bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein Kinase A in Cancer
Authors: Caretta Antonio , Mucignat-Caretta Carla
Published: March 2011

In the past, many chromosomal and genetic alterations have been examined as possible causes of cancer. However, some tumors do not display a clear molecular and/or genetic signature. Therefore, other cellular processes may be involved in carcinogenesis. Genetic alterations of proteins involved in signal transduction have been extensively studied, for example oncogenes, while modifications in intracellular compartmentalization of these molecules, or changes in the expression of unmodified genes have received less attention. Yet, epigenetic modulation of second messenger systems can deeply modify cellular functioning and in the end may cause instability of many processes, including cell mitosis. It is important to understand the functional meaning of modifications in second messenger intracellular pathways and unravel the role of downstream proteins in the initiation and growth of tumors. Within this framework, the cAMP system has been examined. cAMP is a second messenger involved in regulation of a variety of cellular functions. It acts mainly through its binding to cAMP-activated protein kinases (PKA), that were suggested to participate in the onset and progression of various tumors. PKA may represent a biomarker for tumor detection, identification and staging, and may be a potential target for pharmacological treatment of tumors.
2-[(3,5-Dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene]indane-1,3-dione
Authors: Asiri Abdullah M. , Khan Salman A.
Published: March 2011

The title compound 2-[(3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene]-indane-1,3-dione (3) was synthesized in high yield by reaction of 3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde and indane-1,3-dione in ethanol in the presence of pyridine. The structure of this new compound was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and GC-MS spectral analysis.
Chemical Arsenal for the Study of O-GlcNAc
Authors: Kim Eun J.
Published: March 2011

The concepts of both protein glycosylation and cellular signaling have been influenced by O-linked-β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification (O-GlcNAcylation) on the hydroxyl group of serine or threonine residues. Unlike conventional protein glycosylation, O-GlcNAcylation is localized in the nucleocytoplasm and its cycling is a dynamic process that operates in a highly regulated manner in response to various cellular stimuli. These characteristics render O-GlcNAcylation similar to phosphorylation, which has long been considered a major regulatory mechanism in cellular processes. Various efficient chemical approaches and novel mass spectrometric (MS) techniques have uncovered numerous O-GlcNAcylated proteins that are involved in the regulation of many important cellular events. These discoveries imply that O-GlcNAcylation is another major regulator of cellular signaling. However, in contrast to phosphorylation, which is regulated by hundreds of kinases and phosphatases, dynamic O-GlcNAc cycling is catalyzed by only two enzymes: uridine diphospho-N-acetyl-glucosamine:polypeptide β-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase (OGT) and β-D-N-acetylglucosaminidase (OGA). Many useful chemical tools have recently been used to greatly expand our understanding of the extensive crosstalk between O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation and hence of cellular signaling. This review article describes the various useful chemical tools that have been developed and discusses the considerable advances made in the O-GlcNAc field.
Antioxidant Therapy as a Potential Approach to Severe Influenza-Associated Complications
Authors: Uchide Noboru , Toyoda Hiroo
Published: March 2011

With the appearance of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus 2009 strain we have experienced a new influenza pandemic and many patients have died from severe complications associated with this pandemic despite receiving intensive care. This suggests that a definitive medical treatment for severe influenza-associated complications has not yet been established. Many studies have shown that superoxide anion produced by macrophages infiltrated into the virus-infected organs is implicated in the development of severe influenza-associated complications. Selected antioxidants, such as pyrrolidine dithiocabamate, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, glutathione, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, thujaplicin, resveratrol, (+)-vitisin A, ambroxol, ascorbic acid, 5,7,4-trihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone, catechins, quercetin 3-rhamnoside, iso- quercetin and oligonol, inhibit the proliferation of influenza virus and scavenge superoxide anion. The combination of antioxidants with antiviral drugs synergistically reduces the lethal effects of influenza virus infections. These results suggest that an agent with antiviral and antioxidant activities could be a drug of choice for the treatment of patients with severe influenza-associated complications. This review article updates knowledge of antioxidant therapy as a potential approach to severe influenza-associated complications.
Aging and Longevity: Why Knowing the Difference Is Important to Nutrition Research
Authors: McDonald Roger B. , Ruhe Rodney C.
Published: March 2011

Life expectancies after the age of 70 and the number of individuals living with age-related chronic conditions that affect daily activities continue to increase. Age-specific nutritional recommendations may help to decrease the incidence or severity of age-related debilitating chronic disorders. However, research in this area has seen limited success in identifying nutrition-related mechanisms that underlie the functional loss and chronic conditions that occur as a function of time. We believe that the limited success in establishing age-specific nutrition recommendations for the older population reflects, at least in part, research designs that fail to consider the evolutionary and biological bases of aging and longevity. Longevity has evolved as a by-product of genes selected for their contribution in helping the organism survive to the age of reproduction. As such, the principle of genetic determinism provides an appropriate underlying theory for research designs evaluating nutritional factors involved with life span. Aging is not a product of evolution and reflects stochastic and/or random events that most likely begin during the early, reproductively-active years. The genetic determinism model by which young (normal, control) are compared to old (abnormal, experimental) groups will not be effective in identifying underlying mechanisms and nutritional factors that impact aging. The purpose of this commentary is to briefly discuss the difference between aging and longevity and why knowing the difference is important to nutrition research and to establishing the most precise nutritional recommendations possible for the older population.
Iron, Meat and Health
Authors: Geissler Catherine , Singh Mamta
Published: March 2011

