bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virulence factors in environmental and clinical <i>Vibrio cholerae</i> from endemic areas in Kenya
Authors: Kimani Racheal W. , Muigai Anne W. T. , Sang Willie , Kiiru John N. , Kariuki Samuel 
Published: October 2014

Background: Since 1971, Kenya has had repeated cholera outbreaks. However, the cause of seasonal epidemics of cholera is not fully understood and neither are the factors that drive epidemics, both in Kenya and globally.Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the environmental reservoirs of V. cholerae during an interepidemic period in Kenya and to characterise their virulence factors.Methods: One hundred (50 clinical, 50 environmental) samples were tested for V. cholerae isolates using both simplex and multiplex polymerase chain reaction.Results: Both sediments and algae from fishing and landing bays yielded isolates of V. cholerae. Clinical strains were characterised along with the environmental strains for comparison. All clinical strains harboured ctxA, tcpA (El Tor), ompU, zot, ace, toxR, hylA (El Tor) and tcpI genes. Prevalence for virulence genes in environmental strains was hylA (El Tor) (10%), toxR (24%), zot (22%), ctxA (12%),tcpI (8%), hylA (26%) and tcpA (12%).Conclusion: The study sites, including landing bays and beaches, contained environmental V. cholerae, suggesting that these may be reservoirs for frequent epidemics. Improved hygiene and fish-handling techniques will be important in reducing the persistence of reservoirs.
The diabetic foot risks profile in Selebi Phikwe Government Hospital, Botswana
Authors: Tshitenge Stephane , Ganiyu Adewale , Mbuka Deogratias , Shama Joseph M. 
Published: October 2014

