bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IFN-β Inhibits Human Th17 Cell Differentiation
Authors: Ramgolam Vinod S. , Sha Yonggang , Jin Jianping , Zhang Xin , Markovic-Plese Silva 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
IFN-β-1a has been used over the past 15 years as a primary therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the immunomodulatory mechanisms that provide a therapeutic effect against this CNS inflammatory disease are not yet completely elucidated. The effect of IFN-β-1a on Th17 cells, which play a critical role in the development of the autoimmune response, has not been extensively studied in humans. We have investigated the effect of IFN-β-1a on dendritic cells (DCs) and naive CD4+CD45RA+ T cells derived from untreated MS patients and healthy controls in the context of Th17 cell differentiation. We report that IFN-β-1a treatment down-regulated the expression of IL-1β and IL-23p19 in DCs, whereas it induced the gene expression of IL-12p35 and IL-27p28. We propose that IFN-β-1a-mediated up-regulation of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 expression, induced via STAT3 phosphorylation, mediates IL-1β and IL-23 down-regulation, while IFN-β-1a-induced STAT1 phosphorylation induces IL-27p28 expression. CD4+CD45RA+ naive T cells cocultured with supernatants from IFN-β-1a-treated DCs exhibited decreased gene expression of the Th17 cell markers retinoic acid-related orphan nuclear hormone receptor c (RORc), IL-17A, and IL-23R. A direct IFN-β-1a treatment of CD45RA+ T cells cultured in Th17-polarizing conditions also down-regulated RORc, IL-17A, and IL-23R, but up-regulated IL-10 gene expression. Studies of the mechanisms involved in the Th17 cell differentiation suggest that IFN-β-1a inhibits IL-17 and induces IL-10 secretion via activated STAT1 and STAT3, respectively. IFN-β’s suppression of Th17 cell differentiation may represent its most relevant mechanism of selective suppression of the autoimmune response in MS.
IL-4Rα, a New Member that Associates with Syk Kinase: Implication in IL-4-Induced Human Neutrophil Functions
Authors: Ennaciri Jamila , Girard Denis 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Although Syk has been reported to be associated with IL-2Rα and IL-15Rα in some hematopoietic cells, its association has never been investigated in the IL-4/IL-4R system. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that Syk is constitutively associated with IL-4Rα in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and that IL-4 stimulation increases the amount of Syk associated with IL-4Rα. Moreover, upon IL-4 treatment, a pool of Syk associated with IL-4Rα is phosphorylated. We also report that such association is not unique to PMNs because Syk associates with IL-4Rα in Raji and in PBMC cells. Stimulation of PMNs by IL-4 increased the amount of Syk associated with PLC-γ2, pAkt, and α-tubulin. Pretreatment of cells with the Syk-selective inhibitor piceatannol or Syk inhibitor II, significantly inhibited the ability of IL-4 to enhance phagocytosis and cell adhesion and to delay apoptosis, and these results correlate with the ability of piceatannol to reduce Syk activation and its association with IL-4Rα. Down-regulation of Syk by antisense techniques demonstrates the importance of Syk in the antiapoptotic effect of IL-4. We conclude that association of Syk to IL-4Rα is of biological significance and that IL-4Rα is a new candidate to be added to the few cytokine receptor components which associate with Syk.
