bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic science: Epigenetic programming and the respiratory system
Authors: Durham Andrew L. , Adcock Ian M.
Published: July 2013

The coordinated regulation of gene expression is crucial for survival, especially in multi-cellular organisms. Gene regulation can occur through a number of different mechanisms, which include the binding of transcription factors to gene promoters and enhancers and to gene repressors.

Overlaid upon this is the epigenetic (or “above” genetics) regulation of gene expression. Epigenetics has been implicated in the determination of cell differentiation and the control of gene expression by each cell under different external stimuli. Epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, which is principally involved in gene silencing, and plays a key role in maintaining cellular differentiation. Another layer of epigenetic regulation is DNA packaging into chromatin, which can alter the availability of the DNA, and is controlled by histone modifications. Finally non-coding RNAs can also affect the stability of coding mRNA and its ability to interact with ribosomes and be translated into protein.

These epigenetic mechanisms are heritable, and maintained through multiple cell divisions, helping to control cell fate, and can even be passed onto germ cells and future generations. In addition to inheritance epigenetics can be altered by the environment, and factors such as pollution and cigarette smoking have been shown to alter the epigenetic profile of cells.

The role of epigenetics in controlling gene expression in complex organs, such as the lungs, is a promising area of research and may help to explain complex inheritance patterns and environmental interactions of many lung diseases including asthma, COPD and lung cancer.
Airway reflux as a cause of respiratory disease
Authors: Morice Alyn H.
Published: July 2013

Reflux is the cause of much respiratory disease. More commonly still, it is the unrecognised agent provoking the symptoms of respiratory disease. That the reflux entering the airways from the gastrointestinal tract is central to the diagnosis, therapy and understanding of respiratory pathology has been missed because the paradigm of peptic disease has been applied. Airway reflux is however unlike gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). GORD is liquid acid reflux causing heartburn and indigestion. Airway reflux consists of a mainly gaseous non-acid mist which, when deposited in the upper and lower airways leads to inflammation, fibrosis, bronchoconstriction and cough. Here, the hypothesis that airway reflux is responsible for chronic “idiopathic” cough, late onset asthma, exacerbations of COPD, ‘idiopathic’ pulmonary fibrosis and even the lung disease of cystic fibrosis is outlined. The exclusive focus of clinicians on the extrinsic origins of these conditions and the rejection of an obvious intrinsic aetiology causes millions of patients to be denied an explanation for their symptoms and simple, effective, treatments. In many cases idiopathic should be no longer considered idiopathic.
Emergency oxygen therapy: from guideline to implementation
Authors: Kane Binita , Decalmer Samantha , Ronan O'Driscoll B.
Published: July 2013

Educational aims

To help readers understand the best way to use oxygen when they care for patients with medical emergencies.

To encourage best practice in the use of emergency oxygen therapy.

To raise awareness of the British Thoracic Society (BTS) guideline for emergency oxygen use.

Oxygen is the most commonly used drug in emergency medicine and when used judiciously in the treatment of hypoxaemia it undoubtedly saves life. However, oxygen is often used inappropriately and the dangers of over-oxygenation are unappreciated.

In 2008, the first formal guidance on emergency oxygen use was produced by the British Thoracic Society. The guideline is objective, evidence based and peer reviewed, advocating safe use of oxygen by encouraging target saturation levels to be prescribed for each patient, based on a combination of what is believed to be safe and normal or near-normal. In the majority of patients a target saturation range of 94–98% is advised. The importance of recognition of patients at risk of type 2 respiratory failure is highlighted and, in such patients, a target saturation range of 88–92% is recommended.
The molecular basis for recognition of bacterial ligands at equine TLR2, TLR1 and TLR6
Authors: Irvine Katherine Lucy , Hopkins Lee Jason , Gangloff Monique , Bryant Clare Elizabeth
Published: July 2013

TLR2 recognises bacterial lipopeptides and lipoteichoic acid, and forms heterodimers with TLR1 or TLR6. TLR2 is relatively well characterised in mice and humans, with published crystal structures of human TLR2/1/Pam3CSK4 and murine TLR2/6/Pam2CSK4. Equine TLR4 is activated by a different panel of ligands to human and murine TLR4, but less is known about species differences at TLR2. We therefore cloned equine TLR2, TLR1 and TLR6, which showed over 80% sequence identity with these receptors from other mammals, and performed a structure-function analysis. TLR2/1 and TLR2/6 from both horses and humans dose-dependently responded to lipoteichoic acid from Staphylococcus aureus, with no significant species difference in EC50 at either receptor pair. The EC50 of Pam2CSK4 was the same for equine and human TLR2/6, indicating amino acid differences between the two species’ TLRs do not significantly affect ligand recognition. Species differences were seen between the responses to Pam2CSK4 and Pam3CSK4 at TLR2/1. Human TLR2/1, as expected, responded to Pam3CSK4 with greater potency and efficacy than Pam2CSK4. At equine TLR2/1, however, Pam3CSK4 was less potent than Pam2CSK4, with both ligands having similar efficacies. Molecular modelling indicates that the majority of non-conserved ligand-interacting residues are at the periphery of the TLR2 binding pocket and in the ligand peptide-interacting regions, which may cause subtle effects on ligand positioning. These results suggest that there are potentially important species differences in recognition of lipopeptides by TLR2/1, which may affect how the horse deals with bacterial infections.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptome as a mirror of phytochemical variation in complex extracts of Equisetum arvense from America, China, Europe and India
Authors: Cook Rebekah , Hennell James R , Lee Samiuela , Khoo Cheang S , Carles Maria C , Higgins Vincent J , Govindaraghavan Suresh , Sucher Nikolaus J
Published: July 2013

