bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thymosin α1 activates dendritic cell tryptophan catabolism and establishes a regulatory environment for balance of inflammation and tolerance
Authors: Romani Luigina , Bistoni Francesco , Perruccio Katia , Montagnoli Claudia , Gaziano Roberta , Bozza Silvia , Bonifazi Pierluigi , Bistoni Giovanni , Rasi Guido , Velardi Andrea , Fallarino Francesca , Garaci Enrico , Puccetti Paolo
Published: June 2006

Thymosin α1 (Tα1), a naturally occurring thymic peptide, primes dendritic cells (DCs) for antifungal T-helper type 1 resistance through Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) signaling. As TLR9 signaling also activates the immuno-suppressive pathway of tryptophan catabolism via indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), we examined Tα1 for possible induction of DC-dependent regulatory effects. Tα1 affected T-helper cell priming and tolerance induction by human and murine DCs and induced IDO expression and function in the latter cells. IDO activation by Tα1 required TLR9 and type I interferon receptor signaling and resulted in interleukin-10 production and generation of regulatory T cells. In transfer experiments, functionally distinct subsets of differentiated DCs were required for priming and tolerance to a fungal pathogen or alloantigens. In contrast, Tα1-primed DCs fulfilled multiple requirements, including the induction of T-helper type 1 immunity within a regulatory environment. Thus, instructive immunotherapy with Tα1 targeting IDO-competent DCs could allow for a balanced control of inflammation and tolerance.
Computing Ka and Ks with a consideration of unequal transitional substitutions
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Li Jun , Yu Jun
Published: June 2006

Background

Approximate methods for estimating nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution rates (Ka and Ks) among protein-coding sequences have adopted different mutation (substitution) models. In the past two decades, several methods have been proposed but they have not considered unequal transitional substitutions (between the two purines, A and G, or the two pyrimidines, T and C) that become apparent when sequences data to be compared are vast and significantly diverged.

Results

We propose a new method (MYN), a modified version of the Yang-Nielsen algorithm (YN), for evolutionary analysis of protein-coding sequences in general. MYN adopts the Tamura-Nei Model that considers the difference among rates of transitional and transversional substitutions as well as factors in codon frequency bias. We evaluate the performance of MYN by comparing to other methods, especially to YN, and to show that MYN has minimal deviations when parameters vary within normal ranges defined by empirical data.

Conclusion

Our comparative results deriving from consistency analysis, computer simulations and authentic datasets, indicate that ignoring unequal transitional rates may lead to serious biases and that MYN performs well in most of the tested cases. These results also suggest that acquisitions of reliable synonymous and nonsynonymous substitution rates primarily depend on less biased estimates of transition/transversion rate ratio.
Acquisition of genome information from single-celled unculturable organisms (radiolaria) by exploiting genome profiling (GP)
Authors: Kouduka Mariko , Matsuoka Atsushi , Nishigaki Koichi
Published: June 2006

Background

There is no effective method to obtain genome information from single-celled unculturable organisms such as radiolarians. Even worse, such organisms are often very difficult to collect. Sequence analysis of 18S rDNA has been carried out, but obtaining the data has been difficult and it has provided a rather limited amount of genome information. In this paper, we have developed a method which provides a sufficient amount of data from an unculturable organism. The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated by applying it to the provisional classification of a set of unculturable organisms (radiolarians).

Results

Dendrogram was drawn regarding the single-celled unculturable species based on the similarity score termed PaSS, offering a consistent result with the conventional taxonomy of them built up based on phenotypes. This fact has shown that genome profiling-based technology developed here can obtain genome information being sufficient for identifying and classifying species from a single-celled organism.

Conclusion

Since this method is so simple, general, and yet powerful, it can be applied to various organisms and cells, especially single-celled, uncluturable ones, for their genome analysis.
Health costs in anthroposophic therapy users: a two-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Hamre Harald J , Witt Claudia M , Glockmann Anja , Ziegler Renatus , Willich Stefan N , Kiene Helmut
Published: June 2006

Background

Anthroposophic therapies (counselling, special medication, art, eurythmy movement, and rhythmical massage) aim to stimulate long-term self-healing processes, which theoretically could lead to a reduction of healthcare use. In a prospective two-year cohort study, anthroposophic therapies were followed by a reduction of chronic disease symptoms and improvement of quality of life. The purpose of this analysis was to describe health costs in users of anthroposophic therapies.

Methods

717 consecutive outpatients from 134 medical practices in Germany, starting anthroposophic therapies for chronic diseases, participated in a prospective cohort study. We analysed direct health costs (anthroposophic therapies, physician and dentist consultations, psychotherapy, medication, physiotherapy, ergotherapy, hospital treatment, rehabilitation) and indirect costs (sick leave compensation) in the pre-study year and the first two study years. Costs were calculated from resource utilisation, documented by patient self-reporting. Data were collected from January 1999 to April 2003.

