bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innate immunity in vertebrates: an overview
Authors: Riera Romo Mario , Pérez‐Martínez Dayana , Castillo Ferrer Camila
Published: February 2016

Innate immunity is a semi‐specific and widely distributed form of immunity, which represents the first line of defence against pathogens. This type of immunity is critical to maintain homeostasis and prevent microbe invasion, eliminating a great variety of pathogens and contributing with the activation of the adaptive immune response. The components of innate immunity include physical and chemical barriers, humoral and cell‐mediated components, which are present in all jawed vertebrates. The understanding of innate defence mechanisms in non‐mammalian vertebrates is the key to comprehend the general picture of vertebrate innate immunity and its evolutionary history. This is also essential for the identification of new molecules with applications in immunopharmacology and immunotherapy. In this review, we describe and discuss the main elements of vertebrate innate immunity, presenting core findings in this field and identifying areas that need further investigation.
Cross‐sectional association between physical strength, obesity, periodontitis and number of teeth in a general population
Authors: Eremenko Michael , Pink Christiane , Biffar Reiner , Schmidt Carsten O. , Ittermann Till , Kocher Thomas , Meisel Peter
Published: February 2016

Aim

Muscle strength declines and gums recede with increasing age across the life course. Possible associations exist between handgrip strength as an indicator of physical fitness and periodontitis and number of teeth.

Material and Methods

Handgrip strength (GS), anthropometric measures, clinical attachment loss, number of teeth, C‐reactive protein and glycated haemoglobin were assessed in 2089 participants of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP‐2). Linear regression including interaction with age was used to estimate the association between clinical attachment level, number of teeth and GS.

Results

In multiple regression adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) each mm of diminished periodontal attachment was associated with reduction in GS by 1.47 kg (95% CI −2.29 to −0.65) and 0.38 kg (−0.89 to 0.14) in men and women respectively. Correspondingly, each additional remaining tooth was significantly associated with higher GS. Using handgrip strength relative to BMI as outcome, these relationships become even more apparent. Indicators of obesity such as BMI and WHR associated with both GS and periodontitis modulate the relationship between GS and periodontitis with a different impact between the sexes.

Conclusion

Periodontitis is associated with GS modified mainly by anthropometric measures related to adiposity and inflammation. Putative mechanisms encompass interactions of factors declining with increasing age.
Lipids implicated in the journey of a secretory granule: from biogenesis to fusion
Authors: Tanguy Emeline , Carmon Ophélie , Wang Qili , Jeandel Lydie , Chasserot‐Golaz Sylvette , Montero‐Hadjadje Maité , Vitale Nicolas
Published: February 2016

The regulated secretory pathway begins with the formation of secretory granules by budding from the Golgi apparatus and ends by their fusion with the plasma membrane leading to the release of their content into the extracellular space, generally following a rise in cytosolic calcium. Generation of these membrane‐bound transport carriers can be classified into three steps: (i) cargo sorting that segregates the cargo from resident proteins of the Golgi apparatus, (ii) membrane budding that encloses the cargo and depends on the creation of appropriate membrane curvature, and (iii) membrane fission events allowing the nascent carrier to separate from the donor membrane. These secretory vesicles then mature as they are actively transported along microtubules toward the cortical actin network at the cell periphery. The final stage known as regulated exocytosis involves the docking and the priming of the mature granules, necessary for merging of vesicular and plasma membranes, and the subsequent partial or total release of the secretory vesicle content. Here, we review the latest evidence detailing the functional roles played by lipids during secretory granule biogenesis, recruitment, and exocytosis steps.

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In this review, we highlight evidence supporting the notion that lipids play important functions in secretory vesicle biogenesis, maturation, recruitment, and membrane fusion steps. These effects include regulating various protein distribution and activity, but also directly modulating membrane topology. The challenges ahead to understand the pleiotropic functions of lipids in a secretory granule's journey are also discussed.

This article is part of a mini review series on Chromaffin cells (ISCCB Meeting, 2015)
Direct interaction of the resistance to inhibitors of cholinesterase type 3 protein with the serotonin receptor type 3A intracellular domain
Authors: Nishtala Sita Nirupama , Mnatsakanyan Nelli , Pandhare Akash , Leung Chun , Jansen Michaela
Published: February 2016