Background

Pattern-oriented chemical profiling is increasingly being used to characterize the phytochemical composition of herbal medicines for quality control purposes. Ideally, a fingerprint of the biological effects should complement the chemical fingerprint. For ethical and practical reasons it is not possible to test each herbal extract in laboratory animals or humans. What is needed is a test system consisting of an organism with relevant biology and complexity that can serve as a surrogate in vitro system. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptome might be used as an indicator of phytochemical variation of closely-related yet distinctly different extracts prepared from a single species of a phytogeographically widely distributed medicinal plant. We combined phytochemical profiling using chromatographic methods (HPTLC, HPLC-PDA-MS/MS) and gene expression studies using Affymetrix Yeast 2.0 gene chip with principal component analysis and k-nearest neighbor clustering analysis to test this hypothesis using extracts prepared from the phytogeographically widely distributed medicinal plant Equisetum arvense as a test case.

Results

We found that the Equisetum arvense extracts exhibited qualitative and quantitative differences in their phytochemical composition grouped along their phytogeographical origin. Exposure of yeast to the extracts led to changes in gene expression that reflected both the similarities and differences in the phytochemical composition of the extracts. The Equisetum arvense extracts elicited changes in the expression of genes involved in mRNA translation, drug transport, metabolism of energy reserves, phospholipid metabolism, and the cellular stress response.

Conclusions

Our data show that functional genomics in S. cerevisiae may be developed as a sensitive bioassay for the scientific investigation of the interplay between phytochemical composition and transcriptional effects of complex mixtures of chemical compounds. S. cerevisiae transcriptomics may also be developed for testing of mixtures of conventional drugs (“polypills”) to discover novel antagonistic or synergistic effects of those drug combinations.
Different evolutionary histories of two cation/proton exchanger gene families in plants
Authors: Pires Inês S , Negrão Sónia , Pentony Melissa M , Abreu Isabel A , Oliveira Margarida M , Purugganan Michael D
Published: July 2013

Background

Gene duplication events have been proposed to be involved in the adaptation of plants to stress conditions; precisely how is unclear. To address this question, we studied the evolution of two families of antiporters. Cation/proton exchangers are important for normal cell function and in plants, Na+,K+/H+ antiporters have also been implicated in salt tolerance. Two well-known plant cation/proton antiporters are NHX1 and SOS1, which perform Na+ and K+ compartmentalization into the vacuole and Na+ efflux from the cell, respectively. However, our knowledge about the evolution of NHX and SOS1 stress responsive gene families is still limited.

Results

In this study we performed a comprehensive molecular evolutionary analysis of the NHX and SOS1 families. Using available sequences from a total of 33 plant species, we estimated gene family phylogenies and gene duplication histories, as well as examined heterogeneous selection pressure on amino acid sites. Our results show that, while the NHX family expanded and specialized, the SOS1 family remained a low copy gene family that appears to have undergone neofunctionalization during its evolutionary history. Additionally, we found that both families are under purifying selection although SOS1 is less constrained.

Conclusions

We propose that the different evolution histories are related with the proteins’ function and localization, and that the NHX and SOS1 families are examples of two different evolutionary paths through which duplication events may result in adaptive evolution of stress tolerance.
The UmuC subunit of the E. coli DNA polymerase V shows a unique interaction with the β-clamp processivity factor
Authors: Patoli Atif A , Winter Jody A , Bunting Karen A
Published: July 2013

Background

Strict regulation of replisome components is essential to ensure the accurate transmission of the genome to the next generation. The sliding clamp processivity factors play a central role in this regulation, interacting with both DNA polymerases and multiple DNA processing and repair proteins. Clamp binding partners share a common peptide binding motif, the nature of which is essentially conserved from phage through to humans. Given the degree of conservation of these motifs, much research effort has focussed on understanding how the temporal and spatial regulation of multiple clamp binding partners is managed. The bacterial sliding clamps have come under scrutiny as potential targets for rational drug design and comprehensive understanding of the structural basis of their interactions is crucial for success.

Results

In this study we describe the crystal structure of a complex of the E. coli β-clamp with a 12-mer peptide from the UmuC protein. UmuC is the catalytic subunit of the translesion DNA polymerase, Pol V (UmuD’2C). Due to its potentially mutagenic action, Pol V is tightly regulated in the cell to limit access to the replication fork. Atypically for the translesion polymerases, both bacterial and eukaryotic, Pol V is heterotrimeric and its β-clamp binding motif (357 QLNLF 361) is internal to the protein, rather than at the more usual C-terminal position. Our structure shows that the UmuC peptide follows the overall disposition of previously characterised structures with respect to the highly conserved glutamine residue. Despite good agreement with the consensus β-clamp binding motif, distinct variation is shown within the hydrophobic binding pocket. While UmuC Leu-360 interacts as noted in other structures, Phe-361 does not penetrate the pocket at all, sitting above the surface.

