bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose Tissue Exosome-Like Vesicles Mediate Activation of Macrophage-Induced Insulin Resistance
Authors: Deng Zhong-bin , Poliakov Anton , Hardy Robert W. , Clements Ronald , Liu Cunren , Liu Yuelong , Wang Jianhua , Xiang Xiaoyu , Zhang Shuangqin , Zhuang Xiaoying , Shah Spandan V. , Sun Dongmei , Michalek Sue , Grizzle William E. , Garvey Timothy , Mobley Jim , Zhang Huang-Ge
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether exosome-like vesicles (ELVs) released from adipose tissue play a role in activation of macrophages and subsequent development of insulin resistance in a mouse model.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

ELVs released from adipose tissue were purified by sucrose gradient centrifugation and labeled with green fluorescent dye and then intravenously injected into B6 ob/ob mice (obese model) or B6 mice fed a high-fat diet. The effects of injected ELVs on the activation of macrophages were determined through analysis of activation markers by fluorescence-activated cell sorter and induction of inflammatory cytokines using an ELISA. Glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance were also evaluated. Similarly, B6 mice with different gene knockouts including TLR2, TLR4, MyD88, and Toll-interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain–containing adaptor protein inducing interferon-β (TRIF) were also used for testing their responses to the injected ELVs.

RESULTS

ELVs are taken up by peripheral blood monocytes, which then differentiate into activated macrophages with increased secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Injection of obELVs into wild-type C57BL/6 mice results in the development of insulin resistance. When the obELVs were intravenously injected into TLR4 knockout B6 mice, the levels of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance were much lower. RBP4 is enriched in the obELVs. Bone marrow–derived macrophages preincubated with recombinant RBP4 led to attenuation of obELV-mediated induction of IL-6 and TNF-α.

CONCLUSIONS

ELVs released by adipose tissue can act as a mode of communication between adipose tissues and macrophages. The obELV-mediated induction of TNF-α and IL-6 in macrophages and insulin resistance requires the TLR4/TRIF pathway.
Validity and Reproducibility of Measurement of Islet Autoreactivity by T-Cell Assays in Subjects With Early Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Herold Kevan C. , Brooks-Worrell Barbara , Palmer Jerry , Dosch H. Michael , Peakman Mark , Gottlieb Peter , Reijonen Helena , Arif Sefina , Spain Lisa M. , Thompson Clinton , Lachin John M. ,   the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Research Group
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

Type 1 diabetes results from an immunemediated destruction of β-cells, likely to be mediated by T lymphocytes, but the sensitivity, specificity, and other measures of validity of existing assays for islet autoreactive T-cells are not well established. Such assays are vital for monitoring responses to interventions that may modulate disease progression.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the ability of cellular assays to discriminate responses in patients with type 1 diabetes and normal control subjects in a randomized blinded study in the U.S. and U.K. We evaluated the reproducibility of these measurements overall and to individual analytes from repeat collections.

RESULTS

Responses in the cellular immunoblot, U.K.-ELISPOT, and T-cell proliferation assays could differentiate patients from control subjects with odds ratios of 21.7, 3.44, and 3.36, respectively, with sensitivity and specificity as high as 74 and 88%. The class II tetramer and U.S. ELISPOT assays performed less well. Despite the significant association of the responses with type 1 diabetes, the reproducibility of the measured responses, both overall and individual analytes, was relatively low. Positive samples from normal control subjects (i.e., false positives) were generally isolated to single assays.

CONCLUSIONS

The cellular immunoblot, U.K.-ELISPOT, and T-cell proliferation assays can distinguish responses from patients with type 1 diabetes and healthy control subjects. The limited reproducibility of the measurements overall and of responses to individual analytes may reflect the difficulty in detection of low frequency of antigen-specific T-cells or variability in their appearance in peripheral blood.
Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes in Type 1 Diabetic Pregnancies
Authors: Persson Martina , Norman Mikael , Hanson Ulf
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

To perform comparative analyses of obstetric and perinatal outcomes between type 1 diabetic pregnancies and the general obstetric population in Sweden between 1991 and 2003.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a population-based study. Data were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry, covering >98% of all pregnancies in Sweden. A total of 5,089 type 1 diabetic pregnancies and 1,260,207 control pregnancies were included. Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for group differences in maternal age, parity, BMI, chronic hypertensive disease, smoking habits, and ethnicity.

RESULTS

In type 1 diabetes, preeclampsia was significantly more frequent (OR 4.47 [3.77–5.31]) as was delivery by cesarean section (5.31 [4.97–5.69]) compared with results for the general population. Stillbirth (3.34 [2.46–4.55]), perinatal mortality (3.29 [2.50–4.33]), and major malformations (2.50 [2.13–2.94]) were more common in type 1 diabetic than in control pregnancies. The risk of very preterm birth (<32 gestational weeks) was also higher among type 1 diabetic women (3.08 [2.45–3.87]). The incidence of fetal macrosomia (birth weight ≥2 SD above the mean) was increased in the diabetic group (11.45 [10.61–12.36]).

