513 research outputs found
Household Transmission of Rotavirus in a Community with Rotavirus Vaccination in Quininde, Ecuador
No full textBackground: We studied the transmission of rotavirus infection in households in peri-urban Ecuador in the vaccination era.
Methods: Stool samples were collected from household contacts of child rotavirus cases, diarrhea controls and healthy controls following presentation of the index child to health facilities. Rotavirus infection status of contacts was determined by RT-qPCR. We examined factors associated with transmissibility (index-case characteristics) and susceptibility (householdcontact
characteristics).
Results: Amongst cases, diarrhea controls and healthy control household contacts, infection attack rates (iAR) were 55%, 8% and 2%, (n = 137, 130, 137) respectively. iARs were higher from index cases with vomiting, and amongst siblings. Disease ARs were higher when the index child was ,18 months and had vomiting, with household contact ,10 years and those sharing a room with the index case being more susceptible. We found no evidence of asymptomatic infections leading to disease transmission.
Conclusion: Transmission rates of rotavirus are high in households with an infected child, while background infections are rare. We have identified factors associated with transmission (vomiting/young age of index case) and susceptibility (young age/sharing a room/being a sibling of the index case). Vaccination may lead to indirect benefits by averting episodes or reducing symptoms in vaccinees
Effect of post-annealing on the magnetic properties of sputtered Mn56Al44 thin films
No full textMa(56)Al(44) (MnAl) thin films of constant thickness (similar to 30nm) were grown on naturally oxidized Si substrates using DC-magnetron sputtering. Effect of deposition parameters such as sputtering power, substrate temperature (T-s), and post-annealing temperature have been systematically invstigated. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the presence of mixed phases, namely the tau- and beta-MnAl. The highest saturation magnetization (M.$) was found to be 65emu/cc using PPMSVSM in film grown at T-s =500 degrees C. The magnetic ordering was found to get significantly improved by performing post annealing of these as-grwon at 400 degrees C for 1 hr in the presence of out-of-plane magnetic field of similar to 15000e in vacuum. In particular, at room temperature (RT), the Ms got enhanced after magnetic annealing from 65mm/cc to 500 emu/cc in MnAl films grown at T-s=500 degrees C. This sample exhibited a magneto-resistance of similar to 1.5% at RT. The tuning of the structural and magnetic properties of MnAl binary alloy thin films as established here by varying the growth parameters is critical with regards to the prospective applications of MnAI, a metastable ferromagnetic system which possesses the highest perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at RT till date.</p
Chapter 4: Antenatal care in rural Madya Pradesh: provision and inequality. Obstetric Care in Central India
No full textPhenotypic expression of HbO Indonesia in two Indian families and its interaction with sickle hemoglobin
No full textBackground: Alpha globin chain variants are clinically significant since they directly influence the structure and function of the hemoglobin (Hb) molecules they constitute, either in combination with normal beta globin chains or with variant beta chains, thereby altering the morbidity and mortality associated with the resultant hemoglobinopathies. We describe here two unrelated families from Madhya Pradesh who had a nondeletional alpha-chain variant, HbO Indonesia (CD116 G → A). Members of one of the two families also had coinheritance of sickle hemoglobin (HbS). Aims: The aim was to study the phenotype of HbO Indonesia and its interaction with HbS. Materials and Methods: Hb electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), covalent reverse dot blot hybridization, amplification refractory mutation system, multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and direct gene sequencing were used to identify and characterize the variant Hbs. Results: The abnormal Hb moved in HbS region in Hb electrophoresis at alkaline pH but gave an abnormal peak in HPLC with a retention time (RT) of 4.86–4.89 min. In two members of the family with coinheritance of HbS, it produced small additional abnormal Hb peaks (4.6% in heterozygous and 11.9% in homozygous member) in HPLC with a longer RT (5.15–5.17 min) possibly resulting from a combination of HbO Indonesia alpha chain with HbS beta chain. Conclusions: It appears that depending on the zygosity of HbS, HbO Indonesia would subtract a variable amount of HbS beta chain from the total pool, thereby potentially reducing the clinical severity of HbS disease. HbO Indonesia per se does not cause anemia or alter the red cell indices