Aim: The present study aimed: (1) to evaluate the proportion of each diabetic foot (DF) risk category, according to the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) consensus, in patients attending the diabetic clinic in Selebi Phikwe Government Hospital (SPGH) and (2) to examine some of the factors that may be associated with the progression to higher risk categories such as anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile.Methods: A retrospective, cross sectional chart review of patients who had attended the diabetic clinic in SPGH from January 2013 to December 2013 was performed. Patients were included if they had undergone a foot examination. Patients with amputation due to accident were excluded. The DF risk category was assessed by determining the proportion of patients in each of four risk categories, as described by the IWGDF consensus.Results: The study encompassed 144 records from patients reviewed for foot examination from January to December 2013. Patients’ ages were between 16 and 85 years, 46 (40%) were male and 98 (60%) were female. The majority (122, [85%]) of patients were in DF risk category 0, whilst a limited number of patients were classified in risk category 1 (10, [6.9%]), risk category 2 (7, [4.9%]) and risk category 3 (5, [3.5%]). Most of the patients had the type 2 diabetes mellitus (139, [97%; 95% CI 92% − 99%]). Patients’ ages were associated with the progressively higher DF risk categories. The adjusted odd ratio was 1.1 (95% CI 1.03−1.14; p = 0.004).Conclusion: The present study revealed that about 15% of patients attending the SPGH diabetic clinic were categorised in higher risk groups for diabetic foot; patients’ ages were linked to the higher DF risk categories.
Neuroprotective effects of tetracyclines on blunt head trauma: An experimental study on rats
Authors: Uckun Ozhan Merzuk , Alagoz Fatih , Secer Mehmet , Karakoyun Oguz , Ocakcioglu Ayhan , Yildirim Ali Erdem , Yılmaz Fevzi , Sahinoglu Mert , Divanlioglu Denizhan , Dalgic Ali , Daglioglu Ergun , Belen Ahmet Deniz 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
Background: Prevention of primary damage caused by head trauma may be avoided with protective measures and techniques which is a public health concern. Experimental and clinical studies about treatment of head trauma were all centered to prevent secondary damage caused by physiopathological changes following primary injury. Neuroprotective features of tetracyclines were the focus of several experimental studies in the last decade. In the present study we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of tetracycline in an experimental model of blunt brain injury in rats. Materials and Methods: 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 8). Head trauma was not performed in control group (group 1, craniectomy only). In the second group, head trauma and craniectomy were performed. Intraperitoneal saline was used in addition to trauma and craniectomy for treatment in group 3 whereas intraperitoneal tetracycline and saline were used for treatment in group 4. Results: When histological examinations performed by transmission electron microscopy were evaluated, injury at ultrastructural level was demonstrated to be less pronounced in tetracycline group with decreased lipid peroxidation levels. Conclusion: In accordance with these findings, we conclude that systemic tetracycline administration is effective in reduction of secondary brain damage and brain edema and thus it may be considered as a therapeutic option.
Computerized tomographic study of normal Evans index in adult Nigerians
Authors: Hamidu Ahmed Umdagas , Olarinoye-Akorede Sefiya Adebanke , Ekott David Solomon , Danborno Barnabas , Mahmud Muhammad Raji , Balogun Muhammad Shakir 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
Background: The evaluation of degree of ventricular enlargement should be based on established indices rather than on personal experience as this is highly subjective. Our aim was to establish normal values for Evans index in a Nigerian adult population as none has been found in the Nigerian medical literature. Materials and Methods: Axial computerized tomographic brain scans of 488 normal subjects were reviewed retrospectively. Of them, 319 (65.36%) of the patients were males and 169 (34.63%) were females; their ages ranged from 18 to 84 years with a mean age of 37.26 years. The images were acquired using a multi-slice GE Sigma excite scanner. Evans index was measured as the linear ratio of the total width of the frontal horns of the cerebral lateral ventricles to the maximum intracranial diameter. Results: The mean value for Evans index for the studied population was 0.252 ± 0.04. The EI increased with age and it was slightly higher among males. The difference in Evans value in males and females was not statistically significant. Individuals above 60 years old had the highest Evans values in both sexes. Conclusion: This study has established ranges of normal value for Evans index in a Nigerian population. It agrees with the diagnostic cut-off value of > 0.3 for hydrocephalus and it compares well with that of the Caucasians.
A rare case of thoracic myelocystocele associated with type 1 split cord malformation with low lying tethered cord, dorsal syrinx and sacral agenesis: Pentad finding
Authors: Mankotia Dipanker Singh , Satyarthee Guru Dutta , Sharma Bhawani Shankar 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTMyelocystocele is a rare form of spinal dysraphism. Thoracic myelocystocele is still rarer. The occurrence of thoracic myelocystocele associated with type-1 split cord malformation, low lying tethered cord, dorsal syrinx and spina bifida is extremely rare. Clinical presentation of such a rare case and an early surgical management is discussed briefly.
Successful operative management of an upper lumbar spinal canal stenosis resulting in multilevel lower nerve root radiculopathy
Authors: McClelland Shearwood , Kim Stefan S. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTLumbar stenosis is a common disorder, usually characterized clinically by neurogenic claudication with or without lumbar/sacral radiculopathy corresponding to the level of stenosis. We present a case of lumbar stenosis manifesting as a multilevel radiculopathy inferior to the nerve roots at the level of the stenosis. A 55-year-old gentleman presented with bilateral lower extremity pain with neurogenic claudication in an L5/S1 distribution (posterior thigh, calf, into the foot) concomitant with dorsiflexion and plantarflexion weakness. Imaging revealed grade I spondylolisthesis of L3 on L4 with severe spinal canal stenosis at L3-L4, mild left L4-L5 disc herniation, no stenosis at L5-S1, and no instability. EMG revealed active and chronic L5 and S1 radiculopathy. The patient underwent bilateral L3-L4 hemilaminotomy with left L4-L5 microdiscectomy for treatment of his L3-L4 stenosis. Postoperatively, he exhibited significant improvement in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The L5-S1 level was not involved in the operative decompression. Patients with radiculopathy and normal imaging at the level corresponding to the radiculopathy should not be ruled out for operative intervention should they have imaging evidence of lumbar stenosis superior to the expected affected level.
Survey to Determine Why People Drink Raw Milk
Authors: Mullin Gerard E. , Belkoff Stephen M. , Box Rachel 
Published: October 2014

