bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les mécanismes de gouvernement d'entreprise et la publication volontaire des résultats en France
Authors: Lakhal Faten
Published: January 2013

Résumé Cet article étudie les relations entre les mécanismes de gouvernement d’entreprise et la communication volontaire des résultats sur un marché où l’actionnariat est concentré. Les résultats montrent que la publication volontaire est liée à la dispersion de la structure d’actionnariat marquée par la présence d’investisseurs institutionnels étrangers, à l’existence d’une structure de dualité dans le conseil et à la distribution de stocks-options aux dirigeants. Les dirigeants français peuvent occasionnellement annoncer leurs résultats afin d’informer le marché de leurs bonnes performances. Enfin, les annonces trimestrielles sont rattachées essentiellement à la cotation sur le marché américain alors que la publication prévisionnelle est liée à la rémunération des dirigeants par stock-options.
Analyse des facteurs explicatifs de la publication des rapports sociétaux en France
Authors: Damak-Ayadi Salma
Published: January 2013

Résumé Cette étude développe et teste empiriquement un modèle afin d’étudier la décision de publier des rapports sociétaux par les entreprises françaises. Nous proposons, d’abord, une revue de la littérature qui a été faite dans ce domaine. Nous essayons, ensuite, d’identifier, dans le cadre de la théorie des parties prenantes, les déterminants de la décision de publication des rapports sociétaux. Les hypothèses proposées concernent la taille, le secteur d’activité, la performance économique, les parties prenantes et le degré d’internationalisation de l’activité de l’entreprise. Enfin, les résultats montrent que l’intérêt porté aux différents groupes de parties prenantes et la réputation du secteur d’activité ont une influence importante alors que le degré d’internationalisation de l’activité de l’entreprise ne constitue pas un déterminant de la décision de publication des rapports sociétaux.
Stratégie comptable des dirigeants et parité d'échange : le cas des fusions françaises
Authors: Djama Constant , Boutant Jennifer
Published: January 2013

Résumé Cet article s’intéresse à la détermination de la parité d’échange dans les opérations de fusion françaises et notamment à l’impact de la politique comptable des dirigeants des sociétés absorbantes sur cette parité. Les résultats de l’article suggèrent que les opérations de fusion-absorption françaises sont un contexte favorable à la gestion des résultats l’année qui précède la réalisation de l’opération. Ainsi, notre étude montre d’une part, que les dirigeants des sociétés absorbantes gèrent les résultats comptables l’année qui précède la fusion. Les ajustements discrétionnaires représentent environ 6,7 % du total de l’actif. D’autre part, cette gestion est influencée par plusieurs facteurs : l’actionnariat majoritaire de l’absorbante (famille(s), dirigeants, famille dirigeante, investisseurs institutionnels), l’influence des critères de nature comptable dans la détermination de la parité, la dilution du capital après la fusion, la réputation des auditeurs et la performance de la société absorbante.
EBV BILF1 Evolved To Downregulate Cell Surface Display of a Wide Range of HLA Class I Molecules through Their Cytoplasmic Tail
Authors: Griffin Bryan D. , Gram Anna M. , Mulder Arend , Van Leeuwen Daphne , Claas Frans H. J. , Wang Fred , Ressing Maaike E. , Wiertz Emmanuel
Published: January 2013

Coevolution of herpesviruses and their hosts has driven the development of both host antiviral mechanisms to detect and eliminate infected cells and viral ploys to escape immune surveillance. Among the immune-evasion strategies used by the lymphocryptovirus (γ1-herpesvirus) EBV is the downregulation of surface HLA class I expression by the virally encoded G protein–coupled receptor BILF1, thereby impeding presentation of viral Ags and cytotoxic T cell recognition of the infected cell. In this study, we show EBV BILF1 to be expressed early in the viral lytic cycle. BILF1 targets a broad range of HLA class I molecules, including multiple HLA-A and -B types and HLA-E. In contrast, HLA-C was only marginally affected. We advance the mechanistic understanding of the process by showing that the cytoplasmic C-terminal tail of EBV BILF1 is required for reducing surface HLA class I expression. Susceptibility to BILF1-mediated downregulation, in turn, is conferred by specific residues in the intracellular tail of the HLA class I H chain. Finally, we explore the evolution of BILF1 within the lymphocryptovirus genus. Although the homolog of BILF1 encoded by the lymphocryptovirus infecting Old World rhesus primates shares the ability of EBV to downregulate cell surface HLA class I expression, this function is not possessed by New World marmoset lymphocryptovirus BILF1. Therefore, this study furthers our knowledge of the evolution of immunoevasive functions by the lymphocryptovirus genus of herpesviruses.
FOXO Transcription Factors Regulate Innate Immune Mechanisms in Respiratory Epithelial Cells
Authors: Seiler Frederik , Hellberg Jan , Lepper Philipp M. , Kamyschnikow Andreas , Herr Christian , Bischoff Markus , Langer Frank , Schäfers Hans-Joachim , Lammert Frank , Menger Michael D. , Bals Robert , Beisswenger Christoph
Published: January 2013

