bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Original article title: "Comparison of therapeutic efficacy of topical corticosteroid and oral zinc sulfate-topical corticosteroid combination in the treatment of vitiligo patients: a clinical trial"
Authors: Yaghoobi Reza , Omidian Mohammad , Bagherani Nooshin 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Vitiligo is the most prevalent pigmentary disorder which occurs worldwide, with an incidence rate between 0.1-4 percent. It is anticipated that the discovery of biological pathways of vitiligo pathogenesis will provide novel therapeutic and prophylactic targets for future approaches to the treatment and prevention of vitiligo. The purposes of this study were evaluating the efficacy of supplemental zinc on the treatment of vitiligo.

Methods
This randomized clinical trial was conducted for a period of one year. Thirty five patients among 86 participants were eligible to entrance to the study. The patients in two equal randomized groups took topical corticosteroid and combination of oral zinc sulfate-topical corticosteroid.

Results
The mean of responses in the corticosteroid group and the zinc sulfate-corticosteroid combination group were 21.43% and 24.7%, respectively.

Conclusion
Although, the response to corticosteroid plus zinc sulfate was more than corticosteroid, there was no statistically significant difference between them. It appeared that more robust long-term randomized controlled trials on more patients, maybe with higher doses of zinc sulfate, are needed to fully establish the efficacy of oral zinc in management of vitiligo.

Trial Registration
chiCTRTRC10000930
Prevalence of molecular markers of anti-malarial drug resistance in Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum in two districts of Nepal
Authors: Ranjitkar Samir , Schousboe Mette L , Thomsen Thomas Thyge , Adhikari Madhav , Kapel Christian MO , Bygbjerg Ib C , Alifrangis Michael 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and chloroquine (CQ) have been used in treatment of falciparum and vivax malaria in Nepal. Recently, resistance to both drugs have necessitated a change towards artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) against Plasmodium falciparum in highly endemic areas. However, SP is still used against P. falciparum infections in low endemic areas while CQ is used in suspected cases in areas with lack of diagnostic facilities. This study examines the prevalence of molecular markers of CQ and SP resistance in P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax to determine if high levels of in vivo resistance are reflected at molecular level as well.

Methods
Finger prick blood samples (n = 189) were collected from malaria positive patients from two high endemic districts and analysed for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the resistance related genes of P. falciparum and P. vivax for CQ (Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pvmdr1) and SP (Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, Pvdhfr), using various PCR-based methods.

Results and discussion
Positive P. vivax and P. falciparum infections were identified by PCR in 92 and 41 samples respectively. However, some of these were negative in subsequent PCRs. Based on a few P. falciparum samples, the molecular level of CQ resistance in P. falciparum was high since nearly all parasites had the Pfcrt mutant haplotypes CVIET (55%) or SVMNT (42%), though frequency of the Pfmdr1 wild type haplotype was relatively low (35%). Molecular level of SP resistance in P. falciparum was found to be high. The most prevalent Pfdhfr haplotype was double mutant CNRNI (91%), while frequency of Pfdhps double mutant SGEAA and AGEAA were 38% and 33% respectively. Combined, the frequency of quadruple mutations (CNRNI-SGEAA/AGEAA) was 63%. Based on P. vivax samples, low CQ and SP resistance were most likely due to low prevalence of Pvmdr1 Y976F mutation (5%) and absence of triple/quadruple mutations in Pvdhfr.

Conclusions
Based on the limited number of samples, prevalence of CQ and SP resistance at molecular levels in the population in the study area were determined as high in P. falciparum and low in P. vivax. Therefore, CQ could still be used in the treatment of P. vivax infections, but this remains to be tested in vivo while the change to ACT for P. falciparum seems justified.
Tumor escape and progression of HER-2/neu negative breast cancer under immune pressure
Authors: Kmieciak Maciej , Payne Kyle K , Idowu Michael O , Grimes Margaret M , Graham Laura , Ascierto Maria-Libera , Wang Ena , Wang Xiang-Yang , Bear Harry D , Manjili Masoud H 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Emerging data from pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest that HER-2/neu-specific T cell responses could induce HER-2/neu antigen loss in the tumor cells. These data suggest that patients with HER-2/neu negative breast cancer might have had HER-2/neu positive premalignant lesions in the past that progressed to HER-2/neu negative breast cancer under HER-2/neu-specific immune pressure.

