bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient Recovery of HLA Class I Expression in Human Tumor Cells After Beta2‐Microglobulin Gene Transfer Using Adenoviral Vector: Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Del Campo A. B. , Aptsiauri N. , Méndez R. , Zinchenko S. , Vales Á. , Paschen A. , Ward S. , Ruiz‐Cabello F. , González‐Aseguinolaza G. , Garrido F. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractHere we report a successful use of a non‐replicating adenovirus expressing the wild‐type human β2m gene in recovery of normal human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression in β2m‐null cancer cells. Total loss of HLA class I expression in these cell lines is caused by a mutation in β2m gene and a loss of heterozygosity in chromosome 15 carrying another copy of that gene. Normal HLA class I expression on the tumour cell surface is critical for the successful outcome of cancer immunotherapy as T cells can only recognize tumour‐derived peptides in a complex with self‐HLA class I molecules. In this report we characterize the newly generated adenoviral vector AdCMVβ2m and demonstrate an efficient β2m gene transfer in tumour cell lines of different histological origin, including melanoma, prostate and colorectal carcinoma. The β2m re‐expression lasted for an extended period of time both in vitro and in vivo in human tumour xenograft transplants. We propose that in a subset of cancer patients with structural defect in β2m gene or chromosome 15, the adenoviral‐mediated recovery (or even increase) of HLA class I expression on tumour cells in combination with vaccination or adoptive T‐cell therapy can provide a complementary approach to improve the clinical efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
Modelling of Bet v 1 Binding to Lipids
Authors: Mattila K. , Renkonen R. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAs birch pollen allergen enters epithelium of allergic patients via lipid rafts and caveola we began to analyse its putative amphiphilic and lipid ligands on atomic level using molecular modelling and computational ligand docking. We carry out 3D modelling docking with both experimentally verified Bet v 1 ligands as well as larger lipid molecules for which experimental affinity studies were not available. The results suggest that the hydrophobic cavity of Bet v 1 has different binding sites for different ligands and groups of ligand type‐specific amino acids can be defined. Bet v 1 proteins may also be able to bind and transport more complex amphiphilic molecules like ceramides and sphingomyelins known to be enriched on caveolae/lipid rafts. Furthermore, the suggested binding mode, where the hydrophobic tail groups of lipids locate inside Bet v 1, while the polar head group may remain solvent accessible, would allow Bet v 1 to bind glycolipids, e.g. gangliosides, also rich on caveolae/lipid rafts. Taken together, this in silico work suggests that Bet v 1 bind to amphiphilic and lipid ligands present on the caveolae/lipid rafts and thus could provide a molecular mechanism for the pollen entry to epithelial tissue of allergic patients.
The Role of Granulocyte Macrophage‐Colony Stimulating Factor in Gastrointestinal Immunity to Salmonellosis
Authors: Coon C. , Beagley K. W. , Bao S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractHuman Salmonella infection, in particular, typhoid fever is a highly infectious disease that remains a major public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality. The outcome of these infections depends on the host’s immune response, particularly the actions of granulocytes and macrophages. Using a mouse model of human typhoid fever, with Salmonella typhimurium infection of wild type and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) knock out mice we show a delay in the onset of immune‐mediated tissue damage in the spleens and livers of GM‐CSF−/− mice. Furthermore, GM‐CSF−/− mice have a prolonged sequestration of S. typhimurium in affected tissues despite an increased production of F4/80+ effector cells. Moreover in the absence of GM‐CSF, a decrease in pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and IL‐18 was found, which may alter the host’s immune response to infection. GM‐CSF appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Salmonellosis, and may contribute significantly to the development of protective gastrointestinal mucosal immune responses against oral pathogens.