Alkylated benzimidazoles: Design, synthesis, docking, DFT analysis, ADMET property, molecular dynamics and activity against HIV and YFV
No full textA series of alkylated benzimidazole derivatives was synthesized and screened for their anti-HIV, anti-YFV, and broad-spectrum antiviral properties. The physicochemical parameters and drug-like properties of the compounds were assessed first, and then docking studies and MD simulations on HIV-RT allosteric sites were conducted to find the possible mode of their action. DFT analysis was also performed to confirm the nature of the hydrogen bonding interaction of active compounds. The in silico studies indicated that the molecules behaved like possible NNRTIs. The nature - polar or non-polar and position of the substituent present at fifth, sixth, and N-1 positions of the benzimidazole moiety played an important role in determining the antiviral properties of the compounds. Among the various compounds, 2-(5,6-dibromo-2-chloro-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (3a) showed anti-HIV activity with an appreciably low IC50 value as 0.386 × 10-5μM. Similarly, compound 2b, 3-(2-chloro-5-nitro-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl) propan-1-ol, showed excellent inhibitory property against the yellow fever virus (YFV) with EC50 value as 0.7824 × 10-2μM.sponsorship: The author Ritika Srivastava acknowledges financial support in the form of Research Fellowship from the UGC grant, University of Allahabad, Allahabad. Parth Sarthi Sen Gupta sincerely thanks IISER Berhampur, Odisha for postdoctoral fellowship. (IISER Berhampur, Odisha, UGC grant, University of Allahabad, Allahabad)status: Publishe
Seminal plasma and prostaglandin E2 up-regulate fibroblast growth factor 2 expression in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells via E-series prostanoid-2 receptor-mediated transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway
No full textProstaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) has been shown to modulate angiogenesis and tumour progression via the E-series prostanoid-2 (EP2) receptor. Endometrial adenocarcinomas may be exposed to endogenous PGE(2) and exogenous PGE(2), present at high concentration in seminal plasma
Padronização da técnica de RT-PCR para triagem in vitro de compostos com potencial atividade imunomodulatória em macrófagos
No full textDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Florianópolis, 2010Neste estudo foi padronizada a reação de RT-PCR para a detecção da expressão do mRNA dos marcadores TNF-?, IL-10 e iNOS, importantes no contexto de ativação de macrófagos, para seleção in vitro de substâncias naturais ou sintéticas com potencial atividade imunomodulatória sobre macrófagos, visto que estes constituem uma das principais populações de células do sistema imune. Para isso foi selecionada a linhagem murina RAW 264.7, cultivada in vitro e que responde a estímulos como o LPS. Para a realização da RT-PCR, o RNA foi extraído das células utilizando o reagente Trizol e posteriormente feito reação de transcrição reversa com 1 µg de RNA total, em condições padronizadas. Na etapa de amplificação do cDNA, foram testadas a melhor temperatura de anelamento para cada marcador, concentração dos iniciadores específicos e diluição do cDNA. Determinou-se que o melhor tempo necessário para visualizar os produtos de amplificação era de 6 horas para os ensaios de ativação e foram estabelecidas as concentrações de LPS capazes de estimular as células em cultura, quando avaliadas pela RT-PCR e dosagem de óxido nítrico. Verificou-se que a adição prévia de polimixina B (50 µg/ml) nas amostras é eficiente na inativação de endotoxinas contaminantes. Estabeleceu-se um protocolo para testar a potencial atividade antiinflamatória de compostos químicos, pela adição da substância a ser testada 6 horas após a ativação prévia com LPS, incubação por 18 horas e observação da inibição da expressão dos marcadores. Determinou-se em seguida, a atividade de 15 formulações de polissacarídeos de Agaricus blazei, sendo que todos os extratos mostraram atividade, pela RT-PCR, para a concentração de 10 µg/ml para a citocina TNF-? e