bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The immunological potency and therapeutic potential of a prototype dual vaccine against influenza and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Davtyan Hayk , Ghochikyan Anahit , Cadagan Richard , Zamarin Dmitriy , Petrushina Irina , Movsesyan Nina , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Albrecht Randy A , García-Sastre Adolfo , Agadjanyan Michael G 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Numerous pre-clinical studies and clinical trials demonstrated that induction of antibodies to the β-amyloid peptide of 42 residues (Aβ42) elicits therapeutic effects in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, an active vaccination strategy based on full length Aβ42 is currently hampered by elicitation of T cell pathological autoreactivity. We attempt to improve vaccine efficacy by creating a novel chimeric flu vaccine expressing the small immunodominant B cell epitope of Aβ42. We hypothesized that in elderly people with pre-existing memory Th cells specific to influenza this dual vaccine will simultaneously boost anti-influenza immunity and induce production of therapeutically active anti-Aβ antibodies.

Methods
Plasmid-based reverse genetics system was used for the rescue of recombinant influenza virus containing immunodominant B cell epitopes of Aβ42 (Aβ1-7/10).

Results
Two chimeric flu viruses expressing either 7 or 10 aa of Aβ42 (flu-Aβ1-7 or flu-Aβ1-10) were generated and tested in mice as conventional inactivated vaccines. We demonstrated that this dual vaccine induced therapeutically potent anti-Aβ antibodies and anti-influenza antibodies in mice.

Conclusion
We suggest that this strategy might be beneficial for treatment of AD patients as well as for prevention of development of AD pathology in pre-symptomatic individuals while concurrently boosting immunity against influenza.
Abnormal coactivation of knee and ankle extensors is related to changes in heteronymous spinal pathways after stroke
Authors: Dyer Joseph-Omer , Maupas Eric , de Andrade Melo Sibele , Bourbonnais Daniel , Forget Robert 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Abnormal coactivation of leg extensors is often observed on the paretic side of stroke patients while they attempt to move. The mechanisms underlying this coactivation are not well understood. This study (1) compares the coactivation of leg extensors during static contractions in stroke and healthy individuals, and (2) assesses whether this coactivation is related to changes in intersegmental pathways between quadriceps and soleus (Sol) muscles after stroke.

Methods
Thirteen stroke patients and ten healthy individuals participated in the study. Levels of coactivation of knee extensors and ankle extensors were measured in sitting position, during two tasks: maximal isometric voluntary contractions in knee extension and in plantarflexion. The early facilitation and later inhibition of soleus voluntary EMG evoked by femoral nerve stimulation were assessed in the paretic leg of stroke participants and in one leg of healthy participants.

Results
Coactivation levels of ankle extensors (mean ± SEM: 56 ± 7% of Sol EMG max) and of knee extensors (52 ± 10% of vastus lateralis (VL) EMG max) during the knee extension and the ankle extension tasks respectively were significantly higher in the paretic leg of stroke participants than in healthy participants (26 ± 5% of Sol EMG max and 10 ± 3% of VL EMG max, respectively). Early heteronymous facilitation of Sol voluntary EMG in stroke participants (340 ± 62% of Sol unconditioned EMG) was significantly higher than in healthy participants (98 ± 34%). The later inhibition observed in all control participants was decreased in the paretic leg. Levels of coactivation of ankle extensors during the knee extension task were significantly correlated with both the increased facilitation (Pearson r = 0.59) and the reduced inhibition (r = 0.56) in the paretic leg. Measures of motor impairment were more consistently correlated with the levels of coactivation of biarticular muscles than those of monoarticular muscles.

Conclusion
These results suggest that the heteronymous pathways linking quadriceps to soleus may participate in the abnormal coactivation of knee and ankle extensors on the paretic side of stroke patients. The motor impairment of the paretic leg is strongly associated with the abnormal coactivation of biarticular muscles.
Proteome analysis of vaccinia virus IHD-W-infected HEK 293 cells with 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-PSD-TOF MS of on solid phase support N-terminally sulfonated peptides
Authors: Bartel Sebastian , Doellinger Joerg , Darsow Kai , Bourquain Daniel , Buchholz Rainer , Nitsche Andreas , Lange Harald A 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Despite the successful eradication of smallpox by the WHO-led vaccination programme, pox virus infections remain a considerable health threat. The possible use of smallpox as a bioterrorism agent as well as the continuous occurrence of zoonotic pox virus infections document the relevance to deepen the understanding for virus host interactions. Since the permissiveness of pox infections is independent of hosts surface receptors, but correlates with the ability of the virus to infiltrate the antiviral host response, it directly depends on the hosts proteome set. In this report the proteome of HEK293 cells infected with Vaccinia Virus strain IHD-W was analyzed by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-PSD-TOF MS in a bottom-up approach.