Conclusion

Although the β-clamp binding motif of UmuC conforms to the consensus sequence, variation in its mode of clamp binding is observed compared to related structures, presumably dictated by the proximal aspartate residues that act as linker to the poorly characterised, unique C-terminal domain of UmuC. Additionally, interactions between Asn-359 of UmuC and Arg-152 on the clamp surface may compensate for the reduced interaction of Phe-361.
Experience-based virtual training system for knee arthroscopic inspection
Authors: Lyu Shaw-Ruey , Lin Yen-Kun , Huang Shian-Tang , Yau Hong-Tzong
Published: July 2013

Background

Arthroscopic surgical training is inherently difficult due to limited visibility, reduced motion freedom and non-intuitive hand-eye coordination. Traditional training methods as well as virtual reality approach lack the direct guidance of an experienced physician.

Methods

This paper presents an experience-based arthroscopic training simulator that integrates motion tracking with a haptic device to record and reproduce the complex trajectory of an arthroscopic inspection procedure. Optimal arthroscopic operations depend on much practice because the knee joint space is narrow and the anatomic structures are complex. The trajectory of the arthroscope from the experienced surgeon can be captured during the clinical treatment. Then a haptic device is used to guide the trainees in the virtual environment to follow the trajectory.

Results

In this paper, an experiment for the eight subjects’ performance of arthroscopic inspection on the same simulator was done with and without the force guidance. The experiment reveals that most subjects’ performances are better after they repeated the same inspection five times. Furthermore, most subjects’ performances with the force guidance are better than those without the force guidance. In the experiment, the average error with the force guidance is 33.01% lower than that without the force guidance. The operation time with the force guidance is 14.95% less than that without the force guidance.

Conclusions

We develop a novel virtual knee arthroscopic training system with virtual and haptic guidance. Compared to traditional VR training system that only has a single play-script based on a virtual model, the proposed system can track and reproduce real-life arthroscopic procedures and create a useful training database. From our experiment, the force guidance can efficiently shorten the learning curve of novice trainees. Through such system, novice trainees can efficiently develop required surgical skills by the virtual and haptic guidance from an experienced surgeon.
Developing a tool to measure satisfaction among health professionals in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Faye Adama , Fournier Pierre , Diop Idrissa , Philibert Aline , Morestin Florence , Dumont Alexandre
Published: July 2013

Background

In sub-Saharan Africa, lack of motivation and job dissatisfaction have been cited as causes of poor healthcare quality and outcomes. Measurement of health workers’ satisfaction adapted to sub-Saharan African working conditions and cultures is a challenge. The objective of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to measure satisfaction among health professionals in the sub-Saharan African context.

Methods

A survey was conducted in Senegal and Mali in 2011 among 962 care providers (doctors, midwives, nurses and technicians) practicing in 46 hospitals (capital, regional and district). The participation rate was very high: 97% (937/962). After exploratory factor analysis (EFA), construct validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The discriminant validity of our subscales was evaluated by comparing the average variance extracted (AVE) for each of the constructs with the squared interconstruct correlation (SIC), and finally for criterion validity, each subscale was tested with two hypotheses. Two dimensions of reliability were assessed: internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha subscales and stability over time using a test-retest process.

Results

Eight dimensions of satisfaction encompassing 24 items were identified and validated using a process that combined psychometric analyses and expert opinions: continuing education, salary and benefits, management style, tasks, work environment, workload, moral satisfaction and job stability. All eight dimensions demonstrated significant discriminant validity. The final model showed good performance, with a root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.0508 (90% CI: 0.0448 to 0.0569) and a comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.9415. The concurrent criterion validity of the eight dimensions was good. Reliability was assessed based on internal consistency, which was good for all dimensions but one (moral satisfaction < 0.70). Test-retest showed satisfactory temporal stability (intra class coefficient range: 0.60 to 0.91).

Conclusions

Job satisfaction is a complex construct; this study provides a multidimensional instrument whose content, construct and criterion validities were verified to ensure its suitability for the sub-Saharan African context. When using these subscales in further studies, the variability of the reliability of the subscales should be taken in to account for calculating the sample sizes. The instrument will be useful in evaluative studies which will help guide interventions aimed at improving both the quality of care and its effectiveness.
A novel multimedia device ability matching technique for ubiquitous computing environments
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Deng Pan , Wan Jiafu , Yan Biying , Rong Xiaohui , Chen Feng
Published: July 2013

In wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs), wirelessly interconnected devices are able to ubiquitously retrieve multimedia contents such as video and audio streams from the environment. However, since WMSN applications are large-scale, dynamic and highly concurrent, how to achieve both effective multimedia device resource management and collaborative task scheduling simultaneously becomes a serious problem. In this paper, using the hierarchical modeling technique, we first propose a device ability model including spatial information. In order to solve the problem of insufficient capacity of single devices, we then give a composite device ability model and relevant calculation formulae. Next, we introduce a novel device resource matching technique based on the proposed model. Compared with previous works, experimental results show that our technique achieves better recall and precision and meets WMSN application needs more effectively. Furthermore, our proposed approach greatly reduces the design complexity as well as the workload of application designers.
Kinetic and temporospatial parameters in male and female cats walking over a pressure sensing walkway
Authors: Verdugo Mirela R , Rahal Sheila C , Agostinho Felipe S , Govoni Verônica M , Mamprim Maria J , Monteiro Frederico OB
Published: July 2013

Background

Several factors may influence kinetic data measurements, including body conformation and body mass. In addition, gender differences in gait pattern have been observed in healthy humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the kinetic and temporospatial parameters in clinically healthy male and female cats using a pressure-sensitive walkway. Eighteen crossbreed adult cats were divided into two groups: G1 had ten male cats (nine neutered) aged from 1 to 4 years and body mass 3.1-6.8 kg; G2 had eight spayed female cats, aged from 1 to 6 years and body mass 3.3-4.75 kg. The data from the first five valid trials were collected for each cat. A trial was considered valid if the cat maintained a velocity between 0.54-0.74 m/s and acceleration from -0.20 to 0.20 m/s2. The peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse (VI), gait cycle time, stance time, swing time, stride length, and percentage body weight distribution among the four limbs were determined. In addition, the lengths of each forelimb and each hind limb were measured using a tape with the animal standing.

Results

No significant differences were observed in each group in either the forelimbs or the hind limbs or between the left and right sides for any of the variables. For both groups, the PVF (%BW), the VI, and the percentage body weight distribution were higher at the forelimbs than the hind limbs. The stride length was larger for males; however, the other kinetic and temporospatial variables did not show any statistically significant differences between the groups. The lengths of the forelimbs and hind limbs were larger in the male cats. There was a significant moderate positive correlation between the stride length and the length of the limbs.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the only difference observed between male and female cats was the stride length, and this was due to the greater body size of male cats. This difference did not affect other temporospatial or kinetics variables.
An atypical presentation of sporadic ovarian Burkitt’s lymphoma: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Bianchi Paola , Torcia Francesco , Vitali Marta , Cozza Giuliana , Matteoli Marco , Giovanale Valentina
Published: July 2013

Primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the ovary is a rare occurrence. An ovarian involvement by non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) may include one of the four subtypes of lymphoma: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL), lymphoblastic lymphoma or anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Burkitt’s lymphoma is a rare entity with a specific poorly differentiated pattern.

Most women experience an ovarian BL with abdominal pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, bowel obstruction, urinary frequency, incontinence and abdominal mass. Sometimes these warning signs may be absent, causing a late and more difficult diagnosis.

Here we report a case of a primary ovarian Burkitt’s lymphoma with bilateral involvement in a 57 year old patient. She firstly presented neurological symptoms in the upper limbs and she was treated with surgery and combined chemotherapy. The diagnosis of malignant lymphoma was established after bilateral adnexectomy and histological study of the excised tissue.
Evidence based herbal drug standardization approach in coping with challenges of holistic management of diabetes: a dreadful lifestyle disorder of 21st century
Authors: Chawla Raman , Thakur Pallavi , Chowdhry Ayush , Jaiswal Sarita , Sharma Anamika , Goel Rajeev , Sharma Jyoti , Priyadarshi Smruti Sagar , Kumar Vinod , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Arora Rajesh
Published: July 2013

Plants by virtue of its composition of containing multiple constituents developed during its growth under various environmental stresses providing a plethora of chemical families with medicinal utility. Researchers are exploring this wealth and trying to decode its utility for enhancing health standards of human beings. Diabetes is dreadful lifestyle disorder of 21st century caused due to lack of insulin production or insulin physiological unresponsiveness. The chronic impact of untreated diabetes significantly affects vital organs. The allopathic medicines have five classes of drugs, or otherwise insulin in Type I diabetes, targeting insulin secretion, decreasing effect of glucagon, sensitization of receptors for enhanced glucose uptake etc. In addition, diet management, increased food fiber intake, Resistant Starch intake and routine exercise aid in managing such dangerous metabolic disorder. One of the key factors that limit commercial utility of herbal drugs is standardization. Standardization poses numerous challenges related to marker identification, active principle(s), lack of defined regulations, non-availability of universally acceptable technical standards for testing and implementation of quality control/safety standard (toxicological testing). The present study proposed an integrated herbal drug development & standardization model which is an amalgamation of Classical Approach of Ayurvedic Therapeutics, Reverse Pharmacological Approach based on Observational Therapeutics, Technical Standards for complete product cycle, Chemi-informatics, Herbal Qualitative Structure Activity Relationship and Pharmacophore modeling and, Post-Launch Market Analysis. Further studies are warranted to ensure that an effective herbal drug standardization methodology will be developed, backed by a regulatory standard guide the future research endeavors in more focused manner.
Delay of transfer from the intensive care unit: a prospective observational study of incidence, causes, and financial impact
Authors: Johnson Daniel W , Schmidt Ulrich H , Bittner Edward A , Christensen Benjamin , Levi Retsef , Pino Richard M
Published: July 2013

Introduction

A paucity of literature exists regarding delays in transfer out of the intensive care unit. We sought to analyze the incidence, causes, and costs of delayed transfer from a surgical intensive care unit (SICU).