Pentameric ligand‐gated ion channels (pLGIC) are expressed in both excitable and non‐excitable cells that are targeted by numerous clinically used drugs. Assembly from five identical or homologous subunits yields homo‐ or heteromeric pentamers, respectively. The protein known as Resistance to Inhibitors of Cholinesterase (RIC‐3) was identified to interfere with assembly and functional maturation of pLGICs. We have shown previously for serotonin type 3A homopentamers (5‐HT3A) that the interaction with RIC‐3 requires the intracellular domain (ICD) of this pLGIC. After expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes RIC‐3 attenuated serotonin‐induced currents in 5‐HT3A wild‐type channels, but not in functional 5‐HT3AglvM3M4 channels that have the 115‐amino acid ICD replaced by a heptapeptide. In complementary experiments we have shown that engineering the Gloeobacter violaceus ligand‐gated ion channel (GLIC) to contain the 5‐HT3A‐ICD confers sensitivity to RIC‐3 in oocytes to otherwise insensitive GLIC. In this study, we identify endogenous RIC‐3 protein expression in X. laevis oocytes. We purified RIC‐3 to homogeneity after expression in Echericia coli. By using heterologously over‐expressed and purified RIC‐3 and the chimera consisting of the 5‐HT3A‐ICD and the extracellular and transmembrane domains of GLIC in pull‐down experiments, we demonstrate a direct and specific interaction between the two proteins. This result further underlines that the domain within 5‐HT3AR that mediates the interaction with RIC‐3 is the ICD. Importantly, this is the first experimental evidence that the interaction between 5‐HT3AR‐ICD and RIC‐3 does not require other proteins. In addition, we demonstrate that the pentameric assembly of the GLIC‐5‐HT3A‐ICD chimera interacts with RIC‐3.

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We hypothesized that pentameric ligand‐gated ion channels (pLGICs) associate directly with the chaperone protein RIC‐3 (resistance to inhibitors of cholinesterase type 3), and that the interaction does not require other protein factors. We found that the two proteins indeed interact directly, that the pLGIC intracellular domain is required for the effect, and that pLGICs in their pentameric form associate with RIC‐3. These results provide the basis for future studies aimed at investigating which motifs provide the interaction surfaces, and at delineating the mechanism(s) of RIC‐3 modulation of functional pLGIC surface expression.
Nursing home nurses’ experiences of resident transfers to the emergency department: no empathy for our work environment difficulties
Authors: Tsai Hsiu‐Hsin , Tsai Yun‐Fang , Huang Hsiu‐Li
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the experiences of nursing home nurses when they transfer residents from nursing homes to the emergency department in Taiwan.

Background

The transfer of residents between nursing homes and emergency departments challenges continuity of care. Understanding nursing home nurses’ experiences during these transfers may help to improve residents’ continuity of care. However, few empirical data are available on these nurses’ transfer experiences worldwide, and none could be found in Asian countries.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Data were collected from August 2012–June 2013 in audiotaped, individual, in‐depth interviews with 25 nurses at five nursing homes in Taiwan. Interview transcripts were analysed by constant comparative analysis.

Results

Analysis of interview transcripts revealed that the core theme of nursing home nurses’ transfer experience was discontinuity in nursing home to emergency department transitions. This core theme comprised three themes: discontinuity in family involvement, discontinuity in medical resources and expectations, and discontinuity in nurses’ professional role.

Conclusions

Nursing home nurses need a working environment that is better connected to residents’ family members and more immediate and/or easier access to acute care for residents. Communication between nurses and residents’ family could be improved by using text messages or social media by mobile phones, which are widely used in Taiwan and worldwide. To improve access to acute care, we suggest developing a real‐time telehealth transfer system tailored to the medical culture and policies of each country. This system should facilitate communication among nursing home staff, family members and hospital staff.

Relevance to clinical practice

Our findings on nurses’ experiences during transfer of nursing home residents to the emergency department can be used to design more effective transfer policies such as telemedicine systems in Taiwan and other Asian countries or in those with large populations of Chinese immigrants.
Tracking the elusive history of diversification in plant–herbivorous insect–parasitoid food webs: insights from figs and fig wasps
Authors: Kjellberg Finn , Proffit Magali
Published: February 2016

The food webs consisting of plants, herbivorous insects and their insect parasitoids are a major component of terrestrial biodiversity. They play a central role in the functioning of all terrestrial ecosystems, and the number of species involved is mind‐blowing (Nyman et al. ). Nevertheless, our understanding of the evolutionary and ecological determinants of their diversity is still in its infancy. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Sutton et al. () open a window into the comparative analysis of spatial genetic structuring in a set of comparable multitrophic models, involving highly species‐specific interactions: figs and fig wasps. This is the first study to compare genetic structure using population genetics tools in a fig‐pollinating wasp (Pleistodontes imperialis sp1) and its main parasitoid (Sycoscapter sp.A). The fig‐pollinating wasp has a discontinuous spatial distribution that correlates with genetic differentiation, while the parasitoid bridges the discontinuity by parasitizing other pollinator species on the same host fig tree and presents basically no spatial genetic structure. The full implications of these results for our general understanding of plant–herbivorous insect–insect parasitoids diversification become apparent when envisioned within the framework of recent advances in fig and fig wasp biology.
Disentangling visual and olfactory signals in mushroom‐mimicking Dracula orchids using realistic three‐dimensional printed flowers
Authors: Policha Tobias , Davis Aleah , Barnadas Melinda , Dentinger Bryn T. M. , Raguso Robert A. , Roy Bitty A.
Published: February 2016

Flowers use olfactory and visual signals to communicate with pollinators. Disentangling the relative contributions and potential synergies between signals remains a challenge. Understanding the perceptual biases exploited by floral mimicry illuminates the evolution of these signals. Here, we disentangle the olfactory and visual components of Dracula lafleurii, which mimics mushrooms in size, shape, color and scent, and is pollinated by mushroom‐associated flies.

