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By Culture (by + culture)
Terms modified by By Culture Selected AbstractsMyogenic Induction of Aligned Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheets by Culture on Thermally Responsive Electrospun Nanofibers,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 19 2007M. Dang A thermally reversible culture substrate with a topographically active surface of aligned nanofibers is able to induce cytoskeletal alignment and nucleus elongation. These morphological changes induce myogenic differentiation in stem cells. The differentiated cells can be recovered in sheet form by thermally induced dissolution of the substrate. A surface able to provide topographical cues to create an aligned stem cell sheet, activated to differentiate to a specific lineage, can have a significant impact on engineering of tissue constructs for regenerative medicine applications. [source] Critical Investigations of Age and Aging in the United StatesAMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST, Issue 4 2005SARAH E. LAMB Aged by Culture. Margaret Morganroth Gullette. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2004. 267 pp. Breaking the Watch: The Meanings of Retirement in America. Joel S. Savishinsky. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2000. 281 pp. My Mother's Hip: Lessons from the World of Eldercare. Luisa Margolies. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2004. 339 pp. [source] Severe mental illness across culturesACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2006D. Bhugra Objective:, International studies have shown that the outcome of illnesses like schizophrenia vary across cultures. The good outcome in developing countries depends upon a number of factors. Method:, Using both primary and secondary sources, existing literature was reviewed. Using terms severe mental illness, culture and schizophrenia, Medline, Psychinfo and Embase were searched. Further searches were conducted using secondary searches. Results:, The impact of culture and its components on the individual and their families influences compliance, engagement with services and expectations of treatment. Cultures also impact upon identity and explanatory models of individuals. Conclusion:, Severe mental illness is as likely to be affected by culture as other illnesses. Clinicians need to use multi-model assessment and management techniques. [source] Dynamics of Campylobacter colonization of a natural host, Sturnus vulgaris (European Starling)ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009F. M. Colles Summary Wild European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) shed Campylobacter at high rates, suggesting that they may be a source of human and farm animal infection. A survey of Campylobacter shedding of 957 wild starlings was undertaken by culture of faecal specimens and genetic analysis of the campylobacters isolated: shedding rates were 30.6% for Campylobacter jejuni, 0.6% for C. coli and 6.3% for C. lari. Genotyping by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and antigen sequence typing established that these bacteria were distinct from poultry or human disease isolates with the ST-177 and ST-682 clonal complexes possibly representing starling-adapted genotypes. There was seasonal variation in both shedding rate and genotypic diversity, both exhibiting a maximum during the late spring/early summer. Host age also affected Campylobacter shedding, which was higher in younger birds, and turnover was rapid with no evidence of cross-immunity among Campylobacter species or genotypes. In nestlings, C. jejuni shedding was evident from 9 days of age but siblings were not readily co-infected. The dynamics of Campylobacter infection of starlings differed from that observed in commercial poultry and consequently there was no evidence that wild starlings represent a major source of Campylobacter infections of food animals or humans. [source] Helicobacter pylori in human oral cavity and stomachEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 4 2008Ralf Bürgers The oral cavity has been suspected as an extra-gastroduodenal reservoir for Helicobacter pylori infection and transmission, but conflicting evidence exists regarding the occurrence of H. pylori in the mouth, independently of stomach colonization. Ninety-four gastric biopsy patients were analysed for the concurrent presence of H. pylori in the mouth and stomach. Samples were collected from different areas within the mouth and H. pylori DNA was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and verified by sequencing. Helicobacter pylori -specific serology was performed, and stomach colonization was determined by culture. In addition, relevant dental and periodontal parameters, as well as general health parameters, were recorded. Helicobacter pylori was found in the stomach of 29 patients and in the oral cavity of 16 patients. In only six patients was the bacterium detected simultaneously in the stomach and mouth. Notably, the 10 patients in whom the bacterium was found solely in the mouth did not have serum antibodies to H. pylori. The occurrence of H. pylori in the mouth was found to be correlated neither to any general or oral health parameters, nor to any particular site of collection. This study shows that H. pylori can occur in the oral cavity independently of stomach colonization. [source] Perceptions of Elderly Self-Neglect: A Look at Culture and CohortFAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES RESEARCH JOURNAL, Issue 3 2007Sylvia Marie San Filippo Abuse and neglect are issues of concern that face the elderly population. This study investigated differences in perception of self-neglect behaviors among four cohort and four cultural groups. Data were collected from students, staff, and faculty at a large state university, attendees at multiple senior centers, and people attending cultural fairs in Southern California. Using this convenience sample of 494 participants, age 18 years or older, researchers identified factors influencing self-neglect perceptions in the culture and cohort models. Significant