Recently Published Articles
Human Myxomatous Mitral Valves Exhibit Focal Expression of Cartilage-Related Proteins
Abstract:
Background: Heart valves share developmental signaling pathways with cartilage and bone. While calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) has been associated with valve calcification and stenosis, suggestive of osteogenesis, myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is characterized by net matrix degradation, exuberant deposition of proteoglycan, and valve regurgitation. Methods: We determined the presence of cartilage-abundant proteoglycan, aggrecan; cartilage-specific type II collagen; chondrogenic transcription factor, Sox9; and osteogenic transcription factor, Runx2 in human normal and myxomatous mitral valve leaflets by immunohistochemistry. Results and Conclusions: Myxomatous, but not normal, mitral valves demonstrated sharp focal areas that were abundant in aggrecan, type II collagen, and Sox9. These focal areas co-localized with areas of myxomatous pathologic change on Movat staining. Some cells in these areas had a round and hypertrop...
The NH2-Terminal Ig Domains of Insect Projectin could serve as Elastic Elements
Abstract:
The connecting C-filaments of insect indirect flight muscles have been proposed as one of the elements providing muscle elasticity for the asynchronous muscle physiology of derived insects. Two large modular proteins, kettin/Sallimus and projectin make up these filaments, and for both proteins the N-terminal sequences span the extensible I-band and are proposed as the elastic segments. The C-filaments have not been studied in insects, such as dragonflies, crickets, and Lepidoptera with muscles which are largely synchronous in physiology and display different levels of muscle stiffness. In this paper we focus our efforts on the projectin protein of several insects with synchronous flight muscles; namely dragonfly, cricket, and moth. We provide evidence for the localization of projectin over the sarcomere I-Z-I region that is consistent with the existence of C-filaments in synchronous flight muscles. Additionally, we determine the sequences for the NH2-terminal regi...
Psychosocial Characterization of HIV Clients with Potential to be Change Agents for HIV Prevention in Uganda
Abstract:
New research suggests that people living with HIV have the potential to be strong advocates for HIV prevention by passing on HIV prevention messages within their social networks. However, there is a paucity of research into the nature and prevalence of HIV prevention behaviours engaged in by HIV clients, and the psychosocial correlates of such advocacy, which are the goals of this analysis. We examined engagement in HIV prevention advocacy among 602 new HIV clients at two clinics in Uganda. Eighty nine percent reported encouraging others to get tested for HIV, 79% told people they know to use condoms when they have sex, and 61% reported discussing HIV more generally with friends and family. A client was classified as fully engaged in HIV prevention advocacy if they reported engaging in all three of the measured HIV prevention advocacy behaviors. In the bivariate analysis, being from the rural study site (p<0.001), higher levels of HIV disclosure to friends (p&l...
Evaluation of Direct Cost of Adverse Drug Reactions to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Indian Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patients
Citation:
Vasudeva Guddattu, Noorunnisa, Sudha Vidyasagar, Radhakrishnan Rajesh,Danturulu M. Varma; Evaluation Of Direct Cost Of Adverse Drug Reactions To Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy In Indian Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patients.(2012)Open Access Pub. JCRHAP,Vol 1:Issue 1,pg no.12-22. DOI: 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-71
Abstract:
In India, interruptions to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are due to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and no reports on the direct cost incurred in the management of ADRs to HAART are available. There is a need to study direct cost incurred with ADRs to HAART to explore the high economic cost burden imposed by ADRs to HAART in HIV/AIDS patients. This study was aimed to evaluate the direct cost incurred in the management of ADRs to HAART in Indian HIV positive patients. This prospective study was conducted at a Medicine department in a South Indian tertiary care teaching hospitals were ADRs reporting system exist. HIV-positive hospitalized in-patients were identified and intensively monitored for ADRs to HAART. The World Health Organization (WHO) probability scale was used for causality assessment of ADRs. Modified Hart wig and Siegel scale was used for severity assessment of ADRs.Pearson chi-square test identified association of mean direct cost between...
Dual Choice for Dual Target Anti-HIV Therapy
Abstract:
This editorial discusses combination strategies that concurrently target viral replication and host factors in HIV therapy. It surveys candidate mechanisms, potential benefits, and safety considerations, advocating rigorous trials to balance efficacy with tolerability in diverse patient populations.
Editorial for Journal of Proteomics and Genomics Research
Abstract:
An editorial announcing the journal’s launch sets expectations for data standards, reproducibility, and integrative omics studies with clinical relevance.
Optimization and ZSPORE Analysis of Affinity Purification Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Mammalian Cells
Abstract:
Defining protein-protein interactions is essential for understanding the mechanisms by which cells regulate basic functions, such as metabolism, transcription, and signal transduction. Affinity purification followed by tandem mass spectrometry (AP-MS) has application for discovery of new interactors regulating various cellular processes. Here we optimize the purification method for AP-MS and develop a simplified unbiased analytical tool, Z-score plus prey occurrence and reproducibility (ZSPORE) for data analysis. Using this pipeline we achieve a higher efficiency of AP-MS and enhanced identification of high confidence interacting proteins (HCIP) in mammalian cells. When applied to analysis of the innate immune interactome, these methods enhanced HCIP identification. In addition, we investigated the GRB2 complex, which is associated with signal transduction and cell growth. Twenty-four known GRB2 interacting proteins were identified plus 26 new GRB2 binding partner...
Eukaryotic Signature Proteins
Abstract:
Eukaryotic Signature Proteins (ESPs) are proteins that delineate the eukaryotes from the archaea and bacteria. They have no recognisable homologues in any prokaryotic genome, but their homologues are present in all main branches of eukaryotes. ESPs are thus likely to have descended from ancient proteins that have existed since the first eukaryotic cell. The last dataset of ESPs was calculated more than a decade ago, thus with advances in technology and the rapid completion of many evolutionary important genomes, this dataset required recalculating. This study recalculated the Giardia lamblia ESP dataset and provides a procedure to calculate signature proteins beginning with any species. The G. lamblia ESP dataset contained a range of proteins including many associated with the membrane, cytoskeleton, nucleus and protein synthesis. ESP datasets have implications on current models of eukaryotic evolution, having high importance in phylogenetic analysis due to ESPs�...
RETRACTED: 3D-Method for Determining the Imaging Quality of Ultrasound Probes
Abstract:
Monitoring ultrasonic probe quality remains an important problem which impacts diagnostic accuracy. Here we present a quantitative method to assess probe quality primarily based on measuring probe maximum contrast (dB) and dynamic range. Contrast relevant parameters of 26 transducer models manufactured by five manufacturers were measured with a novel Random Void Phantom (RVP) approach. 3D-data were acquired and analysed to determine image quality. Acoustic contrast values ranging from 15dB to 36dB were observed. By examining artefact producing side lobes, the novel RVP approach presented here per...
Lung Cancer and Isolated Adrenal Metastases: Different Disease?
Abstract:
Distant metastases generally indicate disseminated disease and the standard treatment for these patients is palliative chemotherapy. Retrospective series showed that selected patients with metastatic lung cancer and a solitary extrathoracic disease could be effectively treated with curative intention by resection of both primary tumor and the single site of metastatic disease. According to current data, adrenalectomy might be considered as an alternative option for patients with isolated adrenal metastases. Significant morbidity and mortality may be happened by these procedures, and a cautious analysis of pros and cons should be discussed with the patient. We present a review of the literature and updated recommendations focusing lung cancer with solitary adrenal metastasis.