bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developments of instruments and methods related with high-speed countercurrent chromatography and their applications in research of natural medicines
Authors: Yao Shun , Cao Yu , Jia Chun-mei , Wang Yan , Song Hang 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
High-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) is a liquid-liquid separation chromatographic technique which uses no solid supporting medium. During its rapid development in the last 30 years, great progress has been made in the instrumentation, the basic study and application of HSCCC. It has significant advantages over other instrumental separation techniques, in its high efficiency and continuous processing capability. In recent years, HSCCC has been widely used in research and development of natural medicines and functional foods, including preparative separation, fingerprint analysis and screening of bioactive constituents. A review of the technique is presented in this paper.
The cytotoxic effect of diphtheria toxin on the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Varol Başak , Bektaş Muhammet , Nurten Rüstem , Bermek Engin 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDiphtheria toxin (DT) and its N-terminal fragment A (FA) catalyse the transfer of the ADP-ribose moiety of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) into a covalent linkage with eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2). DT-induced cytotoxicity is versatile, and it includes DNA cleavage and the depolymerisation of actin filaments. The inhibition of the ADP-ribosyltransferase (ADPrT) activity of FA did not affect the deoxyribonuclease activity of FA or its interaction with actin. The toxin entry rate into cells (HUVEC) was determined by measuring the ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. DT uptake was nearly 80% after 30 min. The efficiency was determined as Km = 2.2 nM; Vmax = 0.25 pmol.min−1. The nuclease activity was tested with hyperchromicity experiments, and it was concluded that G-actin has an inhibitory effect on DT nuclease activity. In thepresence of DT and mutant of diphtheria toxin (CRM197), F-actin depolymerisation was determined with gel filtration, WB and fluorescence techniques. In the presence of DT and CRM197, 60–65% F-actin depolymerisation was observed. An in vitro FA-actin interaction and F-actin depolymerisation were reported in our previous paper. The present study thus confirms the depolymerisation of actin cytoskeleton in vivo.
Trying to Make Sense of History: Chinese Christian Traditions of Countercultural Belief and their Theological and Political Interpretation of Past and Present History
Authors: Brandner Tobias 
Published: December 2011

The dramatic changes occurring in China in recent years have made many intellectuals ask about history, its values, and its purpose. When Chinese Christians reflect about history they find themselves in a contradictory situation. They enjoy the fruits of tremendous social changes, yet they also experience ongoing hostility of the state. Equally, they recognise that social change is not only a blessing, but may also contribute to growing disintegration in society. This paper introduces three interpretations of Chinese history offered by independent Christian groups or individuals. They are attempts to make sense of history and the radical changes and emerging contradictions of the past years. The historical constructs try to shed light on the question where Christians stand in this process of change. The examples presented are (a) the Back to Jerusalem Movement (BJM), a strongly revivalist missionary movement, (b) Yuan Zhi Ming who became famous through a DVD, called China's Confession, and (c) Ren Bumei, a Christian intellectual. They all in different forms offer a political theology that shows a political assertiveness and outspokenness that is atypical of the independent Christian tradition in China. The article concludes that the three presented historical interpretations stand in continuity with a long countercultural history in China. They reflect an experience of powerlessness and a promise of empowerment that are both responses to the experience of life in a totalitarian state.
