Evidence Linking the Role of Placental Expressions of Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor‐γ and Nuclear Factor‐Kappa B in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia Associated With Periodontitis

Background: Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ activation leads to suppression of production of a broad range of proinflammatory molecules. It plays a role in differentiation of trophoblasts and helps in normal placentation and formation of vascular exchange interface. Activation of nuclear factor‐kappa (NF‐κ) B triggers proinflammatory molecules inducing abnormal placentation and premature labor. This study aims to explore expression of PPAR‐γ and NF‐κB in placentas of women with periodontitis‐associated preeclampsia compared with that in normotensive pregnant women. Methods: Fifty pregnant women were included. Twenty‐five were controls (normotensive pregnant women) and 25 were pregnant women with preeclampsia, including those with gestational hypertension. Demographic data, pregnancy characteristics, and periodontal parameters were recorded, including: 1) plaque index; 2) gingival index; 3) bleeding on probing (BOP); 4) probing depth; and 5) attachment loss (AL). Placental tissue samples were collected from both groups and analyzed to quantify expression of PPAR‐γ and NF‐κB using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results: BOP and AL were significantly higher in pregnant women with preeclampsia compared with normotensive pregnant women (P <0.05). Expression of PPAR‐γ was downregulated in patients with preeclampsia compared with that of healthy normotensive patients, which was statistically significant (P <0.05), whereas NF‐κB was significantly activated (P <0.05) in pregnant women with preeclampsia compared with normotensive pregnant women. Conclusions: Higher periodontal disease prevalence is found among pregnant women with preeclampsia, with increased percentage of sites with BOP and greater AL. This study provides novel information on host response to systemic inflammation induced by periodontal pathogens through mechanisms involving downregulation of PPAR‐γ and increased activation of NF‐κB.     

A participatory program evaluation of a systems change program to improve access to information technology by people with disabilities

Purpose.?To pilot-test and evaluate an innovative program providing information technology (IT) access to people with disabilities transitioning out of nursing homes into the community using a participatory approach.

Methods.?Pre- and post-training data was collected on the 61 program participants to reflect three broad areas related to the IT training experience: performance; self-efficacy; importance, satisfaction and control. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants and five members of the program staff to explore environmental barriers to IT access for this group and the efficacy of the program in addressing these barriers. Data analyses followed a mixed methods approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques.

Results.?Participants showed substantive changes in different spheres of IT use after completion of training. Post-training changes were significant particularly in areas related to self-efficacy, importance and satisfaction pertaining to use of IT. Qualitative findings substantiated the quantitative results and also revealed the numerous barriers to IT access that persons with disabilities continue to face within their communities.

Conclusion.?Results indicate the feasibility, effectiveness and value of IT access to people with disabilities particularly those transitioning from institutional life to community living. Further action research aimed at increasing IT access for this group within local communities and neighborhoods is needed to address this issue at a broader societal level.     

Diagnosis of traumatic rupture of the gallbladder

Possible gallbladder rupture should be considered in any patient with blunt abdominal trauma and vague symptoms who has been inebriated. Peritoneal lavage and endoscopic or percutaneous cholangiography, if feasible, are the preferred diagnostic methods during the initial period after the gallbladder rupture. Later, when encapsulation occurs, ultrasonic examination of the mass together with guided aspiration of the bilious pseudocyst may provide the most useful diagnostic information.     

Coats-Type Retinal Telangiectasia in Case of Kabuki Make-Up Syndrome (Niikawa-Kuroki Syndrome)

Purpose: To report a case of Kabuki make-up syndrome (KMS) or Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome with Coats-type retinal telangiectasia, which has not been previously reported. Methods: Observational case report. Conclusions: There have been only two reports of retinal pigmentation abnormalities and a single case of bilateral macular deposits in KMS, but this is the first report of a Coats type retinal telangiectasia. This case highlights the importance of thorough posterior segment examination in cases of KMS.     

Prevailing clone (ST69) of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vibrio cholerae</Emphasis> O139 in India over 10 years

Vibrio cholerae is responsible for the cause of severe life-threatening infection known as cholera. The study aimed to analyze the genetic make-up of V. cholerae O139 isolates from India and compare its phylogeny with the global strains. The genome data revealed that all isolates were of same sequence type (ST69) which belongs to seventh pandemic clone, with same virulence gene profile and, antimicrobial resistance gene profile except for two isolates. No known CRISPR repeats were identified in any of these isolates. Three different phages were identified among the isolates. All the isolates were found to harbour int _SXT and seventh pandemic-specific gene (VC2346). Results from this study enhance our understanding on the persistence of ST69 V. cholerae O139 over 20 years.     

DNA microarrays detect effects of soil contamination on Arabidopsis thaliana gene expression

Soil contamination, such as heavy metals and benzene compounds, is a widespread problem on military installations. It is important to be able to determine the effects of soil contamination before any adverse effects appear in organisms in surrounding areas. We examined gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana grown in soil from three sites at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Radford, Virginia, USA, using DNA microarrays. We analyzed soil, germination, and growth rate to compare with the microarray data. Soil contamination affected both external phenotype and gene expression. Plants grown in soil with high levels of contaminants were chloritic and were smaller than control plants grown in potting soil. Plants grown in soil with the highest copper concentration had the lowest growth rates and had genes up-regulated across several functional groups. Plants grown in soils with elevated lead had many genes down-regulated that were related to photosystem II, metabolism, cellular transport, and protein synthesis. Genes consistently up-regulated across most microarrays were genes related to photosystem I, genes related to water deprivation and oxidative stress response, heat shock proteins, and toxin catabolism genes such as glutathiones. DNA microarrays, in concert with a model genetic organism such as A. thaliana, were an effective assessment tool to determine the presence of toxic substances in soil at a site used for the production of military explosives.     

Atypical forms of lupus vulgaris – a case series

Atypical presentations of cutaneous tuberculosis are not so uncommon and are frequently overlooked in clinical practice, leading to late diagnosis and increased morbidity. We report three cases of lupus vulgaris with atypical presentations. The cases mimicked other chronic skin lesions like actinomycosis, mycetoma, and so on. Strong clinical suspicion, histopathology, and response to antituberculous treatment led to the diagnosis and all three had excellent response to treatment. Today, when tuberculosis threatens to burst into pandemics again, early diagnosis and treatment are more important than ever for control and prevention of morbidity.     

Peritonitis due to Aspergillus terreus in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Aspergillus peritonitis is a rare, potentially fatal complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). We report a case of CAPD peritonitis caused by Aspergillus terreus in a 55-year-old female patient.     

Room scatter studies in the air kerma strength standardization of the Amersham CDCS-J-type 137Cs source: a Monte Carlo study

Corrections for room scatter, [kSC (d, H)]RM, as a function of source-to-detector distance, d, and source-to-floor-height, H, and also departure from constant room scatter. ks1, have been computed for rooms of various sizes using Monte Carlo methods for air kerma strength standardization of the Amersham CDCS-J-type 137Cs brachytherapy source. These corrections will also be applicable to any type of 137Cs source that may be considered for standardization. It was found that, depending upon the relative position of the source with respect to the surrounding concrete scattering surfaces (side walls, floor and ceiling) and different set of d values, the assumption of constant room scatter overestimated the air kerma strength, Sk, by between 0.2% and 0.6%.