bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IFN-α Exerts Opposing Effects on Activation-Induced and IL-7–Induced Proliferation of T Cells That May Impair Homeostatic Maintenance of CD4+ T Cell Numbers in Treated HIV Infection
Authors: Cha Lilian , de Jong Emma , French Martyn A. , Fernandez Sonia 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
To determine whether IFN-α is a cause of the T cell hyperactivation and IL-7 signaling pathway defects that are observed in some HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, we have investigated the effect of IFN-α on the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from healthy donors (n = 30) and treated HIV+ donors (n = 20). PBMC were cultured for 7 d with staphylococcal enterotoxin B or IL-7 in the absence or presence of 100 U/ml IFN-α8. Total and naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were assessed for proliferation (via Ki67 expression), CD127 expression, and phosphorylated STAT5 levels using flow cytometry. IFN-α significantly enhanced activation-induced proliferation (via staphylococcal enterotoxin B stimulation) but inhibited homeostatic proliferation (IL-7 induced) of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Both of these effects may adversely affect CD4+ T cell homeostasis in HIV patients. CD127 expression was increased in both healthy and HIV+ donors following culture with IFN-α8, and levels of IL-7–induced phosphorylated STAT5 were increased by IFN-α8 in healthy donors only. Hence, the inhibitory effects of IFN-α on IL-7–induced proliferation of CD4+ T cells are unlikely to be mediated by downregulation of CD127 expression or inhibition of STAT5 phosphorylation. These data suggest that increased IFN-α activity may promote the loss of T cells by accelerating cell turnover and activation-induced cell death while decreasing the renewal of T cells by inhibiting the proliferative effect of IL-7.
Leishmania Promastigotes Induce Cytokine Secretion in Macrophages through the Degradation of Synaptotagmin XI
Authors: Arango Duque Guillermo , Fukuda Mitsunori , Turco Salvatore J. , Stäger Simona , Descoteaux Albert 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Synaptotagmins (Syts) are type-I membrane proteins that regulate vesicle docking and fusion in processes such as exocytosis and phagocytosis. We recently discovered that Syt XI is a recycling endosome- and lysosome-associated protein that negatively regulates the secretion of TNF and IL-6. In this study, we show that Syt XI is directly degraded by the zinc metalloprotease GP63 and excluded from Leishmania parasitophorous vacuoles by the promastigotes surface glycolipid lipophosphoglycan. Infected macrophages were found to release TNF and IL-6 in a GP63-dependent manner. To demonstrate that cytokine release was dependent on GP63-mediated degradation of Syt XI, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Syt XI before infection revealed that the effects of small interfering RNA knockdown and GP63 degradation were not cumulative. In mice, i.p. injection of GP63-expressing parasites led to an increase in TNF and IL-6 secretion and to an augmented influx of neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes to the inoculation site. Both of these cell types have been shown to be infection targets and aid in the establishment of infection. In sum, our data revealed that GP63 induces proinflammatory cytokine release and increases infiltration of inflammatory phagocytes. This study provides new insight on how Leishmania exploits the immune response to establish infection.
Two Functionally Distinct Subsets of Mast Cells Discriminated By IL-2–Independent CD25 Activities
Authors: Deho’ Lorenzo , Leoni Cristina , Brodie Tess M. , Montagner Sara , De Simone Marco , Polletti Sara , Barozzi Iros , Natoli Gioacchino , Monticelli Silvia 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
We identified two mast cell subsets characterized by the differential expression of surface CD25 (IL-2Rα) and by different abilities to produce cytokines and to proliferate, both in vitro and in vivo. CD25 can be expressed on the surface of immune cells in the absence of the other chains of the IL-2R, which are indispensable for IL-2 signaling. We show that functional differences between the two mast cell populations were dependent on CD25 itself, which directly modulated proliferation and cytokine responses. These effects were completely independent from IL-2 or the expression of the other chains of the high-affinity IL-2R, indicating an autonomous and previously unappreciated role for CD25 in regulating cell functions. Cells genetically ablated for CD25 completely recapitulated the CD25-negative phenotype and never acquired the properties characteristic of CD25-positive mast cells. Finally, adoptive transfer experiments in the mouse demonstrated a different impact of these populations in models of anaphylaxis and contact sensitivity. Our findings indicate a general role for CD25 in contexts where IL-2 signaling is not involved, and may have important implications for all mast cell-related diseases, as well as in all cell types expressing CD25 independently of its IL-2–related functions.
