The induced path function, monotonicity and betweenness

The induced path function $J(u, v)$ of a graph consists of the set of all vertices lying on the induced paths between vertices $u$ and $v$. This function is a special instance of a transit function. The function $J$ satisfies betweenness if $w \\in J(u, v)$ implies $u \\notin J(w, v)$ and $x \\in J(u, v)$ implies $J(u, x \\subseteq J(u, v)$, and it is monotone if $x, y \\in J(u, v)$ implies $J(x, y) \\subseteq J(u, v)$. The induced path function of a connected graph satisfying the betweenness and monotone axioms are characterized by transit axioms

Morphometric and Genetic Analyzes of Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) from Peninsular India

A holistic approach, combining one phenotypic and two genotypic methods, was adopted to analyze possible population differences in Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) from selected centers in the East and West coasts of India. Principal component analysis of truss landmark variables revealed that the area encompassing depth between the origin of anal and origin of second dorsal and caudal peduncle depth has high component loadings. Bivariate scatter plots of principal components showed a great degree of morphometric homogeneity between Indian mackerel populations from Mandapam, Kochi and Karwar. Clustering pattern of polypeptide markers revealed relatively greater population homogeneity among Mandapam fish (58%) than Kochi samples (33%). The three random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers used in the present study have generated a total of 59 loci varying in size from 560 to 4500 bp. None of the populations from Mandapam, Kochi and Karwar showed RAPD fragments of fixed frequencies, to be treated as population-specific markers. No significant differences were found among the three populations

Octopus — a potential marine resource from southwest coast of India

Octopus fishery has a long history in Japan and some European countries whereas in India exploitation has just been initiated and they are landed as bycatch in shrimp trawlers from southwest coast and east coast. The present study indicates that octopus landings are showing an increasing trend along the southwest coast of India. Octopus membaranaceous the dominant octopus species landed at Cochin Fisheries Harbour. Octopus lobensis the dominant octopus species landed at Neendakara harbour. Cistopus indicus and Octopus dollfusi, formed about 3% each of the total ocotopus landed at both the centres. Another Octopus sp. with extremely long fourth arm, about 85 to 87% of the toted length was observed in stray numbers in Cochin Fisheries Harbour landings. There is good demand for frozen octopus for export in recent years. As the demand is increasing, over exploitation due to increased fishing pressure in this area is possible which may ultimately lead to stock depletion. It is suggested that measures should be taken at this stage itself for rational exploitation of this resource. Detailed studies on the distribution, biology and population dynamics is essential to evolve effective fishery management measures for Judicious exploitation of this resource

The biology and population dynamics of the spadenose shark Scoliodon laticaudus in the coastal waters of Maharashtra State, India

The study of the biology and dynamics of Scoliodon laticaudus indicates a fast growth of 21.8 cm, 54.5 cm and 65.5 cm, in the first, second, and third year respectively. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was fitted to the above values for which the parameters calculated (on an annual basis) were : K = 0.6812, L^ = 74.023 cm, T_ = 12 years and t„= -0.01 year. The maximum length of this shark in the Mumbai waters is about 66 cm (3.1 years). The weight growth parameters (on an annual basis) for sexes combined by the VBGF are K = 0.5823, W_ = 1756.93 g, t^ = 0.0032 year. The length at birth is 14 cm with a gestation period of 4 months. The ovarian and uterine cycles operate concurrently with broods being released once a month. The average fecundity was 11 embryos per female. The LJL^ was estimated to be 0.47 - 0.54. Scoliodon laticaudus is an active carnivore with a mixed diet composing of small sized teleosts, prawns, squilla and molluscs. There is no evidence of cannibalism. The study of the dynamics of Scoliodon laticaudus indicates that the stock is exploited at its optimum level. Therefore any increase in effort from the present level may not increase the yield and it is advisable to sustain the effort at the present level. For the sharks (all species combined) and the elasmobranchs there is still some scope for increasing the effort in order to reach the MSY level

Fracture Blisters

Fracture blisters are a relatively uncommon complication of fractures in locations of the body, such as the ankle, wrist elbow and foot, where skin adheres tightly to bone with little subcutaneous fat cushioning. The blister that results resembles that of a second degree burn