Identification of Mycobacterial α-Glucan As a Novel Ligand for DC-SIGN: Involvement of Mycobacterial Capsular Polysaccharides in Host Immune Modulation
Authors: Geurtsen Jeroen , Chedammi Sunita , Mesters Joram , Cot Marlène , Driessen Nicole N. , Sambou Tounkang , Kakutani Ryo , Ummels Roy , Maaskant Janneke , Takata Hiroki , Baba Otto , Terashima Tatsuo , Bovin Nicolai , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina M. J. E. , Nigou Jérôme , Puzo Germain , Lemassu Anne , Daffé Mamadou , Appelmelk Ben J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis possesses a variety of immunomodulatory factors that influence the host immune response. When the bacillus encounters its target cell, the outermost components of its cell envelope are the first to interact. Mycobacteria, including M. tuberculosis, are surrounded by a loosely attached capsule that is mainly composed of proteins and polysaccharides. Although the chemical composition of the capsule is relatively well studied, its biological function is only poorly understood. The aim of this study was to further assess the functional role of the mycobacterial capsule by identifying host receptors that recognize its constituents. We focused on α-glucan, which is the dominant capsular polysaccharide. Here we demonstrate that M. tuberculosis α-glucan is a novel ligand for the C-type lectin DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin). By using related glycogen structures, we show that recognition of α-glucans by DC-SIGN is a general feature and that the interaction is mediated by internal glucosyl residues. As for mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan, an abundant mycobacterial cell wall-associated glycolipid, binding of α-glucan to DC-SIGN stimulated the production of immunosuppressive IL-10 by LPS-activated monocyte-derived dendritic cells. By using specific inhibitors, we show that this IL-10 induction was DC-SIGN-dependent and also required acetylation of NF-κB. Finally, we demonstrate that purified M. tuberculosis α-glucan, in contrast to what has been reported for fungal α-glucan, was unable to activate TLR2.
Critical Role of IL-17RA in Immunopathology of Influenza Infection
Authors: Crowe Christopher R. , Chen Kong , Pociask Derek A. , Alcorn John F. , Krivich Cameron , Enelow Richard I. , Ross Ted M. , Witztum Joseph L. , Kolls Jay K. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Acute lung injury due to influenza infection is associated with high mortality, an increase in neutrophils in the airspace, and increases in tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO). Because IL-17A and IL-17F, ligands for IL-17 receptor antagonist (IL-17RA), have been shown to mediate neutrophil migration into the lung in response to LPS or Gram-negative bacterial pneumonia, we hypothesized that IL-17RA signaling was critical for acute lung injury in response to pulmonary influenza infection. IL-17RA was critical for weight loss and both neutrophil migration and increases in tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) after influenza infection. However, IL-17RA was dispensable for the recruitment of CD8+ T cells specific for influenza hemagglutinin or nucleocapsid protein. Consistent with this, IL-17RA was not required for viral clearance. However, in the setting of influenza infection, IL-17RA−/− mice showed significantly reduced levels of oxidized phospholipids, which have previously been shown to be an important mediator in several models of acute lung injury, including influenza infection and gastric acid aspiration. Taken together, these data support targeting IL-17 or IL-17RA in acute lung injury due to acute viral infection.
CCR7 Deficiency on Dendritic Cells Enhances Fungal Clearance in a Murine Model of Pulmonary Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Hartigan Adam J. , Westwick John , Jarai Gabor , Hogaboam Cory M. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a sporulating fungus found ubiquitously in the environment and is easily cleared from immunocompetent hosts. Invasive aspergillosis develops in immunocompromised patients, and is a leading cause of mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. CCR7 and its ligands, CCL19 and CCL21, are responsible for the migration of dendritic cells from sites of infection and inflammation to secondary lymphoid organs. To investigate the role of CCR7 during invasive aspergillosis, we used a well-characterized neutropenic murine model. During invasive aspergillosis, mice with a CCR7 deficiency in the hematopoietic compartment exhibited increased survival and less pulmonary injury compared with the appropriate wild-type control. Flow cytometric analysis of the chimeric mice revealed an increase in the number of dendritic cells present in the lungs of CCR7-deficient chimeras following infection with Aspergillus conidia. An adoptive transfer of dendritic cells into neutropenic mice provided a protective effect during invasive aspergillosis, which was further enhanced with the adoptive transfer of CCR7-deficient dendritic cells. Additionally, CCR7-deficient dendritic cells activated in vitro with Aspergillus conidia expressed higher TNF-α, CXCL10, and CXCL2 levels, indicating a more activated cellular response to the fungus. Our results suggest that the absence of CCR7 is protective during invasive aspergillosis in neutropenic mice. Collectively, these data demonstrate a potential deleterious role for CCR7 during primary immune responses directed against A. fumigatus.