Accumulation of Drug Resistance and Loss of Therapeutic Options Precede Commonly Used Criteria for Treatment Failure in HIV-1 Subtype-C-Infected Patients
Authors: Barth Roos E , Aitken Susan C , Tempelman Hugo , Geelen Sibyl P , van Bussel Erik M , Hoepelman Andy IM , Schuurman Rob , Wensing Annemarie MJ 
Published: December 2011

Background Virological monitoring is essential to identify antiretroviral treatment (ART) failure, but not widely available. Here, accumulation of resistance and consequences for second-line therapy were investigated in African HIV-1 subtype-C-infected patients. Methods A total of 836 patients initiated non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based ART and received biannual HIV RNA monitoring. When first-line ART was continued despite virological failure (HIV RNA>1,000 copies/ml), genotypic resistance analysis was performed at baseline, first failure (t1), and 6 or 12 months later (t2). Major resistance mutations (IAS), Stanford genotypic sensitivity scores (GSSs) and proportions of patients meeting WHO-defined failure criteria were compared between time points. Results Most patients (642/836, 77%) reached viral suppression and 145/642 patients (23%) experienced subsequent failure after a median of 18 months. Counselling resulted in virological re-suppression in 27% (39/145) and 40% (58/145) continued first-line ART despite virological failure; 26 patients were included for genotypic analysis. The mean number of major drug resistance mutations per person increased from 2.8 (t1) to 4.3 (t2). Initially, NNRTI-associated mutations ( n=47) predominated; only 25 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)-associated mutations (mainly M184V) were detected. During prolonged viraemia, NRTI resistance increased ( n=44, +76%), in particular thymidine analogue mutations (from 4 to 14) and K65R (from 3 to 6). Consequently, GSSs declined from baseline to t1 and t2: from 3.8 to 1.0 to 0.7 (NNRTIs) and from 6.8 to 5.1 to 4.0 (NRTIs). Despite broad resistance, immunological failure was limited at t2. Conclusions Rapid accumulation of drug resistance occurred when ART was continued despite virological failure. Treatment options were lost, even when WHO-defined failure criteria were not met. This study calls for wider access to virological monitoring.
Students Prefer Audience Response System for Lecture Evaluation
Authors: Turban Joseph W 
Published: December 2011

Objectives: Student evaluation of courses is an important component of overall course evaluation. The extent of student participation in the evaluation may be related to the ease of the evaluation process. The standard evaluation format is a paper form. This study examines medical students preference of utilizing Audience Response System compared to a paper method.
Methods: Following several medical school lectures, students were queried if they preferred Audience Response System versus a paper method, and if they would prefer using Audience Response System more for future course evaluations.
Results: 391 students were queried. Overall response rate was 94%. Using a five point Likert scale, 299 out of 361 (82%) responded they agreed, or strongly agreed with the statement â??We should use ARS more. . .
Lamin B Receptor Regulates the Growth and Maturation of Myeloid Progenitors via its Sterol Reductase Domain: Implications for Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Regulating Myelopoiesis
Authors: Subramanian Gayathri , Chaudhury Pulkit , Malu Krishnakumar , Fowler Samantha , Manmode Rahul , Gotur Deepali , Zwerger Monika , Ryan David , Roberti Rita , Gaines Peter 
Published: December 2011

AbstractLamin B receptor (LBR) is a bifunctional nuclear membrane protein with N-terminal lamin B and chromatin-binding domains plus a C-terminal sterol Δ14 reductase domain. LBR expression increases during neutrophil differentiation, and deficient expression disrupts neutrophil nuclear lobulation characteristic of Pelger-Huët anomaly. Thus, LBR plays a critical role in regulating myeloid differentiation, but how the two functional domains of LBR support this role is currently unclear. We previously identified abnormal proliferation and deficient functional maturation of promyelocytes (erythroid, myeloid, and lymphoid [EML]-derived promyelocytes) derived from EML-ic/ic cells, a myeloid model of ichthyosis (ic) bone marrow that lacks Lbr expression. In this study, we provide new evidence that cholesterol biosynthesis is important to myeloid cell growth and is supported by the sterol reductase domain of Lbr. Cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors caused growth inhibition of EML cells that increased in EML-derived promyelocytes, whereas cells lacking Lbr exhibited complete growth arrest at both stages. Lipid production increased during wild-type neutrophil maturation, but ic/ic cells exhibited deficient levels of lipid and cholesterol production. Ectopic expression of a full-length Lbr in EML-ic/ic cells rescued both nuclear lobulation and growth arrest in cholesterol starvation conditions. Lipid production also was rescued, and a deficient respiratory burst was corrected. Expression of just the C-terminal sterol reductase domain of Lbr in ic/ic cells also improved each of these phenotypes. Our data support the conclusion that the sterol Δ14 reductase domain of LBR plays a critical role in cholesterol biosynthesis and that this process is essential to both myeloid cell growth and functional maturation.
