bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Helicobacter pylori in perforated peptic ulcer cases in a tertiary rural hospital
Authors: Sathanantham Dinesh Kumar , Dave Prakash , Beena P. M. , P. N. Sreeramulu
Published: November 2019

Background: Helicobacter pylori infections have proven to be associated with gastritis and peptic ulcer, adenocarcinoma, gastric lymphoma. But its association with peptic ulcer perforations has not been completely proved. This study is intended to find out the association and give clarity of the pathology. The objective of the study was to observe the presence or absence of H. pylori in perforated peptic ulcer disease by obtaining biopsy from ulcer margin for rapid urease test, giemsa staining as well as serological method (antibodies IgA and IgG)Methods: This is an observational non-blinded study carried out in all cases of perforated peptic ulcer reporting in surgical wards, Emergency Department of the medical college during 2016-2018. Biopsy was taken from the ulcer margin and the tissue was subjected to histo-pathological examination, rapid urease test and blood sample was sent for serological examination.Results: Of the 46 patients participated in our study, 41 (89.1%) happened to be male, 5 (10.9%) were female. Only 2.2% of the patients were positive for H. pylori and remaining 95.7% were negative for H. pylori. The difference in the age group and H. pylori infection was found to be not statistically significant (p>0.05).Conclusions: In our study, frequency of H. pylori in perforated peptic ulcer cases was found to be only 2.2% which proves that there may be other contributing factors in perforated peptic ulcer cases, which need to be further evaluated.
Effectiveness of Mannheims peritonitis index in predicting the mortality and morbidity in patients with hollow viscous perforation in GMKMCH, Salem
Authors: Mohan Padmalakshmi Bharathi , . Prakash , Periannan Kannan
Published: November 2019

Background: Successful management of peritonitis is a challenge to surgeons inspite of various advancements in medicine and surgical techniques. The outcome depends on various factors and early intervention. This led to the development of disease severity grading systems that would help grouping the patients by individual risk factors and appropriately predict possible outcome.Methods: The prospective study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, Salem. The study population included 100 patients presenting with perforative peritonitis in the emergency department. Preoperative data like age, gender, preoperative symptom duration and operative data like appearance of exudate, extent of exudates, source of sepsis where noted. Tissue biopsies were followed up. Duration of hospital stay and other postoperative complications were also noted. Patients were followed up till their discharge. The study end point was at patient’s discharge or death.Results: Among the patients who had the maximum score >29, 11%  of the patients belonged to age group beyond 50 years. Mortality was 7%. The specificity and sensitivity of morbidity prediction was 89% and 88.9% respectively. The specificity and sensitivity of mortality prediction was 91.40% and 100% respectively. Mortality was highest in patients with score >29.Conclusions: Mannheim peritonitis index is a simplified scoring system with variables that can be assessed preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively, to assess mortality and morbidity and instil appropriate treatment protocols which will bring out a positive outcome in the patients and increase survival rate.
Brachial artery injury in pediatric patients: review of management and outcome in 29 patients
Authors: Sharma Shobhit , Singh Vishwanath Pratap , Bera Sudipta
Published: November 2019

Background: The brachial artery is the most frequently injured artery in the upper extremity due to its vulnerability and commonly it is associated with road traffic accidents and occupational injuries. But brachial artery injury in pediatric age group is not very frequent as in adults and commonly associated with supracondylar fracture of humerus. They may present with or without features of ischemia. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential for salvage of limb in established ischemia. Obscure presentation of arterial injury poses challenge in early diagnosis and treatment. Repair of the injured artery in these cases is not clearly recommended. We are presenting a series of 29 pediatric brachial artery injuries and their outcome in our institute over the last 5 years.Methods: Twenty nine pediatric patients with brachial artery injury managed in our institute between 2014 to 2018 are assessed retrospectively for operative procedure and outcome.Results: Supracondylar fracture was the most common cause (55.17%). Ischemic and non-ischemic presentation was noted in 41.37% and 69.63% cases respectively. Artery repair was done in 17 (58.62%) cases. Primary repair and interposition vein graft repair was done 8 and 9 cases respectively. Among the 17 repaired artery good functional outcome with Grade 5/5 muscle power noted in 14cases. Amputation was done in two cases.Conclusions: Good functional recovery may be achieved in segmental injury repair with a vein graft. Though in closed injury without ischemic features artery may not be repaired, full functional recovery is possible due to collateral circulations. Obscure presentation detected and repaired early also has a satisfactory result.
Prognostic role of serum C-reactive protein in carcinoma oesophagus
Authors: Gupta Arun , Dall Tejinder Singh , Bansal Darpan
Published: November 2019

