bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ubiquitin Ligase RNF125 Targets Innate Immune Adaptor Protein TRIM14 for Ubiquitination and Degradation
Authors: Jia Xue , Zhou Hongli , Wu Chao , Wu Qiankun , Ma Shichao , Wei Congwen , Cao Ye , Song Jingdong , Zhong Hui , Zhou Zhuo , Wang Jianwei
Published: May 2017

Tripartite motif-containing 14 (TRIM14) is a mitochondrial adaptor that facilitates innate immune signaling. Upon virus infection, the expression of TRIM14 is significantly induced, which stimulates the production of type-I IFNs and proinflammatory cytokines. As excessive immune responses lead to harmful consequences, TRIM14-mediated signaling needs to be tightly balanced. In this study, we identify really interesting new gene–type zinc finger protein 125 (RNF125) as a negative regulator of TRIM14 in the innate antiviral immune response. Overexpression of RNF125 inhibits TRIM14-mediated antiviral response, whereas knockdown of RNF125 has the opposite effect. RNF125 interacts with TRIM14 and acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase that catalyzes TRIM14 ubiquitination. RNF125 promotes K48-linked polyubiquitination of TRIM14 and mediates its degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Consequently, wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblasts show significantly reduced TRIM14 protein levels in late time points of viral infection, whereas TRIM14 protein is retained in RNF125-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Collectively, our data suggest that RNF125 plays a new role in innate immune response by regulating TRIM14 ubiquitination and degradation.
Transcriptional Heterogeneity of Mast Cells and Basophils upon Activation
Authors: Chhiba Krishan D. , Hsu Chia-Lin , Berdnikovs Sergejs , Bryce Paul J.
Published: May 2017

Mast cells and basophils are developmentally related cells whose activation is a hallmark of allergy. Functionally, mast cells and basophils overlap in their ability to produce several mediators, including histamine and granule proteases, but studies have increasingly demonstrated nonredundant roles. To characterize the transcriptional heterogeneity of mast cells and basophils upon their activation, we performed large-scale comparative microarrays of murine bone marrow–derived mast cells and bone marrow–derived basophils (BMBs) at rest, upon an adaptive-type activation (IgE cross-linking), or upon an innate-type activation (IL-33 stimulation). Hierarchical clustering demonstrated that bone marrow–derived mast cells and BMBs shared specific activation-associated transcriptional signatures but differed in other signatures both between cell type and between activation mode. In bone marrow–derived mast cells, IgE cross-linking upregulated 785 genes, including Egr2, Ccl1, and Fxyd6, whereas IL-33 stimulation induced 823 genes, including Ccl1, Egr2, and Il1b. Focused bioinformatics pathway analysis demonstrated that IgE activation aligned with processes such as oxidative phosphorylation, angiogenesis, and the p53 pathway. The IL-33–activated transcriptome was enriched in genes commonly altered by NF-κB in response to TNF, by IL-6 via STAT3, and in response to IFN-γ. Furthermore, BMBs activated via IgE cross-linking selectively induced immune response genes Ccl1, Il3, and Il2 compared with IL-33–stimulated BMBs. Principal-component analysis revealed key cell- and activation-specific clustering. Overall, our data demonstrate that mast cells and basophils have cell- and activation-specific transcriptional responses and suggest that context-specific gene networks and pathways may shape how the immune system responds to allergens and innate cytokines.
A Schistosoma japonicum Infection Promotes the Expansion of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells by Activating the JAK/STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Yang Quan , Qiu Huaina , Xie Hongyan , Qi Yanwei , Cha Hefei , Qu Jiale , Wang Mei , Feng Yuanfa , Ye Xin , Mu Jianbing , Huang Jun
Published: May 2017

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a heterogeneous group of immune cells from the myeloid lineage, play an important part in suppression of host immune responses during many pathologic conditions, including cancer and infectious diseases. Thus, understanding the functional diversity of these cells as well as the underlying mechanisms is crucial for the development of disease control strategies. The role of MDSCs during Schistosoma japonicum infection, however, is not clear, and there is a lack of systematic study so far. In this study, we provide strong evidence that the soluble egg Ag (SEA) and schistosome worm Ag (SWA) of S. japonicum enhance the accumulation of MDSCs. Ag-induced MDSCs have more potent suppressive effects on T cell responses than do control MDSCs in both in vivo S. japonicum infection and in vitro SEA- and SWA-treated mouse bone marrow cells experiments. Interestingly, the enhanced suppressive activity of MDSCs by Ag administration was coupled with a dramatic induction of the NADPH oxidase subunits gp91phox and p47phox and was dependent on the production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed that the Ag effects are mediated by JAK/STAT3 signaling. Inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation by the JAK inhibitor JSI-124 almost completely abolished the Ag effects on the MDSCs. In summary, this study sheds new light on the immune modulatory role of SEA and SWA and demonstrates that the expansion of MDSCs may be an important element of a cellular network regulating immune responses during S. japonicum infection.
Role of Clinical, Biochemical, and Imaging Parameters in predicting the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Zerem Dina , Zerema Omar , Zerem Enver
Published: May 2017

Aim

The assessment of the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) is important for proper management of the disease and for its prognosis. The aim was to correlate clinical, biochemical, and imaging diagnostic parameters and evaluate their prognostic values in the early assessment of severity of AP.