This article is a summary of the publication “Iron and Health” by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) to the U.K. Government (2010), which reviews the dietary intake of iron and the impact of different dietary patterns on the nutritional and health status of the U.K. population. It concludes that several uncertainties make it difficult to determine dose-response relationships or to confidently characterize the risks associated with iron deficiency or excess. The publication makes several recommendations concerning iron intakes from food, including meat, and from supplements, as well as recommendations for further research.
GPS Bias Correction and Habitat Selection by Mountain Goats
Authors: Wells Adam G. , Wallin David O. , Rice Clifford G. , Chang Wan-Ying
Published: March 2011

In Washington State, USA, mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) have experienced a long-term population decline. To assist management, we created annual and seasonal (summer and winter) habitat models based on 2 years of data collected from 38 GPS-collared (GPS plus collar v6, Vectronic-Aerospace GmbH, Berlin, Germany) mountain goats in the western Cascades. To address GPS bias of position acquisition, we evaluated habitat and physiographic effects on GPS collar performance at 543 sites in the Cascades. In the western Cascades, total vegetation cover and the quadratic mean diameter of trees were shown to effect GPS performance. In the eastern Cascades, aspect and total vegetation cover were found to influence GPS performance. To evaluate the influence of bias correction on the analysis of habitat selection, we created resource selection functions with and without bias correction for mountain goats in the western Cascades. We examined how well the resultant habitat models performed with reserved data (25% of fixes from 38 study animals) and with data from 9 other GPS-collared mountain goats that were both temporally and spatially independent. The statistical properties of our GPS bias correction model were similar to those previously reported explaining between 20 and 30% of the variation, however, application of bias correction improved the accuracy of the mountain goat habitat model by only 1–2% on average and did not alter parameter estimates in a meaningful, or consistent manner. Despite statistical limitations, our habitat models, most notably during the winter, provided the widest extent and most detailed models of the distribution of mountain goat habitat in the Cascades yet developed.
A Transflective Nano-Wire Grid Polarizer Based Fiber-Optic Sensor
Authors: Feng Jing , Zhao Yun , Lin Xiao-Wen , Hu Wei , Xu Fei , Lu Yan-Qing
Published: March 2011

A transflective nano-wire grid polarizer is fabricated on a single mode fiber tip by focused ion beam machining. In contrast to conventional absorptive in-line polarizers, the wire grids reflect TE-mode, while transmitting TM-mode light so that no light power is discarded. A reflection contrast of 13.7 dB and a transmission contrast of 4.9 dB are achieved in the 1,550 nm telecom band using a 200-nm wire grid fiber polarizer. With the help of an optic circulator, the polarization states of both the transmissive and reflective lights in the fiber may be monitored simultaneously. A kind of robust fiber optic sensor is thus proposed that could withstand light power variations. To verify the idea, a fiber pressure sensor with the sensitivity of 0.24 rad/N is demonstrated. The corresponding stress-optic coefficient of the fiber is measured. In addition to pressure sensing, this technology could be applied in detecting any polarization state change induced by magnetic fields, electric currents and so on.
Patrol Detection for Replica Attacks on Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Liang-Min , Shi Yang
Published: March 2011

Replica attack is a critical concern in the security of wireless sensor networks. We employ mobile nodes as patrollers to detect replicas distributed in different zones in a network, in which a basic patrol detection protocol and two detection algorithms for stationary and mobile modes are presented. Then we perform security analysis to discuss the defense strategies against the possible attacks on the proposed detection protocol. Moreover, we show the advantages of the proposed protocol by discussing and comparing the communication cost and detection probability with some existing methods.
Water Radiolysis: Influence of Oxide Surfaces on H2 Production under Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Le Caër Sophie
Published: March 2011

The radiolysis of water due to ionizing radiation results in the production of electrons, H· atoms, ·OH radicals, H3O+ ions and molecules (dihydrogen H2 and hydrogen peroxide H2O2). A brief history of the development of the understanding of water radiolysis is presented, with a focus on the H2 production. This H2 production is strongly modified at oxide surfaces. Different parameters accounting for this behavior are presented.
Comparing Continuous Venovenous Hemodiafiltration and Peritoneal Dialysis in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Pilot Study
Authors: George Jacob , Varma Sandeep , Kumar Sajeev , Thomas Jose , Gopi Sreepa , Pisharody Ramdas
Published: March 2011

Background

There are few reports on the role of peritoneal dialysis in critically ill patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapies.

Methods

Patients with acute kidney injury and multi-organ involvement were randomly allotted to continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration(CVVHDF, group A) or to continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD, group B). Cause and severity of renal failure were assessed at the time of initiating dialysis. Primary outcome was the composite correction of uremia, acidosis, fluid overload, and hyperkalemia. Secondary outcomes were improvement of sensorium and hemodynamic instability, survival, and cost.