Methods
We conducted a pilot study in patients with HER-2/neu positive and HER-2/neu negative breast cancers as well as a patient with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). HER-2/neu expression was determined by FISH. HER-2/neu-specific T cell responses were determined by using IFN-γ ELISA. Expression of IFN-γ Rα in the tumors was determined by immunohistochemistry analysis of paraffin-embedded tissues.

Results
We determined that majority of (10 of 12) patients with HER-2/neu negative breast cancer had HER-2/neu-specific IFN-γ producing T cell responses which was stronger than those in patients with HER-2/neu positive tumors. Such immune responses were associated with nuclear translocation of IFN-γ Rα in their tumor cells. Patient with DCIS also showed HER-2/neu-specific T cell responses.

Conclusion
These data suggest that conducting retrospective studies in patients with HER-2/neu negative breast cancers and prospective studies in patients with HER-2/neu positive DCIS can determine whether HER-2/neu negative invasive carcinomas arise from HER-2/neu positive DCIS under the immune pressure.
Preparation of SnS2 colloidal quantum dots and their application in organic/inorganic hybrid solar cells
Authors: Tan Furui , Qu Shengchun , Wu Ju , Liu Kong , Zhou Shuyun , Wang Zhanguo 
Published: April 2011

AbstractDispersive SnS2 colloidal quantum dots have been synthesized via hot-injection method. Hybrid photovoltaic devices based on blends of a conjugated polymer poly[2-methoxy-5-(3",7"dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV) as electron donor and crystalline SnS2 quantum dots as electron acceptor have been studied. Photoluminescence measurement has been performed to study the surfactant effect on the excitons splitting process. The photocurrent of solar cells with the hybrid depends greatly on the ligands exchange as well as the device heat treatment. AFM characterization has demonstrated morphology changes happening upon surfactant replacement and annealing, which can explain the performance variation of hybrid solar cells.
Role of HCV Core gene of genotype 1a and 3a and host gene Cox-2 in HCV-induced pathogenesis
Authors: Jahan Shah , Khaliq Saba , Ijaz Bushra , Ahmad Waqar , Hassan Sajida 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) Core protein is thought to trigger activation of multiple signaling pathways and play a significant role in the alteration of cellular gene expression responsible for HCV pathogenesis leading to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the exact molecular mechanism of HCV genome specific pathogenesis remains unclear. We examined the in vitro effects of HCV Core protein of HCV genotype 3a and 1a on the cellular genes involved in oxidative stress and angiogenesis. We also studied the ability of HCV Core and Cox-2 siRNA either alone or in combination to inhibit viral replication and cell proliferation in HCV serum infected Huh-7 cells.

Results
Over expression of Core gene of HCV 3a genotype showed stronger effect in regulating RNA and protein levels of Cox-2, iNOS, VEGF, p-Akt as compared to HCV-1a Core in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh-7 accompanied by enhanced PGE2 release and cell proliferation. We also observed higher expression levels of above genes in HCV 3a patient's blood and biopsy samples. Interestingly, the Core and Cox-2-specific siRNAs down regulated the Core 3a-enhanced expression of Cox-2, iNOS, VEGF, p-Akt. Furthermore, the combined siRNA treatment also showed a dramatic reduction in viral titer and expression of these genes in HCV serum-infected Huh-7 cells. Taken together, these results demonstrated a differential response by HCV 3a genotype in HCV-induced pathogenesis, which may be due to Core and host factor Cox-2 individually or in combination.

