bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NFI-A directs the fate of hematopoietic progenitors to the erythroid or granulocytic lineage and controls β-globin and G-CSF receptor expression
Authors: Starnes Linda Marie , Sorrentino Antonio , Pelosi Elvira , Ballarino Monica , Morsilli Ornella , Biffoni Mauro , Santoro Simona , Felli Nadia , Castelli Germana , De Marchis Maria Laura , Mastroberardino Gianfranco , Gabbianelli Marco , Fatica Alessandro , Bozzoni Irene , Nervi Clara , Peschle Cesare 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIt is generally conceded that selective combinations of transcription factors determine hematopoietic lineage commitment and differentiation. Here we show that in normal human hematopoiesis the transcription factor nuclear factor I-A (NFI-A) exhibits a marked lineage-specific expression pattern: it is upmodulated in the erythroid (E) lineage while fully suppressed in the granulopoietic (G) series. In unilineage E culture of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), NFI-A overexpression or knockdown accelerates or blocks erythropoiesis, respectively: notably, NFI-A overexpression restores E differentiation in the presence of low or minimal erythropoietin stimulus. Conversely, NFI-A ectopic expression in unilineage G culture induces a sharp inhibition of granulopoiesis. Finally, in bilineage E + G culture, NFI-A overexpression or suppression drives HPCs into the E or G differentiation pathways, respectively. These NFI-A actions are mediated, at least in part, by a dual and opposite transcriptional action: direct binding and activation or repression of the promoters of the β-globin and G-CSF receptor gene, respectively. Altogether, these results indicate that, in early hematopoiesis, the NFI-A expression level acts as a novel factor channeling HPCs into either the E or G lineage.
c-Myc is a target of RNA-binding motif protein 15 in the regulation of adult hematopoietic stem cell and megakaryocyte development
Authors: Niu Chao , Zhang Jiwang , Breslin Peter , Onciu Mihaela , Ma Zhigui , Morris Stephan Wade 
Published: June 2009