Background: Oesophageal cancer (EC) is the eighth most common cancer around the world. EC incidence and mortality are affected by geography. Eastern Asia, eastern and southern Africa has the highest rates, whereas Europe and North America show lower rates.Methods: The study was conducted on 30 cases of EC diagnosed in Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Sri Amritsar. The study was carried during period starting from January 2017 to June 2018. Serum C - reactive protein levels measurement was made in addition to the other routine investigations.Results: The sample consisted of 30 patients presenting with EC. Total number of males was 7 (23.33%) and there were 23 (76.66%) females. It was found in present study that the most common age group presenting with oesophageal cancer was 41-60 years followed by 61-80 years. It was also observed in the present study that majority of patients 15 (50%) were housewives. It was also observed that 17 (56.67%) of patients had more than 6 mg/l level of preoperative C-reactive proteins. Among the poorly differentiated histological grade patients 14 (73.68%) had high level of C-reactive proteins. Moreover hospital stay was also more among the patients having high pre-operative levels of C-reactive proteins (CRPs).Conclusions: The prognosis for patients with preoperative serum elevation of CRP was significantly more unfavourable than that for patients without serum CRP elevation.
Evaluation of awareness and perception of plastic surgery among general public at a suburban teaching hospital
Authors: Parthasarathi Karisni , Mahipathy Surya Rao Rao Venkata , Durairaj Alagar Raja , Sundaramurthy Narayanamurthy , Natarajan Praveen Ganesh
Published: November 2019

Background: The general public is usually unaware of the available services of a plastic surgeon. Thus, we are trying to identify the perceptions of the public towards plastic surgery in a setting of a suburban tertiary teaching hospital by means of a questionnaire and the results were analyzed.Methods: 250 people took part in this study of varying ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels and of either sex. These people were those visiting the different outpatient departments of our hospital. A short and simple questionnaire was devised in three languages of English, Tamil and Hindi. The questionnaires were analyzed and tabulated and the results were inferred.Results: 60.4% of the public think plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are the same. 69.6% of the public think that plastic is used in plastic surgery. 90% of them think that there will be no scars following plastic surgery and that plastic surgery is only for the rich and famous. 39.6% of them think that plastic surgery is a risky operation whereas 30.4% feel that there is no risk involved. 80% of the population voted that a common procedure like rhinoplasty is done by a plastic surgeon. 70% of the public think that getting plastic surgery is good. All the public have heard the term plastic surgery, while 84.4% of them think that plastic surgery is only cosmetic surgery. 79.6% of the population has heard of plastic surgery from radio and television.Conclusions: There has been a sudden surge of plastic surgery performed over the recent years but the public are not much aware regarding these procedures and we must educate them for the speciality to progress.
Perforation peritonitis: a clinical study regarding etiology, clinical presentation and management strategies
Authors: Sharma Sachin , Kaneria Rajeev , Sharma Ajay , Khare Aishwarya
Published: November 2019

Background: Generalized peritonitis as a result of gastrointestinal perforation is a common surgical emergency in India. The present study was conducted to understand the spectrum of perforation peritonitis in terms of etiology, clinical presentation, site of perforation, surgical treatment, postoperative complications, and mortality encountered at Shyam Shah Medical College and Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital Rewa (M.P.) India.Methods: The study was a prospective observational study conducted from July 2018 to June 2019 in the Department of General Surgery, S. S. Medical College and Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital Rewa (M.P.). A total of 280 patients with perforation peritonitis were included in the study and underwent exploratory laparotomy.Results: Out of 280 patients, there were 234 males (83.57%) and 46 females (16.43%). Most common affected age group was 21 to 30 years (19.64%). Doudenal perforation was the most common type (35%), which were mainly due to Acid peptic disease (48.92%) followed by Jejunal and Ileal perforations (34.95%). In our study, a variety of operative procedures were performed depending on the patients general condition, peritoneal contamination, site of perforation, gut viability, and surgeon’s decision. Wound infection was the most common complication (29.64%). Mortality rate was 7.5% (21 patients).Conclusions: Perforation is diagnosed on clinical grounds immediately as patient reaches emergency department, time lost due to delayed hospitalization affects the outcome of standard surgical procedure. Selection of appropriate surgical procedure and postoperative care is helpful in early and uneventful recovery.
Patterns and surgical outcome of neonatal small bowel obstruction: a single center experience from Ujjain, India
Authors: Agarwal Nitin , Agarwal Deepika , Pathak Deepali , Pathak Ashish
Published: November 2019

