bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF ENTEROCOCCUS SPP. SPREAD IN POULTRY PRODUCTS IN LITHUANIA
Authors: RUZAUSKAS MODESTAS , SUZIEDELIENE EDITA , SIUGZDINIENE RITA , SEPUTIENE VAIDA , POVILONIS JUSTAS 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of enterococci spread in raw products of poultry origin intended for human consumption in Lithuania. Samples were obtained from retail markets all over the country. Fifty‐eight samples (83%) from a total of 70 tested were positive for Enterococcus spp.Enterococcus faecium (36.2%), E. faecalis (29.3%) and E. hirae (17.2%) were the most prevalent species. Susceptibility testing was based on a microdilution test. Results were interpreted according to clinical breakpoints. The most frequent resistance was demonstrated to tetracycline (84.5%), tylosin (64.5%), erythromycin (63.8%) and ciprofloxacin (36.2%). No resistant strains were found to vancomycin, linezolid and tigecycline. Susceptibility to antimicrobials varied among different species of enterococci. E. faecalis demonstrated more frequent resistance to tylosin, E. hirae– to nitrofuranes. E. faecium was more frequently resistant to penicillin and tetracycline. Both E. faecium and E. hirae demonstrated more frequent resistance to fluoroquinolones than E. faecalis. Susceptibility to other antimicrobials statistically was unreliable between these species of enterococci.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSEnterococci are widely spread in raw poultry products. Antimicrobial resistance is highly important for antimicrobials that are used in human medicine. The results demonstrate the frequent resistance of enterococci to tetracycline, macrolides and fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin). This could be associated with the intensive and extensive usage of these antimicrobials within the country.Hygienic measures in raw food‐production should be strongly enforced. Personal hygiene during marketing is also very important since resistant bacteria could easily spread among salespersons and consumers.Commensal bacteria should be used as indicators for antimicrobial resistance in food control operations.
Implication of life history strategies for prenatal investment in cetaceans
Authors: Huang Shiang‐Lin , Chou Lien‐Siang , Shih Nien‐Tsu , Ni I‐Hsun 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPrenatal investment directly determines the size at birth and fetus growth rate, which affects neonatal survival and growth and potentially affects maternal fitness. This study explored the associated prenatal life history traits of cetaceans. Using multivariate analysis and ANCOVA, baleen whales and toothed cetaceans had distinct energy patterns, with two exceptions including beaked whales and eusocial cetaceans. Baleen whales are characterized by fast prenatal growth, which suggests high prenatal energetics, and utilize the capital breeder tactic. Toothed cetaceans, except for beaked whales, utilize income breeder energetics, which yields relatively slow prenatal growth. However, eusocial cetaceans have especially slow prenatal growth, suggesting very low prenatal energetic effort with social compensation. Although beaked whales are behaviorally income breeders, both discriminant analysis and ANCOVA showed that they are energetically similar to baleen whales, utilizing capital energetics. ANCOVA further revealed that beaked whales have comparatively large calf size, suggesting high prenatal investment. Because all cetaceans wean their calves at comparable size, high prenatal investment may further suggest reduced cost of lactation, which may be behaviorally and energetically adaptive to their specific deep‐dive‐feeding niche.
Proteomic Profiling of the Epileptic Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Li Aiqing , Choi Yun‐Sik , Dziema Heather , Cao Ruifeng , Cho Hee‐Yeon , Jung Yeon Joo , Obrietan Karl 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe development of epilepsy is often associated with marked changes in central nervous system cell structure and function. Along these lines, reactive gliosis and granule cell axonal sprouting within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus are commonly observed in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Here we used the pilocarpine model of TLE in mice to screen the proteome and phosphoproteome of the dentate gyrus to identify molecular events that are altered as part of the pathogenic process. Using a two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis‐based approach, followed by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, 24 differentially expressed proteins, including 9 phosphoproteins, were identified. Functionally, these proteins were organized into several classes, including synaptic physiology, cell structure, cell stress, metabolism and energetics. The altered expression of three proteins involved in synaptic physiology, actin, profilin 1 and α‐synuclein was validated by secondary methods. Interestingly, marked changes in protein expression were detected in the supragranular cell region, an area where robust mossy fibers sprouting occurs. Together, these data provide new molecular insights into the altered protein profile of the epileptogenic dentate gyrus and point to potential pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis.
