bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial isolates and drug susceptibility patterns of ear discharge from patients with ear infection at Gondar University Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Muluye Dagnachew , Wondimeneh Yitayih , Ferede Getachew , Moges Feleke , Nega Tesfaye 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Ear infection is a common problem for both children and adults especially in developing countries. However in Ethiopia particularly in the study area, there is no recent data that shows the magnitude of the problem. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial isolates and their drug susceptibility patterns from patients who had ear infection.

Method
A retrospective study was conducted from September, 2009 to August, 2012 at Gondar University Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Ear discharge samples were cultured on MacConkey agar, blood agar and chocolate agar plates. A standard biochemical procedure was used for full identification of bacterial isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done on Mueller-Hinton agar by using disk diffusion method. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 20 software and P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result
A total of 228 ear discharge samples were tested for bacterial isolation and 204 (89.5%) cases were found to have bacterial isolates. From the total bacterial isolates, 115 (56.4%) were gram negative bacteria and the predominant isolate was proteus species (27.5%). Of individuals who had ear infection, 185 (90.7%) had single bacterial infection while 19 (9.3%) had mixed infections. Under five children were more affected by ear infection. The prevalence of ear infection was significantly high in males (63.7 vs 36.3%) (P = 0.017). Of all bacterial isolates, 192 (94.1%) had multiple antibiotic resistant pattern. Non Lactose Fermenter Gram Negative Rods (46.0%), Klebsella species (47.7%) and Pseudomonas species (48.5%) were resistant against the commonly used antibiotics.

Conclusion
The prevalence of ear infection was very high in the study area. Majority of the bacterial isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics. Hence antibiotics susceptibility test is mandatory before prescribing any antibiotics.
Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan alleviates asthma through multi-target network regulation
Authors: Zhao Zhenying , Miao Yingbo , Pan Pengwei , Cheng Binfeng , Bai Gang , Wu Hong 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan (QFXY), a traditional Chinese formula, is widely used for relieving cough, asthma, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, and etc. in clinic. Comparing with other anti-asthma drugs, it is characterised with moderate and persistent efficacy as well as few side effects, however, the underlying action mechanism still remains elusive. This study aimed to identify QFXY multi-target network regulation as an asthma controller.

Methods
This study established asthma model induced by histamine phosphate and acetylcholine chloride (His&Ach) in guinea pigs, which then were administered orally with QFXY. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining sections were applied for evaluating QFXY effect. In both Model and QFXY groups, customized microarrays and 2D electrophoresis were adopted to detect differentially expressed genes (diff genes) and proteins (diff proteins) respectively, and some diff proteins were identified with MALDI-TOF/MS. The checked diff genes and proteins underwent Cluster, GO and KEGG analysis. Based on GAD and HPRD databases, QFXY-asthma target regulation network was constructed.

Results
His&Ach-induced asthma model of guinea pigs was established. HE sections presented anti-inflammation and anti-remodelling effects of QFXY. Comparing with the Model group, 55 diff genes and 6 diff proteins were identified in QFXY group. Validation by qPCR and Western blot showed the microarray and 2D data reliable. Furthermore, QFXY-asthma target regulation network was achieved.

Conclusions
A primarily combined genomic and proteomic screening of QFXY targets displayed a series of candidate genes and proteins, which indicated that the effect of QFXY relied on the combined mechanism, anti-inflammation and anti-remodelling, as well as influencing signal transduction in vivo.
Shikonin suppresses ERK 1/2 phosphorylation during the early stages of adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells
Authors: Gwon So Young , Ahn Ji Yun , Jung Chang Hwa , Moon Bo Kyung , Ha Tae Youl 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The naphthoquinone pigment, shikonin, is a major component of Lithospermum erythrorhizon and has been shown to have various biological functions, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of shikonin on adipocyte differentiation and its mechanism of action in 3T3-L1 cells.

Methods
To investigate the effects of shikonin on adipocyte differentiation, 3T3-L1 cells were induced to differentiate using 3-isobutyl-1-methylzanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin (MDI) for 8 days in the presence of 0–2 μM shikonin. Oil Red O staining was performed to determine the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. To elucidate the anti-adipogenic mechanism of shikonin, adipogenic transcription factors, the phosphorylation levels of ERK, and adipogenic gene expression were analyzed by Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. To further confirm that shikonin inhibits adipogenic differentiation through downregulation of ERK 1/2 activity, 3T3-L1 cells were treated with shikonin in the presence of FGF-2, an activator, or PD98059, an inhibitor, of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Results
Shikonin effectively suppressed adipogenesis and downregulated the protein levels of 2 major transcription factors, PPARγ and C/EBPα, as well as the adipocyte specific gene aP2 in a dose-dependent manner. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that shikonin inhibited mRNA expression of adipogenesis-related genes, such as PPARγ, C/EBPα, and aP2. Adipocyte differentiation was mediated by ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, which was confirmed by pretreatment with PD98059 (an ERK 1/2 inhibitor) or FGF-2 (an ERK 1/2 activator). The phosphorylation of ERK1/2 during the early stages of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells was inhibited by shikonin. We also confirmed that FGF-2-stimulated ERK 1/2 activity was attenuated by shikonin.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that shikonin inhibits adipogenic differentiation via suppression of the ERK signaling pathway during the early stages of adipogenesis.
Microsatellite genotyping of Plasmodium vivax infections and their relapses in pregnant and non-pregnant patients on the Thai-Myanmar border
Authors: Thanapongpichat Supinya , McGready Rose , Luxemburger Christine , Day Nicholas PJ , White Nicholas J , Nosten Francois , Snounou Georges , Imwong Mallika 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background

