bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Vitro and In Vivo by the Immunosuppressive Agent Leflunomide
Authors: Dunn Melinda C Cox , Knight Deborah A , Waldman W James 
Published: March 2011

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the primary cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children worldwide and is often the cause of infections in bone marrow, solid organ transplant, cystic fibrosis and congenital heart disease patients, as well as respiratory tract disease in elderly adults. Treatment options are limited to ribavirin, which is only marginally effective, and passive immunoprophylaxis, which is very expensive. The immunosuppressive agent leflunomide has been shown to exert potent antiviral activity against several herpesviruses and polyomavirus BK. In the current study we have tested the hypothesis that leflunomide exerts antiviral activity against RSV. Methods Human Hep-2 or small airway epithelial cells were inoculated with RSV and treated with A77 1726, the active metabolite of leflunomide. Syncytia formation was assessed by immunohistochemical staining, and virus yield was measured by plaque assay. Cotton rats were intranasally inoculated with RSV, treated with leflunomide by gavage, and pulmonary viral loads were measured by plaque assay of lung homogenates. Results Phase contrast microscopy and immunohistochemical staining demonstrated profound attenuation of RSV-induced syncytia formation in infected cultures treated with A77 1726, the active metabolite of leflunomide. Plaque assays of virus yield in RSV-inoculated cell cultures demonstrated potent, dose-dependent A77-mediated antiviral activity. Likewise, pulmonary viral loads in RSV-inoculated cotton rats were reduced by >3 log by leflunomide compared with vehicle-treated controls, even when leflunomide treatment was delayed until day 3 post-inoculation. Conclusions These findings suggest promise for leflunomide as a convenient, orally administered addition to the growing arsenal of antiviral therapeutics. While specific antiviral mechanisms remain to be elucidated, leflunomide shows unique bifunctional potential to both reduce viral load and, by virtue of its well-documented anti-iniflammatory activity, attenuate the destructive inflammation associated with RSV disease.
Antimicrobial susceptibilities of enteric bacterial pathogens isolated in Kathmandu, Nepal, during 2002-2004
Authors: Kansakar Palpasa , Baral Pankaj , Malla Sarala , Ghimire Gokarna Raj 
Published: March 2011

Introduction: The prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the bacterial enteropathogens Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella species and Shigella species were investigated. Methodology: A total of 877 stool samples were received for culture at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), Kathmandu, Nepal, during January 2002 to December 2004, from diarrhoea patients attending Shukraraj Tropical Infectious Hospital and referral outpatients. All samples collected were processed for isolation and antibiotic susceptibility testing of Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. Results: Of the 877 stool samples, 148 (16.8%) were culture positive for one of the three bacterial enteropathogens investigated. Among them, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella spp. and Salmonella spp. accounted for 98/877 (11.1%), 41/877 (4.6%), 9/877 (1.02%) of the isolates respectively. A year-to-year variation was seen in the type of predominant organism, with Shigella spp. being the most prevalent in 2002 and 2003 and Vibrio spp. in 2004. In all three years, Vibrio cholerae were encountered only during the months of April to June while Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. were isolated throughout the whole year. All Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. All Shigella isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone. Ciprofloxacin resistance was observed among isolates of Shigella dysenteriae type-1 isolated after 2003. Conclusion: Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella and Shigella infections are prevalent in Kathmandu, Nepal. A gradual increase in resistance to commonly used antimicrobials was seen among bacterial enteropathogens. Antimicrobial resistance surveillance is necessary to guide empirical treatment.