Materials and methods

We prospectively studied 128 consecutive patients with AP. The predictors were clinical, biochemical, and imaging diagnostic parameters. The outcome measure was the occurrence of complications. Abdominal sonogram, contrast-enhanced computer tomography, and pancreatitis-specific clinical and laboratory findings were done.

Results

According to the Atlanta classification, 84 patients (65.6%) had mild and 44 (34.4%) had severe AP. The severity markers were significantly different between the mild and the severe groups (p < 0.001). Leukocyte count, serum albumin level, C-reactive protein (CRP), Ranson, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), and Glasgow score were the factors associated with radiological severity grade. Leukocyte count, CRP, Ranson score, APACHE II, and Glasgow score were the factors associated with the number and appearance of acute fluid collections (AFCs). A significant association was found between the number of AFCs and the occurrence of complications [odds ratio 4.4; 95% confidence interval 2.5–7.6]. Hospital stay was significantly longer in the group with severe disease as compared with the group with mild disease (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Clinical, biochemical, and imaging diagnostic parameters are related to the clinical course of AP and they can predict its severity. This allows us to determine the severity of the disease and to target the patients with high scores for close monitoring and more aggressive intervention.

How to cite this article

Zerem D, Zerem O, Zerem E. Role of Clinical, Biochemical, and Imaging Parameters in predicting the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):1-5.
Association of Severity of Helicobacter pylori Infection with Peripheral Blood Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Mean Platelet Volume
Authors: Guclu Mustafa , Agan A Faruq
Published: May 2017

Aim

To determine the correlation of Helicobacter pylori infection with peripheral blood neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV).

Materials and methods

The NLR, MPV, platelets, leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were calculated and the differences between groups were investigated.

Results

A total of 199 patients were included in the study. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was statistically lower in H. pylori-positive patients than in H. pylori-negative patients (1.94 ± 0.79 vs 2.67 ± 2.35 respectively, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference between H. pylori-negative patients and H. pylori-positive patients of severe intensity in terms of MPV. However, peripheral blood lymphocytes and platelets were statistically significantly higher in H. pylori-positive patients of severe intensity (lymphocytes 2150 ± 826 vs 2954 ± 2436 respectively, p = 0.000 and platelets 258247 ± 69494 vs 265611 ± 113397 respectively, p = 0.02) compared with H. pylori-negative patients.

Conclusion

A moderate increase in the intensity of H. pylori does not lead to a significant change in MPV as measured by hemogram; however, it gives rise to a statistically significant fall in NLR. Presence of severe H. pylori-positive intensity leads to a statistically significant increase in peripheral blood lymphocytes and platelets compared with H. pylori-negative patients.

How to cite this article

Guclu M, Agan AF. Association of Severity of Helicobacter pylori Infection with Peripheral Blood Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Mean Platelet Volume. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):11-16.
Management of Liver Abscess in Children: Our Experience
Authors: Waghmare Mukta , Shah Hemanshi , Tiwari Charu , Khedkar Kiran , Gandhi Suraj
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Liver abscess is common in pediatric population in India. Children have unique set of predisposing factors and clinical features. Liver abscesses are infectious, space-occupying lesions in the liver; the two most common abscesses being pyogenic and amebic. Its severity depends on the source of the infection and the underlying condition of the patient.

Materials and methods

A total of 34 patients less than 12 years were assessed in a retrospective study from January 2012 to 2016. Patients were assessed in terms of age of presentation, etiology, bacteriology, diagnosis, and modality of treatment.

Results

The mean age of presentation was 6.3 years. Average volume of abscess was 164 cc. Nine patients (26.4%) underwent percutaneous needle aspiration under ultrasound guidance with wide bore needle (18 G disposable needle). Three patients required more than two sittings of aspiration. Patients with volume more than 80 cc were treated with catheter drainage. Twenty patients (58.8%) underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheter drainage. Two patients required catheter drainage for large abscess and needle aspiration for the smaller abscess.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial therapy along with percutaneous drainage constitutes the mainstay of treatment, whereas open surgical drainage should be reserved for selected cases.

How to cite this article

Waghmare M, Shah H, Tiwari C, Khedkar K, Gandhi S. Management of Liver Abscess in Children: Our Experience. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):23-26.
Prediction of Sustained Virological Response to Peginterferon-based Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C: Regression Analysis of a Cohort from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Picon Rafael V , Fendt Lúcia , Amaral Karine , D Picon Paulo
Published: May 2017

Aim

Peginterferon plus ribavirin (peg-IFN/RBV) is still the standard of care for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in many countries. Given the high toxicity of this regimen, our study aimed to develop a prediction tool that can identify which patients are unlikely to benefit from peg-IFN/RBV and could thus postpone treatment in favor of new-generation direct-acting antivirals.

