bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of common skin infections in four districts in Timor-Leste: a cross sectional survey
Authors: dos Santos Milena ML , Amaral Salvador , Harmen Sonia P , Joseph Hayley M , Fernandes Jose L , Counahan Megan L 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Skin infections are a common public health problem in developing countries; however, they are rarely managed using a population based approach. Recent data on the burden of skin infections in Timor-Leste are limited. Our survey appears to be the only widespread survey conducted in more than 30 years and was designed to determine the baseline prevalence of some common skin infections in Timor-Leste.

Methods
We conducted a cross sectional survey in 14 sites including community health clinics, schools and hospitals within four different geographical regions. Participants were examined for five conditions (scabies, pyoderma, fungal infections, leprosy and yaws) by a multidisciplinary team. Analyses were conducted using EpiInfo version 6.04d.

Results
We examined the skin of 1535 participants aged between four months and 97 years. The majority of participants were male, aged between 11 and 20 years and had at least one condition of interest (56.0%, 56.0%, and 63.1%, respectively). Fungal infections were the most common presentation (39.0%) and males were more commonly affected than females (42.3% vs 34.0%, respectively, pvalue < 0.0001).
Among those people with more than one condition the two most common co-infections were scabies with either pyoderma or a fungal infection (38.0% and 32.0%, respectively). The survey identified 29 previously undiagnosed cases of leprosy and six cases of yaws.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate the need for a comprehensive programme to address these conditions. There are successful disease control programmes in place within the country and it is hoped a healthy skin programme could be integrated into an established disease control programme in order to maximise health benefits and resources.
Diet and lifestyle interventions in postpartum women in China: study design and rationale of a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bao Wei , Ma Aiguo , Mao Limei , Lai Jianqiang , Xiao Mei , Sun Guoqiang , Ouyang Yingying , Wu Shuang , Yang Wei , Wang Nanping , Zhao Yanting , Fu Juan , Liu Liegang 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
"Doing the month", or "sitting month", is a traditional practice for postpartum women in China and other Asian countries, which includes some taboos against well-accepted healthy diet and lifestyles in general population. Previous studies have shown this practice may be associated with higher prevalence of postpartum problems. The current multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate outcomes of diet and lifestyle interventions in Chinese postpartum women.

Methods/Design
The current multicenter RCT will be conducted in three representative areas in China, Shandong province, Hubei province and Guangdong province, which locate in northern, central and southern parts of China, respectively. Women who attend routine pregnancy diagnosis in hospitals or maternal healthcare centers will be invited to take part in this study. At least 800 women who meet our eligibility criteria will be recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention group (n > = 400) and the control group (n > = 400). A three-dimension comprehensive intervention strategy, which incorporates intervention measures simultaneously to individual postpartum woman, their family members and community environment, will be utilized to maximize the effectiveness of intervention. Regular visiting and follow-up will be done in both group; nutrition and health-related measurements will be assessed both before and after the intervention.

Discussion
To our knowledge, this current study is the first and largest multicenter RCT which focus on the effectiveness of diet and lifestyle intervention on reducing the incidence rate of postpartum diseases and improving health status in postpartum women. We hypothesize that the intervention will reduce the incidence rates of postpartum diseases and improve nutrition and health status due to a balanced diet and reasonable lifestyle in comparison with the control condition. If so, the results of our study will provide especially important evidence for changes in both the concept and action of traditional postpartum practice in China.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01039051.
Factors influencing implementation of the Ministry of Health-led private medicine retailer programmes on malaria in Kenya
Authors: Rowa Yvonne , Abuya Timothy O , Mutemi Wilfred K , Ochola Sam , Molyneux Sassy , Marsh Vicki 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Kenya has experienced a number of retail sector initiatives aimed at improving access to antimalarial medicines. This study explored stakeholders' perceptions of the role of private medicine retailers (PMRs), the value and feasibility of programme goals, perceived programme impact, factors influencing implementation and recommendations in three districts of Kenya.

Methods
This study was part of a larger evaluation of PMR programmes, including quantitative and qualitative components. The qualitative research was conducted to assess implementation processes and actors' experiences in the programmes, through focus group discussions with trained PMRs and mothers of children under five years, and in-depth interviews with programme managers, trainers and co-trainers.

Results
PMRs were perceived to provide rapid cheap treatment for non-serious conditions and used as a deliberate and continuously evaluated choice between different treatment sources. All stakeholders supported programme goals and most PMRs described increased customer satisfaction, more rational purchasing of medicine stock and increased medicine sales after participation. Factors undermining programme implementation included a lack of MoH resources to train and monitor large numbers of PMRs, the relative instability of outlets, medicines stocked and retail personnel, the large number of proprietary brands and financial challenges to retailers in stocking antimalarial medicines, and their customers in buying them. Unambiguous national support and a broad range of strategies are important to strengthen the feasibility of change in OTC antimalarial use.