Results

Groups A and B comprised 25 patients each with mean ages of 45.32 ± 17.53 and 48.44 ± 17.64 respectively. They received 21.68 ± 13.46 hours and 66.02 ± 69.77 hours of dialysis respectively ( p = 0.01). Composite correction was achieved in 12 patients of group A (48%) and in 14 patients of group B (56%). Urea and creatinine clearances were significantly higher in group A (21.72 ± 10.41 mL/min and 9.36 ± 4.93 mL/min respectively vs. 22.13 ± 9.61 mL/min and 10.5 ± 6.07 mL/min, p < 0.001). Acidosis was present in 21 patients of group A (84%) and in 16 of group B (64%); correction was better in group B ( p < 0.001). Correction of fluid overload was faster and the amount of ultrafiltrate was significantly higher in group A (20.31 ± 21.86 L vs. 5.31 ± 5.75 L, p < 0.001). No significant differences were seen in correction of hyperkalemia, altered sensorium, or hemodynamic disturbance. Mortality was 84% in group A and 72% in group B. Factors that influenced outcome were the APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II score ( p = 0.02) and need for ventilatory support ( p < 0.01). Cost of disposables was higher in group A than in group B [INR7184 ± 1436 vs. INR3009 ± 1643, p < 0.001 (US$1 = INR47)].

Conclusions

Based on this pilot study, CPD may be a cost-conscious alternative to CVVHDF; differences in metabolic and clinical outcomes are minimal.
Quality of Life in Automated and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Michels Wieneke M. , Van Dijk Sandra , Verduijn Marion , Le Cessie Saskia , Boeschoten Elisabeth W. , Dekker Friedo W. , Krediet Raymond T.
Published: March 2011

Objective

Despite a lack of strong evidence, automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is often prescribed on account of an expected better quality of life (QoL) than that expected with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Our aim was to analyze differences in QoL in patients starting dialysis on APD or on CAPD with a follow-up of 3 years.

Methods

Adult patients in the prospective NECOSAD cohort who started dialysis on APD or CAPD were included 3 months after the start of dialysis. The Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 [SF-36 (Medical Outcomes Trust and QualityMetric, Lincoln, RI, USA)] and Kidney Disease and Quality of Life Short Form [KDQOL-SF (KDQOL Working Group, Santa Monica, CA, USA)] questionnaires were used to measure QoL. Differences in QoL over time were calculated using linear mixed models. Patients were followed until transplantation, death, or a first switch to any other dialysis modality.

Results

The clinical and social characteristics of the 64 APD and 486 CAPD patients were slightly different at baseline. In the crude analysis, the pattern of the mental summary score differed between the modalities ( p = 0.03, adjusted p = 0.06), because of a different pattern for role function emotional ( p = 0.03, adjusted p = 0.05). The pattern of the physical summary score was not different between the groups. Scores on dialysis staff encouragement had a different pattern over time ( p = 0.01), because of an in-equality in scores 3 months after the start of dialysis, which disappeared after 18 months on dialysis. Over time, patients on APD scored higher on sexual function. After adjustment for age, sex, glomerular filtration rate, comorbidity, and primary kidney disease, that difference disappeared. This study showed no major differences in QoL on the KDQOL-SF and the SF-36 between the two modalities.
Time-Dependent Associations between Total Sodium Removal and Mortality in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Dong Jie , Li Yanjun , Yang Zhikai , Luo Jianfeng , Zuo Li
Published: March 2011

Purpose

To determine if the time-dependent association between total sodium removal and mortality in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is confounded by markers of diet and nutrition.

Methods

The study enrolled 305 incident patients who started CAPD between July 2002 and February 2007. All patients were followed until death or censoring in February 2008. Demographics, blood pressure, and markers of volume and inflammation were collected at baseline. Biochemistry, fluid and solute removal, and diet and nutrition parameters were collected quarterly and thus calculated as time-averaged values.

Results

Mean age of the study patients was 59.4 years, 42.3% were men, and 40.3% had diabetes. During the 31.4-month follow-up, 74 patients died. The time-averaged daily total sodium removal (TSR) in the overall cohort was 2.67 g (range: 2.02 g – 3.47 g). Participants with a high time-averaged TSR tended to experience higher fluid, sodium, urea, and creatinine removal, mainly as a result of better residual renal function (RRF). They also had a higher nutrient intake and a higher lean body mass. Time-dependent TSR was an independent predictor of death, including when adjusted for age, Charlson index, time-dependent hemoglobin, RRF, and peritoneal transport rate (hazard ratio: 0.84; 95% confidence interval: 0.70 to 1.00; p = 0.05), but the predictive effect disappeared in multivariate models after further individual adjustment for time-dependent total energy intake, total protein intake, serum albumin, and lean body mass. By contrast, the predictive effect did not disappear if the only adjustment was for time-dependent RRF.

