bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibilities of viridans streptococcal bacteremia during febrile neutropenia in patients with hematologic malignancies: a comparison between adults and children
Authors: Han Seung Beom , Bae E Young , Lee Jae Wook , Lee Dong-Gun , Chung Nack-Gyun , Jeong Dae-Chul , Cho Bin , Kang Jin Han , Kim Hack-Ki 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
This study was performed to compare the clinical characteristics and antibiotic susceptibilities of viridans streptococcal bacteremia (VSB) between febrile neutropenic adults and children with hematologic malignancies.

Methods
The consecutive medical records of neutropenic patients with hematologic malignancies who were admitted to the Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center between April 2009 and July 2012, and who were subsequently diagnosed with VSB were reviewed retrospectively. A comparison was made between the clinical and laboratory characteristics of adults and pediatric patients and also between patients with cefepime susceptible or not susceptible VSB.

Results
A total of 202 episodes (141 in adults, 61 in children) of VSB were identified. Among them, 26 (12.9%) cases had severe complications including four (2.0%) cases of death attributable to VSB. For antibacterial prophylaxis, most adults received ciprofloxacin (97.1%), but children more frequently received trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (86.9%). Oral mucositis (p = 0.005) and abdominal pain (p = 0.001) were found more frequently in adults, and cough was found more frequently in children (p = 0.004). The occurrence rates of severe complications and death attributable to VSB were not significantly different between adults and children. Susceptibility rate to cefepime was significantly higher in adults than children (85.7% vs. 66.1%, p = 0.002). However, in multivariate analysis, cefepime susceptibility had no impact on clinical outcome.

Conclusions
There was no significant difference in clinical outcome between adults and children with VSB despite a difference in cefepime susceptibility. Hence, different antibiotic treatment strategies may not be necessary.
Antibacterial activity of extracellular compounds produced by a Pseudomonas strain against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains
Authors: Cardozo Viviane F , Oliveira Admilton G , Nishio Erick K , Perugini Marcia RE , Andrade Célia GTJ , Silveira Wanderley D , Durán Nelson , Andrade Galdino , Kobayashi Renata KT , Nakazato Gerson 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a world health problem. Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, is one of the most important human pathogens associated with hospital and community-acquired infections. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa-derived compound against MRSA strains.

Methods
Thirty clinical MRSA strains were isolated, and three standard MRSA strains were evaluated. The extracellular compounds were purified by vacuum liquid chromatography. Evaluation of antibacterial activity was performed by agar diffusion technique, determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration, curve of growth and viability and scanning electron microscopy. Interaction of an extracellular compound with silver nanoparticle was studied to evaluate antibacterial effect.

Results
The F3 (ethyl acetate) and F3d (dichloromethane- ethyl acetate) fractions demonstrated antibacterial activity against the MRSA strains. Phenazine-1-carboxamide was identified and purified from the F3d fraction and demonstrated slight antibacterial activity against MRSA, and synergic effect when combined with silver nanoparticles produced by Fusarium oxysporum. Organohalogen compound was purified from this fraction showing high antibacterial effect. Using scanning electron microscopy, we show that the F3d fraction caused morphological changes to the cell wall of the MRSA strains.

Conclusions
These results suggest that P. aeruginosa-produced compounds such as phenazines have inhibitory effects against MRSA and may be a good alternative treatment to control infections caused by MRSA.
Impact of anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody on dendritic cell-tumor fusion vaccine efficacy in a murine melanoma model
Authors: Tan Chunrui , Reddy Varun , Dannull Jens , Ding Enyu , Nair Smita K , Tyler Douglas S , Pruitt Scott K , Lee Walter T 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
A promising cancer vaccine involves the fusion of tumor cells with dendritic cells (DCs). As such, a broad spectrum of both known and unidentified tumor antigens is presented to the immune system in the context of the potent immunostimulatory capacity of DCs. Murine studies have demonstrated the efficacy of fusion immunotherapy. However the clinical impact of DC/tumor fusion vaccines has been limited, suggesting that the immunosuppresive milieu found in patients with malignancies may blunt the efficacy of cancer vaccination. Thus, novel strategies to enhance fusion vaccine efficacy are needed. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to suppress anti-tumor immunity, and depletion or functional inactivation of these cells improves immunotherapy in both animal models and clinical trials. In this study, we sought to investigate whether functional inactivation of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg with anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (mAb) PC61 prior to DC/tumor vaccination would significantly improve immunotherapy in the murine B16 melanoma model.

