Equivariant dendroidal sets and simplicial operads

We establish a Quillen equivalence between the homotopy theories of equivariant Segal operads and equivariant simplicial operads with norm maps. Together with previous work, we further conclude that the homotopy coherent nerve is a right-Quillen equivalence from the model category of equivariant simplicial operads with norm maps to the model category structure for equivariant-$\infty$-operads in equivariant dendroidal sets.Comment: v3: Improvements to exposition and minor edits, in response to referee suggestion

Calcium in Renal Cells. Modulation of Calcium-dependent Activation of Phospholipase A2A_2.

Calcium has been implicated as a regulatory factor in many physiological and pathophysiological processes in the renal cell. Under physiological conditions, the cytosolic free calcium concentration is maintained at approximately 100 nM. Most of the releasable cell $Ca^{2+}$ resides in the nonmitochondrial compartments. In addition to the plasma membrane $Ca^{2+}$ transport processes, there is a high-affinity, low-capacity buffering capability of nonmitochondrial organelles and a lower-affinity high-capacity mitochondrial $Ca^{2+}$ buffering capability. A critical enzymatic effector of $Ca^{2+}$ action in the cell is phospholipase $A_2$. By using digitonin-permeabilized renal mesangial cells, the [$Ca^{2+}$] dependency of phospholipase $A_2$ was characterized. The [$Ca^{2+}$] sensitivity was insufficient to explain the phospholipase $A_2$ activation observed with vasopressin. In both intact cells, as well as permeabilized cells, it was found that protein kinase C activation markedly enhanced the $Ca^{2+}$ calmodulin-dependent activation of phospholipase $A_2$. In response to platelet-derived growth factor, it was found that arachidonic acid release preceded phospholipase C activation. This suggests that other effectors besides $Ca^{2+}$ and protein kinase C may also be important for phospholipase $A_2$ activation. In an experimental model designed to mimic postischemic reperfusion damage to renal mitochondria, it was demonstrated that reactive oxygen species act synergistically with $Ca^{2+}$ to activate mitochondrial phospholipase $A_2$, which mediates damage to site I of the electron transport chain, the $F_1F_0$ ATPase, and the adenine nucleotide translocase. In conclusion, an adequate understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ relies, not only on the measurement of $Ca^{2+}$ concentration and the characterization of "$Ca^{2+}$-dependent" processes, but an appreciation of the complex synergistic interactions between $Ca^{2+}$ and other mediators of cellular activation and toxicity

The Aging Kidney: Increased Susceptibility to Nephrotoxicity

Three decades have passed since a series of studies indicated that the aging kidney was characterized by increased susceptibility to nephrotoxic injury. Data from these experimental models is strengthened by clinical data demonstrating that the aging population has an increased incidence and severity of acute kidney injury (AKI). Since then a number of studies have focused on age-dependent alterations in pathways that predispose the kidney to acute insult. This review will focus on the mechanisms that are altered by aging in the kidney that may increase susceptibility to injury, including hemodynamics, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation and decreased repair

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Idiopathic Faecal Incontinence: Mid-term Results from a Single Center

Abstract Objective: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is a recent and minimally invasive treatment for faecal incontinence (FI). The aim of this study is to evaluate the mid-term results in patients with idiopathic faecal incontinence (IFI). Methods: Fifty one patients (42 female and 9 male) were prospectively recruited. Patients were treated twice a week for 6 weeks as per study protocol. We have assessed the degree of fecal incontinence using the Cleveland Clinic faecal incontinence (CCF-FI) score at baseline, at 6 weeks, at 6 months and at 1 year. Also the anorectal manometric data (mean resting pressure (MRP), squeeze pressure (SP) and, rectal sensation) at baseline, at 6 weeks and at 6 months have been evaluated. Results: The median CCF-FI score was significantly decreased from an initial baseline value from 12 to 7 at 6 weeks, 3 at 6 months and, 3 at 1 year (respectively: 1st interquartile 4.5, 1, 0 vs 10; 3rd interquartile 9, 5, 5 vs 14.5, p = 0.0001). Anorectal manometry showed an improvement of the internal (resting pressure, MRP) and the external sphincters (squeeze pressure, SP) at 6 months compared to the baseline and 6 weeks by PTNS, while, RP and SP at 6 months was greater than at baseline and 6 weeks (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002 respectively). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve could be an excellent procedure for the treatment of IFI. The stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve can improve the fecal continence (CCF-FI score) in the short term and this improvement is maintained after 1 year of follow-up without treatmen

Cytosolic Phospholipase A2α and Eicosanoids Regulate Expression of Genes in Macrophages Involved in Host Defense and Inflammation

Acknowledgments: We thank Dr. Robert Barkley and Charis Uhlson for mass spectrometry analysis. Funding: This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health HL34303 (to C.C.L., R.C.M. and D.L.B), DK54741 (to J.V.B.), GM5322 (to D.L.W.) and the Wellcome Trust (to N.A.R.G. and G.D.B.). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

The use of haemostatic agents in thyroid surgery: efficacy and further advantages: Collagen-Fibrinogen-Thrombin Patch (CFTP) versus Cellulose Gauze.

Abstract Aim: To assess the efficacy of two widely used topical haemostatic agents: oxidised regenerated cellulose gauze and Collagen-Fibrinogen-Thrombin Patch in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. Material of study: This was a prospective, comparative, non-randomised study in which consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign disease received standard treatment with no haemostatic agent, cellulose gauze, or CFTP. Main outcome measures were drainage volume 24 hours after surgical procedure and the occurrence of post-operative complications (haematoma, seroma, surgical-site infection). Results: Two hundred seventy-one (271) patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign disease: 65 received standard treatment, 60 received cellulose gauze and 146 received CFTP. Seroma was significantly reduced in the CFTP group compared with both the cellulose gauze group (p=0.006) and the standard treatment group (p=0.017). A significant reduction in drainage volume was also observed with CFTP compared with the other two groups (both p<0.001). Drainage volume was also significantly reduced with cellulose gauze versus standard treatment (p<0.001). No septic events were observed after application of CFTP. One hematoma was observed in the non haemostatic group. Conclusions: Both haemostatic agents reduced the amount of sero-hematic fluid during the first 24 hours post-surgery, with CFTP more effective than oxidized cellulose gauze. The use of haemostatic agents may increase the quality of thyroid surgery, improve patient comfort after surgery, and reduce hospital stay