Results

Total health costs in the first study year (bootstrap mean 3,297 Euro; 95% confidence interval 95%-CI 3,157 Euro to 3,923 Euro) did not differ significantly from the pre-study year (3,186 Euro; 95%-CI 3,037 Euro to 3,711 Euro), whereas in the second year, costs (2,771 Euro; 95%-CI 2,647 Euro to 3,256 Euro) were significantly reduced by 416 Euro (95%-CI 264 Euro to 960 Euro) compared to the pre-study year. In each period hospitalisation and sick-leave together amounted to more than half of the total health costs. Anthroposophic therapies and medication amounted to 3%, 15%, and 8% of total health costs in the pre-study year, first year, and second study year, respectively. The cost reduction in the second year was largely accounted for by a decrease of inpatient hospitalisation, leading to a hospital cost reduction of 519 Euro (95%-CI 377 Euro to 904 Euro) compared to the pre-study year.

Conclusion

In patients starting anthroposophic therapies for chronic disease, total health costs did not increase in the first year, and were reduced in the second year. This reduction was largely explained by a decrease of inpatient hospitalisation. Within the limits of a pre-post design, study findings suggest that anthroposophic therapies are not associated with a relevant increase in total health costs.
Rapid Urban Malaria Appraisal (RUMA) IV: Epidemiology of urban malaria in Cotonou (Benin)
Authors: Wang Shr-Jie , Lengeler Christian , Smith Thomas A , Vounatsou Penelope , Akogbeto Martin , Tanner Marcel
Published: June 2006

Background

An estimated 40 % of the population in Benin lives in urban areas. The purpose of the study was to estimate malaria endemicity and the fraction of malaria-attributable fevers in health facilities in Cotonou.

Methods

A health care system evaluation and a series of school parasitaemia surveys and health facility-based surveys were carried out during the dry season in of 2003, applying standard Rapid Urban Malaria Appraisal (RUMA) methodology. This study was part of a multi-site assessment supported by the Roll Back Malaria Partnership.

Results

The field work was carried out in February-March 2003. In 2002 and out of 289,342 consultations in the public health facilities of Cotonou there were 100,257 reported simple malaria cases (34.6%) and 12,195 complicated malaria cases (4.2%). In the school parasitaemia surveys, a malaria infection was found in 5.2 % of all samples. The prevalence rates of parasitaemia in the centre, intermediate and periphery zones were 2.6%, 9.0% and 2.5%, respectively. In the health facility surveys the malaria infection rates in presenting fever cases were 0% (under one year old), 6.8% (one to five years old), 0% (> five to 15 years old) and 0.9% (over 15 years old), while these rates in the control group were 1.4%, 2.8%, 1.3% and 2.0%. The malaria-attributable fractions among presenting fever cases were 0.04 in the one to five years old and zero in the three other age groups. Hence, malaria played only a small role in fever episodes at the end of the dry season. In total, 69.2% of patients used a mosquito net the night before the survey and 35.1% used an insecticide-treated net, which was shown to be protective for an infection (OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.78). Travelling to a rural area (5.8% of all respondents) did not increase the infection risk.

Conclusion

The homogenously low malaria prevalence might be associated with urban transformation and/or a high bednet usage. Over-diagnosis of malaria and over-treatment with antimalarials was found to be a serious problem.
Proteome-level display by 2-dimensional chromatography of extracellular matrix-dependent modulation of the phenotype of bladder cancer cells
Authors: Hurst Robert E , Kyker Kimberly D , Dozmorov Mikhail G , Takemori Nobuaki , Singh Anil , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Saban Ricardo , Betgovargez Edna , Simonian Michael H
Published: June 2006

Background

The extracellular matrix can have a profound effect upon the phenotype of cancer cells. Previous work has shown that growth of bladder cancer cells on a matrix derived from normal basement membrane suppresses many malignant features that are displayed when the cells are grown on a matrix that has been modified by malignant tumors. This work was undertaken to investigate proteome-level changes as determined by a new commercially available proteome display involving 2-dimensional chromatography for bladder cancer cells grown on different extracellular matrix preparations that modulate the expression of the malignant phenotype.

Results

Depending on the matrix, between 1300 and 2000 distinct peaks were detected by two-dimensional chromatographic fractionation of 2.1 – 4.4 mg of total cellular protein. The fractions eluting from the reversed-phase fractionation were suitable for mass spectrometric identification following only lyophilization and trypsin digestion and achieved approximately 10-fold higher sensitivity than was obtained with gel-based separations. Abundant proteins that were unique to cells grown on one of the matrices were identified by mass spectrometry. Following concentration, peaks of 0.03 AU provided unambiguous identification of protein components when 10% of the sample was analyzed, whereas peaks of 0.05 AU was approximately the lower limit of detection when the entire sample was separated on a gel and in-gel digestion was used. Although some fractions were homogeneous, others were not, and up to 3 proteins per fraction were identified. Strong evidence for post-translational modification of the unique proteins was noted. All 13 of the unique proteins from cells grown on Matrigel were related to MYC pathway.