Materials and methods

Binary regression was performed using demographic, clinical, and laboratory covariates and sustained virological response (SVR) outcomes from a prospective cohort of individuals referred for therapy from 2003 to 2008 in a public HCV treatment center in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Results

Of the 743 participants analyzed, 489 completed 48 weeks of treatment (65.8%). A total of 202 of those who completed peg-IFN/RBV therapy achieved SVR (27.2% responders), 196 did not (26.4%), and 91 had missing viral load (VL) at week 72 (12.2% loss to follow-up). The remainder discontinued therapy (n = 254 [34.2%]), 78 (30.7%) doing so due to adverse effects. Baseline covariates included in the regression model were sex, age, human immunodeficiency virus, infection status, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, hemoglobin, platelets, serum creatinine, prothrombin time, pretreatment VL, cirrhosis on liver biopsy, and treatment naivety. A predicted SVR of 17.9% had 90.0% sensitivity for detecting true nonresponders. The negative likelihood ratio at a predicted SVR of 17.9% was 0.16, and the negative predictive value was 92.6%.

Conclusion

Easily obtainable variables can identify patients that will likely not benefit from peg-IFN-based therapy. This prediction model might be useful to clinicians.

Clinical significance

To our knowledge, this is the only prediction tool that can reliably help clinicians to postpone peg-IFN/RBV therapy for HCV genotype 1 patients.

How to cite this article

Picon RV, Fendt L, Amaral K, Picon PD. Prediction of Sustained Virological Response to Peginterferon-based Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C: Regression Analysis of a Cohort from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):27-33.
Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Risk Factors of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children
Authors: Ozbey Gokben , Hanafiah Alfizah
Published: May 2017

H. pyloriinfection is a global public health problem associated with some gastrointestinal diseases in children, especially in developing countries, since prevalence ofH. pyloriis low in the developed world. Both noninvasive (stool antigen test, urea breath test, and blood test) and invasive (histology, rapid urease test, and microbiological culture) tests have been utilized to detectH. pyloriinfection. However, a single test is not reliable enough and does not provide accurate enough data to determineH. pyloriinfection among children. Risk factors ofH. pyloriinfection in children were related to ethnicities, household properties, geographic location, living conditions, water sources, type of housing, presence/absence of sewage systems, and garbage collection within the living environment. These risk factors were usually associated with the socioeconomic status of the family. This review article aims to determine the gaps in the knowledge of the epidemiology, risk factors, and diagnostic tests ofH. pyloriinfection among children.

How to cite this article

Ozbey G, Hanafiah A. Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Risk Factors ofHelicobacter pyloriInfection in Children. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):34-39.
Hepatitis Action Plan and Changing Trend of Liver Disease in Japan: Viral Hepatitis and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Kanto Tatsuya , Yoshio Sachiyo
Published: May 2017

In Japan, the estimated number of chronic hepatitis B virus infections was 1.1 to 1.4 million, and that of chronic hepatitis C virus was 1.9 to 2.3 million in 2000. The mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma had been increasing and hit the peak at around 2002, which subsequently started to decrease. Japan has a national action plan for addressing viral hepatitis called Basic Act on Hepatitis Measures, established in 2009. In 2011, basic guidelines for promotion of control measures for hepatitis were issued, comprising nine principles in order to promote measures to prevent hepatitis B and C. According to these guidelines, national and local governments share screening costs for testing hepatitis B and C in residents who are over 40 years old. Thus, out-of-pocket expenses from examinees are nil or reduced to the minimum. In addition, for patients with chronic hepatitis B or C and on treatment, drug prices of nucleotide analogs, interferon (IFN) treatment, or IFN-free direct antiviral agents along with examination expenses should be covered by special programs for viral hepatitis. The national and local governments cover the amount in excess of 100 to 200 USD of the cost of treatment. The proportion of liver cancer with nonviral etiology has been increasing in Japan. For the screening and follow-up of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, we demonstrated that interleukin 34 is a feasible fibrosis marker. Several advantages have prevailed in the Japanese health care systems for patients with viral liver disease compared with those in countries in the Western Pacific region. Therefore, Japan should take a lead in helping the implementation of practical hepatitis action plans in every country when in need.

How to cite this article:

Kanto T, Yoshio S. Hepatitis Action Plan and Changing Trend of Liver Disease in Japan: Viral Hepatitis and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):60-64.
Chronic Viral Hepatitis in Malaysia: “Where are we now?”
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Radzi Abu , Said Rosaida Md
Published: May 2017

Malaysia is a country where an estimated 1 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and an estimated 2.5% of the adult population are positive for antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Effective nationwide vaccine coverage seems to be a highly effective measure to prevent new HBV infection. Treatment of HCV infection is also a regular practice in Malaysia. These measures highlight the possibility to reach the World Health Organization elimination target by 2030. To achieve this target, the Health Ministry and other nongovernmental organizations, such as My Commitment to Cure (MyC2C) are working together to develop a strategic road map to reach the global elimination target in Malaysia by 2030.

