bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro antimicrobial activity of ten medicinal plants against clinical isolates of oral cancer cases
Authors: Panghal Manju , Kaushal Vivek , Yadav Jaya P 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Suppression of immune system in treated cancer patients may lead to secondary infections that obviate the need of antibiotics. In the present study, an attempt was made to understand the occurrence of secondary infections in immuno-suppressed patients along with herbal control of these infections with the following objectives to: (a) isolate the microbial species from the treated oral cancer patients along with the estimation of absolute neutrophile counts of patients (b) assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity medicinal plants against the above clinical isolates.

Methods
Blood and oral swab cultures were taken from 40 oral cancer patients undergoing treatment in the radiotherapy unit of Regional Cancer Institute, Pt. B.D.S. Health University,
Rohtak, Haryana. Clinical isolates were identified by following general microbiological, staining and biochemical methods. The absolute neutrophile counts were done by following the standard methods. The medicinal plants selected for antimicrobial activity analysis were Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav., Asparagus racemosus Willd., Balanites aegyptiaca L., Cestrum diurnum L., Cordia dichotoma G. Forst, Eclipta alba L., Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. , Pedalium murex L., Ricinus communis L. and Trigonella foenum graecum L. The antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plants was evaluated by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. MIC and MFC were investigated by serial two fold microbroth dilution method.

Results
Prevalent bacterial pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (23.2%), Escherichia coli (15.62%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (12.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.37%), Klebsiella pneumonia (7.81%), Proteus mirabilis (3.6%), Proteus vulgaris (4.2%) and the fungal pathogens were Candida albicans (14.6%), Aspergillus fumigatus (9.37%). Out of 40 cases, 35 (87.5%) were observed as neutropenic. Eight medicinal plants (A. tenuifolius, A. racemosus, B. aegyptiaca, E. alba, M. koenigii, P. murex R. communis and T. foenum graecum) showed significant antimicrobial activity (P < .05) against most of the isolates. The MIC and MFC values were ranged from 31 to 500 μg/ml. P. aeruginosa was observed highest susceptible bacteria (46.6%) on the basis of susceptible index.

Conclusion
It can be concluded that treated oral cancer patients were neutropenic and prone to secondary infection of microbes. The medicinal plant can prove as effective antimicrobial agent to check the secondary infections in treated cancer patients.
The shrinking projection method for solving generalized equilibrium problems and common fixed points for asymptotically quasi-ϕ-nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Saewan Siwaporn , Kumam Poom 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this article, we introduce a new hybrid projection iterative scheme based on the shrinking projection method for finding a common element of the set of solutions of the generalized mixed equilibrium problems and the set of common fixed points for a pair of asymptotically quasi-ϕ-nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces and set of variational inequalities for an α-inverse strongly monotone mapping. The results obtained in this article improve and extend the recent ones announced by Matsushita and Takahashi (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2004(1):37-47, 2004), Qin et al. (Appl. Math. Comput. 215:3874-3883, 2010), Chang et al. (Nonlinear Anal. 73:2260-2270, 2010), Kamraksa and Wangkeeree (J. Nonlinear Anal. Optim.: Theory Appl. 1(1):55-69, 2010) and many others.AMS Subject Classification: 47H05, 47H09, 47J25, 65J15.
NS4A protein as a marker of HCV history suggests that different HCV genotypes originally evolved from genotype 1b
Authors: Sarwar Muhammad T , Kausar Humera , Ijaz Bushra , Ahmad Waqar , Ansar Muhammad , Sumrin Aleena , Ashfaq Usman A , Asad Sultan , Gull Sana , Shahid Imran , Hassan Sajida 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
The 9.6 kb long RNA genome of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is under the control of RNA dependent RNA polymerase, an error-prone enzyme, for its transcription and replication. A high rate of mutation has been found to be associated with RNA viruses like HCV. Based on genetic variability, HCV has been classified into 6 different major genotypes and 11 different subtypes. However this classification system does not provide significant information about the origin of the virus, primarily due to high mutation rate at nucleotide level. HCV genome codes for a single polyprotein of about 3011 amino acids which is processed into structural and non-structural proteins inside host cell by viral and cellular proteases.