AbstractRNA-binding motif protein 15 (RBM15) is involved in the RBM15-megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 fusion in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia. Although Rbm15 has been reported to be required for B-cell differentiation and to inhibit myeloid and megakaryocytic expansion, it is not clear what the normal functions of Rbm15 are in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and megakaryocyte development. In this study, we report that Rbm15 may function in part through regulation of expression of the proto-oncogene c-Myc. Similar to c-Myc knockout (c-Myc-KO) mice, long-term (LT) HSCs are significantly increased in Rbm15-KO mice due to an apparent LT-HSC to short-term HSC differentiation defect associated with abnormal HSC-niche interactions caused by increased N-cadherin and β1 integrin expression on mutant HSCs. Both serial transplantation and competitive reconstitution capabilities of Rbm15-KO LT-HSCs are greatly compromised. Rbm15-KO and c-Myc-KO mice also share related abnormalities in megakaryocyte development, with mutant progenitors producing increased, abnormally small low-ploidy megakaryocytes. Consistent with a possible functional interplay between Rbm15 and c-Myc, the megakaryocyte increase in Rbm15-KO mice could be partially reversed by ectopic c-Myc. Thus, Rbm15 appears to be required for normal HSC-niche interactions, for the ability of HSCs to contribute normally to adult hematopoiesis, and for normal megakaryocyte development; these effects of Rbm15 on hematopoiesis may be mediated at least in part by c-Myc.
Minor viral and host genetic polymorphisms can dramatically impact the biologic outcome of an epitope-specific CD8 T-cell response
Authors: Geldmacher Christof , Metzler Ian S. , Tovanabutra Sodsai , Asher Tedi E. , Gostick Emma , Ambrozak David R. , Petrovas Constantinos , Schuetz Alexandra , Ngwenyama Njabulo , Kijak Gustavo , Maboko Leonard , Hoelscher Michael , McCutchan Francine , Price David A. , Douek Daniel C. , Koup Richard A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractHuman immunodeficiency virus-1 subtypes A and C differ in the highly conserved Gag-TL9 epitope at a single amino acid position. Similarly, the TL9 presenting human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules B42 and B81 differ only at 6 amino acid positions. Here, we addressed the influence of such minor viral and host genetic variation on the TL9-specific CD8 T-cell response. The clonotypic characteristics of CD8 T-cell populations elicited by subtype A or subtype C were distinct, and these responses differed substantially with respect to the recognition and selection of TL9 variants. Irrespective of the presenting HLA class I molecule, CD8 T-cell responses elicited by subtype C exhibited largely comparable TL9 variant cross-recognition properties, expressed T-cell receptors that used almost exclusively the TRBV 12-3 gene, and selected for predictable patterns of viral variation within TL9. In contrast, subtype A elicited TL9-specific CD8 T-cell populations with completely different, more diverse TCRBV genes and did not select for viral variants. Moreover, TL9 variant cross-recognition properties were extensive in B81+ subjects but limited in B42+ subjects. Thus, minor viral and host genetic polymorphisms can dramatically alter the immunologic and virologic outcome of an epitope-specific CD8 T-cell response.
Oral vaccination with a recombinant Salmonella vaccine vector provokes systemic HIV-1 subtype C Gag-specific CD4+ Th1 and Th2 cell immune responses in mice
Authors: Chin'ombe Nyasha , Bourn William R , Williamson Anna-Lise , Shephard Enid G 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundRecombinantSalmonellavaccine vectors may potentially be used to induce specific CD4+ T cell responses against foreign viral antigens. Such immune responses are required features of vaccines against pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The aim of this study was to investigate the induction of systemic HIV-1-specific CD4+ T helper (Th) responses in mice after oral immunization with a live attenuatedSalmonellavaccine vector that expressed HIV-1 subtype C Gag. Groups of BALB/c mice were vaccinated orally three times (4 weeks apart) with this recombinantSalmonella. At sacrifice, 28 days after the last immunization, systemic CD4+ Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunospot assay and cytometric bead array. HIV-1 Gag-specific IgG1 and IgG2a humoral responses in the serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsMice vaccinated with the recombinantSalmonellaelicited both HIV-1-specific Th1 (interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) and Th2 (interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-5 (IL-5)) cytokine responses. The vaccine induced 70 (IFN-γ) spot-forming units (SFUs)/10e6 splenocytes and 238 IL-4 SFUs/10e6 splenocytes. Splenocytes from vaccinated mice also produced high levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines upon stimulation with a Gag CD4 peptide. The levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-5 were 7.5-, 29.1-, 26.2- and 89.3-fold above the background, respectively. Both HIV-1 Gag-specific IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies were detected in the sera of vaccinated mice.ConclusionThe study highlights the potential of orally-delivered attenuatedSalmonellaas mucosal vaccine vectors for HIV-1 Subtype C Gag to induce Gag-specific CD4+ Th1 and Th2 cellular immune responses and antibodies which may be important characteristics required for protection against HIV-1 infection.
Characterisation of Campylobacter jejuni genes potentially involved in phosphonate degradation
Authors: Hartley Lauren E , Kaakoush Nadeem O , Ford Justin L , Korolik Victoria , Mendz George L 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Potential biological roles of the Campylobacter jejuni genes cj0641, cj0774c and cj1663 were investigated. The proteins encoded by these genes showed sequence similarities to the phosphonate utilisation PhnH, K and L gene products of Escherichia coli. The genes cj0641, cj0774c and cj1663 were amplified from the pathogenic C. jejuni strain 81116, sequenced, and cloned into pGEM-T Easy vectors. Recombinant plasmids were used to disrupt each one of the genes by inserting a kanamycin resistance (Km
R) cassette employing site-directed mutagenesis or inverse PCR. Campylobacter jejuni 81116 isogenic mutants were generated by integration of the mutated genes into the genome of the wild-type strain. The C. jejuni mutants grew on primary isolation plates, but they could not be purified by subsequent passages owing to cell death. The mutant C. jejuni strains survived and proliferated in co-cultures with wild-type bacteria or in media in which wild-type C. jejuni had been previously grown. PCR analyses of mixed wild-type/mutant cultures served to verify the presence of the mutated gene in the genome of a fraction of the total bacterial population. The data suggested that each mutation inactivated a gene essential for survival. Rates of phosphonate catabolism in lysates of E. coli strain DH5α were determined using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Whole-cell lysates of the wild-type degraded phosphonoacetate, phenylphosphonate and aminomethylphosphonate. Significant differences in the rates of phosphonate degradation were observed between lysates of wild-type E. coli, and of bacteria transformed with each one of the vectors carrying one of the C. jejuni genes, suggesting that these genes were involved in phosphonate catabolism.
A prospective study of androgen levels, hormone-related genes and risk of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Karlson Elizabeth W , Chibnik Lori B , McGrath Monica , Chang Shun-Chiao , Keenan Brendan T , Costenbader Karen H , Fraser Patricia A , Tworoger Shelley , Hankinson Susan E , Lee I-Min , Buring Julie , De Vivo Immaculata 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more common in females than males and sex steroid hormones may in part explain this difference. We conducted a case–control study nested within two prospective studies to determine the associations between plasma steroid hormones measured prior to RA onset and polymorphisms in the androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2), aromatase (CYP19) and progesterone receptor (PGR) genes and RA risk.