Plasmodium vivax infections in pregnancy are associated with low birth weight and anaemia. This parasites species is also characterised by relapses, erythrocytic infections initiated by the activation of the dormant liver stages, the hypnozoites, to mature. Genotyping of P. vivax using microsatellite markers has opened the way to comparative investigations of parasite populations. The aim of the study was to assess whether there were any differences between the parasites found in pregnant and non-pregnant patients, and/or between the admission infections and recurrent episodes during follow-up.

Methods
Blood samples were collected from 18 pregnant and 18 non-pregnant patients, who had at least two recurrent episodes during follow-up, that were recruited in two previous trials on the efficacy of chloroquine treatment of P. vivax infections on the Thai-Myanmar border. DNA was purified and the P. vivax populations genotyped with respect to eight polymorphic microsatellite markers. Analyses of the genetic diversity, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and a comparison of the genotypes in the samples from each patient were conducted.

Results
The P. vivax parasites present in the samples exhibited high genetic diversity (6 to 15 distinct allelic variants found for the 8 loci). Similar expected heterozygosity (H
e) values were obtained for isolates from pregnant (0.837) and non-pregnant patients (0.852). There were modest differences between the MOI values calculated for both admission and recurrence samples from the pregnant patients (2.00 and 2.05, respectively) and the equivalent samples from the non-pregnant patients (1.67 and 1.64, respectively). Furthermore, the mean number of distinct alleles enumerated in the admission samples from the pregnant (6.88) and non-pregnant (7.63) patients were significantly lower than that found in the corresponding recurrent episodes samples (9.25 and 9.63, respectively).

Conclusions
The P. vivax populations circulating in inhabitants along the Thai-Myanmar border, an area of low malaria transmission, displayed high genetic diversity. A subtle increase in the multiplicity of P. vivax infections in pregnant patients suggests a higher susceptibility to infection. The higher allelic diversity in the relapse as compared to the admission samples in both patient groups is consistent with the hypothesis that a febrile episode promotes the activation of hypnozoites.
Krüppel-like factor 4 regulates genetic stability in mouse embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: El-Karim Enas A , Hagos Engda G , Ghaleb Amr M , Yu Bing , Yang Vincent W 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a member of the KLF family of transcription factors and regulates proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and somatic cell reprogramming. Evidence also suggests that KLF4 is a tumor suppressor in certain cancers including colorectal cancer. We previously showed that KLF4 inhibits cell cycle progression following DNA damage and that mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) null for Klf4 are genetically unstable, as evidenced by increased rates of cell proliferation, and the presence of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), centrosome amplification, chromosome aberrations and aneuploidy.

Methods
To determine whether re-expression of Klf4 corrects the observed genetic instability in MEFs null for Klf4 (Klf4

−/−
), we transfected Klf4

−/−
MEFs with Klf4-expressing plasmids and compared the results to wild type (Klf4

+/+
) and untransfected or mock-transfected Klf4

−/−
MEFs.

Results
We show that overexpression of Klf4 in Klf4

−/−
MEFs reduced cell proliferation rates and the proportion of cells with DSBs, abnormal centrosome numbers, aneuploidy and micronuclei. In addition, Klf4-transfected Klf4

−/−
MEFs exhibited a more robust DNA damage repair response as demonstrated by the greater rate in disappearance of γ-H2AX and 53BP1 foci following γ-irradiation.

Conclusion
Taken together these findings provide evidence that KLF4 plays a crucial role in the maintenance of genetic stability by modulating the DNA damage response and repair processes.
Association between APOE, SCARB1, PPARα polymorphisms and serum lipids in a population of Lithuanian adults
Authors: Smalinskiene Alina , Petkeviciene Janina , Luksiene Dalia , Jureniene Kristina , Klumbiene Jurate , Lesauskaite Vaiva 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Dyslipidemia is one of several known risk factors for coronary heart disease, a leading cause of death in Lithuania. Blood lipid levels are influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. Epidemiological studies demonstrated the impact of nutrition on lipid levels within the Lithuanian population although the role of genetic factors for dyslipidemias has not yet been studied. The objective of this study was to assess the distribution of the APOE, SCARB1, PPARα genotypes in the Lithuanian adult population and to determine the relationship of these genotypes with dyslipidemia.