To decouple signals, we used three‐dimensional printing to produce realistic artificial flower molds that were color matched and cast using scent‐free surgical silicone, to which we could add scent. We used GC‐MS to measure scents in co‐occurring mushrooms, and related orchids, and used these scents in field experiments.

By combining silicone flower parts with real floral organs, we created chimeras that identified the mushroom‐like labellum as a source of volatile attraction. In addition, we showed remarkable overlap in the volatile chemistry between D. lafleurii and co‐occurring mushrooms.

The characters defining the genus Dracula – a mushroom‐like, ‘gilled’ labellum and a showy, patterned calyx – enhance pollinator attraction by exploiting the visual and chemosensory perceptual biases of drosophilid flies. Our techniques for the manipulation of complex traits in a nonmodel system not conducive to gene silencing or selective breeding are useful for other systems.
Neuroethology as a translational neuroscience strategy in the era of the NIMH Research Domain Criteria
Authors: Krystal John H.
Published: February 2016

The article by Latzman et al. in the current special issue utilizes a novel dataset consisting of behavioral, brain, and genomic data from a sample of 76 captive chimpanzees to make the case that negative affective expression is influenced by variation in the gene coding for arginine vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A), in a sex‐linked manner. A novel feature of this study is the ethological approach employed by the authors, i.e., the use of scratching as a behavioral indicator of negative affective state. I comment on conceptual and methodological aspects of this work, and consider how it interfaces with the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework as described by Kozak and Cuthbert in their article for this issue.
Psychoneurometric operationalization of threat sensitivity: Relations with clinical symptom and physiological response criteria
Authors: Yancey James R. , Venables Noah C. , Patrick Christopher J.
Published: February 2016

The National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative calls for the incorporation of neurobiological approaches and findings into conceptions of mental health problems through a focus on biobehavioral constructs investigated across multiple domains of measurement (units of analysis). Although the constructs in the RDoC system are characterized in “process terms” (i.e., as functional concepts with brain and behavioral referents), these constructs can also be framed as dispositions (i.e., as dimensions of variation in biobehavioral functioning across individuals). Focusing on one key RDoC construct, acute threat or “fear,” the current article illustrates a construct‐oriented psychoneurometric strategy for operationalizing this construct in individual difference terms—as threat sensitivity (THT+). Utilizing data from 454 adult participants, we demonstrate empirically that (a) a scale measure of THT+ designed to tap general fear/fearlessness predicts effectively to relevant clinical problems (i.e., fear disorder symptoms), (b) this scale measure shows reliable associations with physiological indices of acute reactivity to aversive visual stimuli, and (c) a cross‐domain factor reflecting the intersection of scale and physiological indicators of THT+ predicts effectively to both clinical and neurophysiological criterion measures. Results illustrate how the psychoneurometric approach can be used to create a dimensional index of a biobehavioral trait construct, in this case THT+, which can serve as a bridge between phenomena in domains of psychopathology and neurobiology. Implications and future directions are discussed with reference to the RDoC initiative and existing report‐based conceptions of psychological traits.
Perioperative blood ordering optimization process using information from an anesthesia information management system
Authors: Rinehart Joseph B. , Lee Tiffany C. , Kaneshiro Kayleigh , Tran Minh‐Ha , Sun Coral , Kain Zeev N.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

As part of ongoing perioperative surgical home implantation process, we applied a previously published algorithm for creation of a maximum surgical blood order schedule (MSBOS) to our operating rooms. We hypothesized that using the MSBOS we could show a reduction in unnecessary preoperative blood testing and associated costs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Data regarding all surgical cases done at UC Irvine Health's operating rooms from January 1, 2011, to January 1, 2014 were extracted from the anesthesia information management systems (AIMS). After the data were organized into surgical specialties and operative sites, blood order recommendations were generated based on five specific case characteristics of the group. Next, we assessed current ordering practices in comparison to actual blood utilization to identify potential areas of wastage and performed a cost analysis comparing the annual hospital costs from preoperative blood orders if the blood order schedule were to be followed to historical practices.

RESULTS

Of the 19,138 patients who were categorized by the MSBOS as needing no blood sample, 2694 (14.0%) had a type and screen (T/S) ordered and 1116 (5.8%) had a type and crossmatch ordered. Of the 6073 procedures where MSBOS recommended only a T/S, 2355 (38.8%) had blood crossmatched. The cost analysis demonstrated an annual reduction in actual hospital costs of $57,335 with the MSBOS compared to historical blood ordering practices.

