bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of mental nerve injury in facial fractures: a 3 year retrospective study
Authors: Shah Navin S. , Panchal Karan V. , Agrawal Pratik
Published: November 2019

Background: Mandibular fracture is the most common facial bone fracture. Fractures occurring at the Para symphysis region frequently results in mental nerve injury, due to which anaesthesia or paraesthesia of the skin and mucous membrane within the distribution of mental nerve may be observed and may cause reduced quality of life for patients. Aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse and evaluate the prevalence rate of mental nerve injury in patients that reported to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, managed conservatively or open reduction and internal fixation method during the last 3 yearsMethods: Patients with neurosensory deficit following para symphysis fracture were recorded, statistically analyzed and results and observation were prepared from it.Results: The patients with age group 21-30 diagnosed with para symphysis fracture constituted 25% of all operated case and were found to be more associated with midface and angle fracture. Etiology behind the trauma was mostly as a result of RTA. Neurosensory disturbances as a result of mental nerve injury were found to be associated in 20.89% case, out of which in most of the cases, it gradually recovered within a duration of 7-15 days.Conclusions: RTA’s have been a prime cause for para symphysis fracture, which may at times accompany neurosensory deficit following trauma or may occur post-surgery, has been found to cause troublesome sequelae and reduced quality of life. Moreover, further research study needs to be carried out over a larger time span having a larger group of patients.
Socio-demographic profile of Human Immunodeficiency Virus patients on second line antiretroviral therapy in a tertiary care centre of North-East India
Authors: Karmakar Arun , Mazumdar Abhipsa , Karmakar Nabarun , Mishra Aditya Kumar
Published: November 2019

Background: HIV/ AIDS is one of the major global health issue, resulting an epidemic. Understanding the socio-demographic profile with magnitude of risky behavior might include positive messages in the routine HIV/AIDS care and treatment. Objective of this study was to find out the socio-demographic, behavioural characteristics among patients receiving second line ART (Anti-Retroviral therapy) in a tertiary centre of North-East India.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 90 PLWHA patients receiving second line ART in Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal from March 2016 to August 2017. A predesigned and pretested schedule was used as study tool to collect required information.Results: Majority participants (43.3%) belonged to 30-40 years age group, mean age 39.96±8.021 years; 51.1% were female. Majority (58.9%) got infected with HIV through heterosexual route followed by IV drug use (31.1%). Nearly half (51.1%) were diagnosed with HIV for 11-15 years duration and majority (61.1%) were under 2nd line ART for 6-10 years duration. Here, 3.3% subjects had Hepatitis B and 7.8% were infected with hepatitis C.Conclusions: Young population were most affected group and heterosexual route being the commonest mode of transmission. Combination of socio-demographic, behavioural risk factor and unawareness are responsible for rapid spread of HIV/AIDS. So, people need to be educated for primary and secondary prevention.
Skill up; gradation of anganwadi workers pertaining to growth chart plotting and interpretation in rural areas of Varanasi district, India
Authors: Prabha Chandra , Srivastava Ratan Kr. , Gupta Manoj Kumar
Published: November 2019

Background: The task of using the growth chart by Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) for growth monitoring requires technical skill. It was hypothesized that skill up-gradation can make a difference in the performance of AWWs in regard with growth monitoring. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of intervention in improving skill of AWWs regarding growth chart plotting and interpretation.Methods: It was a field based interventional study, which was conducted in rural areas of Varanasi district, India. A total of 66 AWWs each from Chiraigaon (intervention) and Cholapur (control) community development blocks of Varanasi district was selected for the study. Each AWW was provided 3 weight readings of different ages for plotting and 4 filled growth charts for interpretation. Chi square test has been applied to assess the significant difference.Results: Only around 10% of AWWs could correctly plot all 3 growth charts and similar proportion of AWWs could also correctly interpret all 4 filled growth charts. The planned intervention could significantly improve their skill of growth chart plotting and interpretation and during end line survey 41% and 77% of AWWs could correctly plot all 3 growth charts and interpret all the four growth charts, respectively.Conclusions: The developed hypothesis is proved, and intervention was found effective in significantly improving the skills of AWWs in regard with growth monitoring.
Patient satisfaction after cataract surgery using visual functioning questionnaire
Authors: Shakeel Sidra , Kazi Umer , Qazi Asif Mashood , Memon Muhammad Saleh , Memon Fateh , Khan Hina , Tariq Anas
Published: November 2019

Background: NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire is widely used to determine different health benefits to patient’s daily activities, social and mental health. The objective of this study was to determine satisfaction of patients undergoing cataract surgery.Methods: After ethical approval, a cross-sectional study using non-probability convenient sampling technique was done. Post-operative cataract patients between 18-75 years of both gender were included and patients reluctant to participate, <18 years of age or above 75 were excluded. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Scoring of NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire was done. Chi-square test was applied between groups of patients with or without glasses using distant and near visual acuities keeping p-value of ≤0.05 as significant.Results: Mean age of 100 patients was 58.56±9.63 years, 78 patients were female housewives. Significant improvements in visual acuities was reported with distant or near vision with or without glasses after cataract surgery (p-value <0.01). Patient’s difficulties in worrying with eye sight, reading newspapers, reading stuff well up close, reading street signs, having issue in visiting others, going out to movies/plays, feeling of accomplishing less, having limited endurance and need for help from others in order to perform visual tasks were associated independently with reduced visual acuity and visual impairment.Conclusions: Cataract surgery significantly improved patients’ visual acuities, daily activities, mental and social health issues. Most patients were satisfied with cataract surgery and had fulfilling improvements to post-operative quality of life.
Utility of opening rhythms in predicting time to return of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest victims in a resource constrained setting: a single centre prospective observational study
Authors: Suseel Appu , Abraham Siju V. , R. Radha K.
Published: November 2019