Cell‐mediated immunity and multi‐locus heterozygosity in bluethroat nestlings
Authors: FOSSØY F. , JOHNSEN A. , LIFJELD J. T. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that marker‐based heterozygosity‐fitness correlations may be driven by only one or a few markers, indicating local heterozygosity effects caused by linkage disequilibrium with functional genes. In this study, we investigated the relationship between microsatellite heterozygosity and a measure of cell‐mediated immunity (phytohaemagglutinin; PHA) in bluethroat (Luscinia s. svecica) nestlings using a full‐sibling design. We found significant positive associations between PHA response and two different indices of microsatellite heterozygosity, i.e. multi‐locus heterozygosity and mean d2. However, model comparisons disclosed that both associations were more likely caused by local effects rather than general effects and that the two local effects appeared to be realized through two different genetic mechanisms. Our results indicate that both the random assortment of parental chromosomes during meiosis as well as inbreeding can drive heterozygosity‐fitness correlations.
Condition dependence varies with mating success in male Drosophila bunnanda
Authors: McGUIGAN K. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAlthough key to sexual selection theories, condition dependence has proven a challenging area of empirical research. It is expected that availability of resources will affect both mean and variation of sexual trait expression, with lower mean and greater variation in harsher environments. Here, I manipulated the environment in a laboratory population of Drosophila bunnanda to test for condition dependence of sexually selected traits. Sexually successful and unsuccessful males differed in how the environment affected sexual trait expression. Specifically, sexual trait attractiveness declined more rapidly with declining resources in sexually unsuccessful males, consistent with the expectation that low quality males were less able to meet the greater signalling costs associated with harsher environments. This study illustrates the potential insights into condition dependence that might be gained through considering sexual trait expression and mating success within the same manipulative experimental design.
How is sexual conflict over parental care resolved? A meta‐analysis
Authors: HARRISON F. , BARTA Z. , CUTHILL I. , SZÉKELY T. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBiparental care of offspring is both a form of cooperation and a source of conflict. Parents face a trade‐off between current and future reproduction: caring less for the current brood allows individuals to maintain energy reserves and increase their chances of remating. How can selection maintain biparental care, given this temptation to defect? The answer lies in how parents respond to changes in each other’s effort. Game‐theoretical models predict that biparental care is evolutionarily stable when reduced care by one parent leads its partner to increase care, but not so much that it completely compensates for the lost input. Experiments designed to reveal responses to reduced partner effort have mainly focused on birds. We present a meta‐analysis of 54 such studies, and conclude that the mean response was indeed partial compensation. Males and females responded differently and this was in part mediated by the type of manipulation used.
Indirect effects of FRIGIDA: floral trait (co)variances are altered by seasonally variable abiotic factors associated with flowering time
Authors: BROCK M. T. , STINCHCOMBE J. R. , WEINIG C. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractReproductive timing is a critical life‐history event that could influence the (co)variation of traits developing later in ontogeny by regulating exposure to seasonally variable factors. In a field experiment with Arabidopsis thaliana, we explore whether allelic variation at a flowering‐time gene of major effect (FRIGIDA) affects (co)variation of floral traits by regulating exposure to photoperiod, temperature, and moisture levels. We detect a positive latitudinal cline in floral organ size among plants with putatively functional FRI alleles. Statistically controlling for bolting day removes the cline, suggesting that seasonal abiotic variation affects floral morphology. Both photoperiod and precipitation at bolting correlate positively with the length of petals, stamens, and pistils. Additionally, floral (co)variances differ significantly across FRI backgrounds, such that the sign of some floral‐trait correlations reverses. Subsequent experimental manipulations of photoperiod and water availability demonstrate direct effects of these abiotic factors on floral traits. In sum, these results highlight how the timing of life‐history events can affect the expression of traits developing later in ontogeny, and provide some of the first empirical evidence for the effects of major genes on evolutionary potential.