CONCLUSION

We showed that the algorithm for development of a multispecialty blood order schedule is transferable and yielded reductions in preoperative blood product screening at our institution.
MOLECULAR DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF V176G MUTATION ASSOCIATED WITH GERSTMANN–STRÄUSSLER–SCHEINKER AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURE
Authors: Jomah Ashraf Fadhil , Shamsir Mohd Shahir
Published: February 2016

The transformation of cellular prion protein (PrPc) into pathogenic conformer (PrPSc) in transmissible spongiform encephalopathy is expedited by mutations in the prion protein. One recently reported novel mutation V176G is located in region of the protein known to cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) but possess a unique neuropathological profile and spongiform alteration similar to Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker syndrome (GSS). Using molecular dynamics simulations; the denaturation of the prion structure with V176G at 500K was studied to identify the dynamics in structural properties such as salt bridge, solvent accessibility, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobicity. The simulations revealed that the heat-induced unfolding caused destabilization of the native structure of PrP and affecting the β-sheet region of the structure more than the α-helix. Unique salt bridge formation suggests conformational orientation that may be attributed to the V176G mutation. The mutation effects showed an increased fluctuation of the H1 region, gain of hydrogen bonds between H3 and H2 which may be part of the oligomerization pathway and determine the features of the PrPSc assemblies.
RICE HARVESTED AREA ESTIMATION MODEL FOR RAIN-FED PADDY IN MEKONG RIVER BASIN
Authors: TANAKA Kenji , YOSHIDA Koshi , MAEDA Shigeya , KURODA Hisao
Published: February 2016

In Mekong river basin, productivity of rice is still low and unstable because more than 70 % of paddy fields were classified as rain-fed paddy. In addition, future global climate change and land use change will make negative impact on rice production in this region. In order to analyze the stability of rice production quantitatively, it is important to consider the rice farming management such as strategy of rain-fed rice yield stabilization. This management was defined as control their acreage under rice cultivation depended on rainfall amount. In drought year, farmers abandoned some paddies to cultivate rice and collect rain water from abandoned paddies to planted paddies. In this way, statistic data of rice yield was more stable than that of harvested area. In this study, rice production model was developed combined with distributed type water circulation model. This model consists of three sub models, harvested area estimation model used of FAO-33, yield estimation model used of Monteith equations and FAO-56 and rainfall runoff model used of TOPMODEL. Developed rice production model was applied to Mekong river basin. Mekong river basin was divided in 10km mesh grids, and model simulation was conducted in 10km resolution from 1986 to 1995. Simulation result of rice harvested area, yield and production were verified with the statistic data of northeast Thailand. As a result, rice harvested area, yield and production was good agreement with statistic data, and especially error in rice yield was improved by considering the strategy of rain-fed rice yield stabilization.
EFFECTS OF FERROUS TOXICITY ON SEEDLING TRAITS AND ION DISTRIBUTION PATTERN IN UPLAND AND LOW LAND RICE UNDER HYDROPONIC CONDITIONS
Authors: Jahan Nusrat , Fauzi Norshila , Javed Muhammad Arshad , Khan Samiullah , Hanapi Siti Zulaiha
Published: February 2016

Environmentally, nutritional disorders are the major constraints due to the change in soil pH for rice crop cultivated under different irrigation system. Iron toxicity is one of the famous nutritional disorders caused by the excessive uptake of ferrous ion in low pH under aerobic conditions. This research study was focused to measure the effect of different levels of ferrous stress on seedling traits, distribution of ferrous, potassium ions in two upland rice and three lowland rice varieties. The mean comparison of growth parameters were formulated using least significant differences, as well as the experimental treatments were compared by analysis of variance. Varieties showed significant differences for growth parameters; however, lowland rice varieties like Pokkali and Firat exhibited the minimum deterioration in growth parameters. The root length was significantly reduced under ferrous stress in all varieties. Ferrous accumulation was high in roots compared to aerial plant parts and flag leaves exhibited the minimum accumulations. Reduction of potassium reflected in all plant parts when an increased in stress was imposed. Upland rice varieties were found sensitive compared to lowland rice varieties. It is therefore; concluded that the growth parameters would be a reflecting index for ferrous toxicity in rice. Furthermore, the availability and uptake of potassium is improved, it may minimize the effects of ferrous toxicity.
Efficacy of Schwann cell transplantation for spinal cord repair is improved with combinatorial strategies
Authors: Bunge Mary Bartlett
Published: February 2016

When cells (including Schwann cells; SCs) of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) could be purified and expanded in number in tissue culture, Richard Bunge in 1975 envisioned that the SCs could be introduced to repair the central nervous system (CNS), as SCs enable axons to regenerate after PNS injury. Importantly, autologous human SCs could be transplanted into injured human spinal cord. Availability of the new culture systems to study interactions between sensory neurons, SCs and fibroblasts increased our knowledge of SC biology in the 1970s and ’80s. Joining the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis in 1989 brought the opportunity to use this knowledge to initiate spinal cord repair studies. Development of a rat complete spinal cord transection/SC bridge model allowed the demonstration that axons regenerate into the SC bridge. Together with study of contused rat spinal cord, it was concluded that implanted SCs reduce cavitation, protect tissue around the lesion, support axon regeneration and form myelin. SC transplantation efficacy was improved when combined with neurotrophins, elevation of cyclic AMP levels, olfactory ensheathing cells, a steroid or chondroitinase. Increased efficacy meant higher numbers of axons, particularly from the brainstem, and more SC‐myelinated axons in the implants and improvement in hindlimb movements. Human SCs support axon regeneration as do rat SCs. Astrocytes at the SC bridge–host spinal cord interfaces play a key role in determining whether axons enter the SC milieu. The SC work described here contributed to gaining approval from the FDA for an initial autologous human SC clinical trial (at the Miami Project) that has been completed and found to be safe.