Background: Time to ROSC has been shown to be an important and independent predictor of mortality and adverse neurological outcome. In resource limited situations judicious deployment of resources is crucial. Prognostication of arrest victims may aid in better resource allocation. This study aimed to assess the time to Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) in cardiac arrest victims and its relationship with opening rhythms.Methods: Consecutive victims of cardiopulmonary arrest who presented to a single center were included in this study if they met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Time at which opening rhythm was analyzed and time at which ROSC was achieved was noted. This was done for all cases and mean time to ROSC was calculated for each opening rhythm. All those patients who achieved ROSC were followed up till hospital discharge or death.  Primary outcome measured was achievement of ROSC and the secondary outcome was the survival to hospital discharge.Results: A sample size of 100 was calculated to yield a significance criterion of 0.05 and a power of 0.80 based on prior studies. Out of 100 patients studied. 58% had shockable rhythms and 42% had non-shockable rhythms.  Mean time to ROSC for shockable rhythm was 5.55±3.51 minutes, and for non-shockable rhythm is 17.29±4.18 minutes.  There was a statistically significant difference between opening rhythms in terms of survival to hospital discharge (p=0.0329).Conclusions: Cardiac arrests with shockable rhythms attained ROSC faster when compared to nonshockable rhythms. Shockable rhythms have a better survival to hospital discharge when compared to shockable rhythms. Opening rhythms may aid the clinician in better utility of resources in a resource constrained setting.
Nurse’s knowledge regarding importance of human milk and milk banking
Authors: Kumari Poonam , . Vandna
Published: November 2019

Background: Breast milk is the complete nutrition for the babies during first 6 months of life. It is very important to feed the baby with breast milk during that crucial period of growth. Unavailability of breast milk can put the baby in life threatening conditions. In order to resolve the problem and to improve the mortality rate of neonates, nurses should have up to date information regarding the breast milk and its storage. Aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of nurses regarding importance of human milk and milk banking.Methods: Quantitative, descriptive research approach was used to assess the knowledge of 150 purposively selected nurses working in obstetric, gynae and pediatric wards in selected hospitals of Punjab by using socio-demographic sheet and self-structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for the analysis of data.Results: Study findings revealed that majority of nurses 66% have adequate knowledge regarding importance of human milk and milk banking. Knowledge of nurses regarding importance of human milk and milk banking is significantly associated with working department.Conclusions: Study concluded that knowledge of nurses regarding importance of human milk and milk banking is satisfactory. But for the further improvement in knowledge of nurse’s in-service programs should be provided to them after regular intervals of time. So that they perform their work efficiently.
Comparative study of oral ivermectin, topical permethrin and benzyl benzoate in the treatment of scabies
Authors: Babu G. Chitti , Bagati Kavita Dhar , Agarwal Praveen , Sharma Jyostna
Published: November 2019

Background: Efficacy of these modalities as shown by various investigations are inconsistent and ambiguous. Thus, evidence based effective treatment option is warranted. Aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of oral ivermectin, topical permethrin and benzyl benzoate in the treatment of uncomplicated scabies.Methods: Patients with confirmed diagnosis of scabies were included in this study. One hundred and ninety-five subjects were included in this investigation as per inclusion and exclusion criteria laid down. Equal numbers of patients were randomly allocated to one of the three treatment groups. Efficacy of three groups [oral ivermectin (Group A), topical permethrin (Group B) and benzyl benzoate (Group C)] of drugs was compared in terms of improvement in clinical grading of disease (%) and improvement in clinical grading of pruritus (%) during follow up visits.Results: Those subjects receiving topical permethrin, at 1st follow up 56.9% showed cure rate which increased to 89.2% at 2nd follow up with respect to clinical improvement in pruritus. Maximum relief in severity of pruritus at the end of 6th week was reported by 58(89.2%) patients receiving group B treatment modality followed by 52 patients (80%) in arm A. Regarding efficacy of three treatment groups in terms of improvement in severity of lesion at the end of 6 weeks, maximum number of patients 57(87.7%), receiving group B treatment reported improvement which is better than other two treatment groups.Conclusions: maximum number of patients receiving topical Permethrin treatment reported improvement better than other Oral Ivermectin therapy and topical benzyl benzoate. Oral ivermectin may serve a good alternative for managing scabies under certain conditions like poor compliance to topical scabicides.
Prevalence of obesity in patients suffering from migraine
Authors: Faruqi Sidra J. , Shahbaz Naila N. , Yahya Muhammad , Butt Mehwish A. , Memon Faizan H. , Ali Syed G. , Sana Rabia
Published: November 2019