Conclusions
Collectively, these studies not only suggest a genotype-specific interaction between key players of HCV pathogenesis but also may represent combined viral and host gene silencing as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Vertebrates used for medicinal purposes by members of the Nyishi and Galo tribes in Arunachal Pradesh (North-East India)
Authors: Chakravorty Jharna , Meyer-Rochow V Benno , Ghosh Sampat 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Arunachal Pradesh, the easternmost part of India, is endowed with diverse natural resources and inhabited by a variety of ethnic groups that have developed skills to exploit the biotic resources of the region for food and medicines. Information on animals and animal parts as components of folk remedies used by local healers and village headmen of the Nyishi and Galo tribes in their respective West Siang and Subansiri districts were obtained through interviews and structured questionnaires. Of a total of 36 vertebrate species used in treatments of ailments and diseases, mammals comprised 50%; they were followed by birds (22%), fishes (17%), reptiles (8%) and amphibians (3%). Approximately 20 common complaints of humans as well as foot and mouth disease of cattle were targets of zootherapies. Most commonly treated were fevers, body aches and pains, tuberculosis, malaria, wounds and burns, typhoid, smallpox, dysentery and diarrhoea, jaundice, and early pregnancy pains. Very few domestic animal species (e.g., goat and cattle) were used zootherapeutically. More frequently it was wild animals, including endangered or protective species like hornbill, pangolin, clouded leopard, tiger, bear, and wolf, whose various parts were either used in folk remedies or as food. Some of the animal-based traditional medicines or animal parts were sold at local markets, where they had to compete with modern, western pharmaceuticals. To record, document, analyze and test the animal-derived local medicines before they become replaced by western products is one challenge; to protect the already dwindling populations of certain wild animal species used as a resource for the traditional animal-derived remedies, is another.
The loop-less tmCdc34 E2 mutant defective in polyubiquitination in vitro and in vivo supports yeast growth in a manner dependent on Ubp14 and Cka2
Authors: Lass Agnieszka , Cocklin Ross , Scaglione Kenneth M , Skowyra Michael , Korolev Sergey , Goebl Mark , Skowyra Dorota 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
The S73/S97/loop motif is a hallmark of the Cdc34 family of E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes that together with the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligases promote degradation of proteins involved in cell cycle and growth regulation. The inability of the loop-less Δ12Cdc34 mutant to support growth was linked to its inability to catalyze polyubiquitination. However, the loop-less t riple m utant (tm) Cdc34, which not only lacks the loop but also contains the S73K and S97D substitutions typical of the K73/D97/no loop motif present in other E2s, supports growth. Whether tmCdc34 supports growth despite defective polyubiquitination, or the S73K and S97D substitutions, directly or indirectly, correct the defect caused by the loop absence, are unknown.

Results

tmCdc34 supports yeast viability with normal cell size and cell cycle profile despite producing fewer polyubiquitin conjugates in vivo and in vitro. The in vitro defect in Sic1 substrate polyubiquitination is similar to the defect observed in reactions with Δ12Cdc34 that cannot support growth. The synthesis of free polyubiquitin by tmCdc34 is activated only modestly and in a manner dependent on substrate recruitment to SCFCdc4. Phosphorylation of C-terminal serines in tmCdc34 by Cka2 kinase prevents the synthesis of free polyubiquitin chains, likely by promoting their attachment to substrate. Nevertheless,
tm

CDC34 yeast are sensitive to loss of the Ubp14 C-terminal ubiquitin hydrolase and DUBs other than Ubp14 inefficiently disassemble polyubiquitin chains produced in
tm

CDC34 yeast extracts, suggesting that the free chains, either synthesized de novo or recycled from substrates, have an altered structure.

Conclusions
The catalytic motif replacement compromises polyubiquitination activity of Cdc34 and alters its regulation in vitro and in vivo, but either motif can support Cdc34 function in yeast viability. Robust polyubiquitination mediated by the S73/S97/loop motif is thus not necessary for Cdc34 role in yeast viability, at least under typical laboratory conditions.
Monoallelic deletion of the microRNA biogenesis gene Dgcr8 produces deficits in the development of excitatory synaptic transmission in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Schofield Claude M , Hsu Ruby , Barker Alison J , Gertz Caitlyn C , Blelloch Robert , Ullian Erik M 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Neuronal phenotypes associated with hemizygosity of individual genes within the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome locus hold potential towards understanding the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and autism. Included among these genes is Dgcr8, which encodes an RNA-binding protein required for microRNA biogenesis. Dgcr8 haploinsufficient mice (Dgcr8+/-) have reduced expression of microRNAs in brain and display cognitive deficits, but how microRNA deficiency affects the development and function of neurons in the cerebral cortex is not fully understood.