Myeloid Cell IL-10 Production in Response to Leishmania Involves Inactivation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Downstream of Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase
Authors: Nandan Devki , Camargo de Oliveira Carolina , Moeenrezakhanlou Alireza , Lopez Martin , Silverman Judith M. , Subek Jennifer , Reiner Neil E. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Leishmania disease expression has been linked to IL-10. In this study, we investigated the regulation of IL-10 production by macrophages infected with Leishmania donovani. Infection of either murine or human macrophages brought about selective phosphorylation of Akt-2 in a PI3K-dependent manner. These events were linked to phosphorylation and inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) at serine 9, as the latter was abrogated by inhibition of either PI3K or Akt. One of the transcription factors that is negatively regulated by GSK-3β is CREB, which itself positively regulates IL-10 expression. Infection of macrophages with leishmania induced phosphorylation of CREB at serine 133, and this was associated with enhanced CREB DNA binding activity and induction of IL-10. Similar to phosphorylation of GSK-3β, both phosphorylation of CREB at serine 133 and CREB DNA binding activity were abrogated in cells treated with inhibitors of either PI3K or Akt prior to infection. Furthermore, disruption of this pathway either by inhibition of Akt or by overexpression of GSK-3β markedly attenuated IL-10 production in response to leishmania. Thus, GSK-3β negatively regulates myeloid cell IL-10 production in response to leishmania. Switching off GSK-3β promotes disease pathogenesis.
Recruitment of a Distinct but Related Set of VH Sequences into the Murine CD21hi/CD23− Marginal Zone B Cell Repertoire to That Seen in the Class-Switched Antibody Response
Authors: White Henry N. , Meng Qing-Hai 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Development and maintenance of cells in the murine follicular and marginal zone compartments is thought to involve differing levels of stimulation of the BCR, although it is still not clear which BCR ligands mediate these events. How the delineation between naive and Ag experienced B cell populations relates to cell phenotype and how precise or blurred this delineation is, is also not well understood. In this study, using PCR to analyze the Ab response to phenyl-oxazolone in the mouse, we show that the Ab repertoire of CD21hi/CD23− marginal zone B cells shows persistent increase in levels of particular IgM after immunization with foreign Ag. Further, we show that these IgMs have different but related VH/CDR3 sequences from those seen in the class-switched response to oxazolone that we have also analyzed. We also detect an effect of Ag on the follicular B cell repertoire that is less persisting. These results provide evidence consistent with the signal-strength model of mature B cell development being extended to include stimulation by foreign Ag, and also further the known zone of influence of foreign Ag on the B cell compartment.
Skin Mast Cells Protect Mice against Vaccinia Virus by Triggering Mast Cell Receptor S1PR2 and Releasing Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Wang Zhenping , Lai Yuping , Bernard Jamie J. , MacLeod Daniel T. , Cogen Anna L. , Moss Bernard , Di Nardo Anna 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are well-known effectors of allergic reactions and are considered sentinels in the skin and mucosa. In addition, through their production of cathelicidin, MCs have the capacity to oppose invading pathogens. We therefore hypothesized that MCs could act as sentinels in the skin against viral infections using antimicrobial peptides. In this study, we demonstrate that MCs react to vaccinia virus (VV) and degranulate using a membrane-activated pathway that leads to antimicrobial peptide discharge and virus inactivation. This finding was supported using a mouse model of viral infection. MC-deficient (Kitwsh−/−) mice were more susceptible to skin VV infection than the wild type animals, whereas Kitwsh−/− mice reconstituted with MCs in the skin showed a normal response to VV. Using MCs derived from mice deficient in cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, we showed that antimicrobial peptides are one important antiviral granule component in in vivo skin infections. In conclusion, we demonstrate that MC presence protects mice from VV skin infection, MC degranulation is required for protecting mice from VV, neutralizing Ab to the L1 fusion entry protein of VV inhibits degranulation apparently by preventing S1PR2 activation by viral membrane lipids, and antimicrobial peptide release from MC granules is necessary to inactivate VV infectivity.