Background: Neonatal small bowel obstruction is the most commonly encountered paediatric surgical emergency worldwide and in India. The objective of this study was to study the prevalence and spectrum of neonatal small bowel obstruction.Methods: A retrospective chart review of all neonates aged between 1-28 days that underwent surgery for small intestinal obstruction between January 2017 to January 2019 at Department of Paediatric Surgery, R.D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain, MP. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect demographic, clinical and outcome related information. Exploratory laparotomy and type of surgical intervention was done as per the cause.Results: A total of 52 neonates (M: F ratio 1.74: 1) were included in the study. The most common clinical features were vomiting (92%), bilious vomiting (85%) and abdominal fullness (75%) and laboratory feature was leucocytosis (42%) and thrombocytopenia (31%). Most (66%) neonates presented between 2-7 days and belonged to rural areas (65%). The two most common final diagnosis were malrotation (56%) and intestinal atresia (23%). Associated anomalies were seen in 29% [vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities association (8%) and congenital heart disease (8%)]. The mean (±SD) duration to reach full feeds and duration of neonatal intensive care unit stay was 6.2±1.3 and 14.1 (±5) days, respectively. Complications were seen in 20% cases, most common being early bowel obstruction. A total of 6 (11.5%) neonates died in the post-operative period, 83% because of sepsis.Conclusions: Small bowel obstruction is common neonatal surgical emergency. Most common cause is malrotation and intestinal atresia. Neonatal sepsis is the most common underlying cause of death post-operatively.
Thyroid symptom scoring index: an auxiliary guide to thyroid function tests: a prospective comparative study from a general hospital in South India
Authors: Hussain Zahir S. , Rao Smitha S. , Jabamalai Ferdinant
Published: November 2019

Background: Thyroid disease has myriad manifestations. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and a paired determination of TSH and freeT4 would add to find out the degree of dysfunction with overutilization of thyroid function tests (TFT’s) as the symptoms are being overseen in the recent days. The objectives of the present study were to validate the clinical symptom scoring index for thyroid disorders using TSH and FT4.Methods: The clinical symptom scoring index consisting of 20 parameters was given to 110 patients presenting to our outpatient department with new onset thyroid-related complaints from June2018 to Spetemer2018. They were subjected to TFT (TSH and free T4) and classified accordingly. Statistical analysis was done and receiver operator curves (ROC) plotted.Results: The mean TSH for the 3 groups (hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and euthyroid) were 13.65, 0.31 and 1.7 mIu/ml respectively (normal value: NV-0.25-5). Mean FT4 were 0.58, 5.01 and 1.28 ng/dl respectively (normal value 0.82-1.51). Most frequent findings in biochemical hyperthyroidism were easy tremors (100%), tiredness (90%), palpitations (93%) and weight loss (75.6%). The clinical symptom scoring index had a sensitivity of 85% and accuracy rate of 86.76% with area under the curve (AUC) 0.865 on ROC analysis for the detection of hyperthyroidism. It had a 100% sensitivity and AUC 0.65 for hypothyroidism.Conclusions: The symptom scoring index for thyroid disorders was found to have good specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy rate when correlated with TSH and FT4 for the detection of hyperthyroidism. In the developing countries, these score indices can aid as auxiliary diagnostic tools, reducing the load on referral centers.
Endovenous laser ablation for great saphenous varicose veins
Authors: Goda Asser Abd El Hamid
Published: November 2019

Background: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is one of the most accepted treatment options for great saphenous varicose veins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety EVLA in a 12 months follow-up.Methods: Patients with symptomatic great saphenous veins (GSV) reflux were undergo EVLA. The outcome measures the efficacy and safety along the follow up period (12 months). The efficacy assessed by measuring the occlusion rate of the GSV by duplex and by measuring the improvement in the mean venous clinical severity score (VCSS) by clinical examination. The safety assessed by clinical examination to detect the complications.Results: The rate of complete occlusion in the main trunk of the great saphenous vein was 34/35 (97.1%) at 6 and 12 months. The mean VCSS scores improved significantly after the procedure at 6 and 12 months. Complications detected within 1st week as pigmentation in 3 patients, local hematoma in one patient, and paresthesia in one patient but all complications disappeared within 6 and 12 months.Conclusions: EVLA is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of varicose great saphenous.
Gastrobronchial fistula post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in immunocompromised patient
Authors: Al-Bogami Omar Hasheesh , Al-Zahrani Abdullah Saeed , Ali Bandar Idrees
Published: November 2019

Bariatric surgery is evolving worldwide nowadays. Postoperative complications are mainly represented by gastric leak reported range between 1% to 3.3%. The worse scenario of the leak post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a fistula. Many types of fistula were prescribed and one of the theses is gastrobronchial one. It has a catastrophic sequela if not diagnosed and treated efficiently early. It is difficult to manage either radiologically, endoscopically or surgically. No clear consensus yet for the standard of treatment for such complication especially if these patients are immunocompromised was the mortality will be very high. Therefore, we aim to contribute our successful approach to treating our patient. We report a case of a 27-year-old female who is obese with systemic lupus erythematous controlled medically underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. 6 months later she presented to the hospital with productive cough post-operative stenting and esophageal dilation was performed. 15 months post LSG patient presented with productive cough with green sputum, food particle, and left-sided chest pain. Endoscopic clip placement was attempted with no avail. The management of gastrobronchial fistulas involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation. In the absence of red flags, initial conservative management should be undertaken. When all else fail, surgery is the only route towards a permanent and definitive treatment. The need for further research and consensus is of utmost importance to guide future surgeons and to increase awareness among the medical community, due to its presentation under the facade of common symptoms.
Neonatal meconium ileus: a rare presentation
Authors: Hemachandran Sneha , J. Chaithanya , Kumar Anjala , Murthy Keshav , M. L. Girish
Published: November 2019