How to cite this article:

Raihan R, Mohamed R, Hasan MRA, Rosaida MS. Chronic Viral Hepatitis in Malaysia: “Where are we now?” Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):65-67.
Viral Hepatitis and Liver Diseases in Mongolia
Authors: Baatarkhuu Oidov , Uugantsetseg G , Munkh-Orshikh D , Naranzul N , Badamjav S , Tserendagva D , Amarsanaa J , Young Kim Do
Published: May 2017

Mongolia is known for its high endemicity for viral hepatitis. Previous studies report that the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is 11.8% (178/1,512) among the unvaccinated population in 13 provinces and Ulaanbaatar city. The serosurvey of adults (≥20 years of age) conducted during 2013 among persons in four provinces and in Ulaanbaatar showed that the overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity was 10.6%. The overall prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV ribonucleic acid among 1,512 apparently healthy subjects was 15.6% (236/1,512) and 11.0% (167/1,512) respectively.

In a previous study, we reported on the prevalence of HBV, HDV, and HCV infections in 110 consecutive patients presenting with acute hepatitis at eight city hospitals in Ulaanbaatar. In that study, 16.4, 32.7, 6.4, 1.8, and 27.3% of the patients were diagnosed as having acute hepatitis due to hepatitis A, B, C, HBV/HDV coinfection, and superinfection respectively. In the current study (2012–2014), results show that acute hepatitis A, B, C, and D was diagnosed in 47.9, 40.7, 5.3, and 9% respectively.

 Chronic HBV and HCV infections, which are associated with cancer and cirrhosis respectively, are responsible for 95% of liver cancers in Mongolia. The most common etiology for hepatocellular carcinoma was HCV infection (n = 89, 45.6%), followed by HBV infection (n = 67, 34.4%).

How to cite this article:

Baatarkhuu O, Uugantsetseg G, Munkh-Orshikh D, Naranzul N, Badamjav S, Tserendagva D, Amarsanaa J, Young KD. Viral Hepatitis and Liver Diseases in Mongolia. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):68-72.
Successful Conservative Management of Spontaneous Antegrade Migration of Feeding Jejunostomy
Authors: Krishnamurthy Gautham , Singh Harjeet , Singh Rajinder
Published: May 2017

Successful conservative management of spontaneous antegrade migration of feeding jejunostomy of a patient with dysphagia due to carcinoma of nasopharynx is reported.

How to cite this article:

Krishnamurthy G, Pandit N, Singh H, Singh R. Successful Conservative Management of Spontaneous Antegrade Migration of Feeding Jejunostomy. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):84-86.
Persistent Elevation of CA 19-9 Levels in the Long-term Follow-up before Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Karakaya Fatih , Karaeren Zihni , Perçinel Sibel
Published: May 2017

Introduction

CA 19-9 is used as a tumor marker in colon, pancreas, biliary, and gastric cancers. Laryngeal cancer is the most common malignant epithelial tumor among head and neck cancers and has no specific tumor marker.

Case report

A 66-year-old male patient had severe reflux symptoms during 5 years and had an isolated CA 19-9 elevation. Follow-up analysis revealed that he had larynx cancer and after laryngectomy, CA 19-9 levels decreased to normal range.

Discussion

Currently, CA 19-9 is not a marker for malignancy. Laryngeal carcinoma has no specific tumor marker, but laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma may be manifested by elevated CA 19-9 levels.

How to cite this article

Özkan H, Karakaya F, Karaeren Z, Perçinel S. Persistent Elevation of CA 19-9 Levels in the Long-term Follow-up before Laryngeal Cancer. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):92-94.
Long Segment Intestinal Invagination in an Adult Case
Authors: Karadeli Elif , Tok Sermin , Erbay Gurcan
Published: May 2017

How to cite this article

Karadeli E, Parlakgumus A, Tok S, Erbay G. Long Segment Intestinal Invagination in an Adult Case. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):99-100.
Relationship between Hepatitis B Viral Deoxyribonucleic Acid Load and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Rahman Salimur , Khan Mobin , Hussain Muhammad M , Islam Shahidul , Ahmed Nooruddin
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an established cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with poor prognosis. High HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) load has been identified in HCC and hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients.

Materials and methods

This study was done in the Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2006 to December 2007. Thirty patients with HBV infection-related HCC were enrolled. Another 30 patients with HBV-related liver diseases without HCC were analyzed as controls.

Results

The HCC patients had a high viral load (>105 copies/mL), while all of the controls had low (<105 copies/mL) viral load.

Conclusion

It seems that patients with HCC bear high HBV DNA loads in Bangladesh, but the causes underlying this remain to be resolved.

