Digital Commons Network^™

Kaposi’S Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Transactivator Rta Induces Cell Cycle Arrest In G0/G1 Phase By Stabilizing And Promoting Nuclear Localization Of P27Kip, Pankaj Kumar, Charles Wood

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

The Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) immediate-early gene, replication, and transcription activator (KRta) is a key viral protein that serves as the master regulator for viral lytic replication. In this study, we investigated the role of K-Rta in cell cycle regulation and found that the expression of K-Rta in doxycycline (Dox)-inducible BJAB cells induced cell cycle arrest in G₀/G₁ phase. Western blot analysis of key cell cycle regulators revealed that K-Rta-mediated cell cycle arrest was associated with a decrease in cyclin A and phosphorylated Rb (pS807/pS811) protein levels, both markers of S phase progression, and an increase in …

Low-Abundance Resistant Mutations In Hiv-1 Subtype C Antiretroviral Therapy-Naïve Individuals As Revealed By Pyrosequencing, Sandra Gonzalez, Damien C. Tully, Clement Gondwe, Charles Wood

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Given the recent scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa, we sought to determine how often and at what levels do drug-resistant mutant variants exist in ART-naïve HIV subtype C infected individuals. Samples from 10 ART-naïve Zambian individuals were subjected to ultra-deep pyrosequencing (UDPS) to characterize the frequency of low-abundance drug resistance mutations in the pol gene. Low-abundance clinically relevant variants were detected for nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and protease inhibitors (PIs) in eight of the ten subjects. Intermediate to high-level resistance was predicted for the majority of NRTIs. Mutations conferring resistance to …

Clade C Hiv-1 Isolates Circulating In Southern Africa Exhibit A Greater Frequency Of Dicysteine Motif-Containing Tat Variants Than Those In Southeast Asia And Cause Increased Neurovirulence, Vasudev R. Rao, Ujjwal Neogi, Joshua S, Talboom, Ligia Padilla, Mustafizur Rahman, Cari Fritz-French, Sandra Gonzalez-Ramirez, Anjali Verma, Charles Wood, Ruth M. Ruprecht, Udaykumar Ranga, Tasnim Azim, Vinayaka R. Prasad

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Background: HIV-1 Clade C (Subtype C; HIV-1C) is responsible for greater than 50% of infections worldwide. Unlike clade B HIV-1 (Subtype B; HIV-1B), which is known to cause HIV associated dementia (HAD) in approximately 15% to 30% of the infected individuals, HIV-1C has been linked with lower prevalence of HAD (0 to 6%) in India and Ethiopia. However, recent studies report a higher prevalence of HAD in South Africa, Zambia and Botswana, where HIV-1C infections predominate. Therefore, we examined whether Southern African HIV-1C is genetically distinct and investigated its neurovirulence. HIV-1 Tat protein is a viral determinant of neurocognitive dysfunction. …

Global Neuroaids Roundtable, Jeymohan Joseph, Cristian L. Achim, Michael J. Boivin, Bruce J. Brew, David B. Clifford, Deborah A. Colosi, Ronald J. Ellis, Robert K. Heaton, Amadou Gallo-Diop, Igor Grant, Georgette D. Kanmogne, Mahendra Kumar, Scott Letendre, Thomas D. Marcotte, Avindra Nath, Carlos A. Pardo, Robert H. Paul, Lynn Pulliam, Kevin Robertson, Walter Royal Iii, Ned Sacktor, Pasiri Sithinamsuwan, Davey M. Smith, Victor Valcour, Brian Wigdahl, Charles Wood

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

In May 2012, the Division of AIDS Research at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) organized the “Global NeuroAIDS Roundtable” in conjunction with the 11th International Symposium on Neurovirology and the 2012 Conference on HIV in the Nervous System. The meeting was held in New York, NY, USA and brought together NIMH-funded investigators who are currently working on projects related to the neurological complications of AIDS (NeuroAIDS) in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America in order to provide an opportunity to share their recent findings and discuss the challenges encountered within each country. The major goals of the …

Novel Insights Into The Function And Regulation Of Group X Secretory Phospholipase A2, Joseph D. Layne Jr