Collaboration between a Soluble C-Type Lectin and Calreticulin Facilitates White Spot Syndrome Virus Infection in Shrimp
Authors: Wang Xian-Wei , Xu Yi-Hui , Xu Ji-Dong , Zhao Xiao-Fan , Wang Jin-Xing 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) mainly infects crustaceans through the digestive tract. Whether C-type lectins (CLs), which are important receptors for many viruses, participate in WSSV infection in the shrimp stomach remains unknown. In this study, we orally infected kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus to model the natural transmission of WSSV and identified a CL (designated as M. japonicus stomach virus–associated CL [MjsvCL]) that was significantly induced by virus infection in the stomach. Knockdown of MjsvCL expression by RNA interference suppressed the virus replication, whereas exogenous MjsvCL enhanced it. Further analysis by GST pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation showed that MjsvCL could bind to viral protein 28, the most abundant and functionally relevant envelope protein of WSSV. Furthermore, cell-surface calreticulin was identified as a receptor of MjsvCL, and the interaction between these proteins was a determinant for the viral infection–promoting activity of MjsvCL. The MjsvCL–calreticulin pathway facilitated virus entry likely in a cholesterol-dependent manner. This study provides insights into a mechanism by which soluble CLs capture and present virions to the cell-surface receptor to facilitate viral infection.
IL-2–Inducible T Cell Kinase Tunes T Regulatory Cell Development and Is Required for Suppressive Function
Authors: Huang Weishan , Jeong Ah-Reum , Kannan Arun K. , Huang Lu , August Avery 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
IL-2–inducible T cell kinase (ITK) is a key signaling mediator downstream of TCR, mediating T cell positive selection, as well as innate T cell and CD4+ Th2/Th17 differentiation. In this article, we show that ITK also negatively tunes IL-2–induced expansion of conventional Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs). In vivo, Treg abundance is inversely correlated with ITK expression, and inducible Treg development is inversely dependent on ITK kinase activity. While Treg development normally requires both hematopoietic and thymic MHC class 2 (MHC2) expression, the absence of ITK allows Treg development with MHC2 expression in either compartment, with preference for selection by thymic MHC2, suggesting a gatekeeper role for ITK in ensuring that only Tregs selected by both thymic and hematopoietic MHC2 survive selection. Although ITK suppresses Treg development and is not required for maintenance of neuropilin-1–positive natural Tregs in the periphery, it is indispensable for Treg functional suppression of naive CD4+ T cell–induced colitis in Rag−/− recipients. ITK thus regulates the development and function of Tregs.
Heathlands, fire and grazing. A palaeoenvironmental view of Las Hurdes (Cáceres, Spain) history during the last 1200 years
Authors: Abel-Schaad Daniel , López-Sáez José A. , Pulido Fernando 
Published: July 2014

Aim of study. The diachronic study of vegetation change through palynological analysis of sedimentary deposits is an essential tool both to design sound strategies on landscape management and to understand its anthropogenic dynamics.Area of study. La Meseguera mire (Ladrillar, Cáceres, Spain) is located in the Hurdes region in the western part of Iberian Central System and started to develop at the beginning of the Islamic period (ca. 770 cal AD), in an area widely dominated by heathland. Material and methods. Pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs and charcoal accumulation rate (CHAR) combined with historical data are useful indicators to assess the increasing role of human influence on vegetation.Main results. The use of fire and livestock husbandry represents the main drivers of landscape change in the course of the history. The establishment of forest afforestation plans, from the middle of 20th century, changed substantially the regional features. The sporadic presence of beech pollen is detected until 16th century, which implies the most western location in the Iberian Central Mountain System.Research highlights. The integration of pollen analysis and historical data is an essential tool when studying the changes in Holocene vegetation. These changes have been mainly driven by anthropogenic disturbances, more specifically by fire and livestock husbandry.Key Words: Anthropogenic dynamics; Central Mountain System; microcharcoals; non-pollen palynomorphs.