Methods

An IRB-approved prospective observational study was conducted from January 24, 2010, to July 31, 2010, of all 731 patients transferred from a 20-bed SICU at a large tertiary-care academic medical center. Data were collected on patients who were medically ready for transfer to the floor who remained in the SICU for at least 1 extra day. Reasons for delay were examined, and extra costs associated were estimated.

Results

Transfer to the floor was delayed in 22% (n = 160) of the 731 patients transferred from the SICU. Delays ranged from 1 to 6 days (mean, 1.5 days; median, 2 days). The extra costs associated with delays were estimated to be $581,790 during the study period, or $21,547 per week. The most common reasons for delay in transfer were lack of available surgical-floor bed (71% (114 of 160)), lack of room appropriate for infectious contact precautions (18% (28 of 160)), change of primary service (Surgery to Medicine) (7% (11 of 160)), and lack of available patient attendant ("sitter" for mildly delirious patients) (3% (five of 160)). A positive association was found between the daily hospital census and the daily number of SICU beds occupied by patients delayed in transfer (Spearman rho = 0.27; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Delay in transfer from the SICU is common and costly. The most common reason for delay is insufficient availability of surgical-floor beds. Delay in transfer is associated with high hospital census. Further study of this problem is necessary.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Improves Insulin Resistance and Ameliorates Renal Injury in db/db Mice
Authors: Kim H. W. , Lee J. E. , Cha J. J. , Hyun Y. Y. , Kim J. E. , Lee M. H. , Song H. K. , Nam D. H. , Han J. Y. , Han S. Y. , Han K. H. , Kang Y. S. , Cha D. R.
Published: July 2013

Despite the emerging importance of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as a metabolic hormone regulating energy balance, its direct effects on renal function remain unexplored. FGF21 was injected ip daily for 12 weeks into db/db mice. Compared with control vehicle injection, FGF21 treatment significantly improved lipid profiles and insulin resistance and resulted in significantly higher serum adiponectin levels. In contrast, serum insulin and 8-isoprostane levels were significantly decreased. Interestingly, FGF21 and its receptor components in the kidneys were found to be significantly up-regulated in db/db mice, which suggests an FGF21-resistant state. FGF21 treatment significantly down-regulated FGF21 receptor components and activated ERK phosphorylation. FGF21 administration also markedly decreased urinary albumin excretion and mesangial expansion and suppressed profibrotic molecule synthesis. Furthermore, FGF21 improved renal lipid metabolism and oxidative stress injury. In cultured renal cells, FGF21 was mainly expressed in mesangial cells, and knockdown of FGF21 expression by stealth small interfering RNA further aggravated high-glucose-induced profibrotic cytokine synthesis in mesangial cells. Our results suggest that FGF21 improves insulin resistance and protects against renal injury through both improvement of systemic metabolic alterations and antifibrotic effects in type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Targeting FGF21 could therefore provide a potential candidate approach for a therapeutic strategy in type 2 diabetic nephropathy.
Deficiency of ALADIN Impairs Redox Homeostasis in Human Adrenal Cells and Inhibits Steroidogenesis
Authors: Prasad R. , Metherell L. A. , Clark A. J. , Storr H. L.
Published: July 2013

Triple A syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive cause of adrenal failure. Additional features include alacrima, achalasia of the esophageal cardia, and progressive neurodegenerative disease. The AAAS gene product is the nuclear pore complex protein alacrima-achalasia-adrenal insufficiency neurological disorder (ALADIN), of unknown function. Triple A syndrome patient dermal fibroblasts appear to be more sensitive to oxidative stress than wild-type fibroblasts. To provide an adrenal and neuronal-specific disease model, we established AAAS-gene knockdown in H295R human adrenocortical tumor cells and SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells by lentiviral short hairpin RNA transduction. AAAS-knockdown significantly reduced cell viability in H295R cells. This effect was exacerbated by hydrogen peroxide treatment and improved by application of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. An imbalance in redox homeostasis after AAAS knockdown was further suggested in the H295R cells by a decrease in the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione. AAAS-knockdown SH-SY5Y cells were also hypersensitive to oxidative stress and responded to antioxidant treatment. A further impact on function was observed in the AAAS-knockdown H295R cells with reduced expression of key components of the steroidogenic pathway, including steroidogenic acute regulatory and P450c11β protein expression. Importantly a significant reduction in cortisol production was demonstrated with AAAS knockdown, which was partially reversed with N-acetylcysteine treatment. Conclusion: Our in vitro data in AAAS-knockdown adrenal and neuronal cells not only corroborates previous studies implicating oxidative stress in this disorder but also provides further insights into the pathogenic mechanisms in triple A syndrome.
Heterodimerization Between the Lutropin and Follitropin Receptors is Associated With an Attenuation of Hormone-Dependent Signaling
Authors: Feng Xiuyan , Zhang Meilin , Guan Rongbin , Segaloff Deborah L.
Published: July 2013

