bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propolis changes the anticancer activity of temozolomide in U87MG human glioblastoma cell line
Authors: Markiewicz-Żukowska Renata , Borawska Maria H , Fiedorowicz Anna , Naliwajko Sylwia K , Sawicka Diana , Car Halina 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Propolis is a honey bee product which contains many active compounds, such as CAPE or chrysin, and has many beneficial activities. Recently, its anti-tumor properties have been discussed. We have tested whether the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) interferes with temozolomide (TMZ) to inhibit U87MG cell line growth.

Methods
The U87MG glioblastoma cell line was exposed to TMZ (10-100 μM), EEP (10-100 μg/ml) or a mixture of TMZ and EEP during 24, 48 or 72 hours. The cell division was examined by the H3-thymidine incorporation, while the western blot method was used for detection of p65 subunit of NF-κB and ELISA test to measure the concentration of its p50 subunit in the nucleus.

Results
We have found that both, TMZ and EEP administrated alone, had a dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effect on the U87MG cell line growth, which was manifested by gradual reduction of cell viability and alterations in proliferation rate. The anti-tumor effect of TMZ (20 μM) was enhanced by EEP, which was especially well observed after a short time of exposition, where simultaneous usage of TMZ and EEP resulted in a higher degree of growth inhibition than each biological factor used separately. In addition, cells treated with TMZ presented no changes in NF-κB activity in prolonged time of treatment and EEP only slightly reduced the nuclear translocation of this transcription factor. In turn, the combined incubation with TMZ and EEP led to an approximately double reduction of NF-κB nuclear localization.

Conclusions
We conclude that EEP presents cytotoxic properties and may cooperate with TMZ synergistically enhancing its growth inhibiting activity against glioblastoma U87MG cell line. This phenomenon may be at least partially mediated by a reduced activity of NF-κB.
Molecular immunologic correlates of spontaneous latency in a rabbit model of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Subbian Selvakumar , O’Brien Paul , Kushner Nicole L , Yang Guibin , Tsenova Liana , Peixoto Blas , Bandyopadhyay Nirmalya , Bader Joel S , Karakousis Petros C , Fallows Dorothy , Kaplan Gilla 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundInfection of humans withMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) results in latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in 90-95% of immune competent individuals, with no symptoms of active disease. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.5 billion people have LTBI, which can reactivate in the setting of waning host immunity, posing a threat to global TB control. Various animal models have been used to study the pathogenesis of TB. However, besides nonhuman primates, rabbits are the only animal model that fully recapitulates the pathological features of human TB, including progressive disease with necrosis and cavitation or establishment of spontaneous latency.ResultsWe defined the molecular immunological correlates of LTBI establishment in a rabbit model of pulmonary infection with Mtb CDC1551. After aerosol infection, exponential bacterial growth was noted in the lungs for 4 weeks, followed by a significant decline by 12 weeks, resulting in the absence of cultivable bacilli by 24 weeks. We used rabbit whole genome microarrays to profile the lung transcriptome during the course of infection. At 2 weeks post-infection, gene networks involved in natural killer (NK) and dendritic cell (DC) activation and macrophage antimicrobial activities were highly upregulated. This was followed by upregulation of gene networks involved in macrophage and T cell activation and autophagy, peaking at 4 to 8 weeks. Concomitantly, host Th1, but not Th2 or inflammatory, immune response genes were significantly upregulated. Thus, the expression kinetics of genes involved in cross-talk between innate and adaptive immunity over the first 8 weeks post-infection were consistent with early efficient control of infection in the lungs. Interestingly, expression of many genes of the host innate and adaptive immune response pathways was downregulated at 12 weeks, suggesting that immune activation did not persist once bacilli began to clear from the infected lungs.ConclusionsOur results suggest that early activation of host innate immunity prior to efficient activation of T cell-mediated adaptive immunity but not inflammation is essential for establishment of LTBI in Mtb CDC1551-infected rabbits. We also show that T cell activation and the host adaptive immune response networks are dampened once bacterial growth is controlled, ultimately resulting in spontaneous LTBI.
Association between peripheral T-Lymphocyte activation and impaired bone mineral density in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Gazzola Lidia , Bellistri Giusi Maria , Tincati Camilla , Ierardi Valentina , Savoldi Alessia , Del Sole Angelo , Tagliabue Luca , d’Arminio Monforte Antonella , Marchetti Giulia 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
HIV-infected patients display an increased and early incidence of osteopenia/osteoporosis. We investigated whether bone metabolism disorders in HIV-infected patients are related to immune hyperactivation and premature immune senescence.

Methods
Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA): low BMD (LBMD) was defined as T-score or z-score < -1. CD4+/CD8+ phenotype (CD38/HLA-DR, CD127, CD28/CD57), and circulating IL-7, TNF-α, RANKL, OPG were measured. The variables with p < .05 were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression.