nas frações 2, 3, 11 e 12 para a enzima iNOS; enquanto que a dosagem de óxido nítrico realizada em paralelo mostrou-se menos sensível. Também avaliou-se a atividade de 9 galatos sintéticos, e concluiu-se que nenhuma das amostras testadas demonstrava atividade ativadora de macrófagos. Ficou evidenciado neste estudo, portanto, a utilidade de uma técnica in vitro para a triagem de substâncias com potencial atividade imunomodulatória sobre macrófagos, que permite vislumbrar a análise de grande número destas substâncias, sem a utilização de animais de laboratório.In this study an RT-PCR to detect mRNA expression of the markers TNF-?, IL-10 and iNOS, relevant in the macrophage activation context, was standardized in order to in vitro screening of natural or synthetic compounds with potential immunomodulatory activity in macrophages, whereas they constitute a major population of immune systems cells. For this, was selected the murine strain RAW 264.7 cultured in vitro, and that responds to stimuli such as LPS. To perform RT-PCR, RNA was extracted from cells using Trizol reagent and subsequently made a reverse transcription reaction with 1 µg of total RNA under standard conditions. In amplification of cDNA step, were tested the best annealing temperature for each marker, the concentration of specific primers and dilution of cDNA. It was determined that the best time to view the amplification products was 6 hours for the testing of activation, and states the concentrations of LPS the cells were responsive to our model of RT-PCR and measurement of nitric oxide. It was found that the previous addition of polymyxin B (50 µg / ml) in samples is efficient in the inactivation of endotoxin contaminants. Was established a protocol to test the potential anti-inflammatory activity of chemical compounds, by adding the substance to be tested after 6 hours prior to activation with LPS, incubated for 18 hours and observing the inhibition of expression of markers. Was determined activity of 15 polysaccharides of Agaricus blazei where all the extracts showed activity in the RT-PCR for the concentration of 10 µg / ml for TNF-? cytokine and for the fractions 2, 3, 11 and 12 for the iNOS enzyme; but not in the dosage of nitric oxide. We also determined the activity of 9 gallates synthetic, and concluded that none of gallates tested showed activity in activating macrophages. Was evidenced in this study, therefore, the usefulness of an in vitro technique for screening of substances with potential immunomodulatory activity on macrophages, which paves the analysis of many of these substances without the use of laboratory animals
CD10 positive recurrent undifferentiated mammary sarcoma in a young female: a rare case report with brief review of literature
No full textUndifferentiated mammary sarcoma is extremely rare and the diagnosis is made only after exclusion of metaplastic carcinomas and malignant phyllodes tumor. Mammary sarcomas mostly display specified entities like liposarcomas or angiosarcomas. A 18-year-old female presented in 2010 with a right breast lump for which lumpectomy was done and on histopathological examination benign phyllodes tumor was diagnosed. In 2011, there was a recurrence at site of excised margin and on fine needle aspiration (FNA) the diagnosis of benign breast disease was made; a small biopsy was received for which diagnosis of myoepithelial lesion was given. Then, the whole mass was excised, but histopathological examination report could not be followed up. In 2013, she again presented with a mass arising from the previously excised margin; on FNA, it was diagnosed as malignant sarcomatous lesion. Microscopy showed spindle shaped cells in diffuse and fascicular pattern with plump ovoid nuclei; coarse chromatin and eosinophilic cytoplasm were seen. Few round to ovoid cells with eccentric nuclei and showing bi- or multi-nucleation were present. Large area of necrosis and hemorrhage was present, too. No breast glands were found. Later on, diagnosis was confirmed on immunohistochemical examination. The case was considered worth due to the young age of the patient and lack of differentiation of the lesion in any specific type of sarcoma and CD10 positivity
Gene profiling in soft tissue sarcoma: predictive value of EGFR in sarcoma tumour progression and survival
No full textDespite improvements in the clinical management of soft tissue sarcomas (STS), 50%
of patients will die of metastatic disease that is largely unresponsive to conventional
chemotherapeutic agents.