Conclusions

The time-dependent association between TSR and mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis can be largely explained by diet and nutrition parameters.
Formation of macrocyclic lactones in the Paternò–Büchi dimerization reaction
Authors: Arimura Junya , Mizuta Tsutomu , Hiraga Yoshikazu , Abe Manabu
Published: March 2011

Furan-2-ylmethyl 2-oxoacetates 1a,b, in which the furan ring and the carbonyl moiety were embedded intramolecularly, were synthesized from commercially available furan-2-ylmethanol and their photochemical reaction (hν > 290 nm) was investigated. Twelve-membered macrocyclic lactones 2a,b with Ci symmetry including two oxetane-rings, which are the Paternò–Büchi dimerization products, were isolated in ca. 20% yield. The intramolecular cyclization products, such as 3-alkoxyoxetane and 2,7-dioxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene derivatives, were not detected in the photolysate.
Experimental study of domestic waste material using magnetic resonance measurements
Authors: Clément Rémi , Legchenko Anatoly , Quetu Mathieu , Descloitres Marc , Oxarango Laurent , Guyard Hélène , Girard Jean‐François
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we present results of a laboratory and in situ study of a domestic waste landfill using magnetic resonance measurements. For our study, we used a laboratory Earth’s field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrument developed at LTHE and a large‐scale commercial magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) system NUMISLITE from IRIS Instruments. We show that NMR could be a tool for investigating different processes in water‐saturated waste samples.

Our results show that domestic waste material contains ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles that perturb the homogeneity of the geomagnetic field at a microscopic scale and render an NMR signal short. Consequently, only the spin echo technique can be applied for measuring. At a macroscopic scale, waste and different buried objects may also perturb the natural geomagnetic field. While investigating the landfill, we observed that magnetic anomalies (±2500 nT) are localized around some cells. This is probably linked to the presence of a higher percentage of metallic objects within the waste disposal.

Our first appraisal of the possibility of investigating water‐saturated waste in a laboratory using an Earth’s field NMR instrument shows that, with existing instruments, waste samples can be studied when the dry density of waste is less than approximately 450 kg/m3.

Because the relaxation times of magnetic resonance signals in landfill may be short ( and ), existing large‐scale MRS instrumentation is not adapted to the investigation of domestic waste landfills.
L’écrit à l’écran : contraintes et libertés de l’écriture journalistique sur la page Web
Authors: Catroux Michèle
Published: March 2011

Le développement de l’Internet conduit un nombre toujours plus important de journaux et de magazines à proposer une version électronique de leur publication. Cette mise en ligne impose des adaptations dictées par les caractéristiques techniques propres au support. L’article met en exergue les principes régissant la mise en scène de l’information sur l’écran, identifie les nouvelles modalités de l’écriture journalistique, et évoque les possibles relations de pouvoir entre les journalistes et leur public désormais inclus dans la ligne de production de l’information.
Diagnosis of Pleural Effusion: A Systematic Approach
Authors: McGrath Emmet E. , Anderson Paul B.
Published: March 2011

In most diseases related to pleural effusion, the fluid analysis yields important diagnostic information, and in certain cases, fluid analysis alone is enough for diagnosis. The many important characteristics of pleural fluid are described, as are other complementary investigations that can assist with the diagnosis of common and rare pleural effusions. For a systematic review of pleural effusion, a literature search for articles on the practical investigation and diagnosis of pleural effusion was done. Articles included guidelines, expert opinion, experimental and nonexperimental studies, literature reviews, and systematic reviews published from May 2003 through June 2009. The search yielded 1 guideline, 2 meta-analyses, 9 literature reviews, 1 randomized control trial, and 9 clinical studies. On the basis of class IIa or class I evidence from these articles, a step by step approach is recommended for investigating a pleural effusion, beginning with assessment of the medical history, clinical examination, radiology, pleural fluid evaluation, and finally, if no diagnosis is forthcoming, a pleural biopsy under image guidance or thoracoscopy.
Conjunctival Goblet Cell Secretion Stimulated by Leukotrienes Is Reduced by Resolvins D1 and E1 To Promote Resolution of Inflammation
Authors: Dartt Darlene A. , Hodges Robin R. , Li Dayu , Shatos Marie A. , Lashkari Kameran , Serhan Charles N.
Published: March 2011

The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that covers the sclera and lines the inside of the eyelids. Throughout the conjunctiva are goblet cells that secrete mucins to protect the eye. Chronic inflammatory diseases such as allergic conjunctivitis and early dry eye lead to increased goblet cell mucin secretion into tears and ocular surface disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the actions of the inflammatory mediators, the leukotrienes and the proresolution resolvins, on secretion from cultured rat and human conjunctival goblet cells. We found that both cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptors, CysLT1 and CysLT2, were present in rat conjunctiva and in rat and human cultured conjunctival goblet cells. All leukotrienes LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4, as well as PGD2, stimulated goblet cell secretion in rat goblet cells. LTD4 and LTE4 increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and LTD4 activated ERK1/2. The CysLT1 receptor antagonist MK571 significantly decreased LTD4-stimulated rat goblet cell secretion and the increase in [Ca2+]i. Resolvins D1 (RvD1) and E1 (RvE1) completely reduced LTD4-stimulated goblet cell secretion in cultured rat goblet cells. LTD4-induced secretion from human goblet cells was blocked by RvD1. RvD1 and RvE1 prevented LTD4- and LTE4-stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i, as well as LTD4 activation of ERK1/2. We conclude that cysteinyl leukotrienes stimulate conjunctival goblet cell mucous secretion with LTD4 using the CysLT1 receptor. Stimulated secretion is terminated by preventing the increase in [Ca2+]i and activation of ERK1/2 by RvD1 and RvE1.
Vaccination against Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection in MHC Class II-Deficient Mice
Authors: Holst Peter Johannes , Christensen Jan Pravsgaard , Thomsen Allan Randrup
Published: March 2011

