bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Vitamin D Receptor gene polymorphisms and the components of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Schuch Natielen Jacques , Garcia Vivian Cristina , Vívolo Sandra Roberta Gouvea Ferreira , Martini Lígia Araújo 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The Vitamin D Receptor gene (VDR) is expressed in many tissues and modulates the expression of several other genes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) with the presence of VDR 2228570 C > T and VDR 1544410 A > G polymorphisms in Brazilian adults.

Methods
Two hundred forty three (243) individuals were included in a cross-sectional study. MetSyn was classified using the criteria proposed by National Cholesterol Educational Program - Adult Treatment Panel III. Insulin resistance and β cell secretion were estimated by the mathematical models of HOMA IR and β, respectively. The VDR 2228570 C > T and VDR 1544410 A > G polymorphisms were detected by enzymatic digestion and confirmed by allele specific PCR or amplification of refractory mutation.

Results
Individuals with MetSyn and heterozygosis for VDR 2228570 C > T have higher concentrations of iPTH and HOMA β than those without this polymorphism, and subjects with recessive homozygosis for the same polymorphisms presented higher insulin resistance than those with the heterozygous genotype. There is no association among VDR 1544410 A > G and components of MetSyn, HOMA IR and β, serum vitamin D (25(OH)D3) and intact parathormone (iPTH) levels in patients with MetSyn. A significant lower concentration of 25(OH)D3 was observed only in individuals without MetSyn in the VDR 1544410 A > G genotype. Additionally, individuals without MetSyn and heterozygosis for VDR 2228570 C > T presented higher concentration of triglycerides and lower HDL than those without this polymorphism.

Conclusions
Using two common VDR polymorphism data suggests they may influence insulin secretion, insulin resistance an serum HDL-cholesterol in our highly heterogeneous population. Whether VDR polymorphism may influence the severity of MetSyn component disorder, warrants examination in larger cohorts used for genome-wide association studies.
The evolution of malignant and reactive γδ + T cell clones in a relapse T-ALL case after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Huang Xin , Zheng Haitao , Geng Suxia , Wu Xiuli , Yang Lijian , Weng Jianyu , Du Xin , Li Yangqiu 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo improve the outcome of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), characterization of the biological features of T-ALL blast cells and the immune status of patients with T-ALL is needed to identify specific therapeutic strategies.FindingsUsing a novel approach based on the combination of fine-tiling comparative genomic hybridization (FT-CGH) and ligation-mediated PCR (LM-PCR), we molecularly identified a malignant γδ + T cell clone with a Vδ5Dδ2Jδ1 rearrangement that was paired with a T cell receptor (TCR) VγI and comprised a Vγ1Vδ5 T cell clone in a relapse T-ALL patient. This malignant Vδ5 T cell clone disappeared after chemotherapy, but the clone was detected again when disease relapsed post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) at 100 weeks. Using PCR and GeneScan analyses, the distribution and clonality of the TCR Vγ and Vδ subfamilies were examined before and after allo-HSCT in the patient. A reactive T cell clone with a Vδ4Dδ3Jδ1 rearrangement was identified in all samples taken at different time points (i.e., 4, 8, 68, 100 and 108 weeks after allo-HSCT). The expression of this Vδ4+ T cell clone was higher in the patient during complete remission (CR) post allo-HSCT and at disease relapse.ConclusionsThis study established a sensitive methodology to detect T cell subclones, which may be used to monitor minimal residual disease and immune reconstitution.
Temporo-spatial expression of adrenomedullin and its receptors in the bovine placenta
Authors: Hayashi Ken-Go , Hosoe Misa , Sakumoto Ryosuke , Takahashi Toru 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Adrenomedullin (AM) is a potent vasodilator peptide and is also involved in various physiological activities. In humans and rodents, AM is found in the uteroplacental unit and may be responsible for fetal development and maintenance of placental function. This study investigated 1) the mRNA expression patterns of AM and its receptor components (calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) 2 and RAMP3) during pregnancy and 2) mRNA and protein localization of AM, CRLR and RAMPs in the bovine placentome.