Results
78 patients were enrolled: 55 were LBMD. LBMD patients showed increased activated HDLADR + CD4+ and CD8+ (p = .03 and p = .002, respectively). Interestingly, no differences in senescent CD28-CD57 + CD4+/CD8+ T-cells were observed between groups. However, LBMD patients displayed a decreased CD4 + CD28- phenotype (p = .04) at the advantage of the CD28+ pool (p = .03), possibly reflecting heightened apoptosis of highly differentiated CD28-negative cells.
Activated HLADR + CD4+/CD8+ and CD28 + CD4+ cells were independently associated with impaired BMD (AOR = 1.08 for each additional HLADR + CD4+ percentage higher; CI 95%,1.01-1.15; p = .02; AOR = 1.07 for each additional HLADR + CD8+ percentage higher; CI 95%,1.01-1.11; p = .01; AOR = 1.06 for each additional CD28 + CD4+ percentage higher; CI 95%,1.0-1.13; p = .05).

Conclusions
Heightened T-cell activation in HIV-infected patients independently predicts BMD disorders, suggesting a critical role of immune activation in the pathogenesis of osteopenia/osteoporosis, even in patients achieving full viral suppression with HAART.
Abattoir-based study on the epidemiology of caprine tuberculosis in Ethiopia using conventional and molecular tools
Authors: Deresa Benti , Conraths Franz J , Ameni Gobena 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Despite the important role of goats for meat and milk production in Ethiopia, little information is available on the epidemiology of caprine tuberculosis (TB). Caprine TB is important as milk is usually consumed raw particularly by Ethiopian pastoralists. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the prevalence of TB in goats at an abattoir, to evaluate associated risk factors and to characterize the causative mycobacteria.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1990 randomly selected male goats that were slaughtered at Luna Export Abattoir of central Ethiopia. Postmortem examination, mycobacterial culturing and molecular typing techniques like genus typing, deletion typing and spoligotyping were used.

Result
The overall prevalence of caprine TB-like lesions was 3.5%. The lesion prevalence increased significantly with increasing age. Mycobacteria were found by culture and seen as acid fast bacilli in 12% of the goats with TB-like lesions. Characterization of the eight isolates using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) indicated that five of them belonged to the genus Mycobacterium. Four of the latter were confirmed to be members of the M. tuberculosis complex. Further characterization of the three M. tuberculosis isolates by spoligotyping identified them as type SIT53 and two new spoligotypes.

Conclusion
The isolation of M. tuberculosis from goats in this study indicates a potential risk of transmission of M. tuberculosis between humans and goats.
Novel multi-targeted polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of presumed tubercular uveitis
Authors: Sharma Kusum , Gupta Vishali , Bansal Reema , Sharma Aman , Sharma Meera , Gupta Amod 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to report the use of multi-targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of presumed tubercular uveitis. Multi-targeted PCR using three targets specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, i.e., IS6110, MPB64, and protein b, was performed on intraocular fluid samples of 25 subjects. Nine had presumed tubercular uveitis, six had intraocular inflammation secondary to a nontubercular etiology (disease controls), and ten had no evidence of intraocular inflammation (normal controls). As described previously, response to antitubercular therapy was considered as the gold standard.

Results
Multi-targeted PCR was positive in seven out of nine patients with presumed tubercular uveitis and negative in all normal and disease controls. The sensitivity and specificity were 77.77% and 100%, respectively. For the diagnosis of presumed tubercular uveitis, multi-targeted PCR had a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 88.88%.