variables identified in both models are: having a daily caloric intake of fewer than 1,000 calories, avoiding friends and social events, drinking three to four alcoholic drinks at social occasions, and working part-time. It is important for professionals working with self-neglecting elders to understand differences in perception by culture and cohort. Agreement on a definition of self-neglect is a step toward better addressing self-neglect in the elderly community. [source] Intracellular trafficking and release of intact edible mushroom lectin from HT29 human colon cancer cellsFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 7 2000Lu-Gang Yu Our previous studies have shown that the Gal,1,3GalNAc,- (Thomsen,Friedenreich antigen)-binding lectin from the common edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus (ABL) reversibly inhibits cell proliferation, and this effect is a consequence of inhibition of nuclear localization sequence-dependent nuclear protein import after ABL internalization [Yu, L.G., Fernig, D.G., White, M.R.H., Spiller, D.G., Appleton, P., Evans, R.C., Grierson, I., Smith, J.A., Davies, H., Gerasimenko, O.V., Petersen, O.H., Milton, J.D. & Rhodes, J.M. (1999) J. Biol. Chem.274, 4890,4899]. Here, we have investigated further the intracellular trafficking and fate of ABL after internalization in HT29 human colon cancer cells. Internalization of 125I-ABL occurred within 30 min of the lectin being bound to the cell surface. Subcellular fractionation after pulse labelling of the cells with 125I-ABL for 2 h at 4 °C followed by culture of the cells at 37 °C demonstrated a steady increase in radioactivity in a crude nuclear extract. The radioactivity in this extract reached a maximum after 10 h and declined after 20 h. Release of ABL from the cell, after pulse labelling, was assessed using both fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled ABL and 125I-ABL and was slow, with a t1/2 of 48 h. Most of the 125I-ABL both inside cells and in the medium remained intact, as determined by trichloroacetic acid precipitation and SDS/PAGE, and after 48 h only 22 ± 2% of ABL in the medium and 14 ± 2% inside the cells was degraded. This study suggests that the reversibility of the antiproliferative effect of ABL is associated with its release from cells after internalization. The internalization and subsequent slow release, with little degradation of ABL, reflects the tendency of lectins to resist biodegradation and implies that other endogenous or exogenous lectins may be processed in this way by intestinal epithelial cells. [source] Detection of Helicobacter species DNA by quantitative PCR in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy individuals and of patients with inflammatory bowel diseaseFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Xander W. Huijsdens Abstract In many animal species different intestinal Helicobacter species have been described and a few species are associated with intestinal infection. In humans, the only member of the Helicobacter family which is well described in literature is Helicobacter pylori. No other Helicobacter -associated diseases have definitely been shown in humans. We developed a sensitive quantitative PCR to investigate whether Helicobacter species DNA can be detected in the human gastrointestinal tract. We tested gastric biopsies (including biopsies from H. pylori positive persons), intestinal mucosal biopsies and fecal samples from healthy persons, and intestinal mucosal biopsies from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for the presence of Helicobacter species. All gastric biopsies, positive for H. pylori by culture, were also positive in our newly developed PCR. No Helicobacter species were found in the mucosal biopsies from patients with IBD (n=56) nor from healthy controls (n=25). All fecal samples were negative. Our study suggests that Helicobacter species, other than H. pylori, are not present in the normal human gastrointestinal flora and our results do not support a role of Helicobacter species in IBD. [source] Presence of High Numbers of Transcriptionally Active Helicobacter pylori in Vomitus from Bangladeshi Patients Suffering from Acute GastroenteritisHELICOBACTER, Issue 4 2009Anders Janzon Abstract Background:,Helicobacter pylori is one of the most prevalent human bacterial pathogens; however, its transmission pathways remain unknown. New infections of H. pylori during outbreaks of gastroenteritis have been suggested previously, and to explore this transmission route further H. pylori was quantified in vomitus and diarrheal stool of patients suffering from acute gastroenteritis in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods:, Vomitus and stool samples from 28 patients seeking care at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research hospital were analyzed for presence of H. pylori and other pathogens using quantitative culturing, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and H. pylori stool antigen test. Bacterial gene expression was analyzed using reverse transcriptase real-time PCR. Results:, The results of real-time PCR show that 23 (88%) of the 26 vomitus samples and 17 (74%) of the 23 stool samples were H. pylori positive, while stool antigen test show that 14 (67%) of the 21 stool samples were H. pylori positive. H. pylori could not be isolated by culture. Analysis using quantitative culture and real-time PCR to detect Vibrio cholerae showed strong correlation between these methods, and validating real-time PCR. Analysis of H. pylori virulence gene transcription in vomitus, diarrheal stool, antral and duodenal biopsy specimens, and in vitro cultures showed that cagA, flaA, and ureA were highly transcribed in vomitus, biopsy specimens, and cultures, whereas hpaA and vacA were expressed at lower levels. No H. pylori gene expression was detected in diarrheal stool. Conclusions:, We conclude that high numbers of transcriptionally active H. pylori are shed in vomitus, which indicates that new infections may be disseminated through vomiting. [source] Induction and mechanism of action of transforming growth factor-,-secreting