Conclusion

The system provides a viable alternative to 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis for proteomic display of biological systems. The findings suggest the importance of MYC to the malignant phenotype of bladder cancer cells.
Identification and characterisation of the high-risk surgical population in the United Kingdom
Authors: Pearse Rupert M , Harrison David A , James Philip , Watson David , Hinds Charles , Rhodes Andrew , Grounds R Michael , Bennett E David
Published: June 2006

Introduction

Little is known about mortality rates following general surgical procedures in the United Kingdom. Deaths are most common in the 'high-risk' surgical population consisting mainly of older patients, with coexisting medical disease, who undergo major surgery. Only limited data are presently available to describe this population. The aim of the present study was to estimate the size of the high-risk general surgical population and to describe the outcome and intensive care unit (ICU) resource use.

Methods

Data on inpatient general surgical procedures and ICU admissions in 94 National Health Service hospitals between January 1999 and October 2004 were extracted from the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre database and the CHKS database. High-risk surgical procedures were defined prospectively as those for which the mortality rate was 5% or greater.

Results

There were 4,117,727 surgical procedures; 2,893,432 were elective (12,704 deaths; 0.44%) and 1,224,295 were emergencies (65,674 deaths; 5.4%). A high-risk population of 513,924 patients was identified (63,340 deaths; 12.3%), which accounted for 83.8% of deaths but for only 12.5% of procedures. This population had a prolonged hospital stay (median, 16 days; interquartile range, 9–29 days). There were 59,424 ICU admissions (11,398 deaths; 19%). Among admissions directly to the ICU following surgery, there were 31,633 elective admissions with 3,199 deaths (10.1%) and 24,764 emergency admissions with 7,084 deaths (28.6%). The ICU stays were short (median, 1.6 days; interquartile range, 0.8–3.7 days) but hospital admissions for those admitted to the ICU were prolonged (median, 16 days; interquartile range, 10–30 days). Among the ICU population, 40.8% of deaths occurred after the initial discharge from the ICU. The highest mortality rate (39%) occurred in the population admitted to the ICU following initial postoperative care on a standard ward.

Conclusion

A large high-risk surgical population accounts for 12.5% of surgical procedures but for more than 80% of deaths. Despite high mortality rates, fewer than 15% of these patients are admitted to the ICU.
Improvement of Insulin Sensitivity after Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-α Agonist Treatment Is Accompanied by Paradoxical Increase of Circulating Resistin Levels
Authors: Haluzik M. M. , Lacinova Z. , Dolinkova M. , Haluzikova D. , Housa D. , Horinek A. , Vernerova Z. , Kumstyrova T. , Haluzik M.
Published: June 2006

We studied the effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) activation on serum concentrations and tissue expression of resistin, adiponectin, and adiponectin receptor-1 and -2 (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) mRNA in normal mice and mice with insulin resistance induced by lipogenic, simple-carbohydrate diet (LD). Sixteen weeks of LD feeding induced obesity with liver steatosis and increased insulin levels but did not significantly affect circulating adiponectin or resistin. Treatment with PPAR-α agonist fenofibrate decreased body weight and fat pad weight and ameliorated liver steatosis in LD-fed mice with concomitant reduction in blood glucose, free fatty acid, triglyceride, serum insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment index values. Euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp demonstrated the development of whole-body and liver insulin resistance in LD-fed mice, which were both normalized by fenofibrate. Fenofibrate treatment markedly increased circulating resistin levels on both diets and adiponectin levels in chow-fed mice only. Fat adiponectin mRNA expression was not affected by fenofibrate treatment. Resistin mRNA expression increased in subcutaneous but not gonadal fat after fenofibrate treatment. In addition to fat, a significant amount of adiponectin mRNA was also expressed in the muscle. This expression markedly increased after fenofibrate treatment in chow- but not in LD-fed mice. Adipose tissue expression of AdipoR1 mRNA was significantly reduced in LD-fed mice and increased after fenofibrate treatment. In conclusion, PPAR-α activation ameliorated the development of insulin resistance in LD-fed mice despite a major increase in serum resistin levels. This effect could be partially explained by increased AdipoR1 expression in adipose tissue after fenofibrate treatment.
Cyclooxygenase-2 and Prostaglandin F2α in Syrian Hamster Leydig Cells: Inhibitory Role on Luteinizing Hormone/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Stimulated Testosterone Production
Authors: Frungieri Mónica B. , Gonzalez-Calvar Silvia I. , Parborell Fernanda , Albrecht Martin , Mayerhofer Artur , Calandra Ricardo S.
Published: June 2006

We have previously found that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins (PGs), is present in the testicular interstitial cells of infertile men, whereas it is absent in human testes with no evident morphological changes or abnormalities. To find an animal model for further investigating COX-2 and its role in testicular steroidogenesis, we screened testes from adult species ranging from mice to monkeys. By using immunohistochemical assays, we found COX-2 expression only in Leydig cells of the reproductively active (peripubertal, pubertal, and adult) seasonal breeder Syrian hamster. COX-2 expression in hamster Leydig cells was confirmed by RT-PCR. In contrast, COX-1 expression was not detected in hamster testes. Because COX-2 expression implies PG synthesis, we investigated the effect of various PGs on testosterone production and found that PGF2α stood out because it significantly reduced human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated testosterone release from isolated hamster Leydig cells in a dose-dependent manner. This mechanism involves a decreased expression of testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Testicular concentration and content of PGF2α in reproductively active hamsters as well as production of PGF2α from isolated hamster Leydig cells were also determined. Moreover, PGF2α receptors were localized in Leydig cells of hamsters and testicular biopsies from patients with Sertoli cell only and germ arrest syndromes. Thus, in this study, we described a COX-2-initiated pathway that via PGF2α production, PGF2α receptors, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase represents a physiological local inhibitory system of human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated testosterone production in the Syrian hamster testes.
Use of targetrons to disrupt essential and nonessential genes in Staphylococcus aureus reveals temperature sensitivity of Ll.LtrB group II intron splicing
Authors: Yao Jun , Zhong Jin , Fang Yuan , Geisinger Edward , Novick Richard P. , Lambowitz Alan M.
Published: June 2006