Background: Fragility fractures associated with osteoporosis extract a large financial and personal toll on society. Pharmaceutical or dietary calcium intake is needed to increase bone mineral density to prevent fragility fractures. Although dairy products are a good source of calcium, patients who are unable to digest lactose tend to avoid them and are put at a greater risk for fracture than the general population. Anecdotal reports suggest that lactose maldigesters, when consuming raw milk, have a dramatic reduction in symptoms relative to pasteurized milk. The mechanism of the reported reduction in symptoms, if true, is unknown. The purpose of the current study was to survey raw milk drinkers to ascertain their health-related motivations for consuming raw milk, especially as they relate to lactose maldigestion. Methods: An online survey regarding raw milk was completed by 153 of 1527 members of a raw milk–buying community. Results: The primary reason the respondents cited for drinking raw milk was that they believed it was more healthful; 30% reported some gastrointestinal discomfort when drinking pasteurized milk, yet almost all (99%) reported consuming raw milk without discomfort. Despite the reports of gastrointestinal discomfort, only 5% of respondents had been diagnosed as lactose intolerant by a medical professional, and only 1% had been diagnosed as lactose intolerant via the gold-standard hydrogen breath test. Conclusions: The primary motivation for drinking raw milk is its perceived health value, not its digestibility. Although raw milk appears to be more easily digested than pasteurized milk in our survey sample, the mechanism of digestibility remains unknown.
The Ecosystem Management and Enterprise Development of the Local Public Policy in the Philippines
Authors: BUENO CHRISTOPHER FUSTER 
Published: October 2014

The study dealt on environmental and economic governance to showcaseits relevance, responsiveness and commitment of the Philippine government totake its share in providing scientific support through the complementation of the local public policy relevant to multidisciplinary researches that contribute to the country’s positive image as “the Rising Tiger Economy in Asia.” The studyutilized the descriptive and documentary analysis primarily through e-report ofthe Local Government Performance Monitoring System on Environmental andEconomic Governance in the Philippines. It provided the generated knowledgeas applied in the by-product of science research within the inclusion of economicand environmental governance on the Philippine government. The study onlocal public policy in the implementation of Republic Act No. 7160 (LocalGovernment Code of 1991) showed the importance in the Local GovernmentUnits (LGU) to respond particularly to economic and environmental governance. This is in support with the scientific complementation along the areas of enterprisedevelopment, environment, solid waste management, and eco-system developmenton agriculture, fishery and forestry, as a result of the public policy implementationof the Local Government Units in the Philippines.Keywords: Social Science, development administration, public policy, ecosystem,enterprise development, local governance, descriptive design, Philippines
Age as Determinant of Performance in Local Governance and Community Development of the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Organization)
Authors: DUMBRIQUE JEAN S. 
Published: October 2014