Results
We have identified a conserved NS4A protein sequence for HCV genotype 3a reported from four different continents of the world i.e. Europe, America, Australia and Asia. We investigated 346 sequences and compared amino acid composition of NS4A protein of different HCV genotypes through Multiple Sequence Alignment and observed amino acid substitutions C22, V29, V30, V38, Q46 and Q47 in NS4A protein of genotype 1b. Furthermore, we observed C22 and V30 as more consistent members of NS4A protein of genotype 1a. Similarly Q46 and Q47 in genotype 5, V29, V30, Q46 and Q47 in genotype 4, C22, Q46 and Q47 in genotype 6, C22, V38, Q46 and Q47 in genotype 3 and C22 in genotype 2 as more consistent members of NS4A protein of these genotypes. So the different amino acids that were introduced as substitutions in NS4A protein of genotype 1 subtype 1b have been retained as consistent members of the NS4A protein of other known genotypes.

Conclusion
These observations indicate that NS4A protein of different HCV genotypes originally evolved from NS4A protein of genotype 1 subtype 1b, which in turn indicate that HCV genotype 1 subtype 1b established itself earlier in human population and all other known genotypes evolved later as a result of mutations in HCV genotype 1b. These results were further confirmed through phylogenetic analysis by constructing phylogenetic tree using NS4A protein as a phylogenetic marker.
Individually integrated traditional chinese medicine approach in the management of knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yuelong Cao , Hongsheng Zhan , Jian Pang , Feiyue Li , Shaojian Xu , Jinghua Gao , Zhanwang Xu , Gang Li , Ting Liu , Chaoqing Guo , Yinyu Shi 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is considered a major public health issue causing chronic disability worldwide with the increasing number of aging people. In China and increasingly worldwide, many sufferers with knee OA are using complementary and alternative medicine including herbal drug, herbal patch, acupuncture and Tuina etc., to alleviate their symptoms. However, evidence gathered from systematic reviews or randomized controlled trials (RCT) has only validated acupuncture for the management of osteoarthritic pain. Moreover, such Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) methods above are commonly used in an integrative way. This trial is aimed to compare the efficacy of an individually integrated TCM approach in the management of knee OA with other single treatments as parallel randomized controls.

Methods/design
Five teaching hospitals will participate in this randomized controlled trial. 500 participants, 100 in each hospital, will be randomly assigned to receive oral administration of a Chinese herbal drug (counter osteophytes capsule), topical use of a Chinese herbal patch (Fufnag Zijin patch), acupuncture, Tuina and the individually integrated TCM approach. The individually integrated TCM approach consists of basic treatment of oral counter osteophytes capsule, variable use of Tuina, acupuncture and a herbal patch based on the severity of the patient's symptoms.
The interventions are given for a period of 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the self-reported total score using the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcome measures include patient and investigator global assessment of response to treatment, patient and investigator global assessment of OA condition, WOMAC pain, stiffness, and physical function subscales, short-form 36 (SF-36) and TCM assessment of OA condition measured by syndromes questionnaire. Mixed models and sensitivity analysis will be used for the statistical analysis.

Discussion
The trial is designed to test the hypothesis that an individually integrated TCM approach is more effective than four treatment modalities used separately. The major limitation of this study is lack of placebo control and of double blinding.

Trial Registration
Chinese Cochrane Center ChiCTR-TRC-00000176
Sodium arsenite and hyperthermia modulate cisplatin-DNA damage responses and enhance platinum accumulation in murine metastatic ovarian cancer xenograft after hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Authors: Muenyi Clarisse S , States Vanessa A , Masters Joshua H , Fan Teresa W , Helm C William , States J Christopher 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death in the USA. Recurrence rates are high after front-line therapy and most patients eventually die from platinum (Pt) - resistant disease. Cisplatin resistance is associated with increased nucleotide excision repair (NER), decreased mismatch repair (MMR) and decreased platinum uptake. The objective of this study is to investigate how a novel combination of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) and hyperthermia (43°C) affect mechanisms of cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer.