Results
In this study, we show that Dgcr8+/- mice display reduced expression of a subset of microRNAs in the prefrontal cortex, a deficit that emerges over postnatal development. Layer V pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex of Dgcr8+/- mice have altered electrical properties, decreased complexity of basal dendrites, and reduced excitatory synaptic transmission.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrate that precise microRNA expression is critical for the postnatal development of prefrontal cortical circuitry. Similar defects in neuronal maturation resulting from microRNA deficiency could represent endophenotypes of certain neuropsychiatric diseases of developmental onset.
Microarray based analysis of an inherited terminal 3p26.3 deletion, containing only the CHL1 gene, from a normal father to his two affected children
Authors: Cuoco Cristina , Ronchetto Patrizia , Gimelli Stefania , Béna Frédérique , Divizia Maria Teresa , Lerone Margherita , Mirabelli-Badenier Marisol , Mascaretti Monica , Gimelli Giorgio 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
terminal deletions of the distal portion of the short arm of chromosome 3 cause a rare contiguous gene disorder characterized by growth retardation, developmental delay, mental retardation, dysmorphisms, microcephaly and ptosis. The phenotype of individuals with deletions varies from normal to severe. It was suggested that a 1,5 Mb minimal terminal deletion including the two genes CRBN and CNTN4 is sufficient to cause the syndrome.
In addition the CHL1 gene, mapping at 3p26.3 distally to CRBN and CNTN4, was proposed as candidate gene for a non specific mental retardation because of its high level of expression in the brain.

Methods and Results
we describe two affected siblings in which array-CGH analysis disclosed an identical discontinuous terminal 3p26.3 deletion spanning less than 1 Mb. The deletion was transmitted from their normal father and included only the CHL1 gene. The two brothers present microcephaly, light mental retardation, learning and language difficulties but not the typical phenotype manifestations described in 3p- syndrome.