CONCLUSIONS

Type 1 diabetes in pregnancy is still associated with considerably increased rates of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. The eightfold increased risk for fetal macrosomia in type 1 diabetic pregnancies is unexpected and warrants further investigation.
Insulin Sensitivity as an Independent Predictor of Fat Mass Gain in Hispanic Adolescents
Authors: Adam Tanja C. , Toledo-Corral Claudia , Lane Christianne J. , Weigensberg Marc J. , Spruijt-Metz Donna , Davies Jaimie N. , Goran Michael I.
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between changes in insulin sensitivity and subsequent changes in fat mass in obese Hispanic children over 3 consecutive years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a longitudinal research design, insulin sensitivity (Si) of 96 research participants was determined at baseline and 1 year later. Body adiposity was assessed at four assessments.

RESULTS

The change in Si during the first year of the study was a significant predictor of further fat mass development (P < 0.05). Considering different directions of Si change, Si was a strong predictor for further fat mass development only in the group that decreased their Si (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the direction of change in insulin sensitivity at an early age is an important independent predictor for further fat mass development and emphasize the importance of insulin sensitivity as a primary target for long-term obesity prevention, as well as the significance of early age intervention.
Inert gas cutting of thick-section stainless steel and medium-section aluminum using a high power fiber laser
Authors: Wandera Catherine , Salminen Antti , Kujanpaa Veli
Published: August 2009

Inert gas assisted laser cutting of 10 mm stainless steel plate and 4 mm aluminum sheet was performed with a 5 kW fiber laser. The effects of laser power, cutting speed, focal point position, and assist gas pressure on the cutting performance and cut quality were investigated. Clean cut surfaces without or with minimal dross were achieved with some combinations of process parameters and attempts were made to define parameter windows in terms of cutting speed and laser power for good quality cutting. The maximum cutting speeds for acceptable cut quality were determined at different power levels. The range at which complete through cutting could be achieved (so-called parameter window) was limited upwards by insufficient power intensity to obtain through cutting at high cutting speeds and downwards by heat conduction at slow cutting speeds. The effects of focal point position and assist gas pressure on the striation pattern (cut surface roughness) were also examined. Low surface roughness was achieved with the focal point position inside the workpiece showing the need for a wider kerf for better melt ejection in thick-section metal cutting. There was also a reduction in surface roughness with increase in assist gas pressure, but there was no significant reduction in surface roughness above the gas pressure of 16 bar, which could be due to the gas flow dynamics inside the narrow cut kerf at high assist-gas pressures.
Registration of ‘California Blackeye 50’ Cowpea
Authors: Ehlers J. D. , Sanden B. L. , Frate C. A. , Hall A. E. , Roberts P. A.
Published: August 2009

‘California Blackeye 50’, a blackeye‐type cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] (Reg. No. CV‐290, PI 655235) cultivar, was developed by the University of California, Riverside, and released by the California Agricultural Experiment Station in 2008. California Blackeye 50 distinguishes itself from the industry standard California Blackeye 46 (CB46) by its greater individual seed weight and grain quality features that are desired in the dry package trade and export markets of this crop. California Blackeye 50 was bred using traditional pedigree breeding methods. It has resistance to the two predominate races (races 3 and 4) of Fusarium wilt (caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum) found in the irrigated production systems of the southwestern United States, while other currently grown blackeye‐type cowpea cultivars adapted to the region either have resistance only to race 3 of this disease or are susceptible to both races. Selection for resistance to Fusarium wilt was conducted using a “clip‐dip” procedure in the greenhouse. California Blackeye 50 is also resistant to the two most important root‐knot nematodes of the region, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood and M. javanica (Treub) Chitwood. Selection for resistance to root‐knot nematodes was conducted at specially managed infested field sites and in “pouch tests” in growth chambers. California Blackeye 50 has given grain yields equivalent to CB46 in 13 field tests conducted over 4 yr at multiple environments in the Central Valley of California while producing highly attractive grain that is larger and more than 15% heavier.
Registration of ‘L 99‐226’ Sugarcane
Authors: Bischoff K. P. , Gravois K. A. , Reagan T. E. , Hoy J. W. , Laborde C. M. , Kimbeng C. A. , Hawkins G. L. , Pontif M. J.
Published: August 2009

‘L 99‐226’ (Reg. No. CV‐138, PI 655533) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum officinarum L., S. barberi Jeswiet, S. spontaneum L., and S. sinense Roxb. amend. Jeswiet) was released on 25 Apr. 2006 by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter) in cooperation with the USDA–ARS and the American Sugar Cane League, Inc. L 99‐226 was released because of its high sugar and cane yields along with excellent sucrose content. Data from 93 outfield trials indicate that L 99‐226 produced approximately 33% greater sugar yield and 9% greater sucrose content than ‘LCP 85‐384’ when averaged across all crops. The new cultivar is moderately resistant to brown rust disease (Puccinia melanocephala H. and P. Sydow), mosaic diseases, and the sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis F.) and moderately susceptible to smut (Ustilago scitaminea Sydow & P. Sydow) and leaf scald [Xanthomonas albilineans (Ashby) Dowson]. The cross for L 99‐226 (XL94‐128) was made in fall 1994. Early stage clonal selection was done as single stools in 1996 followed by first clonal line trial selection in 1997 and second clonal line trial stage selection in 1998. Testing in replicated yield trials was conducted throughout the sugarcane growing area in south Louisiana from 2000 through 2005. Plant patent no. 18,807 was issued for L 99‐226 on 13 May 2008.
Registration of Arkot 9721 Germplasm Line of Cotton
Authors: Bourland Fred M. , Jones Don C.
Published: August 2009