Methods
We established a murine model of metastatic EOC by intraperitoneal injection of A2780/CP70 human ovarian cancer cells into nude mice. We developed a murine hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy model to treat the mice. Mice with peritoneal metastasis were perfused for 1 h with 3 mg/kg cisplatin ± 26 mg/kg NaAsO2 at 37 or 43°C. Tumors and tissues were collected at 0 and 24 h after treatment.

Results
Western blot analysis of p53 and key NER proteins (ERCC1, XPC and XPA) and MMR protein (MSH2) suggested that cisplatin induced p53, XPC and XPA and suppressed MSH2 consistent with resistant phenotype. Hyperthermia suppressed cisplatin-induced XPC and prevented the induction of XPA by cisplatin, but it had no effect on Pt uptake or retention in tumors. NaAsO2 prevented XPC induction by cisplatin; it maintained higher levels of MSH2 in tumors and enhanced initial accumulation of Pt in tumors. Combined NaAsO2 and hyperthermia decreased cisplatin-induced XPC 24 h after perfusion, maintained higher levels of MSH2 in tumors and significantly increased initial accumulation of Pt in tumors. ERCC1 levels were generally low except for NaAsO2 co-treatment with cisplatin. Systemic Pt and arsenic accumulation for all treatment conditions were in the order: kidney > liver = spleen > heart > brain and liver > kidney = spleen > heart > brain respectively. Metal levels generally decreased in systemic tissues within 24 h after treatment.