Methods
For real-time quantitative RT-PCR, bovine uteroplacental tissues were collected from Day 25, 60, 100, 150, 200 and 250 of gestation and separated into uterine caruncle (CAR), intercaruncular endometrium (ICAR), extra-embryonic membranes on Day 25 and cotyledonary villous after Day 60 (EEM-COT) and intercotyledonary chorion (ICOT). In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the cellular localization of mRNA and protein of AM, CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3 in the placentome on Day 56, 150 and 230 of gestation and interplacentomal tissues on Day 56 of gestation.

Results

AM mRNA was highly expressed on Day 200 in EEM-COT, CAR and ICAR. CRLR mRNA was highly expressed on Day 60 in all portions. RAMP2 mRNA was also highly expressed on Day 60 in ICOT and ICAR. In EEM-COT, mRNA expression of CRLR and RAMP2 decreased from Day 150 to 250. RAMP3 mRNA was highly expressed on Day 150 in EEM-COT, ICOT and ICAR. A distinct AM mRNA and protein signal were only found in trophoblast binucleate cells (BNCs), whereas those of CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were detected in cotyledonary villous and caruncular epithelial cells. In interplacentomal tissues, AM was detected in BNCs of fetal membrane and a small part of luminal epithelium, endothelial lineage of blood vessels and glandular epithelium of the endometrium. Distinct signals of CRLR, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were found in trophoblast cells, luminal epithelium, stroma under the epithelium, endothelial lineage of blood vessels and glandular epithelium.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that the AM system in the bovine uteroplacental unit may be activated at placentation and transition from the mid to late gestation period. Locally produced AM in the BNCs may play a crucial role in regulation of placental vascular and cellular functions during pregnancy.
Preparation of hierarchical mesoporous CaCO3 by a facile binary solvent approach as anticancer drug carrier for etoposide
Authors: Peng Haibao , Li Kun , Wang Ting , Wang Jin , Wang Jiao , Zhu Rongrong , Sun Dongmei , Wang Shilong 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
To develop a nontoxic system for targeting therapy, a new highly ordered hierarchical mesoporous calcium carbonate nanospheres (CCNSs) as small drug carriers has been synthesized by a mild and facile binary solvent approach under the normal temperature and pressure. The hierarchical structure by multistage self-assembled strategy was confirmed by TEM and SEM, and a possible formation process was proposed. Due to the large fraction of voids inside the nanospheres which provides space for physical absorption, the CCNSs can stably encapsulate the anticancer drug etoposide with the drug loading efficiency as high as 39.7 wt.%, and etoposide-loaded CCNS (ECCNS) nanoparticles can dispersed well in the cell culture. Besides, the drug release behavior investigated at three different pH values showed that the release of etoposide from CCNSs was pH-sensitive. MTT assay showed that compared with free etoposide, ECCNSs exhibited a higher cell inhibition ratio against SGC-7901 cells and also decreased the toxicity of etoposide to HEK 293 T cells. The CLSM image showed that ECCNSs exhibited a high efficiency of intracellular delivery, especially in nuclear invasion. The apoptosis test revealed that etoposide entrapped in CCNSs could enhance the delivery efficiencies of drug to achieve an improved inhibition effect on cell growth. These results clearly implied that the CCNSs are a promising drug delivery system for etoposide in cancer therapy.
A mechanism for detecting dishonest recommendation in indirect trust computation
Authors: Iltaf Naima , Ghafoor Abdul , Zia Uzman 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Indirect trust computation based on recommendations form an important component in trust-based access control models for pervasive environment. It can provide the service provider the confidence to interact with unknown service requesters. However, recommendation-based indirect trust computation is vulnerable to various types of attacks. This paper proposes a defense mechanism for filtering out dishonest recommendations based on a measure of dissimilarity function between the two subsets. A subset of recommendations with the highest measure of dissimilarity is considered as a set of dishonest recommendations. To analyze the effectiveness of the proposed approach, we have simulated three inherent attack scenarios for recommendation models (bad mouthing, ballot stuffing, and random opinion attack). The simulation results show that the proposed approach can effectively filter out the dishonest recommendations based on the majority rule. A comparison between the exiting schemes and our proposed approach is also given.