The impact of prophylactic vaccination against acute and chronic infection in a Th-deficient host has not been adequately addressed because of difficulties in generating protective immunity in the absence of CD4+ T cell help. In this study, we demonstrated that a broad CD8+ T cell immune response could be elicited in MHC class II-deficient mice by vaccination with adenovirus encoding lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) glycoprotein tethered to MHC class II-associated invariant chain. Moreover, the response induced conferred significant cytolytic CD8+ T cell-mediated protection against challenge with a high dose of the invasive clone 13 strain of LCMV. In contrast, vaccination with adenovirus encoding unlinked LCMV glycoprotein induced weak virus control in the absence of CD4+ T cells, and mice may die of increased immunopathology associated with incomplete protection. Acute mortality was not observed in any vaccinated mice following infection with the less-invasive Traub strain. However, LCMV Traub infection caused accelerated late mortality in unvaccinated MHC class II-deficient mice; in this case, we observed a strong trend toward delayed mortality in vaccinated mice, irrespective of the nature of the vaccine. These results indicated that optimized vaccination may lead to efficient protection against acute viral infection, even in Th-deficient individuals, but that the duration of such immunity is limited. Nevertheless, for select immunodeficiencies in which CD4+ T cell deficiency is incomplete or transient, these results are very encouraging.
TLR8 Activates HIV from Latently Infected Cells of Myeloid-Monocytic Origin Directly via the MAPK Pathway and from Latently Infected CD4+ T Cells Indirectly via TNF-α
Authors: Schlaepfer Erika , Speck Roberto F.
Published: March 2011

We previously showed that the TLR7/8 agonist, R-848, activated HIV from cells of myeloid-monocytic origin. In this work, we show that this effect was solely due to triggering TLR8 and that NF-κB was involved in the TLR8-mediated activation of HIV from latently infected cells of myeloid-monocytic origin. Inhibition of Erk1/2 or p38α resulted in attenuation of TLR8-mediated activation of NF-κB. Western blots confirmed that TLR8 triggering activated Erk1/2 and p38α but, surprisingly, not JNK. Although the Erk1/2 inhibitors resulted in a less attenuated TLR8-mediated NF-κB response than did p38α inhibitors, they had a more pronounced effect on blocking TLR8-mediated HIV replication, indicating that other transcription factors controlled by Erk1/2 are involved in TLR8-mediated HIV activation from latently infected cells. TNF-α, which was secreted subsequent to TLR8 triggering, contributed to the activation of HIV from the latently infected cells in an autocrine manner, revealing a bimodal mechanism by which the effect of TLR8 triggering can be sustained. We also found that TNF-α secreted by myeloid dendritic cells acted in a paracrine manner in the activation of HIV from neighboring latently infected CD4+ T cells, which do not express TLR8. Notably, monocytes from highly active antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV+ patients with suppressed HIV RNA showed a robust TNF-α secretion in response to TLR8 agonists, pointing to a functional TLR8 signaling axis in HIV infection. Thus, triggering TLR8 represents a very promising strategy for attacking the silent HIV from its reservoir in HIV+ patients treated successfully with highly active antiretroviral therapy.
IL-17+ Regulatory T Cells in the Microenvironments of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer
Authors: Kryczek Ilona , Wu Ke , Zhao Ende , Wei Shuang , Vatan Linhua , Szeliga Wojciech , Huang Emina , Greenson Joel , Chang Alfred , Roliński Jacek , Radwan Piotr , Fang Jingyuan , Wang Guobin , Zou Weiping
Published: March 2011

Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells inhibit immune responses and temper inflammation. IL-17+CD4+ T (Th17) cells mediate inflammation of autoimmune diseases. A small population of IL-17+Foxp3+CD4+ T cells has been observed in peripheral blood in healthy human beings. However, the biology of IL-17+Foxp3+CD4+ T cells remains poorly understood in humans. We investigated their phenotype, cytokine profile, generation, and pathological relevance in patients with ulcerative colitis. We observed that high levels of IL-17+Foxp3+CD4+ T cells were selectively accumulated in the colitic microenvironment and associated colon carcinoma. The phenotype and cytokine profile of IL-17+Foxp3+CD4+ T cells was overlapping with Th17 and Treg cells. Myeloid APCs, IL-2, and TGF-β are essential for their induction from memory CCR6+ T cells or Treg cells. IL-17+Foxp3+CD4+ T cells functionally suppressed T cell activation and stimulated inflammatory cytokine production in the colitic tissues. Our data indicate that IL-17+Foxp3+ cells may be “inflammatory” Treg cells in the pathological microenvironments. These cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis through inducing inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting local T cell immunity, and in turn may mechanistically link human chronic inflammation to tumor development. Our data therefore challenge commonly held beliefs of the anti-inflammatory role of Treg cells and suggest a more complex Treg cell biology, at least in the context of human chronic inflammation and associated carcinoma.
Antibody-Mediated Coengagement of FcγRIIb and B Cell Receptor Complex Suppresses Humoral Immunity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Horton Holly M. , Chu Seung Y. , Ortiz Elizabeth C. , Pong Erik , Cemerski Saso , Leung Irene W. L. , Jacob Noam , Zalevsky Jonathan , Desjarlais John R. , Stohl William , Szymkowski David E.
Published: March 2011