Antigen-Induced Increases in Pulmonary Mast Cell Progenitor Numbers Depend on IL-9 and CD1d-Restricted NKT Cells
Authors: Jones Tatiana G. , Hallgren Jenny , Humbles Alison , Burwell Timothy , Finkelman Fred D. , Alcaide Pilar , Austen K. Frank , Gurish Michael F. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Pulmonary mast cell progenitor (MCp) numbers increase dramatically in sensitized and aerosolized Ag-challenged mice. This increase depends on CD4+ T cells, as no MCp increase occurs in the lungs of sensitized wild-type (WT) mice after mAb depletion of CD4+ but not CD8+ cells before aerosol Ag challenge. Neither the genetic absence of IL-4, IL-4Rα chain, STAT-6, IFN-γ, or IL-12p40 nor mAb blockade of IFN-γ, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-12p40, or IL-12p40Rβ1 before Ag challenge in WT mice reduces the pulmonary MCp increase. However, sensitized and Ag-challenged IL-9-deficient mice and sensitized WT mice given mAb to IL-9 just before Ag challenge show significant reductions in elicited lung MCp/106 mononuclear cells of 47 and 66%, respectively. CD1d-deficient mice and WT mice receiving anti-CD1d before Ag challenge also show significant reductions of 65 and 59%, respectively, in elicited lung MCp/106 mononuclear cells, revealing an additional requirement for MCp recruitment. However, in Jα18-deficient mice, which lack only type 1 or invariant NKT cells, the increase in the numbers of lung MCp with Ag challenge was intact, indicating that their recruitment must be mediated by type 2 NKT cells. Furthermore, anti-CD1d treatment of IL-9-deficient mice or anti-IL-9 treatment of CD1d-deficient mice does not further reduce the significant partial impairment of MCp recruitment occurring with a single deficiency. These findings implicate type 2 NKT cells and IL-9 as central regulators that function in the same pathway mediating the Ag-induced increase in numbers of pulmonary MCp.
Malaria-Induced Murine Pregnancy Failure: Distinct Roles for IFN-γ and TNF
Authors: Poovassery Jayakumar S. , Sarr Demba , Smith Geoffrey , Nagy Tamas , Moore Julie M. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Although an important role for excessive proinflammatory cytokines in compromise of pregnancy has been established, an immunological basis for malaria-induced fetal loss remains to be demonstrated. In this study, the roles of IFN-γ and TNF in Plasmodium chabaudi AS-induced fetal loss in mice were directly investigated. Pregnant IFN-γ−/− mice experienced a more severe course of infection compared with intact C57BL/6 mice, characterized by high parasitemia, severe anemia, and marked weight loss. However, fetal loss was delayed in these mice relative to intact controls. Because IFN-γ−/− mice exhibited sustained levels of plasma TNF, the role of this cytokine was examined. Whereas splenic tnf expression in C57BL/6 mice was highest 3 days before peak parasitemia, increased placental expression relative to uninfected mice was sustained, indicating that locally produced TNF may be important in malaria-induced pregnancy failure. Indeed, Ab neutralization of TNF resulted in preservation of embryos until day 12 of gestation, at which point all embryos were lost in untreated mice. Histological analysis revealed that TNF ablation preserved placental architecture whereas placentae from untreated infected mice had widespread hemorrhage and placental disruption, with fibrin thrombi in some maternal blood sinusoids. Consistent with a role for cytokine-driven thrombosis in fetal loss, expression of procoagulant tissue factor was significantly increased in the placentae of infected C57BL/6 mice but was reduced in mice treated with anti-TNF Ab. Together, these results suggest that IFN-γ contributes to malaria-induced fetal loss and TNF is a critical factor that acts by inducing placental coagulopathy.