Background: Migraine is one of the most common primary headaches, accounting for significant morbidity in patients suffering from it. An association between obesity and migraine has been documented in the past, despite some studies pointing to the contrary. Author’s purpose is to calculate the prevalence of obesity in migraine patients in order to contribute to the existing concepts. A positive correlation could lead to the employment of weight loss interventions in the management of obese patients with migraine.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 patients, recently diagnosed with migraine, attending the Neurology Outpatient Department at the Dr. Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi were enrolled after taking informed consent.  Migraine was diagnosed using International Classification of Headache Disorders III (ICHD III) criteria. Height (meters) and weight (kilograms) were measured and body mass index calculated. This data was kept confidential. The results were tabulated and analyzed using SPSS version 19.  Continuous quantitative data were analyzed using chi square test. A p Value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The mean age of enrolled participants was 30.69±6.96 years, 204(51%) were >30 years of age, 159(39.8%) were male and 241(60.3%) were female, mean height was 1.55±0.1 meters, mean weight was 56.26±12.98 kg, and mean duration of migraine was 5.04±2.02 weeks. The prevalence of obesity in patients with migraine was 108 (27%).Conclusions: It was concluded that the prevalence of obesity in patients with migraine was 27%.
Crimean-congo haemorrhagic fever: a global perspective
Authors: Kalal Nipin , . Nimarta
Published: November 2019

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is caused by infection with a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus) in the family Bunyaviridae, causing severe and often fatal haemorrhagic fever in humans. CCHF is pervasive, now found in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. CCHF spreads to humans either by tick bites or by contact with blood and tissues from infected animals or humans. CCHF outbreaks constitute a threat to public health services because of its epidemic potential, its high case fatality ratio (10-40%), and its potential for nosocomial outbreaks and its quandaries in treatment and prevention. It is characterized by sudden onset with initial sign symptoms including fever, chills, agitations, myalgia, headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain, arthralgia, ecchymosis, melena, haematuria, nose bleeding, vaginal bleeding, bradycardia, thrombocytopenia. It is diagnosed by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assay, ELISA test, antigen detection tests. Overall supportive therapy is the mainstay of patient management in CCHF. Seriously ill patients require intensive care. Ribavirin for the treatment of CCHF cases it is most effective, if administered very soon after the onset of clinical signs (e.g., during the first 48 hours). Prevention should be taken which reduce risk of tick to human transmission and human to human transmission.
The efficient of beds used based on graphic Barber Johnson at Semen Padang Hospital in 2017
Authors: Mandia Sayati
Published: November 2019

Background: Quality of hospital services can be seen from the bed usage. Statistical analysis of efficiency bed usage can be mesured based on inpatient medical records. To determine the efficiency requires four parameters namely bed occupancy rate (BOR), average length of stay (ALoS), turnover interval (TI), and bed turnover (BTR). parameters can be presented using Graphic Barber Johnson. This study aims to determine the efficiency of bed usage at Semen Padang Hospital in 2017.Methods: This research was conducted at Semen Padang Hospital, West Sumatera, Indonesia from January to December 2017. The study used a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The data was collected from medical records department. The population is all abstraction data of in-patient medical record in 2017, 9796 medical record used total sampling technique. Data analysis was performed by calculating the values of ALoS, BOR, BTR, and TI. Data will be presented based on graphic Barber Johnson. Excel 2010 and graphic Barber Johnson method were applied for data analysis.Results: Number of daily inpatient censuses in 2017 are 31227 and number of service days are 31362. Number of beds 144. Statistical analysis results obtained total BOR 60%, BTR 67 times, TI 2 days and ALoS 3 days. The highest value of bed occupancy rate is 66% on August.Conclusions: Based on statistical, value of bed occupancy rate (60%) and turnover interval (2 days) are efficient at Semen Padang Hospital in 2017. Average length of stay (3 days) and bed turnover rate (67 times) are not efficient.
Evaluation of home based postnatal care provided by accredited social health activist worker in a rural community of Haryana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Grover Kashish , Khanna Pardeep , Chayal Vinod , Verma Ramesh , Kapoor Roopam , Kumar Tarun , Tiwana Navraj , Kaushal Pankaj
Published: November 2019

Background: The post-natal period is the most critical time for the mother and the newborn. Most of the maternal deaths occur in first month of life. Based on these facts Government of India took an initiative, home based postnatal care (HBPNC), to follow up postnatal mothers and newborns for first six weeks. The present study assessed the quality of HBPNC provided by accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers and various factors associated with it.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted under Community Health Center, Dubaldhan in block Beri of Haryana. A total of 60 ASHA workers were visited and all the postnatal mothers under the supervision of each ASHA worker were included in the study. In this way 264 postnatal mothers were contacted. A scoring system was used to assess the quality of HBPNC given by ASHA worker.Results: Majority of ASHA workers were not able to record temperature and weight of the baby correctly. Regarding care of cord and danger signs in newborn only half (50%) of the mothers were counselled, whereas, only 48% mothers were counseled regarding care of eyes. Statistically significant association of quality of newborn care with education and training attended by ASHA workers was seen.Conclusions: Our study confirmed that most of the new born babies were not getting good quality of home based newborn care. Recent training attended by ASHA worker is highly associated with providing good quality newborn care to babies by ASHA workers.
Knowledge, attitude and practices of hand hygiene among nurses and nursing students in a tertiary health care center of Central India: a questionnaire based study
Authors: Mehta Abhishek , Tripathi Kiran
Published: November 2019

