bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Escape from CD8+ T Cell Responses in Mamu-B*00801+ Macaques Differentiates Progressors from Elite Controllers
Authors: Mudd Philip A. , Ericsen Adam J. , Burwitz Benjamin J. , Wilson Nancy A. , O’Connor David H. , Hughes Austin L. , Watkins David I. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
A small number of HIV-infected individuals known as elite controllers experience low levels of chronic phase viral replication and delayed progression to AIDS. Specific HLA class I alleles are associated with elite control, implicating CD8+ T lymphocytes in the establishment of these low levels of viral replication. Most HIV-infected individuals that express protective HLA class I alleles, however, do not control viral replication. Approximately 50% of Mamu-B*00801+ Indian rhesus macaques control SIVmac239 replication in the chronic phase in a manner that resembles elite control in humans. We followed both the immune response and viral evolution in SIV-infected Mamu-B*00801+ animals to better understand the role of CD8+ T lymphocytes during the acute phase of viral infection, when viral control status is determined. The virus escaped from immunodominant Vif and Nef Mamu-B*00801–restricted CD8+ T lymphocyte responses during the critical early weeks of acute infection only in progressor animals that did not control viral replication. Thus, early CD8+ T lymphocyte escape is a hallmark of Mamu-B*00801+ macaques who do not control viral replication. By contrast, virus in elite controller macaques showed little evidence of variation in epitopes recognized by immunodominant CD8+ T lymphocytes, implying that these cells play a role in viral control.
Downregulation of Inflammatory MicroRNAs by Ig-like Transcript 3 Is Essential for the Differentiation of Human CD8+ T Suppressor Cells
Authors: Chang Chih-Chao , Zhang Qing-Yin , Liu Zhuoru , Clynes Raphael A. , Suciu-Foca Nicole , Vlad George 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
We have investigated the mechanism underlying the immunoregulatory function of membrane Ig-like transcript 3 (ILT3) and soluble ILT3Fc. microRNA (miRNA) expression profile identified genes that were downregulated in ILT3-induced human CD8+ T suppressor cells (Ts) while upregulated in T cells primed in the absence of ILT3. We found that miR-21, miR-30b, and miR-155 target the 3′-untranslated region of genes whose expression was strongly increased in ILT3Fc-induced Ts, such as dual specificity phosphatase 10, B cell CLL/lymphoma 6, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1, respectively. Transfection of miRNA mimics or inhibitors and site-specific mutagenesis of their 3′-untranslated region binding sites indicated that B cell CLL/lymphoma 6, dual specificity phosphatase 10, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 are direct targets of miR-30b, miR-21, and miR-155. Primed CD8+ T cells transfected with miR-21&30b, miR-21&155, or miR-21&30b&155 inhibitors displayed suppressor activity when added to autologous CD3-triggered CD4 T cells. Luciferase reporter assays of miR-21 and miR-155 indicated that their transcription is highly dependent on AP-1. Analysis of activated T cells showed that ILT3Fc inhibited the translocation to the nucleus of the AP-1 subunits, FOSB and c-FOS, and the phosphorylation of ZAP70 and phospholipase C-γ 1. In conclusion, ILT3Fc inhibits T cell activation and induces the generation of Ts targeting multiple inflammatory miRNA pathways.
Actin Reorganization Is Required for the Formation of Polarized B Cell Receptor Signalosomes in Response to Both Soluble and Membrane-Associated Antigens
Authors: Liu Chaohong , Miller Heather , Orlowski Gregory , Hang Haiyin , Upadhyaya Arpita , Song Wenxia 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