Epidemiology of Heterobasidion abietinum and Viscum album on silver fir (Abies alba) stands of the Pyrenees
Authors: Oliva J. , Colinas C. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryIn the last two decades, stand decline and increased mortality has affected silver fir (Abies alba) forests in the Spanish Pyrenees. Simultaneously severe occurrences of the root rot fungus Heterobasidion annosum s.l. and of the mistletoe Viscum album have been reported. We aimed to improve the understanding of the epidemiology of both pathogens in our region. All H. annosum isolates found on silver fir were typed as H. abietinum. H. abietinum was more frequently observed where cuttings had targeted fir trees rather than other species. H. abietinum fruiting bodies were observed in the most recently cut stumps. V. album was more abundant on more dominant fir trees, and in southern aspect stands. The number of V. album colonies in the stand correlated (R2 = 0.40) with silver fir mortality. Stands with a high level of V. album infection tended to have a smaller percentage of basal area in species other than silver fir, and they tended to be located on more south‐facing slopes. H. abietinum was widespread in silver fir forests of the Pyrenees. Our data suggest that, in the Pyrenees, the observed H. abietinum incidence may represent a combination of both primary and secondary spread of the pathogen. Favouring mixed forests should be tested as a potential control method for V. album. The correlation between silver fir mortality and V. album infection warrants further study, as the observed tree mortality could have occurred due to other factors than V. album, such as drought damage.
Morphological, biochemical and molecular characterisation of the first Italian Candida africana isolate
Authors: Romeo Orazio , Criseo Giuseppe 
Published: July 2009

SummaryOne atypical isolate of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans was isolated from an Italian patient with vulvovaginitis. The strain, germ tube positive and chlamydospore‐negative showed white‐thin turquoise colonies on Candida ID 2 medium. The yeast was identified as Candida africana by using morphological and biochemical tests. On the basis of the molecular results obtained in this study as well as in other studies, C. africana cannot be yet considered as a new species of Candida. It is possible that C. africana represents a new variant of C. albicans like the well‐known Candida stellatoidea. To our knowledge, this is the first isolation of C. africana in Italy.
Epidemiological phenotypic characteristics of vaginal yeasts at the Comoros
Authors: Farina C. , Saleri N. , Lombart J. P. , Toyb M. , Youssouf Z. , Caligaris S. , Matteelli A. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe aim of the prospective, descriptive survey conducted in Moroni, Comoros was to establish the distribution of vulvovaginal mycoses in pregnant and symptomatic women and to study the epidemiological characteristics of the yeast isolates. All isolated strains were epidemiologically evaluated by phenotypical methods. Three phenotypic epidemiological studies were performed by morphotyping methods (including the colour reaction according to Quindòs et al. and structural morphotypes as described by Soll), by determination of phospholipase and by chemosensitivity evaluation according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute approved standard. Out of 253 women, 108 were found positive for yeast culture (42.7%). Fungal identification results showed that 61.6% was Candida albicans and 28.6%C. sake (32/112). Candida sake was a frequent vaginal inhabitant.
A monoclonal IgM directed against immunodominant catalase B of cell wall of Aspergillus fumigatus exerts anti‐A. fumigatus activities
Authors: Chaturvedi Ashok K. , Kumar Rohitashw , Kumar Awanit , Shukla Praveen K. 
Published: July 2009

Summary Aspergillus fumigatus, a ubiquitous fungus, has been reported to cause human diseases like allergic pulmonary aspergillosis, aspergilloma and invasive infection. Limited spectrum and emergence of resistance has become a serious problem with available antifungals. Therefore, an alternative approach is required for successful treatment of mycoses. In the present study, immunogenic protein profile of A. fumigatus cell wall was generated using two‐dimensional‐gel electrophoresis and three hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs; IgM) were selected after fusion experiments. Of these three MAbs, MAb‐7 exhibited potent in vitro inhibitory activity, which was confirmed by MTT assay, fluorescence‐activated cell sorter analysis and immuno‐fluorescence studies, and the protein was identified as catalase B using MALDI‐TOF‐MS.