Bacterial pathogens are a leading cause of lung infections and contribute to acute exacerbations in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The innate immune system of the respiratory tract controls and prevents colonization of the lung with bacterial pathogens. Forkhead box transcription factor family O (FOXO) transcription factors are key regulators of cellular metabolism, proliferation, and stress resistance. In this study, our aim was to investigate the role of FOXO transcription factors in innate immune functions of respiratory epithelial cells. We show that bacterial pathogens potently activate FOXO transcription factors in cultured human respiratory epithelial cells in vitro. Infection of mice with bacterial pathogens resulted in the activation of FOXO transcription factors in alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells in vivo. Active FOXO was also detectable in human bronchial tissue obtained from subjects with different infection-related lung diseases. Small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of FOXO in bronchial epithelial cells resulted in reduced expression of factors of the innate immune system such as antimicrobial peptides and proinflammatory cytokines, both under basal conditions and upon infection. FOXO deficiency further affected internalization of Haemophilus influenzae in bronchial epithelial cells. Finally, we show that TLR3 activates innate immune responses in a FOXO-dependent manner. In conclusion, FOXO transcription factors are involved in the cellular responses to bacterial stimuli and act as central regulators of innate immune functions in respiratory epithelial cells.
Self Double-Stranded (ds)DNA Induces IL-1β Production from Human Monocytes by Activating NLRP3 Inflammasome in the Presence of Anti–dsDNA Antibodies
Authors: Shin Min Sun , Kang Youna , Lee Naeun , Wahl Elizabeth R. , Kim Sang Hyun , Kang Ki Soo , Lazova Rossitza , Kang Insoo
Published: January 2013

The pathogenic hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus is the autoimmune response against self nuclear Ags, including dsDNA. The increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β has been found in the cutaneous lesion and PBMCs from lupus patients, suggesting a potential involvement of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of lupus. IL-1β is produced primarily by innate immune cells such as monocytes and can promote a Th17 cell response, which is increased in lupus. IL-1β production requires cleaving pro–IL-β into IL-1β by the caspase-1–associated multiprotein complex called inflammasomes. In this study we show that self dsDNA induces IL-1β production from human monocytes dependent on serum or purified IgG containing anti–dsDNA Abs by activating the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain–like receptor family pyrin domain–containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and K+ efflux were involved in this activation. Knocking down the NLRP3 or inhibiting caspase-1, ROS, and K+ efflux decreased IL-1β production. Supernatants from monocytes treated with a combination of self dsDNA and anti–dsDNA Ab+ serum promoted IL-17 production from CD4+ T cells in an IL-1β–dependent manner. These findings provide new insights in lupus pathogenesis by demonstrating that self dsDNA together with its autoantibodies induces IL-1β production from human monocytes by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome through inducing ROS synthesis and K+ efflux, leading to the increased Th17 cell response.
IL-2R Signaling Is Essential for Functional Maturation of Regulatory T Cells during Thymic Development
Authors: Cheng Guoyan , Yu Aixin , Dee Michael J. , Malek Thomas R.
Published: January 2013

CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an independent cell lineage, and their developmental progression during thymic development depends on IL-2R signaling. However, the role of IL-2R signaling during thymic Treg development remains only partially understood. The current study assessed the contribution of IL-2 to the expansion and functional programming of developing Tregs. In the absence of IL-2Rβ signaling, predominantly CD4+ CD25− Foxp3lo T cells were found, and these cells exhibited somewhat lower expression of the proliferative marker Ki67. These immature Tregs, which represent products of failed development, were also found in normal mice and were characterized by markedly lower expression of several Treg functional molecules. Therefore, IL-2R is required for the progression, functional programming, and expansion of Tregs during thymic development. An IL-2R–signaling mutant that lowers STAT5 activation readily supported Treg functional programming, but Treg proliferation remained somewhat impaired. The requirement for IL-2 during thymic Treg expansion was best illustrated in mixed chimeras where the Tregs with mutant IL-2Rs were forced to compete with wild-type Tregs during their development. Tregs with impaired IL-2R signaling were more prevalent in the thymus than spleen in these competitive experiments. The general effectiveness of mutant IL-2Rs to support thymic Treg development is partially accounted for by a heightened capacity of thymic Tregs to respond to IL-2. Overall, our data support a model in which limiting IL-2R signaling is amplified by thymic Tregs to readily support their development and functional programming, whereas these same conditions are not sufficient to support peripheral Treg homeostasis.
T Cells Home to the Thymus and Control Infection
Authors: Nobrega Claudia , Nunes-Alves Cláudio , Cerqueira-Rodrigues Bruno , Roque Susana , Barreira-Silva Palmira , Behar Samuel M. , Correia-Neves Margarida
Published: January 2013