Arkot 9721 (Reg. No. GP‐918, PI 654511) is a noncommercial breeding line of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in August 2008. Arkot 9721 was derived from a 1997 cross between Arkot 8712 and Ark 8708‐31‐06, an advanced breeding line. Arkot 9721 was evaluated in 15 replicated tests in Arkansas from 2004 through 2007. Lint yield, lint percentage, and seed produced per area for Arkot 9721 were about 5 to 8% lower than two check cultivars when data from 2006 were excluded (due to poor seed germination of Arkot 9721). Arkot 9721 produced larger seed with an equal amount of lint per seed as the check cultivars. Maturity and plant height of Arkot 9721 were similar to ‘PSC 355’. Leaf pubescence and bract trichome density of Arkot 9721 was intermediate between the smooth‐leaf and hairy‐leaf check cultivars. Arkot 9721 produced significantly longer, more uniform, and finer fibers than PSC 355. Compared with check cultivars, Arkot 9721 expressed improved resistance to bacterial blight [caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum (Smith) Dye], equal resistance to root‐knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood], and less resistance to Verticillium wilt (caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb.). Resistance of Arkot 9721 to tarnished plant bug was equal to PSC 355 and greater than ‘SG 105’. The improved fiber properties in conjunction with relatively good yield, maturity, and line‐specific host plant resistance traits make Arkot 9721 valuable as a breeding line to cotton breeding programs.
Prophylactic and Therapeutic Vaccination against Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Developments and Future Perspectives
Authors: Major Marian E.
Published: August 2009

Studies in patients and chimpanzees that spontaneously clear Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) have demonstrated that natural immunity to the virus is induced during primary infections and that this immunity can be cross protective. These discoveries led to optimism regarding prophylactic HCV vaccines and a number of studies in the chimpanzee model have been performed, all of which resulted in modified infections after challenge but did not always prevent persistence of the virus. Therapeutic vaccine strategies have also been pursued in an effort to reduce the costs and side effects associated with anti-viral drug treatment. This review summarizes the studies performed thus far in both patients and chimpanzees for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination, assesses the progress made and future perspectives.
Is cholera disease associated with poverty?
Authors: Talavera Arturo , Perez Ela M.
Published: August 2009

Background: Cholera remains a global threat and is one of the key indicators of social development. While the disease no longer poses a menace to countries with minimum standards of hygiene, it remains a serious challenge to countries where access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation cannot be guaranteed. The objective of this work was to analyse the results obtained when contrasting the reports of the World Health Organization (WHO) about cholera disease with those of the World Bank List of economies (countries).
Methodology: Data were obtained from reports of two international organizations, the report on cholera disease incidence of the World Health Organization and the World Bank’s classification of countries attending to their income.
Results: We determined that low-income countries are more affected by cholera disease than countries with middle or high income. This difference was reflected in the percent of countries, the total number of reported cases, the number of cases per 100,000 habitants, as well as in the reported mortality. These results support the phrase “cholera disease is a disease of poverty.”
Conclusions: We consider that economic development is an important factor in the morbidity and mortality of cholera, together with environment, climate, culture, medical management, political intention, and the intrinsic factors of the system.
Identification and genotyping of the etiological agent of tuberculous lymphadenitis in Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Demissew , Bergval Indra , Hailu Elena , Ashenafi Senait , Yamuah Lawrence , Aseffa Abraham , Wiker Harald G. , Engers Howard , Klatser Paul , Sviland Lisbet
Published: August 2009

Background: In Ethiopia, little has been done to assess how Mycobacterium bovis has contributed to human tuberculosis, though the population routinely consumes unpasteurized milk and raw meat. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of M. tuberculosis and M. bovis as etiological agents of tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN).
Methods: Patients with lymphadenopathy (n = 171) were included in a cross-sectional study at Butajira Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. Lymph node biopsies were cultured. Patients’ HIV status was identified. DNA from positive cultures was tested by PCR to identify M. bovis and M. tuberculosis. Isolates were genotyped by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay.
Results: Among 171 patients, 156 had culture results. Of these, 107 (69%) were positive for M. tuberculosis complex (MTC). Six of the 10 HIV-positive patients were culture positive. M. tuberculosis specific sequences were identified in the DNA of each of 100 samples as assessed by RD10 targeted PCR, and each of the 95 isolates exhibited the M. tuberculosis specific TbD1 deletion by MLPA analysis. No M. bovis was identified. These results indicate that all the isolates were modern M. tuberculosis strains. Furthermore, MLPA studies confirmed that 42% of the isolates showed the Haarlem genotype and 12% displayed sequences compatible with INH resistance. No mutations conferring resistance to ethambutol or rifampicin were detected.
Conclusions: Our data showed that M. tuberculosis strains had common characteristics with strains causing pulmonary TB, which appears to be the main etiological agent of TBLN.
Application of PCR-based serogrouping of selected Salmonella serotypes in Malaysia
Authors: Lim Bee Kim , Thong Kwai Lin
Published: August 2009