Meconium peritonitis is a non-bacterial, chemical inflammation of the peritoneum caused by antenatal or postnatal perforation of intestine by inspissated meconium. Surgery is necessary when signs of intestinal obstruction are present. The incidence of meconium peritonitis is about 1:30,000. Perinatal morbidity and mortality is about 80%. In the case of meconium peritonitis, the incidence of prematurity is 20-30 %. Author present an unusal case of meconium ileus with multiple ileal perforation leading to peritonitis.
An unwonted case of Meleney’s like abdominal wall necrotizing soft tissue infection
Authors: Rohith Gorrepati , Nelson Thirugnanasambandam , Vinodhini Pannerselvam , Sahoo Ashok Kumar
Published: November 2019

Poly-microbial infection leading to necrotizing soft tissue infection is known to cause fulminant sepsis resulting in significant mortality and morbidity despite aggressive medical and surgical management. We present a case of Meleney’s like synergistic gangrene of abdominal wall culminating in full blown sepsis and death in the background of penetrating injury to the abdomen. Our patient was a 36 year old female, who presented with a penetrating injury to the abdomen due to a road traffic accident resulting in a laceration over the anterior abdominal wall with evisceration of bowel and omentum. After initial resuscitation, patient was immediately taken up for exploration and multiple small bowel perforations were primarily repaired. Postoperatively, she developed severe polymicrobial infection at the laceration site which extended all over the abdomen. She was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics based on culture and sensitivity and serial debridement of necrosis was done. She developed ventral hernia during the course, which was complicated by necrosis of bowel which was managed by resection and anastomosis. Postoperatively, she developed multi-organ dysfunction due to sepsis and succumbed to infection. We imply on the necessity of innovative techniques and multidisciplinary approach for controlling sepsis and compensating the significant soft tissue loss due to widespread necrotizing infection.
Our experience with Amyand’s hernia
Authors: Gupta Brajesh , Hatwar Ghanshyam , Tiwari Charu , Gupta Shweta
Published: November 2019

Amyand’s hernia is a rare type of inguinal hernia with appendix as its content, which may be normal or pathological. We present our experience with Amyand’s hernia in 6 patients. A retrospective review of 6 cases with Amyand’s hernia that were managed over a 2-year period was done by reviewing the hospital records. The variables assessed and analyzed were demographic details, clinical presentation, management and follow-up. There were 4 children and 2 adults; male and female ratio being 5:1. The mean age of four children was 1.5 years; the two adults were 72 and 54 years of age. The duration of symptoms of inguinal hernia ranged from 1 month to one year; mean duration of irreducibility was 5.33 days (range: 2 days to 15 days). Five patients had symptoms of obstruction. All 5 patients with obstruction underwent emergency surgery. The sixth patient was posted for elective hernioplasty the next day. Appendix was inflamed only in one patient. The post-operative course was uneventful in all patients. The mean duration of hospital stay was 3.33 days. Only one patient had surgical site infection. Amyand’s hernia, thus presents with features of incarcerated right hernia. Pre-operative diagnosis is difficult. Intra-operatively, the surgical procedure needs to be individualized depending upon the pathology.
Pseudocyst presenting as pseudoachalasia
Authors: S. Nishanth , Jain Sudhir Kumar , Singh Chandra Bhushan
Published: November 2019

Achalasia cardia is a primary motility disorder of esophagus which is due to loss of ganglion cells in myentric plexus, etiology of which is unknown. The condition causes dysphagia due to failure of relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter. Pseudoachalasia is a similar disorder which occurs usually due to adenocarcinoma of the cardia and also due benign tumors at this level. We present a rare case of pseudocyst of pancreas extending into mediastinum which mimics as pseudoachalasia.
The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB): from a versatile transcription factor to a ubiquitous therapeutic target.
Authors: Yates Laura L , Górecki Dariusz C
Published: November 2019

The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) transcription factors regulate a plethora of cellular pathways and processes including the immune response, inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis and calcium homeostasis. In addition to the complexity of its physiological roles, the composition and function of this family of proteins is very complicated. While the basic understanding of NF-kappaB signalling is extensive, relatively little is know of the in vivo dynamics of this pathway or what controls the balance between various outcomes. Although we know a large number of NF-kappaB-responsive genes, the contribution of these genes to a specific response is not always clear. Finally, the involvement of NF-kappaB in pathological processes is only now beginning to be unravelled. In addition to cancer and immunodeficiency disorders, altered regulation of NF-kappaB has been associated with several inherited diseases. These findings indicate that modulation of the NF-kappaB pathways may be beneficial. However, our limited knowledge of NF-kappaB signalling hinders therapeutic approaches: in many situations it is not clear whether the enhancement or inhibition of NF-kappaB activity would be beneficial or which pathways to interfere with and what the required level of activation is. Further studies of the role of NF-kappaB are needed as these may result in novel therapeutic strategies for a wide variety of diseases.
Budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model to study oxidative modification of proteins in eukaryotes.
Authors: Lushchak Volodymyr I
Published: November 2019