Alkalinity and structure of soils determine the truffle production in the Pyrenean Regions
Authors: Jaillard Benoit , Barry-Etienne Dominique , Colinas Carlos , De Miguel Ana-Maria , Genola Laurent , Libre Aline , Neveu Pascal , Oliach Daniel , Saenz Williams , Sáez Mauricio , Salducci Xavier , Souche Gerard , Sourzat Pierre , Villeneuve Manon 
Published: July 2014

Aim of study: The program "Typology of truffle stations in the Pyrenean Regions" aimed to define the ecological conditions and culture practices that favor Tuber melanosporum growth and fruiting in this area.Area of study: Navarra, Catalonia, Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon.Material and methods: The program was based on the survey of 212 wild and cultivated truffle beds of evergreen oaks (Quercus ilex). The data collected in the field consisted of photographs, samples of soil, roots and mycorrhizae, and information on cultural practices followed by truffle growers.Main results: (i) truffle soils are alkaline, from neutral, dolomitic, to moderately or very calcareous soils; (ii) truffle soils are light, well-structured and stable to water immersion; (iii) mycelium that colonizes roots survives in suboptimal conditions, but it does not necessarily bear ascocarps. Finally our results suggest that T. melanosporum is a relatively ubiquitous fungus able to grow, or at least to persist, in a wide range of physical and chemical soil conditions. We propose a probabilistic model of the environment favorable for fruiting, built around a two-dimensional graph with an axis for the chemical conditions, like soil alkalinity, and another axis for the physical conditions, like soil structure. Research highlights: Soil alkalinity and structure allow to built a convenient representation of the ecological capacity of a place to be good T. melanosporum habitat, and thus of the probability for truffle growers to harvest truffles according to the environmental properties of their truffle orchards.Keywords: dolomite; limestone; mycorrhizae; Quercus ilex; field survey; Tuber melanosporum.
Unusual prenatal presentation of Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome: A case report
Authors: Bedeschi Maria Francesca , Crippa Beatrice Letizia , Colombo Lorenzo , Guez Sophie , Cerruti Marta , Fogliani Roberto , Gervasini Cristina , Lalatta Faustina 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS) is a rare multiple congenital anomalies‐intellectual disability syndrome. The diagnosis is made after birth and based on the detection of signs such as growth and developmental delay, minor facial anomalies, and broad thumbs and halluces. It is rare to suspect RTS during the prenatal period. We report here the approach to a patient with RTS whose pregnancy was complicated by multiple congenital anomalies. However, in the presence of the broad thumb and facial anomalies, we were able to suggest the correct diagnosis. The RTS was confirmed at birth and the molecular analysis of the major causative gene revealed a previously unreported heterozygous truncating mutation of CREBBP. This report provides new knowledge of the fetal phenotype of RTS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Controllable Synthesis of Wurtzite Cu2ZnSnS4 Nanocrystals by Hot‐Injection Approach and Growth Mechanism Studies
Authors: Luo Qun , Zeng Yongquan , Chen Liwei , Ma Changqi 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWurtzite Cu2ZnSnS4 (WZ‐CZTS) has been controllably synthesized through a hot‐injection route. The crystal‐growth mechanism of WZ‐CZTS has been investigated by using time‐dependent XRD patterns, TEM images, and absorption spectra analysis, and revealed that WZ‐CZTS nucleated and grew from monoclinic Cu7S4 nanocrystals through phase transformation of Cu7S4 to WZ‐CZTS within 5 min. The synthesis processes are dependent on precursor concentration, reaction temperature, reaction time, organic ligand, and sulfur source and have been studied in detail. It was revealed that the width of the WZ‐CZTS nanocrystals was mainly controlled by the precursor concentration, which determines the diameter of Cu7S4. The length could be regulated by the ratio of dodecanethiol (DDT) to oleylamine (OLA) and reaction time.