Background: Differentiation of Salmonella enterica into its serogroups is important for epidemiological study. The objective of the study was to apply a multiplex PCR targeting serogroups A, B, C1, D, E and Vi-positive strains of Salmonella enterica commonly found in Malaysia. A separate H-typing multiplex PCR which identified flagellar antigen “a”, “b” or “d” was also optimized to confirm clinical serotypes, S. Paratyphi A and S. Typhi.
Methodology: Sixty-seven laboratory Salmonella enterica strains were tested. Six sets of primers targeting defined regions of the O antigen synthesis genes (rfb gene cluster) and Vi antigen gene (viaB) were selected and combined into a multiplex PCR for O-grouping. Four primers (H-for, Ha-rev, Hb-rev and Hd-rev) were used in the second step multiplex PCR for H-typing. The optimized mPCR assays were further evaluated with 58 blind-coded Salmonella strains.
Results: The multiplex PCR results obtained showed 100% concordance to the conventionally typed serogroups. Validation with 58 blind coded Salmonella strains yield 100% accuracy and specificity.
Conclusion: Based on this study, PCR serogrouping proved to be a rapid, alternative method for further differentiation of Salmonella enterica.
Invasive bacteria isolates from children with severe infections in a Nigerian hospital
Authors: Onipede Anthony O. , Onayade Adedeji A. , Elusiyan Jerome B.E. , Obiajunwa Perpetua O. , Ogundare Ezra O.O. , Olaniran Olarinde O. , Adeyemi Lateef A. , Oyelami Oyeku O.
Published: August 2009

Background: Little information is available about the aetiology and epidemiology of serious bacterial infections in Nigeria. This study determined bacterial isolates from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children presenting in the emergency room of a teaching hospital in Nigeria.
Method: From October 2005 to December 2006, children aged two to 60 months presenting with signs of acute systemic infections were recruited. Blood culture and CSF specimens were collected and processed using standard microbiological protocols. Data were analysed using SPSS version 11 software.
Results: Two hundred and two blood and 69 CSF samples were cultured. Fifty-five (27%) of the blood cultures yielded Gram-negative bacilli and Gram-positive cocci in almost equal proportions. The most common isolates from the blood cultures were Staphylococcus aureus, 26 (12.9%) and atypical coliforms, 13 (6.5%). Others are Klebsiella spp, 3 (1.5%); Klebsiella pneumonia, 2 (1.0%); Escherichia coli, 3 (1.5%); Enterobacter agglomerans, 2 (1.1%); Proteus mirabilis, 2(1%); Pseudomonas spp, 2 (1.0%); Haemophilus influenza, 1 (1.0%); and Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, 1 (1.0%). Fourteen out of 67 (20.9%) of the CSF samples yielded bacterial isolates: Streptococcus pneumonia, 3 (4.5%); Haemophilus influenza, 8 (11.9%); Hemophilus spp, 1 (1.5%); E. Coli, 1 (1.5%); and atypical coliform, 1 (1.5%). Gram-negative coliform isolates were predominantly resistant to penicillin based antibiotics and co-trimoxazole but sensitive to third-generation cephalosporins and quinolones. A high percentage of S. aureus isolates were multi-drug resistant.
Conclusions: Bacterial infections contribute to the significant morbidity among children in our environment. S. aureus was more frequently isolated in sepsis while H. influenzae appears to play a major role in meningitis. Appropriate use of antibiotics is needed to manage affected children effectively. We also recommend improved vaccine coverage of children under the age of five years.
Prognostic serum tumor necrosis factor-α in paediatric patients with sepsis
Authors: Kumar Surinder , Rizvi Meher
Published: August 2009

Objective: To study the association of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in paediatric patients with different etiological agents and levels of sepsis.
Methodology: Seventy-nine patients with sepsis were studied. Blood cultures, along with other relevant specimens, were processed for bacterial and fungal etiology. TNF-α was detected by enzyme immunoassay.
Results: In total, 42 (53.2%) of the patients had a microbiologically documented cause for sepsis. Of the gram-negative bacilli, Escherichia coli was the most common isolate followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Enterobacter spp. Serratia marscecens as well as Citrobacter koseri. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus predominated among the gram-positive cocci. Patients with a positive culture had significantly higher TNF-α levels than patients with a negative culture (70 pg/ml vs. 33 pg/ml p = 0.01). Patients with a pure gram-negative infection had significantly higher TNF-α levels than those with pure gram-positive infection (83 pg/ml vs.52 pg/ml). The geometric mean TNF-α concentrations in patients with severe sepsis and those with late septic shock were 47 pg/ml (range 5-2720) and 59 pg/ml (range 5-3310) respectively.
Conclusion: TNF-α was significantly raised in culture-positive cases in general and in gram-negative infections in particular. It can be used as a surrogate marker of sepsis and aggressive treatment initiated in patients with elevated levels of TNF alpha.
Occult HBV infection among a cohort of Nigerian adults
Authors: Ola Samuel O. , Otegbayo Jesse A. , Odaibo Georgina N. , Olaleye David O. , Olubuyide Itunu O. , Summerton Christopher B. , Bamgboye Elijah A.
Published: August 2009