Th3 regulatory cellsIMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 1 2001Howard L. Weiner Summary: Th3 CD4+ regulatory cells were identified during the course of investigating mechanisms associated with oral tolerance. Different mechanisms of tolerance are induced following oral antigen administration, including active suppression, clonal anergy and deletion. Low doses favor active suppression whereas high doses favor anergy/deletion. Th3 regulatory cells form a unique T-cell subset which primarily secretes transforming growth factor (TGF)-,, provides help for IgA and has suppressive properties for both Th1 and Th2 cells. Th3 type cells are distinct from the Th2 cells, as CD4+ TGF-,-secreting cells with suppressive properties have been generated from interleukin (IL)-4-deficient animals. In vitro differentiation of Th3 cells from Th precursors from T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) transgenic mice is enhanced by culture with TGF-,, IL-4, IL-10, and anti-IL-12. Th3 CD4+ myelin basic protein regulatory clones are structurally identical to Th1 encephalitogenic clones in TCR usage, MHC restriction and epitope recognition, but produce TGF-, with various amounts of IL-4 and IL-10. Because Th3 regulatory cells are triggered in an antigen-specific fashion but suppress in an antigen-non-specific fashion, they mediate "bystander suppression" when they encounter the fed autoantigen at the target organ. In vivo induction of Th3 cells and low dose oral tolerance is enhanced by oral administration of IL-4. Anti-CD86 but not anti-CD80 blocks the induction of Th3 cells associated with low dose oral tolerance. Th3 regulatory cells have been described in other systems (e.g. recovery from experimental allergic encephalomyelitis) but may be preferentially generated following oral antigen administration due to the gut immunologic milieu that is rich in TGF-, and has a unique class of dendritic cells. CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cell function also appears related to TGF-,. [source] Modulation of activity of the adipocyte aquaglyceroporin channel by plant extractsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 1 2007M.-M. Cals-Grierson Synopsis The plasma membrane protein, aquaglyceroporin-7 (AQP7) is exclusively expressed in adipocytes and appears to be a channel for glycerol entry and exit. It is possible that by facilitating the opening of these channels, the loss of intracellular glycerol could be encouraged and thus reduce the size of the lipid reservoir. Human preadipocytes and mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were induced to develop an adipocytic phenotype by culture in a semi-defined medium. After 7 days, the expression of AQP7 message had increased by 37-fold, a level which could be further up-regulated by troglitazone or retinoic acid or down-regulated by insulin. The mature adipocytes also expressed immunoreactive aquaporin (AQP) channel protein as assessed by immunocytochemistry and Western blot. The addition of adrenaline to the culture medium stimulated the release of glycerol (blockable by HgCl2). Plant extracts, with potential anti-cellulite properties, were tested for their effect on glycerol elimination. These included wild yam root (Dioscorea opposita), cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao), horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) seed and bark and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Of these, D. opposita appeared to induce a dose-dependent glycerol release. The results show that our assay can help to identify modulators of AQP7 channel expression and activation in adipocytes. Résumé Le canal aquaglyceroporine 7 (AQP7) est la voie principale d'entrée et sortie du glycérol dans les adipocytes. Nous avons émis l'hypothèse que la stimulation de ces canaux pourrait augmenter la perte de glycérol des vésicules de stockage des graisses dans les adipocytes et diminuer ainsi le volume des adipocytes. Des pré-adipocytes humains et des pré-adipocytes murins (lignée 3T3 - L1) ont été mis en culture et induits à développer un phénotype d'adipocyte mature différencié. L'expression de l'ARNm AQP7 est multipliée par 37 dans les cellules matures comparativement aux cellules immatures. Le taux d'expression peut être modulé par l'addition de troglitazone, d'acide rétinoique ou d'insuline. Les deux types de cellules (adipocytes matures humains et murins) possèdent une immunoreactivité spécifique de AQP, visualisée par immunocytochimie et par analyse en « Western blot ». Certains actifs susceptibles de moduler le passage de glycérol (et /ou d'augmenter le nombre des canaux actifs) ont étéévalués. L'épinéphrine à 1 ,M (contrôle positif) entraîne une libération maximale de glycérol. Cette réponse est bloquée par HgCl2 (fermeture des canaux AQP7). Plusieurs extraits végétaux ayant un potentiel anti-cellulite ont étéévalués: un extrait de la racine de l'igname sauvage (D. opposita), un extrait de cacao (T. cacao), des extraits du noyau et de l'écorce de marronnier (A. hippocastanum) et un extrait de tomate (S. lycopersicum; fruit). Parmi eux, D. opposita a provoqué une libération de glycérol de manière dose-dépendente. Ces résultats montrent que ce test peut être utile à la recherche cosmétique, pour identifier de nouveaux modulateurs des canaux AQP7 adipocytaires. [source] Acute urethritis caused by Neisseria meningitidisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 6 2003NORIYUKI KANEMITSU Abstract A 48-year-old heterosexual Japanese man visited the outpatient clinic of Nagoya Urology Hospital, complaining of burning pain at voiding and pus discharge from the urethral orifice. These symptoms appeared the day following oral-genital contact (fellatio) with a commercial sex worker. On the basis of the presumptive clinical diagnosis of gonorrhea because of the microscopic detection of diplococci in the urethral discharge, he was treated with levofloxacin (300 mg per day) for 7 days. His symptoms responded quickly and urinalysis taken 7 days later was normal. Microbiological examinations isolated Neisseria meningitidis in the urethral discharge