DIET, BACTERIA AND INFLAMMATION: THE INTESTINAL MUCOSA AND METABOLIC SYNDROME

Long term consumption of a high fat diet (HFD) increases the risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome and type 2 diabetes. This led us to hypothesize that long term HFD consumption impairs immune tolerance to the intestinal bacteria. Our studies had two goals. First, we characterized the effect of long term HFD consumption on the systemic immune response by comparing C57BL6 mice fed a HFD and low fat diet (LFD). Plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) against Escherichia coli (LF-82), E. coli (Nissle 1917), Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Lactobacillus acidophilus were measured by a lab-developed ELISA. Fasting blood glucose and inflammation were measured in LFD mice and HFD mice. To test whether our findings were clinically relevant, anti-bacterial IgG and TNF-α were measured in plasma samples from lean healthy individuals, obese non-diabetics and obese diabetics. Our second aim was to investigate the relationship between HFD consumption and intestinal immunity. The effect of HFD consumption on immune responses in the GI tract was assessed by measuring fecal IgA levels in HFD mice and LFD mice. HFD mice had higher plasma IgG against the LF82 strain of Escherichia coli as well as higher plasma TNF-α, neutrophil percentage and fasting blood glucose levels. Obese diabetics had higher plasma IgG against the LF82 strain of E. coli than lean healthy controls. Studies on the effect of HFD on intestinal immunity revealed that HFD mice had lower fecal IgA than LFD mice. Our findings are novel in that they show an association between long term HFD consumption, systemic inflammatory immune responses to pathogenic intestinal bacteria and insulin resistance. These studies also showed that HFD consumption may impair intestinal immunity

Fashionline: CSR case of a UK fashion retailer

This paper presents findings from a corporate social responsibility (CSR) case-study of a UK fashion retailer informed through 22 multi-level internal and 5 external semi-structured interviews. Our research explores the relationship between various stakeholders and their perceptions of CSR issues. Sixteen themes emerge. We find disparity in CSR perceptions at different levels of organization and in views of consumers. Our recommendations are that the UK fashion retailer needs to – better understand normative purpose of CSR and in doing so balance social and environmental factors more equally; engage more widely at an early stage with broader stakeholders (global supply chain; consumers, employees, local populations, regulators, industry players); and better communicate (at different levels internally) along with integrate (external policy makers and with industry) design and implementation of CSR strategies. The authors conclude a gap remains for better CSR frameworks for the UK fashion retailer

“Clinical Management of an Epigenetic Enamel Hypoplasia- A Case Report”

    Enamel hypoplasia is quantitative enamel defect, having reduced thickness of enamel. Dental enamel defects have been associated with a broad spectrum of etiologies including genetic and epigenetic factors such as systemic (bronchial asthma), local and environmental factors. Partial anodontia can be caused due to environmental and genetic factors which can cause failure of tooth development.  The purpose of the case report is to emphasize the possible correlation between bronchial asthma and enamel hypoplasia and the clinical management of the same

Polypogon monspeliensis waste biomass: A potential biosorbent for Cd (II)

Polypogon monspeliensis a globally available natural waste material was used for uptake of Cd (II) from aqueous solutions in this study. The results clearly demonstrate the effect of important experimental parameters on the biosorption process in batch experiments. The evaluated pH, biosorbent dose, size and initial metal concentration for Cd (II) uptake by P. monspeliensis waste biomass were 6, 0.05 g, 0.10 mm and 100 mg/L respectively. The Cd (II) sorption process by P. monspeliensis waste biomass was described well by pseudo second order kinetic model and Langumir sorption isotherm model. Metal equilibrium was reached in 120 min. A further increase in incubation time had no significant effect on the biosorption of the metal. FTIR spectroscopic results pointed out the involvement of hydroxyl and amine groups in the Cd (II) sorption by P. monspeliensis waste biomass

Pseudo-dissection of ascending aorta in inferior myocardial infarction

Acute aortic dissection is a cardiac emergency which can present as inferior myocardial infarction. It has high morbidity and mortality requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Rapid advances in non-invasive imaging have facilitated the early diagnosis of this condition and in ruling out this potentially catastrophic illness. We report an interesting case of a 57-year old man who presented with inferior myocardial infarction requiring thrombolysis and temporary pacing wire for complete heart block. An echocardiogram was highly suspicious of aortic dissection. CT scan confirmed that the malposition of the temporary pacing wire through the aorta mimicked aortic dissection

Company secretary: a role of breadth and majesty

Purpose: This paper presents the outcomes from 40 one-to-one semi-structured interviews and 12 focus group sessions with Company Secretaries, Chairmen, CEOs, CFOs, SIDs and NEDs, about the role of the Company Secretary. Approach: Lukes’ (1974, 2005) third dimensional power is engaged in thematic analysis of this strategic leadership role and its contribution to Board effectiveness. Findings: The findings identify ‘discretionary capacity’ as being critical to effective role contribution. Limitations: Whilst the inquiry included international participants e.g. multi-national Board members and Company Secretaries, it was conducted within the U.K. Practical / social implications: Having a range of discretion is particularly necessary at this time, when the new governance regime is broadening its demands on the role of Company Secretary in order to interact with wider stakeholders. Originality: An emergent model of the Company Secretary role is offered as a tool for building discretionary capacity, based on key Technical, Commercial and Social characteristics, in their contexts - understood together as Breadth and Majesty. Breadth establishes a competency and Majesty the refined high-level social qualities. This study concludes that the Company Secretary role is highly dependent on the preferences of the Chairman, in enabling them to make an effective contribution to the Board

Axisymmetric Stagnation Flow of a Micropolar Nanofluid in a Moving Cylinder

An analysis is carried out for axisymmetric stagnation flow of a micropolar nanofluid in a moving cylinder with finite radius. The coupled nonlinear partial differential equations of the problem are simplified with the help of similarity transformations and the resulting coupled nonlinear differential equations are solved analytically by homotopy analysis method (HAM). The features of the flow phenomena, inertia, heat transfer, and nanoparticles are analyzed and discussed