HIV-infected women of Burkina Faso: a “reservoir” of mycoplasma infection
Authors: Djigma Florencia , Ouedraogo Charlemagne , Sagna Tani , Ouermi Djeneba , Sanogo Korotini , Bisseye Cyrille , Kabre Abdoulaye , Pietra Virginio , Simpore Jacques , Nikiema Jean Baptiste , Musumeci Salvatore 
Published: March 2011

Introduction: The objective of this work was to assess the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and genital mycoplasma colonization in 251 HIV-positive compared to 200 HIV-negative women at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service of Saint Camille Medical Center Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Methodology: After revealing the cervix with a speculum, we collected swabs of vaginal discharge for the detection of pathogenic bacteria. Results: Among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women, we identified respectively: Mycoplasma hominis (16.7% versus 5.5%); Ureaplasma urealyticum (16.3% versus 0.0%); co-infection M. hominis with U. urealyticum (13.14% versus 0.0%); Candida albicans (21.11% versus 41.5%); E. coli (9.96% versus 4.0%); and the presence of abundant vaginal discharge (27.5% versus 5.0%) respectively. The Nugent's score, utilized for the diagnosis of BV, was significantly higher in HIV-positive women (p < 0.001) associated with poor vaginal hygiene practices (p < 0.01) and no use of condoms (p < 0.01). Enterobacter, Klebsiella pneumonia, Klebsiella oxitocica, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Gardnerella vaginalis were also isolated, but in a low prevalence ranging from 0% to 5%. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the HIV-positive women of Burkina Faso are frequently affected by BV and represent a reservoir for mycoplasma infection. Since these germs can lead to sterility and premature delivery, it is important to develop a policy of screening.
Stabilization of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in a dry powder formulation and its bioactivity
Authors: Nakpheng Titpawan , Sawatdee Somchai , Buaking Khemmarat , Srichana Teerapol 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Background: Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) is a naturally occurring hormone that controls sex hormones in both men and women. In general, LHRH is poorly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract due to its large molecular size, high polarity, and loss from enzymatic degradation.
Objective: Prepare and develop LHRH in a dry power formulation with stability and biological activity.
Methods: Mannitol (M) and glycine (G) were chosen as ingredients to stabilize and protect LHRH during the freeze drying processes and during storage. The physicochemical properties of LHRH dry powders were examined by capillary electrophoresis, fluorescence spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, and photon correlation spectroscopy. The release of LHRH from the dry powder was carried out in dissolution apparatus. In addition, a rat model was employed to study the bioactivity of LHRH in the dry powder form.
Results: The LHRH dry powder formulations using M and G in the ratios of 6:4 and 7:3 were more stable than other formulations. LHRH colloids containing M:G showed no aggregation after storage at 4°C for one month. The concentration of LHRH in the dry powder form was more stable than that of LHRH in solution form. All the LHRH dry powder formulations were instantly dissolved within 10 seconds in an aqueous medium. After the LHRH dry powder (13 mg) was reconstituted and administered intraperitoneally to male rats during a one-month period, the testosterone level in the plasma was significantly decreased compared with an untreated group (15.0±1.0 ng/mL, 15.0±1.0 ng/mL and 20.0±2.0 ng/mL for LHRH containing M:G; 6:4, 7:3, and 8:2, respectively, compared to the control of 35±2 ng/mL, p<0.05).
Conclusion: The LHRH dry powder formulations had good physicochemical properties and bioactivity.
Comparison of in-house HIV-1 genotypic drug resistant test with commercial HIV-1 genotypic test kit
Authors: Praparattanapan Jutarat , Tragoolpua Yingmanee , Wongtrakul Jeerang , Kotarathitithum Wilai , Chaiwarith Romanee , Nuntachit Nontakan , Sirisanthana Thira , Supparatpinyo Khuanchai 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Background: The use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has become a standard of care in the treatment of HIV infection. However, antiretroviral drug resistance occurs in a substantial number of patients. In resource-limited settings, genotypic resistance assay using a commercial kit is costly.
Objective: Focus on the validation of an in-house HIV-1 specific genotypic drug resistance assay in Thai patients failing cART.
Materials and methods: Results of HIV-1 genotypic drug resistance assay was evaluated by comparing an inhouse method to a commercial test. The TRUGENE HIV-1 genotyping kit was used in 79 plasma specimens (49 from HIV patients failing cART therapy and 30 from proficiency testing panels).
Results: The results from the in-house assay were comparable to those obtained from the TRUGENE HIV-1 genotyping kit with >99.0% codon-to-codon agreement. The lower limit of detection by the in-house assay was approximately 100 copies/mL of HIV-1 RNA. In addition, this in-house assay would allow testing of samples from patients infected with HIV-1 subtype other than B.