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Successful endovascular stroke therapy in a 103-year-old woman
Authors: Boo SoHyun , Duru Uzoma B , Smith Matthew S , Rai Ansaar T
Published: February 2016

People older than 80 years of age constitute the most rapidly growing age group in the world. Several trials confirming superior efficacy of endovascular therapy did not have an upper age limit and showed favorable treatment effects, regardless of age. Current American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines do not restrict treatment based on age as long as other eligibility criteria are met. A 103-year-old woman presented 2 h after stroke onset secondary to a left internal carotid artery terminus (ICA-T) occlusion. Admission National Institutes of Health Stoke Scale (NIHSS) score was 38, with no early ischemic changes on imaging, pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale score was 0, and she lived independently with minimal help. After initiation of intravenous thrombolysis, the patient underwent successful mechanical thrombectomy with Thombosis in Cerebral Infaction-3 recanalization. She showed remarkable recovery (NIHSS score of 1 at 48 h). Stroke onset to recanalization was 3 h 40 min. Our objective in documenting the oldest patient to successfully undergo stroke intervention is to corroborate that with the current evidence, appropriate patients undergoing rapid treatment may allow us to advance the limits of endovascular therapy.
Successful treatment of Sydenham's chorea with intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Boersma Nienke Anne , Schippers Herman , Kuijpers Taco , Heidema Jojanneke
Published: February 2016

We present a case of a 10-year-old girl diagnosed with Sydenham's chorea. Despite treatment with haloperidol and valproic acid for 2 weeks and antibiotics for 5 days, her symptoms continued to worsen. She became severely impaired in daily functioning, as she could barely speak or walk, experienced major feeding difficulties and required help with all daily activities. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Within 4 days, her symptoms started to improve and after 1-month she had fully recovered. This case reminds us that Sydenham's chorea can result in major functional impairment. There is some evidence on the beneficial effect of IVIG in the treatment of Sydenham's chorea, as is evident in our case. Therefore, IVIG should be considered as a treatment option in patients with severe chorea.
Pulmonary oedema, think beyond the heart even in the presence of severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Authors: Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Chowdhury Mohammad , Deaner Andrew , Farooqi Fahad
Published: February 2016

We submit a case of a young patient with known severe left ventricular (LV) systolic impairment who presented with recurrent flash pulmonary oedema (FPO) requiring multiple high-dependency care admissions. Despite extensive optimisation of his underlying heart failure, the presentations remained frequent. Investigations for alternative diagnosis were not approached due to the presence of LV impairment and compliance being questioned. However, deteriorating renal function prompted further investigation with multiple imaging modalities, and an effective diagnosis of bilateral renal artery stenosis secondary to an aortoiliac thrombus was made. At the point of diagnosis, it was felt that rescue of renal function was unfeasible and thus the patient was started on anticoagulation, with initiation of peritoneal dialysis planned. This case highlights the importance of considering alternative diagnoses for the presentation of FPO even in the presence of LV impairment. If this patient had received a prompter diagnosis it is possible that the outcome would have been different.
Immune recovery uveitis in a patient with previously undiagnosed cytomegalovirus retinitis
Authors: Rangel Carlos Mario , Prada Angélica M , Varon Clara , Merayo-Lloves Jesus
Published: February 2016

A 40-year-old man presented to the emergency service of the Department of Ophthalmology, Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander, Floridablanca, Colombia, with blurred vision in his right eye. Anamnesis revealed that he also had newly diagnosed stage C HIV. He had recently started highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Examination disclosed intraocular inflammation, along with plain white peripheral non-exudative lesions with sparse haemorrhaging. The differential diagnosis included cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and immune recovery uveitis (IRU). On follow-up, the patient's left eye presented with decreased visual acuity and increased vitreous haze. A vitrectomy with vitreous tap was performed for microbiological studies. PCR for CMV in the vitreous sample was negative. The patient was discharged with the final diagnosis of IRU. In HIV patients with uveitis, the knowledge of characteristic signs and symptoms of particular entities such as opportunistic infections and IRU will enable the clinician to give the appropriate treatment.
Genital vasculitis secondary to all-trans-retinoic-acid
Authors: Yanamandra Uday , Khadwal Alka , Nahar Saikia Uma , Malhotra Pankaj
Published: February 2016

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia is among the most curable haematological malignancies after the introduction of differentiating agents (arsenic trioxide (ATO) and all-trans-retinoic-acid (ATRA)). Despite excellent cure rates, approaching 85–95% in various series, APL is associated with significant early mortality and morbidity. ATRA-related side effects partly contribute to this morbidity, which commonly presents as differentiation syndrome, pseudo tumour cerebri, dermatitis, gastrointestinal disorders, liver dysfunction (raised transaminases) and dryness of skin/eyes. Rarely, ATRA can lead to hypercalcaemia, genital vasculitis, erythaema nodosum and Sweet's syndrome. We present two cases of ATRA-associated genital vasculitis while being managed with a combination of ATO with ATRA therapy. Both patients developed these lesions despite being on prophylactic steroids (0.5 mg/kg). We also discuss the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis and treatment of genital vasculitis as a rare adverse event of ATRA.
Catecholamine-secreting paraganglioma: the challenges of perioperative management
Authors: Shamil Eamon , Brennan Liam , Jani Piyush
Published: February 2016