The LH receptor (LHR) and FSH receptor (FSHR) are each G protein-coupled receptors that play critical roles in reproductive endocrinology. Each of these receptors has previously been shown to self-associate into homodimers and oligomers shortly after their biosynthesis. As shown herein using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer to detect protein-protein interactions, our data show that the LHR and FSHR, when coexpressed in the same cells, specifically heterodimerize with each other. Further experiments confirm that at least a portion of the cellular LHR/FSHR heterodimers are present on the cell surface and are functional. We then sought to ascertain what effects, if any, heterodimerization between the LHR and FSHR might have on signaling. It was observed that when the LHR was expressed under conditions promoting the heterodimerization with FSHR, LH or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation of Gs was attenuated. Conversely, when the FSHR was expressed under conditions promoting heterodimerization with the LHR, FSH-stimulated Gs activation was attenuated. These results demonstrate that the coexpression of the LHR and FSHR enables heterodimerizaton between the 2 gonadotropin receptors and results in an attenuation of signaling through each receptor.
Urinary Phthalates From 168 Girls and Boys Measured Twice a Year During a 5-Year Period: Associations With Adrenal Androgen Levels and Puberty
Authors: Mouritsen A. , Frederiksen H. , Sørensen K. , Aksglaede L. , Hagen C. , Skakkebaek N. E. , Main K. M. , Andersson A. M. , Juul A.
Published: July 2013

Background:

Little is known about the possible deleterious effects of phthalate exposure on endogenous sex steroid levels in children.

Objective:

Our objective was to investigate whether urinary phthalate metabolite levels are associated with circulating adrenal androgen levels and age at puberty.

Methods:

This was a longitudinal study of 168 healthy children (84 girls) examined every 6 months for 5 years. Serum levels of dehydroepiandrostenedione sulfate (DHEAS), Δ4-androstenedione, testosterone, and urinary morning excretion of 14 phthalate metabolites, corresponding to 7 different phthalate diesters were determined. A variation in urinary excretion of phthalates was evident in each child, which made a mean of repetitive samples more representative for long-term excretion than a single determination.

Results:

We found that girls with excretion of monobutyl phthalate isomers (MBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites above the geometric group mean (795 and 730 ng/kg, respectively) had lower levels of DHEAS and Δ4-androstenedione, although statistically significant only at 13 years of age. In boys, we found that excretion of monobenzyl phthalate above the geometric group mean (346 ng/kg) was associated with lower levels of DHEAS at 11 years of age but higher levels of testosterone at 13 years of age. The same trend was observed for MBP excretion, albeit not statistically significant. A lower age at pubarche was observed in boys with excretion of MBP above the geometric group mean (11.0 vs 12.3 years, P = 0.005).

Conclusion:

Our data indicate that exposure to dibutyl phthalate isomers (DBP) (in girls) and butylbenzyl phthalate (in boys) are negatively associated with adrenal androgen levels and in boys positively associated with testosterone level at 13 years of age. High exposure to DBP was associated with earlier age at pubarche in boys. In girls, no associations between phthalate exposure and age at pubertal milestones were observed.
Ring-opening Polymerization of Oxetane Initiated with Solid-acid Catalyst Based on Heteropolyacid Salt
Authors: Morinaga Hisatoyo , Nishioka Yoshihito , Hatayama Mao , Nakabayashi Hirotoshi
Published: July 2013

A ring-opening polymerization of oxetane was performed with a novel solid-acid catalyst based on heteropolyacid salt ((NH4)3PW12O40/SiO2), by which the corresponding polyether was successfully obtained in high yield.
Jolkinolide F, a Cytotoxic Diterpenoid from Euphorbia jolkinii
Authors: Maru Norihito , Chikaraishi Noriko , Yokota Keisuke , Kawazoe Yoshinori , Uemura Daisuke
Published: July 2013

A new diterpenoid, jolkinolide F (1), was isolated from roots of Euphorbia jolkinii. The planar structure of 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, and its stereochemistry was determined by NOESY spectroscopic data and X-ray data analysis. 1 showed cytotoxicity against mammalian cells.
Control over Growth of Hexagonal Sodium Tungstate Nanorods by Poly(styrenesulfonate)
Authors: Kim Jungtae , Moon Kyunghwan , Choi Jaehyuk , Yoo Pil J , Park Juhyun
Published: July 2013