Engagement of the low-affinity Ab receptor FcγRIIb downregulates B cell activation, and its dysfunction is associated with autoimmunity in mice and humans. We engineered the Fc domain of an anti-human CD19 Ab to bind FcγRIIb with high affinity, promoting the coengagement of FcγRIIb with the BCR complex. This Ab (XmAb5871) stimulated phosphorylation of the ITIM of FcγRIIb and suppressed BCR-induced calcium mobilization, proliferation, and costimulatory molecule expression of human B cells from healthy volunteers and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, as well as B cell proliferation induced by LPS, IL-4, or BAFF. XmAb5871 suppressed humoral immunity against tetanus toxoid and reduced serum IgM, IgG, and IgE levels in SCID mice engrafted with SLE or healthy human PBMC. XmAb5871 treatment also increased survival of mice engrafted with PBMC from a unique SLE patient. Unlike anti-CD20 Ab, coengagement of FcγRIIb and BCR complex did not promote B cell depletion in human PBMC cultures or in mice. Thus, amplification of the FcγRIIb inhibitory pathway in activated B cells may represent a novel B cell-targeted immunosuppressive therapeutic approach for SLE and other autoimmune diseases that should avoid the complications associated with B cell depletion.
Cutting Edge: Vasostatin-1–Derived Peptide ChgA29–42 Is an Antigenic Epitope of Diabetogenic BDC2.5 T Cells in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Nikoopour Enayat , Sandrock Christian , Huszarik Katrina , Krougly Olga , Lee-Chan Edwin , Masteller Emma L. , Bluestone Jeffrey A. , Singh Bhagirath
Published: March 2011

Mechanistic and therapeutic insights in autoimmune diabetes would benefit from a more complete identification of relevant autoantigens. BDC2.5 TCR transgenic NOD mice express transgenes for TCR Vα1 and Vβ4 chains from the highly diabetogenic BDC2.5 CD4+ T cell clone, which recognizes pancreatic β cell membrane Ags presented by NOD I-Ag7 MHC class II molecules. The antigenic epitope of BDC2.5 TCR is absent in β cells that do not express chromogranin A (ChgA) protein. However, characterization of the BDC2.5 epitope in ChgA has given inconclusive results. We have now identified a ChgA29–42 peptide within vasostatin-1, an N-terminal natural derivative of ChgA as the BDC2.5 TCR epitope. Having the necessary motif for binding to I-Ag7, it activates BDC2.5 T cells and induces an IFN-γ response. More importantly, adoptive transfer of naive BDC2.5 splenocytes activated with ChgA29–42 peptide transferred diabetes into NOD/SCID mice.
Rapid Reconstitution of Antibody Responses Following Transplantation of Purified Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Linderman Jessica A. , Shizuru Judith A.
Published: March 2011

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation has broad clinical applications extending from the treatment of malignancies to induction of immunologic tolerance. However, adaptive cellular and humoral immunity frequently remain impaired posttransplantation. Here, recovery of T-dependent and T-independent Ab responses was evaluated in mice transplanted with purified hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) devoid of the mature immune cells believed to hasten immune recovery. Mixed and full donor chimeras were created by conditioning recipients with sublethal or lethal irradiation, respectively, across different donor/host genetic disparities. By 6 wk posttransplantation, all animals demonstrated robust T-independent Ab responses, and all mixed chimeras and recipients of MHC-matched or haploidentical HSCs with a shared MHC haplotype had T-dependent Ab responses equivalent to those of untransplanted controls. Full chimeras that received fully MHC-disparate HSCs showed delayed T-dependent Ab responses that recovered by 12 wk. This delay occurred despite early reconstitution and proper migration to germinal centers of donor-derived Tfollicular helper (TFH) cells. Congenic transplants into TFH-deficient CD4−/− mice revealed restoration of T-dependent Ab responses by 6 wk, leading us to conclude that MHC disparity caused delay in humoral recovery. These findings, together with our previous studies, show that, contrary to the view that depletion of graft lymphocytes results in poor posttransplant immunity, elimination of immune-suppressing graft-versus-host reactions permits superior immune reconstitution. This study also provides insight into the regeneration of TFH cells and humoral immunity after allogeneic HSC transplantation.
Uncarinic Acid C Isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla Induces Differentiation of Th1-Promoting Dendritic Cells Through TLR4 Signaling
Authors: Kim Kyu Sik , Pham Thanh Nhan Nguyen , Jin Chun-Ji , Umeyama Akemi , Shoji Noboru , Hashimoto Toshihiro , Lee Je-Jung , Takei Masao
Published: March 2011