Conclusion
Multi-targeted PCR can be a valuable tool for diagnosing presumed tubercular uveitis.
Traditional Chinese medicine: a promising candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sun Zhi-Kun , Yang Hong-Qi , Chen Sheng-Di 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, characterized clinically by insidious onset of memory and cognition impairment, emergence of psychiatric symptoms and behavioral disorder, and impairment of activities of daily living (ADL). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is practiced in the Chinese health care system for more than 2,000 years. In recent years, scientists have isolated many novel compounds from herbs, some of which improve dementia with fewer side effects than conventional drugs and are regarded as potential anti-AD drugs. In this review, we summarize the latest research progress on TCM showing their possible role of treatment of AD and other demented diseases and possible pharmacological actions.
TLR2 deletion promotes arthritis through reduction of IL-10
Authors: Huang Qi-Quan , Koessler Renee E , Birkett Robert , Perlman Harris , Xing Lianping , Pope Richard M 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
TLR2 signaling modulates K/BxN serum transfer arthritis by enhancing the expression of immune complex-induced IL-10.
RA is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the persistent expression of inflammatory cytokines from macrophages, which may be mediated, in part, through TLR2 signaling. Earlier studies demonstrate a role for TLR2 signaling in dampening the arthritis in IL-1Ra−/− mice, which was mediated through T cells. This study was performed to determine whether TLR2 signaling plays a role in the pathogenesis of T cell-independent arthritis triggered by transferring serum from K/BxN mice. We documented more severe arthritis in Tlr2−/− mice compared with WT controls. The Tlr2−/− mice also demonstrated increased inflammation, erosion, pannus formation, and osteoclastogenesis, as well as increased IL-1β and decreased IL-10 within the joints. In vitro bone marrow-differentiated macrophages expressed comparable levels of activating and inhibitory FcγRs, however when stimulated with immune complexes, the Tlr2−/− macrophages expressed decreased IL-10 and reduced activation of Akt and ERK. Our findings indicate that Tlr2−/− promotes the effector phase of arthritis through decreased IL-10 by macrophages, which is important, not only as an anti-inflammatory cytokine but also in restraining the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts.
Cementing techniques for the tibial component in primary total knee replacement
Authors: Cawley D. T. , Kelly N. , McGarry J. P. , Shannon F. J. 
Published: February 2013

The optimum cementing technique for the tibial component in cemented primary total knee replacement (TKR) remains controversial. The technique of cementing, the volume of cement and the penetration are largely dependent on the operator, and hence large variations can occur. Clinical, experimental and computational studies have been performed, with conflicting results. Early implant migration is an indication of loosening. Aseptic loosening is the most common cause of failure in primary TKR and is the product of several factors. Sufficient penetration of cement has been shown to increase implant stability.This review discusses the relevant literature regarding all aspects of the cementing of the tibial component at primary TKR.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:295–300.
A prospective randomised controlled study of patient-specific cutting guides compared with conventional instrumentation in total knee replacement
Authors: Chareancholvanich K. , Narkbunnam R. , Pornrattanamaneewong C. 
Published: February 2013

Patient-specific cutting guides (PSCGs) are designed to improve the accuracy of alignment of total knee replacement (TKR). We compared the accuracy of limb alignment and component positioning after TKR performed using PSCGs or conventional instrumentation. A total of 80 patients were randomised to undergo TKR with either of the different forms of instrumentation, and radiological outcomes and peri-operative factors such as operating time were assessed. No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of tibiofemoral angle or femoral component alignment. Although the tibial component in the PSCGs group was measurably closer to neutral alignment than in the conventional group, the size of the difference was very small (89.8° (sd 1.2) vs 90.5° (sd 1.6); p = 0.030). This new technology slightly shortened the bone-cutting time by a mean of 3.6 minutes (p < 0.001) and the operating time by a mean 5.1 minutes (p = 0.019), without tangible differences in post-operative blood loss (p = 0.528) or need for blood transfusion (p = 0.789). This study demonstrated that both PSCGs and conventional instrumentation restore limb alignment and place the components with the similar accuracy. The minimal advantages of PSCGs in terms of consistency of alignment or operative time are unlikely to be clinically relevant.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:354–9.
The effects of age and gender on the diameter of the femoral canal in patients who undergo total hip replacement
Authors: Milligan D. J. , O’Brien S. , Bennett D. , Hill J. C. , Beverland D. E. 
Published: February 2013

With greater numbers of younger patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR), the effect of patient age on the diameter of the femoral canal may become more relevant. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the diameter of the diaphysis of the femoral canal with increasing age in a large number of patients who underwent THR. A total of 1685 patients scheduled for THR had their femoral dimensions recorded from calibrated radiographs. There were 736 males and 949 females with mean ages of 67.1 years (34 to 92) and 70.2 years (29 to 92), respectively. The mean diameter of the femoral canal was 13.3 mm (8.0 to 23.0) for males and 12.7 mm (6.0 to 26.0) for females. There was a poor correlation between age and the diameter of the canal in males (r = 0.071, p = 0.05) but a stronger correlation in females (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). The diameter of the femoral canal diameter of a female patient undergoing THR could be predicted to increase by 3.2 mm between the ages of 40 and 80 years, in contrast a male would be expected to experience only a 0.6 mm increase during the same period. This increase in the diameter of the canal with age might affect the long-term survival of the femoral component in female patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:339–42.
Management of abductor mechanism deficiency following total hip replacement
Authors: Odak S. , Ivory J. 
Published: February 2013