Conclusions
Understanding the context and implementation processes of PMR programmes and the perspectives of key actors are critical to identifying measures to support their effective implementation. Financial barriers underlie many described challenges, with important implications for policies on subsidies in this sector. In spite of barriers to implementation, increased exposure to programme activities promoted trust and improved relationships between PMRs and their clients and trainers, strengthening feasibility of such interventions. Public information can strengthen PMR training programmes by engaging local communities and may facilitate performance monitoring of PMRs by their clients.
LIMD1 is more frequently altered than RB1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: clinical and prognostic implications
Authors: Ghosh Susmita , Ghosh Amlan , Maiti Guru P , Mukherjee Nupur , Dutta Sankhadeep , Roy Anup , Roychoudhury Susanta , Panda Chinmay K 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Introduction
To understand the role of two interacting proteins LIMD1 and pRB in development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), alterations of these genes were analyzed in 25 dysplastic head and neck lesions, 58 primary HNSCC samples and two HNSCC cell lines.

Methods
Deletions of LIMD1 and RB1 were analyzed along with mutation and promoter methylation analysis of LIMD1. The genotyping of LIMD1 linked microsatellite marker, hmlimD1, was done to find out any risk allele. The mRNA expression of LIMD1 and RB1 were analyzed by Q-PCR. Immunohistochemical analysis of RB1 was performed. Alterations of these genes were correlated with different clinicopathological parameters.

Results
High frequency [94% (78/83)] of LIMD1 alterations was observed in the samples studied. Compare to frequent deletion and methylation, mutation of LIMD1 was increased during tumor progression (P = 0.007). Six novel mutations in exon1 and one novel intron4/exon5 splice-junction mutation were detected in LIMD1 along with a susceptible hmlimD1 (CA)20 allele. Some of these mutations [42% (14/33)] produced non-functional proteins. RB1 deletion was infrequent (27%). Highly reduced mRNA expression of LIMD1 (25.1 ± 19.04) was seen than RB1 (3.8 ± 8.09), concordant to their molecular alterations. The pRB expression supported this data. Tumors with LIMD1 alterations in tobacco addicted patients without HPV infection showed poor prognosis. Co-alterations of these genes led the worse patients' outcome.

Conclusions
Our study suggests LIMD1 inactivation as primary event than inactivation of RB1 in HNSCC development.
Overexpression of the JmjC histone demethylase KDM5B in human carcinogenesis: involvement in the proliferation of cancer cells through the E2F/RB pathway
Authors: Hayami Shinya , Yoshimatsu Masanori , Veerakumarasivam Abhimanyu , Unoki Motoko , Iwai Yukiko , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko , Field Helen I. , Kelly John D , Neal David E. , Yamaue Hiroki , Ponder Bruce A. J. , Nakamura Yusuke , Hamamoto Ryuji 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Although an increasing number of histone demethylases have been identified and biochemically characterized, their biological functions largely remain uncharacterized, particularly in the context of human diseases such as cancer. We investigated the role of KDM5B, a JmjC histone demethylase, in human carcinogenesis. Quantitative RT-PCR and microarray analyses were used to examine the expression profiles of histone demethylases in clinical tissue samples. We also examined the functional effects of KDM5B on the growth of cancer cell lines treated with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Downstream genes and signal cascades induced by KDM5B expression were identified from Affymetrix Gene Chip experiments, and validated by real-time PCR and reporter assays. Cell cycle-dependent characteristics of KDM5B were identified by immunofluorescence and FACS.

Results
Quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed that expression levels of KDM5B are significantly higher in human bladder cancer tissues than in their corresponding non-neoplastic bladder tissues (P < 0.0001). The expression profile analysis of clinical tissues also revealed up-regulation of KDM5B in various kinds of malignancies. Transfection of KDM5B-specific siRNA into various bladder and lung cancer cell lines significantly suppressed the proliferation of cancer cells and increased the number of cells in sub-G1 phase. Microarray expression analysis indicated that E2F1 and E2F2 are downstream genes in the KDM5B pathway.

Conclusions
Inhibition of KDM5B may affect apoptosis and reduce growth of cancer cells. Further studies will explore the pan-cancer therapeutic potential of KDM5B inhibition.
Mutagenesis analysis of the zinc-finger antiviral protein
Authors: Wang Xinlu , Lv Fengxiang , Gao Guangxia 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
The zinc-finger antiviral protein (ZAP) specifically inhibits the replication of certain viruses, including murine leukemia virus (MLV), by preventing the accumulation of viral mRNA in the cytoplasm. ZAP directly binds to the viral mRNA through the zinc-finger motifs and recruits the RNA exosome to degrade the target RNA. RNA helicase p72 is required for the optimal function of ZAP. In an attempt to understand the structure-function relationship of ZAP, we performed alanine scanning analysis.

