bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β-Glucosylceramide ameliorates liver inflammation in murine autoimmune cholangitis
Authors: Zhang W , Moritoki Y , Tsuneyama K , Yang G-X , Ilan Y , Lian Z-X , Gershwin M E 
Published: May 2009

Summary
We have demonstrated spontaneous development of autoimmune cholangitis, similar to human primary biliary cirrhosis, in mice expressing a dominant negative form of the transforming growth factor-β receptor (dnTGF-βRII) restricted to T cells. The autoimmune cholangitis appears to be mediated by autoreactive CD8+ T lymphocytes that home to the portal tracts and biliary system. Because the liver pathology is primarily secondary to CD8+ T cells, we have determined herein whether administration of β-glucosylceramide (GC), a naturally occurring plant glycosphingolipid, alters the natural history of disease in this model. We chose GC because previous work has demonstrated its ability to alter CD8+ T cell responses and to down-regulate tissue inflammation. Accordingly, dnTGF-βRII mice were treated with either GC or control for a period of 18 weeks beginning at 6 weeks of age. Importantly, in mice that received GC, there was a significant decrease in the frequency and absolute number of autoreactive liver-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, accompanied by a significant decrease in activated CD44high CD8+ T cell populations. Further, there was a significant reduction in portal inflammation in GC-treated mice. Interestingly, there were no changes in anti-mitochondrial antibodies, CD4+ T cells, CD19+ B cells or natural killer (NK) T cell populations, indicating further that the beneficial effects of GC on liver inflammation were targeted specifically to liver-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. These data suggest that further work on GC in models of CD8+ T-mediated inflammation are needed and point to a new therapeutic venue for potentially treating and/or modulating autoimmune disease.
Relative seroprevalence of human herpes viruses in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Steininger C. , Rassenti L. Z. , Vanura K. , Eigenberger K. , Jäger U. , Kipps T. J. , Mannhalter C. , Stilgenbauer S. , Popow‐Kraupp T. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  Herpes virus infections may have a significant role in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) due to their ability to modulate the host’s immune system.Materials and methods  We examined the seroprevalence of four herpes viruses [Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV), human herpes virus (HHV)‐6 and ‐7] in a cohort of European CLL patients (cohort 1, n = 100) in relation to the immunoglobulin variable heavy (IGHV) chain gene use and compared serological results with those obtained from age‐ and gender‐matched healthy adults (n = 100).Results  CMV‐seroprevalence was significantly higher in CLL cohort 1 (79%) than in the control cohort (57%, P = 0·001); the seroprevalence of EBV (89% vs. 94%), HHV‐6 (73% vs. 60%), or HHV‐7 (35% vs. 35%) was not. In CLL cohort 1, use of IGHV3‐30 was more prevalent among CMV‐seropositive and of IGHV3‐21 among HHV‐7‐seronegative cases. To investigate the generalizability of these findings, we investigated the herpes virus seroprevalence in a second cohort of age‐matched CLL patients from a different geographical area (USA, n = 100, cohort 2). In cohort 2, CMV‐seroprevalence was comparable with that of the control cohort (53%). Seroprevalence of EBV, HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 were 85%, 88% and 73% respectively. In CLL cohort 2, use of IGHV3‐30 or IGHV3‐21 was not associated with any of the herpes viruses investigated.Conclusions  CMV‐seropositivity is associated with CLL in selected patient cohorts. However, the considerable variation in herpes virus‐specific seropositivity between geographically distinct CLL cohorts indicates that seropositivity for any of the four human herpes viruses investigated is not generally associated with CLL.