Reactivity of Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs) and Bis(amino)cyclopropenylidenes (BACs) with Heteroallenes: Comparisons with their N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHCs) Counterparts
Authors: Kuchenbeiser Glenn , Soleilhavoup Michele , Donnadieu Bruno , Bertrand Guy 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSimilarly to NHCs, CAACa and BACa react with CO2 to give the corresponding betaines. Based on the carbonyl stretching frequencies of cis‐[RhCl(CO)2(L)] complexes, the order of electron donor ability was predicted to be CAACa≈BACa>NHCs. When the betaines νasym(CO2) values are used, the apparent ordering is BACa>NHCs≈CAACa that indicates a limitation for the use of IR spectroscopy in the ranking of ligand σ‐donating ability. Although all carbenes react with carbon disulfide to give the corresponding betaines, a second equivalent of CS2 reacts with the BAC‐CS2 leading to a bicyclic thieno[2,3‐diamino]‐1,3‐dithiole‐2‐thione, which results from a novel ring expansion process. Surprisingly, in contrast to NHCs, CAACa does not react with carbodiimide, whereas BACa exclusively gives a ring expanded product, analogous to that obtained with CS2. The intermediate amidinate can be trapped, using the lithium tetrafluoroborate adduct of BACb as a carbene surrogate.
From the petroeconomy to the bioeconomy: Integrating bioenergy production with agricultural demands
Authors: Mathews John A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractProduction of biomass for bioenergy generation, and in particular production of biologically derived liquid fuels, is attracting great interest as an alternative to the fossil fuel economy. Biofuels represent as yet only 1% of world agricultural output, but this small extension has triggered widespread fears, many now shown to be groundless, such as the fear that it was biofuels that drove up food prices in 2008. This perspective reviews the literature on the extent to which biofuel production can be integrated into agricultural production, taking a global view of the potential for land, water and other resources to be extended beyond current food, feed and fi ber applications. As opposed to the focus on negative impacts, there are benefi cial practices in biofuels that could be expected to propagate to agriculture more generally and have a positive impact on yields and practices. These include (1) promoting a shift from wasteful annual crops to perennials, particularly low‐input high‐diversity (LIHD) crops; (2) sequestering carbon in soil both organically and as biochar; (3) improving conservative water management practices; and (4) recycling resources. The possibilities of encouraging biofuel production (and biomass for bioenergy generally) in the tropical South, for consumption in the temperate North, based on certifi cation of such sustainable practices in the South, could be expanded if global trade in biofuels were liberalized. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Effects of pulsed magnetic field on the formation of magnetosomes in the Magnetospirillum sp. strain AMB‐1
Authors: Pan Weidong , Chen Chuanfang , Wang Xiaoke , Ma Qiufeng , Jiang Wei , Lv Jing , Wu Long‐Fei , Song Tao 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMagnetotactic bacteria are a diverse group of microorganisms which possess one or more chains of magnetosomes and are endowed with the ability to use geomagnetic fields for direction sensing, thus providing a simple and excellent model for the study of magnetite‐based magnetoreception. In this study, a 50 Hz, 2 mT pulsed magnetic field (PMF) was applied to study the effects on the formation of magnetosomes in Magnetospirillum sp. strain AMB‐1. The results showed that the cellular magnetism (Rmag) of AMB‐1 culture significantly increased while the growth of cells remained unaffected after exposure. The number of magnetic particles per cell was enhanced by about 15% and slightly increased ratios of magnetic particles of superparamagnetic property (size <20 nm) and mature magnetosomes (size >50 nm) were observed after exposure to PMF. In addition, the intracellular iron accumulation slightly increased after PMF exposure. Therefore, it was concluded that 50 Hz, 2 mT PMF enhances the formation of magnetosomes in Magnetospirillum sp. strain AMB‐1. Our results suggested that lower strength of PMF has no significant effects on the bacterial cell morphologies but could affect crystallization process of magnetosomes to some extent. Bioelectromagnetics 31:246–251, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural transition from dimeric to tetrameric i‐motif, caused by the presence of TAA at the 3′‐end of human telomeric C‐rich sequence