We show that a targetron based on the Lactococcus lactis Ll.LtrB group II intron can be used for efficient chromosomal gene disruption in the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Targetrons expressed from derivatives of vector pCN37, which uses a cadmium-inducible promoter, or pCN39, a derivative of pCN37 with a temperature-sensitive replicon, gave site-specific disruptants of the hsa and seb genes in 37%–100% of plated colonies without selection. To disrupt hsa, an essential gene, we used a group II intron that integrates in the sense orientation relative to target gene transcription and thus could be removed by RNA splicing, enabling the production of functional HSa protein. We show that because splicing of the Ll.LtrB intron by the intron-encoded protein is temperature-sensitive, this method yields a conditional hsa disruptant that grows at 32°C but not 43°C. The temperature sensitivity of the splicing reaction suggests a general means of obtaining one-step conditional disruptions in any organism. In nature, temperature sensitivity of group II intron splicing could limit the temperature range of an organism containing a group II intron inserted in an essential gene.
Toward a new era of plasma spray processing
Authors: Yoshida Toyonobu
Published: June 2006

The recent global trend of materials R&D is shifting from "monolithic" to "materials system" and from "bulk" to "thin film and coating". It is thus a natural consequence that plasma spray processing, as an affordable and effective thin film and coating technology, is attracting global attention in materials engineering. Unfortunately, however, the current plasma spray technology for thin film and coating seems to not yet reach the sufficient technological level to meet the requirements from the fields where this technique was not applicable in the past. In this context, this paper will point out the disregarded but important issues involved in conventional plasma powder spraying to fit for high technologies and infer the future potential of novel plasma spray processing with the use of extended feedstock like gases, liquids, and various-sized powders. In particular, special attention will be given to recent challenges aiming at a development of a co-deposition process of droplets and vapors, namely, comprehensive plasma spraying.
Formation of soot particles in Ar/H2/CH4 microwave discharges during nanocrystalline diamond deposition: A modeling approach
Authors: Hassouni K. , Mohasseb F. , Bénédic F. , Lombardi G. , Gicquel A.
Published: June 2006

Homogenous mechanism of soot formation in moderate-pressure Ar/CH4/H2 microwave discharges was analyzed with the help of kinetics modeling of the thermally nonequilibrium plasmas. Two main reaction mechanisms based on either neutral molecular growth and condensation reaction nucleation process were considered. These mechanisms were incorporated in a numerical model that solves for the plasma species and energy equations under a quasi-uniform plasma assumption. This enabled us to estimate the plasma species density and temperature along with the nucleation rate at different discharge conditions. The results showed that soot particles might form at significant density values by both neutral and ionic mechanisms. Their formation mainly takes place at the discharge edges where the temperature level favors the development of large molecular edifices. Simulations showed that the formation of soot is unlikely to happen in the bulk of the discharge where the gas temperature is high and the large molecular hydrocarbon (HC) cannot form at significant concentrations.
Miniature atmospheric pressure glow discharge torch (APGD-t) for local biomedical applications
Authors: Coulombe S. , Léveillé V. , Yonson S. , Leask R. L.
Published: June 2006

The operating parameters of a miniature atmospheric pressure glow discharge torch (APGD-t) are optimized for the production of excited atomic oxygen, and the effect of the plasma jet on endothelial cells grown in Petri dishes is studied. We first demonstrate the importance of accounting for the effect of the voltage probe used to measure the electrical parameters of the torch on its ignition and operation characteristics. When operated with a main plasma gas flow rate of 1 SLM He and a power level of ~1 W, the torch shows an optimum in the production of excited atomic oxygen for a O2 flow of ~3.5 SCCM injected downstream from the plasma-forming region through a capillary electrode (i.e., 0.35 v/v % O2/He). It is shown that endothelial cells are detached from the Petri dishes surface under the action of the optimized plasma jet and that this effect does not originate from heating and fluid shearing effects. It is postulated that the cell detachment is caused solely by plasma-induced biochemical processes taking place at the cell-substrate interface.
Reduction of perfluorinated compound emissions using atmospheric pressure microwave plasmas: Mechanisms and energy efficiency
Authors: Nantel-Valiquette M. , Kabouzi Y. , Castaños-Martinez E. , Makasheva K. , Moisan M. , Rostaing J. C.
Published: June 2006