How to cite this article

Hussain MM, Al Mahtab M, Islam S, Ahmed N, Rahman S, Khan M. Relationship between Hepatitis B Viral Deoxyribonucleic Acid Load and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):111-112.
Therapy Targeting Stem Cell in Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis of Liver in a Tertiary Treatment Care Center of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Mohammad H , Alam Sheikh MN , Moben Ahmed L , Alam Mohammad A
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Decompensated cirrhosis is associated with significantly high mortality resulting from hepatic failure, and liver transplantation seems to be the only viable indication for its management. The objective of this study is to assess if granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a stimulatory of stem cell in vivo, may be of any benefit for patients with decompensated cirrhosis of liver.

Materials and methods

Seventeen consecutive patients with decompensated cirrhosis of liver were recruited in this prospective study. They received injection of G-CSF (30 IU) over a period of 6 weeks (12 injections) in addition to standard of care.

Results

Patients were followed up at the end of treatment and at 12 weeks of treatment. Treatment was well tolerated, and no significant adverse event was recorded in any patient. Fifteen out of 17 (88%) patients were alive at last follow-up. Although serum bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time improved in some patients, statistically significant improvement of Child–Pugh score could not be documented.

Conclusion

The study establishes the safety of G-CSF therapy in patients with decompensated cirrhosis of liver. Besides, such therapy may also have survival benefit, although long-term follow-up is needed to assess its real utility in clinical perspectives.

How to cite this article

Al Mahtab M, Alam SMN, Moben AL, Raihan R, Alam MA, Rahim MA, Uddin MH, Akbar SMF. Therapy Targeting Stem Cell in Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis of Liver in a Tertiary Treatment Care Center of Bangladesh. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):113-115.

Source of support

The study was partially supported by a grant from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Study of Association between Microalbuminuria and Microvascular Complications in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients in RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Karnataka
Authors: Bhavya N , Kumar V Ajith
Published: May 2017

Introduction

India is claimed to be the diabetes capital of the world. Many studies had proven that persistent hyperglycemia and associated metabolic syndrome features like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity contribute to the development of vascular complications. The risk of chronic complications increases as a function of the duration of hyperglycemia; they usually become apparent in the second decade of hyperglycemia. Since type II diabetes mellitus (DM) often has a long asymptomatic period of hyperglycemia, many individuals with type II DM have complications at the time of diagnosis. The vascular complications of DM are subdivided into microvascular (retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy) and macrovascular (coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, cerebro-vascular disease) complications. The present study aims to study the occurrence of microalbuminuria in patients with type II DM and note its association with the duration of diabetes since diagnosis and microvascular complications of DM.

Study design

Prospective observational study.

Materials and methods

The study is a clinical, prospective, and observational study of 100 type II diabetics attending the medicine department outpatient/inpatient of RajaRajeswari Medical College & Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, who form the subjects for the study conducted from August 2015 to July 2016 (12 months) and who matched the inclusion criteria.

Data were collected after obtaining informed/written consent from patient. After detailed history, detailed clinical examination, and general physical and systemic examinations, fundoscopy was carried out and relevant laboratory investigations were done.

Results and conclusion

The overall occurrence of microalbuminuria was 38%. The occurrence of microalbuminuria showed a direct relationship with increasing age (p = 0.053) and increasing duration of diabetes since diagnosis. A hemoglobin (Hb)A1c value above 7% is associated with 50% or higher incidence of microalbuminuria (p = 0.018). Patients with a body mass index of more than 25kg/m2 have increased risk of developing type II DM and significant increase in microalbuminuria. The incidence of microalbuminuria is significantly associated with

How to cite this article

Bhavya N, Kumar VA. A Study of Association between Microalbuminuria and Microvascular Complications in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients in RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Karnataka. J Med Sci 2017;3(1):6-10.
Reliability of Ultrasound in the Identification and Measurement of Blood Supply to the Anterior Part of the Mandible
Authors: Shukla Anil K , Kiran MS , Manjunath M , Vidya S
Published: May 2017

Objective

The aim of this study is to identifyin vivothe main blood supply to the bony chin and to determine the efficacy of ultrasound Doppler in determining this aspect and then compare it with radiograph.

Materials and methods

The study was carried on 50 subjects divided into two equal groups. In the first group, the lingual foramen was identitifed on intraoral periapical (IOPA) radiograph of the mandibular incisor region. Ultrasound Doppler identification of blood supply to the anterior part of the mandible was carried out. In the second group of 25 subjects, the procedure was reversed. This was done to avoid procedural bias.

Discussion

In our patients, the midline artery entering the lingual foramen was seen by ultrasound and radiograph. Their average diameters and velocities were measured. It was identified in 46 cases by the ultrasound Doppler examination. The IOPA radiographic examination was successful in identifying the foramen in 30 cases. The average diameter of the midline artery entering the lingual foramen was found to be 0.14 cm. The average velocity of blood flow in this artery was found to be 25.5 cm/second.

Conclusion

The ultrasound Doppler is a reliable tool to visualize and measure the blood supply to the anterior part of the mandible.