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a well studied unicellular eukaryotic organism the genome of which has been sequenced. The use of yeast in many commercial systems makes its investigation important not only from basic, but also from practical point of view. Yeast may be grown under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The investigation of the response of eukaryotes to different kinds of stresses was pioneered owing to yeast and here we focus mainly on the so-called oxidative stress. It is a result of an imbalance between the formation and decomposition of reactive oxygen species increasing their steady-state concentration. Reactive oxygen species may attack any cellular component. In the present review oxidation of proteins in S. cerevisiae is analyzed. There are two connected approaches to study oxidative protein modification - characterization of the overall process and identification of individual oxidized proteins. Because all aerobic organisms possess special systems which defend them against reactive oxygen species, the involvement of so-called antioxidant enzymes, particularly superoxide dismutase and catalase, in the protection of proteins is also analyzed.
Relationship between the replicative age and cell volume in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Authors: Zadrag Renata , Kwolek-Mirek Magdalena , Bartosz Grzegorz , Bilinski Tomasz
Published: November 2019

Reaching the limit of cell divisions, a phenomenon referred to as replicative aging, of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae involves a progressive increase in the cell volume. However, the exact relationship between the number of cell divisions accomplished (replicative age), the potential for further divisions and yeast cell volume has not been investigated thoroughly. In this study an increase of the yeast cell volume was achieved by treatment with pheromone alpha for up to 18 h. Plotting the number of cell divisions (replicative life span) of the pheromone-treated cells as a function of the cell volume attained during the treatment showed an inverse linear relationship. An analogous inverse relationship between the initial cell volume and replicative life span was found for the progeny of the pheromone-treated yeast. This phenomenon indicates that attaining an excessive volume may be a factor contributing to the limitation of cellular divisions of yeast cells.
Peroxynitrite can affect platelet responses by inhibiting energy production.
Authors: Rusak Tomasz , Tomasiak Marian , Ciborowski Michal
Published: November 2019

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) strongly inhibits agonist-induced platelet responses. However, the mechanisms involved are not completely defined. Using porcine platelets, we tested the hypothesis that ONOO- reduces platelet aggregation and dense granule secretion by inhibiting energy production. It was found that ONOO- (25-300 microM) inhibited collagen-induced dense granule secretion (IC50 = 55 +/- 7 microM) more strongly than aggregation (IC(50) = 124 +/- 16 microM). The antiaggregatory and antisecretory effects of ONOO- were only slightly (5-10%) reduced by 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase. In resting platelets ONOO- (50-300 microM) enhanced glycolysis rate and reduced oxygen consumption, in a dose dependent manner. The ONOO- effects on glycolysis rate and oxygen consumption were not abolished by ODQ. The extent of glycolysis stimulation exerted by ONOO- was similar to that produced by respiratory chain inhibitors (cyanide and antimycin A) or an uncoupler (2,4-dinitrophenol). Stimulation of platelets by collagen was associated with a rise in mitochondrial oxygen consumption, accelerated lactate production, and unchanged intracellular ATP content. In contrast to resting cells, in collagen-stimulated platelets, ONOO- (200 microM) distinctly decreased the cellular ATP content. The glycolytic activity and oxygen consumption of resting platelets were not affected by 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. Blocking of the mitochondrial ATP production by antimycin A slightly reduced collagen-induced aggregation and strongly inhibited dense granule secretion. Treatment of platelets with ONOO- (50-300 microM) resulted in decreased activities of NADH : ubiquinone oxidoreductase, succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase. It is concluded that the inhibitory effect of ONOO- on platelet secretion and to a lesser extent on aggregation may be mediated, at least in part, by the reduction of mitochondrial energy production.
Activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and its relationship to markers of lipoprotein oxidation in healthy Slovaks.
Authors: Sumegová Katarína , Blazícek Pavel , Waczulíková Iveta , Zitnanová Ingrid , Duracková Zdenka
Published: November 2019

Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), when modified by free radicals derived from artery wall cells, induce atherosclerosis. In contrast to oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are able to prevent atherosclerosis through a protein with antioxidant properties, paraoxonase 1 (PON1). The purpose of this study was to explore the association between the activity of HDL-associated PON1 and circulating ox-LDL as well as to investigate the relationship between ox-LDL and parameters of lipid profile in thirty Slovaks aged 21-73 years because recent studies have presented controversial results concerning PON1 and its role in LDL oxidation. For determination of circulating ox-LDL sandwich ELISA was used and other lipid parameters were determined by routine laboratory analyses. PON1 activities were assayed by two synthetic substrates - paraoxon and phenyl acetate. Lipid peroxides were determined spectrophotometrically. Of the lipid parameters examined, ox-LDL level correlated positively with total (P < 0.0001) and LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001). Triacylglycerols (TAG) (P < 0.001), lipid peroxides (P < 0.01) and atherogenic index (AI = total cholesterol/HDL) (P < 0.0001) were also strongly correlated with ox-LDL. No inverse relationships were observed between ox-LDL and HDL-cholesterol or arylesterase/paraoxonase activities of PON1. Furthermore, it was found that ox-LDL (P < 0.01) and lipid peroxides (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in men than in women. PON1 arylesterase activity was marginally affected by sex. The results of this study suggest that the anti-atherogenic properties of HDLs are not directly related to their total concentration and that PON1 activity determined towards synthetic compounds (paraoxon and phenyl acetate) reflects no association with markers of oxidative stress. Furthermore, it follows from our results that men are more susceptible to developing atherosclerosis compared to women.
The role of hydrogen peroxide in regulation of plant metabolism and cellular signalling in response to environmental stresses.
Authors: Slesak Ireneusz , Libik Marta , Karpinska Barbara , Karpinski Stanislaw , Miszalski Zbigniew
Published: November 2019