Hepatitis B virus‐induced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis: The value of liver and spleen volumetry with multi‐detector spiral computed tomography
Authors: LI Wei Xia , ZHAO Xiang Tian , CHAI Wei Min , ZHU Nai Yi , DU Lian Jun , HUANG Wei , LING Hua Wei , CHEN Ke Min , XIE Qing 
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE:  To study the correlation of liver and spleen volume with the degree of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis induced by hepatitis B virus infection.METHODS:  128 participants who had undergone liver and spleen volumetry were enrolled. The control group consisted of 41 participants who were potential living liver donors. The liver fibrosis group consisted of 63 histologically proved liver fibrosis patients who were further divided into two subgroups: 44 patients with slight liver fibrosis, and 19 patients with advanced liver fibrosis. The liver cirrhosis group consisted of 24 patients. The following parameters were determined by multi‐detector spiral computed tomography (MSCT) examination: total liver volume (TLV), right liver lobe volume (RV), left lateral liver segment volume (LLV), left medial liver segment volume (LMV), caudate lobe volume (CV), and spleen volume (SV). The ratios of CV to TLV (C/T), RV to TLV (R/T), LLV to TLV (LL/T), LMV to TLV (LM/T), and SV to TLV (S/T) were calculated.RESULTS:  TLV, RV, LMV tended to decrease and SV, C/T, S/T tended to increase gradually with the increased degree of fibrosis. C/T ≥ 3.34% and S/T ≥ 47.36% were identified as the cut‐off values of fibrosis ≥F3 (advanced liver fibrosis) and cirrhosis, respectively. Their sensitivities were 68.4% and 87.5% and their specificities were 59.1% and 89.5%, respectively.CONCLUSION:  Variations in liver and spleen volume correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and could be used in the non‐invasive follow‐up of the development of liver fibrosis.
Performance of Two Metabolic Syndrome Definitions in the Estimation of Cardiovascular Disease Among Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Hirota Andréa H. , Rodrigues Cássio J. O. , Borges Rodolfo L. , Ribeiro Artur B. , Zanella Maria T. , Batista Marcelo C. 
Published: May 2010

J Clin Hypertens(Greenwich). 2010;12:588–596. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The authors evaluated the significance of metabolic syndrome (MetS) diagnosis, as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. Among 638 patients, the prevalence of MetS was 54.7% when the IDF criteria were used, compared with 45.5% when the NCEP criteria were used. MetS correlated significantly with the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), only MetS diagnosed using the IDF criteria was associated with the presence of CVD. In those with T2DM, MetS was not associated with CVD, regardless of the criteria used. The diagnosis of MetS, using either set of criteria, was associated with the development of T2DM. We conclude that, in hypertensive patients without diabetes, a diagnosis of MetS according to IDF criteria, but not the NCEP criteria, is useful in identifying individuals with a higher probability of incident CVD. In patients with diabetes, a population already considered at high risk for CVD, a diagnosis of MetS, regardless of the criteria used, has no further impact on prognosis.