Uncarinic acid C (URC) is triterpene isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla and is a pharmacologically active substance. The induction of dendritic cells (DC) is critical for the induction of Ag-specific T lymphocyte responses and may be essential for the development of human vaccines relying on T cell immunity. DC might be a potential target for URC. We demonstrate that URC activates human DC as documented by phenotypic and functional maturation, and altered cytokine production. The expression of CD1a, CD38, CD40, CD54, CD80, CD83, CD86, HLA-DR and CCR7 on URC-primed DC was enhanced. The production of IL-12p70 by URC-primed DC was higher than that of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed DC. The production of IL-12p70 by URC-primed DC was inhibited by the anti-Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) monoclonal antibody (mAb), but partially abolished by anti-TLR2 mAb. mRNA coding for TLR2 and TLR4 was expressed in URC-primed DC. URC-primed DC induced the NF-κB transcription factor. Naïve T cells co-cultured with URC-primed DC turned into typical Th1 cells that produced large quantities of IFN-γ depending on IL-12 secretion. URC enhanced the T cell stimulatory capacity in an allo MLR. In the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte assay (CTL) assay, DNA fragmentation assay and 51Cr release on URC-primed DC were more augmented than that of TNF-α-primed DC. DC matured with URC had an intermediate migratory capacity towards CCL19 and CCL21. These results suggest that URC modulates DC function in a fashion that favors Th1 polarization via the activation of IL-12p70 dependent on TLR4 signaling, and may be used on DC-based vaccine for cancer immunotherapy.
Developing an Alcohol Education Leaflet for Pregnant Women Using Qualitative and Quantitative Data
Authors: Sudo Noriko
Published: March 2011

Objective

This article summarizes the process of developing and evaluating a series of alcohol educational leaflets with pregnant women.

Methods

Four group interviews were conducted with a total of 33 pregnant women.

Results

The copy, font, and color should be tailored to pregnant women. Scientifically compelling information was preferred; the use of too many colors and objects was considered distracting and reducing the seriousness of the information. The facts presented through a patient's photo of fetal alcohol syndrome and a graph impressed the participants, since they were tired of the illustrations found in many other materials. Pregnant women who are interested and motivated to learn about alcohol consumption valued the quality of the information, rather than visual appeal.

Conclusions

Testing a draft leaflet with the target population before final development and dissemination is a critical component of an educational outreach effort. Incorporating feedback can help enhance the quality of the end product.
Root and aboveground growth of rhizotron-grown seedlings of three Tunisian desert Calligonum species under water deficit
Authors: Dhief Adel , Abdellaoui Raoudha , Tarhouni Mohamed , Belgacem Azaiez Ouled , Smiti Samira Ashi , Neffati Mohamed
Published: March 2011

Dhief, A., Abdellaoui, R., Tarhouni, M., Belgacem, A. O., Smiti, S. A. and Neffati, M. 2011. Root and aboveground growth of rhizotron-grown seedlings of three Tunisian Desert Calligonum species under water deficit. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 15–27. In southern Tunisia, plants are subjected to severe drought and many human disturbances, causing the degradation of soils and plants. The study of wild plants and their response to water deficit can facilitate their conservation and help in ecosystem rehabilitation. In this context, the adaptive responses to water deficit of three desert Calligonum species (C. comosum L'Herit, C. azel Maire and C. arich Le Houerou), differing in their topographic location, were studied in rhizotrons under two water regimes. The objectives were to correlate the adaptive ability of these species, with several developmental traits, such as root architecture and growth, aerial growth and height, with environmental and soil properties, and to define which of the three Calligonum species is best adapted to water stress. Water deficit was applied when plants formed two green branches, and measurements were carried out over 8 mo. Under water deficit, all species increased their cumulative root length. In deeper soil layers, only treated C. arich plants developed secondary roots. Under drought, C. azel and C. arich increased their biomass production during the experiment. It seems that C. arich has adapted better to water deficit by developing a deep root system and the greatest root and aboveground biomass. Hence, C. arich is suggested as the best species for early dune stabilization and biomass production.
Impact of tension infiltrometer disc size on measured soil water repellency index
Authors: Hunter A. E. , Chau H. W. , Si B. C.
Published: March 2011

Hunter, A. E., Chau, H. W. and Si, B. C. 2011. Impact of tension infiltrometer disc size on measured soil water repellency index. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 77–81. Accurate measurement of soil water repellency (or hydrophobicity) is important for assessing the hydraulic properties of soils. Water repellency index (RI), a measure of soil water repellency, can be determined using the tension infiltrometer. Little is known about the effects of different infiltrometer disc sizes on measured RI. Furthermore, the impact of method selection in the context of site assessment is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine if the infiltrometer disc size affects the measured RI. Studies were conducted on seven sandy and one clay site in Western Canada in 2008 and 2009. Mini (disc 4.5 cm in diameter) and standard (disc 20 cm in diameter) tension infiltrometers were used to determine RI. There was strong spatial variability in RI values at all sites. Higher RI and greater variance were associated with the smaller disc size due to the smaller zone of influence. Water repellency index values obtained from the mini and standard tension infiltrometers were not statistically different in most cases. We conclude that the mini infiltrometer is an appropriate method for site assessment of RI. The mini infiltrometer RI values were compared with those from the standard infiltrometer, resulting in a 44% accuracy rate with a type I error in 33% of the cases and a type II error in 22% of the cases.
Development and testing of a remote sensing-based model for estimating groundwater levels in aeolian desert areas of China
Authors: Huo Aidi , Chen Xunhong , Li Huike , Hou Ming , Hou Xiaojing
Published: March 2011

