Severe ethanol stress inhibits yeast proteasome activity at moderate temperatures but not at low temperatures

Since yeast research under laboratory conditions is usually conducted at 25–30°C (moderate temperature range), most of the findings on yeast physiology are based on analyses in this temperature range. Due to inefficiencies in cultivation and analysis, insufficient information is available on yeast physiology in the low-temperature range, although alcoholic beverage production is often conducted at relatively low temperatures (around 15°C). Recently, we reported that severe ethanol stress (10% v/v) inhibits proteasomal proteolysis in yeast cells under laboratory conditions at 28°C. In this study, proteasomal proteolysis at a low temperature (15°C) was evaluated using cycloheximide chase analysis of a short-lived protein (Gic2-3HA), an auxin-inducible degron system (Paf1-AID*-6FLAG), and Spe1-3HA, which is degraded ubiquitin-independently by the proteasome. At 15°C, proteasomal proteolysis was not inhibited under severe ethanol stress, and sufficient proteasomal activity was maintained. These results provide novel insights into the effects of low temperature and ethanol on yeast physiology.     

Recurrent colorectal carcinoma: evaluation with barium enema examination and CT

The efficacy of the barium enema examination and abdominal computed tomography (CT) was investigated in 81 patients who had undergone operation for colorectal carcinoma. Recurrent disease was found in 52 patients and was divided into local (anastomotic and perianastomotic) and remote (distant and hepatic metastases) types. In 32 patients with locally recurrent carcinoma, the sensitivity of the barium enema examination was 88%; for CT it was 69%. Conversely, the barium enema examination was not useful for detecting remote metastases shown on CT, which disclosed disease at one or more sites in 47 (90%) of the 52 patients. CT best evaluated recurrences remote from the anastomosis, pelvic recurrences in patients with colostomies, and hepatic metastases. Barium enema examination and CT were therefore found to be complementary modalities.     

Completed versus aborted radical hysterectomy for node-positive stage IB cervical cancer in the modern era of chemoradiation therapy

Objective

Debate continues about optimal management of patients with node-positive stage I cervical cancer. Our objective was to determine if patient outcomes are affected by radical hysterectomy in the modern era of adjuvant chemoradiation.

Methods

Cervical cancer patients diagnosed from 2000 to 2008 were identified. Demographics, therapy, clinicopathologic data, progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), total radiation exposure, and grade 3-4 complications were analyzed by student t, Mann-Whitney, Fisher's exact, Kaplan-Meier, and log rank tests.

Results

This single-institution review evaluated forty-one of 334 (13.4%) patients scheduled to undergo radical hysterectomy that had gross nodal disease diagnosed intraoperatively. 15 underwent aborted radical hysterectomy following lymphadenectomy; the remaining 26 underwent radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. Eleven patients undergoing radical hysterectomy underwent whole pelvic radiation therapy (WPRT) while 8 (30.7%) patients underwent WPRT and postoperative vaginal brachytherapy (BT) for local treatment secondary to close margins. All patients undergoing aborted radical hysterectomy underwent WPRT and BT. With mean follow-up of 42.3 months, there were no significant differences in urinary, gastrointestinal, or hematologic complications between groups. When comparing those undergoing radical hysterectomy to aborted radical hysterectomy, there were no significant differences in local recurrence (11.5% vs 26.7%, p = 0.39) or distant recurrence (19.2% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.45), PFS (74.9 months vs 46.8 months, p = 0.106), or OS (91.8 months vs 69.4 months, p = 0.886).

Conclusions

Treatment of patients with early stage cervical cancer and nodal metastasis may be tailored intraoperatively. Completion of radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy decreases radiation exposure without apparently compromising safety or outcome in the era of adjuvant chemoradiation.     

Hemoglobin Nigeria (alpha-81 Ser replaced by Cys):a new variant associated with alpha-thalassemia

Hematologic evaluation of a Nigerian obstetrical patient disclosed the presence of sickle-cell trait as well as evidence of a hemoglobin alpha- chain abnormality. Hemoglobins containing the variant alpha-chain were isolated by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, and analysis of the purified alpha-chain demonstrated a ser replaced by cys substitution at alpha-81. The abnormal alpha-chain represented approximately 45% of the total, and hemoglobins containing this alpha-chain appeared to have normal stability and functional properties. In addition to the abnormal hemoglobins that were identified in this patient, she also was found to have persistent microcytosis in the absence of iron deficiency, and the percentage of HbS in her erythrocytes was less than that usually present in individuals with sickle cell trait. These findings, together with a reduced alpha/beta globin synthesis ratio from her peripheral blood reticulocytes, indicated that the presence of alpha-thalassemia trait. Hematologic findings from members of the patients's family suggest that an alpha-thalassemia gene may be linked to that of the structurally abnormal alpha-chain.     

The oral cavity in leprosy: what clinicians need to know

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a bacillus that has a tropism for skin and peripheral nerves. Leprosy treatment is based on a multidrug therapy established by the World Health Organization in 1982 and, despite its widespread use, Brazil ranks second worldwide in numbers of cases. Oral involvement in leprosy has been poorly described in the literature, and few studies have shown that although the bacillus is found in mucosa, specific leprosy lesions are rare and affect patients with advanced stages of the disease. This review aimed to assess the literature on oral manifestations in leprosy and the aspects involving oral cavity in leprosy pathogenesis.     

Aneurysms of the right ventricular outflow tract after tetralogy of Fallot repair: role of radiology

Eight patients with aneurysms of the right ventricular outflow tract patch following tetralogy of Fallot repair were found to have residual distal obstructions. The site of such an obstruction must be carefully documented preoperatively because failure to relieve significant distal obstruction may result in recurrent aneurysm formation. Chest radiography; echocardiography, including Doppler analysis; and cardiac catheterization, including angiocardiography, each have a role in the detection and evaluation of this complication.