B cells encounter both soluble Ag (sAg) and membrane-associated Ag (mAg) in the secondary lymphoid tissue, yet how the physical form of Ag modulates B cell activation remains unclear. This study compares actin reorganization and its role in BCR signalosome formation in mAg- and sAg-stimulated B cells. Both mAg and sAg induce F-actin accumulation and actin polymerization at BCR microclusters and at the outer rim of BCR central clusters, but the kinetics and magnitude of F-actin accumulation in mAg-stimulated B cells are greater than those in sAg-stimulated B cells. Accordingly, the actin regulatory factors, cofilin and gelsolin, are recruited to BCR clusters in both mAg- and sAg-stimulated B cells but with different kinetics and patterns of cellular redistribution. Inhibition of actin reorganization by stabilizing F-actin inhibits BCR clustering and tyrosine phosphorylation induced by both forms of Ag. Depolymerization of F-actin leads to unpolarized microclustering of BCRs and tyrosine phosphorylation in BCR microclusters without mAg and sAg, but with much slower kinetics than those induced by Ag. Therefore, actin reorganization, mediated via both polymerization and depolymerization, is required for the formation of BCR signalosomes in response to both mAg and sAg.
Spatial Alterations between CD4+ T Follicular Helper, B, and CD8+ T Cells during Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: T/B Cell Homeostasis, Activation, and Potential Mechanism for Viral Escape
Authors: Hong Jung Joo , Amancha Praveen K. , Rogers Kenneth , Ansari Aftab A. , Villinger Francois 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
HIV/SIV infections induce chronic immune activation with remodeling of lymphoid architecture and hypergammaglobulinemia, although the mechanisms leading to such symptoms remain to be fully elucidated. Moreover, lymph nodes have been highlighted as a predilection site for SIV escape in vivo. Following 20 rhesus macaques infected with SIVmac239 as they progress from pre-infection to acute and chronic infection, we document for the first time, to our knowledge, the local dynamics of T follicular helper (TFH) cells and B cells in situ. Progression of SIV infection was accompanied by increased numbers of well-delineated follicles containing germinal centers (GCs) and TFH cells with a progressive increase in the density of programmed death-1 (PD-1) expression in lymph nodes. The rise in PD-1+ TFH cells was followed by a substantial accumulation of Ki67+ B cells within GCs. However, unlike in blood, major increases in the frequency of CD27+ memory B cells were observed in lymph nodes, indicating increased turnover of these cells, correlated with increases in total and SIV specific Ab levels. Of importance, compared with T cell zones, GCs seemed to exclude CD8+ T cells while harboring increasing numbers of CD4+ T cells, many of which are positive for SIVgag, providing an environment particularly beneficial for virus replication and reservoirs. Our data highlight for the first time, to our knowledge, important spatial interactions of GC cell subsets during SIV infection, the capacity of lymphoid tissues to maintain stable relative levels of circulating B cell subsets, and a potential mechanism for viral reservoirs within GCs during SIV infection.
Allele-specific PCR for a cost-effective & time-efficient diagnostic screening of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Marini M. , Sasongko T.H. , Watihayati M.S. , Atif A.B. , Hayati F. , Gunadi  , Zabidi-Hussin Z.A.M.H. , Ravichandran M. , Nishio H. , Zilfalil B.A. 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
Genetic diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is complicated by the presence of SMN2 gene as majority of SMA patients show absence or deletion of SMN1 gene. PCR may amplify both the genes non selectively in presence of high amount of DNA. We evaluated whether allele-specific PCR for diagnostic screening of SMA is reliable in the presence of high amount of genomic DNA, which is commonly used when performing diagnostic screening using restriction enzymes.