Early atherosclerosis and IgG2 to bacteria are associated with FcγRIIa genotype in non‐smokers
Authors: Sämpi M. , Ukkola O. , Päivänsalo M. , Kesäniemi Y. A. , Hörkkö S. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  Involvement of low density lipoprotein (LDL) immune complexes (ICs) in atherogenesis has been proposed. Human FcγRIIa receptor (CD32) plays a crucial role in the phagocytosis of IgG2 ICs and a functional point mutation 131His/Arg diminishes IgG2 binding to the receptor.Study design  We examined FcγRIIa‐131His/Arg polymorphism, IgG2 antibody titres to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and Streptococcus pneumoniae cell wall polysaccharide (CWPS) and subclinical atherosclerosis in a large cohort of Finnish subjects (n = 1041).Results  Non‐smoking subjects with homozygous 131His/His genotype had more premature atherosclerosis (P = 0·004) and higher IgG2 to bacterial CWPS (P = 0·002) compared with other genotypes. Smoking subjects had significantly higher intima‐media thickness (IMT) than that of non‐smokers (P < 0·001) and genotype‐dependent associations were indistinct. There was no association between FcγRIIa genotype and antibody titres to OxLDL.Conclusions  Our data demonstrate that FcγRIIa 131His/Arg polymorphism is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in non‐smoking subjects. Furthermore, FcγRIIa genotype is associated with IgG2 titres to bacterial CWPS, but not to OxLDL. These data propose possible involvement of FcγRIIa receptor in atherogenesis.
Effect of polymerized‐type I collagen in knee osteoarthritis. I. In vitro study
Authors: Furuzawa‐Carballeda J. , Muñoz‐Chablé O. A. , Barrios‐Payán J. , Hernández‐Pando R. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  Polymerized‐type I collagen (polymerized‐collagen) is a down‐regulator of inflammation and a tissue regenerator biodrug. The aim of this study was to evaluate its effect in co‐cultures of cartilage and synovial tissue from patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).Materials and methods  Cartilage and synovial tissue from five patients with OA were co‐cultured for 7 days in the presence or absence of 1% polymerized‐collagen. To determine proteoglycans content, tissues were stained with alcian blue technique. Pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and interferon (IFN)‐γ] and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 were measured in supernatants by ELISA and results were normalized by total protein concentration. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), type II collagen, TNF‐α, IL‐10 and Ki‐67 expression were determined by immunohistochemistry.Results  Polymerized‐type I collagen induced an increase of 3‐ to 6fold cell proliferation (Ki‐67), proteoglycans content, and COMP and type II collagen expression, whereas it inhibited IL‐1β and TNF‐α production. IL‐10 levels were up‐regulated in treated vs. untreated cultures. No differences were found on IL‐8 or TIMP‐1 levels in supernatants from polymerized‐collagen‐treated co‐cultures when compared with untreated cultures. IL‐12 and IFN‐γ were undetectable.Conclusion  The addition of polymerized‐type I collagen to cartilage and synovial tissue co‐cultures induced up‐regulation of chondrocytes proliferation and cartilage extracellular matrix proteins production (COMP, type II collagen and proteoglycans) as well as an anti‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐10) and the down‐modulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β and TNF‐α). It is possible that this mechanism might contribute to induce tissue regeneration and down‐regulation of inflammation in OA.
Trends and uncertainties in Siberian indicators of 20th century warming
Authors: ESPER JAN , FRANK DAVID , BÜNTGEN ULF , VERSTEGE ANNE , HANTEMIROV RASHIT M. , KIRDYANOV ALEXANDER V. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractEstimates of past climate and future forest biomass dynamics are constrained by uncertainties in the relationships between growth and climatic variability and uncertainties in the instrumental data themselves. Of particular interest in this regard is the boreal‐forest zone, where radial growth has historically been closely connected with temperature variability, but various lines of evidence have indicated a decoupling since about the 1960s. We here address this growth‐vs.‐temperature divergence by analyzing tree‐ring width and density data from across Siberia, and comparing 20th century proxy trends with those derived from instrumental stations. We test the influence of approaches considered in the recent literature on the divergence phenomenon (DP), including effects of tree‐ring standardization and calibration period, and explore instrumental uncertainties by employing both adjusted and nonadjusted temperature data to assess growth‐climate agreement. Results indicate that common methodological and data usage decisions alter 20th century growth and temperature trends in a way that can easily explain the post‐1960 DP. We show that (i) Siberian station temperature adjustments were up to 1.3 °C for decadal means before 1940, (ii) tree‐ring detrending effects in the order of 0.6–0.8 °C, and (iii) calibration uncertainties up to about 0.4 °C over the past 110 years. Despite these large uncertainties, instrumental and tree growth estimates for the entire 20th century warming interval match each other, to a degree previously not recognized, when care is taken to preserve long‐term trends in the tree‐ring data. We further show that careful examination of early temperature data and calibration of proxy timeseries over the full period of overlap with instrumental data are both necessary to properly estimate 20th century long‐term changes and to avoid erroneous detection of post‐1960 divergence.