Methods
Treg blockade was achieved with systemic PC61 administration. This blockage was done in conjunction with DC/tumor fusion vaccine administration to treat established melanoma pulmonary metastases. Enumeration of these metastases was performed and compared between experimental groups using Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test. IFN-gamma ELISPOT assay was performed on splenocytes from treated mice.

Results
We demonstrate that treatment of mice with established disease using mAb PC61 and DC/tumor fusion significantly reduced counts of pulmonary metastases compared to treatment with PC61 alone (p=0.002) or treatment with control antibody plus fusion vaccine (p=0.0397). Furthermore, IFN-gamma ELISPOT analyses reveal that the increase in cancer immunity was mediated by anti-tumor specific CD4+ T-helper cells, without concomitant induction of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Lastly, our data provide proof of principle that combination treatment with mAb PC61 and systemic IL-12 can lower the dose of IL-12 necessary to obtain maximal therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first report investigating the effects of anti-CD25 mAb administration on DC/tumor-fusion vaccine efficacy in a murine melanoma model, and our results may aide the design of future clinical trials with enhanced therapeutic impact.
Quantitative assessment of the association between MHTFR C677T (rs1801133, Ala222Val) polymorphism and susceptibility to bladder cancer
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Haifeng , Wang Fa , Wang Honghui 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The association between Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) Ala222Val (rs1801133) has been implicated to alter the risk of bladder cancer, but the results are controversial.

Methods
A comprehensive databases of Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) were searched for case–control studies investigating the association between MTHFR Ala222Val polymorphism and bladder cancer susceptibility. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to assess this possible association. A χ
2-based Q-test was used to examine the heterogeneity assumption. Begg’s and Egger’s test were used to examine the potential publication bias. The leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine whether our assumptions or decisions have a major effect on the results of the review. Statistical analysis was performed with the software program Stata 12.0.

Results
A total of 15 independent studies were identified, including 3,570 cases and 3,926 controls. Our analysis suggested that Ala222Val was not associated with bladder cancer risk in overall population under additive model (OR=0.96, 95%CI=0.76-1.21, P=0.731), dominant model (OR=1.00, 95%CI=0.87-1.15, P=0.975), recessive model (OR=0.92, 95%CI=0.79-1.07, P=0.279), and Ala allele versus Val allele (OR=0.96, 95%CI=0.86-1.07, P=0.427). In the subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity and sources of controls, there were also no significant associations detected among different descent populations, population-based studies and hospital-based studies.

Conclusion
This meta-analysis showed the evidence that MTHFR Ala222Val polymorphism was not contributed to the development of bladder cancer.

Virtual slide
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2117182849994994.
Multiple peripheral typical carcinoid tumors of the lung: associated with sclerosing hemangiomas
Authors: Kim Young , Choi Yoo-Duk , Kim Beum Jin , Oh In-Jae , Song Sang-Yun , Nam Jong-Hee , Park Chang-Soo 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Abstract
This study presents a first case of multiple peripheral typical carcinoid tumors associated with sclerosing hemangiomas in the lung. A 52-year-old male presented with incidentally detected multiple pulmonary nodules on a simple chest X-ray during routine health check-up. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest showed multiple nodular lesions in the middle and lower lobes of the right lung. These were initially suspected as inflammatory lesions due to miliary tuberculosis. However, possibility of malignancy could not be excluded and right lower lobe lobectomy was performed. Histopathologically, some nodules including two largest nodules were composed of small round to spindle shaped cells with fine chromatin pattern, whereas the rest of the sclerotic nodules were composed of two epithelial cell types- surface cells and round cells. The final diagnosis of this case was multiple peripheral typical carcinoid tumors associated with sclerosing hemangiomas of the lung. For past three years of post-surgery follow up period, no new lesions or changes in the right middle lobe have been identified.