Authors: Kaushik Mahima , Prasad Manoj , Kaushik Shikha , Singh Anju , Kukreti Shrikant 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWidely dispersed in genomic DNA, the tandem C‐rich repetitive stretches may fold below physiological pH, into i‐motif structures, stabilized by C·C+ pairing. Herein, structural status of a 9‐mer stretch d(CCCTAACCC), [the truncated double repeat of human telomeric sequence], and its extended version, comprising of additional TAA segment at the 3′‐end, representing the complete double repeat d(CCCTAACCCTAA), has been investigated. The pH dependent monophasic UV‐melting, Gel and CD data suggested that while the truncated version adopts a bimolecular i‐motif structure, its complete double repeat (12‐mer) sequence exists in two (bimolecular and tetramolecular) forms. A model is proposed for the tetramolecular i‐motif with conventional C·C+ base pairs, additionally stabilized by asymmetric A·A base pairs at the −3′ TAA flanking ends and Watson–Crick A·T hydrogen bonding between intervening bases on antiparallel strands. Expanding the known topologies of DNA i‐motifs, such atypical geometries of i‐motifs may have implications in their recognition by proteins. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 150–160, 2010.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Consumer decision making in low‐income families: The case of conflict avoidance
Authors: Hamilton Kathy 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
This paper explores consumer decision making in low‐income families. The focus is on the issue of conflict avoidance within the family when making consumption choices. Whereas previous studies have focused on conflict resolution strategies, this paper considers the ways in which families prevent conflict from arising in the first instance. These include individual control in purchasing and budgeting decisions, giving in to the requests of children and ensuring open communication about the family's financial situation. Importantly, the connections between the poverty narrative and the family decision making narrative are considered as the decision making strategies employed are not only aimed at avoiding conflict but also making experiences of poverty more manageable.
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consequences of customer powerlessness: Secondary control
Authors: Bunker Matthew , Ball A. Dwayne 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
This research investigated the consequences of powerlessness when consumers experience service failure with a company that has high‐exit barriers. The specific consequences investigated were three types of secondary control, which are grudge‐holding, avoidance (predictive avoidance), and retaliation desire. These secondary control coping strategies highlight consumers' ability to control their personal behaviors and thoughts, even when they cannot completely control the outcomes of a situation. A qualitative study, followed by a scenario‐based survey and structural equation model, suggest that the primary direct consequences of powerlessness in commercial relationships are grudge‐holding and predictive avoidance, and that both predictive avoidance and a desire to retaliate are further consequences of grudge‐holding. The results of this research underscore the importance of understanding the role of powerlessness and its consequences in consumer–firm relationships.
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrahigh‐Throughput FACS‐Based Screening for Directed Enzyme Evolution
Authors: Yang Guangyu , Withers Stephen G. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDirected enzyme evolution has proven to be a powerful tool for improving a range of properties of enzymes through consecutive rounds of diversification and selection. However, its success depends heavily on the efficiency of the screening strategy employed. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) has recently emerged as a powerful tool for screening enzyme libraries due to its high sensitivity and its ability to analyze as many as 108 mutants per day. Applications of FACS screening have allowed the isolation of enzyme variants with significantly improved activities, altered substrate specificities, or even novel functions. This review discusses FACS‐based screening for enzymatic activity and its potential application for the directed evolution of enzymes, ribozymes, and catalytic antibodies.
Distal balloon deflation technique: A new method to facilitate entry of balloon catheter, stent, and guiding catheter to distal lesion
Authors: Ashikaga Takashi , Sakurai Kaoru , Satoh Yasuhiro 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe occasionally encountered difficult cases of balloon and stent delivery to the distal lesion because of narrow stent strut, severe calcification, or tortuosity of the proximal section. We describe a new technique to deliver balloon, stent, and guiding catheter to the distal lesion using a distal balloon deflation. This technique offers a potential alternative for cases in which the delivery of balloon and stent is difficult. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ever heard of the obturator vein?
Authors: Brown Stephen C. , Gewillig Marc 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe report a complication related to advancement of a large diameter long sheath in the obturator vein. In an adult with a previously thrombosed femoral vein, the obturator vein was inadvertently cannulated. During percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation, the Ensemble® delivery system could not be advanced after repositioning attempt. The obturator vein had been perforated and sheath was coiled up in the pelvis leading to a retroperitoneal pelvic hematoma. Continuity of the vein was established using two self‐expanding covered stents. The obturator vein runs dorsally and joins the inferior caval vein at a very acute angle posterior in the pelvis, creating a corner in which stiff catheters or sheaths may get entrapped. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.