A Structural Basis for Varied αβ TCR Usage against an Immunodominant EBV Antigen Restricted to a HLA-B8 Molecule
Authors: Gras Stephanie , Wilmann Pascal G. , Chen Zhenjun , Halim Hanim , Liu Yu Chih , Kjer-Nielsen Lars , Purcell Anthony W. , Burrows Scott R. , McCluskey James , Rossjohn Jamie 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
EBV is a ubiquitous and persistent human pathogen, kept in check by the cytotoxic T cell response. In this study, we investigated how three TCRs, which differ in their T cell immunodominance hierarchies and gene usage, interact with the same EBV determinant (FLRGRAYGL), bound to the same Ag-presenting molecule, HLA-B8. We found that the three TCRs exhibit differing fine specificities for the viral Ag. Further, via structural and biophysical approaches, we demonstrated that the viral Ag provides the greatest energetic contribution to the TCR–peptide-HLA interaction, while focusing on a few adjacent HLA-based interactions to further tune fine-specificity requirements. Thus, the TCR engages the peptide-HLA with the viral Ag as the main glue, such that neighboring TCR–MHC interactions are recruited as a supportive adhesive. Collectively, we provide a portrait of how the host’s adaptive immune response differentially engages a common viral Ag.
Embryonic and foetal Islet-1 positive cells in human hearts are also positive to c-Kit
Authors: Serradifalco C. , Catanese P. , Rizzuto L. , Cappello F. , Puleio R. , Barresi V. , Nunnari C. M. , Zummo G. , Di Felice V. 
Published: December 2011

During embryogenesis, the mammalian heart develops from a primitive heart tube originating from two bilateral primary heart fields located in the lateral plate mesoderm. Cells belongings to the pre-cardiac mesoderm will differentiate into early cardiac progenitors, which express early transcription factors which are also common to the Isl-1 positive cardiac progenitor cells isolated from the developing pharyngeal mesoderm and the foetal and post-natal mice hearts. A second population of cardiac progenitor cells positive to c-Kit has been abundantly isolated from adult hearts. Until now, these two populations have been considered two different sets of progenitor cells present in the heart in different stages of an individual life. In the present study we collected embryonic, foetal and infant hearts, and we tested the hypotheses that c-Kit positive cells, usually isolated from the adult heart, are also present in the intra-uterine life and persist in the adult heart after birth, and that foetal Isl-1 positive cells are also positive to c-Kit.	Using immunohistochemistry we studied the temporal distribution of Isl-1 positive and c-Kit/CD105 double positive cells, and by immunofluorescence and confocal analysis we studied the co-localization of c-Kit and Isl-1 positive cells. The results indicated that cardiomyocytes and interstitial cells were positive for c-Kit from the 9th to the 19th gestational week, that cells positive for both c-Kit and CD105 appeared in the interstitium at the 17th gestational week and persisted in the postnatal age, and that the Isl-1 positive cells were a subset of the c-Kit positive population.