Conclusion: The in-house HIV-1 genotypic drug resistance assay may be used as an alternative to commercial kits, particularly in resource limited settings.
Elastic bandage vs. neoprene thumb stabilizer splint in acute De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Authors: Jongprasitkul Hathaya , Suputtitada Areerat , Kitisomprayoonkul Wasuwat , Pintawiruj Kruawan 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Background: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common disease among the patients who performed unaccustomed repetitive movement of the thumb side of the wrist. A neoprene thumb stabilizer splint is often used to restrict thumb movement. However, because of its cost, usage of an elastic bandage made of cheaper materials is proposed.
Objective: Compare the effectiveness between the elastic bandage and the neoprene thumb stabilizer splint in acute De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Methods: Forty participants with acute De Quervain’s tenosynovitis were divided into two groups (20 participants each). The first group used the elastic bandage, and the second group used the neoprene thumb stabilizer splint. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain, lateral and palmar pinch strength were measured before and after using the bandage and the splint for one or two weeks.
Results: The average ages in the bandage and the splint group were 53.15±10.42 and 48±11.7 years, respectively. The VAS pain score of the bandage and splint group over week 0, 1, and 2 were 58.50, 33.90 and 19.55, and 51.60, 35.85 and 25.20, respectively. The bandage and splint group had the lateral pinch strength over the time of 9.40, 10.70 and 11.25 lbs, and 8.90, 9.88 and 10.57 lbs, respectively. Furthermore, they had the palmar pinch strength of 3.63, 4.68 and 5.28 lbs, and 3.07, 3.92 and 4.29 lbs, respectively.
Conclusion: The pain and strength were not significantly different between the bandage and the splint group in acute De Quervain tenosynovitis. Using the bandage may be more cost-effectiveness than using the splint.
Ultrasonography and histology correlation in BI-RADS 4/5 small breast lesions among Thai patients
Authors: Chiasawas Pimlada , Boonjunwetwat Darunee , Sampatanukul Pichet 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Background: Ultrasonography is an important imaging tool in detection of small breast cancers, particularly in younger women with dense breasts. Among the ultrasonographic characteristics for the malignancy, it is unclear which are common or more predictive.
Objective: Analyze breast ultrasonograms and determine the common and predictive characteristics of the BIRADS 4/5 small breast lesions that were correlated with histology-proved carcinoma among Thai patients.
Methods: Data were collected retrospectively between November 2006 and September 2007 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Forty-five BI-RADS 4 or 5 small breast lesions from 41 patients were reviewed for ultrasonographic characteristics and for correlation between each of these features and histology-proved malignancy.
Results: There were 15 out of 30 lesions of BI-RADS 4 and 14 out of 15 of BI-RADS 5 that were histologically proven breast carcinoma. The lesion dimension ranged from 0.27 cm to 1.5 cm (mean: 0.98 cm). The malignant signs that were common consisted of irregular shapes (70%) and posterior shadowing (35.6%). However, the most correlating signs for malignancy were vascularity of the lesion 100%, and spiculated margins 100%. The other characteristics for malignancy, in descending order, were marked hypoechoicity 88.9%, microcalcifications within mass 85.7%, echogenic halo 83.3%, shadowing 81.3%, branched pattern 77.8%, duct extension 75%, irregular shape72.2%, and taller than wide orientation 70%.
Conclusion: Irregular shape and shadowing were the two most common malignant signs that characterized BI-RADS 4, 5 small breast lesions by ultrasonography. However, the most predictive signs were increases in vascularity and spiculated margins.
