bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stat6 and c-Jun Mediate Th2 Cell-Specific IL-24 Gene Expression
Authors: Sahoo Anupama , Lee Choong-Gu , Jash Arijita , Son Jun-Seock , Kim Gicheon , Kwon Ho-Keun , So Jae-Seon , Im Sin-Hyeog 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
TCR signaling regulates multiple aspects of T cell function by controlling expression of various cytokine genes. IL-24 is a multifunctional cytokine belonging to the IL-10 family. It displays anticancer effects in diverse cancer cells and regulates immunopathology of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. IL-24 also plays an important role in B cell differentiation. Mouse IL-24 gene is selectively expressed in activated Th2 cells upon TCR stimulation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which TCR stimulation induces IL-24 gene expression are still unclear. In this study, to elucidate the mechanism of Th2 cell-specific expression of IL-24, we identified a proximal promoter region (−157/+95bp) that plays critical role in activating the IL-24 gene in Th2 cells. This region has a Th2 cell-specific open chromatin structure along with permissive histone modifications. In vivo binding of Stat6 and AP-1 (c-Jun) to the IL-24 promoter locus in Th2 cells synergistically transactivated the IL-24 promoter. Stat6 and c-Jun proteins were found to physically cooperate with each other and upregulated IL-24 gene transcription. Knockdown of either Stat6 or c-Jun suppressed endogenous IL-24 gene expression in Th2 cells. In summary, TCR stimulation induces IL-24 expression in Th2 cells by the coordinate action of Stat6 and c-Jun transcription factors at the transcriptional level.
Contributions of Antinucleoprotein IgG to Heterosubtypic Immunity against Influenza Virus
Authors: LaMere Mark W. , Lam Ho-Tak , Moquin Amy , Haynes Laura , Lund Frances E. , Randall Troy D. , Kaminski Denise A. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Influenza A virus causes recurring seasonal epidemics and occasional influenza pandemics. Because of changes in envelope glycoprotein Ags, neutralizing Abs induced by inactivated vaccines provide limited cross-protection against new viral serotypes. However, prior influenza infection induces heterosubtypic immunity that accelerates viral clearance of a second strain, even if the external proteins are distinct. In mice, cross-protection can also be elicited by systemic immunization with the highly conserved internal nucleoprotein (NP). Both T lymphocytes and Ab contribute to such cross-protection. In this paper, we demonstrate that anti-NP IgG specifically promoted influenza virus clearance in mice by using a mechanism involving both FcRs and CD8+ cells. Furthermore, anti-NP IgG rescued poor heterosubtypic immunity in B cell-deficient mice, correlating with enhanced NP-specific CD8 T cell responses. Thus, Ab against this conserved Ag has potent antiviral activity both in naive and in influenza-immune subjects. Such antiviral activity was not seen when mice were vaccinated with another internal influenza protein, nonstructural 1. The high conservation of NP Ag and the known longevity of Ab responses suggest that anti-NP IgG may provide a critically needed component of a universal influenza vaccine.
Role of SLAM in NKT Cell Development Revealed by Transgenic Complementation in NOD Mice
Authors: Jordan Margaret A. , Fletcher Julie M. , Jose Roby , Chowdhury Shahead , Gerlach Nicole , Allison Janette , Baxter Alan G. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Allelic variation of SLAM expression on CD4+CD8+ thymocytes has been proposed to play a major role in NKT cell development. In this article, this hypothesis is tested by the production of subcongenic mouse strains and Slamf1 transgenic lines. The long isoform of the C57BL/6 allele of Slamf1 was transgenically expressed on CD4+CD8+ thymocytes under control of an hCD2 minigene. NOD.Nkrp1b.Tg(Slamf1)1 mice, which had a 2-fold increase in SLAM protein expression on CD4+CD8+ thymocytes, had a 2-fold increase in numbers of thymic NKT cells. The additional thymic NKT cells in NOD.Nkrp1b.Tg(Slamf1)1 mice were relatively immature, with a similar subset distribution to those of congenic NOD.Nkrp1b.Nkt1 and NOD.Nkrp1b.Slamf1 mice, which also express increased levels of SLAM on CD4+CD8+ thymocytes and produce larger numbers of NKT cells. Transgenic enhancement of SLAM expression also increased IL-4 and IL-17 production in response to TCR-mediated stimulation. Paradoxically, NOD.Nkrp1b.Tg(Slamf1)2 mice, which had a 7-fold increase in SLAM expression, showed no significant increase in NKT cells numbers; on the contrary, at high transgene copy number, SLAM expression levels correlated inversely with NKT cell numbers, consistent with a contribution to negative selection. These data confirm a role for SLAM in controlling NKT cell development and are consistent with a role in both positive and negative thymic selection of NKT cells.
The role of bacteria in oral cancer
Authors: Chocolatewala Noureen , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Desale Rushikesh 
Published: February 2011

AbstractDespite the widening interest in the possible association between bacteria and different stages of cancer development, our knowledge in its relation to oral cancers remains inadequate. The aim of this review article is to derive a better understanding on the role of various micro-organisms in the etiogenesis of oral cancers through all the available data on the pubmed. Different bacteria have been proposed to induce carcinogenesis either through induction of chronic inflammation or by interference, either directly or indirectly, with eukaryotic cell cycle and signaling pathways, or by metabolism of potentially carcinogenic substances like acetaldehyde causing mutagenesis. Studies have shown diversity of isolated bacterial taxa between the oral cancer tissue specimens and the control, with Exiguobacterium oxidotolerans, Prevotella melaninogenica, Staphylococcus aureus and Veillonella parvula being specific for tumorogenic tissues. Most isolates are saccharolytic and acid tolerant. Streptococcus anginosus, commonly linked with esophageal and pharyngeal cancers, is not of significance in oral cancers. Similarly, significant salivary specificity is noted for three bacteria, namely, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, P. melaninogenica, and Streptococcus mitis in oral cancer patients, making these species salivary markers for the early detection of oral cancers and thus improving the survival rate significantly. Also, such high degree of bacterial specificity in oral cancers has also provoked the designing of new treatment options for cancer prevention by way of vaccine delivery. However, for the success of these steps, a deeper exploration into this subject with a greater understanding is warranted.