The institutionalization of a concept
Authors: Taylor Pamela J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGovernment involvement with psychiatry creates potentially great opportunities, as hitherto neglected problems receive attention and funding. When seriously harmful behaviour is involved, however, such opportunity can be limited or lost. Parallel consideration of legal restraints on those people with serious disorder who commit harm to others seems to spill over into restraints on clinical conceptualization of the disorder, on the shape of clinical treatment programmes and even on the people who deliver treatment. Greater clarity for everyone about the individuality and variety of people with personality disorders and a propensity for serious offending will be a critical factor in avoidance of new forms of institutionalization, the dangers of which have only been hinted at in literature to date.
Association between pain, central sensitization and anxiety in postherpetic neuralgia
Authors: Schlereth T. , Heiland A. , Breimhorst M. , Féchir M. , Kern U. , Magerl W. , Birklein F. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), dorsal root ganglia neurons are damaged. According to the proposed models, PHN pain might be associated with nociceptive deafferentation, and peripheral (heat hyperalgesia) or central sensitization (allodynia).MethodsIn 36 PHN patients, afferent nerve fibre function was characterized using quantitative sensory testing and histamine‐induced flare analysis. Psychological factors were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), disease‐related quality of life (QoL) with SF‐36 and pain with the McGill questionnaire [pain rating index (PRI)]. The patients were also divided into subgroups according to the presence or absence of brush‐evoked allodynia as a sign of central sensitization.ResultsFor all patients, warm, cold and mechanical detection was impaired (p < 0.001 each) and the size of the histamine flare was diminished on the affected side (p < 0.05); pain thresholds with the exception of brush‐evoked allodynia (p < 0.05) were unaltered. Correlation analysis revealed allodynia, anxiety, depression, QoL and age as relevant factors associated with pain severity (PRI). Allodynia was present in 23 patients (64%). In these patients, heat pain perception was preserved; the histamine flare was larger; the pinprick pain was increased as were McGill PRI sensory subscore, actual pain rating and almost significantly pain (McGill PRI) over the last 4 weeks.ConclusionsPHN is associated with damage of afferent fibres. Central sensitization (i.e., allodynia) might contribute to PHN pain. There was a striking association between anxiety, depression and age, and the magnitude of PHN pain.
The COMFORT behaviour scale detects clinically meaningful effects of analgesic and sedative treatment
Authors: Boerlage A.A. , Ista E. , Duivenvoorden H.J. , de Wildt S.N. , Tibboel D. , van Dijk M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe COMFORT behaviour scale (COMFORT‐B scale) is widely used in paediatric intensive care units to assess young children's pain and distress. It is also used to assess the impact of treatment interventions, but little is known on the scale's sensitivity to detect changes between before and after measurements following an intervention. This study explored the sensitivity to change of the COMFORT‐B scale.MethodsCOMFORT‐B scores, originally and prospectively collected as part of standard care, were retrieved from the digital patient data management system. We analysed scores obtained in 747 paired observations, i.e., before and after a pharmacological intervention in 180 paediatric intensive care patients between September 2009 and September 2010.ResultsThe mean scores before and after an intervention were 20.0 [standard deviation (SD) 3.7] and 14.1 (SD 4.7), respectively. Multilevel regression analysis showed a 6‐point mean decline after an intervention (p < 0.0001). The magnitude of this decline was not statistically significantly related to number and type of interventions or time between assessments. In almost three‐quarters of cases (74%), the COMFORT‐B score dropped to below 17 after a pharmacological intervention, indicating good responsiveness.ConclusionsThis is the first study demonstrating that the COMFORT‐B scale detects treatment‐related changes in pain or distress intensity. This implies that COMFORT‐B assessments can effectively guide analgesic and sedation treatment in critically ill children.
Evaluation of fritless solid‐phase extraction coupled on‐line with capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry for the analysis of opioid peptides in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Medina‐Casanellas Silvia , Tak Yvonne H. , Benavente Fernando , Sanz‐Nebot Victoria , Toraño Javier Sastre , Somsen Govert W. , de Jong Gerhardus J. 