Background: Health care associated infections and emerging multi drug resistance in nosocomial pathogens is perceived as a serious public health threat with grievous concerns. Hand hygiene if practiced properly is cheapest, simplest and most effective tool in tackling this problem. The objective of this study was conducted to assess levels of knowledge, attitude and practice in various aspects of hand hygiene in nurses and nursing students in the study area for identifying gaps for planning necessary corrective measures.Methods: A cross sectional study involving self-administered pre-structured anonymous questionnaires administered to 50 staff nurses and 80 nursing students posted at a tertiary health care center of Central India. Z test of proportions was used to compare the percentages for each of the appropriate responses between the two study groups.Results: Most of the study participants exhibited moderate levels of knowledge and practice with marginal difference between two study groups. While nursing students were found to exhibit a remarkably higher level of attitude than staff nurses, difference being statistically significant.Conclusions: This study stresses upon the growing need for prompt interventions at institutional level for addressing the gaps evident from the study.
Effect of yoga on physical and various hematological parameters
Authors: Banerjee Ashish Bijaykrishna , Banerjee Anita Ashish , Sharma Lokendra Kumar , Kumar Susheel
Published: November 2019

Background: Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that has been around since ages. With time, people have discovered a number of health benefits associated with yoga.Methods: This longitudinal interventional study intended to evaluate the effect of yoga intervention on physical health and various hematological parameters. Thirty five healthy individuals between the age group of 18 to 45 years participated in the study. After a written informed consent, the individuals underwent various types of yoga exercises for 90 days under supervision of professional yoga trainer. Impact on body mass index (BMI), pulse rate, blood pressure (BP), and various haematological parameters like hemoglobin percentage (Hb %), white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, were taken under consideration before and after training. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test.Results: Significant reduction in BMI, BP and rise in Hb % and platelet (p<0.05) was observed. However, although WBC count showed improvement, the difference was statistically non-significant. No adverse events were observed during the study period.Conclusions: The present study findings highlight the importance of yoga in improving physical health and hematological markers.
Diseño y evaluación de un nuevo formato digital de lectura de cuentos ilustrados: Correpalabras.
Authors: Montalvo-Castro Jorge A. , Martos-Castañeda Néstor
Published: November 2019

En esta investigación se diseña y evalúa un formato digital de lectura de cuentos en el cual el texto se mueve a una velocidad que cada niño o niña puede regular según su capacidad lectora. El formato, denominado Correpalabras, consiste en una aplicación digital que busca promover la lectura en el hogar aprovechando los teléfonos móviles de los padres de familia. Para la evaluación empírica del formato se diseñó un prototipo inicial que fue validado individualmente con 36 alumnos de segundo grado de educación primaria. Después se desarrolló un prototipo mejorado y se implementó una prueba piloto focalizada en 150 colegios públicos. Los resultados de ambas evaluaciones muestran que el formato produce un alto nivel de interés en los niños, docentes y padres de familia; y genera un impacto positivo en la atención y comprensión lectora. Las conclusiones sugieren que el formato Correpalabras ayuda a consolidar las competencias lectoras de los alumnos de segundo y tercer grado de primaria y permite que la lectura sea percibida como una experiencia más atractiva, estimulante e inmersiva.
Alfabetizar para ver: la importancia de aprender a leer, comprender y analizar imágenes
Authors: Gomes-Franco-e-Silva Flávia
Published: November 2019

El presente estudio hace hincapié en la importancia de la alfabetización visual entendida como la capacidad de decodificar imágenes, comprendiendo la profundidad semántica del mensaje icónico, acompañado o no de texto. Para observar el desempeño del alumnado universitario en cuanto a la lectura de imágenes y percepción de significados implícitos y sutiles, se realiza un experimento con estudiantes de los Grados en Educación Infantil y Filosofía de la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos durante el curso 2018-2019. La investigación ha consistido en la exposición del grupo experimental (n = 209) y del grupo de control (n = 51) a la lectura de un álbum ilustrado en el aula, contestando a continuación un cuestionario basado en los significados de las imágenes que ilustran la obra. Los resultados detectan un nivel de lectura visual deficitario en ambos grupos, el cual no se corresponde con el perfil del lector competente. Se observa la necesidad de desarrollar habilidades específicas de lectura de imágenes, dotando, sobre todo a los futuros maestros, de herramientas que les permitan fomentar en los escolares en desarrollo del pensamiento y la mirada crítica.
Algorithm for detecting spherulite marker in human blood serum facies
Authors:   Ulyanovsk State Technical University, Severny Venetz Street, 32, Ulyanovsk, Russia, 432027, Malenova Olga , Trubnikova Larisa ,   Ulyanovsk State University, Lev Tolstoy Street, 42, Ulyanovsk, Russia, 432017, Yashina Anna ,   Research-and-Production Association Mars, Solnechnaya Street, 20, Ulyanovsk, Russia, 432022, Albutova Marina ,   Ulyanovsk State University, Lev Tolstoy Street, 42, Ulyanovsk, Russia, 432017
Published: November 2019