How to cite this article

Kiran MS, Manjunath M, Shukla AK, Vidya S. Reliability of Ultrasound in the Identification and Measurement of Blood Supply to the Anterior Part of the Mandible. J Med Sci 2017;3(1):20-24.
Imaging of a Rare Case of Diaphragmatic Tumor
Authors: Reddy Ajit , Shukla Anil K , Anand Sowmya , Suresh Nitish
Published: May 2017

Primary tumors of the diaphragm are quite rare. About 150 cases have been reported in the literature. Fibrosarcomas are the most common malignant neoplasms of the diaphragm; however, only a few (less than 20) cases have been reported to date. We present a case of an extremely rare tumor of the diaphragm. A 65-year-old woman presented with history of vague upper abdominal pain since 2 months and distension for 2 weeks. Ultrasonography features were in favor of a mass arising from left dome of diaphragm with evidence of vascularity on Doppler; lesion was displacing spleen inferiorly. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed a mass located in the region of the left dome of diaphragm and deriving blood supply from the branches of abdominal aorta. Surgical excision was planned, keeping in mind the diagnosis of a left diaphragmatic tumor. Laparotomy revealed a left diaphragmatic tumor growing caudally into the upper abdomen.

How to cite this article

Anand S, Suresh N, Reddy AK, Shukla AK. Imaging of a Rare Case of Diaphragmatic Tumor. J Med Sci 2017;3(1):25-27.
Pericardial Synovial Sarcoma presenting with Cardiac Tamponade
Authors: Shetty Ravishankar , Hiremath Shanmukh
Published: May 2017

Pericardial synovial sarcomas are very rare and usually associated with poor prognosis if not diagnosed and treated early. It usually presents with symptoms of a massive pericardial effusion and signs of cardiac tamponade and failure. Here, we report the case of a 27-year-old patient with exertional dyspnea and massive pericardial effusion. Echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pericardial mass. The patient was treated by surgical excision and a subsequent histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of pericardial synovial sarcoma.

How to cite this article

Shetty R, Hiremath S. Pericardial Synovial Sarcoma presenting with Cardiac Tamponade. J Med Sci 2017;3(1):28-30.
Pregnancy Outcome in Uterine Anomalies
Authors: Prasad Nagendra , Thingujam James
Published: May 2017

Maternal with congenitial anomalies are known to have higher incidence of infertility, intrauterine growth restriction, fetal malposition, preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membrane and increased cesaerean section rate.

Study Design

This is retrospective study, the pregnancies with uterine anomaly confirmed by ultrasound between Jan 2016 to jan 2017 at our hospital was taken and its outcome is observed.

Reults

The majority of preterm delivery in our study are mainly associated with septate and bicornuate uterus. Cesaerean section comprised of 80% and its major indication is due to fetal malpresentation (breech). Thus Pregnancy outcomes of individual depending on the type of uterine anomalies.

How to cite this article

Nagarathnamma R, James T, Prasad N. Pregnancy Outcome in Uterine Anomalies. J Med Sci 2017;3(1):31-33.
Analyzing Consumers’ Awareness towards CSR, Focusing on Environmental Management
Authors: Sardianou Eleni , Stauropoulou Athanasia , Kostakis Ioannis
Published: May 2017

The deployment of environmental friendly business practices is strongly related to the principles of the sustainable development. The customers are an important stakeholder group that appears to be sensitive to the corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions of a company. The environmental dimension is increasingly being included as a pillar of a company’s CSR plan. The aim of this study is to examine the determinants that affect consumers’ awareness of the environmental dimension of a company’s CSR plan, called hereafter corporate environmental responsible (CER) activities. Results suggest that consumers’ awareness towards CER practices is differentiated regarding their demographic profile. Highly educated and middle aged consumers are more sensitive to corporate environmental responsible practices. The income of a consumer is not a statistically significant factor though regarding their awareness of environmentally responsible firms.
Application of the q-factor Model to the Japanese Share Market
Authors: Maeda Brooke Alexandra
Published: May 2017

This paper tests the performance of the q-factor model proposed by Hou et al. (2015) to the Japanese share market. It examines ten years of monthly data for shares listed on both the First section and Second section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The results suggest that the q-factor model does not adequately explain returns for shares listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. For comparison purposes the data sample is applied to the Fama French three-factor model. The results of this analysis suggest that the Fama French three-factor model is more appropriate for the Japanese share market, and it provides evidence of a strong value premium. The factor which correlates to the value factor in the q-factor model was not significant, providing stronger support against the q-factor model as an adequate asset pricing model for Japan.
Factors Influencing Savings Rate in Malaysia
Authors: Hashim Dasmin Bin , Pin Fauzi Bin , Mohd Isa Mohd Yaziz Bin
Published: May 2017