Nanocrystals of sodium tungstates were synthesized using a hydrothermal route in the presence of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) to control the size of the crystals at the time of their growth. The lengths of the nanorods varied significantly, ranging from 400 nm to 6 µm, whereas the diameters varied only slightly, ranging from 200 to 270 nm. These results show that a polyelectrolyte with sulfonate effectively caps the specific crystal planes or provides steric hindrance upon crystal growth, providing control over the size of the nanocrystals by varying the polyelectrolyte concentration.
Does the Institutional Context Shape International Operations Strategy? Country-Level Analysis
Authors: Brock Vitor Fabian , Gavronski Iuri
Published: July 2013

Recent literature has proposed that institutions play a pivotal role in corporate andbusiness strategies. We argue that this role holds for manufacturing strategy as well. Despite extensiveliterature regarding international operations management (OM), few studies verify how importantvariables in OM vary across different institutional contexts. This scarcity of comparative crosscountryresearch reveals an important gap both for research and practice. In this paper we addressthis gap by providing a data analysis of a recent survey collected in Canada and Brazil. We replicateand extend previous research by comparing important variables of manufacturing strategy in thesetwo institutional contexts such as knowledge exchange, green process management, environmentalsupplier management and the traditional manufacturing performance dimensions.DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n1p106-121URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n1p106-121
Sustainability as a Contingency Variable for Tourist Activities: A Theoretical Discussion
Authors: Costa Cristiane Salome Ribeiro , De Farias Salomão Alencar , Oliveira Renata
Published: July 2013

The issue of sustainability has been gaining space and importance in studies, andrepresents an external variable that affects organizational activities and obliges companies to adjusttheir conservation actions. In the tourism sector, such adjustments have become more importantbecause activities that accelerate environmental and social degradation are more noticeable and occurin the short term. The main objective of this article is to provide a theoretical investigation into theinfluence of the sustainability on tourist activities. We suggest that the sustainability concerning isa remarkable contingent variable to these activities, in order to portray it as an important issue forformation strategies for the sector.DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n1p42-54URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n1p42-54
Delayed ulnar nerve palsy secondary to ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm distal to Guyon’s canal following penetrating trauma to the hand
Authors: Dobson PF , Purushothaman B , Michla Y , England S , Krishnan MK , Tourret L
Published: July 2013

Compression of the ulnar nerve in Guyon’s canal is an uncommon phenomenon. Reports of ulnar nerve palsy secondary to ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm at this anatomical location are very rare and equivalent pathology just distal to this site is unheard of. Here we present such a case, which featured a delayed onset of symptoms. This followed penetrating trauma to the hand. Our methods for diagnosis, operative planning and surgical treatment are included.
Reduction in length of stay for patients undergoing oesophageal and gastric resections with implementation of enhanced recovery packages
Authors: Tang J , Humes DJ , Gemmil E , Welch NT , Parsons SL , Catton JA
Published: July 2013

Introduction

The high mortality and morbidity associated with resection for oesophagogastric malignancy has resulted in a conservative approach to the postoperative management of this patient group. In August 2009 we introduced an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway tailored to patients undergoing resection for oesophagogastric malignancy. We aimed to assess the impact of this change in practice on standard clinical outcomes.

Methods

Two cohorts were studied of patients undergoing resection for oesophagogastric malignancy before (August 2008 – July 2009) and after (August 2009 – July 2010) the implementation of the ERAS pathway. Data were collected on demographics, interventions, length of stay, morbidity and in-hospital mortality.

Results

There were 53 and 55 oesophagogastric resections undertaken respectively for malignant disease in each of the study periods. The median length of stay for both gastric and oesophageal resection decreased from 15 to 11 days (Mann– Whitney U, p<0.001) following implementation of the ERAS pathway. There was no significant increase in morbidity (gastric resection 23.1% vs 5.3% and oesophageal resection 25.9% vs 16.7%) or mortality (gastric resection no deaths and oesophageal resection 1.8% vs 3.6%) associated with the changes. There was a significant decrease in the number of oral contrast studies used following oesophageal resection, with a reduction from 21 (77.8%) in 2008–2009 to 6 (16.7%) in 2009–2010 (chi-squared test, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

The introduction of an enhanced recovery programme following oesophagogastric surgery resulted in a significant decrease in length of median patient stay in hospital without a significant increase in associated morbidity and mortality.
Continuing to influence
Authors: Williams Norman
Published: July 2013

I have discussed frequently in this column the need for the College and the surgical profession to influence the new healthcare landscape for the better. Our raison d'etre, as encapsulated in our strapline, is to advance standards and we can add to that another rider – promote excellence.
Orthopaedic Information on the Internet: 1998–2011
Authors: Saqib R , Jain NPM
Published: July 2013

The internet is a great source of information that has seen exponential growth over the last decade (Figure 1). In 1996 there were 100,000 websites on the internet compared with over 160 million in 2008. The number of people with access to the internet has also increased from 361 million in the year 2000 to nearly 2 billion in 2010. The internet is also used for various purposes other than obtaining information. Nevertheless, a study conducted by Bupa Heath Pulse found that nearly half of patients who search for medical information do so for the purpose of self-diagnosis.
Data Protection and the eLogbook
Authors: Vesey AT , Fitzgerald JEF , Lamb A
Published: July 2013