Results
The cellular and viral proteomes of VACV IHD-W infected HEK293 cells, UV-inactivated VACV IHD-W-treated as well as non-infected cells were compared. Derivatization of peptides with 4-sulfophenyl isothiocyanate (SPITC) carried out on ZipTipμ-C18 columns enabled protein identification via the peptides' primary sequence, providing improved s/n ratios as well as signal intensities of the PSD spectra. The expression of more than 24 human proteins was modulated by the viral infection. Effects of UV-inactivated and infectious viruses on the hosts' proteome concerning energy metabolism and proteins associated with gene expression and protein-biosynthesis were quite similar. These effects might therefore be attributed to virus entry and virion proteins. However, the modulation of proteins involved in apoptosis was clearly correlated to infectious viruses.

Conclusions
The proteome analysis of infected cells provides insight into apoptosis modulation, regulation of cellular gene expression and the regulation of energy metabolism. The confidence of protein identifications was clearly improved by the peptides' derivatization with SPITC on a solid phase support. Some of the identified proteins have not been described in the context of poxvirus infections before and need to be further characterised to identify their meaning for apoptosis modulation and pathogenesis.
Major multinational food and beverage companies and informal sector contributions to global food consumption: implications for nutrition policy
Authors: Alexander Eleanore , Yach Derek , Mensah George A 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
In recent years, 10 major multinational food and beverage companies have worked together within the International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA) to increase their commitments to public health. Current IFBA commitments include initiatives to improve the nutrition quality of products and how these products are advertised to children. The impact and magnitude of IFBA member contributions to the total market share of packaged foods and beverages consumed remain incompletely understood, however.

Methods
In order to evaluate this impact, we examined packaged food and soft drink company shares provided by Euromonitor, an international independent market analysis company. Packaged foods include baby food, bakery, canned/preserved food, chilled/processed food, confectionery, dairy, dried processed food, frozen processed food, ice cream, meal replacement, noodles, oils and fats, pasta, ready meals, sauces, dressings and condiments, snack bars, soup, spreads, and sweet and savoury snacks. Soft drinks include carbonates, packaged fruit/vegetable juice, bottled water, functional drinks, concentrates, ready-to-drink tea, ready-to-drink coffee and Asian specialty drinks. We calculated the market shares for IFBA companies, globally and within nine countries--the US, China, India, Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey and the UK.

Results
Worldwide, the top ten packaged food companies account for 15.2% of sales, with each individual company contributing less than 3.3%. The top ten soft drink companies account for 52.3% of sales worldwide; Coca-Cola and PepsiCo lead with 25.9% and 11.5% of sales, respectively.