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced predominantly in plant cells during photosynthesis and photorespiration, and to a lesser extent, in respiration processes. It is the most stable of the so-called reactive oxygen species (ROS), and therefore plays a crucial role as a signalling molecule in various physiological processes. Intra- and intercellular levels of H2O2 increase during environmental stresses. Hydrogen peroxide interacts with thiol-containing proteins and activates different signalling pathways as well as transcription factors, which in turn regulate gene expression and cell-cycle processes. Genetic systems controlling cellular redox homeostasis and H2O2 signalling are discussed. In addition to photosynthetic and respiratory metabolism, the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the generation of H2O2, which regulates plant growth, development, acclimatory and defence responses. During various environmental stresses the highest levels of H2O2 are observed in the leaf veins. Most of our knowledge about H2O2 in plants has been obtained from obligate C3 plants. The potential role of H2O2 in the photosynthetic mode of carbon assimilation, such as C4 metabolism and CAM (Crassulacean acid metabolism) is discussed. We speculate that early in the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis on Earth, H2O2 could have been involved in the evolution of modern photosystem II.
The genetic code--40 years on.
Authors: Szymański Maciej , Barciszewski Jan
Published: November 2019

The genetic code discovered 40 years ago, consists of 64 triplets (codons) of nucleotides. The genetic code is almost universal. The same codons are assigned to the same amino acids and to the same START and STOP signals in the vast majority of genes in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Each codon encodes for one of the 20 amino acids used in the synthesis of proteins. That produces some redundancy in the code and most of the amino acids being encoded by more than one codon. The two cases have been found where selenocysteine or pyrrolysine, that are not one of the standard 20 is inserted by a tRNA into the growing polypeptide.
In vitro DNA binding of purified CcpA protein from Lactococcus lactis IL1403.
Authors: Kowalczyk Magdalena , Borcz Barbara , Płochocka Danuta , Bardowski Jacek
Published: November 2019

During this study His-tagged CcpA protein purified under native conditions to obtain a biologically active protein was used for molecular analysis of CcpA-dependent regulation. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays it was demonstrated that CcpA of L. lactis can bind DNA in the absence of the HPr-Ser-P corepressor and exhibits DNA-binding affinity for nucleotide sequences lacking cre sites. However, purified HPr-Ser-P protein from Bacillus subtilis was shown to slightly increase the DNA-binding capacity of the CcpA protein. It was also observed that CcpA bound to the cre box forms an apparently more stable complex than that resulting from unspecific binding. Competition gel retardation assay performed on DNA sequences from two PEP:PTS regions demonstrated that the ybhE, bglS, rheB, yebE, ptcB and yecA genes situated in these regions are most probably directly regulated by CcpA.
A common cis-element in promoters of protein synthesis and cell cycle genes.
Authors: Wyrwicz Lucjan S , Gaj Paweł , Hoffmann Marcin , Rychlewski Leszek , Ostrowski Jerzy
Published: November 2019

Gene promoters contain several classes of functional sequence elements (cis elements) recognized by protein agents, e.g. transcription factors and essential components of the transcription machinery. Here we describe a common DNA regulatory element (tandem TCTCGCGAGA motif) of human TATA-less promoters. A combination of bioinformatic and experimental methodology suggests that the element can be critical for expression of genes involved in enhanced protein synthesis and the G1/S transition in the cell cycle. The motif was identified in a substantial fraction of promoters of cell cycle genes, like cyclins (CCNC, CCNG1), as well as transcription regulators (TAF7, TAF13, KLF7, NCOA2), chromatin structure modulators (HDAC2, TAF6L), translation initiation factors (EIF5, EIF2S1, EIF4G2, EIF3S8, EIF4) and previously reported 18 ribosomal protein genes. Since the motif can define a subset of promoters with a distinct mechanism of activation involved in regulation of expression of about 5% of human genes, further investigation of this regulatory element is an emerging task.
The involvement of protein kinase A in the immune response of Galleria mellonella larvae to bacteria.
Authors: Cytryńska Małgorzata , Zdybicka-Barabas Agnieszka , Jakubowicz Teresa
Published: November 2019