Improved quality and shelf life of farmed trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by whole processing in a combined ozonised flow ice refrigeration system
Authors: Aubourg Santiago P. , Testi Silvia , Sanxuás Minia , Gil Carolina , Barros‐Velázquez Jorge 
Published: May 2009

SummaryA combined refrigeration system consisting of ozone and flow ice was evaluated for the sacrifice, cooling and chilled storage of continental trout. The batch processed in ozonised flow ice exhibited significant (P < 0.05) reductions (0.97 and 1.51 log CFU cm−2) in skin aerobes and psychrotrophs on days 6 and 9, respectively, and significant (P < 0.05) reductions (0.94 log CFU g−1 and 0.96 log CFU g−1) in aerobes, and proteolytic bacteria in muscle on day 13. A significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of TMA‐N formation after 9 days was also observed, with an average reduction of 28.4% along the storage period, Slight reductions in autolytic breakdown mechanisms were also observed in the ozonised batch, a maximum reduction of 14.82% being reached on day 13. The microbial and biochemical changes were well correlated with the sensory evaluation, which revealed relevant differences between the batches on day 13 and a shelf life extension of the ozonised batch up to day 16.
The application of Taguchi method to determine the optimum blend of unifloral honeys to most closely match thyme honey quality
Authors: Dimou Maria , Marnasidis Simos , Antoniadou Ioanna , Pliatsika Maria , Besseris George J. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of four blossom honey types (orange, chestnut, heather and cotton) on a group of quality characteristics of thyme‐type based mixture preparations. Mixture ratios were prepared at 0%, 50% and 100% per blossom honey‐type and then were blended with thyme honey in parts 1:1. The melissopalynological, sensory and physicochemical quality characteristics for each blend were monitored. A three‐level, four‐factor orthogonal array according to the Taguchi method was utilised to plan the experiments maintaining the thyme component as a ‘slack‐variable’ to contain the number of performed trials. Subsequent anova treatment revealed that only a pure orange‐type blend favours the simultaneous maximisation of aroma (P < 0.05) and the minimisation of electrical conductivity (P < 0.05). Finally, there was a significant effect of chestnut‐type blend content on microscopical and physicochemical characteristics (P < 0.05), nevertheless, their corresponding signal‐to‐noise ratios are maximised only at a concentration of zero value.
Physicochemical properties of twenty‐one Caribbean sweet potato cultivars
Authors: Aina Adebisola J. , Falade Kolawole O. , Akingbala John O. , Titus Pathelene 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe physical, chemical and physicochemical properties of twenty‐one Caribbean sweet potato cultivars were investigated. Hunter L a b colour parameters were measured, chroma, colour intensity and hue angle were calculated. Proximate composition, vitamin C, amylose, reducing and non‐reducing sugars contents were determined using standard methods. Pasting properties were determined using Rapid Visco Analyser. Tuber size (length, r = 0.72, n = 21, P < 0.0015; width, r = 0.85, n = 21, P < 0.0002) was highly correlated with weight of the tubers. External colours of the tubers (L = 28.7–63.1, a = +5.9 to +18.0, b = +3 to +19.3) were lower than the flesh colours (L = 60.8–84.0, a = −2.4 to +27.8, b = +9.9 to +28.5). Proximate composition is typical of sweet potato cultivars but significant differences exist among cultivars. Total sugar, amylose and amylopectin contents ranged from 1.8 to 4.7%, 15.3–31.2% and 68.8–84.7%, respectively. Cooking profiles of the sweet potato flours showed similar trend. Pasting temperature, peak time, swelling power and solubility ranged from 78.3 to 93.0 °C, 3.3–4.8 min, 5.6–23.5 and 11.7–45.7%, respectively.