The abatement of perfluorinated compound (PFC) gases is investigated using atmospheric pressure microwave-surface-wave plasmas. These PFCs are diluted in nitrogen gas with concentration ranging from 5000 to 10 000 ppmv. The abatement mechanisms of SF6 and CF4 are examined, and conversion schemes are presented in the case where oxygen is added to the gas mixture. The PFC fragments are oxidized, forming acid-like by-products that are finally trapped irreversibly using a humidified soda lime scrubber. Gas-phase analysis was performed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The abatement efficiency is found to increase with increasing absorbed microwave power and gas residence time. The energy efficiency of the abatement process is shown to increase, with PFC concentrations in the gas mixture up to 10 000 ppmv. A complete conversion of SF6 is achieved for energy densities ranging from 700 to 1200 J/cm3 for concentrations ranging from 5000 to 10 000 ppmv. Lowering the microwave excitation frequency and using swirling flow are shown to reduce the energy cost per abated molecule.
Production of reactive species by atmospheric pressure streamers in N2-O2 mixtures
Authors: Šimek Milan , Člupek Martin , Babický Václav , Šunka Pavel
Published: June 2006

Streamer discharges in atmospheric gases are currently receiving increased attention in connection with environmental issues or new material treatment technologies. The chemical reactivity of streamer-produced plasma, created by various active atomic and molecular species, is a critical parameter for most application areas. Recently, advanced diagnostics based on optical and energy transfer methods have been applied to study dynamics and spatial distribution of several important streamer-produced species. This paper presents an overview of the most recently reported experimental achievements to monitor and detect reactive species, such as, e.g., NO, OH, and O3 radicals, nitrogen and oxygen atoms, or N2(A3Σ) metastables.
Plasma application for more environmentally friendly catalyst preparation
Authors: Liu Chang-jun , Zou Jijun , Yu Kailu , Cheng Dangguo , Han You , Zhan Jason , Ratanatawanate Chalita , Jang Ben W.-L.
Published: June 2006

The present status of catalyst preparation using nonthermal plasma treatment has been summarized in this paper. Improved dispersion, better low-temperature activity, enhanced stability, and better anti-carbon deposition performance can be achieved with nonthermal plasma-treated catalysts. The improvement in catalyst preparation with nonthermal plasma treatment can reduce or avoid the use of hazardous chemicals. Nonthermal plasma catalyst treatment has especially induced a new development of nonthermal plasma for catalyst reduction. The reduction using hydrogen at high temperatures or using hazardous liquid chemicals can be replaced by the developed plasma reduction process. The mechanism for nonthermal plasma treatment has been presented. An analog between the man-made gas discharge plasmas and the environment inside the zeolite pores and around catalyst surface defects is also proposed.
Regulation of progesterone receptor signaling by BRCA1 in mammary cancer
Authors: Katiyar Pragati , Ma Yongxian , Fan Saijun , Pestell Richard G. , Furth Priscilla A. , Rosen Eliot M.
Published: June 2006

Inherited mutations of the BRCA1 gene (chromosome 17q21), a tumor suppressor, lead to an increased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and several other hormone-responsive tumor types. Over the last ten years, BRCA1 has been found to play major roles in DNA damage signaling, repair, and cell cycle checkpoints. In addition, unfolding evidence suggests that BRCA1 functions as a co-regulator for steroid hormone receptors and modulates steroid hormone action. In this paper, we will briefly review this evidence and present a model to address the role of the progesterone and estrogen receptors in BRCA1 mutant mammary carcinogenesis. Finally, we will consider some of the clinical implications of this model.
Oncogenic conversion of the thyroid hormone receptor by altered nuclear transport
Authors: Bonamy Ghislain M.C. , Allison Lizabeth A.
Published: June 2006

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are transcription factors whose activity is modulated by ligand binding. These receptors are at the core of complex signaling pathways and act as integrators of many cellular signals. In the last decade our understanding of NRs has greatly evolved. In particular, regulation of NR subcellular dynamics has emerged as central to their activity. Research on the subcellular distribution of the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) has revealed new dimensions in the complexity of NR regulation, and points to the possibility that NR mislocalization plays a key role in oncogenesis. For many years, TR was thought to reside exclusively in the nucleus. It is now known that TR is a dynamic protein that shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. TR is localized to the nucleus in a phosphorylated form, suggesting that compartment-specific phosphorylation mediates cross-talk between multiple cell signaling pathways. The oncoprotein v-ErbA, a viral-derived dominant negative variant of TR is actively exported to the cytoplasm by the CRM1 export receptor. Strikingly, the oncoprotein causes mislocalization of cellular TR and some of its coactivators by direct interaction. Here, we offer some perspectives on the role of subcellular trafficking in the oncogenic conversion of TR, and propose a new model for oncoprotein dominant negative activity.
Neospora caninum and neosporosis — recent achievements in host and parasite cell biology and treatment
Authors: Hemphill Andrew , Gottstein Bruno
Published: June 2006