One of the effective methods of early medical diagnosis is the method of wedge dehydration. It is based on the analysis of facies images. Facia is a thin film of dried human biological fluids. The presence of special structures (markers) indicates various pathologies of the organism at their earliest stages. In this article, the algorithm for detecting spherulite marker on microscopic images of human serum facies is presented. The presence of spherulites on facies is the norm. However, the atypical form of spherulite is a marker of precancerous diseases: uterine fibroids, endometrial hyperplastic processes and the mammary gland. Due to the visual analysis of the marker, its characteristic features were identified. Then algorithmic detection methods for these features were developed. The decision on the probable presence of a marker was made if there was a combination of features of this marker. As a result of the application of the developed algorithm, most images of atypical spherulites were identified.
Themes in South-East Asian Newspaper Headlines on Rohingya Issue: Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Isti’anah Arina
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT Language is regarded as a tool to present the ideologies of its users, including how media portray particular issue in their headlines. Rohingya has gained much attention by media, including South-East Asian newspapers. The massive clearing done by Myanmar government triggers the attention of media. Headlines are regarded as the important element of news since their jobs are to attract the readers and frame the ideologies of the readers as well as the media themselves. This paper attempts at discussing how South-East Asian media present Rohingya in their headlines. Five newspapers were involved: The Jakarta Post from Indonesia, Malaysia Kini from Malaysia, Mmtimes from Myanmar, The Nation from Thailand, and Daily Star from Bangladesh, taken during 2017. The analysis was focused on the choice of Theme in the headlines as it is the departing message of the headlines. The approach conducted was Critical Discourse Analysis utilizing the textual function of language offered by Halliday. The analysis revealed that South-East Asian media had similarities and differences in portraying Rohingya issue. The similarities were seen from the reflected ideologies, responsibility and blame, and the types of employed Themes. The difference was found in the way each media portrayed the ideologies. However, all media agreed to show their responsibility to end and solve Rohingya crisis to achieve peace and harmony amongst South-East countries.Keywords: headlines, critical discourse analysis, Rohingya
Coinage and Neologism in Hausa Political Programs: A Sociolinguistics Perspective
Authors: Zailini Abdulkadir Abu Bakar
Published: November 2019

Linguistic aspect of language development is not an event that occur abruptly; rather, it pass through processes that take place gradually over time, in a stage by stage development. This paper dwells on linguistic issues on coinage and neologism arising in Hausa political programmes in the media, from the sociolinguistic perspective, which gave birth and rebirth of words/phrases meaning. New words/phrase are created, the existing ones are lexically and semantically expanded to accommodate new meanings in Hausa language usage. It observes and explains how some Hausa lexical items as well as sentences are used in the media political programmes in such a way that the language has new words and meanings; and instances of coinage and neologism in Hausa in the media are discussed.
MID and UspA1/A2 of the human respiratory pathogen Moraxella catarrhalis, and interactions with the human host as basis for vaccine development.
Authors: Riesbeck Kristian , Tan Thuan Tong , Forsgren Arne
Published: November 2019

Moraxella catarrhalis IgD-binding protein MID is a 200 kDa autotransporter protein that exists as a oligomer and is governed at the transcriptional level. The majority of M. catarrhalis clinical isolates expresses MID. Two functional domains have been attributed to MID; MID764-913 functions as an adhesin and promotes the bacteria to attach to epithelial cells, whereas the IgD-binding domain is located within MID962-1200. In parallel, MID is stimulatory for B lymphocytes through the IgD B cell receptor. M. catarrhalis ubiquitous surface proteins A1 and A2 (UspA1/A2) are multifunctional outer membrane proteins that can bind complement and extracellular matrix proteins such as vitronectin and fibronectin. An interaction between the complement fluid phase regulator of the classical pathway, C4b binding protein (C4BP), and UspA1/A2 has also been observed. Moreover, UspA1/A2 has a unique feature to interfere with the innate immune system of complement by binding C3. Taken together, a growing body of knowledge on M. catarrhalis outer membrane proteins MID and UspA1/A2 and their precise interactions with the human host make them promising vaccine candidates in a future multicomponent vaccine.
In situ detection of DNA and mRNA of human cytomegalovirus to distinguish different forms of viral infection in leukocytes.
Authors: Zawilinska Barbara , Bulek Katarzyna , Kopec Jolanta , Kosz-Vnenchak Magdalena
Published: November 2019