by culture with the use of enzymatic profiles. Further prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) through oral-genital contact would lead to an increase in meningococcal urethritis. [source] Language Games and Natural ReactionsJOURNAL FOR THE THEORY OF SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, Issue 1 2004David Rubinstein Ludwig Wittgenstein imagines a variety of eccentric social practices,like a tribe trained "to give no expression of feeling of any kind". But he also speaks of "the common behavior of mankind" that is rooted in "natural/primitive reactions". This emphasis on the uniformities of human behavior raises questions about the plausibility of some of his imagined language games. Indeed, it suggests the claim of evolutionary psychologists that there are biologically based human universals that shape social practices. But in contrast to E.O. Wilson's belief that "genes hold culture on a leash", Wittgenstein sees culture as a mediator,rather than a conduit,of "natural reactions". This suggests that social science can incorporate the claims of evolutionary psychology without scanting the centrality of culture in action and allows that nature can be overwhelmed by culture. [source] Heterogeneity in chlorine susceptibility for Legionella pneumophila released from Acanthamoeba and HartmannellaJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009C.-W. Chang Abstract Aims:, To assess chlorine susceptibility of Legionella pneumophila grown from two amoebic hosts, Acanthamoeba castellanii and Hartmannella vermiformis. Methods and Results:, After being released from amoebae, Leg. pneumophila were chlorinated at 2 and 5 mg l,1 for 5 min,24 h. Bacterial culturability and cytoplasmic membrane deterioration were quantified by culture assay on BCYE, agar and BacLight stains coupled with a fluorescent microscope, respectively. Chlorination reduced the culturability of Leg. pneumophila by 2·93,4·59 log CFU ml,1 and damaged cellular membrane by 53·8,99·2%. Moreover, cells released from H. vermiformis exhibited significantly lower degrees in culturability reduction (P = 0·0008) and membrane deterioration (P < 0·0001) when compared with those from A. castellanii. The amoebic genus is the most significant parameter affecting cytoplasmic membrane integrity of chlorinated Legionella (P < 0·0001), followed by free chlorine concentration (P = 0·042). Conclusions:,Legionella pneumophila replicated from H. vermiformis possess greater chlorine resistance than the cells from A. castellanii. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This study shows the heterogeneity of amoebae-grown Leg. pneumophila in chlorine susceptibility, which should be considered in the control of legionellae proliferation, particularly in the systems where H. vermiformis is dominant, e.g. hot water plumbing. [source] Characterization of dominant microbiota of a Ghanaian fermented milk product, nyarmie, by culture- and nonculture-based methodsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2006M. Obodai Abstract Aims:, To characterize the predominant micro-organisms in a Ghanaian traditional fermented dairy product, nyarmie, made from cows' milk, using both culture- and nonculture-based methods. Methods and Results:, Samples of nyarmie were analysed from three production sites in Accra, by determining the counts on selective culture media. The microbial diversity occurring in nyarmie was also evaluated by 16S/18S ribosomal DNA PCR amplification and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Results showed that nyarmie contained lactococci and lactobacilli in the range of 108 and 1010 CFU ml,1, respectively, and yeasts at around 107 CFU ml,1. The pH ranged between 3·49 and 4·25. The predominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in nyarmie were Leuconostocmesenteroides ssp. mesenteroides, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, Lact.helveticus, Lact. delbrueckii ssp. lactis and Lactococcus lactis, while Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the predominant yeast species. Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. delbrueckii was not detected by cultivation but its predominance was revealed by PCR-DGGE analysis. Conclusions:, The flora in products from different producers varied in the LAB composition present and may result in variations in product quality. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Development and use of starter cultures for nyarmie may be beneficial in improving the consistency of product quality. [source] MT1-MMP, but not secreted MMPs, influences the migration of human microvascular endothelial cells in 3-dimensional collagen gelsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2002Teruhiko Koike Abstract Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific inhibitors the TIMPs play significant roles in angiogenesis. We investigated how the expression of specific MMPs and TIMPs by human microvascular endothelial cells (hmECs) was modulated by culture of the cells in 3-dimensional (3D) type I collagen gels versus 2-dimensional (2D) collagen-coated surfaces. By reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), levels of mRNA for MMPs-1, -2, and -13, MT1-MMP, and TIMPs-1 and -2 were similar in 2D versus 3D cultures. By Western blot assay, TIMP-1 and proMMP-1 were present and were expressed similarly in media from 2D versus 3D cultures, whereas active MMPs-1, -9, and -13 were not detected. Active MMP-13 was present in cell lysates (CL) and was increased in lysates from 3D cultures relative to 2D cultures. Relative to 2D cultures, CL and media from 3D cultures exhibited a decrease in expression of TIMP-2 and an increased conversion of proMMP-2 and proMT1-MMP to active or processed forms. The MMP inhibitor GM6001 interfered with the migration of hmECs in 3D cultures, but not in 2D cultures. Addition of active MMP-1 or blocking antibodies to TIMP-1 did not affect the migration of hmECs in 3D collagen. Migration in 3D collagen was decreased by TIMP-2 (an inhibitor of MT1-MMP), but not by TIMP-1 (a poor inhibitor of MT1-MMP, but an efficient inhibitor of MMP-2). Collectively, our data indicate that MT1-MMP contributes significantly to the movement of hmECs through 3D collagen, in contrast to secretory-type MMPs-1, -2, -9, and -13, which are not critical for this movement. J. Cell. Biochem. 