Objective: To determine markers of HBV infection and detect the presence of its occult infection in serum of a cohort of adult Nigerians.
Methodology: The study involved 28 adult Nigerians with viral hepatitis (Group 1) and 28 apparently healthy adult Nigerians as controls (Group 2). Their sera were assayed for HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV, while HBV DNA was determined in 15 patients with chronic hepatitis. Significance of differences between the patients and control subjects was assessed using Chi-square test at a 95% confidence level.
Results: Sero-detection of HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe and anti-HBc was higher among the patients compared to the controls. HBV infection was diagnosed by HBsAg (89%) and a duo of HBsAg and anti-HBc (100%) among the patients. Similarly, eleven and four types of different patterns of HBV markers were observed among the respective groups. Anti-HBe (9.5%), anti-HBc (14.3%), and anti-HBs (9.5%) were detected among all the subjects who were sero-negative for HBsAg. HBV DNA was also detected in 86.7% of the 15 patients with chronic hepatitis, while occult HBV infection was observed in 7.2% of the patients and none (0%) of the controls, p < 0.05. Furthermore, HCV infection occurred among subjects with all the different patterns of HBV markers, except those with occult HBV infection and natural immunity to HBV.
Conclusion: This study shows that occult HBV infection is present among Nigerian adults and determination of HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBe, and HBV DNA will assist in its detection.
Impact of a training intervention on use of antimicrobials in teaching hospitals
Authors: Akter Seikh Farid Uddin , Heller Richard D. , Smith Anthony J. , Milly Afia F.
Published: August 2009

Background: Antimicrobials are often used inappropriately in paediatric wards of medical college hospitals in Bangladesh. Most of the antimicrobials are prescribed based on clinical grounds–signs and symptoms. This intervention study assessed the effectiveness of a training intervention on antimicrobials prescribing by physicians in paediatric wards of tertiary care level hospitals.
Methodology: This study was conducted at medical college hospitals in Bangladesh during the period from 1998 through 2000. The pre-intervention survey of antimicrobial use was conducted during 1998 in five hospitals. The post-intervention survey was conducted after the interactive training during the succeeding year in three of the original five hospitals, of which one was the intervention hospital and two control hospitals. A total of 3,466 admitted paediatric patients' treatment charts (2,171 in the pre-intervention and 1,295 in the post-intervention surveys) were reviewed.
Results: The most commonly used antimicrobials were ampicillin, gentamicin, amoxicillin, cloxacillin and ceftriaxone. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy for the most common infectious diseases, pneumonia and diarrhoea, increased by 16.4% and 56.8% respectively in the intervention hospital compared with the two control hospitals and these improvenmts were significant (p = < 0.001 and p = 0.002, for pneumonia and diarrhoea respectively).
Conclusions: An interactive, focussed educational intervention, targeted at physicians, appears to have been effective in improving appropriate antimicrobial prescribing for the most common paediatric infectious diseases in a medical college hospital in Bangladesh.
Urinary schistosomiasis in the Danjarima community in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Sarkinfada Faruk , Oyebanji Azeez Akande , Sadiq Isa Abubakar , Ilyasu Zubairu
Published: August 2009

Background: Studies in northern Nigeria have suggested a linear relationship between urinary schistosomiasis and individual water-related activities. Knowledge of the perceptions of the local populace about schistosomoasis and of gender and cultural restrictions could be beneficial to control programmes. We studied the prevalence of urinary schistosomoasis and the socio-demographic factors associated with the disease in Danjarima community of Kano, northern Nigeria.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey involving 890 subjects was conducted in the community. Urine samples were collected and examined for ova of Schistosoma haematobium using sedimentation technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the subjects in order to determine their knowledge and perceptions about urinary schistosomiasis in relation to their cultures.
Results: Eggs of S. haematobium were demonstrated in 370 (41.6%) of the urine sampled examined. The highest prevalence rate of 54.4% infection with S. haematobium was recorded in Zaura sub-village while the lowest rate of 6.4% was observed in Sabon-Fegi. More males (55.9%) were infected than females (3.7%) and the difference between the infection rate in males and females was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.01). The age group 10 to 14 years recorded the highest rate of infection (P ≤ 0.05) in both males (80.9%) and females (10.3%).
Conclusion: The lack of adequate perception on the cause of urinary schistosomiasis and exposure to water bodies were responsible for the high prevalence of infection in Danjarima.
Tungiasis-related knowledge and treatment practices in two endemic communities in northeast Brazil
Authors: Winter Benedikt , Oliveira Fabíola A. , Wilcke Thomas , Heukelbach Jorg , Feldmeier Hermann
Published: August 2009

Background: Tungiasis, caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans, is highly prevalent in many resource-poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Studies on knowledge and treatment practices related to tungiasis in affected populations are virtually nonexistent. To fill this gap, we performed a study in two resource-poor communities in northeast Brazil where this parasitic skin disease is highly prevalent.
Methodology: Structured interviews were realized in a representative sample of household leaders in an urban slum in Fortaleza, capital of Ceará State (northeast Brazil), and in a traditional fishing village 60 km southeast of the city.
Results: Two hundred ninety household leaders were interviewed in the urban slum and 136 in the fishing village. Knowledge about the etiological agent of tungiasis and its transmission was high in both communities: 90% knew the flea as the etiological agent of tungiasis. Transmission of tungiasis was thought to be related to sandy soil (72% and 84% in the urban slum and in the fishing village, respectively), presence of animals (52% and 59%), walking barefoot (5% and 23%), and with the presence of garbage littering the area (23% and 21%). Surgical extraction of embedded sand fleas using unsterile sewing needles was the most commonly treatment applied (97% and 96%). In addition, a variety of topical products and medical ointments was used. Mothers were almost exclusively responsible for treatment and knowledge transfer to the next generation. The health sector neither provided health education nor treatment.
Conclusions: In communities of low socio-economic status in northeast Brazil, knowledge on tungiasis was high, but individuals did not follow appropriate treatment. A reduction of intensity of infestation, bacterial superinfection and associated morbidity is feasible with minimum support from the health sector, such as supplying hypodermic needles and disinfectants to mothers, and targeted health education.
High Level of Resistance to nalidixic acid in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi in Central India
Authors: Kumar Yashwant , Sharma Anshu , Mani Kavaratty Raju
Published: August 2009