Hybrid Capsules via Self‐Assembly of Thermoresponsive and Interfacially Active Bionanoparticle–Polymer Conjugates
Authors: Mougin Nathalie C. , van Rijn Patrick , Park Hyunji , Müller Axel H. E. , Böker Alexander 
Published: March 2011

AbstractNew bionanoparticles have been prepared from horse spleen ferritin by grafting thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and photo‐crosslinkable 2‐(dimethyl maleinimido)‐N‐ethyl‐acrylamide (DMIAAm) from the protein surface. The 72 addressable amino groups on the exterior of HSF were modified with N‐hydroxysuccinimide‐activated 2‐bromo‐isobutyrate to form a macro‐initiator for atom transfer radical polymerization, which was performed in water/DMF solutions at low temperature. The modification of the HSF and the presence of the polymer shell were confirmed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel‐electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning force microscopy. The thermoresponsive behavior of the ferritin‐PNIPAAm conjugates was investigated in solution by UV–vis spectroscopy showing a phase transition in the form of a cloud point around 32 °C. Further, dynamic light scattering revealed an increasing hydrodynamic radius around this transition, indicating aggregation of the particles at elevated temperatures which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Initial experiments show that the particles are highly surface active, much more than the individual components alone, which was demonstrated by pendant‐drop interfacial tension measurements. This leads to the fact that they form stable Pickering emulsions, i.e., emulsion droplets decorated with polymer‐modified bionanoparticles which can be cross‐linked successively. This allows the formation of capsules with thermoresponsiveness for controlled release purposes, e.g., in drug delivery.
Sex differences in Hadza eating frequency by food type
Authors: Berbesque J. Colette , Marlowe Frank W. , Crittenden Alyssa N. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectives:We investigate sex differences in frequencies of adults eating in a foraging population—the Hadza of Tanzania.Methods:We use eating frequency data from instantaneous scan observations of the Hadza, to see to how much sharing of foods taken back to camp compensates for the targeting of different foods by each sex while out foraging.Results:Eating in camp differs by sex in terms of overall eating frequency, as well as in terms of diet composition (frequencies of eating each food type). We also control for sex‐differences in time spent in camp and still find sex‐differences in eating frequencies—women are observed eating significantly more frequently than men. There are also sex‐differences in the eating frequencies of particular food types both with and without controlling for presence in camp. Finally, we use data on acquisition of each food type by sex and find that both sexes are more frequently observed eating women's foods in camp than men's foods.Conclusions:At least in the case of the Hadza, we see pronounced sex differences in the in‐camp diet. Hadza men are eating a higher quality diet than are women, but women are able to eat far more frequently, and spend less time foraging than men. It is not yet clear whether a regular caloric intake of lower quality foods would be more beneficial for maintaining fecundity than a more variable diet consisting of higher quality foods. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The co‐occurrence of obesity, elevated blood pressure, and acanthosis nigricans among American Indian school children: Identifying individual heritage and environment‐level correlates
Authors: Hearst Mary O. , N. Laska Melissa , Himes John H. , Butterbrodt Mark , Sinaiko Alan , Iron Cloud Richard , Tobacco Mary , Story Mary 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective:To estimate the prevalence and explore the social and cultural etiologic roots of weight status, blood pressure, and acanthosis nigricans among American Indian children on a reservation in South Dakota.Methods:This observational study was conducted in 26 schools from 1998 to 2002 and included 5,422 observations representing 3,841 children, ages 3 to 19. Trained staff measured height, weight, blood pressure, and assessed the presence of acanthosis nigricans (AN). Percent Indian heritage (PIH) was abstracted from tribal records. Sociodemographic environment (SDE) was calculated using the 2000 Census at the city/town level. Descriptive analyses were conducted using one measurement time point, including tests for trend and co‐occurrence of risk factors using the [kappa] statistic. Hierarchical, multivariate logistic regression estimated associations with overweight/obesity status, accounting for multiple measures on individuals and SDE.Results:The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity was 46%, of hypertension 9%, and of AN 14%. The co‐occurrence of risk factors was moderate to high. PIH and AN were positively associated in unadjusted analysis. Controlling for sex, age, and SDE, higher PIH was a significant correlate of overweight/obesity, although when hypertension (OR = 5.92, CI = 3.27–10.72), prehypertension (OR = 3.80, CI = 1.99–7.26), and AN (OR = 16.20, CI = 8.08–32.48) were included in the model PIH was no longer significant. SDE was not significantly associated with overweight/obesity.Conclusion:PIH appeared to be an important correlate of overweight and obesity, except when adjusted for the co‐occurrence of high blood pressure and AN. Overall, the prevalence and co‐occurrence of various risk factors in this population was high. Obesity prevention initiatives targeting families and communities are needed, as well as access to screening and treatment services. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comprehensive family‐based association study of the glutamate transporter gene SLC1A1 in obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Samuels Jack , Wang Ying , Riddle Mark A. , Greenberg Benjamin D. , Fyer Abby J. , McCracken James T. , Rauch Scott L. , Murphy Dennis L. , Grados Marco A. , Knowles James A. , Piacentini John , Cullen Bernadette , Bienvenu O. Joseph , Rasmussen Steven A. , Geller Daniel , Pauls David L. , Liang Kung‐Yee , Shugart Yin Y. , Nestadt Gerald 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSLC1A1 encodes a neuronal glutamate transporter and is a promising candidate gene for obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). Several independent research groups have reported significant associations between OCD and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this gene. Previously, we evaluated 13 SNPs in, or near, SLC1A1 and reported a strong association signal with rs301443, a SNP 7.5 kb downstream of the gene [Shugart et al. (2009); Am J Med Genet Part B 150B:886–892]. The aims of the current study were first, to further investigate this finding by saturating the region around rs301443; and second, to explore the entire gene more thoroughly with a dense panel of SNP markers. We genotyped an additional 111 SNPs in or near SLC1A1, covering from 9 kb upstream to 84 kb downstream of the gene at average spacing of 1.7 kb per SNP, and conducted family‐based association analyses in 1,576 participants in 377 families. We found that none of the surrounding markers were in linkage disequilibrium with rs301443, nor were any associated with OCD. We also found that SNP rs4740788, located about 8.8 kb upstream of the gene, was associated with OCD in all families (P = 0.003) and in families with male affecteds (P = 0.002). A three‐SNP haplotype (rs4740788–rs10491734–rs10491733) was associated with OCD in the total sample (P = 0.00015) and in families with male affecteds (P = 0.0007). Although of nominal statistical significance considering the number of comparisons, these findings provide further support for the involvement of SLC1A1 in the pathogenesis of OCD. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IDH1 R132H decreases proliferation of glioma cell lines in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Bralten Linda B. C. , Kloosterhof Nanne K. , Balvers Rutger , Sacchetti Andrea , Lapre Lariesa , Lamfers Martine , Leenstra Sieger , de Jonge Hugo , Kros Johan M. , Jansen Erwin E. W. , Struys Eduard A. , Jakobs Cornelis , Salomons Gajja S. , Diks Sander H. , Peppelenbosch Maikel , Kremer Andreas , Hoogenraad Casper C. , Sillevis Smitt Peter A. E. , French Pim J. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective:A high percentage of grade II and III gliomas have mutations in the gene encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1). This mutation is always a heterozygous point mutation that affects the amino acid arginine at position 132 and results in loss of its native enzymatic activity and gain of alternative enzymatic activity (producing D‐2‐hydroxyglutarate). The objective of this study was to investigate the cellular effects of R132H mutations in IDH1.Methods:Functional consequences of IDH1R132H mutations were examined among others using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, kinome and expression arrays, biochemical assays, and intracranial injections on 3 different (glioma) cell lines with stable overexpression of IDH1R132H.Results:IDH1R132H overexpression in established glioma cell lines in vitro resulted in a marked decrease in proliferation, decreased Akt phosphorylation, altered morphology, and a more contact‐dependent cell migration. The reduced proliferation is related to accumulation of D‐2‐hydroxyglutarate that is produced by IDH1R132H. Mice injected with IDH1R132H U87 cells have prolonged survival compared to mice injected with IDH1wt or green fluorescent protein–expressing U87 cells.Interpretation:Our results demonstrate that IDH1R132H dominantly reduces aggressiveness of established glioma cell lines in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the IDH1R132H‐IDH1wt heterodimer has higher enzymatic activity than the IDH1R132H‐IDH1R132H homodimer. Our observations in model systems of glioma might lead to a better understanding of the biology of IDH1 mutant gliomas, which are typically low grade and often slow growing. Ann Neurol 2011;69:455–463