bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Secreted Peptidyl Prolyl cis,trans-Isomerase HP0175 of Helicobacter pylori Induces Apoptosis of Gastric Epithelial Cells in a TLR4- and Apoptosis Signal-Regulating Kinase 1-Dependent Manner
Authors: Basak Chaitali , Pathak Sushil Kumar , Bhattacharyya Asima , Pathak Shresh , Basu Joyoti , Kundu Manikuntala 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Apoptosis contributes to the pathology of gastric epithelial cell damage that characterizes Helicobacter pylori infection. The secreted peptidyl prolyl cis, trans-isomerase of H. pylori, HP0175 executed apoptosis of the gastric epithelial cell line AGS in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The effect of HP0175 was confirmed by generating an isogenic mutant of H. pylori disrupted in the HP0175 gene. The apoptosis-inducing ability of this mutant was impaired compared with that of the wild type. The effect of HP0175 was mediated through TLR4. Preincubation of the gastric epithelial cell line AGS with anti-TLR4 mAb inhibited apoptosis induced by HP0175. Downstream of TLR4, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 activated MAPK p38, leading to the caspase 8-dependent cleavage of Bid, its translocation to the mitochondria, mitochondrial pore formation, cytochrome c release, and activation of caspases 9 and 3. We show for the first time that a secreted bacterial Ag with peptidyl prolyl cis,trans-isomerase activity signals through TLR4, and that this Ag executes gastric epithelial cell apoptosis through a signaling pathway in which TLR4 and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 are central players.
Molecular and Functional Characterization of NKG2D, NKp80, and NKG2C Triggering NK Cell Receptors in Rhesus and Cynomolgus Macaques: Monitoring of NK Cell Function during Simian HIV Infection
Authors: Biassoni Roberto , Fogli Manuela , Cantoni Claudia , Costa Paola , Conte Romana , Koopman Gerrit , Cafaro Aurelio , Ensoli Barbara , Moretta Alessandro , Moretta Lorenzo , De Maria Andrea 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
An involvement of innate immunity and of NK cells during the priming of adaptive immune responses has been recently suggested in normal and disease conditions such as HIV infection and acute myelogenous leukemia. The analysis of NK cell-triggering receptor expression has been so far restricted to only NKp46 and NKp30 in Macaca fascicularis. In this study, we extended the molecular and functional characterization to the various NK cell-triggering receptors using PBMC and to the in vitro-derived NK cell populations by cytofluorometry and by cytolytic activity assays. In addition, RT-PCR strategy, cDNA cloning/sequencing, and transient transfections were used to identify and characterize NKp80, NKG2D, CD94/NKG2C, and CD94/NKG2A in M. fascicularis and Macaca mulatta as well as in the signal transducing polypeptide DNAX-activating protein DAP-10. Both M. fascicularis and M. mulatta NK cells express NKp80, NKG2D, and NKG2C molecules, which displayed a high degree of sequence homology with their human counterpart. Analysis of NK cells in simian HIV-infected M. fascicularis revealed reduced surface expression of selected NK cell-triggering receptors associated with a decreased NK cell function only in some animals. Overall surface density of NK cell-triggering receptors on peripheral blood cells and their triggering function on NK cell populations derived in vitro was not decreased compared with uninfected animals. Thus, triggering NK cell receptor monitoring on macaque NK cells is possible and could provide a valuable tool for assessing NK cell function during experimental infections and for exploring possible differences in immune correlates of protection in humans compared with cynomolgus and rhesus macaques undergoing different vaccination strategies.