Conclusion
NaAsO2 and/or hyperthermia have the potential to sensitize tumors to cisplatin by inhibiting NER, maintaining functional MMR and enhancing tumor platinum uptake.
Visceral adiposity, insulin resistance and cancer risk
Authors: Donohoe Claire L , Doyle Suzanne L , Reynolds John V 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundThere is a well established link between obesity and cancer. Emerging research is characterising this relationship further and delineating the specific role of excess visceral adiposity, as opposed to simple obesity, in promoting tumorigenesis. This review summarises the evidence from an epidemiological and pathophysiological perspective.MethodsRelevant medical literature was identified from searches of PubMed and references cited in appropriate articles identified. Selection of articles was based on peer review, journal and relevance.ResultsNumerous epidemiological studies consistently identify increased risk of developing carcinoma in the obese. Adipose tissue, particularly viscerally located fat, is metabolically active and exerts systemic endocrine effects. Putative pathophysiological mechanisms linking obesity and carcinogenesis include the paracrine effects of adipose tissue and systemic alterations associated with obesity. Systemic changes in the obese state include chronic inflammation and alterations in adipokines and sex steroids. Insulin and the insulin-like growth factor axis influence tumorigenesis and also have a complex relationship with adiposity. There is evidence to suggest that insulin and the IGF axis play an important role in mediating obesity associated malignancy.ConclusionsThere is much evidence to support a role for obesity in cancer progression, however further research is warranted to determine the specific effect of excess visceral adipose tissue on tumorigenesis. Investigation of the potential mechanisms underpinning the association, including the role of insulin and the IGF axis, will improve understanding of the obesity and cancer link and may uncover targets for intervention.
Technical Advance: Langerhans cells derived from a human cell line in a full-thickness skin equivalent undergo allergen-induced maturation and migration
Authors: Ouwehand Krista , Spiekstra Sander W , Waaijman Taco , Scheper Rik J , de Gruijl Tanja D , Gibbs Susan 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTIn this report, the construction of a functional, immunocompetent, full-thickness skin equivalent (SE) is described, consisting of an epidermal compartment containing keratinocytes, melanocytes, and human LCs derived from the MUTZ-3 cell line (MUTZ-LC) and a fibroblast-populated dermal compartment. The CD1a+Langerin+HLA-DR+ MUTZ-LCs populate the entire epidermis at a similar density to that found in native skin. Exposure of the SE to subtoxic concentrations of the allergens NiSO4 and resorcinol resulted in LC migration out of the epidermis toward the fibroblast-populated dermal compartment. A significant dose-dependent up-regulation of the DC maturation-related CCR7 and IL-1β transcripts and of CD83 at the protein level upon epidermal exposure to both allergens was observed, indicative of maturation and migration of the epidermally incorporated LC. We have thus successfully developed a reproducible and functional full-thickness SE model containing epidermal MUTZ-LC. This model offers an alternative to animal testing for identifying potential chemical sensitizers and for skin-based vaccination strategies and provides a unique research tool to study human LC biology in situ under controlled in vitro conditions.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of La0.7Sr0.3Mn1-xNixO3 (x=0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4)
Authors: Creel Thomas F. , Yang Jinbo B. , Kahveci Mehmet , Lamsal Jagat , Malik Satish K. , Quezado S. , Benapfl B. W. , Blackstead H. , Pringle O. A. , Yelon William B. , James William J. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTWe have studied the structural and magnetic properties of La0.7Sr0.3Mn1-xNixO3 (x=0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, and 0.40) perovskites using x-ray and neutron diffraction and magnetic measurements. To our knowledge, there exists no neutron diffraction data available for this group of perovskite compositions. Neutron (λ = 1.479Å) and x-ray (λ = 1.5481Å; Cu Kα) powder diffraction indicate that for x ≥ 0.1 all samples are two-phase with a rhombohedral perovskite structure (space group R-3c) and a small amount of NiO (space group Fm3m). Neutron diffraction data for the perovskite phase at 12K and 300K show ferromagnetic ordering for x ≤ 0.2 and antiferromagnetic ordering for x = 0.4. However, for x = 0.3, neutron diffraction data at 12K show coexisting ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic ordering while at 300K no magnetic ordering is found. Magnetic measurements indicate that the Curie temperature decreases with increasing Ni content. The NiO phase for all samples was found to have antiferromagnetic ordering at 12K and 300K. The magnetic measurements are consistent with the neutron diffraction data and together indicate long-range magnetic ordering for samples at low temperature and transitions from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic ordering for samples at room temperature.
Genetic Control of Interspecific‐Derived and Juvenile Resistance in Lentil to Colletotrichum truncatum
Authors: Vail S. , Vandenberg A. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAnthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum truncatum (Ct), is a major disease of lentil (Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris Medik.; Lcc) on the Canadian prairies. Resistance to the more virulent race Ct0 of the pathogen is extremely rare within the Lcc gene pool; partial resistance to race Ct0 in Lcc breaks down as the plant progresses through the adult phase (AP). Resistance was introgressed from Lens ervoides (Le) and the F1 and F2 generations of two introgression populations assessed for resistance when inoculated separately with both races of Ct. One population was tested with race Ct0 at both the juvenile phase (JP) and AP. F2:3 families were also tested for race Ct0 resistance. Resistance from Le to both races of Ct appears to be due to the same gene(s) or tightly linked genes. Different models for genetic control of resistance between populations are observed depending on whether the interspecific line is crossed into a susceptible or partially resistant Lcc background; however, duplicate recessive epistasis seems to control susceptibility in the susceptible background and when juvenile resistance is not a factor. Significant differences between phases were evident for more than a third of the F2s tested, supporting different resistance gene action based on growth phase; resistance in the JP seemed to be due to dominant and recessive epistasis. Results suggest genetic control of juvenile resistance in combination with interspecific‐derived resistance is complex.