86: 748,758, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Testing Central Postulates of Parental Acceptance-Rejection Theory (PARTheory): A Meta-Analysis of Cross-Cultural StudiesJOURNAL OF FAMILY THEORY & REVIEW, Issue 1 2010Ronald P. Rohner This meta-analysis addresses the following questions drawing from parental acceptance-rejection theory (PARTheory): (a) Is perceived rejection by an intimate partner in adulthood associated with the same form of psychological maladjustment that perceived parental rejection is known to be in childhood? (b) Are adults' remembrances of parental acceptance in childhood associated with their current psychological adjustment? (c) Do statistical relations vary by culture or gender? The meta-analysis was based on 17 studies involving 3,568 adults in 10 nations. Results showed that perceived partner acceptance in adulthood and remembered paternal and maternal acceptance in childhood tend to correlate highly with the current psychological adjustment of both men and women across all studies. [source] Distribution of mycobacteria in clinically healthy ornamental fish and their aquarium environmentJOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 7 2006V Beran Abstract Some mycobacterial species (particularly Mycobacterium marinum) found in aquarium environments may cause chronic diseases in fish and cutaneous infections in humans, the so-called ,fish tank granuloma'. The presence and distribution of mycobacterial species in clinically healthy aquarium fish and their environment has not been adequately explored. The present study analysed the occurrence of mycobacteria in a decorative aquarium (Brno, South Moravia) and in five aquaria of a professional fish breeder (Bohumin, North Moravia). After Ziehl,Neelsen staining, acid-fast rods (AFR) were observed in six (14.3%) and mycobacteria were detected by culture in 18 (42.9%) of 42 tissue samples from 19 fish. Sixty-five samples of the aqueous environment from all six aquaria were examined; AFR were found in 16 (24.6%) and mycobacteria were detected by culture in 49 (75.4%) samples. Forty-one (70.7%) of 58 selected mycobacterial isolates were identified biochemically as follows: M. fortuitum, M. flavescens, M. chelonae, M. gordonae, M. terrae, M. triviale, M. diernhoferi, M. celatum, M. kansasii and M. intracellulare. The clinically important species for humans and fish, M. marinum, was not detected. Mycobacterium kansasii was isolated from one sample of the aquarium environment from North Moravia, which is a region of the Czech Republic with endemic incidence of M. kansasii in water. The incidence of other conditionally pathogenic mycobacterial species in healthy fish and in all investigated constituents of the aquarium environment including snails and crustaceans used for fish feeding, was quite high. Accordingly, mycobacterial species from aquarium environments may serve as a possible source of infection for both aquarium fish and immunodeficient fish handlers. [source] Appropriate cut-off value of 13C-urea breath test after eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in JapanJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 12 2003CHIEKO KATO Abstract Background and Aim:, A cut-off value of 2.5, for the 13C-urea breath test (UBT) is recommended in Japanese persons, based on the result of a multicenter trial in patients prior to treatment for eradication of Helicobacter pylori. The cut-off value of 2.5, has also been used in the assessment of eradication after treatment. The 6,8-week evaluation after treatment is recommended in the guidelines of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology. The present study aimed to prospectively re-assess the cut-off value of the 13C-UBT at 6 weeks after treatment by using the results obtained at 6 months as an indication of true positive or true negative H. pylori infection status. Methods:, One hundred and ninety patients who were positive for H. pylori underwent eradication treatment, and 177 patients of these patients who were assessed as having true positive or true negative H. pylori,status ,at ,6 months ,after ,treatment ,were ,evaluated ,in ,this ,study. ,Eradication ,was ,assessed ,by 13C-UBT, ,culture, ,and ,histology ,at ,6 weeks ,and ,at ,6 months ,after ,treatment, ,and ,the ,cut-off ,value ,of 13C-UBT at 6 weeks was re-assessed. Results:, A cut-off value of 3.5,. at 6 weeks after treatment showed 97.2% diagnostic accuracy, while a cut-off value of 2.5, at 6 weeks showed 96.0% diagnostic accuracy. For a 3.5, cut-off value, only five patients were positive by 13C-UBT and were negative by culture and histology at 6 weeks, and three patients were true positive and two were false positive by the 13C-UBT at 6 months. Conclusion:, A cut-off value of 3.5, for the 13C-UBT is recommended at 6 weeks after eradication treatment in Japanese persons. [source] Extending the reading time increases the accuracy of rapid whole blood test for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infectionJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 12 2001Tseng-Shing Chen Abstract Background: To evaluate the accuracy of two rapid whole blood tests (the BM-Test Helicobacter pylori and the QuikPac IV One Step H. pylori Whole Blood Test), and compare this to a conventional quantitative ELISA test (HEL-p TEST II). Methods:Helicobacter pylori status in dyspeptic patients was assessed by culture, histology, and rapid urease tests on biopsies from the antrum and corpus. The optimal cut-off value of the reading time for the rapid blood tests was determined by using the receiver characteristics operative (ROC) curves. Results: In the 141 patients examined, 89 were infected, 51 were not infected, and one was indeterminate (only positive in either urease test or histology). Areas under ROC curves were greater in the BM-Test compared with the QuikPac IV (0.948 vs 0.840, P < 0.01), with their most