Effects of killing conditions of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia, Andrews) pods during the curing process on aroma composition of pod ethanol extract
Authors: Pardio Violeta T. , Mariezcurrena Maria D. , Waliszewski Krzysztof N. , Sánchez Victor , Janczur Mariusz K. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe effects on the aroma compositions of ethanol extracts obtained by traditional and enzyme‐assisted methods from seven killing conditions used in vanilla pod curing were studied. Two procedures of vanilla pod killing consisted of either freezing pods at −10 °C for 24 h or immersing pods in 80 °C water for 10 s each of three times with 30 s intervals resulted in the highest vanillin values in terms percentage of dry weight of the bean (2.84 and 2.96), 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (0.18 and 0.20), vanillyl alcohol (0.56 and 0.57) and vanillic acid (0.18 and 0.19 respectively) when traditional vanilla ethanol extraction was used. When this extract was aged for 3 months it showed improvement in flavour compounds. Enzyme‐assisted vanilla ethanol extraction showed a higher content of flavour compounds than traditional extract, for example vanillin 4.38% and 2.96% respectively. Only vanillic acid levels were improved after ageing of the enzyme‐assisted extracts.
Tethyan vicariance, relictualism and speciation: evidence from a global molecular phylogeny of the opisthobranch genus Bulla
Authors: Malaquias Manuel António E. , Reid David G. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAim  Our aims were: (1) to reconstruct a molecular phylogeny of the cephalaspidean opisthobranch genus Bulla, an inhabitant of shallow sedimentary environments; (2) to test if divergence times are consistent with Miocene and later vicariance among the four tropical marine biogeographical provinces; (3) to examine the phylogenetic status of possible Tethyan relict species; and (4) to infer the timing and causes of speciation events.Location  Tropical and warm‐temperate regions of the Atlantic, Indo‐West Pacific, Australasia and eastern Pacific.Methods  Ten of the 12 nominal species of Bulla were sampled, in a total sample of 65 individuals, together with cephalaspidean outgroups. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred by Bayesian analysis of partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and 16S rRNA and nuclear 28S rRNA genes. Divergence times and rates of evolution were estimated using uncorrelated relaxed‐clock Bayesian methods with fossil calibrations (based on literature review and examination of fossil specimens), implemented in beast. The geographical pattern of speciation was assessed by estimating the degree of overlap between sister lineages.Results  Four clades were supported: Indo‐West Pacific (four species), Australasia (one species), Atlantic plus eastern Pacific (three species) and Atlantic (two species), with estimated mean ages of 35–46 Ma. Nominal species were monophyletic, but deep divergences were found within one Indo‐West Pacific and one West Atlantic species. Species‐level divergences occurred in the Miocene or earlier. The age of a sister relationship across the Isthmus of Panama was estimated at 7.9–32.1 Ma, and the divergence of a pair of sister species on either side of the Atlantic Ocean occurred 20.4–27.2 Ma.Main conclusions  Fossils suggest that Bulla originated in the Tethys realm during the Middle Eocene. Average ages of the four main clades fall in the Eocene, and far pre‐date the 18–19 Ma closure of the Tethys Seaway. This discrepancy could indicate earlier vicariant events, selective extinction or errors of calibration. Similarly, the transisthmian divergence estimate far pre‐dates the uplift of the Panamanian Isthmus at about 3 Ma. Speciation events occurred in the Miocene, consistent with tectonic events in the central Indo‐West Pacific, isolation of the Arabian Sea by upwelling and westward trans‐Atlantic dispersal. Differences in habitat between sister species suggest that ecological speciation may also have played a role. The basal position of the Australasian species supports its interpretation as a Tethyan relict.
Tropical niche conservatism and the species richness gradient of North American butterflies
Authors: Hawkins Bradford A. , DeVries Philip J. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAim  We explore the potential role of the ‘tropical conservatism hypothesis’ in explaining the butterfly species richness gradient in North America. Its applicability can be derived from the tropical origin of butterflies and the presumed difficulties in evolving the cold tolerance required to permit the colonization and permanent occupation of the temperate zone.Location  North America.Methods  Digitized range maps for butterfly species north of Mexico were used to map richness for all species, species with distributions north of the Tropic of Capricorn (Extratropicals), and species that also occupy the tropics (Tropicals). A phylogeny resolved to subfamily was used to map the geographical pattern of mean root distance, a metric of the evolutionary development of assemblages. Regression models and general linear models examined environmental correlates of overall richness and for Extratropicals vs. Tropicals, patterns in summer vs. winter, and patterns in northern vs. southern North America.Results  Species in more basal subfamilies dominate the south, whereas more derived clades occupy the north. There is also a ‘latitudinal’ richness gradient in Canada/Alaska, whereas in the conterminous USA richness primarily varies longitudinally. Overall richness is associated with broad‐ and mesoscale temperature gradients. The richness of Tropicals is strongly associated with temperature and distance from winter population sources. The richness of Extratropicals in the north is most strongly correlated with the pattern of glacial retreat since the more recent Ice Age, whereas in the south, richness is positively associated with the range of temperatures in mountains and the presence of forests but is negatively correlated with the broad‐scale temperature gradient.Main conclusions  The tropical conservatism hypothesis provides a possible explanation for the complex structure of the species richness gradient. The Canada/Alaska fauna comprises temperate, boreal and tundra species that are nevertheless constrained by cold climates and limited vegetation, coupled with possible post‐Pleistocene recolonization lags. In the USA tropical species are constrained by temperature in winter as well as recolonization distances in summer, whereas temperate‐zone groups are richer in cooler climates in mountains and forests, where winter conditions are more suitable for diapause. The evolution of cold tolerance is key to both the evolutionary and ecological patterns.