The aims of this study were to identify genes and pathways that are dysregulated in
progressive and metastatic STS. In addition to this, cell lines from fresh tumours were
initiated and established, thus increasing the repository of cell lines available for
functional studies. Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular biology of
STS have thus far not resulted in the use of molecular markers for clinical
prognostication. Identifying novel genes and pathways will lead to molecular
diagnostic methods to better stratify prognostic groups and could identify cellular
targets for more efficacious treatments.
Gene expression profiling of sarcoma cell lines of increasing metastatic potential
revealed over-expression of genes involved in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and
transforming growth factor beta (TGFb) pathways. Factors involved in invasion and
metastasis such as integrins and MMPs were over-expressed in the cell lines with higher
metastatic potential. The developmental Notch pathway and cell cycle regulators were
also dysregulated. NDRG1 was significantly over-expressed in the high grade sarcoma
cell line, a novel finding in sarcomas. The expression of EGFR, NDRG1 and other
genes from the above pathways was validated using quantitative RT-PCR in real time
(qRT-PCR).
A tissue microarray (TMA) comprising STS of varying tumour grades was constructed
for high throughput assessment of target proteins. EGFR, its activated form and its
signal transducers were investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Activated
EGFR (HR 2.228, p < 0.001) and phosphorylated Akt (HR 2.032, p = 0.003) were found
to be independent predictors of overall survival and both correlated with tumour grade.
Of the several STS cultures initiated and maintained, two of these cell lines were fully
characterised in terms of cytogenetics, telomerase and alternate lengthening of
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telomeres (ALT) status, KIT and TP53 mutation and the expression of certain
biomarkers using both qRT-PCR and IHC.
In summary, transcript profiling identified several potential biomarkers of tumour
progression and metastasis in STS. Crucially, activated EGFR and pAkt were found in a
cohort of STS samples to correlate with clinical outcome, identifying them as potential
diagnostic and therapeutic targets in the treatment of STS. Activated EGFR can be used
as a diagnostic marker for patient selection, as well as for target effect monitoring.
Furthermore, the cell lines established in this project will serve as valuable tools in
future preclinical studies
Efetividade das vacinas anti-hepatite B (DNA-Recombinante) em doadores de sangue
No full textDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências da Saúde. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública.O objetivo desse estudo foi estimar a efetividade das vacinas anti-hepatite B, produzidas através da tecnologia de DNA-recombinante, em um estudo longitudinal e retrospectivo com 1.012 doadores de sangue do Hemocentro de Joaçaba que completaram o esquema de vacinação (três doses + dose de reforço para os que apresentaram títulos de anticorpos inferiores a 10 UI/l) durante o período de 1998 a 2002. Os resultados mostraram que a taxa de soroconversão foi significativamente menor nos doadores de sangue cujo título de anticorpos foi mensurado após seis meses decorrentes da última dose da vacina, e naqueles com idade superior a 50 anos. A efetividade média da vacina, determinada pelo percentual de doadores com títulos de anti-HBs iguais ou maiores que 10 UI/l, foi de 88,7%. A taxa de soroproteção variou de 80,6% nos doadores com idade igual ou superior a 50 anos e 91,4% nos jovens com idade entre 18 e 30 anos. Mais de 99,5% dos doadores tiveram o título de anti-HBs mensurado no período entre dois e seis meses, após terem completado o esquema de vacinação. O regime de dose de reforço mostrou-se efetivo em reduzir a percentagem de não-respondedores (títulos de anti-HBs inferiores a 10 UI/l), aumentando a percentagem de baixos respondedores (10-99 UI/l). Concluiu-se que a efetividade média das vacinas foi significativamente reduzida em doadores de sangue cuja detecção do anti-HBs excedeu o intervalo de seis meses e nos doadores com idade acima de 50 anos. A dose de reforço mostrou-se efetiva nos não-respondedores
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