Theses and Dissertations--Nutritional Sciences

Group X secretory phospholipase A₂ (GX sPLA₂) hydrolyzes membrane phospholipids producing free fatty acids and lysophospholipids. Previous studies from our lab suggest that mice with targeted deletion of GX sPLA₂ (GX KO) have increased age-related weight gain due to an increase in overall adiposity. Paradoxically, this increased adiposity is associated with improved age-related glucose intolerance. GX KO mice also demonstrate a reduced inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide injection. In vitro studies indicate this phenotype may be attributable to blunted macrophage mediated inflammatory responses. Given the role of macrophages in promoting adipose tissue (AT) inflammation and metabolic dysfunction …

A Small Outbreak Of Tularemia In A Rural Area, İbak Gönen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To assess clinically and epidemiologically an outbreak of tularemia detected in a small village in Tokat Province in Turkey. Materials and methods: Recorded clinical and laboratory data of 15 serologically confirmed patients, who either presented to hospital or were diagnosed during family medicine visits to the village during the outbreak, were assessed. Forms including a questionnaire about the symptomatology and previously given treatments were filled out by the patients. In addition, the entire village was investigated to establish the origin of the outbreak. Results: Ages of the 15 individuals (9 females) ranged between 10 and 75, and the mean was …

Orthophenylphenol In Healthcare Environments: A Trial Related To A New Administration Method And A Review Of The Literature, Ali̇cem Teki̇n, Tuba Dal, Caferi̇ Tayyar Selçuk, Özcan Deveci̇, Recep Teki̇n, Mahmut Mete, Sai̇m Dayan, Sali̇h Hoşoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate antibacterial and antifungal effectiveness of orthophenylphenol (Fumispore, LCB, La Salle, France) with a new administration method in healthcare environments. Materials and methods: This study was performed in 3 units of the Dicle University Hospital. Surface swab and ambient air samples were collected just before the application of Fumispore and 6 h later. All samples were inoculated onto plate count agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar. The total aerobic colony count (ACC) was determined by using the standard method based on quantitative bacterial measurement. Results: In total, 30 surface swabs and 6 ambient air samples were collected. The mean values …

Investigations Of Als1 And Hwp1 Genes In Clinical Isolates Of Candida Albicans, Melek İnci̇, Mustafa Altay Atalay, Burçi̇n Özer, Ömer Evi̇rgen, Ni̇zami̇ Duran, Vi̇cdan Köksaldi Motor, Ayşe Nedret Koç, Yüsüf Önlen, Çeti̇n Kilinç, Süleyman Durmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To explore the presence of ALS1 and HWP1 genes by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Candida albicans strains. Materials and methods: By using the multiplex PCR method, the presence of agglutinin-like sequence 1 (ALS1) and hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) genes were investigated in 206 C. albicans strains that were isolated from various clinical samples. Phenotypic identification of slime formation by microplate and tube adherence tests was performed. Results: The presence of the ALS1 gene was detected in 53.9% of all strains, while the HWP1 gene was present in 5.3%. Slime formation was phenotypically detected in the 62.2% of …

Preliminary Data From A Surveillance Study On Surgical Site Infections And Assessment Of Risk Factors In A University Hospital, Mustafa Namiduru, İlkay Karaoğlan, Riza Çam, Vuslat Boşnak, Ayşe Özlem Mete

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Surgical site infections (SSIs) lead to substantial mortality, morbidity, and socioeconomic loss. To explore the rate of infections and risk factors for the development of infection in surgical units. Materials and methods: All patients (n = 1397) who underwent a surgical intervention and were hospitalized for >48 h in surgical units (except the ophthalmology unit) of Gaziantep University Medical Faculty Hospital between 17 March 2008 and 15 July 2008 were included in the study. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were used for identifying and diagnosing SSIs. Rate of SSI was calculated as the number of SSIs observed …