The Relationship between Modifiable Health Risks and Group-Level Health Care Expenditures
Authors: Anderson David R. , Whitmer R. William , Goetzel Ron Z. , Ozminkowski Ronald J. , Wasserman Jeffrey , Serxner Seth ,   Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) Research Committee
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To assess the relationship between modifiable health risks and total health care expenditures for a large employee group. Design. Risk data were collected through voluntary participation in health risk assessment (HRA) and worksite biometric screenings and were linked at the individual level to health care plan enrollment and expenditure data from employers' fee-for-service plans over the 6-year study period. Setting. The setting was worksite health promotion programs sponsored by six large private-sector and public-sector employers. Subjects. Of the 50% of employees who completed the HRA, 46,026 (74.7%) met all inclusion criteria for the analysis. Measures. Eleven risk factors (exercise, alcohol use, eating, current and former tobacco use, depression, stress, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and blood glucose) were dichotomized into high-risk and lower-risk levels. The association between risks and expenditures was estimated using a two-part regression model, controlling for demographics and other confounders. Risk prevalence data were used to estimate group-level impact of risks on expenditures. Results. Risk factors were associated with 25% of total expenditures. Stress was the most costly factor, with tobacco use, overweight, and lack of exercise also being linked to substantial expenditures. Conclusions. Modifiable risk factors contribute substantially to overall health care expenditures. Health promotion programs that reduce these risks may be beneficial for employers in controlling health care costs.
Combined Dietary and Exercise Intervention for Control of Serum Cholesterol in the Workplace
Authors: Angotti Catherine M. , Chan Wing T. , Sample C. James , Levine Marshal S. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To elucidate a potential combined dietary and exercise intervention affect on cardiovascular risk reduction of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters employees. Design. A nonexperimental, longitudinal, clinical-chart review study (1987 to 1996) of an identified intervention group and a reference (not a control) group. Setting. The study group worked in an office environment and participated in the annual medical examinations. Subjects. An intervention group of 858 people with initially elevated serum cholesterol, and a reference group of 963 people randomly sampled from 10% of the study group. Measures. Serum cholesterol data were obtained for both groups, respectively, from pre- and postintervention and annual examinations. The reference group was adjusted by statistical exclusion of potential intervention participants. Regression equations (cholesterol vs. study years) for the unadjusted/adjusted reference groups were tested for statistical significance. Intervention. An 8-week individualized, combined dietary and exercise program was instituted with annual follow-ups and was repeated where warranted. Results. Only the unadjusted (but not the adjusted) reference group with initial mean total serum cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL shows a significant 9-year decline trend and significant beta coefficient tests. An intervention effect is suggested. Mean high density lipoprotein cholesterol rose slightly in the intervention group but was maintained in the reference group. Conclusion. With potential design limitations, the NASA intervention program focusing on a high risk group may be associated to some degree, if not fully, with an overall cardiovascular risk profile improvement.
The Relationship between Home Smoking Bans and Exposure to State Tobacco Control Efforts and Smoking Behaviors
Authors: Norman Gregory J. , Ribisl Kurt M. , Howard-Pitney Beth , Howard Kim Ammann , Unger Jennifer B. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To examine the relationship between home smoking bans and adult smokers' exposure to the statewide California Tobacco Control Program (TCP) and their cigarette smoking behavior. Design. Cross-sectional survey that was part of the statewide Independent Evaluation of the California Tobacco Control, Prevention and Education Program. Setting. Random telephone interviews within 18 California counties. Subjects. A representative sample of 1315 adult smokers, aged 25 years and older. Measures. The telephone survey included questions about smoking behavior, quitting smoking, exposure to tobacco control program components, home smoking rules, and attitudes related to tobacco use and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Results. Smokers with a home smoking ban were twice as likely (OR = 2.29; 95% CI 1.22, 4.29) to have heard of TCP community programs and three times more likely (OR = 3.18; 95% CI 1.34, 7.57) to have seen and talked about the ETS media spot than smokers with no home smoking policy. Multivariate regression models indicated that having a home smoking ban was related to smoking fewer cigarettes per day and greater interest in quitting smoking compared with smokers with no smoking rules in the home (p < .05). Conclusions. These findings suggest that smokers reporting exposure to the California TCP were more likely to have restrictive home smoking policies and that more restrictive home smoking policies were associated with reduced smoking behavior.