Conclusions
Although the top ten soft drink companies account for half of global sales, the top ten packaged food companies account for only a small proportion of market share with most individual companies contributing less than 3.3% each. Major multinational companies need to be joined by the myriad of small- and medium-sized enterprises in developing and implementing programs to improve the health of the public, globally. Without full participation of these companies, the impact of commitments made by IFBA members and other major multinational food and beverage companies will remain limited.
Cocaine locomotor activation, sensitization and place preference in six inbred strains of mice
Authors: Eisener-Dorman Amy F , Grabowski-Boase Laura , Tarantino Lisa M 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe expanding set of genomics tools available for inbred mouse strains has renewed interest in phenotyping larger sets of strains. The present study aims to explore phenotypic variability among six commonly-used inbred mouse strains to both the rewarding and locomotor stimulating effects of cocaine in a place conditioning task, including several strains or substrains that have not yet been characterized for some or all of these behaviors.MethodsC57BL/6J (B6), BALB/cJ (BALB), C3H/HeJ (C3H), DBA/2J (D2), FVB/NJ (FVB) and 129S1/SvImJ (129) mice were tested for conditioned place preference to 20 mg/kg cocaine.ResultsPlace preference was observed in most strains with the exception of D2 and 129. All strains showed a marked increase in locomotor activity in response to cocaine. In BALB mice, however, locomotor activation was context-dependent. Locomotor sensitization to repeated exposure to cocaine was most significant in 129 and D2 mice but was absent in FVB mice.ConclusionsGenetic correlations suggest that no significant correlation between conditioned place preference, acute locomotor activation, and locomotor sensitization exists among these strains indicating that separate mechanisms underlie the psychomotor and rewarding effects of cocaine.
IL-8-mediated angiogenic responses of endothelial cells to lipid antigen activation of iNKT cells depend on EGFR transactivation
Authors: Kyriakakis Emmanouil , Cavallari Marco , Pfaff Dennis , Fabbro Doriano , Mestan Juergen , Philippova Maria , De Libero Gennaro , Erne Paul , Resink Therese J 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTiNKT cells are a unique T cell subset, which is CD1d-restricted and specific for glycolipid antigens. In advanced atherosclerotic plaques, focal collections of inflammatory cells correlate with areas of intraplaque neovascularization. We reported recently that iNKT cells might facilitate intraplaque neovascularization by enhancing EC migration and sprouting in an IL-8-dependent manner. This study investigated the participating effector mechanisms. In ECs, CM, derived from antigen-stimulated human iNKT cells (CM+), induced up-regulation of IL-8R CXCR2 and the phosphorylation of EGFR and of multiple intracellular signaling effectors, including FAK, Src, Erk, Jnk, p38-MAPK, and STAT1 and -3. We found that a cascade of events, which were IL-8-dependent and involved EGFR activation, was responsible for signaling through FAK and Src kinases and necessary for acquisition of angiogenic morphology, migration in a two-dimensional wound assay, and sprout outgrowth in a three-dimensional model of angiogenesis in vitro. The data support that IL-8-dependent activation of angiogenic behavior in ECs, in response to activated iNKT, involves CXCR2, transactivation of EGFR, and subsequent FAK/Src signaling. We found too that activated iNKT increased VEGFR2 expression in ECs. Functional studies confirmed that EGF is the motogenic-enhancing factor in CM+ and is necessary, together with an exogenous source of VEGF, for iNKT-promoted sprout formation. EGFR inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic modality aimed at plaque stabilization through control of neovascularization within developing atherosclerotic plaques.
Lung dendritic cells at the innate-adaptive immune interface
Authors: Condon Tracy Voss , Sawyer Richard T , Fenton Matthew J , Riches David W H 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThis review updates the basic biology of lung DCs and their functions. Lung DCs have taken center stage as cellular therapeutic targets in new vaccine strategies for the treatment of diverse human disorders, including asthma, allergic lung inflammation, lung cancer, and infectious lung disease. The anatomical distribution of lung DCs, as well as the division of labor between their subsets, aids their ability to recognize and endocytose foreign substances and to process antigens. DCs can induce tolerance in or activate naïve T cells, making lung DCs well-suited to their role as lung sentinels. Lung DCs serve as a functional signaling/sensing unit to maintain lung homeostasis and orchestrate host responses to benign and harmful foreign substances.
Repeat Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Park Kyung-Jae , Kondziolka Douglas , Berkowitz Oren , Kano Hideyuki , Novotny Josef , Niranjan Ajay , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford L. Dade 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) may recur after treatment by gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSR).

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate management outcomes in patients who underwent repeat GKSR for TN.

METHODS:
The authors reviewed their experience with repeat GKSR in 119 patients with recurrent TN. The median patient age was 74 years (range, 34–96 years). The median interval between procedures was 26 months. The median target dose for repeat GKSR was 70 Gy (range, 50–90 Gy) and the median cumulative dose was 145 Gy (range, 120–170 Gy). The median follow-up was 48 months (range, 6–187 months) after repeat GKSR.

RESULTS:
After repeat GKSR, 87% of patients achieved initial pain relief (Barrow Neurological Institute pain score I–IIIb). Pain relief was maintained in 87.8% at 1 year, 69.8% at 3 years, and 44.2% at 5 years. Facial sensory dysfunction occurred in 21% of patients within 18 months after GKSR. Longer pain relief was observed in patients who had recurrent pain in a reduced pain distribution of the face compared with the pain distribution at the time of their initial GKSR, and in those who developed additional trigeminal sensory loss after a repeat procedure. A cumulative edge of brainstem dose ≥ 44 Gy was more likely to be associated with the development of sensory loss.