The Role Of Vitamin D Deficiency In Parathyroid Hormone Levels, Alpaslan Kiliçarslan, Alma Cenoli̇ Aslan, Gamze Gezgen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Vitamin D deficiency is an important cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism. We aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D levels on parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Materials and methods: We retrospectively chose 2226 patients who were admitted to our hospital’s general internal medicine department for various reasons and had both PTH and vitamin D tests on the same day. Results: It was found that 22.3% of the patients had high levels of PTH and 92% of them had secondary hyperparathyroidism. The average vitamin D level was 16.4 ng/mL. The vitamin D levels of 64% of the patients were below 20 ng/mL …

Effect Of The Presence Of Pneumonia On Noninvasive Ventilation Success In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cases With Acute Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure, Serdar Akpinar, Kazim Rollas, Evri̇m Eylem Akpinar, Ali̇ Alagöz, Nazi̇re Uçar, Yusuf Tuğrul Şi̇pi̇t

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the effect of the presence of pneumonia on the success of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases with acute respiratory failure. Materials and methods: Sixty patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to COPD exacerbation were included. The patients were divided into 2 groups as those with pneumonia (Group 1) and without pneumonia (Group 2). According to initial pH values, cases were also divided into 3 subgroups based on pH values. C-reactive protein (CRP), APACHE II scores, requirement of endotracheal intubation, mortality, and duration of ICU and hospital stay were also …

Pcr Detection Of Brucella Abortus In Cow Milk Samples Collected From Erzurum, Turkey, Tüli̇n Arasoğlu, Medi̇ne Güllüce, Hakan Özkan, Ahmet Adigüzel, Fi̇kretti̇n Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

In this study, we designed and used 2 different type-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for the detection of Brucella abortus. Materials and methods: There were 2 different primer sets (B4/B5 and AF/AR) selected and used for the amplification of 2 different genes that are present in all biovars of Brucella species, including bcsp31, encoding 31-kDa immunogenic cell surface proteins, and omp25, which is known to be one of the virulence factors encoding outer membrane proteins of 26–23 kDa. Results: The results showed that 273 (81.7%) and 317 (94.9%) out of 334 milk samples were positive for brucellosis, as detected …

Assessment Of Immune Responses To Hepatitis A Vaccination In Children Aged 1 And 2 Years, Solmaz Çelebi̇, Mustafa Kemal Hacimustafaoğlu, Yücehan Albayrak, Ayşe Melda Sinirtaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Hepatitis A can be prevented by vaccination. The aim of this study was to determine seropositivity for hepatitis A before vaccination in healthy children 12 and 24 months of age and compare seroconversion rates after vaccination between these 2 groups. Materials and methods: Forty-nine children aged 1 year (Group 1) and 51 children aged 2 years (Group 2) were included in the study. Inactive hepatitis A vaccine (Avaxim, 80 antigenic subtypes, 0.5 mL) were administered to every child in 2 doses, 6 months apart. Anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by Architect HAVAb-IgG and HAVAb-IgM (Abbott, …

Rhodotorula Minuta Fungemia In A Ewe Lamb, C. G. Chitko-Mckown, K. A. Leymaster, M. P. Heaton, D. D. Griffin, J. K. Veatch, S. A. Jones, M. L. Clawson

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

An 8-month-old crossbred ewe, normal upon physical examination, was humanely euthanized for tissue collection. After approximately 3 weeks in tissue culture, fungi began budding out of cells obtained from the choroid plexus. After an additional 3 weeks, budding was observed in kidney cell cultures and eventually in monocyte cultures as well. Serum from the lamb was submitted to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Colorado State University for fungal diagnosis and was found negative for Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Coccidioidomycosis and Histoplasmosis. DNA was isolated from fungi collected from tissue culture supernatants and used in a set of pan-fungal PCR assays with …

Interferon Inducible Protein Ifi35 Negatively Regulates Rig-I Antiviral Signaling And Supports Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Replication, Anshuman Das, Phat X. Dinh, Debasis Panda, Asit K. Pattnaik

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

In a genome-wide siRNA screen, we recently identified the interferon (IFN) inducible protein 35 (IFI35, also known as IFP35) as a factor required for VSV infection. Studies reported here were conducted to further understand the role and requirement of IFI35 in VSV infection. Consistent with the siRNA screening data, we found that depletion of IFI35 led to reduced VSV replication at the level of viral gene expression. Although no direct interaction of IFI35 with the viral replication machinery was observed, we found that IFI35 negatively regulated the host innate immune response and rescued poly(I:C)-induced inhibition of VSV replication. Promoter-driven reporter …