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite, which owes its importance to the fact that it represents the major infectious cause of bovine abortion worldwide. Its life cycle is comprised of three distinct stages: Tachyzoites, representing the proliferative and disease-causing stage, bradyzoites, representing a slowly replicating, tissue cyst-forming stage, and sporozoites, which represent the end product of a sexual process taking place within the intestinal tissue of the final canine host. Tachyzoites are capable of infecting a large variety of host cells in vitro and in vivo, while bradyzoites have been found mainly within the central nervous system. In order to survive, proliferate, and proceed in its life cycle, N. caninum has evolved some amazing features. First, the parasite profits immensely from its ability to interact with, and invade, a large number of host cell types. Secondly, N. caninum exploits its capability to respond to alterations in living conditions by converting into another stage (tachyzoite-to-bradyzoite or vice versa). Thirdly, this parasite has evolved mechanisms that modulate its host cells according to its own requirements, and these must, especially in the case of the bradyzoite stage, involve mechanisms that ensure long term survival of not only the parasite but also of the host cell. These three key events (host cell invasion — stage conversion — host cell modulation) represent potential targets for intervention. In order to elucidate the molecular and cellular bases of these important features of N. caninum, cell culture-based approaches and laboratory animal models are extensively exploited. In this review, we will summarize the present knowledge and achievements related to host cell and parasite cell biology.
Henneguya shackletoni sp. nov. (Myxosporea, Bivalvulida, Myxobolidae) from the Falklands mullet, Eleginops maclovinus (Cuvier) (Teleostei, Eleginopidae) in the Falkland Islands
Authors: Brickle Paul , Kalavati Chaganti , MacKenzie Ken
Published: June 2006

During a survey of the parasite fauna of the euryhaline notothenioid fish Eleginops maclovinus (Cuvier) caught in brackish water creeks in the Falkland Islands, small white cysts were observed in the mesenteries and on the surfaces of the visceral organs and heart. On dissection these proved to be plasmodia of a species of the myxosporean genus Henneguya. This is the first record of a member of this genus from a marine or euryhaline fish in the south-west Atlantic. A comparison of the spore of our species with other species in the genus convinced us that our species is new. This paper describes it as Henneguya shackletoni sp. nov. after the Shackleton Fund which funded the study.
Is Radix peregra a new intermediate host of Fascioloides magna (Trematoda) in Europe? Field and experimental evidence
Authors: Faltýnková Anna , Horáčková Eva , Hirtová Lenka , Novobilský Adam , Modrý David , Scholz Tomáš
Published: June 2006

Rediae and immature cercariae of the giant liver fluke, Fascioloides magna, a pathogenic and important parasite of game animals, were found in 6 out of 7,277 Radix peregra (Gastropoda, Lymnaeidae) from two localities in Western and Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. In one of these localities a relatively high infection of Galba truncatula (26 out of 76) with mature cercariae of F. magna was detected. R. peregra, which is dominant over Galba truncatula, has never been reported as the natural intermediate host of F. magna. Its potential susceptibility to F. magna infection was confirmed experimentally with 67 snails of R. peregra (out of 371) infected. The present data indicate the capability of F. magna to expand the spectrum of its intermediate hosts and demonstrate the potential epizootiological importance of lymnaeid snails, other than G. truncatula, for transmission of the parasite in Europe.
Acanthocephalans from Red Sea fishes. Family Cavisomidae Meyer, 1932: The seasonal cycle of Diplosentis nudus (Harada, 1938) Pichelin et Cribb, 2001 in a definitive fish host, and a comment on Sclerocollum Schmidt et Paperna, 1978
Authors: Hassanine Reda
Published: June 2006

Specimens of the fishes Rastrelliger kanagurta (Scombridae) and Siganus luridus (Siganidae) were caught in the Red Sea off the coast of Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt. R. kanagurta was parasitised by Diplosentis nudus (Harada, 1938) Pichelin et Cribb, 2001 (Acanthocephala, Cavisomidae), and S. luridus by Sclerocollum rubrimaris Schmidt et Paperna, 1978 (Acanthocephala, Cavisomidae). The infection of R. kanagurta was followed monthly for one year (from September, 2004 to August, 2005). As a result, the seasonal cycle of D. nudus in its definitive host is described herein for the first time. The cycle is well-defined and extends for about 11 months (from October to August); in October, new generation of D. nudus starts to appear in the intestine of R. kanagurta; during the winter, the juvenile worms continued their growth; during the spring, most of the worms attained maturity and the mature worms copulated; during the summer, the worms began to die off naturally prior to their elimination from the intestine of the host. Sclerocollum rubrimaris is redescribed and Sclerocollum Schmidt et Paperna, 1978 is retained as a valid genus within the Cavisomidae.
First helminthological data on Iberian vipers: Helminth communities and host-parasite relationships
Authors: Santos Xavier , Martínez-Freiría Fernando , Pleguezuelos Juan , Roca Vicente
Published: June 2006