Methods:
A total of 126 blood DNA samples were tested in amounts ranging 80-200 ng, referred for the genetic diagnosis of SMA using both conventional PCR-RFLP and allele-specific PCR.

Results:
The results from both methods showed agreement. Further, allele-specific PCR was found to be a time-efficient and cost-effective method.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Our study demonstrated the accuracy of our allele-specific PCR and the results were comparable compatible with that of PCR-RFLP, indicating its practical application in SMA diagnostic screening.
The normal range of body mass index with high body fat percentage among male residents of Lucknow city in north India
Authors: Kesavachandran Chandrasekharan Nair , Bihari Vipin , Mathur Neeraj 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
Several studies have raised the suspicion that the body mass index (BMI) cut-off for overweight as defined by the WHO may not adequately reflect the actual overweight status. The present study looked at the relationship between BMI and body fat per cent (BF %) / health risks (hypertension and type 2 diabetes) in male residents of Lucknow city, north India to evaluate the validity of BMI cut-off points for overweight.

Methods:
One thousand one hundred and eleven male volunteer subjects (18-69 yr) who participated in different programmes organized by the Institute during 2005 to 2008 were included in the study. BF% was measured using commercially available digital weight scale incorporating bioelectrical impedance (BI) analyzer. The proposed cut-off for BMI based on BF % was calculated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.

Results:
Forty four per cent subjects showed higher BF % (>25%) with BMI range (24-24.99 kg/m2). Sensitivity and specificity at BMI cut-off at 24.5 kg/m3 were 83.2 and 77.5, respectively. Sensitivity at BMI cut-off >25 kg/m2 was reduced by 5 per cent and specificity increased by 4.6 per cent when compared to 24.5 cut-off.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The study subjects showed higher body fat percentage and risk factors like hypertension and type 2 diabetes at normal BMI range proposed by the WHO. The cut-off for BMI was proposed to be 24.5 kg/m2 for our study population. If overweight is regarded as an excess of body fat and not as an excess of weight (increased BMI), the cut-off points for overweight based on BMI would need to be lowered. However, the confidence of estimate of the BMI cut-off in the present study may be considered with the limitations of BI analysis studies.
A pilot study on area under curve of mycophenolic acid as a guide for its optimal use in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Sarangi S.C. , Reeta K.H. , Agarwal S.K. , Kaleekal T. , Guleria S. , Gupta Y.K. 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
The immunosuppressants administered to renal transplant subjects are usually monitored therapeutically to prevent graft rejection and drug toxicity. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressant. The present prospective study was undertaken to establish the utility of plasma level monitoring of MPA and to correlate it with clinical outcomes in renal transplant receipients.

Methods:
MPA plasma level at 2, 4 and 9 h and the area under concentration-time curve (AUC) were estimated using high performance liquid chromatography in 24 renal transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressant MPA plus tacrolimus and steroid.

Results:
There was wide inter-individual variation in MPA plasma level and the AUC. The incidences of gastrointestinal adverse drug events (diarrhoea and acidity) were significantly more in the high MPA AUC patients. Though biopsy proven acute rejection was not found, of the six subjects with lower MPA AUC (<30 mg.h/l), three were clinically diagnosed to develop tacrolimus nephrotoxicity. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) scores represented better health related quality of life in lower MPA AUC than in the higher MPA AUC (>60 mg.h/l).

Interpretation & conclusions:
The present findings suggest the MPA AUC of 30 - 60 mg.h/l in the maintenance stage of renal transplant patients to have optimum clinical benefit and relegated adverse events profile indicating the usefulness of AUC of MPA with limited sampling strategy in optimizing its use.
Quantitative Estimation of Right Ventricular Hypertrophy using ECG Criteria in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Comparison with Cardiac MRI
Authors: Blyth Kevin G. , Kinsella James , Hakacova Nina , McLure Lindsey E. , Siddiqui Adeel M. , Wagner Galen S. , Peacock Andrew J. 
Published: March 2012