Sequence-Optimized And Targeted Double-Stranded Rna As A Therapeutic Antiviral Treatment Against Infectious Myonecrosis Virus In Litopenaeus Vannamei, J. Dustin Loy, Duan S. Loy, Mark A. Mogler, Bruce Janke, Kurt Kamrud, D. L. Hank Harris, Lyric C. Bartholomay

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) is a significant and emerging pathogen that has a tremendous impact on the culture of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. IMNV first emerged in Brazil in 2002 and subsequently spread to Indonesia, causing large economic losses in both countries. No existing therapeutic treatments or effective interventions currently exist for IMNV. RNA interference (RNAi) is an effective technique for preventing viral disease in shrimp. Here, we describe the efficacy of a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) applied as an antiviral therapeutic following virus challenge. The antiviral molecule is an optimized dsRNA construct that targets an IMNV sequence …

Bovine Herpes Virus 1 (Bhv-1) And Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (Hsv-1) Promote Survival Of Latently Infected Sensory Neurons, In Part By Inhibiting Apoptosis, Clinton Jones

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

α-Herpesvirinae subfamily members, including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV-1), initiate infection in mucosal surfaces. BHV-1 and HSV-1 enter sensory neurons by cell-cell spread where a burst of viral gene expression occurs. When compared to non-neuronal cells, viral gene expression is quickly extinguished in sensory neurons resulting in neuronal survival and latency. The HSV-1 latency associated transcript (LAT), which is abundantly expressed in latently infected neurons, inhibits apoptosis, viral transcription, and productive infection, and directly or indirectly enhances reactivation from latency in small animal models. Three anti-apoptosis genes can be substituted for LAT, which …

Trends Of Intestinal Parasites Prevalence In The Gaza Strip, 1998-2007: The Use Of Government Health Records, Adnan Ibrahim H. Alhindi, Mervat Al-Louh

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the amount of intestinal parasite infections over a 10-year period in the Gaza Strip. Materials and methods: Data from the Epidemiology Department, Ministry of Health were collected and analyzed statistically. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was monitored and studied for the period 1998-2007. Results: The present study shows results including the records of 471,688 patients (all ages) who had every provided 1 stool specimen to the laboratories of primary health care centers in one of the 5 governorates of the Gaza Strip. It was found that 116,261 specimens were positive for intestinal parasites, representing an overall prevalence of …

A Case Of Childhood Vaccination Barrier: Migrant And Seasonal Farmworkers, İbrahi̇m Koruk, Zeynep Şi̇mşek, Süda Teki̇n Koruk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The Expanded Program on Immunization has proven to be one of the most effective public health strategies. However, the literature contends that medically disadvantaged groups have been associated with less compliance with vaccination calendars and schedules. The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to investigate the vaccination coverage of the children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFs) and to identify their specific barriers to vaccination. Materials and methods: A total of 168 children aged 12-23 months were recruited to the study from a primary healthcare center. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire targeting the issues of infant vaccination status, …

Is There A Rise In Resistance Rates To Fosfomycin And Other Commonly Used Antibiotics In Escherichia Coli-Mediated Urinary Tract Infections? A Perspective For 2004 – 2011, Hüsnü Pullukçu, Sabi̇re Şöhret Aydemi̇r, Meltem Işikgöz Taşbakan, Oğuz Reşat Si̇pahi̇, Fatma Feri̇ha Çi̇lli̇ Hall Jr, Alper Tünger

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Resistance patterns of Escherichia coli to fosfomycin, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and cotrimoxazole were evaluated in 2 different studies held in 2004 and 2005. In this study, it was aimed to compare the changes in the susceptibility patterns of uropathogenic E. coli strains to the above-mentioned antibiotics after 6 years. Materials and methods: Between February and April 2011, E. coli strains isolated from urine samples were included prospectively in the study. Results: A total of 502 E. coli strains (358 from outpatients and 144 from inpatients) were isolated from urine specimens between February and April 2011. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producer E. coli …