The thymus is a target of multiple pathogens. How the immune system responds to thymic infection is largely unknown. Despite being considered an immune-privileged organ, we detect a mycobacteria-specific T cell response in the thymus following dissemination of Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This response includes proinflammatory cytokine production by mycobacteria-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which stimulates infected cells and controls bacterial growth in the thymus. Importantly, the responding T cells are mature peripheral T cells that recirculate back to the thymus. The recruitment of these cells is associated with an increased expression of Th1 chemokines and an enrichment of CXCR3+ mycobacteria-specific T cells in the thymus. Finally, we demonstrate it is the mature T cells that home to the thymus that most efficiently control mycobacterial infection. Although the presence of mature T cells in the thymus has been recognized for some time, to our knowledge, these data are the first to show that T cell recirculation from the periphery to the thymus is a mechanism that allows the immune system to respond to thymic infection. Maintaining a functional thymic environment is essential to maintain T cell differentiation and prevent the emergence of central tolerance to the invading pathogens.
Identification of Pathogenic T Cell Epitopes Near Cathepsin Cleavage Sites in Thyroglobulin
Authors: Kolypetri Panayota , Jiang Hong , Carayanniotis George
Published: January 2013

Experimental autoimmune thyroiditis, induced in mice after challenge with thyroglobulin (Tg), is known to be under the genetic control of the H2Ak locus. Because cathepsins are known to influence proteolytic processing of Tg in vivo, we examined in this study whether putative H2Ak-binding Tg epitopes, located near cathepsin cleavage sites within mouse Tg, have immunopathogenic properties. Cathepsin L, B, and D cleavage sites in mouse Tg were predicted based on homology with known cathepsin cleavage sites in rabbit Tg. We used an algorithm-based approach to identify H2Ak-binding motifs within 20-aa residue segments adjacent to cathepsin cleavage sites, and five 12mer peptides encompassing these sequences were synthesized. Two of them, p2369 (aa 2369–2380) and p2439 (aa 2439–2450) were immunogenic, eliciting significant proliferative T cell responses using lymph node cells from peptide-primed mice and production of IL-2 and IFN-γ in recall assays in vitro. Both peptides induced experimental autoimmune thyroiditis upon direct challenge of CBA/J mice with peptide in CFA and by adoptive transfer of peptide-primed lymph node cells into naive recipient hosts, but neither peptide was characterized as dominant.
p38α Senses Environmental Stress To Control Innate Immune Responses via Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin
Authors: Katholnig Karl , Kaltenecker Christopher C. , Hayakawa Hiroko , Rosner Margit , Lassnig Caroline , Zlabinger Gerhard J. , Gaestel Matthias , Müller Mathias , Hengstschläger Markus , Hörl Walter H. , Park Jin Mo , Säemann Marcus D. , Weichhart Thomas
Published: January 2013

The MAPK p38α senses environmental stressors and orchestrates inflammatory and immunomodulatory reactions. However, the molecular mechanism how p38α controls immunomodulatory responses in myeloid cells remains elusive. We found that in monocytes and macrophages, p38α activated the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in vitro and in vivo. p38α signaling in myeloid immune cells promoted IL-10 but inhibited IL-12 expression via mTOR and blocked the differentiation of proinflammatory CD4+ Th1 cells. Cellular stress induced p38α-mediated mTOR activation that was independent of PI3K but dependent on the MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 and on the inhibition of tuberous sclerosis 1 and 2, a negative regulatory complex of mTOR signaling. Remarkably, p38α and PI3K concurrently modulated mTOR to balance IL-12 and IL-10 expression. Our data link p38α to mTOR signaling in myeloid immune cells that is decisive for tuning the immune response in dependence on the environmental milieu.
IFN-α Treatment Inhibits Acute Friend Retrovirus Replication Primarily through the Antiviral Effector Molecule Apobec3
Authors: Harper Michael S. , Barrett Bradley S. , Smith Diana S. , Li Sam X. , Gibbert Kathrin , Dittmer Ulf , Hasenkrug Kim J. , Santiago Mario L.
Published: January 2013

Therapeutic administration of IFN-α in clinical trials significantly reduced HIV-1 plasma viral load and human T-lymphotropic virus type I proviral load in infected patients. The mechanism may involve the concerted action of multiple antiretroviral effectors collectively known as “restriction factors,” which could vary in relative importance according to the magnitude of transcriptional induction. However, direct genetic approaches to identify the relevant IFN-α restriction factors will not be feasible in humans in vivo. Meanwhile, mice encode an analogous set of restriction factor genes and could be used to obtain insights on how IFN-α could inhibit retroviruses in vivo. As expected, IFN-α treatment of mice significantly upregulated the transcription of multiple restriction factors including Tetherin/BST2, SAMHD1, Viperin, ISG15, OAS1, and IFITM3. However, a dominant antiretroviral factor, Apobec3, was only minimally induced. To determine whether Apobec3 was necessary for direct IFN-α antiretroviral action in vivo, wild-type and Apobec3-deficient mice were infected with Friend retrovirus, then treated with IFN-α. Treatment of infected wild-type mice with IFN-α significantly reduced acute plasma viral load 28-fold, splenic proviral load 5-fold, bone marrow proviral load 14-fold, and infected bone marrow cells 7-fold, but no inhibition was observed in Apobec3-deficient mice. These findings reveal that IFN-α inhibits acute Friend retrovirus infection primarily through the antiviral effector Apobec3 in vivo, demonstrate that transcriptional induction levels did not predict the mechanism of IFN-α–mediated control, and highlight the potential of the human APOBEC3 proteins as therapeutic targets against pathogenic retrovirus infections.
Cutting Edge: Fine-Tuning of Thpok Gene Activation by an Enhancer in Close Proximity to Its Own Silencer
Authors: Muroi Sawako , Tanaka Hirokazu , Miyamoto Chizuko , Taniuchi Ichiro
Published: January 2013