The role of protein kinase A (PKA) in the humoral immune response of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella larvae to live gram-positive bacteria Micrococcus lysodeikticus and gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli was investigated. The immune challenge of larvae with both kinds of bacteria caused an increase in fat body PKA activity depending on the injected bacteria. Gram-positive M. lysodeikticus was a much better inducer of the enzyme activity than gram-negative E. coli. The PKA activity was increased about 2.5-fold and 1.5-fold, after M. lysodeikticus and E. coli injection, respectively. The in vivo inhibition of the enzyme activity by a cell permeable selective PKA inhibitor, Rp-8-Br-cAMPS, was correlated with considerable changes of fat body lysozyme content and hemolymph antimicrobial activity in bacteria-challenged insects. The kinetics of changes were different and dependent on the bacteria used for the immune challenge of G. mellonella larvae.
Isolation and characterisation of crocodile and python ovotransferrins.
Authors: Ciuraszkiewicz Justyna , Olczak Mariusz , Watorek Wiesław
Published: November 2019

Transferrins play a major role in iron homeostasis and metabolism. In vertebrates, these proteins are synthesised in the liver and dispersed within the organism by the bloodstream. In oviparous vertebrates additional expression is observed in the oviduct and the synthesised protein is deposited in egg white as ovotransferrin. Most research on ovotransferrin has been performed on the chicken protein. There is a limited amount of information on other bird transferrins, and until our previous paper on red-eared turtle protein there was no data on the isolation, sequencing and biochemical properties of reptilian ovotransferrins. Recently our laboratory deposited ten new sequences of reptilian transferrins in the EMBL database. A comparative analysis of these sequences indicates a possibility of different mechanisms of iron release among crocodile and snake transferrin. In the present paper we follow with the purification and analysis of the basic biochemical properties of two crocodile (Crocodilus niloticus, C. rhombifer) and one snake (Python molurus bivittatus) ovotransferrins. The proteins were purified by anion exchange and hydrophobic chromatography, and their N-terminal amino-acid sequences, molecular mass and isoelectric points were determined. All three proteins are glycosylated and their N-glycan chromatographic profiles show the largest contribution of neutral oligosaccharides in crocodile and disialylated glycans in python ovotransferrin. The absorption spectra of iron-saturated transferrins were analysed. Iron release from these proteins is pH-dependent, showing a biphasic character in crocodile ovotransferrins and a monophasic type in the python protein. The reason for the different types of iron release is discussed.
Potentiometric determination of cysteine with thiol sensitive silver-mercury electrode.
Authors: Drozdz Ryszard , Naskalski Jerzy , Zabek-Adamska Anna
Published: November 2019

A potentiometric procedure for cysteine thiol group concentration monitoring in media generating free radicals was developed using a thiol specific silver-mercury electrode. Electrolytic deposition of mercury on a silver wire and treatment with 20 mM cysteine in 0.5 M NaOH were used to produce the electrode. A silver-chloride electrode in saturated KCl was the reference. A glass capillary with 1 M KNO3 in 1% agarose gel was the liquid junction. The electrode responded to cysteine concentration in the range from 0.01 to 20 mM yielding a perfect linear relationship for the dependence of log [cysteine] versus electrode potential [mV], with b0 (constant) = -373.43 [mV], b1 (slope) = -53.82 and correlation coefficient r2 = 0.97. The electrode potential change per decade of cysteine concentration was 57 mV. The minimal measurable signal response was at a cysteine concentration of 0.01 mM. The signal CV amounted to 4-6% for cysteine concentrations of 0.01 to 0.05 mM and to less than 1% for cysteine concentrations of 0.5 to 20 mM. The response time ranged from about 100 s for cysteine concentrations of 0.01 to 0.1 mM to 30 s at higher cysteine concentrations. The standard curve reproducibility was the best at cysteine concentrations from 0.1 to 20 mM. In a reaction medium containing cysteine and copper(II)-histidine complex ([His-Cu]2+) solution in 55 mM phosphate buffer pH 7.4 the electrode adequately responded to changes in cysteine concentration. Beside cysteine, the silver-mercury electrode responded also to thiol groups of homocysteine and glutathione, however, the Nernst equation slope was about half of that for cysteine.
Molecular cloning and expression analysis of a new gene for short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase 9.
Authors: Liu Shen , Huang Chaoqun , Li Dawei , Ren Weihua , Zhang Haoxing , Qi Meiyan , Li Xin , Yu Long
Published: November 2019

We report here the cloning and characterization of a novel human short-chain dehydrogenases/reductase gene SCDR9, isolated from a human liver cDNA library, and mapped to 4q22.1 by browsing the UCSC genomic database. SCDR9 containing an ORF with a length of 900 bp, encoding a protein with a signal peptide sequence and an adh_short domain. GFP localization shows SCDR9 protein concentrated in some site of the cytoplasm, but not in the ER. Expression pattern in eighteen tissues revealed that SCDR9 is expressed highly in liver. Soluble recombinant protein was successfully purified from Escherichia coli using pET28A(+) expression vector. Our data provides important information for further study of the function of the SCDR9 gene and its products.
COMPANY CREDIBILITY: A TOOL TO TRIGGER POSITIVE CSR IMAGE IN THE CAUSE-BRAND ALLIANCE CONTEXT IN INDONESIA
Authors: Desfiandi Andi , Suman Rajest S. , S. Venkateswaran P. , Palani Kumar M. , Singh Sonia
Published: November 2019

Purpose of study: This research aims to analyze the mediating effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) image in the effect of company credibility dimensions (trustworthiness and expertise) on participation intention, in the cause–brand alliance (CBA) context.