Humoral and cell‐mediated immunity to MSP3 peptides in adults immunized with MSP3 in malaria endemic area, Burkina Faso
Authors: NEBIE I. , DIARRA A. , OUEDRAOGO A. , TIONO A. B. , KONATE A. T. , GANSANE A. , SOULAMA I. , COUSENS S. , LEROY O. , SIRIMA S. B. 
Published: May 2009

Summary We performed a single‐blind, randomized phase 1 trial of the long synthetic peptide (LSP) of merozoite surface protein‐3 (MSP3) in adults living in Burkina Faso. Thirty eligible volunteers were randomized to receive either the MSP3‐LSP candidate vaccine or tetanus toxoid vaccine as a control. A dose of each vaccine was administered on days 0, 28 and 112 and the vaccine was formulated with aluminium hydroxide. Humoral immune responses were assessed by ELISA at days 0, 28, 56, 112, 140, 252 and 365 and cell‐mediated immune responses by lymphoproliferation assay and by ELISA on days 0, 56 and 140. IgG responses to four peptides of MSP3 were similar in both vaccine groups. Higher IgG concentrations were recorded after the beginning of malaria high transmission season in both vaccine groups. The lymphocyte proliferation and the production of IFN‐γ in response to stimulation with the four overlapping peptides increased following vaccination in the MSP3‐LSP vaccine group, but did not change appreciably in the control group. In contrast to natural infection, MSP3‐LSP did not boost humoral responses to the four overlapping peptides of MSP3 to any detectable degree in our semi‐immune adult. MSP3‐LSP may be more immunogenic in young children with little or no acquired immunity.
Venous air embolism induces both platelet dysfunction and thrombocytopenia
Authors: SCHÄFER S. T. , NEUMANN A. , LINDEMANN J. , GÖRLINGER K. , PETERS J. 
Published: May 2009

Background: In vitro, air bubbles can induce platelet activation and platelet to air bubble binding. We therefore tested in vivo the hypothesis that venous air embolism (VAE) induces (1) platelet dysfunction and (2) thrombocytopenia.Methods: Adult swine (60.8±3.9 kg; n=8) were anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and placed in a semi‐upright position. Air boli (0.5–80 ml) were injected randomly via an ear vein, and arterial blood was sampled after cumulative air dosages of 0, 80, 160, and 240 ml. Coagulation was assessed by impedance aggregometry, rotational thrombelastometry, whole blood count, plasmatic coagulation variables, and fibrinogen, d‐dimer, protein C, and antithrombin plasma concentrations, respectively.Results: VAE induced a 47% decrease in platelet count (303 vs. 160 nl−1; P<0.001) over the dose range assessed, with haematocrit being unaltered. Furthermore, VAE‐impaired platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate, arachidonic acid, collagen, and the thromboxan analogue U46619 over the dose range assessed independent of thrombocytopenia. (P<0.05 vs. baseline). In contrast, rotational thrombelastometry alone was quite insensitive in detecting VAE‐induced coagulation changes, showing only at near lethal air dosages a prolonged clot formation time following activation with tissue factor, contact activator, and during spontaneous coagulation (P<0.05 vs. baseline).Conclusions: VAE induces both a dose‐dependent decrease in platelet count and a marked decrease in platelet aggregation, independent of thrombocytopenia (P<0.05 vs. baseline).