CONCLUSION:
Repeat GKSR provides a similar rate of pain relief as the first procedure. The best responses were observed in patients who had good pain control after the first procedure and those who developed new sensory dysfunction in the affected trigeminal distribution.
Microdiscectomy Improves Pain-Associated Depression, Somatic Anxiety, and Mental Well-Being in Patients With Herniated Lumbar Disc
Authors: Lebow Richard , Parker Scott L. , Adogwa Owoicho , Reig Adam , Cheng Joseph , Bydon Ali , McGirt Matthew J. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Emotional distress and depression are common psychological disturbances associated with low-back and leg pain. The effects of lumbar discectomy on pain, disability, and physical quality of life are well described. The effects of discectomy on emotional distress and mental well-being are less well understood.

OBJECTIVE:
To assess the effect of microdiscectomy on depression, somatization, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar discs.

METHODS:
Patients undergoing surgical discectomy for single-level, herniated lumbar disc were prospectively evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Back and leg pain, depression, somatic perception, and mental well-being were assessed.

RESULTS:
One hundred patients were enrolled. All were available for 1-year follow-up. Preoperatively, the visual analog scale for low-back pain (BP-VAS), visual analog scale for leg pain (LP-VAS), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZUNG), Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ), and Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 mental component summary scale (SF-36-MCS) were 6.3 ± 2.5, 6.3 ± 2.5, 19 ± 11, 9 ± 7, and 4 ± 14. BP-VAS and LP-VAS significantly improved by 6 weeks. Significant improvement in SF-36-MCS was observed by 6 weeks postoperatively, improvement in MSPQ score was observed 3 months postoperatively, and improvement in the ZUNG depression score was observed 12 months postoperatively. No statistical difference occurred during the remainder of follow-up for any outcome measured once improvement reached statistical significance. Eighteen patients were somatized preoperatively, 67% of which were nonsomatized 1 year postoperatively. Ten patients were clinically depressed preoperatively, 70% of which were nondepressed 1 year postoperatively. Improvement in SF-36-MCS, ZUNG, and MSPQ correlated (P &lt; .001) with improvement in BP-VAS and LP-VAS.