Differentiation of MHC class II–selected thymocytes toward the CD4+ helper lineage depends on function of the transcription factor ThPOK, whose expression is repressed in CD8+ cytotoxic lineage cells by a transcriptional silencer activity within the distal regulatory element (DRE) in the Thpok gene. Interestingly, the DRE also functions as a transcriptional enhancer. However, how the DRE exerts such dual functionality remains obscure. In this study, we dissected the DRE and identified DNA sequences specifically responsible for enhancer activity, and designated this as the thymic enhancer. Removal of the thymic enhancer from the murine Thpok locus resulted in inefficient ThPOK induction, thereby inducing a redirection toward alternative CD8+ cytotoxic lineage in a proportion of MHC class II–selected cells, even when they express monoclonal MHC class II–restricted transgenic TCR. Thus, regulation of contiguous but separable sequences with opposite function in the DRE plays an important role in precise coupling of TCR signaling with the selection process of two opposite lineages.
Effects of hyperbaric oxygen and N-acetylcysteine in survival of random pattern skin flaps in rats
Authors: da Rocha Fernando , Fagundes Djalma , Pires Jefferson , da Rocha Fernanda Salim
Published: January 2013

Objective: Our aim is to investigate the role of HBO (hyperbaric oxygen), NAC (N-acetylcysteine), and HBO plus NAC on the necrosis area of random rat′s skin flaps of a modified McFarlane flap design. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: G-S (sham: n = 8), G-NAC (NAC: n = 8), G-HBO (HBO: n = 8), and G-HN (HBO plus NAC: n = 8). A rectangular skin flap (2 × 8 cm 2 ) was dissected from the muscular dorsal layer, preserving the cranial pedicle. Polyethylene film was placed over the muscular layer and an interrupted 3.0 nylon suture was employed to fix the flap into the original place. On the eighth day, full-thickness biopsy samples (2 × 1 cm 2 ) were collected from the proximal, middle, and cranial areas of the skin flap, and in a site away from the flap labelled as the control area. Results: The measurements of necrotic areas in the groups were 18.3% in G-S, 24.3% in G-NAC, 12.6% in G-HBO, and 14.9% in G-HN. Significant difference was observed between the groups G-HBO and G-HN as well as G-NAC. Conclusion: HBO is associated with reduced area of necrosis of skin flap. The G-NAC group was associated with poor results when examined in isolation. The association between HBO and NAC did not produce favourable results with respect to the use of HBO alone. These findings suggest that the diffusion of oxygen through the interstitial space was the determining factor of more favourable results of HBO.
CT angiographic evaluation of perforators in the lower limb and their reconstructive implication
Authors: Bhattacharya Visweswar , Agrawal Neeraj K. , Chaudhary Gurab R. , Arvind Srivastava , Bhattacharya Siddharth
Published: January 2013

Background: The perforator flaps evolved on the knowledge of the vascular tree from the main vascular trunk up to the subdermal plexus. Therefore, we thought that it′s necessary to map the whole vascular arcade by CT angiography. The aim of this study is to evaluate the perforators and the whole vascular tree of the lower limb by peripheral CT angiography with 3D reconstruction and intraoperative evaluation. This study helps in designing flaps of different constituents based on the selected perforators. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients having lower limb defects were selected. CT angiography was done using a non-ionic iodinated contrast media injected through the antecubital vein. The lower limbs were imaged using volume rendering CT scan machine. Three dimensional reconstructions were made. The whole arterial tree, along with the perforators, were mapped. Findings of the audio-Doppler were correlated with the CT angiographic observations. Further these evaluations were confirmed by intraoperative findings. Results: The three dimensional CT angiographic reconstruction with bone and soft tissue provided advanced knowledge of this vascular network. It delineated the main vessel, the perforators, their caliber, distance from fixed bony landmarks and course up to the subdermal plexus. These findings were confirmed during dissection of the proposed flap. The perforators were mainly musculocutaneous in the proximal leg and septocutaneous distally. Conclusions: The vascular details visualized by this technique made advancement over the existing methods namely color Doppler, audio Doppler, two dimensional angiography etc. It improved the understanding of perforator flaps and their successful clinical application.
An epidemiological study of traumatic brachial plexus injury patients treated at an Indian centre
Authors: Jain Darshan Kumar A. , Bhardwaj Praveen , Venkataramani Hari , Sabapathy S. Raja
Published: January 2013