Adaptive almost surely asymptotically synchronization for stochastic delayed neural networks with Markovian switching
Authors: Ding Xiangwu , Gao Yan , Zhou Wuneng , Tong Dongbing , Su Hongye 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this paper, the problem of the adaptive almost surely asymptotically synchronization for stochastic delayed neural networks with Markovian switching is considered. By utilizing a new nonnegative function and the M-matrix approach, we derive a sufficient condition to ensure adaptive almost surely asymptotically synchronization for stochastic delayed neural networks. Some appropriate parameters analysis and update laws are found via the adaptive feedback control techniques. We also present an illustrative numerical example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the M-matrix-based synchronization condition derived in this paper.
Cytokine and chemokine responses to helminth and protozoan parasites and to fungus and mite allergens in neonates, children, adults, and the elderly
Authors: Lechner Christian J , Komander Karl , Hegewald Jana , Huang Xiangsheng , Gantin Richard G , Soboslay Peter T , Agossou Abram , Banla Meba , Köhler Carsten 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn rural sub-Saharan Africa, endemic populations are often infected concurrently with several intestinal and intravascular helminth and protozoan parasites. A specific, balanced and, to an extent, protective immunity will develop over time in response to repeated parasite encounters, with immune responses initially being poorly adapted and non-protective. The cellular production of pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines and chemokines in response to helminth, protozoan antigens and ubiquitous allergens were studied in neonates, children, adults and the elderly.ResultsIn children schistosomiasis prevailed (33%) while hookworm andEntamoeba histolytica/E. disparwas found in up to half of adults and the elderly.Mansonella perstansfilariasis was only present in adults (24%) and the elderly (25%). Two or more parasite infections were diagnosed in 41% of children, while such polyparasitism was present in 34% and 38% of adults and the elderly. Cytokine and chemokine production was distinctively inducible by parasite antigens; pro-inflammatory Th2-type cytokine IL-19 was activated byEntamoebaandAscarisantigens, being low in neonates and children while IL-19 production enhanced “stepwise” in adults and elderly. In contrast, highest production of MIP-1delta/CCL15 was present in neonates and children and inducible byEntamoeba-specific antigens only. Adults and the elderly had enhanced regulatory IL-27 cytokine responses, with Th2-type chemokines (MCP-4/CCL13, Eotaxin-2/CCL24) and cytokines (IL-33) being notably inducible by helminth- andEntamoeba-specific antigens and fungus-derived allergens. The lower cellular responsiveness in neonates and children highlighted the development of a parasite-specific cellular response profile in response to repeated episodes of exposure and re-infection.ConclusionsFollowing repeated exposure to parasites, and as a consequence of host inability to prevent or eliminate intestinal helminth or protozoa infections, a repertoire of immune responses will evolve with lessened pro-inflammatory and pronounced regulatory cytokines and chemokines; this is required for partial parasite control as well as for preventing inadequate and excessive host tissue and organ damage.
The N-end rule and retroviral infection: no effect on integrase
Authors: Boso Guney , Tasaki Takafumi , Kwon Yong Tae , Somia Nikunj V 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Integration of double stranded viral DNA is a key step in the retroviral life cycle. Virally encoded enzyme, integrase, plays a central role in this reaction. Mature forms of integrase of several retroviruses (i.e. HIV-1 and MLV) bear conserved destabilizing N-terminal residues of the N-end rule pathway - a ubiquitin dependent proteolytic system in which the N-terminal residue of a protein determines its half life. Substrates of the N-end rule pathway are recognized by E3 ubiquitin ligases called N-recognins. We have previously shown that the inactivation of three of these N-recognins, namely UBR1, UBR2 and UBR4 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) leads to increased stability of ectopically expressed HIV-1 integrase. These findings have prompted us to investigate the involvement of the N-end rule pathway in the HIV-1 life cycle.