Potential for methotrexate exposure through contamination during parenteral use as an immunosuppressant
Authors: Wong L. S. , Tymms K. E. , Buckley N. A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground: To evaluate whether the risk of methotrexate (MTX) exposure through skin contamination using parenteral doses of 25 mg warrants special oncology handling precautions during administration.Methods: We conducted a study with six human volunteers deliberately exposed to an entire dose of 25 mg MTX solution on their skin for 30 min. Serum levels of MTX were measured at baseline, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h as well as serum homocysteine at baseline and 24 h after clinical exposure. Twenty‐four‐hour urinary excretion of MTX and possible local or systemic signs of toxicity were also recorded.Results: All MTX serum concentrations were less than 0.02 µmol/L within the 24‐h period. This is 500 times below the recommended serum concentration for which folinic acid supplementation is recommended. There was also no significant increase in homocysteine level to suggest MTX toxicity. The only adverse effects were mild local dermal reactions in three female volunteers.Conclusion: Deliberate skin contamination and possible inhalation of a 25 mg MTX solution failed to show significant or quantifiable serum and urine concentrations to suggest MTX toxicity. Precautions to prevent contact with MTX designed for oncology protocols are unnecessary for our rheumatology patients or their carers using these much lower immunosuppressant doses for autoimmune diseases.
Prospective study of early bereavement on psychological and behavioural cardiac risk factors
Authors: Buckley T. , Bartrop R. , McKinley S. , Ward C. , Bramwell M. , Roche D. , Mihailidou A. S. , Morel‐Kopp M.‐C. , Spinaze M. , Hocking B. , Goldston K. , Tennant C. , Tofler G. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground: Increasing evidence supports the role of emotional stress in the onset of cardiovascular disease. Although bereavement is a major emotional stress with both acute and more long‐term features, the mechanism of its association with cardiovascular risk is not well understood, in particular because of limited studies of acute bereavement. The aim of the study was to identify psychological and behavioural changes in acute bereavement and potential modifiers of these changes.Methods: Bereaved (n= 62) and non‐bereaved individuals (n= 50) were evaluated within 2 weeks and at 6 months following loss using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression, Spielberger State Anxiety and Anger, Social Support Questionnaire and changes in appetite, cigarette and alcohol consumption, cortisol and lipids.Results: Compared with non‐bereaved, acutely bereaved had increased symptoms of depression (26.7 ± 1.7 vs 5.9 ± 0.7, P < 0.001), anxiety (47.4 ± 2.0 vs 28.2 ± 1.4, P < 0.001) and anger (median 16.0 vs 15.0, P < 0.001). Greater depressive symptoms were associated with being unprepared for the death, decreased sleep duration and younger age. Acutely, bereaved slept less than non‐bereaved (5.8 ± 0.2 vs 7.2 ± 0.2 h, P < 0.001). Reduced sleep time was associated with increased anger and depression and decreased satisfaction with social support. Compared with the non‐bereaved, the acutely bereaved had higher cortisol (median 306 vs 266, P= 0.003), reduced appetite (P < 0.001) and lower total cholesterol (median 4.9 vs 5.4, P= 0.006) and low‐density lipoprotein (median 2.4 vs 2.9, P < 0.001).Conclusion: These results offer insight into the psychological, behavioural and physical changes that may contribute to cardiovascular risk in bereavement.
Comparison of the MMSE and RUDAS cognitive screening tools in an elderly inpatient population in everyday clinical use
Authors: Pang J. , Yu H. , Pearson K. , Lynch P. , Fong C. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe compared test score and performance times of Folstein's Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS). Forty‐six patients were recruited. The mean score was 20.6 for the MMSE and 20.5 for the RUDAS. Linear regression analysis revealed an r value of 0.83 (P < 0.05). The mean performance time was 9.4 min for both the MMSE and the RUDAS. Patient satisfaction was similar for both tests. Surveyed clinicians preferred the MMSE because of greater familiarity. We concluded that the RUDAS correlates well with the MMSE and is no more time‐consuming to perform. It has good clinical utility as a cognitive screening tool.