Antimicrobial Susceptibilities Of Various Arcobacter Species, Ahmet Ünver, Hali̇l İbrahi̇m Atabay, Mi̇tat Şahi̇n, Özgür Çelebi̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the antimicrobial susceptibilities of various Arcobacter strains isolated from domestic geese, which have great potential for the transmission of arcobacters to humans and animals by contamination of water sources. Materials and methods: A total of 16 Arcobacter strains including A. cryaerophilus (7), A. skirrowii (7), and A. butzleri (2) were examined for their susceptibilities to 20 antibiotics using a disk-diffusion method. Results: All Arcobacter isolates tested were resistant to cloxacillin, cefazolin, optochin, vancomycin, and fusidic acid, and most were susceptible to oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol (except for A. butzleri), nitrofurantoin, amikacin, enrofloxacin, ofloxacin, erythromycin, ampicillin sulbactam, and amoxicillin (except for …

Investigation Of Hepatocyte Growth Factor And Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels In Patients With Febrile Neutropenia, Mehmet Özden, Ahmet Gödekmerdan, Nafi̇ye Fulya İlhan, Emi̇n Tamer Elkiran, Hati̇ce Handan Akbulut

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

It has been thought that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels increase during acute phases of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether HGF, C-reactive protein (CRP), and proinflammatory cytokines have any diagnostic and prognostic value, and to assess HGF as a biomarker in patients with febrile neutropenia. Materials and methods: This study included 20 patients with febrile neutropenia as the study group and 20 healthy individuals as the control group. Serial measurements of serum HGF, CRP, and proinflammatory cytokine levels were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at the baseline, after 48 h of treatment, and …

Evaluation Of Genexpert Vana/Vanb Assay For The Detection Of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci In Patients Newly Admitted To Intensive Care Units, Server Yağci, Çi̇ğdem Ataman Hati̇poğlu, Şeri̇fe Altun, Cemal Bulut, Zeli̇ha Koçak Tufan, Hati̇ce Uludağ Altun, Günay Ertem, Fatma Şebnem Erdi̇nç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The automated Cepheid GeneXpert system provides rapid PCR results and can be used for the identification of VRE. We aimed to evaluate the use of the Cepheid Xpert vanA/vanB real-time PCR assay for the detection of VRE from rectal swabs of patients newly admitted to intensive care units in a hospital setting. Materials and methods: Rectal swab samples of patients newly admitted to 6 intensive care units from March 2011 to February 2012 were obtained. The specimens were analyzed by the GeneXpert system. The results were reported for both vanA and vanB as negative or positive. Results: Comparing the number …

Invasive Device-Associated Hospital Infection Rates, Etiological Agents, And Their Antibiotic Susceptibilities In The Medical Intensive Care Unit Of A University Hospital In Turkey, Sali̇ha Çevi̇k, Vuslat Boşnak, Mustafa Namiduru, İlkay Karaoğlan, Ayşe Özlem Mete

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To determine the rate, etiological agents, antibiotic susceptibilities, and empirical treatment options of etiological agents of invasive device-associated hospital infections (IDAHIs) in the medical intensive care unit of a university hospital. Materials and methods: Between February 2007 and December 2009, 780 IDAHI cases were evaluated in 1650 patients. Results: Ventilator associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, and central venous catheter-associated blood stream infection were observed in 415, 242, and 143 IDAHI cases, respectively. The most frequently isolated etiological agents were Acinetobacter spp. in ventilator-associated pneumonia, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in central venous catheter-associated blood stream infection, and Candida spp. and E. …

The Prevalence Of Smoking And The Knowledge Of Smoking Hazards And Smoking Cessation Strategies Among Hiv Positive Patients In Johannesburg, South Africa, Peter Waweru, R. Anderson, H. Steel, Wdf. Venter, D. Murdoch, C. Feldman

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: While the detrimental effects of smoking among HIV positive patients have been well documented, there is a paucity of data regarding cigarette smoking prevalence among these patients in South Africa.