In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), right ventricular mass (RVM) correlates linearly with pulmonary artery pressure, and decreases with successful treatment. Accurate measurement of RVM currently requires cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. We therefore tested the relationship between RVM and a simple, 12 lead ECG‐derived value, the Butler‐Leggett (BL) score. This has previously been validated in patients with RV hypertrophy (RVH) due to mitral stenosis. We also tested the diagnostic accuracy of the BL score in detecting RVH. The Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit database was reviewed retrospectively. Twenty‐eight patients with PAH were identified, in whom CMR and ECG data had been recorded no more than 28 days apart. All had completed a comprehensive clinical assessment, including right heart catheterization. CMR‐derived absolute RVM and RV mass index (RVMI=RV mass/LV mass) were correlated against BL score. The ability of this score to detect RVH was tested using 2 × 2 contingency tables. RVM and RVMI correlated with BL score (r=0.77, P<0.001 and r=0.78, P<0.001, respectively). A BL score > 0.7 mV proved a highly specific but insensitive indicator of RVH, based on either absolute RVM (sensitivity 74%, specificity 100%) or a high RVMI (sensitivity 61%, specificity 100%). The BL score, which can be defined using a standard 12‐lead ECG, correlates with RVM and RVMI in patients with PAH. A score >0.7 mV was a highly specific but insensitive indicator of RVH in these patients.
Identification of Peptide Features in Precursor Spectra Using Hardklör and Krönik
Authors: Hoopmann Michael R. , MacCoss Michael J. , Moritz Robert L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractHardklör and Krönik are software tools for feature detection and data reduction of high‐resolution mass spectra. Hardklör is used to reduce peptide isotope distributions to a single monoisotopic mass and charge state, and can deconvolve overlapping peptide isotope distributions. Krönik filters, validates, and summarizes peptide features identified with Hardklör from data obtained during liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Both software tools contain a simple user interface and can be run from nearly any desktop computer. These tools are freely available from http://proteome.gs.washington.edu/software/hardklor. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 37:13.18.1‐13.18.13. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Surface‐Grafted Polymer‐Assisted Electroless Deposition of Metals for Flexible and Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Liu Xuqing , Zhou Xuechang , Li Yi , Zheng Zijian 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSurface‐grafted polymers, that is, ultrathin layers of polymer coating covalently tethered to a surface, can serve as a particularly promising nanoplatform for electroless deposition (ELD) of metal thin films and patterned structures. Such polymers consist of a large number of well‐defined binding sites for highly efficient and selective uptake of ELD catalysts. Moreover, the polymer chains provide flexible 3D network structures to trap the electrolessly deposited metal particles, leading to strong metal–substrate adhesion. In the past decade, surface‐grafted polymers have been demonstrated as efficient nanoplatforms for fabricating durable and high‐performance metal coatings by ELD on plastic substrates for applications in flexible and stretchable electronics. This focus review summarizes these recent advances, with a particular focus on applications in polymeric flexible and stretchable substrates. An outlook on the future challenges and opportunities in this field is given at the end of this paper.
Polymorphism and higher order structures of protein nanofibers from crude mixtures of fish lens crystallins: Toward useful materials
Authors: Healy Jackie , Wong Kang , Sawyer Elizabeth B. , Roux Clement , Domigan Laura , Gras Sally L. , Sunde Margaret , Larsen Nigel G. , Gerrard Juliet , Vasudevamurthy Madhusudan 
Published: March 2012

AbstractProtein nanofibers are emerging as useful biological nanomaterials for a number of applications, but to realize these applications requires a cheap and readily available source of fibril‐forming protein material. We have identified fish lens crystallins as a feedstock for the production of protein nanofibers and report optimized methods for their production. Altering the conditions of formation leads to individual protein nanofibers assembling into much larger structures. The ability to control the morphology and form higher order structures is a crucial step in bottom up assembly of bionanomaterials. Cell toxicity assays suggest no adverse impact of these structures on mammalian cell proliferation. There are many possible applications for protein nanofibers; here we illustrate their potential as templates for nanowire formation, with a simple gold plating process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 595–606, 2012.
Meta-analysis of individual patient data to examine factors affecting growth and rupture of small abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Sweeting M J , Thompson S G , Brown L C , Powell J T 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Surveillance is a common management strategy for small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (3·0–5·4 cm in diameter). Individual characteristics, other than diameter, may influence aneurysm growth or rupture rates.

Methods
Individual data were collated from 15 475 people under follow-up for a small aneurysm in 18 studies. The influence of co-variables (including demographics, medical and drug history) on aneurysm growth and rupture rates (analysed using longitudinal random-effects modelling and survival analysis with adjustment for aneurysm diameter) were summarized in an individual patient meta-analysis.