Background: Epidemiological studies on traumatic brachial plexus injuries are few and these studies help us to improve the treatment, rehabilitation of these patients and to allocate the resources required in their management. Epidemiological factors can vary in different countries. We wanted to know the situation in an Indian centre. Materials and Methods: Data regarding age, sex, affected side, mode of injury, distribution of paralysis, associated injuries, pain at the time of presentation and the index procedure they underwent were collected from 304 patients. Additional data like the vehicle associated during the accident, speed of the vehicle during the accident, employment status and integration into the family were collected in 144 patients out of the 304 patients. Results: Road traffic accidents accounted for 94% of patients and of the road traffic accidents 90% involved two wheelers. Brachial plexus injury formed a part of multitrauma in 54% of this study group and 46% had isolated brachial plexus injury. Associated injuries like fractures, vascular injuries and head injuries are much less probably due to the lower velocity of the vehicles compared to the western world. The average time interval from the date of injury to exploration of the brachial plexus was 127 days and 124 (40.78%) patients presented to us within this duration. Fifty-seven per cent had joined back to work by an average of 8.6 months. It took an average of 6.8 months for the global brachial plexus-injured patients to write in their non-dominant hand.
Isolated cleft of the ala nasi: A report of seven cases
Authors: Jinka J. Rajesh , Chekuri Harikiran , Annavarapu Gopalakrishna
Published: January 2013

Craniofacial clefts other than cleft lip & palate are reported to be 1.4 to 4.9 per 100,000 live births. Of these, clefts of nose are usually associated with other clefts. Isolated cleft of Ala is rare, 0.7% of all clefts reported by Monasterio. In an analysis of photographic records of 3,500 consecutive patients with craniofacial clefts including cleft lip & palate registered with us between 1985- 2012 which were accessed through our data base, 13 patients with nasal clefts were identified, seven out of which had Isolated cleft of the Ala. All were treated by a rotation flap of the Ala with good results with the longest follow up of 14Yrs. The authors have emphasised the rarity of the condition and presented a simple surgical procedure for correction. In the opinion of the authors this very simple procedure which can be performed by the junior surgeon gives a good long term result in the management of cleft Ala.
Custom-made standardised over-dressings for torso burns; economical and efficient
Authors: Syed Mobinulla , Farroha Azzam , Azzam Bruce
Published: January 2013

Introduction: Torso burns following debridement and skin grafting usually require fairly complex dressings. The dressing consists of an interface layer, an absorbent layer and a retaining layer. Although numerous inner dressings are now available from multiple manufacturers, Gamgee dressing (pad of cotton and gauze) is often used as an outer absorbent dressing. Dressing the torso is usually a challenge, and the purpose of this paper is to present a custom-made over-dressing for torso burns, which reflects the current practice at our centre. Materials and Methods: A U-shape cut is made at one end of the Gamgee to design the shoulder straps. This custom-made dressing is held in place by a custom-designed netted vest. Results: This custom-made over-dressing for the torso was found to be comfortable for patients, easily made from locally available materials, easy to apply, absorbent and not restrictive of movement. The shoulder straps prevent sliding of the Gamgee, and in a nonrestrictive way. The netted vest provides the required compression to keep the Gamgee in firm contact with the inner layers of the dressing without compromising respiration. Conclusion: In this report, we present our practice of a custom-made dressing that is very efficient and economical. We hope that this information will be of practical use to other centres managing burns.
Ethical and legal issues in aesthetic surgery
Authors: Gupta Suresh
Published: January 2013

Rapid growth and expansion of plastic surgery in general and aesthetic surgery in particular in the past decade has brought in its wake some confusions particularly raising questions for the surgeons conduct towards his colleagues and the patients in the light of ethical requirements. Some thoughts from eminent thinkers form a backdrop to consideration of theories of medical ethics. In this article raging and continuous debates on these subjects have been avoided to maintain the momentum. Apart from the western thoughts, directions from our old scriptures on ethical conduct have been included to accommodate prevelant Indian practices. The confusion created by specialists advertising their abilities directly to the lay public following removal of ethical bars by the American Courts as also latitudes allowed by the General Medical Council of Great Britain have been discussed. The medical fraternity however has its reservations. Unnecessary skirmishes with the law arose in cosmetic surgery from the freedom exercised by the police to file criminal proceedings against attending doctors in the event of a patient′s death with or without any evidence of wrong doing. This has now been curtailed in the judgement of the Supreme Court of India[1] where norms have been laid down for such prosecution. This has helped doctors to function without fear of harassment. An effort has been made to state a simple day-to-day routine for an ethical doctor-patient relationship.
Soft tissue chondroma of hard palate associated with cleft palate
Authors: Rajendra Nehete , Anita Nehete , Nehete Singla , Sudhir Sankalecha
Published: January 2013

Soft tissue chondroma of palate is very rare. It has never been reported in a cleft palate patient. We report a case of 22-year-old male who came with asymptomatic swelling on the palate since birth, along with complete cleft of secondary palate. He had symptoms related to cleft palate only, i.e., nasal regurgitation and speech abnormalities. Swelling was excised and the cleft palate was repaired. Histopathological examination revealed chondroma of the palate. The patient had no recurrence after 2 years of follow-up.
"Partial duplication of lower lip and hemimandible" A rare case
Authors: Nayak Bibhuti Bhusan , Mohanty Nilamani
Published: January 2013

Duplication of mandible and lower lip is a very rare congenital entity. We report an extremely uncommon case of Congenital Duplication of Lower lip and Mandible in a 3 year old girl, who was treated surgically in a single stage for correction of both lip and mandible. This was a commissure preserving single staged procedure. The Surgical procedure, the problems related to this anomaly and the embryology are discussed.
Use of a halo frame for optimum intra- and post-operative management after scalp replantation/revascularization
Authors: Ashok R. Koul , Nahar Sushil , Valandi Beena , Kumar Praveen H. P.
Published: January 2013