Background: Fluoroquinolones are the drugs of choice for the treatment of typhoid fever. But the recent increase in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of ciprofloxacin in Salmonella Typhi may result in delayed response and serious complications. Nalidixic acid resistance has been used as an indirect evidence of increased minimum inhibitory concentration for ciprofloxacin in Salmonella Typhi.
Methods: We evaluated the isolates received at the National Salmonella and Escherichia Centre for nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin susceptibility using standard methods. Minimum inhibitory concentrations have also been evaluated.
Results: Ninety-six percent of the isolates were found to be nalidixic acid resistant while all isolates were found to be ciprofloxacin sensitive. The difference between minimum inhibitory concentration values of ciprofloxacin for nalidixic acid resistant and nalidixic acid sensitive isolates was found to be statistically significant.
Conclusion: The study may be helpful in revising treatment strategies for the infections caused by nalidixic acid resistant Salmonella Typhi in the country.
Comparison of a DNA based PCR method with conventional methods for the detection of M. tuberculosis in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Ani Agatha , Okpe Silvanis , Akambi Maxwell , Ejelionu Emeka , Yakubu Bitrus , Owolodun Olajide , Ekeh Peter , Oche Agbaji , Tyen Dinchi , Idoko John
Published: August 2009

Background: To achieve early diagnosis and effective treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, simple and sensitive methods that enhance the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) from clinical specimens are needed. This study compared the effectiveness and suitability of an insertion sequence (IS 6110) based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with conventional methods for the detection of M. tuberculosis from clinical specimens in a resource-limited setting.
Methods: Sputa from 101 HIV-positive patients and 40 clinical specimens (sputa, gastic wash out, ascitic fluid, pleural fluid and cerebrospinal fluid) collected from children (HIV status unknown), all suspected for pulmonary tuberculosis at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, (JUTH) Nigeria, were examined by Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) smear microscopy, Lowenstein Jensen’s (LJ) egg-based culture, and PCR methods for the detection of M. tuberculosis.
Results: Mycobacteria was detected in 45/101 (44.6%) of the specimens from the HIV-positive patients and comprised of 6% ZN+culture+PCR+, 4% ZN-culture+PCR-, 16% ZN-culture+PCR+ and 19% ZN-culture-PCR+. Twenty-two of forty (55%) children were positive with 0% smear microscopy; 4/40 (10%) culture+PCR+; and 18/40 (45%) culture-PCR+. The sensitivity and specificity of the PCR for the HIV-positive patients were 85% and 74% respectively against 23% and 100% for ZN smear microscopy.

Conclusion: The IS6110 PCR is a rapid and sensitive method that is specific for the M. tuberculosis complex group. It is simple in our experience and increased the detection of M. tuberculosis from the specimens examined. We suggest its use for the detection of M. tuberculosis in high TB and HIV burden areas.
Primary tuberculous abscess of rectus femoris muscle: a case report
Authors: Sabat Dhananjaya , Kumar Vinod
Published: August 2009

Tuberculosis of skeletal muscle is very rare, especially in immunocompetent patients. We describe a case of tuberculous abscess of rectus femoris muscle, which presented as a tender ill-defined mass. Diagnosis was established by PCR and histology. The patient showed marked improvement with a standard four-drug regimen with no evidence of disease activity at the two-year follow-up.
Septic shock due to visceral leishmaniasis, probably transmitted from blood transfusion
Authors: Mpaka Maria A. , Daniil Zoi , Kyriakou Despina S. , Zakynthinos Epaminondas
Published: August 2009

A case of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in a 77-year-old woman, with renal failure on haemodialysis, admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) with vascular instability requiring vassopressor treatment, is presented. Initially, no co-infection could be detected. The patient initially responded well when liposomal amphotericin B was administered, after bone marrow demonstrated multiple intra-cellular Leishmania amastigotes and extra-cellular promastigotes. However, the patient died from uncontrolled septic shock from a secondary bacterial infection, the tenth day of admission.
To our knowledge, vascular instability has not been reported in VL. Moreover, non-vector transmission was also suspected in this case. The patient had undergone cholecystectomy three months earlier, during which two blood units had been transfused; IgG anti-Leishmania antibodies at a high titer were detected in one of the two healthy blood donors, later.
Cystoid Macular Edema Responds to Intravitreal Triamcinolone and Rebounds After Intravitreal Bevacizumab
Authors: Sabet-Peyman E. Jason , Nguyen Quan Dong , Do Diana V.
Published: August 2009