Results
The infectivity of HIV-1 but not MLV was decreased in N-recognin deficient cells in which three N-recognins (UBR1, UBR2 and UBR4) were depleted. HIV-1 integrase mutants of N-terminal amino acids (coding for stabilizing or destabilizing residues) were severely impaired in their infectivity in both human and mouse cells. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that this inhibition was mainly caused by a defect in reverse transcription. The decreased infectivity was independent of the N-end rule since cells deficient in N-recognins were equally refractory to infection by the integrase mutants. MLV integrase mutants showed no difference in their infectivity or intravirion processing of integrase.

Conclusions
The N-end rule pathway impacts the early phase of the HIV-1 life cycle; however this effect is not the result of the direct action of the N-end rule pathway on the viral integrase. The N-terminal amino acid residue of integrase is highly conserved and cannot be altered without causing a substantial decrease in viral infectivity.
Pseudomonas DING proteins as human transcriptional regulators and HIV-1 antagonists
Authors: Suh Andrew , Le Douce Valentin , Rohr Olivier , Schwartz Christian , Scott Ken 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundAnti-HIV-1 therapy depends upon multiple agents that target different phases of the viral replication cycle. Recent reports indicate that plant and human DING proteins are unique in targeting viral gene transcription as the basis of their anti-HIV-1 therapy.MethodsTwo cloned DING genes fromPseudomonaswere transiently expressed in human cells, and effects on NFκB-mediated transcription, HIV-1 transcription, and HIV-1 production were measured.ResultsBoth DING proteins elevated NFκB-mediated transcription. In microglial cells, one protein, fromP. aeruginosaPA14, suppressed HIV-1 transcription; the other protein, fromP. fluorescensSBW25, was inactive. The PA14DING protein also reduces HIV-1 production in microglial cells.ConclusionsStructural differences between the two DING proteins highlight regions of the PA14DING protein essential to the anti-HIV-1 activity, and may guide the design of therapeutic agents.
Virus replicon particle based Chikungunya virus neutralization assay using Gaussia luciferase as readout
Authors: Gläsker Sabine , Lulla Aleksei , Lulla Valeria , Couderc Therese , Drexler Jan Felix , Liljeström Peter , Lecuit Marc , Drosten Christian , Merits Andres , Kümmerer Beate Mareike 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has been responsible for large epidemic outbreaks causing fever, headache, rash and severe arthralgia. So far, no specific treatment or vaccine is available. As nucleic acid amplification can only be used during the viremic phase of the disease, serological tests like neutralization assays are necessary for CHIKV diagnosis and for determination of the immune status of a patient. Furthermore, neutralization assays represent a useful tool to validate the efficacy of potential vaccines. As CHIKV is a BSL3 agent, neutralization assays with infectious virus need to be performed under BSL3 conditions. Our aim was to develop a neutralization assay based on non-infectious virus replicon particles (VRPs).

Methods
VRPs were produced by cotransfecting baby hamster kidney-21 cells with a CHIKV replicon expressing Gaussia luciferase (Gluc) and two helper RNAs expressing the CHIKV capsid protein or the remaining structural proteins, respectively. The resulting single round infectious particles were used in CHIKV neutralization assays using secreted Gluc as readout.

Results
Upon cotransfection of a CHIKV replicon expressing Gluc and the helper RNAs VRPs could be produced efficiently under optimized conditions at 32°C. Infection with VRPs could be measured via Gluc secreted into the supernatant. The successful use of VRPs in CHIKV neutralization assays was demonstrated using a CHIKV neutralizing monoclonal antibody or sera from CHIKV infected patients. Comparison of VRP based neutralization assays in 24- versus 96-well format using different amounts of VRPs revealed that in the 96-well format a high multiplicity of infection is favored, while in the 24-well format reliable results are also obtained using lower infection rates. Comparison of different readout times revealed that evaluation of the neutralization assay is already possible at the same day of infection.

