nadir without treatment. Clinical and dosimetric factors involved in prostate‐specific antigen bounce were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis with the forced entry method.ResultsThe median age was 66 years (range 51–80 years), and prostate‐specific antigen bounce on a prostate‐specific antigen rise of ≥0.2 ng/mL occurred in 47 of the 116 participants (40.5%). The median period before the prostate‐specific antigen bounce was 17.5 months (range 8–36 months). Patients with prostate‐specific antigen bounce were younger and had higher sexual function before treatment (P = 0.003) than those who not show prostate‐specific antigen bounce. Regression analysis results showed that young age and a high level of pretreatment sexual function were significant predictive factors for prostate‐specific antigen bounce (P = 0.028 and P = 0.048).ConclusionSexual function seems to be associated with a prostate‐specific antigen bounce in patients undergoing permanent implant brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer, and it can be preserved after treatment if it is well present before treatment. Highly maintained sexual function after treatment might influence prostate‐specific antigen bounce.