Taking Less Than Prescribed: Medication Nonadherence and Provider‐Patient Relationships in Lower‐Income, Rural Minority Adults With Hypertension
Authors: Martin Michelle Y. , Kohler Connie , Kim Young‐il , Kratt Polly , Schoenberger Yu‐Mei , Litaker Mark S. , Prayor‐Patterson Heather M. , Clarke Stephen J. , Andrews Shiquina , Pisu Maria 
Published: May 2010

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2010;12:706–713. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Control of hypertension remains poor, and lack of adherence to medication is considered a primary reason. Few studies have examined the reasons for medication nonadherence in African American, lower‐income, rural adults receiving medications at no personal cost. Moreover, our understanding of how the provider‐patient relationship influences adherence in this population is limited. In this study, the authors (1) examined reasons for taking less medication than prescribed and (2) examined the association between provider‐patient variables and medication adherence. A total of 434 participants (94.8% African American) were included. The most frequently endorsed reasons for taking less medication than prescribed were not having blood pressure medicine when it was time to take a dose (36%), running out of medicine (35%), bothered by side effects (29%), and a change in one’s daily routine (27%). Nonadherent individuals were significantly more likely to report discomfort with asking the health provider questions (74% vs 63%), were more likely to report that health care visits were stressful (25% vs 16%), and exhibited more depressive symptoms (58% vs 45%). Adherent patients had lower blood pressure (systolic: 133±15.8 mm Hg vs 138±17.6 mm Hg, P value=.002; diastolic: 80±9.8 mm Hg vs 83±11 mm Hg, P value=.003) than individuals who were less adherent. Clinicians providing care to rural, poor hypertensive patients should routinely assess self‐management behaviors, logistical barriers, and emotional health. Creating clinical encounters that minimize the stressful nature of the visit and encourage patient question‐asking behavior may also be important for the optimal management of hypertension.
Physiological and biochemical effects of conjugated linoleic acid and its use in aquaculture
Authors: Rosa Rui , Andrade Ana M. , Bandarra Narcisa M. , Nunes Maria L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn the past few decades, the major compelling force in the study of marine lipids has been the need of the developing aquaculture industry to understand the lipid nutritional requirements of farmed fish so as to optimize production. At present, there is also increased interest to include health‐promoting nutrients (nutraceuticals) in farmed foods, such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Conjugated linoleic acid, a group of positional and stereoisomers of linoleic acid (18:2), acts as a growth factor to promote a repartitioning of fat to lean, lower blood lipids, and shows anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolaemic and anti‐atherogenic properties. In the present paper, we discuss current knowledge of the role of CLA in animal physiology and health and review advances in its application in fish aquaculture.
Organic aquaculture in Greece: a brief review
Authors: Perdikaris Costas , Paschos Ioannis 
Published: May 2010

AbstractOrganic aquaculture has recently attracted attention from both researchers and industry. Organically produced aquatic products are increasingly available to consumers and, in particular, sea bass and sea bream from certified farms in Greece have been exported and also channelled to large retail markets in Greece since 2008. The current paper briefly reviews issues pertaining to global organic aquaculture and national organic and conventional aquaculture production with a special focus on organic sea bass and sea bream production. Finally, future prospects and challenges are discussed in a wider context with regard to environmental sustainability, markets and further development of organic aquaculture.
Vision‐related function after low‐dose transpupillary thermotherapy versus photodynamic therapy for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Odergren Anne , Algvere Peep V. , Seregard Stefan , Libert Carina , Kvanta Anders 
Published: May 2010

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the effects of low‐dose transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) and verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) on patient‐reported visual function using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ‐25) in patients with occult neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods:  Patients were randomized to receive either low‐dose TTT (and sham PDT) (n = 52) or PDT (and sham TTT) (n = 46). Patients were followed for 12 months with retreatment according to clinical assessment. The clinical outcome of this study has been recently reported. The NEI VFQ‐25 questionnaire was administered at baseline and at 12 months.Results:  Forty‐two patients (80.1%) in the TTT group and 37 patients (80.0%) in the PDT group completed the questionnaire at the 12‐month follow‐up. The mean change in the NEI VFQ‐25 composite score was +1.2 for the TTT group (p > 0.05) and +0.7 for PDT group (p > 0.05). None of the subscale categories showed significant changes between treatment groups at 12 months. Subgroup analysis showed that NEI VFQ‐25 scores were lower in patients treated in their better‐seeing eye.Conclusion:  In this randomized study on patients with occult neovascular AMD, low‐dose TTT and PDT appeared to be equally potent at stabilizing patient‐reported visual function. However, the study was underpowered for this conclusion to be made firmly. Also, given the impressive results obtained with ranibizumab for all types of neovascular AMD, neither PDT nor low‐dose TTT should be considered as first‐line treatments.