Methods
We genotyped AR, ESR2, CYP19, PGR SNPs and the AR CAG repeat in RA case–control studies nested within the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), NHS II (449 RA cases, 449 controls) and the Women's Health Study (72 cases, and 202 controls). All controls were matched on cohort, age, Caucasian race, menopausal status, and postmenopausal hormone use. We measured plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin in 132 pre-RA samples and 396 matched controls in the NHS cohorts. We used conditional logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders to assess RA risk.

Results
Mean age of RA diagnosis was 55 years in both cohorts; 58% of cases were rheumatoid factor positive at diagnosis. There was no significant association between plasma DHEAS, total testosterone, or calculated free testosterone and risk of future RA. There was no association between individual variants or haplotypes in any of the genes and RA or seropositive RA, nor any association for the AR CAG repeat.

Conclusions
Steroid hormone levels measured at a single time point prior to RA onset were not associated with RA risk in this study. Our findings do not suggest that androgens or the AR, ESR2, PGR, and CYP19 genes are important to RA risk in women.
RETRACTED: Strain rate and interfacial property effects of random fibre cementitious composites
Authors: Yu J H , Dai L 
Published: June 2009

Yu, J. H. and Dai, L. Strain rate and interfacial property effects of random fibre cementitious composites. Journal of Strain Analysis for Engineering Design, 2009, 44: 417–425. DOI: 10.1234/03093247JSA513. This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor and the Publishers. Reason for Retraction: The results of a plagiarism investigation showed that the authors of this work (Yu, J. H., and Dai, L) are in breach of the agreement that they signed in their Licence to Publish Form for JSA513, having copied substantial portions of material from the following: Yang, E. H. Designing added functions in engineered cementitious composites. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Michigan, 2008. Yang, E. H. and Li, V. C. Rate Dependencies in Engineered Cementitious Composites. Proceedings of International RILEM workshop on HPFRCC in structural applications, Honolulu, Hawaii. Published by RILEM SARL, pp. 83–92, 2005. Redon, C., V. C. Li, C. Wu, H. Hoshiro, T. Saito, and Ogawa, A. Measuring and Modifying Interface Properties of PVA Fibers in ECC Matrix. ASCE J. Materials in Civil Engineering, 13 (6): 399–406, 2001. We apologize that this was not detected during the peer review process in 2009.
Optimal Sales Force Diversification and Group Incentive Payments
Authors: Caldieraro Fabio , Coughlan Anne T. 
Published: June 2009

In this research, we show that the interaction between territory allocation and sales force compensation—two key drivers of sales productivity—strongly affects the firm's profitability. We analyze an agency-theoretic model that jointly considers the degree of negative or positive correlation across territory outcomes, differences in territories' sales potentials, the agency problem with risk-averse salespeople, and the availability of both own-territory compensation elements, such as commission, and elements dependent on the performance of others, such as group commissions or tournaments. We find that allocating salespeople to negatively correlated sales territories beneficially diversifies each salesperson's portfolio of sales outcomes when this allocation includes a group commission pay component, and can improve profitability even with a decrease in average territory sales performance. In a larger sales force, a balanced allocation of salespeople, coupled with a group commission, dominates an imbalanced allocation. Comparing piece-rate compensation (with or without a group commission component) to tournaments alongside the allocation problem, we find that tournaments are favored over piece-rate plans when territories are highly positively correlated, territory sales potentials are similar, and salespeople have a low disutility for effort and are not very risk-averse. A piece-rate plan conversely dominates a tournament when these conditions are reversed.
Long-term benefits of testosterone replacement therapy on angina threshold and atheroma in men
Authors: Mathur Atish , Malkin Christopher , Saeed Basil , Muthusamy R , Jones T Hugh , Channer Kevin 
Published: June 2009