Results
A series of ZAP mutants was generated, in which three consecutive amino acids were replaced with three alanines. The mutants were analyzed for their antiviral activities against pseudotyped MLV vector. Out of the nineteen mutants analyzed, seven displayed significantly lower antiviral activities. Two mutations were in the very N-terminal domain, and five mutations were within or around the first and second zinc-finger motifs. These mutants were further analyzed for their abilities to bind to the target RNA, the exosome, and the RNA helicase p72. Mutants Nm3 and Nm63 lost the ability to bind to RNA. Mutants Nm 63 and Nm93 displayed compromised interaction with p72, while the binding of Nm133 to p72 was very modest. The interactions of all the mutants with the exosome were comparable to wild type ZAP.

Conclusions
The integrity of the very N-terminal domain and the first and second zinc-finger motifs appear to be required for ZAP's antiviral activity. Analyses of the mutants for their abilities to interact with the target RNA and RNA helicase p72 confirmed our previous results. The mutants that bind normally to the target RNA, the exosome, and the RNA helicase p72 may be useful tools for further understanding the mechanism underlying ZAP's antiviral activity.
Efficient inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication by hepatitis delta virus ribozymes delivered by targeting retrovirus
Authors: Wang Chuan-Xi , Lu Yan-Qin , Qi Peng , Chen Long-Hua , Han Jin-Xiang 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme is an attractive molecular tool that can specifically recognize and catalyze the self-cleavage of the viral RNA phosphodiester backbone. However, a major obstacle in the medical application of the HDV ribozyme is the lack of specificity in the delivery of the ribozyme to defined target cells.ResultsThe objective of this study was to determine whether retroviral vectors can deliver the HDV ribozyme into the target cells and to elucidate whether HDV ribozyme plays a role in hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. In our study, the transduction of helper-free pseudotyped retrovirus, which showed a broad host range, in human hepatoma cells was performed under 2 conditions, that is, in the presence of polymerized human serum albumin (pHSA) and in the absence of pHSA. The transduction ability in the presence of pHSA was higher than in the absence of pHSA. Moreover, HBsAg and HBeAg levels after transductions with pHSA were significantly lower than those in the absence of pHSA, thus indicating that the recombinant retrovirus had HBV-specific cleavage activity and targeted HepG2215 cells.ConclusionsThese data suggest that this system provides a new approach for targeting hepatocytes and has a great potential in gene therapy for HBV infection.
Intensive care unit-acquired infection as a side effect of sedation
Authors: Nseir Saad , Makris Demosthenes , Mathieu Daniel , Durocher Alain , Marquette Charles-Hugo 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIntroductionSedative and analgesic medications are routinely used in mechanically ventilated patients. The aim of this review is to discus epidemiologic data that suggest a relationship between infection and sedation, to review available data for the potential causes and pathophysiology of this relationship, and to identify potential preventive measures.MethodsData for this review were identified through searches of PubMed, and from bibliographies of relevant articles.ResultsSeveral epidemiologic studies suggested a link between sedation and ICU-acquired infection. Prolongation of exposure to risk factors for infection, microaspiration, gastrointestinal motility disturbances, microcirculatory effects are main mechanisms by which sedation may favour infection in critically ill patients. Furthermore, experimental evidence coming from studies both in humans and animals suggest that sedatives and analgesics present immunomodulatory properties that might alter the immunologic response to exogenous stimuli. Clinical studies comparing different sedative agents do not provide evidence to recommend the use of a particular agent to reduce ICU-acquired infection rate. However, sedation strategies aiming to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation, such as daily interruption of sedatives or nursing-implementing sedation protocol, should be promoted. In addition, the use of short acting opioids, propofol, and dexmedetomidine is associated with shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, and might be helpful in reducing ICU-acquired infection rates.ConclusionsProlongation of exposure to risk factors for infection, microaspiration, gastrointestinal motility disturbances, microcirculatory effects, and immunomodulatory effects are main mechanisms by which sedation may favour infection in critically ill patients. Future studies should compare the effect of different sedative agents, and the impact of progressive opioid discontinuation compared with abrupt discontinuation on ICU-acquired infection rates.
Internalized Somatostatin Receptor Subtype 2 in Neuroendocrine Tumors of Octreotide-Treated Patients
Authors: Reubi Jean Claude , Waser Beatrice , Cescato Renzo , Gloor Beat , Stettler Christoph , Christ Emanuel 
Published: March 2010