We present a new technique for stabilizing an avulsed scalp during and after replantation/revascularization. We used an aluminium "halo" frame with 4 screws. This technique can rigidly stabilize an avulsed scalp and eliminate the possibility of shearing/pressure necrosis. This device can make perioperative management easier and more comfortable for the patient and caregivers.
Congenital urethrocutaneous fistula: Case report with review of literature
Authors: Bhatnagar Ankur , Upadhyaya Vijai , Kumar Basant
Published: January 2013

We are presenting two cases of congenital urethrocutaneous fistula on ventral penile shaft. Congenital urethral fistula is an extremely rare, but easily manageable anomaly that may be confused with hypospadias. Awareness of the entity will avoid complications. This condition may be associated with other anomalies like congenital hernias and anorectal malformations. Treatment of this entity is individualized according to site of fistula, associated anomalies and condition of the distal urethra. All the principles of hypospadias surgery should be strictly followed.
Inherited epidermolysis bullosa: Case report of finger localization
Authors: Sankale Anne- Aurore , Coulibaly Ndeye , Ndiaye Lamine , Tiemdjo Hugues
Published: January 2013

Inherited epidermolysis bullosa is a rare condition that often present at birth with skin blisters and erosions. They are associated with defective cohesion of the dermis and epidermis. There are 3 principal types: Simple, junctional and dystrophic. The severity of the condition is quite variable. The most severe forms are incompatible with life. The most common types in our country are the severe ones such as the Hallopeau -Siemens subtype. Hands and mucosal areas can develop synechia. We report here a case of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa in a 27-year-old woman whose finger lesion was managed surgically. This treatment consisted of complete removal of constrictions and adhesions, accompanied by use of a Hueston flap and skin graft to repair the tissue deficit. The patient′s clinical course required several repeat operations. This surgery allowed the possible total loss of hand function to be delayed but the inevitable progression of the illness made the treatment somewhat disappointing. Psychosocial implications are very significant in our setting.
Functional reconstruction of complex tendo Achilles defect by free latissimus dorsi muscle flap
Authors: Khanna Vaibhav , Kohli Romesh , Tulsi Satendar , Garg Sandeep , Upadhyaya Divya
Published: January 2013

Managing the complex tendo Achilles defect involves reconstructing the Achilles tendon as well as providing soft tissue cover to the heel area. The advent of microsurgery has revolutionised the reconstruction of this difficult defect providing a number of options to the reconstructive surgeon. We present a case of complex tendo Achilles defect reconstructed by the latissimus dorsi free flap.
The Rhetorical Structure of Argumentative Discourse as Expressed in Israeli Supreme Court Verdicts
Authors: Kayam Orly
Published: January 2013

The aim of this article is to present and discuss the role and function of structure in argumentative discourse as expressed in Israeli Supreme Court Verdicts with a review of the literature from ancient Greece to modern times. This article includes a presentation of both Brewer’s and Roe’s models of text classification and presents the four types of text according to the classic classification, focusing primarily on the argumentative-persuasive text with particular attention to its unique rhetorical structure. The rhetorical structure of a text has crucial importance because it enables one to see an aspect of the rhetorical analysis. Graphic representation of the rhetorical structure of argumentative discourse by means of flowcharts is also discussed and examples are presented in the appendix to this article.
Botswana's Executive Presidency: Implications for democracy
Authors: Bodilenyane Keratilwe
Published: January 2013

It has been argued that the leadership of Botswana has upheld liberal democracy hence the birth of an admirable nation. However reality has revealed that the Constitution of Botswana is shallow in promoting democracy. The Constitution of Botswana which espouses an executive presidency has vested sweeping powers in the Presidency. It is probable that a traditionalist culture of respect and authority, hindered any disputing of the post-colonial dispensation, and overlooked the absolutism of the Constitution. In terms of the Constitution of Botswana, the President is both Head of State and Head of Government. Thus the presidency has sweeping powers across a diverse range of areas and acts with little review. This defeats the system of check and balances which is necessary for democracy. The paper therefore argues that an executive Presidency is absolutist hence threatens the legitimacy of democracy.
Managing the Public Sector in Kenya: Reform and Transformation for Improved Performance
Authors: Hope Kempe Ronald
Published: January 2013

Public sector reform remains a necessary and on-going policy objective for many developing countries. In Kenya, this is being done to overhaul its administrative system to better serve the needs of both government and the citizenry with improved delivery of public services to reduce poverty, improve livelihoods, and sustain good governance. Although the first attempts at the reform and transformation of the public sector in Kenya began in 1965, it was not until the early 1990s that serious efforts were made toward the reform and transformation of the country’s public sector management. This work analytically examines and reviews the public sector reform and transformation efforts in Kenya to improve public sector performance and overall public service delivery.
Analysis of Effect of Financing Leverage on Bank Performance: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Thaddeus Ph.D Ebiringa Oforegbunam , Chigbu Ph.D Ezeji E.
Published: January 2013

