We describe a generative, scalable software infrastructure for pathway bioinformatics and systems biology. The Sigmoid modeling system is a three-tier architecture comprising distributed modules that implement pathway/cell model generation and simulation (Cellerator), a pathway modeling database (Sigmoid proper), a Web service-oriented middleware, a graphical user interface, and in the future, ...

Stercoral perforation of the colon, though rare, is associated with high mortality. Review of the literature identified only three prior cases reported during pregnancy. We report a case on a multiparous female presenting at 31 weeks of gestation with acute abdominal pain. Computed tomography suggested a sigmoid colon perforation. An urgent exploratory laparotomy was performed where feculent pe...

mucous coat seen through the thinned outer coats ; mucous membrane congested and thickened, especially along free border of colon; in sigmoid flexure thickening is all round, and congestion most intense, thickening from interstitial deposit, ulceration in different stages; ulcers from 4 to 5 lines by 2 lines broad, placed transversely along whole length of colon; one large ulcer placed in sigmo...

The three-dimensional (3-D) morphology of the sigmoid notch was examined in Kenyapithecus, Proconsul, and several living anthropoids by using an automatic 3-D digitizer. It was revealed that Kenyapithecus and Proconsul exhibit a very similar morphology of the distal region of the sigmoid notch; including the absence of a median keel and a downward sloped coronoid process. In addition, the proxi...

The location of the sigmoid colon varies within the abdominal cavity, but its mesocolon is fixed to the left side. Right side fixation of the sigmoid colon is a very rare congenital positional anomaly. In addition, it has been reported that hepatocolic fistula is also a very rare disease that may present lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Here, the authors describe a case of a 71-year-old man who...

Bowel perforation can be potentially fatal. We describe the case of a 42-year-old male who presented with severe abdominal pain following anal fisting. Clinical examination revealed tenderness of the complete abdomen with signs of peritonism. A CT-scan with rectal contrast showed a perforation of the sigmoid 40 cm above the anus. At laparoscopy, a perforation in the sigmoid colon was found and ...

Colocutaneous fistula is a very rare complication of colonic diverticular disease. Herein we describe a case with a fistula connecting the sigmoid with the left flank area complicating diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon. An 85-year-old female patient with a history of acute diverticulitis 3 months earlier, was admitted with a subcutaneous abscess in the left flank. The abscess was drained and ...

We present a new, two-pool, linear, time-varying model to describe the short term dynamics of the Ca-PTH axis. We use an asymmetrical reverse sigmoid PTH secretion rate function in the model. This results in an asymmetrical reverse sigmoid relationship between plasma Ca++ and plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations (Ca-PTH relationship). In the first validation of this kind, with parame...

Colonic perforation during colonoscopy is a rare but lethal complication. Recently, it is usually managed with laparoscopic approach. Here we present our experience of single incision laparoscopic repair for sigmoid colon perforation during colonoscopy. A 57-year-old male patient presented with an acute sigmoid colon perforation event during diagnostic colonoscopy. Emergency operation was perfo...

BACKGROUND To develop an evidence-based protocol for the management of perforated sigmoid diverticular disease. METHODS A search of the literature was undertaken. All publications pertaining to perforated sigmoid diverticular disease were analyzed and then categorized according to their level of evidence. Recommendations were then made on the basis of this. RESULTS Multiple case reports sug...