Coexistence in Maize: Effect on Pollen‐Mediated Gene Flow by Conventional Maize Border Rows Edging Genetically Modified Maize Fields
Authors: Rühl Gerhard , Hommel Bernd , Hüsken Alexandra , Mastel Klaus , Schiemann Joachim , Wehling Peter , Langhof Maren 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTIn addition to or as substitution for a regulated isolation distance, conventional maize (Zea mays L.) border rows at the genetically modified (GM) maize field edge are considered as feasible measure to ensure coexistence between GM and conventional or organic maize. Therefore, we examined the effectiveness of 9‐m‐ and 18‐m‐wide non‐GM maize borders at the GM maize field edge on outcrossing rates into a neighboring non‐GM maize field. One field experiment each was conducted in 2008 at three sites in Germany using a field orientation representing a worst‐case scenario concerning wind direction. In each case, the distance between GM and non‐GM maize fields was 51 m. At two sites, sizes of GM and non‐GM maize fields were 0.8 ha, respectively, and at the third site 0.5 ha (GM) and 0.3 ha (non‐GM). The GM percentages of individual samples taken at recipient field depths between 0 and 90 m were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Overall, no pollen‐mediated gene flow reducing effect of border rows was observed in the present study, although synchrony of anthesis between GM maize and border row maize was given at each site. Calculated GM contents of the total non‐GM fields harvest were always below the European Union labeling threshold of 0.9%. In consequence, planting 9‐m‐ or 18‐m‐wide conventional maize border rows at the GM field edge is no reliable coexistence measure, at least if combined with an isolation distance.
Field‐Based Measurement of Ammonia Volatilization Following Foliar Applications of Urea to Putting Green Turf
Authors: Stiegler J. Chris , Richardson Michael D. , Karcher Douglas E. , Roberts Trenton L. , Norman Richard J. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTData are lacking in the quantification of N loss mechanisms associated with foliar fertilizer applications that are common to golf course and putting green turfgrass management. This study was conducted to measure ammonia (NH3) volatilization after application of foliar N (as urea) to creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stolonifera L. var. palustris (Huds.) Farw. cv. Penn A1] and hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy cv. Tifeagle] putting greens in Fayetteville, AR. Urea was spray‐applied monthly, May through September, at rates of 0.5 and 1.25 g N m−2. Ammonia (NH3) volatilization, over a 24 h period, was measured via boric acid trapping within closed, static diffusion chambers. Month of year and N rate significantly affected the amount of N volatilized from the turfgrass canopy. Measured NH3 volatilization was consistently low each year for both species, with average annual NH3 volatilization of 0.35% and 2.55% from creeping bentgrass and hybrid bermudagrass, respectively. A trapping efficiency study was conducted and revealed that 35 to 50% of evolved NH3–N was directly absorbed by plant tissue enclosed within the chambers. While it was determined that the NH3 trapping methodology used here could not account for all of the NH3 volatilized, data from this study does support the conclusion that foliar N (as urea) applications to putting green turf can be made to actively growing plant tissue throughout the season without concern for substantial N loss via NH3 volatilization.
Grass Pea as a Nitrogen Source for Continuous No‐Till Winter Wheat
Authors: Rao Srinivas C. , Northup Brian K. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTSources and methods of use of organic nitrogen (N) in the southern Great Plains (SGP) need testing to find alternatives to increasingly expensive inorganic fertilizer. We examined the function of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.), a cool‐season pulse, as a preplant N source for continuous, no‐till winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The study was conducted in central Oklahoma (35°40'N, 98°00' W, elevation 414 masl) from 2004 to 2008, on three replicate blocks of four experimental plots (6 by 10 m). Inoculated grass pea seed (‘AC‐Greenfix’) was sown during late summer fallow (mid‐August) in one randomly chosen plot per block (75 kg ha−1, 60‐cm rows; 75% germination). Three additional plots per block mimicked summer fallow with 0 (control), 40, or 80 kg N ha−1 inorganic fertilizer applied. All treatments were repeated on the same plots throughout the study. Samples were collected from grass pea plots at flowering in early October to define aboveground biomass and analyzed for N concentration and digestibility. Aboveground biomass of grass pea was shredded with a flail mower and left on the soil surface, fertilizer treatments were applied, and wheat (‘Jagger’) was sown (100 kg ha−1, 20‐cm rows). Aboveground wheat biomass was collected at three growth stages (elongation, flowering, physiological maturity) and analyzed for N concentration. Grass pea aboveground biomass contained enough N to meet the needs of wheat at planting in only 1 yr. Wheat biomass and amounts of N in wheat aboveground biomass in response to grass pea were intermediate between the 0 and 40 kg applied N ha−1, as was yield and N accumulated in wheat grain. Therefore, grass pea was not effective as a preplant source of N for continuous no‐till winter wheat in the SGP. Additional research is required to define factors that limit the function of grass pea as a source of N for continuous no‐till winter wheat and its potential function in other crop rotations.