Huo, A., Chen, X., Li, H., Hou, M. and Hou, X. 2011. Development and testing of a remote sensing-based model for estimating groundwater levels in aeolian desert areas of China. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 29–37. Regional groundwater level is an important data set for understanding the relationships between groundwater resources and regional ecological environments. The decline in water table levels leads to vegetation degradation and thus affects the ecological environment. Such a negative effect is especially apparent in the desertification areas. In this study, a remote-sensing based method was proposed to predict the distribution of the regional groundwater level in an aeolian desert area in northern China. The study used the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) remote sensing data and field investigations. Based on field investigation of groundwater level, soil moisture, and other supporting information in the aeolian desert area, as well as the soil moisture distribution derived from the MODIS images, empirical equations describing the relationship between the soil moisture and groundwater level were obtained. The groundwater levels derived using the MODIS image data were verified by groundwater levels measured from 58 wells. The results show that the correlation coefficient between the measured groundwater levels and the remote sensing-based estimated water levels was 0.868, indicating that the error is small and the predictions closely reflect the real water levels. This model can be used to predict groundwater levels in aeolian desert areas based on remote sensing data sets.
Clay mineralogy and chemical properties of argillic horizons in central Yukon paleosols
Authors: Daviel E. , Sanborn P. , Tarnocai C. , Smith C. A. S.
Published: March 2011

Daviel, E., Sanborn, P., Tarnocai, C. and Smith, C. A. S. 2011. Clay mineralogy and chemical properties of argillic horizons in central Yukon paleosols. Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 83–93. Wounded Moose paleosols occur on Middle Pleistocene and older glacial deposits in central Yukon, and exhibit thick sola with distinctive reddish brown argillic (Bt) horizons. Extensive field investigations in the mid-1980s documented the distribution, morphology, and standard physical and chemical properties of these paleosols, but paleoenvironmental interpretations of their clay mineralogy relied on analyses of only two pedons. New analyses of archived B horizon samples from 15 paleosol pedons demonstrate that these exhibit the highest degree of mineral weathering documented in Yukon soils and surficial materials, as expressed by Chemical Index of Alteration values that can exceed 80. This strong weathering is accompanied by ~90% conversion of pedogenic iron oxides to crystalline forms. Clay mineral assemblages in this larger set of argillic horizons confirm a consistent and widespread presence of pedogenic smectite and interstratified minerals in central Yukon paleosols as initially detected in the limited earlier work.
Teacher Professional Development in the Era of Hermes
Authors: BIBILA STAVROULA
Published: March 2011

The cooperative development discourse framework (Edge, 2002) has traditionally been used to help individuals‐who‐teach explore and improve their teaching practice by speaking openly and nondefensively to one of their colleagues, who will refrain from judging and evaluating them. This article presents the rewards of establishing such a nonjudgemental exchange, this time, for the people acting as attentive listeners (i.e., the Understanders, in the framework's terminology). While engaging in cooperative development, Understanders are presented with the opportunity to develop a critical consciousness (Freire, 1973) of themselves as individuals‐who‐teach and to sharpen their ability to suspend their values, beliefs, and assumptions regarding the English language teaching world, as part of the process of learning to handle “otherness” in a respectful and empathetic way.
Integrated Lyrical Writing: Addressing Writing via Ballads
Authors: LYTLE ALAN
Published: March 2011

Using songs in a language class takes advantage of the natural connection between students and music. This article describes a project that develops writing and speaking through song, using technology to help build students' knowledge of U.S. culture as well as their ability to communicate using descriptive, narrative, and expository rhetorical styles. The project consists of a series of assignments designed for a class of English as a second language students at the intermediate proficiency level in a university academic preparation program. The project has a humanities focus, involving students in connecting songs with social and historical issues in U.S. culture. Teachers can easily expand or adapt the project in regard to content and concepts, language proficiency levels, targeted language skills, and age group to support any textbook or curriculum.
Using News Articles to Build a Critical Literacy Classroom in an EFL Setting
Authors: PARK YUJONG
Published: March 2011

This article examines an effort to support critical literacy in an English as a foreign language (EFL) setting by analyzing one college EFL reading classroom in which students read and responded to articles from The New Yorker. Data include transcribed audiotapes of classroom interaction and interviews with students, classroom materials, and response papers to the focal news article. Using these data, the research identifies (a) how critical literacy was employed in the EFL classroom, (b) students' critical engagement with the text through interaction and writing, and (c) benefits and challenges of employing critical literacy in an EFL setting. Results show that when taught to be critical readers of the text, these EFL participants were able to actively use linguistic resources from the article as well as their own cultural and personal experience to support their ideas and raise questions. Contrary to previous notions that language learners tend to be passive readers of information, the students in the current study actively voiced their opinions through discussion and response papers. The study suggests that newspaper and magazine articles can be important pedagogical tools for promoting critical thinking in the EFL reading classroom. Several challenges and limitations are discussed.