appropriate cut-off reading times at 360 and 395 min, respectively, rather than 10 min as suggested by the manufacturer. The sensitivity and specificity were 94.4% and 94.1% at 360 min, and 74.2 and 96.1% at 10 min for the BM-Test; 80.9, 76.5 at 395 min and 3.4 and 100% at 10 min for the QuikPac IV. The antibody titer of the quantitative ELISA test was negatively correlated with the reaction time of the two rapid blood tests in H. pylori -infected patients (P < 0.05, r = ,0.3). Conclusions: The BM-Test is an appropriate office-based test for diagnosing H. pylori infection in Chinese patients. Extending the reading time would facilitate the readability of rapid blood tests with a resultant increase in accuracy. [source] Possible promotion of neuronal differentiation in fetal rat brain neural progenitor cells after sustained exposure to static magnetismJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 11 2009Noritaka Nakamichi Abstract We have previously shown significant potentiation of Ca2+ influx mediated by N-methyl- D -aspartate receptors, along with decreased microtubules-associated protein-2 (MAP2) expression, in hippocampal neurons cultured under static magnetism without cell death. In this study, we investigated the effects of static magnetism on the functionality of neural progenitor cells endowed to proliferate for self-replication and differentiate into neuronal, astroglial, and oligodendroglial lineages. Neural progenitor cells were isolated from embryonic rat neocortex and hippocampus, followed by culture under static magnetism at 100 mT and subsequent determination of the number of cells immunoreactive for a marker protein of particular progeny lineages. Static magnetism not only significantly decreased proliferation of neural progenitor cells without affecting cell viability, but also promoted differentiation into cells immunoreactive for MAP2 with a concomitant decrease in that for an astroglial marker, irrespective of the presence of differentiation inducers. In neural progenitors cultured under static magnetism, a significant increase was seen in mRNA expression of several activator-type proneural genes, such as Mash1, Math1, and Math3, together with decreased mRNA expression of the repressor type Hes5. These results suggest that sustained static magnetism could suppress proliferation for self-renewal and facilitate differentiation into neurons through promoted expression of activator-type proneural genes by progenitor cells in fetal rat brain. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Psychosocial Well-Being and Quality of Life Among Women Newly Diagnosed With Genital HerpesJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 3 2009Hayley Mark ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the psychosocial well-being and quality of life among women with a new genital herpes simplex virus diagnosis. Design: Data were collected by a cross-sectional survey. Participants: Eighty-three women diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus by culture, visual exam and/or a description of symptoms within the last 3 months were recruited from primary health care clinics by their provider. Measures: Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Recurrent Genital Herpes Quality of Life scale. Results: Thirty-four percent of the women qualified as "clinical cases" for depression, and 64% were designated as "anxiety cases" based on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scoring methods. A majority of participants reported feeling ashamed about having herpes and worried about having an outbreak or giving herpes to someone else. Conclusions: Despite substantial progress toward understanding genital herpes simplex virus epidemiology and transmission, a diagnosis of genital herpes continues to cause considerable psychosocial morbidity and to impact quality of life. There is a dearth of good evidence on how best to intervene to minimize the psychological impact of a diagnosis. Experts recommend addressing both the medical and psychological aspects of infection by providing antiviral therapy, written material, and resources. [source] Early osteoblastic differentiation induced by dexamethasone enhances adenoviral gene delivery to marrow stromal cellsJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 2 2004Jeremy S. Blum Abstract We investigated the implications of induced osteogenic differentiation on gene delivery in multipotent rat marrow stromal cells (MSCs). Prior to genetic manipulation cells were cultured with or without osteogenic supplements (5 ± 10,8 M dexamethasone, 160 ,M l-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, and 10 mM ,-glycerophosphate). Comparison of liposome, retroviral, and adenoviral vectors demonstrated that all three vectors could mediate gene delivery to primary rat MSCs. When these vectors were applied in the absence or presence of osteogenic supplements, we found that MSCs differentiated prior to transduction with adenovirus type 5 vectors produced a 300% increase in transgene expression compared to MSCs that were not exposed to osteogenic supplements. This differentiation effect appeared specific to adenoviral mediated gene delivery, since there was minimal increase in retroviral gene delivery and no increase in liposome gene delivery when MSCs were treated with osteogenic supplements. In addition, we also determined this increase in transgene production to occur at a higher concentration of dexamethasone (5 ± 10,8 M) in the culture medium of MSCs prior to adenoviral transduction. We found that this increased transgene production could be extended to the osteogenic protein, human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (hBMP-2). When delivered by an adenoviral vector, hBMP-2 transgene production could be increased from 1.4 ng/105 cells/3 days to 4.3 ng/105 cells/3 days by culture of MSCs with osteogenic supplements prior to transduction. These results indicate that the utility of MSCs as a therapeutic protein delivery mechanism through genetic manipulation can be enhanced by pre-culture of these cells with dexamethasone. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. [source] Adipogenic Effect of Alcohol on Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem CellsALCOHOLISM, Issue 7 2004Frederick H. Wezeman Background: In addition to a decrease in bone mass in alcoholics their osteopenic skeletons show an increase in bone marrow adiposity. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) in vivo differentiate into several phenotypes including osteogenic and adipogenic cells, both of which remain as resident populations of bone marrow. In vitro, the lineage commitment and differentiation of hMSC toward the adipogenic pathway can be promoted by alcohol. Methods: Human male and female mesenchymal stem cells from joint replacement surgery were cultured. Cells were grouped as: 1) Control (no additions to the culture medium), 2) EtOH (50 mm alcohol added to the culture medium), 3) OS (osteogenic inducers added to the culture medium), and 4) OS + EtOH (osteogenic inducers and 50 mm alcohol added to the culture medium). Cultures stained with Nile Red confirmed the development of differentiated adipocytes. Population analysis was performed using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Gene expression of early, middle, late, and terminal differentiation stage markers (PPAR),2, lipoprotein lipase, adipsin, leptin, and adipocyte P2 (aP2)] was studied by Northern hybridization, and protein synthesis of aP2 was determined by Western analysis. Results: Nile red staining confirmed increased adipocyte development 10 days after the onset of treatment with 50 mm alcohol and osteogenic induction. By day 21 the number of adipocytes increased to 13.6% of the total population. Alcohol up-regulated the gene expression of PPAR,2 whereas no up-regulation was observed for the other genes. Protein production of aP2 was significantly increased in hMSC cells by culture in the presence of alcohol. Conclusions: The data suggest that alcohol's adipogenic effect on cultured hMSC is through up-regulation of PPAR,2 at the point of lineage commitment as well as through enhancement of lipid transport and storage through increased aP2 synthesis. The alcohol-induced expression and synthesis changes account for the increased Nile red staining of cultured hMSC. [source] Candida balanitis: risk factorsJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 7 2010C Lisboa Abstract Background, The amount of available information on the prevalence and incidence of candida balanitis is still surprisingly scarce. Objectives, To determine the prevalence of candida colonization and candida balanitis in men attending a Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinic. To identify risk factors associated with candida balanitis. Methods, During a 36-month period, a cross-sectional study was carried out on consecutive men attendees of the STD clinic in Hospital S. João, Porto. Clinical and epidemiological data were recorded. Specimen collection from the glans penis and the coronal sulcus followed two procedures: a cotton tipped swab and the direct impression on the surface of CHROMagar Candida medium. Risk factors were considered singly and in combination through logistic regression models. Results, Among 478 men enrolled, the prevalence of candida colonization was 26.2% and the prevalence of candida balanitis was 18%. Candida colonization was strongly associated with an age above 60 years (OR = 3.375; 95% CI: 1.547,7.362) and with the presence of other cause of balanitis apart from Candida organisms (OR: 2.466; 95% CI: 1.491,4.078). An age above 40 years (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.005,4.500), diabetes mellitus (OR: 19.390; 95% CI: 7.789,48.273) and more than ten candida colonies recovered by culture (OR: 9.586; 95% CI: 2.682,34.263) were risk factors for candida balanitis. Conclusions, This study highlights the impact of factors other than sexual behaviours upon the epidemiology of this infection. For both candida colonization and infection, age was an important risk factor. Diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor for candida balanitis. More than ten colonies recovered from culture are associated with clinical signs and symptoms. [source] Mycoplasma genitalium: the aetiological agent of urethritis and other sexually transmitted diseasesJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Jørgen Skov Jensen ABSTRACT Mycoplasma genitalium was first isolated in 1980 from two of 13 men with non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). It shares several features with M. pneumoniae, a recognized respiratory tract pathogen. It is extremely difficult to isolate by culture. The development of sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in the early 1990s made clinical studies possible and a significant number of publications have shown a strong association between M. genitalium and NGU, independent of Chlamydia trachomatis. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the currently available information on the associations between M. genitalium and urogenital tract infections in men and women and assess their fulfilment of the Henle,Koch postulates. It is concluded that there is very strong evidence that M. genitalium is a cause of NGU in men and cervicitis in women. Evidence for upper genital tract infections in women has begun to accrue, but further studies are needed. The optimal treatment of M. genitalium infections remains to be determined, but antibiotics of the macrolide group appear to be more active than tetracyclines. [source] Inactivation of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in milk by UV treatmentLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009J. Donaghy Abstract Aims:, To determine the effect of UV radiation on the viability of two strains of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (Map) inoculated into milk. Methods and Results:,Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in a ultra heat treated milk matrix was subjected to increasing doses of UV-C radiation from 0 to 1836 mJ ml,1 using a pilot-scale UV reactor (20 l capacity). Survival of Map was monitored by culture on Herrold's egg yolk medium, Middlebrook 