Virtual Slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1511610609725790.
Expression of genes controlling fat deposition in two genetically diverse beef cattle breeds fed high or low silage diets
Authors: da Costa Ana Sofia Henriques , Pires Virgínia Maria Rico , Fontes Carlos Mendes Godinho Andrade , Mestre Prates José António 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Both genetic background and finishing system can alter fat deposition, thus indicating their influence on adipogenic and lipogenic factors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying fat deposition and fatty acid composition in beef cattle are not fully understood. This study aimed to assess the effect of breed and dietary silage level on the expression patterns of key genes controlling lipid metabolism in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle of cattle. To that purpose, forty bulls from two genetically diverse Portuguese bovine breeds with distinct maturity rates, Alentejana and Barrosã, were selected and fed either low (30% maize silage/70% concentrate) or high silage (70% maize silage/30% concentrate) diets.

Results
The results suggested that enhanced deposition of fatty acids in the SAT from Barrosã bulls, when compared to Alentejana, could be due to higher expression levels of lipogenesis (SCD and LPL) and β-oxidation (CRAT) related genes. Our results also indicated that SREBF1 expression in the SAT is increased by feeding the low silage diet. Together, these results point out to a higher lipid turnover in the SAT of Barrosã bulls when compared to Alentejana. In turn, lipid deposition in the LL muscle is related to the expression of adipogenic (PPARG and FABP4) and lipogenic (ACACA and SCD) genes. The positive correlation between ACACA expression levels and total lipids, as well trans fatty acids, points to ACACA as a major player in intramuscular deposition in ruminants. Moreover, results reinforce the role of FABP4 in intramuscular fat development and the SAT as the major site for lipid metabolism in ruminants.

Conclusions
Overall, the results showed that SAT and LL muscle fatty acid composition are mostly dependent on the genetic background. In addition, dietary silage level impacted on muscle lipid metabolism to a greater extent than on that of SAT, as evaluated by gene expression levels of adipogenic and lipogenic factors. Moreover, the response to diet composition evaluated through mRNA levels and fatty acid composition showed interesting differences between Alentejana and Barrosã bulls. These findings provide evidence that the genetic background should be taken into account while devising diet-based strategies to manipulate fatty acid composition of beef cattle tissues.
Pathogenic analysis of Borrelia garinii strain SZ isolated from northeastern China
Authors: Wu Qiong , Liu Zhijie , Wang Jidong , Li Youquan , Guan Guiquan , Yang Jifei , Chen Ze , Luo Jianxun , Yin Hong 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Various genospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) have been identified from patients and animals worldwide. Genospecies-related dissemination of disease has been reported. The present study aimed to elucidate the pathogenicity of infections caused by B. garinii SZ isolated in China. B. burgdorferi B31 and B. afzelii BO23 were used for comparison.

Methods
Spirochete load in blood and tissue samples of infected mice were measured by minor groove binder-based real-time polymerase chain reaction. The kinetics of spirochete dissemination and disease severity were assessed in BALB/c mice.

Results
The pattern of bacterial load differed between the three genospecies. The B. garinii SZ strain is highly pathogenic and can trigger multi-system pathological damage in mice.