Participation of stakeholders is the key element of good governance. Provided with direct participation through the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), the youth areempowered in various government structures at the local level. The study lookedinto the performance in local governance and community development of theSK of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur as affected by some personal and social factors.It utilized the evaluative and correlational research designs of the descriptivemethod of research. Findings revealed that the SK of Vigan City were similarlyevaluated to have a high or very satisfactory level of performance by themselves,their members, and by their Punong Barangay in all the roles and responsibilitiesthat impact local governance and community development. Thus, in Vigan, the youth are treated not only as beneficiaries but as partners of the city government in molding a better community. With youth empowerment as its continuingprogram and priority, Vigan has earned the reputation as the Most Child-FriendlyCity Component of the Philippines from 2009 to 2011 and now elevated tothe Hall of Fame. Age came out as good determinant of SK performance along administrative function, legislative function and on over-all SK performance inlocal governance and community development.Keywords: Management, Sangguniang Kabataan, performance, youth participation inlocal government, descriptive-correlational design, Philippines
Impact of diurnal forcing on intraseasonal sea surface temperature oscillations in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Thushara V. , Vinayachandran P. N. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe diurnal cycle is an important mode of sea surface temperature (SST) variability in tropical oceans, influencing air‐sea interaction and climate variability. Upper ocean mixing mechanisms are significant at diurnal time scales controlling the intraseasonal variability (ISV) of SST. Sensitivity experiments using an Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM) for the summer monsoon of the year 2007 show that incorporation of diurnal cycle in the model atmospheric forcings improves the SST simulation at both intraseasonal and shorter time scales in the Bay of Bengal (BoB). The increase in SST‐ISV amplitudes with diurnal forcing is ∼0.05°C in the southern bay while it is ∼0.02°C in the northern bay. Increased intraseasonal warming with diurnal forcing results from the increase in mixed layer heat gain from insolation, due to shoaling of the daytime mixed layer. Amplified intraseasonal cooling is dominantly controlled by the strengthening of subsurface processes owing to the nocturnal deepening of mixed layer. In the southern bay, intraseasonal variability is mainly determined by the diurnal cycle in insolation, while in the northern bay, diurnal cycle in insolation and winds have comparable contributions. Temperature inversions (TI) develop in the northern bay in the absence of diurnal variability in wind stress. In the northern bay, SST‐ISV amplification is not as large as that in the southern bay due to the weaker diurnal variability of mixed layer depth (MLD) limited by salinity stratification. Diurnal variability of model MLD is not sufficient to create large modifications in mixed layer heat budget and SST‐ISV in the northern bay.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Yau Mabel , Pina Christian , Khattab Ahmed , New Maria I 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) describes a family of inherited disorders whose common feature is impaired cortisol synthesis. Cortisol is produced from cholesterol in the adrenal glands through a series of enzymatic reactions. A genetic mutation of the gene encoding one of these enzymes can lead to CAH. In some forms of CAH, a build up of steroid precursors to the defective enzyme leads to an overproduction of androgens, sex steroids, causing to virilization of a female foetus affected with CAH. Most cases of CAH are owed to a defect in the enzyme, 21‐hydroxylase. This family of disorders is treatable with oral glucocorticoids.

Key Concepts:

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia describes a group of autosomal recessive genetic defects in the enzymes of steroidogenesis.

The adrenal glands produce steroids including glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and sex steroids (androgens).

Deficiency of 21‐hydroxylase causes more than 90% of cases of CAH and is characterised by glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency associated with virilization in females.

There are two forms of CAH: the classical form, which includes the salt‐wasting and the simple virilizing forms and the nonclassical form, which is associated with milder symptoms.

The main goals of medical therapy for CAH are to replace deficient cortisol with a suitable glucocorticoid, deficient aldosterone with mineralocorticoid replacement and sodium supplements, and to prevent excessive androgen secretion.

Prenatal dexamethasone treatment can prevent genital ambiguity in an affected female foetus with classical CAH. The presence of cell‐free foetal DNA in maternal plasma has opened up new possibilities for noninvasive prenatal testing of 21‐hydroxylase deficiency and other genetic steroid disorders.
Cell Line Authentication and Characterisation
Authors: Masters John R , Reid Yvonne A 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Cell lines are widely used in biomedical research as surrogates for human tissues and for physiological studies on live cells. Despite being easy to maintain and manipulate, cell lines must be carefully characterised. When a new cell line is acquired, and when preparing a new cell bank for storage, it is mandatory to confirm the identity of the cells and ensure that they are free of
Mycoplasma
and other microbial contaminants. These tests must be repeated whenever another cell bank is prepared. Cell lines must be replaced from the bank within 10 passages or 3 months of continuous growth, whichever is the shorter period. Moreover, it is important that cells are examined microscopically for morphological changes and contamination every time they are taken out of the incubator.

Key Concepts:

Every time cells are taken out of the incubator, they must be examined microscopically for changes in morphology or the presence of microbial and cellular contamination.

Every time a new cell line is acquired or a cell stock is frozen for storage, it should be authenticated by interspecies (DNA barcoding) and intraspecies (STR profiling) identification.