European vipers are ambush predators with sporadic feeding events, thereby maintaining the digestive tract empty for long periods. According to previous studies relating lizards’ dietary habits and their helminth faunas, we predict poor gastrointestinal helminth communities in vipers. To test this hypothesis, we have examined the digestive tract of 86 specimens of Vipera aspis (L., 1758) and V. latastei Boscá, 1878, from several localities of the Iberian Peninsula. We found adults of only two nematode species Kalicephalus viperae (Rud., 1819) and Ophidascaris sp. and cysts adhering to the external wall on the stomach in case of two other nematode species Ascarops strongylina (Rud., 1819) and Spirurida gen. sp. All these nematodes are common parasite species in snakes, although Ophidascaris sp. has never before been recorded in Vipera sp. The low prevalence and small number of parasite species in Iberian vipers matched their low feeding rates. However, our results contrast with studies in Poland and Belarus of V. berus species, in which nematodes, as well as trematodes, are common and abundant. Rainfall rates are lower in the Iberian Peninsula than in eastern Central Europe, where amphibians are more available and consumed by V. berus. Amphibians, intermediate hosts for these helminths, have been recorded only sporadically as prey for V. aspis and V. latastei, thus supporting the absence of trematodes in both Iberian viper species. Among populations of Iberian vipers, the prevalence of parasites correlates with the feeding rate (i.e. percentage of vipers with prey), suggesting a linkage between the two parameters. In conclusion, our results suggest that several factors, including climatic characteristics of localities, feeding rates of predators, and type of prey consumed, influence the number and type of parasites in Iberian vipers.
Distribution of acetylcholinesterase activity during the development of cysticercoids of Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda)
Authors: Moczoń Tadeusz , Świetlikowska Agnieszka
Published: June 2006

The distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in oncospheres and developing cysticercoids of Hymenolepis diminuta was examined. The enzyme was localized in the nervous system and in some non-nerve cells of these larvae. In oncospheres AChE was detected in hook muscles and in the binucleated medullar center that is known to enclose two neurons. At early developmental stages of the cysticercoids the enzyme was localized in the post-oncospheral hook muscles and in subtegumental muscle fibers of the cercomer. At medium and late stages of development the activity of AChE was detected in the developing nervous system and in two and, subsequently, in four populations of cells, which gradually spread over the whole internal wall of the cyst, thus forming a thin multilayer AChE-positive lining of the cyst cavity. Following withdrawal of the scolex the lining separates the parenchyma of the turned neck from the cyst tissues and remains AChE-positive during the whole life of the parasite, i.e. up to the death of the infected host. The role played by non-neural AChE associated with the cyst cavity lining is unknown, but seems to regulate both the transport of nutrients and minerals into the scolex and waste substances in the opposite direction.
Accumulation and utilization of lipids during the development of Hymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids
Authors: Moczoń Tadeusz
Published: June 2006

The accumulation of neutral lipids in the cells predetermined to evolve into the cyst cavity lining in Hymenolepis diminuta cysticercoids is presented. The differentiation of these cells from the mesenchyma cells and the accompanying systhesis of lipids began in very young, blastula-shaped larvae. Both the number of the cells and the amount of their lipids increased gradually during further development of the parasites. In the pre-encystment stage of the cysticercoids the cells concentrated around the cavity of the prospective cyst. Following encystment, the scolex and the inverted neck became surrounded by a compact mass of the cells, which started using the stored lipids as a source of energy indispensable for the formation of the cyst tissues and of the definitive multilayer lining of the cyst cavity. No neutral lipids were detected in the mature 23-day-old cysticercoids as well as in the experimentally excysted scoleces. Beside a low level of uniformly distributed phospholipids apparently associated with cell membranes, no local accumulations of these substances were observed at any step of the development of the larvae. The utilization of neutral lipids proves both the presence of a lipase-type enzyme(s) and an operative β-oxidation pathway in the cells of the cysticercoids, the latter feature being highly indicative of oxidative metabolism of these larvae.
A study of familial stuttering
Authors: Canhetti‐Oliveira Cristiane Moço , Richieri‐Costa A.
Published: June 2006

Here we study 13 families with stuttering. Of the 13 families, 9 were persistent stutterers and 4 were recovered stutterers. In the 9 families with persistent stuttering, 24 were male and 10 were females. Of the 4 families with recovered stutterers, 17 were male and 3 were female. Of the 17 males, 12 were persistent stutterers and 5 recovered after adolescence. All females were recovered stutterers. We conclude with a short discussion of recent molecular studies. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and genetic uniqueness in an individual with MELAS
Authors: Vanniarajan Ayyasamy , Nayak Dinesh , Reddy Alla G. , Singh Lalji , Thangaraj Kumarasamy
Published: June 2006

Mitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis stroke like episodes (MELAS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with varying age of onset. It is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease. Molecular etiology of MELAS is not known in several cases. We have identified a unique individual with late onset MELAS at the age of 55 years. We have analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the tissue and blood samples of the patient. One novel heteroplasmic mutation (C13565A) in NADH dehydrogenase 5 subunit (ND5) gene was found only in the tissue sample but not in the blood. This mutation is missense causing a change of amino acid serine to tyrosine at position 410. This mutation was found neither in controls nor in world populations. This study has also confirmed ND5 as a hotspot for the mitochondrial diseases. This will be of great help for the clinicians in the diagnosis of MELAS. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three major haplotypes of the β2 adrenergic receptor define psychological profile, blood pressure, and the risk for development of a common musculoskeletal pain disorder
Authors: Diatchenko Luda , Anderson Amy D. , Slade Gary D. , Fillingim Roger B. , Shabalina Svetlana A. , Higgins Tomas J. , Sama Swetha , Belfer Inna , Goldman David , Max Mitchell B. , Weir Bruce S. , Maixner William
Published: June 2006

Adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) is a primary target for epinephrine. It plays a critical role in mediating physiological and psychological responses to environmental stressors. Thus, functional genetic variants of ADRB2 will be associated with a complex array of psychological and physiological phenotypes. These genetic variants should also interact with environmental factors such as physical or emotional stress to produce a phenotype vulnerable to pathological states. In this study, we determined whether common genetic variants of ADRB2 contribute to the development of a common chronic pain condition that is associated with increased levels of psychological distress and low blood pressure, factors which are strongly influenced by the adrenergic system. We genotyped 202 female subjects and examined the relationships between three major ADRB2 haplotypes and psychological factors, resting blood pressure, and the risk of developing a chronic musculoskeletal pain condition—Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). We propose that the first haplotype codes for lower levels of ADRB2 expression, the second haplotype codes for higher ADRB2 expression, and the third haplotype codes for higher receptor expression and rapid agonist‐induced internalization. Individuals who carried one haplotype coding for high and one coding for low ADRB2 expression displayed the highest positive psychological traits, had higher levels of resting arterial pressure, and were about 10 times less likely to develop TMD. Thus, our data suggest that either positive or negative imbalances in ADRB2 function increase the vulnerability to chronic pain conditions such as TMD through different etiological pathways that imply the need for tailored treatment options. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of interfacial attraction on intercalation in polymer/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Lee Sang‐Soo , Hur Myung Hyun , Yang Hoichang , Lim Soonho , Kim Junkyung
Published: June 2006

In order to examine the adhesive behavior of a polar polymer between hydrophilic clay layers, the so‐called glue effect, a clay intercalation by an ethylene–vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer, which was capable of strong hydrogen bonding with the silicate surface of clay, was prepared by the melt intercalation technique and compared with a clay nanocomposite containing styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymer of less polar interaction energy in terms of the morphology and mechanical properties. Although initial penetration of the guest polymer into the gallery of the host clay occurred more rapidly for EVOH because of its strong hydrophilic nature, the dissociation of clay nanoplatelets was better developed for SAN with less polar interaction with clay, well evidencing the fact that the glue effect effectively affects the intercalation behavior of polymer/clay nanocomposites. However, the mechanical properties of the EVOH/clay nanocomposite were superior to those of SAN/clay nanocomposites. Although dissociation of respective silicate layers was poor for EVOH/clay nanocomposites, strong attractive energy stabilizes the interface between inorganic nanoparticles and the polymer matrix much more effectively, resulting in higher mechanical properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2749–2753, 2006
Ground‐penetrating radar profile spacing and orientation for subsurface resolution of linear features
Authors: Pomfret James
Published: June 2006

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys have become an increasingly used technique to aid in evaluating archaeological sites for cultural resource management purposes. As time is often an important factor in these surveys, a test was conducted that examined the benefits received from increasing data collection density. At Ceylon Plantation GPR grids were collected in both the X and Y direction at 50 cm intervals and in the Y direction at 25 cm intervals. The composite X‐Y amplitude map and the 25 cm interval map both produced the highest resolution images. The X‐Y composite collection method was able to resolve thin, linear features not visible in maps produced from only one transect orientation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling regulatory mechanisms in IL‐6 signal transduction in hepatocytes
Authors: Singh Abhay , Jayaraman Arul , Hahn Juergen
Published: June 2006

Cytokines like interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) play an important role in triggering the acute phase response of the body to injury or inflammation. Signaling by IL‐6 involves two pathways: Janus‐associated kinases (JAK) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT 3) are activated in the first pathway while the second pathway involves the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK). While it is recognized that both pathways play a major role in IL‐6 signal transduction, a majority of studies have focused on signaling through either one of the pathways. However, simultaneous signaling through both JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways is still poorly understood. In this work, a mathematical model has been developed that integrates signaling through both the JAK/STAT and the MAPK pathway. The presented model is used to analyze the effect of three molecules that are involved in the regulation of IL‐6 signaling—SHP‐2 (domain containing tyrosine phosphatase 2), SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3), and a STAT3 nuclear phosphatase (PP2)—on the dynamics of IL‐6 signal transduction in hepatocytes. The obtained results suggest that interactions between SHP‐2 and SOCS3 influence signaling through the JAK/STAT and the MAPK pathways. It is shown that SHP‐2 and SOCS3 do not just regulate the pathway that they are known to be associated with, (SHP‐2 with MAPK and SOCS3 with JAK/STAT), but also have a strong effect on the other pathway. Several simulations with SOCS3, SHP‐2, and PP2 knockout cells, that is, where the signaling pathway is unable to produce these proteins, have been performed to characterize the effect of these regulatory proteins on IL‐6 signal transduction in hepatocytes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.