Novel Fibrogenic Pathways Are Activated in Response to Endothelial Apoptosis: Implications in the Pathophysiology of Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Laplante Patrick , Raymond Marc-André , Gagnon Gabrielle , Vigneault Normand , Sasseville A. Marie-Josée , Langelier Yves , Bernard Monique , Raymond Yves , Hébert Marie-Josée 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Apoptosis of endothelial cells (EC) is appreciated as a primary pathogenic event in systemic sclerosis. Yet, how apoptosis of EC leads to fibrosis remains to be determined. We report that apoptosis of EC triggers the release of novel fibrogenic mediators. Medium conditioned by apoptotic EC (SSC) was found to inhibit apoptosis of fibroblasts, whereas medium conditioned by EC in which apoptosis was blocked (with either pan-caspase inhibition or Bcl-xL overexpression) did not. PI3K was activated in fibroblasts exposed to SSC. This was associated with downstream repression of Bim-EL and long-term up-regulation of Bcl-xL protein levels. RNA interference for Bim-EL in fibroblasts blocked apoptosis. SSC also induced PI3K-dependent myofibroblast differentiation with expression of α-smooth muscle actin, formation of stress fibers, and production of collagen I. A C-terminal fragment of the domain V of perlecan was identified as one of the fibrogenic mediators present in SSC. A synthetic peptide containing an EGF motif present on the perlecan fragment and chondroitin 4-sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan anchored on the domain V of perlecan, induced PI3K-dependent resistance to apoptosis in fibroblasts and myofibroblast differentiation. Human fibroblasts derived from sclerodermic skin lesions were more sensitive to the antiapoptotic activities of the synthetic peptide and chondroitin 4-sulfate than fibroblasts derived from normal controls. Hence, we propose that a chronic increase in endothelial apoptosis and/or increased sensitivity of fibroblasts to mediators produced by apoptotic EC could form the basis of a fibrotic response characterized by sustained induction of an antiapoptotic phenotype in fibroblasts and persistent myofibroblast differentiation.
Gene Therapy to Manipulate Effector T Cell Trafficking to Tumors for Immunotherapy
Authors: Gough Michael , Crittenden Marka , Thanarajasingam Uma , Sanchez-Perez Luis , Thompson Jill , Jevremovic Dragan , Vile Richard 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Strategies that generate tumor Ag-specific effector cells do not necessarily cure established tumors. We hypothesized that the relative efficiency with which tumor-specific effector cells reach the tumor is critical for therapy. We demonstrate in this study that activated T cells respond to the chemokine CCL3, both in vitro and in vivo, and we further demonstrate that expression of CCL3 within tumors increases the effector T cell infiltrate in those tumors. Importantly, we show that adenoviral gene transfer to cause expression of CCL3 within B16ova tumors in vivo increases the efficacy of adoptive transfer of tumor-specific effector OT1 T cells. We additionally demonstrate that such therapies result in endogenous immune responses to tumor Ags that are capable of protecting animals against subsequent tumor challenge. Strategies that modify the “visibility” of tumors have the potential to significantly enhance the efficacy of both vaccine and adoptive transfer therapies currently in development.
Manipulation of Allergen-Induced Airway Remodeling by Treatment with Anti-TGF-β Antibody: Effect on the Smad Signaling Pathway
Authors: McMillan Sarah J. , Xanthou Georgina , Lloyd Clare M. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Airway inflammation and remodeling are important pathophysiologic features of chronic asthma. Previously, we have developed a mouse model of prolonged allergen challenge which exhibits many characteristics of chronic asthma such as goblet cell hyperplasia and subepithelial collagen deposition, in association with an increase in lung expression of the profibrotic mediator, TGF-β. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of blockade of TGF-β on the development of airway inflammation and remodeling using our murine model of prolonged allergen challenge. Importantly anti-TGF-β Ab was administered therapeutically, with dosing starting after the onset of established eosinophilic airway inflammation. Therapeutic treatment of mice with anti-TGF-β Ab significantly reduced peribronchiolar extracellular matrix deposition, airway smooth muscle cell proliferation, and mucus production in the lung without affecting established airway inflammation and Th2 cytokine production. Thus, our data suggest that it might be possible to uncouple airway inflammation and remodeling during prolonged allergen challenge. In addition, anti-TGF-β Ab treatment was shown to regulate active TGF-β signaling in situ with a reduction in the expression of phospho-Smad 2 and the concomitant up-regulation of Smad 7 in lung sections. Therefore, this is the first report to suggest that anti-TGF-β Ab treatment prevents the progression of airway remodeling following allergen challenge even when given in a therapeutic mode. Moreover, the molecular mechanism behind this effect may involve regulation of active TGF-β signaling.