Savings is the balance out of income but is not spent on current consumption. Because we cannot anticipate what would take place in the future, we should set aside some money for unexpected events or emergencies. Without savings, unexpected events can become large financial burdens. Therefore, savings helps an individual or family become financially secure. Due to limited savings and with such low income levels, we are mostly depending on debts to finance our consumption. Currently, Malaysia household debt is amongst the highest in Asia, at 86% of GDP. There are many factors influencing savings rate in Malaysia. The paper aims to measure the economic variables that may significantly influence toward savings rate in the country.
Contemporary Challenges Facing the Small Farmers in the Green Scheme Projects in Namibia
Authors: Shapi Martin K.
Published: May 2017

The paper uses a combination of theory and both quantitative and qualitative evidence to demonstrate the significance and challenges of agricultural development in Namibian green scheme projects. For quantitative, a structured questionnaire to produce descriptive statistics was administered to 135 small farmers while eight (8) project manager who were interviewed at the studied schemes as key informant served as source of qualitative information that pin pointed out challenges and opportunities, faced by the small farmers in these schemes. The evidence points to the fact that although there are myriad of challenges, such as challenges related to production, access to efficient and effective market and access to credit faced by farmers, production and access to efficient and effect market challenges emerged as the most stumbling blocks to the optimal production and sales of small farmers’ produce. Usually access to agricultural credit is seen as one of the major challenges of smallholder farmers in Africa. In this study access to agricultural credit was less seen as a major stumbling block to the smallholder farmers’ productivity. This is attributed to the current farmers’ agricultural credit support scheme in place between Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) and the government of Namibia.
Multilaboratory Validation of First Action Method 2016.04 for Determination of Four Arsenic Species in Fruit Juice by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kubachka Kevin , Heitkemper Douglas T , Conklin Sean ,   Collaborators:, Conklin S , Ehresmann T , Hanley T , Lyons H , Min K , Ouellette D , Seely K , Smith C , Swarbrick M , Wels B , Kassa Z
Published: May 2017

Before being designated AOAC First Action Official MethodSM 2016.04, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's method, EAM 4.10 High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometric Determination of Four Arsenic Species in Fruit Juice, underwent both a single-laboratory validation and a multilaboratory validation (MLV) study. Three federal and five state regulatory laboratories participated in the MLV study, which is the primary focus of this manuscript. The method was validated for inorganic arsenic (iAs) measured as the sum of the two iAs species arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)], dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) by analyses of 13 juice samples, including three apple juice, three apple juice concentrate, four grape juice, and three pear juice samples. In addition, two water Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) were analyzed. The method LODs and LOQs obtained among the eight laboratories were approximately 0.3 and 2 ng/g, respectively, for each of the analytes and were adequate for the intended purpose of the method. Each laboratory analyzed method blanks, fortified method blanks, reference materials, triplicate portions of each juice sample, and duplicate fortified juice samples (one for each matrix type) at three fortification levels. In general, repeatability and reproducibility of the method was ≤15% RSD for each species present at a concentration >LOQ. The average recovery of fortified analytes for all laboratories ranged from 98 to 104% iAs, DMA, and MMA for all four juice sample matrixes. The average iAs results for SRMs 1640a and 1643e agreed within the range of 96–98% of certified values for total arsenic.
Establishment of a BALB/c Mouse Model for Assessing the Degree of Inebriation Induced by Luzhou-Flavor Liquors
Authors: Zhang Meng-Yan
Published: May 2017

This investigation was carried out to determine the differences in the degree of inebriation induced by Luzhou-flavor liquors having the same ethanol content. A BALB/c mouse model was used to test the effects of two liquors on the loss of the righting reflex (LORR) and the duration (DUR) of the LORR, as indices of the degree of inebriation. The blood ethanol concentration, blood acetaldehyde concentration, acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus, and concentrations of dopamine and serotonin in the striatum were also determined. The degrees of inebriationinduced by the two liquors were 0.694 and 0.404, as quantified by LORR and LORR DUR. The liquor that induced the lower degree of inebriation also induced lower blood ethanol and blood acetaldehyde concentrations. Moreover, it had no significant effects on acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus or on the concentrations of dopamine or serotonin in the striatum. Chinese liquors with the same ethanol content can be distinguished by the degree of inebriation they induce. A relationship was found between the internal composition of the liquor and the degree of inebriation it induced. Our data support choosing liquors with low degrees of inebriation to reduce theirharmful effects.
Autoinhibition of Munc18-1 modulates synaptobrevin binding and helps to enable Munc13-dependent regulation of membrane fusion
Authors: Sitarska Ewa , Xu Junjie , Park Seungmee , Liu Xiaoxia , Quade Bradley , Stepien Karolina , Sugita Kyoko , Brautigam Chad A , Sugita Shuzo , Rizo Josep
Published: May 2017