An asymptomatic 48-year-old man presented with a right-sided neck mass. A CT scan demonstrated a lesion at the carotid bifurcation and an angiogram showed splaying of the carotid arteries. His plasma metanephrines were raised confirming a catecholamine-secreting paraganglioma. Metaiodobenzylguanidine single-photon emission CT showed focal high tracer uptake in the right of the neck. Histology revealed a tumour, arising within a nerve, composed of oval-shaped cells arranged in nested (zellballen) as well as in trabecular patterns. Immunohistochemistry was positive for neuroendocrine markers chromogranin A, synaptophysin and CD56. Preoperative management included an endocrinologist initiating α-adrenergic and β-adrenergic blockers. Intraoperatively, acute hypertension occurred whenever the tumour was manipulated. Close communication between the surgeons and the anaesthetist allowed for these episodes to be predicted and treated with fast-acting antihypertensives such as sodium nitroprusside. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well and his antihypertensives were discontinued.
Multiple carpometacarpal dislocations and an associated fracture of the hamate: an uncommon injury
Authors: Brinkman Jacobus Nicolaas , Hartholt Klaas Albert , de Vries Mark Rem
Published: February 2016

Dislocation of the four ulnar carpometacarpal (CMC) joints with a concurrent fracture of the hamate is a rare injury, with a paucity of published cases. A great force is required to dislocate a CMC joint. Diagnosis can easily be missed, due to other serious associated injuries. Appropriate treatment of CMC joint dislocations usually leads to excellent outcomes. We present a case of dorsal dislocation of the four ulnar CMC joints after punching a wall. The injury was treated with a closed reduction and percutaneous transfixation with Kirschner-wires. Despite the extensive injury, the functional result was good (full and painless range of motion) at 12 weeks of follow-up.
Resolution of norfloxacin-induced acute liver failure afterN-acetylcysteine therapy: further support for the use of NAC in drug-induced ALF?
Authors: Elliott Timothy Ross , Symes Tiffany , Kannourakis George , Angus Peter
Published: February 2016

Liver injury due to idiosyncratic drug reactions can be difficult to diagnose and may lead to acute liver failure (ALF), which has a high mortality rate.N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is effective treatment for paracetamol toxicity, but its role in non-paracetamol drug-induced ALF is controversial. We report on the use of a validated bedside tool to establish causality for drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and describe the first case of resolution of norfloxacin-induced ALF after NAC therapy. NAC is easy to administer and generally has a good safety profile. We discuss the evidence to support the use of NAC in ALF secondary to DILI and possibilities for further clinical research in this field.
Fatal acute necrohaemorrhagic pancreatitis with massive intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal bleeding: a rare cause of exsanguination
Authors: Querido Sara , Carvalho Inês , Moleiro Filipa , Póvoa Pedro
Published: February 2016

An otherwise healthy 37-year-old man was admitted to hospital with uncontrollable vomiting and abdominal pain. Lithiasic acute pancreatitis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms along with raised serum amylase levels and compatible findings in ultrasonography and CT scan. Two Ranson criteria (lactate dehydrogenase over 350 U/L and aspartate aminotransferase over 250 U/L) were present at admission. The patient was transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU); intravenous crystalloids were prescribed and analgaesics were administered for pain relief. Unexpectedly, 10 h after ICU admission, he presented a cardiac arrest with a non-defibrillate rhythm and died after 40 min of advanced life support. An autopsy was performed and revealed acute necrohaemorrhagic pancreatitis with massive intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal haemorrhage. This case report summarises the epidemiology, pathophysiology and risk factors for fatal bleeding acute pancreatitis.
Actinomycosis arising from the nasal cavity, with rare fatal progression
Authors: Sakuma Yasunori , Yamashita Yukiko , Shiono Osamu , Oridate Nobuhiko
Published: February 2016

Actinomycosis is a common treatable disease caused byActinomyces, and generally has a good prognosis. However, we report a fatal case of actinomycosis of the nasal cavity. A 54-year-old man, reporting of left nasal obstruction, swelling and sharp pain around the root of the nose, was referred to our hospital. Histopathological examinations led to a definitive diagnosis of actinomycosis, and oral antibiotics were administered in an outpatient setting. However, the patient discontinued follow-up at the outpatient clinic because of the adverse effects of intravenous delivery, and poor compliance with oral antibiotic therapy led to him receiving a less than adequate dose. Thus, in the absence of sufficient antibiotic treatment, necrosis gradually progressed in the lesion, and the patient died of multiple organ failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation caused by local infection.
Formation of a physiological reverse shoulder joint
Authors: Lerner Markus , Turkmen Ismail , Bernd Ludger
Published: February 2016