CONCLUSION:
The majority of patients somatized or depressed preoperatively returned to good mental well-being postoperatively. Improvement in pain and overall mental well-being was seen immediately after discectomy. Improvement in somatic anxiety and depression occurred months later. Microdiscectomy significantly improves pain-associated depression, somatic anxiety, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar disc.
Septin genomics: a road less travelled
Authors: Russell S.E. Hilary , Hall Peter A. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The human septins are part of a gene family, that is a group of genes with similar sequences and usually but not invariably share similar functions that are descended from a common ancestor. Here we review our current knowledge of the human septin gene family and highlight areas of uncertainty. Currently 13 human septin genes are known (SEPT1 to SEPT12 and SEPT14). What was known as SEPT13 is now defined as one of many SEPT7 related pseudogenes. The family is characterized by complex genomics and extensive (but not universal) splicing, giving rise to a plethora of septin isoforms. For only a few members of the family do we have a comprehensive insight into these transcripts and isoforms. Given the formation of countless septin homotypic and heterotypic interactions our understanding of the biology and pathobiology of the septin family will require a detailed understanding of the genomics, transcriptomics and regulation of all members of this diverse and complex family.
Impact Properties of Vacuum Heat Treated AISI D2 and 8 % Cr Cold Work Tool Steels
Authors: Arieta Francisco , Netto Eliana B. M. , Reguly Afonso , Pannes W. K. , Beutler Uwe , van Soest Frank , Ernst Claudia 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The impact properties of the traditional 12 % Cr AISI D2 steel and a family of new generation 8 % Cr cold work tool steels (average chemical composition fulfilling the following ranges: C = 1.00 ± 0.20; Cr = 8.00 ± 0.50; Mo = 1.75 ± 0.75; V = 1.10 ± 0.70; Nb = 0.50 ± 0.45; Si = 0.95 ± 0.10; Mn ≤ 0.50; P≤0.03; S ≤ 0.015) have been investigated. All steels have been vacuum heat treated simultaneously after austenitization at 1030°C, 1060°C, and 1120°C, followed by a cryogenic treatment and triple tempers at 520°C of 2 h each. The results showed for all steels that the higher the austenitizing temperature the higher the hardness and the lower the impact properties. For the same impact value, the 8 % Cr steels presented a 3–4 Hardness Rockwell C (HRC) points higher than the AISI D2 steel. The average impact values of the 8 % Cr steels were 33 %–45 % superior to the 12 % Cr steels, but only after austenitizing at 1030°C and 1060°C. At 1120°C, the impact values dropped dramatically for both 12 % Cr and 8 % Cr steels due to the higher hardness and grain growth differences between the investigated steels. The surfaces of the fractured impact tested samples were investigated via scanning electron microscopy + energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques. The fractographic analysis showed that at 1030°C the much coarser and higher volume fraction of primary chromium carbides found in the AISI D2 than in the 8 % Cr have contributed to its lower toughness. However, as the austenitizing temperature increased to 1060°C, and in particular at 1120°C, significant grain growth, higher hardness, and consequently, high strength of the matrix, took place and played the more important roles in dropping the toughness as shown by quasi-cleavage brittle fracture appearance. Austenitizing at 1060°C and tempering at 520°C showed the best compromise for toughness and hardness. Increasing the tempering temperature to 570°C and, in particular, to 620°C, remarkably increased the toughness of the 8 % Cr steels, when the % C is kept below 1 %. For the D2 and % C &gt; 1.15 % the increase is negligible.
Einfluss von Schnittstellenmodellierungen bei der Reduktion elastischer Mehrkörpersysteme
Authors: Nowakowski Christine , Fehr Jörg , Eberhard Peter 
Published: August 2011

Zusammenfassung
Für die effiziente Simulation elastischer Mehrkörpersysteme sind wenige wohldefinierte Rand- und Koppelbedingungen bzw. Ein- und Ausgänge notwendig. Bisher müssen in der Modellierungsphase Schnittstellenknoten zur Verringerung der Ein- und Ausgangsanzahl gebildet werden. Ein neuer mathematischer Ansatz basiert auf der Zerlegung der Ein- und Ausgangsmatrix und verzichtet auf zusätzliche Schritte in der Modellerstellung. Eine Gegenüberstellung beider Ansätze erfolgt in diesem Beitrag.
Regelung verteilt-parametrischer Hamiltonscher Systeme auf Basis struktureller Invarianten
Authors: Siuka Andreas , Schöberl Markus , Rieger Karl , Schlacher Kurt 
Published: August 2011

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag behandelt die Modellierung und Regelung von räumlich eindimensionalen, verteilt-parametrischen Tor-basierten Hamiltonschen Systemen. Motiviert durch die physikalische Interpretation der Tor-basierten Hamiltonschen Systembeschreibung im konzentriert-parametrischen Fall wird eine Erweiterung dieser Systemklasse auf den verteilt-parametrischen Fall vorgeschlagen, welche auf dem klassischen evolutionären Zugang basiert. Weiters wird die aus dem konzentriert-parametrischen Fall bekannte Methode “Regelung auf Basis struktureller Invarianten” auf die vorgestellte verteilt-parametrische Hamiltonsche Darstellung übertragen. Die Effektivität dieser Methode wird anhand der energiebasierten Regelung des Timoshenko Balkens mit Randeingriff gezeigt.
Parameteridentifikation für LTI-Systeme mit Hilfe signalmodellgenerierter Modulationsfunktionen
Authors: Schmid Christian , Roppenecker Günter 
Published: August 2011

Zusammenfassung
Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt ein neues Verfahren zur Parameteridentifikation für zeitkontinuierliche LTI-Systeme, welches auf der Verwendung sog. Modulationsfunktionen basiert. Diese Modulationsfunktionen werden derart generiert, dass eine separate Identifikation einzelner Parameter möglich ist. Dazu ist ein Steuersignal für ein eigens definiertes, zeitvariantes Signalmodell zu berechnen, wobei die Anforderungen an die Modulationsfunktion die Anfangs- und Endbedingungen für den Signalmodellzustand festlegen.