Central nervous system is a sanctuary site for chronic myelogenous leukaemia treated with imatinib mesylate
Authors: Isobe Y. , Sugimoto K. , Masuda A. , Hamano Y. , Oshimi K. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractImatinib mesylate (IM) is currently used as the first therapeutic choice against chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML). Because IM poorly penetrates the blood‐brain barrier, IM‐treated CML patients may have a potential risk of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Here we report a case with lymphoid blast crisis isolated only in CNS after bacterial meningitis, although the patient achieved and maintained complete cytogenetic response by IM therapy. It is important to consider isolated CNS blast crisis as a possible event in IM‐treated CML patients.
Empirical studies of clinical supervision in psychiatric nursing: A systematic literature review and methodological critique
Authors: Buus Niels , Gonge Henrik 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThe objective of this paper was to systematically review and critically evaluate all English language research papers reporting empirical studies of clinical supervision in psychiatric nursing. The first part of the search strategy was a combination of brief and building block strategies in the PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. The second part was a citation pearl growing strategy with reviews of 179 reference lists. In total, the search strategy demonstrated a low level of precision and a high level of recall. Thirty four articles met the criteria of the review and were systematically evaluated using three checklists. The findings were summarized by using a new checklist with nine overall questions regarding the studies' design, methods, findings, and limitations. The studies were categorized as: (i) effect studies; (ii) survey studies; (iii) interview studies; and (iv) case studies. In general, the studies were relatively small scale; they used relatively new and basic methods for data collection and analysis, and rarely included sufficient strategies for identifying confounding factors or how the researchers' preconceptions influenced the analyses. Empirical research of clinical supervision in psychiatric nursing was characterized by a basic lack of agreement about which models and instruments to use. Challenges and recommendations for future research are discussed. Clinical supervision in psychiatric nursing was commonly perceived as a good thing, but there was limited empirical evidence supporting this claim.
Effect of music on depression levels and physiological responses in community‐based older adults
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Chan Engle Angela , Mok Esther , Kwan Tse Fionca Yuk 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTMany people over the age of 65 do not regard depression as a treatable mental disorder and find it difficult to express themselves verbally. Listening to music can facilitate the non‐verbal expression of emotion and allow people's inner feelings to be expressed without being threatened. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of music on depression levels in elderly people. A randomized controlled study was conducted with 47 elderly people (23 using music and 24 controls) who completed the study after being recruited in Hong Kong. Blood pressure, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and depression level variables were collected. In the music group, there were statistically‐significant decreases in depression scores (P < 0.001) and blood pressure (P = 0.001), HR (P < 0.001), and RR (P < 0.001) after 1 month. The implication is that nurses may utilize music as an effective nursing intervention for patients with depressive symptoms in the community setting.
Short and long term consequences of increases in exotic species richness on water filtration by marine invertebrates
Authors: Byrnes Jarrett , Stachowicz John J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAlthough recent research has considered the consequences of global declines in the number of species, less attention has focused on the aggregate effects of regional increases in species richness as a result of human‐mediated introductions. Here we examine several potential ecosystem consequences of increasing exotic species diversity of suspension feeding marine invertebrates. First, we experimentally manipulated native and non‐native suspension feeder richness and measured its effect on short‐term phytoplankton clearance rates. Multispecies communities all performed similarly, regardless of whether they were dominated by natives, exotics, or an even mix of the two. Individual species varied considerably in filtration rates, but non‐native species often filtered less than the most similar native. Second, we determined potential changes in integrated function over time by comparing seasonal patterns of recruitment as a proxy for the ability to quickly recover filtration capacity after a disturbance. We found that exotic species have complementary seasonal phenologies both to native species and each other. Our results suggest that the consequences of local increases in species richness due to invasions may be manifest over long (annual to interannual) time scales, even when short term changes in ecosystem function are negligible.