A 63-year-old man with decreased vision due to post-surgical chronic cystoid macular edema that was recalcitrant to topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops had resolution of cystoid macular edema after intravitreal triamcinolone injection. However, 3 months later he developed increased intraocular pressure and a recurrence of the cystoid macular edema. Intravitreal bevacizumab was administered and optical coherence tomography revealed worsening of the cystoid macular edema 1 month after the injection. Chronic cystoid macular edema that does not respond to topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops may resolve with intravitreal triamcinolone but not with bevacizumab. The current case demonstrates that some cystoid macular edema may not be responsive to vascular endothelial growth factor blockade alone. Further studies are needed to evaluate the pathogenesis of cystoid macular edema and determine whether vascular endothelial growth factor blockade should be included in treatment modalities for this condition.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:413–415.]
Endophthalmitis After Compression Sutures for Enlarged Conjunctival Filtration Bleb Following Trabeculectomy
Authors: Quaranta Luciano , Pizzolante Teodoro
Published: August 2009

Compression sutures are a widely used surgical procedure to treat over-filtration blebs associated with corneal dellen, bleb-related dysesthesia, and hypotony. In the current clinical case, a severe complication of compression sutures for the treatment of over-filtering conjunctival bleb following trabeculectomy is described.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:432–433.]
Transscleral Fixation of Single-Piece Hydrophilic Acrylic Lenses With No Eyelets
Authors: Taskapili Muhittin , Gulkilik Gokhan , Kocabora Mehmet Selim , Nilay Kandemir
Published: August 2009

Scleral fixation of sulcus intraocular lenses is performed by most surgeons to correct aphakia in eyes with insufficient capsular support in which intraocular lenses cannot be implanted into the bag or sulcus. The implantation of foldable lenses maintains the advantages of small incision surgery, working with a closed system, less astigmatism, faster wound healing, and early visual rehabilitation. The authors describe a technique for using a single-piece hydrophilic foldable acrylic lens with no eyelets for scleral fixation.
[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:434–436.]
Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Platypus) Links the Evolution of Immunoglobulin Genes in Eutherian Mammals and Nonmammalian Tetrapods
Authors: Zhao Yaofeng , Cui Huiting , Whittington Camilla M. , Wei Zhiguo , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhang Ziding , Yu Li , Ren Liming , Hu Xiaoxiang , Zhang Yaping , Hellman Lars , Belov Katherine , Li Ning , Hammarström Lennart
Published: August 2009

The evolutionary origins of mammalian immunoglobulin H chain isotypes (IgM, IgD, IgG, IgE, and IgA) are still incompletely understood as these isotypes differ considerably in structure and number from their counterparts in nonmammalian tetrapods. We report in this study that the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) Ig H chain constant region gene locus contains eight Ig encoding genes, which are arranged in an μ-δ-ο-γ2-γ1-α1-ε-α2 order, spanning a total of ∼200 kb DNA, encoding six distinct isotypes. The ο (ο for Ornithorhynchus) gene encodes a novel Ig H chain isotype that consists of four constant region domains and a hinge, and is structurally different from any of the five known mammalian Ig classes. This gene is phylogenetically related to υ (ε) and γ, and thus appears to be a structural intermediate between these two genes. The platypus δ gene encodes ten heavy chain constant region domains, lacks a hinge region and is similar to IgD in amphibians and fish, but strikingly different from that in eutherian mammals. The platypus Ig H chain isotype repertoire thus shows a unique combination of genes that share similarity both to those of nonmammalian tetrapods and eutherian animals and demonstrates how phylogenetically informative species can be used to reconstruct the evolutionary history of functionally important genes.
Compound A, a Plant Origin Ligand of Glucocorticoid Receptors, Increases Regulatory T Cells and M2 Macrophages to Attenuate Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis with Reduced Side Effects
Authors: Zhang Zhiren , Zhang Zhi-Yuan , Schluesener Hermann J.
Published: August 2009

Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is a helper T cell-mediated autoimmune demyelinating inflammatory disease of the peripheral nervous system and serves as the animal model for human inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies. Compound A, a plant-derived phenyl aziridine precursor, was reported to activate glucocorticoid receptors to exert transrepression but not transactivation properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of Compound A in EAN rats. Compound A greatly suppressed paraparesis in EAN, even when administrated after the appearance of the first neurological signs. Accumulation of macrophages and lymphocytes, demyelination, and mRNA levels of inflammatory molecules in sciatic nerves of EAN were greatly attenuated by Compound A. In addition, Compound A inhibited progression of neuropathic pain and repressed microglia but not astrocyte activation and IL-1β and TNF-α up-regulation in EAN spinal cords. In EAN sciatic nerves, Compound A treatment increased numbers of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Furthermore, Compound A induced the switch of macrophages from inflammatory M1 type to anti-inflammatory M2 type in vitro. In lymph nodes of EAN rats, Compound A depressed Th1 and Th17 cytokines, but increased Th2 cytokine and Foxp3 expression. An increase of Foxp3+/CD4+ regulatory T cells was seen in peripheral blood of EAN rats following Compound A treatment. In addition, Compound A did not cause a hyperglycemia effect in EAN rats as compared with the immunosuppressive steroid prednisolone. Therefore, our data demonstrated that Compound A could effectively suppress EAN with reduced side effects by attenuating inflammation, suggesting that Compound A could be a potent candidate for treatment of autoimmune neuropathies.
Antigen Affinity Controls Rapid T-Dependent Antibody Production by Driving the Expansion Rather than the Differentiation or Extrafollicular Migration of Early Plasmablasts
Authors: Chan Tyani D. , Gatto Dominique , Wood Katherine , Camidge Tahra , Basten Antony , Brink Robert
Published: August 2009