Deficiency of the abductor mechanism is a well-recognised cause of pain and limping after total hip replacement (THR). This can be found incidentally at the time of surgery, or it may arise as a result of damage to the superior gluteal nerve intra-operatively, or after surgery owing to mechanical failure of the abductor muscle repair or its detachment from the greater trochanter. The incidence of abductor failure has been reported as high as 20% in some studies. The management of this condition remains a dilemma for the treating surgeon. We review the current state of knowledge concerning post-THR abductor deficiency, including the aetiology, diagnosis and management, and the outcomes of surgery for this condition. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:343–7.
Endoscopy and the transfer from GSp(4) to GL(4)
Authors: Jang Bogume 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
We prove Jiang's conjecture (1996) to show
the existence of an L-function of a cuspidal representation of
GSp(4,𝔸) × GSp(4,𝔸) which has a pole of order 2 at s = 1, even for globally generic representations. Moreover, we show that if a cuspidal representation π of
GSp(4,𝔸) comes from GSO(4,𝔸), then π is the Weil transfer of Π1 ⊗ Π2 realized as a representation of GSO(4,𝔸) where the Π
i
are irreducible automorphic cuspidal representations of
GL(2,𝔸). This agrees with the Langlands functoriality principle as GSO(4,𝔸) is an endoscopic group for GSp(4,𝔸).
Screening physical examinations in 25,000 Israeli schoolchildren
Authors: Lev Ran Rena , Knishkowy Barry , Adler Bella 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Physical examinations in childhood and adolescence have been recommended by various professional organizations. In order to assess the value of periodic physical examinations in identifying previously undetected conditions, we analyzed the results of school screening examinations of approximately 25,000 Israeli students.
Methods: Entire student populations in the 1st, 5th, 7th, and 10th grades in the Tel Aviv-Yafo public school system were offered physical examinations during the 1996–1997 and 1997–1998 school years. Nine physicians performed these examinations. Referrals to the primary care physician were made for abnormal findings. The frequencies of the leading referrals were determined, and comparisons were made according to gender and grade.
Results: A total of 24,846 students were examined. The overall referral rate was 7.8 per 100 examinations. Leading referrals included “overweight”, “heart murmur”, and “spinal structural abnormalities” at all grade levels, and “nevi” in grades 5, 7, and 10. Referral rates increased between various grade levels for “spinal structural abnormalities”, “nevi”, and “varicocele”, and decreased for “short stature” and “overweight”. Of the 196 diagnoses documented after referral, 182 (93%) fell into three categories, namely, spinal, hernia and scrotal, and short stature.
Conclusions: A wide range of physical findings were detected or referred at each of the grade levels in this large population of schoolchildren. Many of these were triggers for preventive health counseling, while approximately 1% of the examinations yielded important findings requiring intervention. These results provide a measure of justification for the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for periodic physical examinations in childhood and adolescence.
Factors influencing the quality of implementation of a positive youth development program in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Law Moon Y.M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis study examines how social workers collaborate with school teachers in implementing a school-based positive youth development program in Hong Kong. Individual and focus group interviews are conducted with social workers cooperating with school teachers in implementing the Project P.A.T.H.S. in a school context. Through the interviews, strategies for establishing inter-disciplinary collaboration and factors that hinder or facilitate program implementation are identified. This case study highlights factors that facilitate the collaboration between social workers and school teachers, including the following: 1) sufficient training for instructors, 2) sharing of the practice wisdom and teaching experiences, 3) building up mutual support among different parties, 4) use of proactive communication, and 5) demonstration of self-disclosure.
Evaluation of the project P.A.T.H.S. (extension phase) based on the perspective of the program participants
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Sun Rachel C.F. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Subjective outcome evaluation data were collected from 236 schools (n=87,943 students) after students had participated in the Tier 1 Program in the second year of the Extension Phase of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong. Using schools as the units of analysis, results showed that the program and implementers were perceived in a positive manner and approximately four-fifths of the participants regarded the program as helpful to them. There were some significant grade differences in the subjective outcome evaluation findings with small effect size. Multiple regression analyses showed that whereas perceived qualities of the program positively predicted perceived effectiveness of the program, perceived qualities of implementers negatively predicted program effectiveness. The present study suggests that irrespective of cohorts at different times, junior secondary school students perceived the program to be beneficial to them. The theoretical and practical implications of the present findings are discussed.
Implementation quality of the Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong: findings from the extension phase
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Liu Ting Ting 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
To evaluate the implementation quality of the Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Secondary 1 to Secondary 3), a study based on classroom observations of 597 units in 207 schools was conducted under the Co-Walker Scheme. Results demonstrated that the implementation quality of the program was high in general, with a mean program adherence of 80.8%. The 13 aspects of program delivery under observation were significantly intercorrelated. Multiple regression analyses indicated that: (i) overall implementation quality was significantly predicted by classroom control, interactive delivery method, use of positive and supportive feedback, opportunity for reflection, degree of achievement of the objectives, time management, and lesson preparation; (ii) success of implementation was significantly predicted by student participation and involvement, opportunity for reflection, degree of achievement of the objectives, and time management.