Methodology: The sample design which is used is purposive sampling with the sample criteria as the stakeholders of the University of Lampung, Indonesia. Data were collected by direct interview. Multiple regression analysis is used to test the hypotheses with 160 university’s stakeholders, using purposive sampling.

Result: The results show that trustworthiness and expertise have a directly positive significant effect on CSR image. However, expertise statistically has a greater positive significant effect on consumer participation intention toward the CBA than trustworthiness. This finding is contrary to the contrast-effect theoretical framework (Dean, 2003) and balance theory (Heider, 1958). Newly finding is that CSR image considered a mediating role in the effect of trustworthiness and expertise credibility on participation intention.

Implications: This implies that in the context of CBA, the company’s trustworthiness and expertise can be a more useful tool to trigger the positive CSR image in encouraging the stakeholders’ perception to buy the products and services or brand of the company implementing CSR, because CBA practices are considered as a genuine social cause, not as a promotion tool.

Novelty/Originality of this study: In this study, the collected data uses the cross-sectional design and the CBA context uses CBA practices implemented by agriculture, education service, beverage industry, and a bank stated-owned enterprise.
THE EFFECT OF JOB SATISFACTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT ON NURSES’ PERFORMANCE
Authors: A. Karem Mohammed , N. Mahmood Yazen , S. Jameel Alaa , Rahman Ahmad Abd
Published: November 2019

The purpose: The purpose of this study was to find the impact of organizational commitment and Job satisfaction on nurses’ job performance.

Methodology: The study conducted at the hospital of Ibn al-Athir and employed a quantitative method by structured questionnaires to collect the data. 200 questionnaires were distributed randomly and only 108 valid surveys likewise; the valid questionnaires have been analyzed by SPSS to exam the impact of organizational commitment and job satisfaction on job performance.

Findings: the results indicated there is a positive and significant impact of Job satisfaction on nurses' performance. However, the three components of organizational commitment, Affective Commitment, Continuance Commitment, and Normative Commitment have a positive and significant impact on nurse's performance. The findings of this research indicate that employees ' job satisfaction and organizational commitment components play a critical role in nurses' performance.

Implications: of this study to enrich the body of literature in the context of Iraq, which is suffering from a lack of studies related to nurses' performance.

Novelty: the study provided useful and valuable recommendations to hospitals to increase nurse performance in the context of Iraq.
Differences in International Guidelines Regarding EMDR for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Why They Diverge and Suggestions for Future Research
Authors: Dominguez Sarah , Lee Christopher W.
Published: November 2019

In the last 24 months, three separate practice guidelines for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have emerged from well-respected organizations that differed in the degree to which they recommend eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment. An international guideline was published by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and national guidelines were published by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE). ISTSS reported that EMDR was effective and as potent as the best available therapies we can currently provide. NICE was more circumspect, and APA suggested other treatments had a stronger evidence base. In this review we focus on how these differences emerged and highlight the role of the time when the analysis was conducted, differences in inclusion criteria, and errors in determining appropriate measures. The 2017 APA guidelines were found to have the least validity when all these factors were considered. However, the fact that evaluating EMDR research is susceptible to such variations in methodology highlights certain research priorities that are then discussed.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing for Children and Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Narrative Review
Authors: Barron Ian G. , Bourgaize Caitlin , Lempertz Daniela , Swinden Colleen , Darker-Smith Susan
Published: November 2019

There is currently a limited number of studies into the efficacy of eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with children and adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study utilizes a systematic narrative review of methodologies and findings of previous literature reviews and meta-analyses as well as analyzing randomized control trials (RCTs) conducted from 2002 to 2018. Following initial scoping of the extent of studies, two systematic literature searches were conducted, firstly for literature reviews and secondly for recent RCTs. Nine databases were utilized. Eight reviews and seven RCTs were identified and analyzed for quality of methodology and outcome as measured by impact on PTSD symptoms. EMDR was found to be efficacious in reducing children's PTSD symptoms compared to waitlist conditions, with similar outcomes to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). EMDR was effective with both single-event trauma as well as cumulative trauma such as sexual abuse. EMDR was equally effective with girls and boys as well as children from different cultures. EMDR achieved medium to large effect sizes. Reductions in PTSD were maintained at 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. In conclusion, EMDR was consistently found to be an efficacious treatment for children with PTSD. Recommendations are made for future practice and research.