Hematological Disorders and Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a serious disorder with a high morbidity and mortality rate, is known to occur in a number of unrelated systemic diseases. Several hematological disorders such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia and myeloproliferative diseases develop PH which worsens the prognosis. Associated oxidant injury and vascular inflammation cause endothelial damage and dysfunction. Pulmonary vascular endothelial damage/dysfunction is an early event in PH resulting in the loss of vascular reactivity, activation of proliferative and antiapoptotic pathways leading to vascular remodeling, elevated pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy and premature death. Hemolysis observed in hematological disorders leads to free hemoglobin which rapidly scavenges nitric oxide (NO), limiting its bioavailability, and leading to endothelial dysfunction. In addition, hemolysis releases arginase into the circulation which converts L-arginine to ornithine, thus bypassing NO production. Furthermore, treatments for hematological disorders such as immunosuppressive therapy, splenectomy, bone marrow transplantation, and radiation have been shown to contribute to the development of PH. Recent studies have shown deregulated iron homeostasis in patients with cardiopulmonary diseases including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Several studies have reported low iron levels in patients with idiopathic PAH, and iron deficiency is an important risk factor. This article reviews PH associated with hematological disorders and its mechanism; and iron homeostasis and its relevance to PH

CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells: a potential “armor” to shield “transplanted allografts” in the war against ischemia reperfusion injury

Despite the advances in therapeutic interventions, solid organ transplantation (SOT) remains the “gold standard” treatment for patients with end-stage organ failure. Recently, vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has reemerged as a feasible treatment option for patients with complex composite tissue defects. In both SOT and VCA, ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is inevitable and is a predominant factor that can adversely affect transplant outcome by potentiating early graft dysfunction and/or graft rejection. Restoration of oxygenated blood supply to an organ which was previously hypoxic or ischemic for a period of time triggers cellular oxidative stress, production of both, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, infiltration of innate immune cells and amplifies adaptive alloimmune responses in the affected allograft. Currently, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs for the treatment of IRI are unavailable, therefore an efficacious therapeutic modality to prevent, reduce and/or alleviate allograft damages caused by IRI induced inflammation is warranted to achieve the best-possible transplant outcome among recipients. The tolerogenic capacity of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), have been extensively studied in the context of transplant rejection, autoimmunity, and cancer. It was not until recently that Tregs have been recognized as a potential cell therapeutic candidate to be exploited for the prevention and/or treatment of IRI, owing to their immunomodulatory potential. Tregs can mitigate cellular oxidative stress, produce anti-inflammatory cytokines, promote wound healing, and tissue repair and prevent the infiltration of pro-inflammatory immune cells in injured tissues. By using strategic approaches to increase the number of Tregs and to promote targeted delivery, the outcome of SOT and VCA can be improved. This review focuses on two sections: (a) the therapeutic potential of Tregs in preventing and mitigating IRI in the context of SOT and VCA and (b) novel strategies on how Tregs could be utilized for the prevention and/or treatment of IRI

Synchronous multiple primary squamous cell carcinoma a rare entity

Second primary tumor (SPT)develops due to extensive initiation and promotion by various carcinogens such as tobacco and alcohol, leading to a widespread disorder of the epithelial maturation and differentiation with a field effect. Therefore, environmental factors which cause the development of the first tumor can probably cause the subsequent premalignant and malignant changes. This article describes an unusual case of metachronous multiple primary squamous cell carcinomas in the oral mucosa in a chronic smoker and alcoholic and also discusses the clinical features and outcome of SPT

Clinicopathological and morphological spectrum of gastrointestinal stromal tumours on multi-detector computed tomography

Purpose: To describe the clinicopathological and morphological features of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). Material and methods: MDCT (plain and post contrast) images of 25 confirmed cases of GISTs were retrospectively evaluated from our hospital database. The images were analysed for the location, size, growth pattern, attenuation pattern, relation to adjacent structures, presence or absence of ulceration, calcification, metastases, lymphadenopathy, and for any complications such as haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, etc. Institutional Ethics Committee clearance was obtained prior to the commencement of the study. Statistics used included percentage frequency. Results: Our study group comprised 14 males and 11 females. The mean age of our study population was 60 years (age range: 40 to 82 years). The mean tumour size was 11.7 cm. The stomach and small bowel accounted for 76% of the primary tumour site. The commonest imaging appearance of GIST observed in our study was that of an exophytic mass (76%) with a heterogenous pattern of enhancement (96%) with intratumoural necrosis (76%). MDCT demonstrated complications in three patients (12%). Six patients presented with metastatic foci (five to the liver and one to the lung), while lymphadenopathy was observed in five patients (20%). Associated complications included intestinal obstruction (8%) and retrogastric haematoma (4%). Incidental findings included uterine fibroid (n = 1), ovarian dermoid (n = 1), and chronic pancreatitis (n = 1). Conclusions: GISTs are predominantly large tumours with a well circumscribed and exophytic pattern on MDCT, with or without cystic/necrotic areas, and they mostly show a heterogenous pattern of enhancement on post-contrast administration