In situ PCR and in situ reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) were applied to discriminate between latent and productive infection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in leukocytes. We investigated 28 samples, in which viral pp65 antigen was detected only in the cytoplasm of leukocytes. Additionally we assayed 12 specimens lacking pp65 antigen. Using nested PCR (nPCR), viral DNA was detected in 27 samples. In six samples the results of nPCR were unreadable due to the presence of polymerase inhibitors. By application of in situ PCR, we were able to confirm the presence of viral DNA in the nucleus and/or cytoplasm. Productive infection was recognized in 20 samples in which transcripts for late viral genes were detected. Among the 20 samples negative by in situ RT-PCR, we recognized phagocytosis of viral particles in eight and the latent form of HCMV infection in five.
Methylotrophic extremophilic yeast Trichosporon sp.: a soil-derived isolate with potential applications in environmental biotechnology.
Authors: Kaszycki Paweł , Czechowska Kamila , Petryszak Przemysław , Miedzobrodzki Jacek , Pawlik Bolesław , Kołoczek Henryk
Published: November 2019

A yeast isolate revealing unique enzymatic activities and substrate-dependent polymorphism was obtained from autochthonous microflora of soil heavily polluted with oily slurries. By means of standard yeast identification procedures the strain was identified as Trichosporon cutaneum. Further molecular PCR product analyses of ribosomal DNA confirmed the identity of the isolate with the genus Trichosporon. As it grew on methanol as a sole carbon source, the strain appeared to be methylotrophic. Furthermore, it was also able to utilize formaldehyde. A multi-substrate growth potential was shown with several other carbon sources: glucose, glycerol, ethanol as well as petroleum derivatives and phenol. Optimum growth temperature was determined at 25 degrees C, and strong inhibition of growth at 37 degrees C together with the original soil habitat indicated lack of pathogenicity in warm-blooded animals and humans. The unusually high tolerance to xenobiotics such as diesel oil (>30 g/l), methanol (50 g/l), phenol (2 g/l) and formaldehyde (7.5 g/l) proved that the isolate was an extremophilic organism. With high-density cultures, formaldehyde was totally removed at initial concentrations up to 7.5 g/l within 24 h, which is the highest biodegradation capability ever reported. Partial biodegradation of methanol (13 g/l) and diesel fuel (20 g/l) was also observed. Enzymatic studies revealed atypical methylotrophic pathway reactions, lacking alcohol oxidase, as compared with the conventional methylotroph Hansenula polymorpha. However, the activities of glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase, formaldehyde reductase, formate dehydrogenase and unspecific aldehyde dehydrogenase(s) were present. An additional glutathione-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase activity was also detected. Metabolic and biochemical characteristics of the isolated yeast open up new possibilities for environmental biotechnology. Some potential applications in soil bioremediation and wastewater decontamination are discussed.
Nuclear and mitochondrial genome responses in HeLa cells treated with inhibitors of mitochondrial DNA expression.
Authors: Piechota Janusz , Szczesny Roman , Wolanin Kamila , Chlebowski Aleksander , Bartnik Ewa
Published: November 2019

The influence of mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on the bioenergetic metabolism of the cell is still poorly understood. Many of the mutations in the mtDNA affect the expression of the mitochondrial genome. Investigations on cells from patients are not easy, especially as the mitochondrial DNA is heteroplasmic and this state is changed in culture. Moreover, the nuclear background and the mitochondrial haplotype may affect the behaviour of cells. Transfer of patient mitochondria to rho zero cell lines is also not optimal as these cells in general have many nuclear changes which may also affect cell behaviour. Thus, we decided to use inhibitors of mitochondrial genome expression, such as thiamphenicol, ethidium bromide and dideoxycytidine to investigate the bioenergetic metabolism of HeLa cells. We found that oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis participate equally in ATP production in HeLa cells and that decreased activity of the respiratory chain leads to increased glycolysis and the reduction of cell growth. Insufficient ATP production in the oxidative phosphorylation process was not compensated by increased proliferation of the mitochondria. However, we were able to show that there are some mechanisms compensating limited expression of the mitochondrial genome within the mitochondria. Experiments with dideoxycytidine revealed that 10-fold decrease of the mtDNA copy number resulted in almost normal activity of cytochrome c oxidase. We found that mtDNA depletion is compensated mostly on the level of RNA metabolism in the mitochondria. Thus, our results are in agreement with the hypothesis that transcription initiation rather than mtDNA copy number is a rate limiting factor for expression of the mitochondrial genome.
Novel peptide recognized by RhoA GTPase.
Authors: Drulis-Fajdasz Dominika , Jelen Filip , Oleksy Arkadiusz , Otlewski Jacek
Published: November 2019

A phage-displayed random 7-mer disulfide bridge-constrained peptide library was used to map the surface of the RhoA GTPase and to find peptides able to recognize RhoA switch regions. Several peptide sequences were selected after four rounds of enrichment, giving a high signal in ELISA against RhoA-GDP. A detailed analysis of one such selected peptide, called R2 (CWSFPGYAC), is reported. The RhoA-R2 interaction was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy, chemical denaturation, and determination of the kinetics of nucleotide exchange and GTP hydrolysis in the presence of RhoA regulatory proteins. All measurements indicate that the affinity of the R2 peptide for RhoA is in the micromolar range and that R2 behaves as an inhibitor of: i) GDP binding to the apo form of RhoA (Mg2+-and nucleotide-free form of the GTPase), ii) nucleotide exchange stimulated by GEF (DH/PH tandem from PDZRhoGEF), and iii) GTP hydrolysis stimulated by the BH domain of GrafGAP protein.
Different gene expression profiles of AD293 and HEK293 cell lines that show contrasting susceptibility to apoptosis induced by overexpression of Bim L.
Authors: Zhang Jiayi , Chen Jinzhong , Liu Lingfeng , Ji Chaoneng , Gu Shaohua , Ying Kang , Mao Yumin
Published: November 2019