Objectives: To establish the frequency, demographics, and knowledge of harmful effects and of smoking cessation strategies among HIV-positive patients in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey, using a structured questionnaire interview, of HIV-positive patients attending the HIV Clinic at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital between 1 July 2011 and 31 October 2011.

Results: Of 207 HIV positive patients attending an ARV roll-out clinic, 31 (15%) were …

Rational Use Of Antibiotics--A Quality Improvement Initiative In Hospital Setting, Sidrah Nausheen, Rabia Hammad, Ambreen Khan

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Objectives: To minimise irrational use of antibiotics by implementing guidelines for antibiotic usage in obstetrics and Gynaeocology.
Methods: The observational study was conducted from January to December 2010 at the maternity unit of Aga Khan Hospital for Women and children, Kharadar, a secondary care facility in Karachi, Pakistan. Data was collected from medical records related to the study period. Prophylactic antibiotics were given according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommendation 2009. Surveillance was done by surgical site infection rates and infectious morbidity. Data was analysed on SPSS 13.
Results: Therapeutic antibiotic use was rationalized, reducing the use …

Molecular Characterization Of Acanthamoeba Isolated From Kayseri Well Water, Sali̇h Kuk, Süleyman Yazar, Süheyla Doğan, Ülfet Çeti̇nkaya, Çağri Şakalar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae have a cosmopolitan distribution in soil, dust, air, and water. Generally, environmental free-living amoebae do not threaten human health. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Acanthamoeba in well waters drawn from different locations in Kayseri, Turkey, which are mainly used for drinking or irrigation by the residents in the region. Materials and methods: Twenty-nine samples, including 26 well water sediment samples and 3 tap water samples as the control, were collected from 3 different locations. Melting snow feeds 5, rain water 18, and tap water 3 of these wells. Results: Five of 26 well …

Haematological Changes In Malaria-Infected Children In North-West Nigeria, Momodu Imoru, Umar A. Shehu, Uchechukwu Gabriel Ihesiulor, Aminu Haruna Kwaru

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Malaria is prevalent in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world and has been associated with some haematological changes. This study determined the effect of malaria infection on haematological values amongst children in north-western Nigeria. Materials and methods: Fifty-eight malaria-infected children, aged 1–12 years, and 58 age-matched uninfected children were studied between September and December 2011 at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. Blood samples collected were analysed for full blood count using a Swelab Alfa 3-part analyser and malaria parasite test using the field staining technique. Results: There were significantly lower values of haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, and platelet count …

Glutaredoxin-2 Is Required To Control Proton Leak Through Uncoupling Protein-3, Ryan J. Mailloux, Jian Ying Xuan, Brittany Beauchamp, Marjorie F. Lou, Mary-Ellen Harper

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Glutathionylation has emerged as a key modification required for controlling protein function in response to changes in cell redox status. Recently, we showed that the glutathionylation state of uncoupling protein-3 (UCP3) modulates the leak of protons back into the mitochondrial matrix, thus controlling reactive oxygen species production. However, whether or not UCP3 glutathionylation is mediated enzymatically has remained unknown because previous work relied on the use of pharmacological agents, such as diamide, to alter the UCP3 glutathionylation state. Here, we demonstrate that glutaredoxin-2 (Grx2), a matrix oxidoreductase, is required to glutathionylate and inhibit UCP3. Analysis of bioenergetics in skeletal muscle …

Is Starting Antiretroviral Therapy (Art) In Hiv Positive Adults With Cd4 Cell Count Of <300 Cells/Μl Within Four Weeks Of Initiating New Tuberculosis (Tb) Therapy More Effective In Reducing Mortality Rates Than Starting Art Four Weeks Or Later After Initiating New Tb Therapy?, Janna Erlien

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV positive adults with CD4 cell count of /µl within four weeks of initiating new tuberculosis therapy more effective in reducing mortality rates than starting ART four weeks or later after initiating new tuberculosis therapy.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language primary studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2011.

DATA SOURCES: Three open label, randomized, controlled trials published in 2011, comparing the timing of ART for HIV+ adults with confirmed or suspected new TB …