bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
p38α Senses Environmental Stress To Control Innate Immune Responses via Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin
Authors: Katholnig Karl , Kaltenecker Christopher C. , Hayakawa Hiroko , Rosner Margit , Lassnig Caroline , Zlabinger Gerhard J. , Gaestel Matthias , Müller Mathias , Hengstschläger Markus , Hörl Walter H. , Park Jin Mo , Säemann Marcus D. , Weichhart Thomas 
Published: January 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABSTRACTManaging the complex tendo Achilles defect involves reconstructing the Achilles tendon as well as providing soft tissue cover to the heel area. The advent of microsurgery has revolutionised the reconstruction of this difficult defect providing a number of options to the reconstructive surgeon. We present a case of complex tendo Achilles defect reconstructed by the latissimus dorsi free flap.
Analysis of Effect of Financing Leverage on Bank Performance: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Thaddeus Ph.D Ebiringa Oforegbunam , Chigbu Ph.D Ezeji E. 
Published: January 2013

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

IntroductionThe increasing proportion of women living with HIV has evoked calls for tailored services that respond to women's specific needs. The objective of this investigation was to explore the concept of women‐specific HIV/AIDS services to identify and define what key elements underlie this approach to care.MethodsA comprehensive review was conducted using online databases (CSA Social Service Abstracts, OvidSP, Proquest, Psycinfo, PubMed, CINAHL), augmented with a search for grey literature. In total, 84 articles were retrieved and 30 were included for a full review. Of these 30, 15 were specific to HIV/AIDS, 11 for mental health and addictions and four stemmed from other disciplines.Results and discussionThe review demonstrated the absence of a consensual definition of women‐specific HIV/AIDS services in the literature. We distilled this concept into its defining features and 12 additional dimensions (1) creating an atmosphere of safety, respect and acceptance; (2) facilitating communication and interaction among peers; (3) involving women in the planning, delivery and evaluation of services; (4) providing self‐determination opportunities; (5) providing tailored programming for women; (6) facilitating meaningful access to care through the provision of social and supportive services; (7) facilitating access to women‐specific and culturally sensitive information; (8) considering family as the unit of intervention; (9) providing multidisciplinary integration and coordination of a comprehensive array of services; (10) meeting women “where they are”; (11) providing gender‐, culture‐ and HIV‐sensitive training to health and social care providers; and (12) conducting gendered HIV/AIDS research.ConclusionsThis review highlights that the concept of women‐specific HIV/AIDS services is a complex and multidimensional one that has been shaped by diverse theoretical perspectives. Further research is needed to better understand this emerging concept and ultimately assess the effectiveness of women‐specific services on HIV‐positive women's health outcomes.
Generation of High‐Titer Defective HSV‐1 Vectors
Authors: Neve Rachael L. , Lim Filip 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBasic Protocol 1 describes the generation of helper virus stocks. Preparation of recombinant amplicon vector particles by transfection of amplicon and superinfection of helper virus into cells, and harvesting of packaged particles, is delineated in Basic Protocol 3. Thorough characterization of each amplicon viral vector stock involves measuring (1) the helper virus plaque‐forming units per ml (pfu/ml) on 2‐2 cells and (2) the amplicon stock infectious units per ml (iu/ml) on PC12 cells. The Support Protocols detail methods for determining titers of helper virus by plaque assay, and of amplicon stocks by vector assay. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 62:4.13.1‐4.13.15. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.