NF-κB Mediates the Stimulation of Cytokine and Chemokine Expression by Human Articular Chondrocytes in Response to Fibronectin Fragments
Authors: Pulai Judit I. , Chen Hong , Im Hee-Jeong , Kumar Sanjay , Hanning Charles , Hegde Priti S. , Loeser Richard F. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractFibronectin fragments (FN-f) that bind to the α5β1 integrin stimulate chondrocyte-mediated cartilage destruction and could play an important role in the progression of arthritis. The objective of this study was to identify potential cytokine mediators of cartilage inflammation and destruction induced by FN-f and to investigate the mechanism of their stimulation. Human articular chondrocytes, isolated from normal ankle cartilage obtained from tissue donors, were treated with a 110-kDa FN-f in serum-free culture, and expression of various cytokine genes was analyzed by cDNA microarray and by a cytokine protein array. Compared with untreated control cultures, stimulation by FN-f resulted in a &gt;2-fold increase in IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and growth-related oncogene β (GRO-β). Constitutive and FN-f-inducible expression of GRO-α and GRO-γ were also noted by RT-PCR and confirmed by immunoblotting. Previous reports of IL-1β expression induced by FN-f were also confirmed, while TNF expression was found to be very low. Inhibitor studies revealed that FN-f-induced stimulation of chondrocyte chemokine expression was dependent on NF-κB activity, but independent of IL-1 autocrine signaling. The ability of FN-f to stimulate chondrocyte expression of multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines suggests that damage to the cartilage matrix is capable of inducing a proinflammatory state responsible for further progressive matrix destruction, which also includes the chemoattraction of inflammatory cells. Targeting the signaling pathways activated by FN-f may be an effective means of inhibiting production of multiple mediators of cartilage destruction.
Resistin, an Adipokine with Potent Proinflammatory Properties
Authors: Bokarewa Maria , Nagaev Ivan , Dahlberg Leif , Smith Ulf , Tarkowski Andrej 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The adipokine resistin is suggested to be an important link between obesity and insulin resistance. In the present study, we assessed the impact of resistin as inflammatogenic cytokine in the setting of arthritis. In vitro experiments on human PBMC were performed to assess cytokine response and transcription pathways of resistin-induced inflammation. Proinflammatory properties of resistin were evaluated in animal model by intra-articular injection of resistin followed by histological evaluation of the joint. Levels of resistin were assessed by ELISA in 74 paired blood and synovial fluid samples of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Results were compared with the control group comprised blood samples from 34 healthy individuals and 21 synovial fluids from patients with noninflammatory joint diseases. We now show that resistin displays potent proinflammatory properties by 1) strongly up-regulating IL-6 and TNF-α, 2) responding to TNF-α challenge, 3) enhancing its own activity by a positive feedback, and finally 4) inducing arthritis when injected into healthy mouse joints. Proinflammatory properties of resistin were abrogated by NF-κB inhibitor indicating the importance of NF-κB signaling pathway for resistin-induced inflammation. Resistin is also shown to specifically accumulate in the inflamed joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its levels correlate with other markers of inflammation. Our results indicate that resistin is a new and important member of the cytokine family with potent regulatory functions. Importantly, the identified properties of resistin make it a novel and interesting therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Neuropeptide Release from Dental Pulp Cells by RgpB via Proteinase-Activated Receptor-2 Signaling
Authors: Tancharoen Salunya , Sarker Krishna Pada , Imamura Takahisa , Biswas Kamal Krishna , Matsushita Kenji , Tatsuyama Shoko , Travis James , Potempa Jan , Torii Mitsuo , Maruyama Ikuro 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Dental pulp inflammation often results from dissemination of periodontitis caused mostly by Porphyromonas gingivalis infection. Calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P are proinflammatory neuropeptides that increase in inflamed pulp tissue. To study an involvement of the periodontitis pathogen and neuropeptides in pulp inflammation, we investigated human dental pulp cell neuropeptide release by arginine-specific cysteine protease (RgpB), a cysteine proteinase of P. gingivalis, and participating signaling pathways. RgpB induced neuropeptide release from cultured human pulp cells (HPCs) in a proteolytic activity-dependent manner at a range of 12.5–200 nM. HPCs expressed both mRNA and the products of calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P, and proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) that were also found in dental pulp fibroblast-like cells. The PAR-2 agonists, SLIGKV and trypsin, also induced neuropeptide release from HPCs, and HPC PAR-2 gene knockout by transfection of PAR-2 antisense oligonucleotides inhibited significantly the RgpB-elicited neuropeptide release. These results indicated that RgpB-induced neuropeptide release was dependent on PAR-2 activation. The kinase inhibitor profile on the RgpB-neuropeptide release from HPC revealed a new PAR-2 signaling pathway that was mediated by p38 MAPK and activated transcription factor-2 activation, in addition to the PAR-2-p44/42 p38MAPK and -AP-1 pathway. This new RgpB activity suggests a possible link between periodontitis and pulp inflammation, which may be modulated by neuropeptides released in the lesion.