IntroductionIn short-term studies, testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to protect male subjects from exercise-induced ischaemia and modify cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance, fat mass and lipid profiles.MethodsThis randomised parallel group controlled trial was designed to assess the treatment effect of testosterone therapy (Nebido) compared with placebo in terms of exercise-induced ischaemia, lipid profiles, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and body composition during 12 months treatment in men with low testosterone levels and angina.ResultsA total of 15 men were recruited but 13 (n=13) reached adequate duration of follow-up; seven were treated with testosterone and six with placebo. Testosterone increased time to ischaemia (129±48 s versus 12±18, P=0.02) and haemoglobin (0.4±0.6 g/dl versus −0.03±0.5, P=0.04), and reduced body mass index (−0.3 kg/m2 versus 1.3±1, P=0.04) and triglycerides (−0.36±0.4 mmol/l versus 0.3±1.2, P=0.05). The CIMT decreased in the testosterone group more than placebo, but full between group analyses suggested this was only a statistical trend (−0.5±0.1 vs −0.09±0.06, P=0.16). There were no significant effects on serum prostate specific antigen, total or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; or on mood and symptom scores as assessed by Seattle Angina Score and EuroQol.ConclusionThe protective effect of testosterone on myocardial ischaemia is maintained throughout treatment without decrement. Previously noted potentially beneficial effects of testosterone on body composition were confirmed and there were no adverse effects.
Endogenous sex hormones and the prospective association with cardiovascular disease and mortality in men: the Tromsø Study
Authors: Vikan Torkel , Schirmer Henrik , Njølstad Inger , Svartberg Johan 
Published: June 2009

ObjectiveTo study the impact of endogenous testosterone levels in community-dwelling men on later risk for myocardial infarction (MI) and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality.DesignPopulation-based prospective cohort study.MethodsFor the analyses, we used a cohort of 1568 randomly selected men, with sex-hormone data participating in the fourth Tromsø Study (1994–1995). Defined end points were first-ever MI (fatal or nonfatal), all-cause, CVD, and IHD mortality. A committee performed thorough ascertainment of end points, following a detailed protocol. Complete ascertainment of end points was until 30 September 2007 for all-cause mortality, until 31 December 2005 for CVD/IHD mortality, and until 31 December 2004 for first-ever MI. The prospective association between total and free testosterone and end points were examined using Cox proportional hazard regression, allowing for multivariate adjustment for age and cardiovascular risk factors.ResultsDuring follow-up, there were 395 deaths from all causes, 130 deaths from CVD and 80 deaths from IHD, while 144 men experienced a first-ever MI. There was a significant increase in all-cause mortality risk for men with free testosterone in the lowest quartile (<158 pmol/l) compared with the higher quartiles after age adjustment hazard ratios (HR 1.24, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.01–1.53) and after multivariate adjustments (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.54). Total testosterone was not associated with mortality risk. Likewise, there were no significant changes in risk for first-ever MI across different total or free testosterone levels.ConclusionMen with free testosterone levels in the lowest quartile had a 24% increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Low prevalence of the metabolic syndrome but high occurrence of various metabolic disorders in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Ni Ren-min , Mo Yaqin , Chen Xiaoli , Zhong Junmin , Liu Wen , Yang Dongzi 
Published: June 2009