To optimize the initial wave of Ab production against T-dependent Ags, primary B cell clones with the highest Ag affinity are selected to generate the largest extrafollicular plasmablast (PB) responses. The mechanism behind this remains undefined, primarily due to the difficulty of analyzing low frequency Ag-specific B cells during the earliest phases of the immune response when key differentiation decisions are made. In this study, a high resolution in vivo mouse model was used to characterize in detail the first 6 days of a T-dependent B cell response and to identify the steps at which initial Ag affinity has a major impact. Ag-specific B cells proliferated within splenic follicles from days 1.0 to 3.0 before undergoing a dynamic phase of multilineage differentiation (days 3.0–4.0) that generated switched and unswitched populations of germinal center B cells, early memory B cells, and extrafollicular PBs. PB differentiation was marked by synchronous up-regulation of CXCR4 and down-regulation of CXCR5 and the adoption of a unique BCRhigh phenotype by unswitched PBs. Differences in Ag affinity of >50-fold did not markedly affect the early stages of the response, including the differentiation and extrafollicular migration of PBs. However, high affinity PBs underwent significantly greater expansion within the splenic bridging channels and red pulp, due to both increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis. Extrafollicular PBs maintained class II MHC, but not IL-21R expression, and interacted directly with Ag-specific extrafollicular Th cells, suggesting that IL-21-independent T cell help may drive extrafollicular PB expansion in responses to foreign Ag.
Fatigue Crack Propagation and History Effects Induced by Plasticity
Authors: Pommier Sylvie
Published: August 2009

For security‐relevant components, a fracture mechanics assessment has to be carried out. When complex loading conditions are encountered, various problems arise. Among them the prediction of history effects induced by plasticity remains a difficult task and is the object of this paper. After an overload, for instance, plasticity‐induced crack closure is known to decelerate the crack growth. This effect is known to be related to residual stresses ahead of and behind the crack tip. Since residual stresses are related to the material stress–strain behavior, the overload effect may vary significantly from one material to another. Finite‐element (FE) methods are commonly employed to model plasticity and were shown to give very satisfactory results. However, if millions of cycles need to be modeled to predict the fatigue behavior of an industrial component, the method becomes computationally too expensive. By employing a multiscale approach, very precise analyses computed by FE methods can be brought to a global scale. The data generated using the FE method enables the identification of a global cyclic elastic‐plastic model for the crack tip region. Once this model is identified, it can be employed directly with no need of additional FE computations, resulting in fast computations. This method was employed so as to predict fatigue crack growth under variable amplitude fatigue in steels at room temperatures and correlates well with experimental data. It was also extended so as to model fatigue crack growth in a nickel base superalloy under non‐isothermal fatigue‐dwell conditions. At present, the method is being extended to mixed‐mode variable‐amplitude loading conditions.
Polar‐Molecule‐Dominated Electrorheological Fluids Featuring High Yield Stresses
Authors: Shen Rong , Wang Xuezhao , Lu Yang , Wang De , Sun Gang , Cao Zexian , Lu Kunquan
Published: August 2009

Recent works on the development of various electrorheological (ER) fluids composed of TiO2, SrTiO, and CaTiO particles coated with CO/HO polar groups are summarized, in which an extremely large yield stress up to 200 kPa is measured and the dynamical yield stress reaches 117 kPa at a shear rate of 775 s−1. Moreover, unlike that of traditional dielectric ER fluids, the yield stress displays a linear dependence on electric field strength. Experimental results reveal that it is the polar molecules adsorbed onto the dielectric particles that play the decisive role: the polar‐molecule‐dominated ER effect arises from the alignment of polar molecules by the enhanced local electric field in the gap between neighboring particles. The pretreatment of electrodes and the contrivance of new measuring procedures, which are desirable for the characterization and practical implementation of this material, are also discussed. The successful synthesis of these fluids has made many of the long since conceived applications of the ER effect available.
Experimental and modeling analysis of diffusive release from single‐shell microcapsules
Authors: Tavera Enrique Muñoz , Kadali Shyam B. , Bagaria Hitesh G. , Liu Amy W. , Wong Michael S.
Published: August 2009

There is much experimental and mathematical work that describes chemical transport from multilayered films of planar geometries. There is less so, however, for chemical transport from multilayered spheres, a common structure for controlled‐release materials. Based on the Sturm–Liouville approach of Ramkrishna and Amundson (1974), explicit analytical solutions for the concentration profiles and release kinetics from spherical capsules are presented. Fluorescent dye‐release studies using single‐shelled microspheres called nanoparticle‐assembled capsules were performed to validate the model for uniformly and nonuniformly sized capsules. The combined experiment‐modeling approach allows optical microscopy images and release measurements to be readily analyzed for estimating diffusion coefficients in capsule core and shell walls. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009