Methods
A cross-sectional health survey was carried out in a representative random sample of the Lithuanian population aged 25–64 (n=1030). A variety of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the APOE (rs429358 and rs7412), SCARB1 (rs5888) and PPARα (rs1800206) genes were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum lipids were determined using enzymatic methods.

Results/Principal findings
Men and women with the APOE2 genotype had the lowest level of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Men with the APOE2 genotype had significantly higher levels of triglycerides (TG) than those with the APOE3 genotype. In men, the carriers of the APOE4 genotype had higher odds ratios (OR) of reduced (<1.0 mmol/L) high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels versus APOE3 carriers (OR=1.98; 95% CI=1.05-3.74). The odds of having elevated (>1.7 mmol/L) TG levels was significantly lower in SCARB1 genotype CT carriers compared to men with the SCARB1 genotype CC (OR=0.50; 95% CI=0.31-0.79). In men, carriers of the PPARα genotype CG had higher OR of elevated TG levels versus carriers of PPARα genotype CC (OR=2.67; 95% CI=1.15-6.16). The odds of having high LDL-C levels were lower in women with the APOE2 genotype as compared to APOE3 genotype carriers (OR=0.35; 95% CI=0.22-0.57).

Conclusions/Significance
Our data suggest a gender difference in the associations between APOE, SCARB1, PPARα genotypes and lipid levels. In men, the APOE4 genotype and PPARα genotype CG were correlated with an atherogenic lipid profile while the SCARB1 genotype CT had an atheroprotective effect. In women, APOE2 carriers had the lowest odds of high LDL-C.
A case report of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Yu Songfeng , Guo Hua , Zhuang Li , Yu Jun , Yan Sheng , Zhang Min , Wang Weilin , Zheng Shusen 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Post-transplant malignancy is the major cause of later death of recipients after liver transplantation. Tumor recurrence after liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in the end stage of cirrhosis has been frequently encountered. However, de novo hepatocellular carcinoma originating from the liver allograft has only rarely been reported. Here we reported a case of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma developed 2 years after living donor liver transplantation for hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis with viral YMDD mutation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of de novo hepatocellular carcinoma in a liver graft with recurrent hepatitis B virus infection after liver transplantation for hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis with YMDD mutation. Moreover, the de novo cancer first presented as a lung mass with minimal liver involvement and was obscured by a pulmonary fungal infection.
Inferior vena cava tumor thrombus that directly infiltrated from paracaval lymph node metastases in a patient with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Imada Shinya , Ishiyama Kohei , Ide Kentaro , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Amano Hironobu , Tashiro Hirotaka , Arihiro Koji , Aikata Hiroshi , Chayama Kazuaki , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Herein, we present the case of a patient with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had paracaval lymph node (LN) metastases with an inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus after a hepatectomy. A 65-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B virus infection received an extended anterior segmentectomy because of two hepatic tumors, located in segments 7 and 8. Histological examination of both resected specimens showed mostly moderately differentiated HCC with some poorly differentiated areas, and liver cirrhosis (A2/F4). Because the patient had an elevated α-fetoprotein serum level, abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed. Abdominal CT revealed a 9-mm-diameter recurrent tumor in hepatic segment 3 and paracaval LN metastases with an IVC tumor thrombus at 8 months after the first operation. The patient received transcatheter arterial chemoembolization as treatment for the intrahepatic recurrence, following resection of the paracaval LN metastases and removal of the IVC tumor thrombus. In this case, the paracaval LN metastases had directly infiltrated the IVC via the lumbar veins, resulting in an IVC tumor thrombus, which usually develops from an intrahepatic tumor via the hepatic vein. The development of an IVC tumor thrombus with HCC recurrence, as in this case, is very rare, and based on a PubMed search, we believe this report may be the first to describe this condition.
A variable step-size strategy for distributed estimation over adaptive networks
Authors: Bin Saeed Muhammad O , Zerguine Azzedine , Zummo Salam A 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA lot of work has been done recently to develop algorithms that utilize the distributed structure of anad hocwireless sensor network to estimate a certain parameter of interest. One such algorithm is called diffusion least-mean squares (DLMS). This algorithm estimates the parameter of interest using the cooperation between neighboring sensors within the network. The present work proposes an improvement on the DLMS algorithm by using a variable step-size LMS (VSSLMS) algorithm. In this work, first, the well-known variants of VSSLMS algorithms are compared with each other in order to select the most suitable algorithm which provides the best trade-off between performance and complexity. Second, the detailed convergence and steady-state analyses of the selected VSSLMS algorithm are performed. Finally, extensive simulations are carried out to test the robustness of the proposed algorithm under different scenarios. Moreover, the simulation results are found to corroborate the theoretical findings very well.
Establishment of cell lines with increased susceptibility to EV71/CA16 by stable overexpression of SCARB2
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Fan Peihu , Jin Jun , Su Weiheng , An Dong , Xu Lin , Sun Shiyang , Zhang Yan , Meng Xiangyu , Gao Feng , Kong Wei , Jiang Chunlai 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Human enterovirus type 71 (EV71) and Coxsackievirus A group type 16 (CA16) belong to human Enterovirus species A of the family Picornaviridae. These viruses are recognized as the major pathogens responsible for epidemics of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD), which presents with fever and vesicular eruptions of palms, soles of the feet or mouth. Human scavenger receptor class B, member 2 (SCARB2) has been identified as the receptor for both EV71 and CA16, as overexpression of SCARB2 in cells can enhance virus replication significantly.