Donor age and gestational age influence on growth factor levels in human amniotic membrane
Authors: López‐Valladares Maria J. , Teresa Rodríguez‐Ares M. , Touriño Rosario , Gude Francisco , Teresa Silva M. , Couceiro Jose 
Published: May 2010

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: e211–e216Abstract.Purpose:  Amniotic membrane (AM) is used as a biomaterial for reconstruction in ocular surface surgery. This study investigated the influence of interdonor variations and processing and preservation procedures applied to the AM on growth factors and protein levels.Methods:  Samples of human AM from thirteen donors were analysed. Collected donor data were age, parity and gestational age. Total protein amount was measured in extracts of intact AM nonpreserved, lyophilized and cryopreserved, at −80°C and in liquid nitrogen. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assay growth factors protein levels for epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), transforming growth factor beta1 (TFG‐β1) and nerve growth factor (NGF). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to study the influence of the preservation method applied and interdonor variations on growth factors levels.Results:  We detected important variations in growth factors and protein concentrations between samples from different donors. Total protein amount, bFGF, HGF, KGF and TGF‐β1 showed lower levels in samples from donors with higher gestational ages and donor ages, for all groups.Conclusion:  The variability in the biochemical composition of AM from different donors is considerable, and it is related with donor factors as donor age and gestational age. As AM biochemical composition has a role in its therapeutic effects, these variations could affect the clinical results of amniotic membrane transplantation and must be taken into account in donor selection processes.
Multiple myeloma presenting with musculoskeletal manifestations: a case report
Authors: AGARWAL Divya , SHARMA Amit , KAPOOR Sanjeev , GARG Shri Ram , MALAVIYA Anand Narayan 
Published: May 2010

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder. Musculoskeletal and skin manifestations of this disorder are rare. Here we report a case of a young male patient presenting with polyarthritis and skin rash resembling vasculitis. Detailed investigations revealed that he was suffering from multiple myeloma in which arthritis was a musculoskeletal complication of the disease.
Lack of association of high body mass index with risk for developing polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: HOGANSON Deana D. , CROWSON Cynthia S. , WARRINGTON Kenneth J. , GABRIEL Sherine E. , MATTESON Eric L. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  High body mass index (BMI) may have modulatory effects on the immune system.Objectives:  To determine the association between BMI and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) as well as the influence of BMI on glucocorticoid treatment duration and development of giant‐cell arteritis (GCA) in patients with PMR.Methods:  The BMI of 364 patients with PMR from a population‐based incidence cohort was compared to the BMI of non‐PMR subjects from the same population. High and low BMI were defined as ≥ 25 and < 18.5 kg/m2, respectively. The association between BMI and case status was determined. The association between BMI and the duration of glucocorticoid therapy, as well as the development of GCA after accounting for relevant variables, were also examined.Results:  The mean BMI at index was similar in both groups (PMR: 26 ± 5.4 kg/m2; non‐PMR: 25.9 ± 4.0 kg/m2, P = 0.83). There was no association between BMI and the duration of glucocorticoid therapy. No significant association was found between BMI and the development of GCA in patients with PMR.Conclusion:  Patients with high BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2) are not more likely to develop PMR. BMI did not influence the duration of glucocorticoid therapy or the occurrence of GCA in patients with PMR.