Conclusion
a terminal 3p26.3 deletion including only the CHL1 gene is a very rare finding previously reported only in one family. The phenotype of the affected individuals in the two families is very similar and the deletion has been inherited from an apparently normal parent. As already described for others recurrent syndromes with variable phenotype, these findings are challenging in genetic counselling because of an evident variable penetrance.
Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) deficiency exacerbates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice: involvement of hepatocyte STAT3 in TIMP-1 production
Authors: Wang Hua , Lafdil Fouad , Wang Lei , Yin Shi , Feng Dechun , Gao Bin 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundTissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), which is thought to be produced mainly by activated hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells in the liver, plays a pivotal role in matrix remodeling during liver injury and repair; while the effect of TIMP-1 on hepatocellular damage remains obscure.ResultsHepatic expression of TIMP-1 mRNA and protein was up-regulated both in acute and chronic liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Compared with wild-type mice, TIMP-1 knockout mice were more susceptible to CCl4-induced acute and chronic liver injury, as shown by higher levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), greater number of apoptotic hepatocytes, and more extended necroinflammatory foci. TIMP-1 knockout mice also displayed greater degree of liver fibrosis after chronic CCl4injection when compared with wild-type mice.In vitrotreatment with TIMP-1 inhibited cycloheximide-induced cell death of primary mouse hepatocytes. Finally, up-regulation of TIMP-1 in the liver and serum after chronic CCl4treatment was markedly diminished in hepatocyte-specific signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) knockout mice.In vitrotreatment with interleukin-6 stimulated TIMP-1 production in primary mouse hepatocytes, but to a lesser extent in STAT3-deficient hepatocytes.ConclusionsTIMP-1 plays an important role in protecting against acute and chronic liver injury and subsequently inhibiting liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. In addition to activated stellate cells and Kupffer cells, hepatocytes are also responsible for TIMP-1 production during liver injury via a STAT3-dependent manner.
Nasca classification of hemivertebra in five dogs
Authors: Besalti Omer , Ozak Ahmet , Pekcan Zeynep , Eminaga Salih 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Five dogs, four small mixed breed and a Doberman Pinscher, presented in our clinic with hemivertebra. Complete physical, radiological and neurological examinations were done and the spinal deformities were characterized in accord with the Nasca classification used in human medicine. Two dogs had multiple hemivertebrae (round, oval or wedge-shaped: Type 3) in the thoracic region; one dog had an individual surplus half vertebral body (Type 1) plus a wedge-shaped hemivertebra (Type 2b) in the lumbar region; one dog had multiple hemivertebrae which were fused on one side (Type 4a) in the thoracic region; and one dog had a wedge-shaped hemivertebra (Type 2a) in the cervical region.
Fabrication and Characterization of Cu-14Al-3.5Ni Shape Memory Alloys by Ingot Metallurgy
Authors: Ganesh K. Jai , Suresh Arunya 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTShape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are versatile functional materials with an I.Q of their own. This class of SMART Materials exhibit unique properties like superelasticity and shape memory effect (SME) which have made them suitable for potential applications. Although Ni-Ti SMAs have attracted attention ever since their inception in 1962, Cu based SMAs due to their ease in fabrication, cost effectiveness and high temperature properties are gaining immense popularity. This research aimed at the fabrication of Cu-14 Al-3.5 Ni (wt %) Shape Memory Alloy by a simple cost effective route and its characterization to correlate its structure and properties. The alloy of desired composition was melted in an Electric Resistance Furnace at 1473 K and cast in a metallic mould. Homogenization was carried out at 1123 K for twenty four hours followed by analysis of chemical composition by Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Transformation temperatures of the alloy were determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Heat treatment operations were carried out at 1273 K for one hour followed by quenching in different media. Optical and SEM micrographs were taken at various magnifications and the formation of self accommodating martensite was observed which was further confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction technique. Further improvements in the mechanical properties of the alloy by quaternary additions of Mn and Ti have been cited. Finally, SME was observed in a rolled strip of the alloy, thus concreting the obtained results.
Cross-linkable Highly Fluorinated Polymers with Tunable Refractive Index
Authors: Qi Yinghua , Jiang Jia , Callender Claire L. , Ding Jianfu , Day Michael 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTNovel cross-linkable, highly fluorinated poly(arylene ether ketone/sulfone)s have been prepared by copolycondensation reactions of a perfluorinated aromatic ketone or sulfone with 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol (6F-BPA)/4,4'-isopropylidene bis(2,6-dibromophenol) (4Br-BPA) and a tetrafluorostyrol-containing bisphenol, at low temperature in the presence of calcium hydride and cesium fluoride. Property investigations have shown that these polymers can be easily processed into thin films, have good thermal stability, and exhibit low optical loss at 1550 nm (0.4 – 0.5 dB/cm). The refractive index can be tailored over a range of 1.50 to 1.57, allowing the polymers to be used as both core and cladding materials in optical waveguiding applications.
A Smart Medical Diagnostic Tool using Resistive Sensor Technology
Authors: Iyer Krithika K. , Prasad A. K. , Gouma P. I. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper reports on the development of a smart sensor array consisting of selective gas sensing elements for use in disease diagnosis to monitor signaling gases. These are gases typically found in exhaled human breath that can serve as biomarkers for specific diseases. Utilizing the polymorphic selectivity of semiconducting metal oxides and by employing temperature modulation we have developed a smart gas selective sensor array able to identify and discriminate between isoprene, NOx, alcohols and amines/NH3. The sensing elements are thin films based on the various polymorphs of molybdenum trioxide. A breath analysis system based on our smart sensor array can be used for non-invasive monitoring and differential diagnosis of diseases.