Congenital shoulder deformities are rarely seen in orthopaedic practice. Proximal humeral defects and glenoid hypoplasia have been reported separately in the literature. We present a case involving a 31-year-old woman having a cosmetic problem with her upper arm who was diagnosed with reverse shoulder joint deformity. This article presents the clinical, radiological and biomechanical findings of a physiological reverse shoulder joint. This is the first such reported case.
Simultaneous dislocation of both the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of a little finger
Authors: Abdelaal Ahmed , Edwards Tomos , Anand Sambandam
Published: February 2016

A 39-year-old man fell at work sustaining dislocation of both the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of his left little finger. The injuries were assessed and treated with closed reduction and stabilised by buddy taping. Early active range of movement was encouraged and a referral to physiotherapy was made. At the final follow-up, 4 months after the injury, he lacked subtle end of range movement actively, but functionally he was coping well and had made a full return to work.
Uncommon association of cerebral meningioma, parathyroid adenoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma in a patient harbouring a rare germline variant in theCDKN1Bgene
Authors: Bugalho Maria João , Domingues Rita
Published: February 2016

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 4 (MEN 4) is a novel form of multiple endocrine neoplasia caused by mutations in theCDKN1Bgene. Its clinical presentation includes MEN 1-related tumours such as parathyroid and anterior pituitary tumours in possible association with gonadal, adrenal, renal and thyroid tumours as well as facial angiofibromas, colagenomas and meningiomas. We describe the case of a patient with meningioma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, parathyroid adenoma and, additionally, Hürthle cell adenoma, cholesteatoma and uterine leiomyomas. Considering that this association could represent a MEN 4-like phenotype, we looked for germline mutations in theCDKN1Bgene. A rare heterozygous single nucleotide substitution c.397C>A was identified. Its role as a susceptibility factor remains to be established.
Reliability and Performance Analysis of Architecture-Based Software Implementing Restarts and Retries Subject to Correlated Component Failures
Authors: Li Xiao-Dan , Yin Yong-Feng , Fiondella Lance
Published: February 2016

High reliability and performance are essential attributes of software systems designed for critical real-time applications. To improve the reliability and performance of software, many systems incorporate some form of fault recovery mechanism. However, contemporary models of software reliability and performance rarely consider these fault recovery mechanisms. Another notable shortcoming of many software models is that they make the simplifying assumption that component failures are statistically independent, which disagrees with several experimental studies that have shown that the failures of software components can exhibit correlation.

This paper presents an architecture-based model of software reliability and performance that explicitly considers a two-stage fault recovery mechanism implementing component restarts and application-level retries. The application architecture is characterized by a Discrete Time Markov Chain (DTMC) to represent the dynamic branching behavior of control between the components of the application. Correlations between the component failures are computed with an efficient numerical algorithm for a multivariate Bernoulli (MVB) distribution. We illustrate the utility of the model through a case study of an embedded software application. The results suggest that the model can be used to quantify the impact of software fault recovery and correlated component failures on application reliability and performance.
A NEW CLASS OF FRACTAL INTERPOLATION SURFACES BASED ON FUNCTIONAL VALUES
Authors: CHAND A. K. B. , VIJENDER N.
Published: February 2016

Fractal interpolation is a modern technique for fitting of smooth/non-smooth data. Based on only functional values, we develop two types of [Formula: see text]-rational fractal interpolation surfaces (FISs) on a rectangular grid in the present paper that contain scaling factors in both directions and two types of positive real parameters which are referred as shape parameters. The graphs of these [Formula: see text]-rational FISs are the attractors of suitable rational iterated function systems (IFSs) in [Formula: see text] which use a collection of rational IFSs in the [Formula: see text]-direction and [Formula: see text]-direction and hence these FISs are self-referential in nature. Using upper bounds of the interpolation error of the [Formula: see text]-direction and [Formula: see text]-direction fractal interpolants along the grid lines, we study the convergence results of [Formula: see text]-rational FISs toward the original function. A numerical illustration is provided to explain the visual quality of our rational FISs. An extra feature of these fractal surface schemes is that it allows subsequent interactive alteration of the shape of the surfaces by changing the scaling factors and shape parameters.
Aligned Electrospun Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone/Poly ε-Caprolactone Blend Nanofiber Mats for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Charernsriwilaiwat Natthan , Rojanarata Theerasak , Ngawhirunpat Tanasait , Opanasopit Praneet
Published: February 2016