Conclusions
Spirochete dissemination, persistence, tissue tropism and disease severity varied significantly, suggesting that different genospecies may play an important role in the pathogenicity and development of clinical diseases.
Prevalence of antibodies to Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii in horses from the north of Portugal
Authors: Lopes Ana Patrícia , Sousa Susana , Dubey JP , Ribeiro Ana J , Silvestre Ricardo , Cotovio Mário , Schallig Henk DFH , Cardoso Luís , Cordeiro-da-Silva Anabela 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background

Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii are protozoa with zoonotic and economic importance. Prevalences of antibodies to these agents were assessed in 173 horses from the north of Portugal.

Findings
Antibodies to L. infantum were detected by the direct agglutination test (DAT); seven (4.0%) horses were seropositive with DAT titres of 200 (n = 5), 800 (n = 1) and ≥ 1600 (n = 1). Antibodies to T. gondii were assayed by the modified agglutination test (MAT); 23 (13.3%) horses were seropositive with MAT titres of 20 (n = 13), 40 (n = 5), 80 (n = 3) and ≥ 160 (n = 2). No statistical differences were found among equine categories of gender (female, male and gelding), age (1.5–6, 7–12 and 13–30 years), type of housing (indoors and mixed/outdoors), ability (recreation, farming and sports) and clinical status (apparently healthy and sick) for both agents.

Conclusions
Horses are exposed to and may be infected with L. infantum and T. gondii in the north of Portugal.
Serum levels of soluble platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 are decreased in subjects with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kameno Yosuke , Iwata Keiko , Matsuzaki Hideo , Miyachi Taishi , Tsuchiya Kenji J , Matsumoto Kaori , Iwata Yasuhide , Suzuki Katsuaki , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Maekawa Masato , Tsujii Masatsugu , Sugiyama Toshirou , Mori Norio 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundAdhesion molecules, such as platelet-endothelial adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), platelet selectin (P-selectin), endothelial selectin (E-selectin), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), are localized on the membranes of activated platelets and leukocytes and on the vascular endothelium. Recently, we measured serum levels of soluble (s) forms of adhesion molecules in adults,18 to 26 years old, with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and observed low levels of sPECAM-1 and sP-selectin. A subsequent study showed a similar result in children two to four years old with ASD. However, information about school age (five to seventeen years old) ASD subjects is required to determine whether adhesion molecules are also reduced in individuals with ASD in this age range.FindingsTwenty-two subjects with high-functioning ASD and 29 healthy age-matched controls were recruited. ELISA was used for sPECAM-1, and a suspension array system was used for sP-selectin, sE-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 measurements. We found that serum levels of sPECAM-1 (U= 91.0,P<0.0001 by Mann–WhitneyUtest) and sVCAM-1 (U= 168.0,P= 0.0042) were significantly lower in ASD subjects than in controls. Subsequently, we examined the correlations between serum levels of either sPECAM-1 or sVCAM-1 and clinical variables including Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised subscores and our previous cytokine profile data from the same ASD subjects. However, we did not find any significant correlations between them.ConclusionsThe present results, taken together with previous results, suggest that sPECAM-1 may play a role in the generation and development of ASD, beginning in childhood and lasting until adulthood.
Superior vena cava syndrome causing chylothoraces in a preterm neonate: a case report and literature review
Authors: Puvabanditsin Surasak , Memon Naureen , Do Minh-Tu , Malik Imran , Lambert George , Balbin Jerome 
Published: June 2013