Methods
In this study, we used a lentivirus packaging vector to transduce the SCARB2 gene into human embryonic kidney cells (293), human rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD) and African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) to create stable expression lines. Expression of SCARB2 in the resulting three transgenic cell lines was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.

Results
Levels of SCARB2 mRNA determined by real-time RT-PCR in 293-SCARB2 (293S) or RD-SCARB2 (RDS) transgenic cell lines were approximately 2 × 102 times higher than those in 293 and RD cells, respectively, and three times higher in Vero-SCARB2 (VeroS) than in Vero cells. Furthermore, EV71 and CA16 virus titers in 293S and RDS cells were 102–103-fold higher (detected in RD cell) than those in the parental cells, and a 10-fold higher titer of EV71 was achieved in VeroS cells compared with that in Vero cells.

Conclusions
We established for the first time three cell lines stably overexpressing SCARB2, which showed drastic increases in susceptibility to EV71/CA16 infection. These optimal cell lines may be utilized to develop inactivated vaccines for EV71/CA16 and facilitate rapid detection and isolation of HFMD pathogens or other Enterovirus serotypes. Furthermore, these stable cell lines also can serve as tools to facilitate drug screenings as well as molecular studies on virus-host interactions and pathogenesis of causative agents for HFMD.
Degradation of aqueous synthesized CdTe/ZnS quantum dots in mice: differential blood kinetics and biodistribution of cadmium and tellurium
Authors: Liu Na , Mu Ying , Chen Yi , Sun Hubo , Han Sihai , Wang Mengmeng , Wang Hui , Li Yanbo , Xu Qian , Huang Peili , Sun Zhiwei 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Quantum dots (QDs) have been used as novel fluorescent nanoprobes for various bioapplications. The degradation of QDs, and consequent release of free cadmium ions, have been suggested to be the causes of their overall toxicity. However, in contrast to sufficient investigations regarding the biological fate of QDs, a paucity of studies have reported their chemical fate in vivo. Therefore, the overall aim of our study was to understand the chemical fate of QDs in vivo and explore analytical techniques or methods that could be used to define the chemical fate of QDs in vivo.

Methods
Male ICR mice were administered a single intravenous dose (0.2 μmol/kg) of aqueous synthesized CdTe/ZnS aqQDs. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to simultaneously measure the concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and tellurium (Te) in the blood and tissues over the course of a 28 day period. We compared the blood kinetic parameters and biodistributions of Cd and Te, and used the molar ratio of Cd:Te as a marker for QDs degradation.

Results
Cd and Te display different blood kinetics and biodistribution profiles. The Cd:Te ratio in the blood did not vary significantly within the first hour compared with intact CdTe/ZnS aqQDs. The Cd:Te ratio decreased gradually over time from the 6 h time point on. Cd accumulated in the liver, kidneys, and spleen. Te was distributed primarily to the kidneys. Sharp time-dependent increases in the Cd:Te ratio were found in liver tissues.

Conclusions
QDs can undergo degradation in vivo. In vitro, QDs are chemically stable and do not elicit the same biological responses or consequences as they do in vivo. Our methods might provide valuable information regarding the degradation of QDs in vivo and may enable the design and development of QDs for biological and biomedical applications.
Treading & threading memories: a personal encounter with forest and people in Southern Venezuela
Authors: Zent Egleé L 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis brief essay, which represents the third editorial of the series "Recollections, Reflections, and Revelations: Ethnobiologists and their First Time in the Field", captures a few memories of the author's first fieldwork in the Venezuelan rainforest. It is a collage of objects, subjects, feelings, spaces, and events that pendulate in spheres of meaning straddling between the author's identities as both a student and a woman. The author's evocations of fifteen years ago are diluted in lasting reflections about what could be ethnoecology embraced by spaces of interactions and associations between organisms and their surroundings.