Electrospun nanofibrous materials are widely used in medical applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressing material and drug delivery carriers. For tissue engineering scaffolds, the structure of the nanofiber is similar to extracellular matrix (ECM) which promotes the cell growth and proliferation. In the present study, the aligned nanofiber mats of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) blended poly [Formula: see text]-caprolactone (PCL) was successfully generated using electrospinning technique. The morphology of PVP/PCL nanofiber mats were characterized by scanning electron microspore (SEM). The chemical and crystalline structure of PVP/PCL nanofiber mats were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffactometer (PXRD). The water contact angle of mats was investigated. Cell culture studies using normal human fibroblasts (NHF) were performed to assess cell morphology, cell alignment and cell proliferation. The results indicated that the fiber were in nanometer range. The PVP/PCL was well dispersed in nanofiber mats and was in amorphous form. The water contact angle of PVP/PCL nanofiber mats was lower than PCL nanofiber mats. The PVP/PCL nanofiber mats exhibited good biocompatibility with NHF cells. In summary, the PVP/PCL nanofiber mats had potential to be used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE
Authors: KUHL MARCOS ROBERTO , DA CUNHA JOÃO CARLOS , MAÇANEIRO MARLETE BEATRIZ , CUNHA SIEGLINDE KINDL
Published: February 2016

Economic activities, and more intensely the business environment, are being pressured to direct their actions towards sustainable performance, more specifically in its social and environmental facets. One of the alternatives to deal with these pressures is innovation. In this paper, we present results of a study conducted on the electrical and electronics industry operating in Brazil in order to examine the relationship between innovation and sustainable performance. The methodology adopted was the strategy of cross-sectional survey, conducted in 112 electrical and electronic manufacturing companies of all sizes and from all regions of Brazil. Data analysis was carried out mainly through Cronbach’s Alpha reliability analysis of scales, descriptive analysis of measures, and especially cluster analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The main results categorise the companies into more sustainable, less sustainable and relatively sustainable, according to their performance profiles. The study shows that the companies in the sample categorised as more sustainable are more prone to innovation and to be collaborative to innovation than the others. These results indicate the importance of the relationship between innovation and sustainable performance, as highlighted by Barbieri (2007), Barbieri et al. (2010), Carvalho and Barbieri (2010), Scandelari (2011) and Scandelari and Cunha (2011). But of greater relevance is the relationship between collaboration and sustainable performance. This fact has not yet been demonstrated empirically, but has been highlighted by Hartman, Hofman and Stafford (1999), Fadeeva (2004), Petzel, Archer and Fei (2010), Bos-Brouwers (2010), Murray, Haynes and Hudson (2010) and especially by Sarkis, Lamb and Brust (2010). The study contributes to the advancement of knowledge of the relationship between innovation and sustainable performance from empirical evidences, providing information on this relationship in Brazilian companies.
Dietary Cocoa Powder Improves Hyperlipidemia and Reduces Atherosclerosis in apoE Deficient Mice through the Inhibition of Hepatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Guan Hua , Lin Yan , Bai Liang , An Yingfeng , Shang Jianan , Wang Zhao , Zhao Sihai , Fan Jianglin , Liu Enqi
Published: February 2016

Cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids, which have many beneficial effects on human health, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the intake of cocoa powder has any influence on hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis and examine the underlying molecular mechanisms. We fed apoE knockout mice a Western diet supplemented with either 0.2% (low group) or 2% (high group) cocoa powder for 12 weeks. The groups fed dietary cocoa powder showed a significant reduction in both plasma cholesterol levels and aortic atherosclerosis compared to the control group. Analysis of mRNA profiling of aortic atherosclerotic lesions revealed that the expression of several genes related to apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and inflammation was significantly reduced, while the antiapoptotic gene Bcl2 was significantly increased in the cocoa powder group compared to the control. RT-PCR analysis along with Western blotting revealed that a diet containing cocoa powder inhibited the expression of hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress. These data suggest that cocoa powder intake improves hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, and such beneficial effects are possibly mediated through the suppression of hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Light and Electron Microscopic Studies on Prenatal Differentiation of Exocrine Pancreas in Buffalo
Authors: Gupta Divya , Uppal Varinder , Bansal Neelam , Gupta Anuradha
Published: February 2016

The study was conducted on pancreas of 24 buffalo fetuses collected from abattoir and Veterinary clinics, GADVASU, Ludhiana. The buffalo fetuses were divided into three groups after measuring their CVRL, namely, group I (CVRL between 0 and 20 cm), group II (CVRL above 20 cm and up to 40 cm), and group III (CVRL above 40 cm) and their approximate age was calculated. The tissues were processed for light and ultrastructural studies. In group I, at 1.2 cm CVRL (34 days), the pancreas comprised tubules and solid nest of undifferentiated epithelial cells. At 7.5 cm CVRL (63 days) acinar cells with zymogen granules were observed. These acinar cells varied in shape from columnar to pyramidal. At 12.8 cm CVRL (86 days), parenchyma began to organize into lobes and lobules. The centroacinar cells were observed at 12.8 cm CVRL (86 days). In group II, at 28.3 cm CVRL (137 days), there was extensive branching of tubules that resulted in highly branched ductal tree connecting exocrine secretary units to the duct system. The interlobular and intralobular ducts were well observed at this age yet the intercalated ducts were not completely developed. In group III, exocrine pancreas showed a massive growth at 48 cm CVRL (182 days) with distinct pancreatic lobes and lobules. At 54 cm CVRL (195 days), well developed pancreatic architecture was seen with the presence of extensive development of exocrine part organized in lobes and lobules with interlobular and intralobular ducts whereas the intercalated ducts were observed in 80 cm CVRL (254 days).