Characterization of the Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody Response in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Sblattero Daniele , Maurano Francesco , Mazzarella Giuseppe , Rossi Mauro , Auricchio Salvatore , Florian Fiorella , Ziberna Fabiana , Tommasini Alberto , Not Tarcisio , Ventura Alessandro , Bradbury Andrew , Marzari Roberto , Troncone Riccardo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disorder characterized by destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells by T lymphocytes. In nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, a role has been hypothesized for dietary gluten proteins in the onset of diabetes, and because gluten dependence is the major feature of celiac disease, together with production of Abs to the autoantigen tissue transglutaminase (tTG), we looked for the presence of anti-tTG Abs in the serum of NOD mice and, to establish their origin, analyzed the Ab repertoire of NOD mice using phage display Ab libraries. We found significant levels of serum anti-tTG Abs and were able to isolate single-chain Ab fragments to mouse tTG mainly from the Ab libraries made from intestinal lymphocytes and to a lesser extent from splenocytes. Data from NOD mice on a gluten-free diet suggest that the anti-tTG response is not gluten-dependent. The intestinal Ab response to tTG is a feature of NOD mice, but the underlying mechanisms remain obscure.
Gene Expression Profiling of the Effect of High-Dose Intravenous Ig in Patients with Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Abe Jun , Jibiki Toshiaki , Noma Seiji , Nakajima Tosiharu , Saito Hirohisa , Terai Masaru 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis of infants and young children, preferentially affecting the coronary arteries. Intravenous infusion of high dose Ig (IVIG) effectively reduces systemic inflammation and prevents coronary artery lesions in KD. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of IVIG, we examined gene expression profiles of PBMC and purified monocytes obtained from acute patients before and after IVIG therapy. The results suggest that IVIG suppresses activated monocytes and macrophages by altering various functional aspects of the genes of KD patients. Among the 18 commonly decreased transcripts in both PBMC and purified monocytes, we selected six genes, FCGR1A, FCGR3A, CCR2, ADM, S100A9, and S100A12, and confirmed the microarray results by real-time RT-PCR. Moreover, the expressions of FcγRI and FcγRIII on monocytes were reduced after IVIG. Plasma S100A8/A9 heterocomplex, but not S100A9, levels were elevated in patients with acute KD compared with those in febrile controls. Furthermore, S100A8/A9 was rapidly down-regulated in response to IVIG therapy. Persistent elevation of S100A8/A9 after IVIG was found in patients who later developed coronary aneurysms. These results indicate that the effects of IVIG in KD may be mediated by suppression of an array of immune activation genes in monocytes, including those activating FcγRs and the S100A8/A9 heterocomplex.