Early Bactericidal Activity and Pharmacokinetics of PA-824 in Smear-Positive Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Diacon Andreas H. , Dawson Rodney , Hanekom Madeleine , Narunsky Kim , Maritz Stefan J. , Venter Amour , Donald Peter R. , van Niekerk Christo , Whitney Karl , Rouse Doris J. , Laurenzi Martino W. , Ginsberg Ann M. , Spigelman Melvin K. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

PA-824 is a novel nitroimidazo-oxazine being evaluated for its potential to improve tuberculosis (TB) therapy. This randomized study evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and extended early bactericidal activity of PA-824 in drug-sensitive, sputum smear-positive, adult pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Fifteen patients per cohort received 1 of 4 doses of oral PA-824: 200, 600, 1,000, or 1,200 mg per day for 14 days. Eight subjects received once daily standard antituberculosis treatment as positive control. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean rate of change in log CFU of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in sputum incubated on agar plates from serial overnight sputum collections, expressed as log
10
CFU/day/ml (± standard deviation [SD]). The drug demonstrated increases that were dose linear but less than dose proportional in serum concentrations in doses from 200 to 1,000 mg daily. Dosing of 1,200 mg gave no additional exposure compared to 1,000 mg daily. The mean daily CFU fall under standard treatment was 0.148 (±0.055), consistent with that found in previous studies. The mean daily fall under PA-824 was 0.098 (±0.072) and was equivalent for all four dosages. PA-824 appeared safe and well tolerated; the incidence of adverse events potentially related to PA-824 appeared dose related. We conclude that PA-824 demonstrated bactericidal activity over the dose range of 200 to 1,200 mg daily over 14 days. Because maximum efficacy was unexpectedly achieved at the lowest dosage tested, the activity of lower dosages should now be explored.
Mutant Selection Window and Characterization of Allelic Diversity for Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Mutants of
Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Niwa Hidekazu , Lasker Brent A. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT

The mutant prevention concentration (MPC) for ciprofloxacin was determined for two
Rhodococcus equi
strains. The MPC for both strains was 32 μg/ml, which is above the peak serum concentration of ciprofloxacin obtainable by oral administration in humans. Nine single nucleotide changes corresponding to eight amino acid substitutions in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of DNA gyrase subunits A and B were characterized. Only mutants with amino acid changes in Ser-83 of GyrA were highly resistant (≥64 μg/ml). Our results suggest that ciprofloxacin monotherapy against
R. equi
infection may result in the emergence of ciprofloxacin-resistant mutants.
CD4 T-Cell Suppression by Cells fromToxoplasma gondii-Infected Retinas Is Mediated by Surface Protein PD-L1
Authors: Charles Elizabeth , Joshi Sunil , Ash John D. , Fox Barbara A. , Farris A. Darise , Bzik David J. , Lang Mark L. , Blader Ira J. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTIn the inflamed retina, CD4+T cells can cause retinal damage when they are not properly regulated. Since tissue expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and costimulatory molecules is a key mechanism for regulating effector T cells, we tested the hypothesis that upregulation of these proteins in the retina contributes to the regulation of CD4 T cells. Here we report that in retinas infected with the protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondii, MHC class II is upregulated on infiltrating leukocytes as well as on resident retinal cells, including photoreceptors. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that B7 costimulatory family members (CD80, CD86, ICOS-L, and programmed death ligand 2 [PD-L2]) were not expressed on class II+cells. In contrast, PD-L1 (also named B7-H1 or CD274) was expressed on the majority of both hematopoietic and resident retinal MHC class II-expressing cells. Retinal cells fromToxoplasma-infected animals were able to suppress T-cell activation in a PD-L1-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrate that the expression of MHC class II and PD-L1 was critically dependent on gamma interferon (IFN-γ) expression. These data suggest that retinal MHC class II and PD-L1 expression is a novel mechanism by which the retina protects itself from CD4 T-cell-mediated immune damage in ocular toxoplasmosis and other types of retinal immune responses.