Conclusions
A VRP based CHIKV neutralization assay using Gluc as readout represents a fast and useful method to determine CHIKV neutralizing antibodies without the need of using infectious CHIKV.
An educational intervention to reduce pain and improve pain management for Malawian people living with HIV/AIDS and their family carers: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nkhoma Kennedy , Seymour Jane , Arthur Antony 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundMany HIV/AIDS patients experience pain often due to advanced HIV/AIDS infection and side effects of treatment. In sub-Saharan Africa, pain management for people with HIV/AIDS is suboptimal. With survival extended as a direct consequence of improved access to antiretroviral therapy, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS related pain is increasing. As most care is provided at home, the management of pain requires patient and family involvement. Pain education is an important aspect in the management of pain in HIV/AIDS patients. Studies of the effectiveness of pain education interventions for people with HIV/AIDS have been conducted almost exclusively in western countries.Methods/designA randomised controlled trial is being conducted at the HIV and palliative care clinics of two public hospitals in Malawi. To be eligible, patient participants must have a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS (stage III or IV). Carer participants must be the individual most involved in the patient’s unpaid care. Eligible participants are randomised to either: (1) a 30-minute face-to-face educational intervention covering pain assessment and management, augmented by a leaflet and follow-up telephone call at two weeks; or (2) usual care. Those allocated to the usual care group receive the educational intervention after follow-up assessments have been conducted (wait-list control group). The primary outcome is pain severity measured by the Brief Pain Inventory. Secondary outcomes are pain interference, patient knowledge of pain management, patient quality of life, carer knowledge of pain management, caregiver motivation and carer quality of life. Follow-up assessments are conducted eight weeks after randomisation by palliative care nurses blind to allocation.DiscussionThis randomised controlled trial conducted in sub-Saharan Africa among people living with HIV/AIDS and their carers will assess whether a pain education intervention is effective in reducing pain and improving pain management, quality of life and carer motivation.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled TrialsISRCTN72861423.
Meigs syndrome presenting with axillary vein thrombosis and lymphadenopathy: a case report
Authors: Iyer Ridhima , Chow Jason , El-Bahrawy Mona , Savage Philip 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Meigs syndrome is a rare condition, occurring in less than 1% of ovarian tumors and has the characteristic features of a benign ovarian tumor, ascites and a pleural effusion. We present a case of Meigs syndrome in a young patient presenting initially with an axillary vein thrombosis and local lymphadenopathy.

Case presentation
A 28-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a short history of right arm swelling and shortness of breath as a result of an axillary vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus.
The initial assessment also demonstrated right axillary and subclavian lymphadenopathy, a pleural effusion, ascites and a large ovarian mass. Serum levels of the tumor markers human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein were normal and the CA-125 level was only moderately elevated.
The combination of thrombosis, lymphadenopathy and an ovarian mass raised the possibility of a disseminated malignancy potentially an epithelial ovarian cancer, a germ cell tumor or an ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor.
Surgery, performed after a short period of anticoagulation, demonstrated a 13.5cm ovarian cellular fibroma of low malignant potential. Postoperatively the patient made an excellent recovery and the ascites, pleural effusion and lymphadenopathy all resolved promptly.

Conclusions
In Meigs syndrome the classical findings of ascites, pleural effusion in combination with an ovarian mass can mimic disseminated malignancy but resolve spontaneously after surgery. In this current case, the patient also had lymphadenopathy and venous thrombosis, two other findings that are frequently associated with malignancy and was acutely unwell at presentation.
It is unclear if the thrombosis and lymphadenopathy were simply coincidental or shared the same etiology as the ascites and pleural effusion. This case indicates that Meigs syndrome may on occasion present with additional findings that can further mimic disseminated malignancy and may lead to diagnostic uncertainty.