Munc18-1 orchestrates SNARE complex assembly together with Munc13-1 to mediate neurotransmitter release. Munc18-1 binds to synaptobrevin, but the relevance of this interaction and its relation to Munc13 function are unclear. NMR experiments now show that Munc18-1 binds specifically and non-specifically to synaptobrevin. Specific binding is inhibited by a L348R mutation in Munc18-1 and enhanced by a D326K mutation designed to disrupt the ‘furled conformation’ of a Munc18-1 loop. Correspondingly, the activity of Munc18-1 in reconstitution assays that require Munc18-1 and Munc13-1 for membrane fusion is stimulated by the D326K mutation and inhibited by the L348R mutation. Moreover, the D326K mutation allows Munc13-1-independent fusion and leads to a gain-of-function in rescue experiments in Caenorhabditis elegans unc-18 nulls. Together with previous studies, our data support a model whereby Munc18-1 acts as a template for SNARE complex assembly, and autoinhibition of synaptobrevin binding contributes to enabling regulation of neurotransmitter release by Munc13-1.
Reading Homer’s The Iliad in 21st Century
Authors: Ferdous Mafruha
Published: May 2017

Homer's Iliad refers to an epic story written by the ancient Greek poet Homer, which makes an account of the most significant events that earmarked the very last days which defined the Trojan War and the Greek siege of the city of Troy. Troy was also known as Ilium, Ilion, or Ilois in the past. Having made to center around the events of the Trojan War, Homer’s Iliad is a work of art that paints to all of us interested in literature, what really happened in the past. The paper purposes to provide invaluable insights regarding the significance of Homer’s Iliad today and what it teaches us about poetry and the ancient culture of the Greeks.
On the Awareness of English Polysemous Words by Arabic-Speaking EFL Learners
Authors: Abdul Salam Alnamer Sulafah
Published: May 2017

This study measures the extent to which Arabic-speaking EFL learners are aware of polysemy in English. It also investigates whether the English proficiency level of Arabic-speaking EFL learners plays a role in their ability to distinguish between the various meanings of English polysemous words, and whether they face problems when they encounter these words in unusual contexts (i.e. the contexts that employ the extended meanings of the target polysemous words). To these ends, a translation test in which the participants were asked to give full Arabic translation for fifteen English sentences was designed. The words open, run, and make were the target polysemous words in this study. The Results show that Arabic-speaking EFL learners have little awareness of polysemy in English, and their English proficiency level does play a role in their ability to distinguish between the different meanings of English polysemous words. It was also found that Arabic-speaking EFL learners have no problems guessing the primary meaning of the English polysemous words. However, they face difficulty guessing the extended meanings of polysemous words in unusual contexts. Moreover, some Arabic-speaking EFL learners can guess the extended meanings of the polysemous words they encounter in familiar contexts, or when they understand some cues provided to disambiguate these words. This study concludes with some pedagogical implications and recommendations for further studies.
Digital Divide: Low German and other Minority Languages
Authors: Wiggers Heiko
Published: May 2017

This paper investigates the online presence of Low German, a minority language spoken in northern Germany, as well as several other European regional and minority languages. In particular, this article presents the results of two experiments, one involving Wikipedia and one involving Twitter, that assess whether and to which extent minority languages are used on these websites. The article argues that minority and regional languages are not only underrepresented online due to a combination of historical, linguistic, sociological, and demographic reasons, but that the overall architecture of the World Wide Web and its most visited websites is such that smaller languages do not stand a chance to gain a meaningful online presence.
Translation as Deconstruction: Infidelity in the Translation Process
Authors: Pagliawan Dominador L.
Published: May 2017

Over the years, translation practice has constantly faced numerous challenges and demands. Among these is the necessity for the translator to stay faithful to the source text in transporting meanings to the target language. In actual practice, though, fidelity in translation proves rather remote, even close to impossible. Try as they do, translators fail to achieve precision in their translation tasks. Yet the translation practice remains needful and relevant. Viewing this seeming failure from the deconstructive critical lens in an attempt to salvage translation, this paper theorized and found out that the latter is rightly a form of deconstruction rather than a product of infidelity. This shows in various translation procedures which, when subjected to closer scrutiny, eventually manifest their deconstructive nature. This study, then, contributes insights into the increasing corpus of theories that govern the translation process.
Effect of Religious Beliefs on Quality of Translation
Authors: Yousefi Sarah
Published: May 2017

Quality of translation has become one of the main focuses in the field of Translation Studies. When it comes to the religious texts and their translations, quality of translation becomes more and more important as these texts are directly connected to the beliefs of followers of a specific religion, and since many of the religious texts have been written many years ago, and now the followers of that religion are neither able to learn the language of their religions nor have enough time to do so, delivering high quality translations is very crucial. In recent years, many translation scholars have focused on Translation Quality Assessment (TQA) to provide ways to translators and translation teachers to assess the quality of translations and consequently to overcome translation problems. In the present research, the researcher attempted to combine both of the aforementioned subjects. In order to achieve this goal, the researcher selected Waddington’s model for assessing the quality of translations, to see if the quality of translations of Islamic texts which were translated by Muslim translators were higher than those which were translated by non-Muslims. Two groups of translators were selected, one of them was Muslim and the other one was non-Muslim. Each group consisted of 10 translators, each of them translated 5 Islamic-religious texts, and after assessing the quality of translations and doing statistical analyses, researcher concluded that there was no relation between the quality of translations and the religious beliefs of translators.