Arginine-Rich Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (Anti-VEGF) Hexapeptide Inhibits Collagen-Induced Arthritis and VEGF-Stimulated Productions of TNF-α and IL-6 by Human Monocytes
Authors: Yoo Seung-Ah , Bae Dong-Goo , Ryoo Jae-Woong , Kim Hae-Rim , Park Gyeong-Sin , Cho Chul-Soo , Chae Chi-Bom , Kim Wan-Uk 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We previously identified a novel RRKRRR hexapeptide that blocked the interaction between VEGF and its receptor through the screening of peptide libraries. In this study, we investigated whether anti-VEGF peptide RRKRRR (dRK6) could suppress collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and regulate the activation of mononuclear cells of RA patients. A s.c. injection of dRK6 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the severity and incidence of CIA and suppressed synovial infiltration of inflammatory cells in DBA/1 mice. In these mice, the T cell responses to type II collagen (CII) in lymph node cells and circulating IgG Abs to CII were also dose-dependently inhibited by the peptides. In addition, VEGF directly increased the production of TNF-α and IL-6 from human PBMC. Synovial fluid mononuclear cells of RA patients showed a greater response to VEGF stimulation than the PBMC of healthy controls. The major cell types responding to VEGF were monocytes. Moreover, anti-VEGF dRK6 inhibited the VEGF-induced production of TNF-α and IL-6 from synovial fluid mononuclear cells of RA patients and decreased serum IL-6 levels in CIA mice. In summary, we observed first that dRK6 suppressed the ongoing paw inflammation in mice and blocked the VEGF-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines. These data suggest that dRK6 may be an effective strategy in the treatment of RA, and could be applied to modulate various chronic VEGF-dependent inflammatory diseases.
Using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills as Part of the Diagnostic Process in An Inner-City Learning Disability Service
Authors: Mesa Sue , Heron Penny , Chard Gill , Rowe John 
Published: April 2014

Learning disability is characterized by significant impairment of both intellectual function and social and adaptive function, with onset before adulthood, and yet social and adaptive function is often omitted from assessment processes. This practice analysis explores the feasibility of administering the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills to assess adaptive function (alongside the assessment of intellectual function) as part of the diagnostic process for people with a learning disability. After a 2-year period, scores for the two assessments were correlated and a low level of correlation was found. Findings suggested that the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills should continue to be used as part of the diagnostic process alongside assessments of intellectual function, because assessment of intellectual function alone does not predict adaptive function and cannot be relied on for diagnosis of learning disability; doing so would ensure that practice was evidence based.
Implementing a Modified Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance Approach for Use in a Group Format
Authors: Martini Rose , Mandich Angela , Green Dido 
Published: April 2014

Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance is an intervention approach that is often used with children with developmental coordination disorder, and is usually implemented using an individual intervention format. This practice analysis describes two experiences of the cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance approach, modified for use in a group format: an intensive day-camp, and a weekly after-school club. The group format provided children with various opportunities (for example, helping other children and realizing that different ‘plans’ work for different people) and challenges (for example, maintaining both children's engagement during problem solving and heterogeneity in children's breakdowns). Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance in a group format is feasible and has the potential to encourage skill acquisition for a greater number of children with developmental coordination disorder.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Spaced Education for Pediatric Residency Education
Authors: Mathes Erin F. , Frieden Ilona J. , Cho Christine S. , Boscardin Christy Kim 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Spaced education (SE) has shown promise as an instructional tool that uses repeated exposure to the same questions, but information on its utility in graduate medical education is limited, particularly in assessing knowledge gain with outcome measures that are different from repeat exposure to the intervention questions.

Objective
We examined whether SE is an effective instructional tool for pediatrics residents learning dermatology using an outcome measure that included both unique and isomorphic questions.

Methods
We randomized 81 pediatrics residents into 2 groups. Group A completed an SE course on atopic dermatitis and warts and molluscum. Group B completed an SE course on acne and melanocytic nevi. Each course consisted of 24 validated SE items (question, answer, and explanation) delivered 2 at a time in 2 e-mails per week. Both groups completed a pretest and posttest on all 4 topics. Each group served as the comparison for the other group.

Results
Fifty residents (60%) completed the study. The course did not have a statistically significant effect on the posttest scores for either group. Overall, test scores were low. Eighty-eight percent of residents indicated that they would like to participate in future SE courses.

Conclusions
Using primarily novel posttest questions, this study did not demonstrate the significant knowledge gains that other investigators have found with SE.