Bim is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family. Overexpression of Bim proved to be highly cytotoxic for diverse cells. The AD293 cell line is derived directly from the HEK293 cell line but has been transfected with a gene that can improve cell adherence. We found that there was almost no apoptosis seen in Bim L-transfected AD293 cells, but more than half of Bim L-transfected HEK293 cells underwent apoptosis. Suppression subtractive hybridization was used to detect the different gene expression profile between these two cell lines. In 192 sequenced positive clones, there were 30 clones repeating twice or more. Ten genes were selected for identification by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The transcripts of two adhesion-related genes (actin and parvin) and two apoptosis-related genes (cyclin 2 and protein phosphatase 1G) were up-regulated in AD293 cells. These results suggest that the high expression of cell adhesion-related proteins might be responsible for the different apoptosis status after the transfection of Bim L. Our data provide candidate genes responsible for the different apoptosis sensitivity of these two cell lines. Further investigation on the differential expression profile between AD293 and HEK293 might improve our understanding of cell apoptosis mechanism.
Influence of dipeptidyl peptidase IV on enzymatic properties of adenosine deaminase.
Authors: Sharoyan Svetlana , Antonyan Alvard , Mardanyan Sona , Lupidi Giulio , Cristalli Gloria
Published: November 2019

The importance of ADA (adenosine deaminase) in the immune system and the role of its interaction with an ADA-binding cell membrane protein dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), identical to the activated immune cell antigen, CD26, has attracted the interest of researchers for many years. To investigate the specific properties in the structure-function relationship of the ADA/DPPIV-CD26 complex, its soluble form, identical to large ADA (LADA), was isolated from human blood serum, human pleural fluid and bovine kidney cortex. The kinetic constants (Km and Vmax) of LADA and of small ADA (SADA), purified from bovine lung and spleen, were compared using adenosine (Ado) and 2'-deoxyadenosine (2'-dAdo) as substrates. The Michaelis constant, Km, evidences a higher affinity of both substrates (in particular of more toxic 2'-dAdo) for LADA and proves the modulation of toxic nucleoside neutralization in the extracellular medium due to complex formation between ADA and DPPIV-CD26. The values of Vmax are significantly higher for SADA, but the efficiency, Vmax/Km, in LADA-catalyzed 2'-dAdo deamination is higher than that in Ado deamination. The interaction of all enzyme preparations with derivatives of adenosine and erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA) was studied. 1-DeazaEHNA and 3-deazaEHNA demonstrate stronger inhibiting activity towards LADA, the DPPIV-CD26-bound form of ADA. The observed differences between the properties of the two ADA isoforms may be considered as a consequence of SADA binding with DPPIV-CD26. Both SADA and LADA indicated a similar pH-profile of adenosine deamination reaction with the optimum at pHs 6.5-7.5, while the pH-profile of dipeptidyl peptidase activity of the ADA/DPPIV-CD26 complex appeared in a more alkaline region.
Analysis of oxygen binding by hemoglobin on the basis of mean intrinsic thermodynamic quantities.
Authors: Bordbar Abdol-Khalegh , Mousavi Sayed Habib-Allah , Dazhampanah Hamid
Published: November 2019

The binding data for oxygenation of human hemoglobin, Hb, at various temperatures and in the absence and presence of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, DPG, and inositol hexakis phosphate, IHP, were analyzed for extraction of mean intrinsic Gibbs free energy, DeltaGo, enthalpy, DeltaHo, and entropy, DeltaSo, of binding at various partial oxygen pressures. This method of analysis considers all the protein species present such as dimer and tetramer forms which were not considered by Imai et al. (Imai K et al., 1970, Biochim Biophys Acta 200: 189-196), in their analysis which was based on Adair equation. In this regard, the values of Hill equation parameters were estimated with high precision at all points of the binding curve and used for calculation of DeltaGo, DeltaHo and DeltaSo were also calculated by analysis of DeltaGo values at various temperatures using van't Hoff equation. The results represent the enthalpic nature of the cooperativity in Hb oxygenation and the compensation effect of intrinsic entropy. The interpretation of results also to be, into account the decrease of the binding affinity of sites for oxygen in the presence of DPG and IHP without any considerable changes in the site-site interaction (extent of cooperativity). In other words, the interactions between bound ligands, organic phosphates and oxygen, are more due to a decreasing binding affinity and not to the reduction of the cooperative interaction between sites. The results also document the more heterotropic effect of IHP compared to DPG.
pH profile of cytochrome c-catalyzed tyrosine nitration.
Authors: Kambayashi Yasuhiro , Hitomi Yoshiaki , Kodama Norio , Kubo Masayuki , Okuda Junna , Takemoto Kei , Shibamori Masafumi , Takigawa Tomoko , Ogino Keiki
Published: November 2019