Every time a new cell line is acquired or a cell stock is cryopreserved, it is essential to check for
Mycoplasma
contamination (and other microbial contamination if tests are available).

An established cell line should never be grown continuously for more than 3 months or 10 passages, whichever is the shorter period.

All cell stocks entering the tissue culture laboratory must be kept in quarantine until microbial and cellular contaminations are excluded.

If there are any doubts concerning the authenticity of cells, consult the ICLAC (International Cell Line Authentication Committee) database of misidentified cell lines –
http://iclac.org/databases/cross‐contaminations/

When obtaining cells from a cell bank or another reliable source, always ask for proof of authenticity and lack of
Mycoplasma
contamination.

Always follow good tissue culture practices.

Determine key characteristics and morphology at various magnifications and densities.

STR profiling (human) and DNA barcoding (animal) are commercially available, and are cheap, robust and reliable methods of authenticating cell lines.
EF‐Hand Calcium‐Binding Proteins
Authors: Johnson Christopher N , Damo Steven M , Chazin Walter J 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCalcium and the proteins that bind to it play important roles in normal physiological processes and have been implicated in a variety of diseases. The importance of calcium is due mainly to its role as a second messenger in signal transduction. The calcium signal is mediated and controlled by many proteins, the majority of which belong to the EF‐hand superfamily of calcium‐binding proteins. EF‐hand proteins are classified into calcium signal sensors and modulators. The signal modulators fine‐tune the shape and duration of calcium signals. The calcium sensors undergo significant conformational changes when they bind calcium, which exposes new surfaces that interact with target proteins. Together, EF‐hand calcium‐binding proteins serve in the critical process of converting the ionic signal into activation of intracellular signalling pathways.Key Concepts:The EF‐hand is a helix–loop–helix structural motif.Calcium binds to oxygen atoms from the backbone and side‐chain atoms of specific amino acids in EF‐hand calcium‐binding proteins.The basic structural and functional unit of EF‐hand calcium‐binding proteins is a pair of EF‐hand motifs.EF‐hand calcium‐binding proteins can be classified as sensors or modulators of calcium signals.EF‐hand calcium senor proteins need to transition from an ‘off’ state at the resting level of calcium in the cell, to an ‘on’ (activated) state when calcium signals increase the concentration of calcium.The binding of calcium by EF hand calcium sensing proteins induces structural changes that activate the protein for interaction with other target proteins.EF‐hand calcium‐binding proteins play important roles in health and disease.
Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (
FRAP
)
Authors: Ishikawa‐Ankerhold Hellen , Ankerhold Richard , Drummen Gregor 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a fluorescence microscope technique to measure molecular diffusion and transport. FRAP is a valuable technique in cell biological research and evolved conjointly with microscope and fluorescent probes advancements. Although developed in the 1970s, the discovery and further development of fluorescent proteins revolutionised FRAP. After the discovery of green fluorescence protein and its application as a noninvasive and genetically coded protein‐tag,
in vivo
studies of protein dynamics and interactions became possible. FRAP is based on irreversibly bleaching a pool of fluorescent probes and monitoring the recovery in fluorescence due to movement of surrounding intact probes into the bleached spot. Although measurements are straightforward, quantitative FRAP requires careful experimental design, solid controls, data collection, and analysis. Over the past years, several FRAP‐related techniques have been tailored to suit particular cell biological questions, including inverse FRAP, fluorescence loss in photobleaching, and fluorescence localisation after photobleaching.

Key Concepts:

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a method to qualitatively and quantitatively study biomolecule dynamics in living cells.

FRAP is based on irreversibly bleaching a pool of fluorescent probes with high intensity light and monitoring the recovery in fluorescence due to movement of surrounding intact probes into the bleached spot.

FRAP experiments are often conducted on confocal microscopes. To derive quantitative results from such experiments, several parameters and controls need to be considered and utilised in the analysis.

There are several FRAP‐related methods that have been developed for specific applications and biological questions.

FRAP is a versatile and popular method in modern biomedical research. Its application is broad and is increasingly applied in pharmacological, therapeutic and diagnostic areas.