7H10 medium and the FASTPlaqueTBÔ phage assay. Differences in sensitivity to UV treatment were observed between strains, however, at 1000 mJ ml,1 a Map kill rate of 0·1,0·6 log10 was achieved regardless of strain used or method employed to enumerate Map. Although the inactivation trend was similar on the culture and phage assay, the former gave a consistently higher viable count. Conclusions:, The use of UV radiation alone does not represent an alternative to current pasteurization regimes for a large reduction in viable Map in milk. Significance and Impact of the Study:, To the authors' knowledge the work here represents the first pilot-scale UV treatment process used to assess UV efficacy to inactivate Map in milk. The results are similar to those obtained with a laboratory-scale process indicating the difficulties associated with UV treatment of an opaque liquid and the recalcitrance of Map towards inimical treatments. [source] Evaluation of quantitative PCR and culture methods for detection of house dust fungi and streptomycetes in relation to moisture damage of the houseLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008U. Lignell Abstract Aims:, Microbial concentrations in vacuumed house dust samples (n = 71) were analysed by culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods and their association with extent of moisture damage in the house was studied. Methods and Results:, Microbial concentrations measured by qPCR correlated with concentrations obtained by culture method, but were orders of magnitude higher. qPCR also had better sensitivity. Concentrations of several microbes in house dust, determined with qPCR, were associated with the extent of moisture damage in the house. This association was strongest for Penicillium brevicompactum, one of the fungi detected in highest concentrations by qPCR. Furthermore, house dust concentrations of Wallemia sebi, Trichoderma viride, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Eurotium amstelodami and the combined assay group for Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp. and Paecilomyces variotii were significantly associated with the extent of the moisture damage. Conclusion:, These species or assay groups could probably be used as indicators of moisture damage in the house. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This finding indicates the benefits of the qPCR method, which is sensitive enough to reveal the differences in microbial concentrations of house dust between moisture-damaged and undamaged houses. [source] Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in industrial minced beefLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2002C. Vernozy-Rozand Aims: ,The lack of baseline data on the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in retail minced beef in France prompted this survey of industrial minced beef production. Methods and Results: ,An automated enzyme-linked fluorescence immunoassay (ELFA), the VIDAS E. coli O157 method, was used to detect E. coli O157 in industrial minced beef samples. Confirmation of samples positive according to the ELFA was performed using an automated immunoconcentration (ICE) system, VIDAS ICE, which allows the selective capture and release of target organisms. The ICE was followed by culture on cefixime tellurite sorbitol MacConkey agar and a chromogenic medium, O157:H7 ID. Of the 3450 minced beef samples tested, 175 samples were positive with the ELFA method and, of these, four were confirmed by the ICE method. They were identified as sorbitol-negative, O157-positive, H7-positive, mobile, verotoxin-producing E. coli . Conclusions: ,The prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in industrial French minced beef was 0·12%, consistent with many other reports. Significance and Impact of the Study: ,The low infective dose of E. coli O157:H7 presents a major threat. The main means of combating this organism are thermal destruction and good food hygiene covering activities on-farm, in the abattoir and in minced beef industries. [source] Transdifferentiation of adipose-derived stem cells into hepatocytes: a new approachLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2010James Lue Abstract Background: Several studies have demonstrated techniques in differentiating human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) into hepatocytes. Unfortunately, transdifferentiation is inefficient, and the function of these induced hepatocyte-like cells (which we termed ,iHeps') is low compared with that of real hepatocytes. Aims: We aimed to identify transcriptional deficiencies in iHeps that are critical to hepatocyte development, which may provide insights into improving the efficiency of transdifferentiation. Methods: hADSCs were differentiated into iHeps, and iHeps were assayed for hepatocyte-like activity. iHeps were then screened for expression of several growth factors, receptors and transcription factors (TFs) critical to liver development using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Deficient TFs were transduced into hADSCs and hepatocyte function was reassessed after hepatic differentiation. Results: Differentiation of hADSCs into iHeps resulted in the upregulation of hepatic proteins. However, the levels of expression of hepatocyte-specific proteins in these iHeps were well below those of Huh 7.5 hepatoma cells, used in comparison. Five developmental TFs were notably absent on the RT-PCR screen. Lentiviral transduction of these TFs into hADSCs followed by culture in hepatocyte induction medium resulted in increased albumin expression compared with untransduced hADSCs treated in a parallel fashion. Conclusions: These five missing TFs are known to regulate hepatocyte differentiation and some are required to establish the competence of the foregut endoderm. Presumably due to their mesenchymal lineage, hADSCs do not express these endodermal TFs and are not fully competent to respond to critical developmental signals. Supplementation of these TFs may induce competency and enhance the differentiation of hADSCs into hepatocytes. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||