This paper analyzes the effect of leverage financing on corporate performance using debt-equity, coverage ratios and earnings per share as proxies. The study is motivated by need to assess the extent to which leverage affects optimizes financing risk as well as maximize returns to shareholders in the Nigerian banking industry. The study made use of F-ratios, Durbin-Watson;  Akaikeand Schwarz Information Criteria as well as to log likelihood parameters in arriving at conclusions. Though the results across banks studied shows mixed outcome, leverage financing was established as critical strategy for maximization of shareholders returns. The conclusion therefore is that in order to ensure that leverage financing leads to desired outcome businessorganisations must established their optimum level as well as strike a strategic balance with associated financing risk and returns to owners of the firm.
Women‐specific HIV/AIDS services: identifying and defining the components of holistic service delivery for women living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Carter Allison J , Bourgeois Sonya , O'Brien Nadia , Abelsohn Kira , Tharao Wangari , Greene Saara , Margolese Shari , Kaida Angela , Sanchez Margarite , Palmer Alexis K , Cescon Angela , de Pokomandy Alexandra , Loutfy Mona R ,   CHIWOS Research Team
Published: January 2013

Introduction

The increasing proportion of women living with HIV has evoked calls for tailored services that respond to women's specific needs. The objective of this investigation was to explore the concept of women‐specific HIV/AIDS services to identify and define what key elements underlie this approach to care.

Methods

A comprehensive review was conducted using online databases (CSA Social Service Abstracts, OvidSP, Proquest, Psycinfo, PubMed, CINAHL), augmented with a search for grey literature. In total, 84 articles were retrieved and 30 were included for a full review. Of these 30, 15 were specific to HIV/AIDS, 11 for mental health and addictions and four stemmed from other disciplines.

Results and discussion

The review demonstrated the absence of a consensual definition of women‐specific HIV/AIDS services in the literature. We distilled this concept into its defining features and 12 additional dimensions (1) creating an atmosphere of safety, respect and acceptance; (2) facilitating communication and interaction among peers; (3) involving women in the planning, delivery and evaluation of services; (4) providing self‐determination opportunities; (5) providing tailored programming for women; (6) facilitating meaningful access to care through the provision of social and supportive services; (7) facilitating access to women‐specific and culturally sensitive information; (8) considering family as the unit of intervention; (9) providing multidisciplinary integration and coordination of a comprehensive array of services; (10) meeting women “where they are”; (11) providing gender‐, culture‐ and HIV‐sensitive training to health and social care providers; and (12) conducting gendered HIV/AIDS research.

Conclusions

This review highlights that the concept of women‐specific HIV/AIDS services is a complex and multidimensional one that has been shaped by diverse theoretical perspectives. Further research is needed to better understand this emerging concept and ultimately assess the effectiveness of women‐specific services on HIV‐positive women's health outcomes.
Generation of High‐Titer Defective HSV‐1 Vectors
Authors: Neve Rachael L. , Lim Filip
Published: January 2013

Basic Protocol 1 describes the generation of helper virus stocks. Preparation of recombinant amplicon vector particles by transfection of amplicon and superinfection of helper virus into cells, and harvesting of packaged particles, is delineated in Basic Protocol 3. Thorough characterization of each amplicon viral vector stock involves measuring (1) the helper virus plaque‐forming units per ml (pfu/ml) on 2‐2 cells and (2) the amplicon stock infectious units per ml (iu/ml) on PC12 cells. The Support Protocols detail methods for determining titers of helper virus by plaque assay, and of amplicon stocks by vector assay. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 62:4.13.1‐4.13.15. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Multifaceted FISH Approach to Study Endogenous RNAs and DNAs in Native Nuclear and Cell Structures
Authors: Byron Meg , Hall Lisa L. , Lawrence Jeanne B.
Published: January 2013

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is not a singular technique, but a battery of powerful and versatile tools for examining the distribution ofendogenousgenes and RNAs in precise context with each other and in relation to specific proteins or cell structures. This unit offers the details of highly sensitive and successful protocols that were initially developed largely in our lab and honed over a number of years. Our emphasis is on analysis of nuclear RNAs and DNA to address specific biological questions about nuclear structure, pre‐mRNA metabolism, or the role of noncoding RNAs; however, cytoplasmic RNA detection is also discussed. Multifaceted molecular cytological approaches bring precise resolution and sensitive multicolor detection to illuminate the organization and functional roles of endogenous genes and their RNAs within the native structure of fixed cells. Solutions to several common technical pitfalls are discussed, as are cautions regarding the judicious use of digital imaging and the rigors of analyzing and interpreting complex molecular cytological results.Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 76:4.15.1‐4.15.21. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Predicting Functional Effect of Human Missense Mutations Using PolyPhen‐2
Authors: Adzhubei Ivan , Jordan Daniel M. , Sunyaev Shamil R.
Published: January 2013