Results
The mean aneurysm growth rate of 2·21 mm/year was independent of age and sex. Growth rate was increased in smokers (by 0·35 mm/year) and decreased in patients with diabetes (by 0·51 mm/year). Mean arterial pressure had no effect and antihypertensive or other cardioprotective medications had only small, non-significant effects on aneurysm growth, consistent with the observation that calendar year of enrolment was not associated with growth rate. Rupture rates were almost fourfold higher in women than men (P &lt; 0·001), were double in current smokers (P = 0·001) and increased with higher blood pressure (P = 0·001).

Conclusion
Follow-up schedules for individuals with a small AAA may need to consider diabetes and smoking, in addition to aneurysm diameter. The differing risk factors for growth and rupture suggest that a lower threshold for surgical intervention in women may be justified. No single drug used for cardiovascular risk reduction had a major effect on the growth or rupture of small aneurysms.
Polyhedral AgBr Microcrystals with an Increased Percentage of Exposed {111} Facets as a Highly Efficient Visible‐Light Photocatalyst
Authors: Wang Hua , Lang Xiufeng , Gao Jian , Liu Wei , Wu Di , Wu Yongmin , Guo Lin , Li Jinghong 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSynthesis of inorganic single crystals with exposed high‐reactivity facets is a desirable target in the catalytic chemistry field. Polyhedral AgBr microcrystals with an increased percentage of exposed high‐reactivity {111} facets have been successfully prepared for the first time, and the photocatalytic performance of these microcrystals when used as an AgBr/Ag plasmonic photocatalyst was investigated. The results indicate that the as‐prepared sample has high photocatalytic activity and, under the same measurement conditions, the photodegradation rate of methyl orange dye over these microcrystals is at least four times faster than with other shapes of AgBr/Ag microstructure, as well as 20 times faster than with the highly efficient Ag3PO4 photocatalyst. DFT calculations suggest that the AgBr (111) surface is mainly composed of unsaturated Ag atoms and has a relatively high surface energy, both of which are favorable for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the AgBr/Ag polyhedron photocatalyst. This work not only provides a highly efficient plasmonic photocatalyst of polyhedral AgBr/Ag microcrystals with an increased percentage of exposed high‐reactivity AgBr {111} facets, but also demonstrates that the shape and crystalline quality of the exposed facets have an important influence on the photocatalytic activities.
Recent Progress in the Application of Atomic Force Microscopy for Supported Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Zhong Jian , He Dannong 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn the past two decades, atomic force microscopy has been widely used for studying supported lipid bilayer related research, including the structure and dynamics of membranes and membrane proteins, and the interaction of membranes with chemical and biological molecules. The focus of this minireview is on the recent progress in the application of atomic force microscopy for supported lipid bilayers. Such progress mainly includes the application in the following aspects: submolecular‐resolution imaging, in situ observation, and nanomechanics measurement.
Paper‐Based Electrochemiluminescent 3D Immunodevice for Lab‐on‐Paper, Specific, and Sensitive Point‐of‐Care Testing
Authors: Yan Jixian , Ge Lei , Song Xianrang , Yan Mei , Ge Shenguang , Yu Jinghua 
Published: March 2012

AbstractRecent research on microfluidic paper‐based analytical devices (μPADs) has shown that paper has great potential for the fabrication of low‐cost diagnostic devices for healthcare and environmental monitoring applications. Herein, electrochemiluminescence (ECL) was introduced for the first time into μPADs that were based on screen‐printed paper‐electrodes. To further perform high‐specificity, high‐performance, and high‐sensitivity ECL on μPADs for point‐of‐care testing (POCT), ECL immunoassay capabilities were introduced into a wax‐patterned 3D paper‐based ECL device, which was characterized by SEM, contact‐angle measurement, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. With the aid of a home‐made device‐holder, the ECL reaction was triggered at room temperature. By using a typical tris(bipyridine)ruthenium–tri‐n‐propylamine ECL system, this paper‐based ECL 3D immunodevice was applied to the diagnosis of carcinoembryonic antigens in real clinical serum samples. This contribution further expands the number of sensitive and specific detection modes of μPADs.