Published: July 2014

Fritless SPE on‐line coupled to CE with UV and MS detection (SPE‐CE‐UV and SPE‐CE‐MS) was evaluated for the analysis of opioid peptides. A microcartridge of 150 μm id was packed with a C18 sorbent (particle size > 50 μm), which was retained between a short inlet capillary and a separation capillary (50 μm id). Several experimental parameters were optimized by SPE‐CE‐UV using solutions of dynorphin A (DynA), endomorphin 1 (End1), and methionine‐enkephaline (Met). A microcartridge length of 4 mm was selected, sample was loaded for 10 min at 930 mbar and the retained peptides were eluted with 67 nL of an acidic hydro‐organic solution. Using SPE‐CE‐MS, peak area and migration time repeatabilities for the three opioid peptides were 12–27% and 4–5%, respectively. SPE recovery was lower for the less hydrophobic DynA (22%) than for End1 (66%) and Met (78%) and linearity was satisfactory in all cases between 5 and 60 ng/mL. The LODs varied between 0.5 and 1.0 ng/mL which represent an enhancement of two orders of magnitude when compared with CE‐MS. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples spiked with the opioid peptides were analyzed to demonstrate the applicability to biological samples. Peak area and migration time repeatabilities were similar to the standard solutions and the opioid peptides could be detected down to 1.0 ng/mL.
Ultra‐trace level determination of diquat and paraquat residues in surface and drinking water using ion‐pair liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry: A comparison of direct injection and solid‐phase extraction methods
Authors: Oh Jin‐Aa , Lee Jun‐Bae , Lee Soo‐Hyung , Shin Ho‐Sang 
Published: July 2014

Direct injection and solid‐phase extraction methods for the determination of diquat and paraquat in surface and drinking water were developed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The signal intensities of analytes based on six ion‐pairing reagents were compared with each other, and 12.5 mM nonafluoropentanoic acid was selected as the best suited amongst them. A clean‐up method was developed using Oasis hydrophilic–lipophilic balance; this was compared to the direct injection method, with respect to limits of detection, interference, precision, and accuracy. Limits of quantification of diquat and paraquat were 0.03 and 0.01 μg/L using the direct injection method, and 0.002 and 0.001 μg/L using the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance method. When the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance method was used to analyze target compounds in 114 surface water and 30 drinking water samples, paraquat and diquat were detected within a concentration range of 0.001–0.12 and 0.002–0.038 μg/L in surface water, respectively. When the direct injection method was used to analyze target compounds in the same samples, the detected concentrations of paraquat and diquat were within 25% in samples being >0.015 μg/L using the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance method. The liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method using direct injection can thus be used for routine monitoring of paraquat and diquat in surface and drinking water.
People with Parkinson's disease and normal MMSE score have a broad range of cognitive performance
Authors: Burdick Daniel J. , Cholerton Brenna , Watson G.S. , Siderowf Andrew , Trojanowski John Q. , Weintraub Daniel , Ritz Beate , Rhodes Shannon L. , Rausch Renecca , Factor Stewart A. , Wood‐Siverio Cathy , Quinn Joseph F. , Chung Kathryn A. , Srivatsal Sindhu , Edwards Karen L. , Montine Thomas J. , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Leverenz James B. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTCognitive impairment, including dementia, is common in Parkinson's disease (PD). The Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) has been recommended as a screening tool for Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), with values below 26 indicative of possible dementia. Using a detailed neuropsychological battery, we examined the range of cognitive impairment in PD patients with an MMSE score of 26 or higher. In this multicenter, cross‐sectional, observational study, we performed neuropsychological testing in a sample of 788 PD patients with MMSE scores of 26 or higher. Evaluation included tests of global cognition, executive function, language, memory, and visuospatial skills. A consensus panel reviewed results for 342 subjects and assigned a diagnosis of no cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. Sixty‐seven percent of the 788 subjects performed 1.5 standard deviations below the normative mean on at least one test. On eight of the 15 tests, more than 20% of subjects scored 1.5 standard deviations or more below the normative mean. Greatest impairments were found on Hopkins Verbal Learning and Digit Symbol Coding tests. The sensitivity of the MMSE to detect dementia was 45% in a subset of participants who underwent clinical diagnostic procedures. A remarkably wide range of cognitive impairment can be found in PD patients with a relatively high score on the MMSE, including a level of cognitive impairment consistent with dementia. Given these findings, clinicians must be aware of the limitations of the MMSE in detecting cognitive impairment, including dementia, in PD. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society