AbstractA preterm neonate developed catheter-related central venous and dural sinus thrombosis. Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction caused significant bilateral chylothoraces and SVC thrombotic obstruction led to generalized anasarca and multiple organ failure. Six weeks after the diagnosis of SVC and sagittal sinus occlusion and chylothoraces, the infant expired. We report a rare case of a chylothoraces secondary to SVC obstruction, and superior sagittal sinus thrombosis in a preterm neonate, and review the literature.
Gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to interaction of Artemisia absinthium with warfarin
Authors: Açıkgöz Sadık Kadri , Açıkgöz Eser 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Artemisia absinthium, also known as wormwood, is used widely as an herbal medicine. In this report, we introduce an 82-year-old Turkish woman who was treated with warfarin for atrial fibrillation and was hospitalized for gastrointestinal bleeding as a result of extremely elevated international normalized ratio (INR) after consumption of A. absinthium. Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale score was 6, which indicated a probable relationship between the patient’s elevated INR and her concomitant use of wormwood and warfarin. Clinicians should be vigilant about potential dangers of herbal medicines taken with conventional drugs, and patients taking drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, such as warfarin, should be educated about avoiding consumption of herbal medicines.
Dysthyronemia in normal concentrations of thyrotropin – analytical and clinical consequences
Authors: Bílek Radovan , Stárka Luboslav , Zamrazil Václav 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
This article discusses the conditions that may lead to a phenomenon called dysthyronemia. Here, the thyroid gland has concentration of thyrotropin in circulation within the reference range, but the concentrations of free or total fractions of thyroid hormones are outside the reference range. Normal values of thyrotropin (TSH) and increased values of THs are referred to as hyperthyroxinemia, while normal values of thyrotropin and decreased values of thyroid hormone are hypothyroxinemia. As shown by our observations, it is a relatively frequent situation in the parallel determinations of TSH and free thyroxine, when results verging on hyperthyroxinemia were found in 7% of cases (6.74%, n=259,590), and also in the parallel sets of TSH and total triiodothyronine when hypotriiodothyroninemia reached 8.5% (8.48%, n=73,143). We are assuming that the main cause of hyperthyroxinemia in the free thyroxine and TSH system is the presence of autoantibodies against thyroxine in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. The reason of hypotriiodothyroninemia in the system of triiodothyronine and TSH is a decreased concentration of thyroid binding globulin in postmenopausal women. Manufacturers of immunoanalytical kits should take into account the potential adverse effects of autoantibodies against thyroid hormones when measuring the results of immunoassay determination of the free fraction of these hormones.
Assisting Preservice Teachers Toward Becoming Culturally Responsive
Authors: Starker Tehia V. , Fitchett Paul G. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
In this qualitative study, researchers inquired about preservice teachers’ (PST) experience in becoming culturally responsive in a graduate teacher-licensure social studies methods class (N = 20). Researchers examined PST lesson plans and reflections, and rated them based on Geneva Gay’s (2002) framework for preparing culturally responsive teachers. Once rated, researchers used thematic analysis to investigate lesson plan themes that manifested between two groups (high culturally responsive teaching, versus low culturally responsive teaching). Themes indicated that participants who demonstrated culturally responsive teaching (CRT) potential: modified lessons, utilized dynamic pedagogy, and incorporated historical perspective taking. Conversely, PST with low potential for CRT: lacked content knowledge, were pedagogically inflexible, and showed a resistant disposition. The researchers concluded that systemic changes within teacher education courses and programs are necessary to develop CRT preservice teachers.
Perceived Cultural Responsiveness and Effectiveness of a Speech and Language Program for Indigenous Preschool Students
Authors: McIntosh Kent , Craft Calli B. , MacKay Leslie D. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Despite an increasing need for culturally relevant curricula, what is considered culturally responsive and how it is assessed is under-researched. The present study examined the perceived cultural responsiveness and effectiveness of an early intervention program designed to teach early language skills and expose students to Indigenous culture, the Moe the Mouse® Speech, and Language Development Program. Educator’s perceptions of the program were assessed through a Likert-type survey provided to implementers across British Columbia. The survey was completed by 58 respondents using the program. Results indicated that the respondents perceived the program to be culturally responsive, and their perceptions of cultural responsiveness were significantly related to ratings of effectiveness, use, and social validity. Responsiveness was not rated as highly by respondents in a different geographic region than where the program was developed. Finally, effectiveness in improving speech and language skills was rated higher when educators integrated the program into the regular curriculum or incorporated Native language instruction. Implications for research and practice are reviewed.