In the present study, we investigated how cytochrome c catalyzed the nitration of tyrosine at various pHs. The cytochrome c-catalyzed nitration of tyrosine occurred in proportion to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, nitrite or cytochrome c. The cytochromec-catalyzed nitration of tyrosine was inhibited by catalase, sodium azide, cystein, and uric acid. These results show that the cytochrome c-catalyzed nitrotyrosine formation was due to peroxidase activity. The rate constant between cytochrome c and hydrogen peroxide within the pH range of 3-8 was the largest at pH 6 (37 degrees C). The amount of nitrotyrosine formed was the greatest at pH 5. At pH 3, only cytochromec-independent nitration of tyrosine occurred in the presence of nitrite. At this pH, the UV as well as visible spectrum of cytochrome c was changed by nitrite, even in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, probably via the formation of a heme iron-nitric oxide complex. Due to this change, the peroxidase activity of cytochrome c was lost.
Detection of human papillomavirus in cervical cell specimens by hybrid capture and PCR with different primers.
Authors: Szostek Slawa , Klimek Malgorzata , Zawilinska Barbara , Rys Janusz , Kope Jolanta , Daszkiewic Ewa
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare hybrid capture assay with PCRs using different primers for the L1, E6-E7 regions for the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) genome. One hundred twenty-five cervical smears with normal (n=42) and abnormal (n=83) cytology were investigated. Those at high-risk for HPV were studied by hybridization antibody capture assay and PCR with the pU-1M/pU-2R primers. Target DNA from the HPV L1 region was amplified by SPF10 primer set and home-PCR with MY09/MY11 primers. The presence of HPV DNA in cervical smears was detected by SPF10 (in 72% of cases), MY09/MY11 (58%), hybrid capture (55%) and pU-1M/pU-2R (39%). Results obtained with the SPF10 and MY09/MY11 consensus primer sets as well as hybrid capture and pU-1M/pU-2R specific for high-risk types differed significantly (chi2, P
Assessment of various diagnostic methods of ureaplasma respiratory tract infections in newborns.
Authors: Biernat-Sudolska Małgorzata , Rojek-Zakrzewska Danuta , Lauterbach Ryszard
Published: November 2019

We compared three methods used microbial culturing for detection of ureaplasmas in endotracheal aspirate from 500 prematurely born neonates with respiratory disturbances: BioMerieux test, PCR and microbial culturing. Ureaplasmas were detected in respiratory tracts of 79 (16%) newborns. Correlation of the results of culture with those obtained with the BioMerieux kit, culture with PCR and BioMerieux kit with PCR was 97%, 89% and 90%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of PCR in comparison with culture was 86% and 98%, respectively, and of the BioMerieux kit 96% and 98%. PCR can be recommended in rapid diagnostics of respiratory infections in newborns suffering from respiratory disorders. It allows the detection of ureaplasmas in case of parallel infections and identification of their species.
Optimization of transient Agrobacterium-mediated gene expression system in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana.
Authors: Wydro Mateusz , Kozubek Edward , Lehmann Przemysław
Published: November 2019

Here we report on a simple and reproducible system of Agrobacterium-mediated transient gene expression assay that utilizes infiltration of young Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Although some of the phenomena described in this paper have been already reported by other researchers, here we have further developed them. The highest level of transient gfp gene expression was detected in the youngest leaves of N. benthamiana infiltrated with A. tumefaciens strains AGL0 and EHA105 precultured in the presence of 450-600 microM acetosyringone. Although the maximum level of transient gfp gene expression was restricted presumably by RNA silencing, it was completely suppressed in the presence of the viral protein HC-Pro. The transient expression system described here can be used to identify new viral suppressors of RNA silencing, for detailed analysis of unidentified genes and for industrial production of proteins in plants as well.
Expression of soluble recombinant TGF-beta type II receptor fused with the Fc portion of human IgG1 (sTbetaRII-Fc) in NS0 cells.
Authors: Kwiatkowska Eliza P , Kazimierczak Urszula , Mackiewicz Andrzej , Kowalczyk Dariusz W
Published: November 2019

We have constructed and expressed recombinant chimeric soluble TGF-beta type II receptor fused with the Fc portion of human IgG1 (sTbetaRII-Fc) in NS0 mouse myeloma cells and isolated cell lines constitutively secreting very high levels of biologically active protein. The GS-NS0 expression system takes advantage of the strong human cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter expression vector and glutamine synthetase as a selectable marker. The recombinant chimeric receptor could be produced in high amounts and efficiently purified by one step chromatography on a protein A column. Biochemical studies revealed that recombinant sTbetaRII-Fc binds native TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3 isoforms and neutralizes their activity in vitro.
Hacia la constitucionalización del derecho de familia en Latinoamérica
Authors: Espejo Yaksic Nicolás , Lathrop Fabiola
Published: November 2019

Este trabajo revisa algunos fallos de tribunales latinoamericanos en materias que impactan directamente el derecho de familia: orientación sexual, identidad de género y filiación. Con ello buscamos relevar un proceso que podría denominarse “constitucionalización de las relaciones de familia”, referido al progresivo reconocimiento de derechos constitucionales en el ámbito del derecho de familia.