Here, we put forward the hypothesis that CR carry a particular signature defined by networks of close proximity residues with high mutual information (MI), and that this signature can be applied to distinguish functional from other nonfunctional conserved residues. Using a data set
of 434 Pfam families included in the catalytic site atlas (CSA) database, we tested this hypothesis and demonstrated that MI can complement amino acid conservation scores to detect CR. The Kullback-Leibler (KL) conservation measurement was shown to significantly outperform both the Shannon entropy and maximal frequency measurements. Residues in the proximity of catalytic sites were shown to be rich in shared MI. A structural proximity MI average score (termed check details pMI) was demonstrated to be a strong predictor for CR, thus confirming the proposed hypothesis. A structural proximity conservation average score
ERK inhibitor research buy (termed pC) was also calculated and demonstrated to carry distinct information from pMI. A catalytic likeliness score (Cls), combining the KL, pC and pMI measures, was shown to lead to significantly improved prediction accuracy. At a specificity of 0.90, the Cls method was found to have a sensitivity of 0.816. In summary, we demonstrate that networks of residues with high MI provide a distinct signature on CR and propose that such a signature should be present in other classes of functional residues where the requirement to maintain a particular function places limitations on the diversification of the structural environment along the course of evolution.”
“Introduction and objectives: Several aortic valve sparing techniques have been described for the treatment of aortic root aneurysms. We report our experience using the reimplantation technique in 120 patients.
Methods: Between March 2004 and October 2010, 120 patients with aortic root aneurysms underwent David operations. Of these, 51 were diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. Mean patient age was 31 +/- 12 years. The mean diameter of the sinuses of Valsalva was 51 +/- 5 mm and moderate/severe aortic regurgitation was
present in 16% of these patients. In the other 69 patients mean age was 56 +/- 14 years, the mean diameter of the sinuses of Valsalva was 53 +/- 7 mm and moderate/severe aortic find more regurgitation was present in 66%. A bicuspid aortic valve was presented in 14 cases.
Results: Hospital mortality was 1.7%. Mean follow-up was 37 +/- 21 months; 94% of the patients survived and 96% had an aortic regurgitation below grade II during 5 years of follow-up. One patient required re-operation because of severe aortic regurgitation. No endocarditis or thromboembolic complications have been documented, and 96% of the patients did not receive any anticoagulation therapy.
Conclusions: Short- and mid-term results with the reimplantation technique for aortic root aneurysms are excellent.