ObjectiveVariations in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in different races were reported. We sought to report this prevalence and its components in Chinese women with PCOS and compared these characteristics with healthy controls.DesignAnthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were evaluated in 578 PCOS patients diagnosed by the Rotterdam criteria and 281 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. International Diabetes Federation criteria for MetS were used.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS was 16.8% in this study, and 60.7% of patients displayed at least one component of MetS. Among the patients, the rates of dyslipidemia, impaired fasting glucose, and elevated blood pressure were 41.6, 19.8, and 16.1% respectively; the rates of these corresponding components in age- and BMI-matched controls were 14.6, 5.3, and 5.7% respectively. In PCOS patients, the prevalence of MetS was 0.0, 3.9, 20.2, and 51.1% for four different BMI groups respectively; the prevalence of MetS was 7.3, 14.9, 24.2, and 42.4% in the four age groups respectively. Nearly 90% of patients diagnosed with MetS belonged to overweight and obese groups. BMI and age rather than free testosterone, free androgen index, fasting insulin, or sex hormone-binding globulin were included in formulation for predicting MetS according to multivariable logistic regression.ConclusionsLow prevalence of MetS but high occurrence of various metabolic disorders was found in women with PCOS compared with age- and BMI-matched controls in this study. BMI and age appeared to contribute more to developing MetS than other parameters associated with insulin resistance or hyperandrogenism.
Differences in expression and activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and 2 in human placentas of term pregnancies according to birth weight and gender
Authors: Mericq V , Medina P , Kakarieka E , Márquez L , Johnson M C , Iñiguez G 
Published: June 2009

BackgroundFetal exposure to maternal glucocorticoids may determine fetal growth and the programing of later disorders. Availability of the glucocorticoids in the placenta is regulated by the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSDs) enzymes. To date, there are discrepancies with regard to cortisol (F) cord blood levels in fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation in different species.ObjectiveTo study the expression and activity of 11β-HSDs in placentas from full term small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) newborns, and cortisol cord blood concentration.MethodsTwenty-five placentas from AGA, 24 SGA and 25 LGA were collected.ResultsSGA newborns had significantly lower and LGA newborns had significantly higher birth weight, birth length, head circumference, and placental weight than AGA counterparts. We observed a direct correlation between placental weight and birth weight, birth length and head circumference, and higher cord F levels in SGA newborns. The 11β-HSD1 expression was similar among the SGA, AGA, and LGA placentas. However, within the placentas of SGA newborns, the11β-HSD1mRNA levels were significantly reduced in the chorionic plate compared with basal plate. An inverse correlation between cord F levels and activity of 11β-HSD1 in the chorionic plate of the SGA placentas was detected. The 11β-HSD2 activity was seven- to eightfold higher compared with 11β-HSD1 in the placentas, and there was a lower 11β-HSD2 activity in females' SGA placentas compared with the male SGA placentas.ConclusionWe observed a lower expression and activity of 11β-HSD1 in the chorionic plate of the SGA placentas, suggesting a possible compensatory mechanism to diminish the higher cortisol fetal concentrations observed in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction.
The patient experience of services for thyroid eye disease in the United Kingdom: results of a nationwide survey
Authors: Estcourt Stephanie , Hickey Janis , Perros Petros , Dayan Colin , Vaidya Bijay 
Published: June 2009

BackgroundA recent consensus statement from the European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy recommends referring all patients with thyroid eye disease (TED), except the mildest cases, to a specialist multidisciplinary clinic.ObjectiveTo study the patients' experiences of accessing services for the treatment of TED in the UK.MethodsA postal questionnaire survey of 395 members of two patients support organisations for TED in the UK, the TED Charitable Trust and the British Thyroid Foundation.ResultsThe response rate was 67%. The majority of responders were females (91%) and aged above 45 (74%). There were delays in the diagnosis and referral. In 26% of responders, the time lapsed from the first symptoms to the diagnosis of TED for over 12 months. There was a wide variation in the type of clinic and healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of TED. Only 25% of the responders attended a specialist TED clinic. Out of these, 33% waited over 6 months from the first consultation with a doctor to being seen at a specialist TED clinic. Only 56% of responders were satisfied with the treatment they received for TED. More responders who had attended a specialist TED clinic were satisfied with the treatment than those who had not attended a specialist clinic (67 vs 52%, P<0.05).ConclusionOnly a minority of patients with TED are treated at a specialist TED clinic in the UK. Those patients who are treated at a specialist TED clinic are more likely to be satisfied with the treatment.