The pan-specialty surgical elogbook, maintained by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) on behalf of the four royal surgical colleges, is now the de facto tool for all surgical trainees. The colleges issued new terms and conditions at about the same time that general surgical trainees were obliged to transfer to the elogbook from the previously mandated intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme logbook. Some of the clauses within the terms and conditions gave rise to concern, and several trainees contacted the Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) to seek clarification.
Perception of Fatigue Among Surgeons During Night Shifts
Authors: Amirian I , Danielsen AK , Rosenberg J
Published: July 2013

It is well known that sleep deprivation induces fatigue and that fatigue induces impaired cognition. Studies have demonstrated that long work hours, restricted sleep, time pressure and high demands may cause impaired performance in physicians. Some studies have shown through laparoscopic simulation that surgeons, when deprived of sleep, take longer to perform the procedure, make more unnecessary movements with their instruments and significantly more mistakes. Surgeons with an opportunity for sleep of less than 6 hours on the previous on-call night shift had an 83% increase in risk of postoperative complications when working the following day.
Life on Mars: a personal OMFS comment on the oral surgery debate
Authors: Speculand Bernie
Published: July 2013

The April issue of the FDJ was devoted to a series of articles about the specialty of oral surgery (OS), relating to both work and workforce. A twin track response by UK oral and maxillofacial surgeons may be summarised as a feeling that the debate so far has been rather one-sided and has not included any contribution from oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and a feeling that the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) is less interested in and supportive of the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) than it used to be (regardless of whether this is true).
Presurgical orthopaedics/nasoalveolar moulding in cleft children: could you, should you, would you?
Authors: Cash Alexander C
Published: July 2013

‘Amalgam versus composite’, ‘wisdom tooth coronectomy versus extraction in toto’, ‘wet versus dry bonding’, ‘smooth versus rough implants’, ‘cortical screws versus Mini-plate osteosynthesis’ – there are controversies, myths and mystery in all areas of modern dentistry, even today, in this age of scientific evidence, best practice and big brother. In the cleft world, controversies also abound. In fact, fundamental questions remain unanswered: we still do not know what the best overall treatment protocol is for the child born with a complete unilateral bony cleft lip and palate.1 Little by little, however, the evidence base is enlarging. Centralised UK regional cleft services, knowledge of national and international outcomes, and research protocols all aid the plugging of these gaps in our knowledge, and help us to find the missing pieces of the cleft jigsaw.
The genus Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) in Manzanillo and Santiago Bays, Colima, Mexico
Authors: Rivera-Vilarelle María , Quijano-Scheggia Sonia , Olivos-Ortiz Aramis , Gaviño-Rodríguez Juan Heberto , Castro-Ochoa Fátima , Reyes-Herrera Alejandro
Published: July 2013

In this study, morphological characters were used to describe the diversity and seasonal variability of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia in a coastal region of the Mexican tropical Pacific Ocean. Eleven species were characterized from cultures and field material: Pseudo-nitzschia americana, Pseudo-nitzschia australis, Pseudo-nitzschia brasiliana, Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima, Pseudo-nitzschia cf. delicatissima, Pseudo-nitzschia dolorosa, Pseudo-nitzschia cf. fryxelliana, Pseudo-nitzschia micropora, Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata, Pseudo-nitzschia pungens var. aveirensis, and Pseudo-nitzschia subfraudulenta. The maximum diversity and abundance occurred in spring, in parallel with a local upwelling, whereas fewer species were detected in autumn. Among those analyzed, the only species to be detected throughout the year at several stations was P. cf. fryxelliana, whereas the rarest species in the study area was P. americana, which was detected only in the spring.
Endouterine hemostatic square suture vs. Bakri balloon tamponade for intractable hemorrhage due to complete placenta previa
Authors: Kavak Salih Burcin , Atilgan Remzi , Demirel İsmail , Celik Ebru , İlhan Rasit , Sapmaz Ekrem
Published: July 2013

Aim: To compare the efficiency of endouterine hemostatic square suture and the Bakri balloon tamponade in the treatment of bleeding due to complete placenta previa (CPP).

Methods: Thirteen patients with the diagnosis of CPP and intractable bleeding were randomly divided into two groups in a single blind study. Group 1 (n=6) included patients in whom endouterine hemostatic square suture was applied, while group 2 (n=7) included patients in whom Bakri balloon tamponade was applied. The two groups were compared according to the maternal outcomes, the duration of caesarean section, the preoperative and the postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit (Htc) values, the intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, as well as the newborn characteristics.

Results: The duration of operation and the amount of intraoperative bleeding were significantly higher in group 1 (time: 78.3±8.1 vs. 62.8±3.9 min; P<0.05; intraoperative bleeding: 1946±242 vs. 1520±92 mL; P<0.05). The postoperative 24th h Htc values were found to be significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (25.6±3.7 vs. 29.5±1.3 g/dL; P<0.05). The postoperative blood loss was higher in group 1 than in group 2. (351±70 vs. 120±56 mL; P<0.05).

Conclusion: There are two methods that are effective in preventing bleeding in CPP. However, the Bakri balloon tamponade may be a better alternative due to a shorter operation time and less blood loss.