AbstractContext: Somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (sst2) is widely expressed in neuroendocrine tumors and can be visualized immunohistochemically at the cell membrane for diagnostic purposes. Recently, it has been demonstrated in animal sst2 tumor models in vivo that somatostatin analog treatment was able to induce a complete internalization of the tumor sst2.Patients and Methods: In the present study, we evaluated whether sst2 expressed in neuroendocrine tumors of patients treated with octreotide are also internalized. Tumor samples were assessed in patients that were treated with various octreotide modalities before and during surgery and compared with tumor samples from untreated patients. Sst2 immunohistochemistry was performed in all samples with three different sst2 antibodies (R2-88, UMB-1, and SS-800). Sst2 receptor expression was confirmed by immunoblotting and in vitro receptor autoradiography.Results: Patients receiving a high dose of octreotide showed predominantly internalized sst2, and patients with a low dose of octreotide had a variable ratio of internalized vs. membranous sst2, whereas untreated patients had exclusively membranous sst2. The internalized sst2 receptor corresponded to a single sst2 band in immunoblots and to sst2 receptors in in vitro receptor autoradiography. Although generally found in endosome-like structures, internalized sst2 receptors were also identified to a small extent in lysosomes, as seen in colocalization experiments.Conclusion: It is the first evidence showing that sst2 receptors can be internalized in sst2-expressing neuroendocrine tumors in patients under octreotide therapy, providing clues about sst2 receptor biology and trafficking dynamics in patients.
Adverse Drug Events in Adult Patients Leading to Emergency Department Visits
Authors: Sikdar Khokan C , Alaghehbandan Reza , Macdonald Don , Barrett Brendan , Collins Kayla D , Donnan Jennifer , Gadag Veeresh 
Published: March 2010

Background Adverse drug events (ADEs) occurring in the community and treated in emergency departments (EDs) have not been well studied. Objective To determine the prevalence, severity, and preventability of ADEs in patients presenting at EDs in 2 university-affiliated tertiary care hospitals in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on a stratified random sample (n = 1458) of adults (≥18 y) who presented to EDs from January 1 to December 31, 2005. Prior to the chart review, the sample frame was developed by first eliminating visits that were clearly not the result of an ADE. The ED summary of each patient was initially reviewed by 2 trained reviewers in order to identify probable ADEs. All eligible charts were subsequently reviewed by a clinical team, consisting of 2 pharmacists and 2 ED physicians, to identify ADEs and determine their severity and preventability. Results Of the 1458 patients presenting to the 2 EDs, 55 were determined to have an ADE or a possible ADE (PADE). After a sample-weight adjustment, the prevalence of ADEs/PADEs was found to be 2.4%. Prevalence increased with age (0.7%, 18–44 y; 1.9%, 45–64 y; 7.8%, ≥65 y) and the mean age for patients with ADEs was higher than for those with no ADEs (69.9 vs 63.8 y; p < 0.01). A higher number of comorbidities and medications was associated with drug-related visits. Approximately 29% of the ADEs/PADEs identified were considered to be preventable, with 42% requiring hospitalization. Cardiovascular agents (37.4%) were the most common drug class associated with ADEs/PADEs. Conclusions Adult ADE-related ED visits are frequent in Newfoundland and Labrador, and in many cases are preventable. Further efforts are needed to reduce the occurrence of preventable ADEs leading to ED visits.
Rufinamide: A New Antiepileptic Medication for the Treatment of Seizures Associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Authors: Wisniewski Christopher S 
Published: March 2010

Objective To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of rufinamide in the treatment of epileptic seizures and describe its potential place in therapy. Data sources MEDLINE (1966–January 2010) and PubMed (1966–January 2010) literature searches were conducted to identify primary literature investigating rufinamide. References from selected publications discussing rufinamide, as well as the package insert, were reviewed. Study selection and data extraction Published controlled trials describing the efficacy and safety of rufinamide were given preference. Available abstracts were also reviewed. Four published trials were identified and included and a retrospective review of the clinical use of rufinamide was also analyzed. The remainder of the information described is from 4 abstracts. Data synthesis Rufinamide is a new antiepileptic agent that differs structurally from other antiepileptic drugs and is approved as adjunctive therapy for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). It presumably provides its antiseizure activity by prolonging sodium channel inactivity, stabilizing cell membranes. It is absorbed and metabolized extensively, then excreted renally as an inactive metabolite. Clinical trials show that adjunctive rufinamide is effective at reducing seizure frequency in patients with LGS and refractory partial seizures. Rufinamide showed no effect on cognitive function in patients with refractory partial seizures. Short-term adverse event rates were similar to those of placebo. Safety data from long-term studies show that rufinamide is well tolerated, causing headache, dizziness, and fatigue at rates of >10%. Rufinamide has few clinically relevant drug interactions, although it does increase phenytoin serum concentrations, while valproate increases rufinamide serum concentrations. Conclusions Data show that rufinamide is safe and effective as an adjunctive agent for LGS and may be used to treat partial seizures. The benefits of rufinamide include its pharmacokinetics, limited drug interactions, and lack of effect on cognitive function, but its use is limited by the rarity of LGS and the lack of comparative data with other antiepileptic agents.