PolyPhen‐2 (Polymorphism Phenotyping v2), available as software and via a Web server, predicts the possible impact of amino acid substitutions on the stability and function of human proteins using structural and comparative evolutionary considerations. It performs functional annotation of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), maps coding SNPs to gene transcripts, extracts protein sequence annotations and structural attributes, and builds conservation profiles. It then estimates the probability of the missense mutation being damaging based on a combination of all these properties. PolyPhen‐2 features include a high‐quality multiple protein sequence alignment pipeline and a prediction method employing machine‐learning classification. The software also integrates the UCSC Genome Browser's human genome annotations and MultiZ multiple alignments of vertebrate genomes with the human genome. PolyPhen‐2 is capable of analyzing large volumes of data produced by next‐generation sequencing projects, thanks to built‐in support for high‐performance computing environments like Grid Engine and Platform LSF.Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 76:7.20.1‐7.20.41. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Overview of Molecular Genetic Diagnosis
Authors: Harada Shuko , Korf Bruce R.
Published: January 2013

This unit describes the overview and strategies for molecular genetic diagnosis. Molecular genetic testing is typically used to detect changes in a single gene, and includes direct sequence analysis and detection of large deletion/duplication. Occasionally linkage analysis is still used when the gene is not known. Direct mutation analysis is possible if the gene responsible for a disorder has been identified. Genetic linkage analysis is used when polymorphic markers are available that are closely linked to a disease gene but the gene itself has not been cloned, or when it is difficult or impossible to detect mutations in the gene. For direct mutation analysis, the unit offers a review of the types of mutations that can be detected and the strategies that can be employed for their detection. The unit then describes the types of disorders that are best suited for linkage‐based analysis and offers guidance for interpreting the data. The unit also overviews recent progress on high‐throughput sequencing system and its possibility for its clinical application. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 76:9.1.1‐9.1.7. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantification of Glycosaminoglycans in Urine by Isotope‐Dilution Liquid Chromatography‐Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Haoyue , Young Sarah P. , Millington David S.
Published: January 2013

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are complex lysosomal storage disorders that result in the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in urine, blood, and tissues. Lysosomal enzymes responsible for GAG degradation are defective in MPSs. GAGs including chondroitin sulfate (CS), dermatan sulfate (DS), heparan sulfate (HS), and keratan sulfate (KS) are disease‐specific biomarkers for MPSs. This unit describes a stable isotope dilution‐tandem mass spectrometric method for quantifying CS, DS, and HS in urine samples. The GAGs are methanolyzed to uronic or iduronic acid‐N‐acetylhexosamine or iduronic acid‐N‐sulfo‐glucosamine dimers and mixed with internal standards derived from deuteriomethanolysis of GAG standards. Specific dimers derived from HS, DS, and CS are separated by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) using selected reaction monitoring for each targeted GAG product and its corresponding internal standard. This new GAG assay is useful for identifying patients with MPS types I, II, III, VI, and VII. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 76:17.12.1‐17.12.14. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Dramatic Odd–Even Oscillating Behavior for the Current Rectification and Negative Differential Resistance in Carbon‐Chain‐Modified Donor–Acceptor Molecular Devices
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Guo Chao , Kwong Denise Jeng , Li Jie , Deng Xiaoqing , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: January 2013

The donor–acceptor molecule is the only molecule that features a real intrinsic rectification. However, all investigations in the last decades showed that rectification behaviors of such molecules are not promising since their rectification ratio is only on the order of 10. Use of carbon chains Cn to serve as spacers is reported, along with attempts to modulate electrical behavior of the donor–acceptor molecule. Calculations using the first‐principles method show that electrical behavior is indeed altered substantively, and a particular regularity can be clearly observed, i.e., a dramatic odd–even oscillation for electronic behavior with increasing carbon‐chain length n. For models with even‐n carbon chains, the rectification ratio is small (30), and no negative differential resistance (NDR) behavior is detected, but the rectifying performance of models with odd‐n carbon chains is tremendously improved and rectification ratios on the order of 50 to 400 can be achieved, alongside a large NDR. This study thus suggests that using a suitable spacer might be an effective way to significantly boost electrical characteristics, including rectifying performance, of the donor–acceptor molecule.
Optical Nanosphere Sensor Based on Shell‐By‐Shell Fabrication for Removal of Toxic Metals from Human Blood
Authors: El‐Safty S. A. , Abdellatef S. , Ismael M. , Shahat A.
Published: January 2013

Because toxic heavy metals tend to bioaccumulate, they represent a substantial human health hazard. Various methods are used to identify and quantify toxic metals in biological tissues and environment fluids, but a simple, rapid, and inexpensive system has yet to be developed. To reduce the necessity for instrument‐dependent analysis, we developed a single, pH‐dependent, nanosphere (NS) sensor for naked‐eye detection and removal of toxic metal ions from drinking water and physiological systems (i.e., blood). The design platform for the optical NS sensor is composed of double mesoporous core–shell silica NSs fabricated by one‐pot, template‐guided synthesis with anionic surfactant. The dense shell‐by‐shell NS construction generated a unique hierarchical NS sensor with a hollow cage interior to enable accessibility for continuous monitoring of several different toxic metal ions and efficient multi‐ion sensing and removal capabilities with respect to reversibility, longevity, selectivity, and signal stability. Here, we examined the application of the NS sensor for the removal of toxic metals (e.g., lead ions from a physiological system, such as human blood). The findings show that this sensor design has potential for the rapid screening of blood lead levels so that the effects of lead toxicity can be avoided.