Targeting mTOR pathway: A new concept in cancer therapy
Authors: Advani S H 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis article highlights the current knowledge of mTOR biology and provides new insights into the role of mTOR in different cancers. An active mTOR coordinates a response in cell growth directly through its effects on cell cycle regulators and indirectly by sustaining nutrient supply into the cell through the production of nutrient transporters and also through the promotion of angiogenesis. A primary way that mTOR exerts its regulatory effects on cell proliferation is by controlling the production of cyclin D1. mTOR increases the translation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1)/HIF-2.The HIF transcription factors drive the expression of hypoxic stress response genes, including angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor b (PDGF- b), and transforming growth factor a (TGF-a).mTOR also increases the surface expression of nutrient transporters proteins. An increase in these proteins results in greater uptake of amino acids and other nutrients by the cell leading to adequate nutrient support to abnormal cell growth and survival. There is also emerging evidence that mTOR activation may play a role in promoting cell survival through the activation of antiapoptotic proteins that contribute to tumor progression. Given that the mTOR pathway is deregulated in a number of cancers, it is anticipated that mTOR inhibitors will have broad therapeutic application across many tumor types. Until now, no treatment demonstrated Phase III evidence after disease progression on an initial VEGF-targeted therapy in advanced renal cell carcinoma. Everolimus is the first and only therapy with Phase III evidence after failure of VEGF-targeted therapy. Everolimus is a once-daily, oral inhibitor of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) indicated for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma in patients, whose disease has progressed on or after treatment with VEGF-targeted therapy.
Staring secondaries, where is the primary?
Authors: Sundaram P Shanmuga , Padma S , Rai Jay Kumar , Harish Vijay 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAn asymptomatic issueless young staff nurse underwent pre-employment health screening and USG abdomen showed multiple hypodense lesions in liver. Further screening with whole body positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan showed significantly FDG avid mass involving most of the right lobe of liver with multiple large FDG avid lymph nodal metastases. Unsuspected focal abnormal, FDG avid, hyperdense mural nodule was seen in uterus, which is the site of primary.
The Ample Cone for a K3 Surface
Authors: Baragar Arthur 
Published: February 2011

Abstract In this paper, we give several pictorial fractal representations of the ample or K¨ahler cone for surfaces in a certain class of K3 surfaces. The class includes surfaces described by smooth (2, 2, 2) forms in ℙ1 × ℙ1 × ℙ1 defined over a sufficiently large number field K that have a line parallel to one of the axes and have Picard number four. We relate the Hausdorff dimension of this fractal to the asymptotic growth of orbits of curves under the action of the surface's group of automorphisms. We experimentally estimate the Hausdorff dimension of the fractal to be 1.296 ± .010.
Spectral Asymptotics of Laplacians Associated with One-dimensional Iterated Function Systems with Overlaps
Authors: Ngai Sze-Man 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe set up a framework for computing the spectral dimension of a class of one-dimensional self-similar measures that are defined by iterated function systems with overlaps and satisfy a family of second-order self-similar identities. As applications of our result we obtain the spectral dimension of important measures such as the infinite Bernoulli convolution associated with the golden ratio and convolutions of Cantor-type measures. The main novelty of our result is that the iterated function systems we consider are not post-critically finite and do not satisfy the well-known open set condition.
Carbon metabolism limits recombinant protein production in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Heyland Jan , Fu Jianan , Blank Lars M. , Schmid Andreas 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe yeast Pichia pastoris enables efficient (high titer) recombinant protein production. As the molecular tools required are well established and gene specific optimizations of transcription and translation are becoming available, metabolism moves into focus as possible limiting factor of recombinant protein production in P. pastoris. To investigate the impact of recombinant protein production on metabolism systematically, we constructed strains that produced the model protein β‐aminopeptidase BapA of Sphingosinicella xenopeptidilytica at different production yields. The impact of low to high BapA production on cell physiology was quantified. The data suggest that P. pastoris compensates for the additional resources required for recombinant protein synthesis by reducing by‐product formation and by increasing energy generation via the TCA cycle. Notably, the activity of the TCA cycle was constant with a rate of 2.1 ± 0.1 mmol g h−1 irrespective of significantly reduced growth rates in high BapA producing strains, suggesting an upper limit of TCA cycle activity. The reduced growth rate could partially be restored by providing all 20 proteinogenic amino acids in the fermentation medium. Under these conditions, the rate of BapA synthesis increased twofold. The successful supplementation of the growth medium by amino acids to unburden cellular metabolism during recombinant protein production suggests that the metabolic network is a valid target for future optimization of protein production by P. pastoris. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1942–1953. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mass spectrometry to describe product and contaminant adsorption properties for bioprocess development
Authors: Berrill Alex , Ho Sa V. , Bracewell Daniel G. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractProcess development for biologics is expensive and lengthy, tools are needed to rapidly understand where the difficulties will lie, and, hence, rationally deploy resources. In this work we introduce and evaluate a methodology to determine the manufacturability of a protein candidate. The methodology determines protein impurities by mass spectrometry and separation difficulty from the product based on adsorption properties deduced from a single set of experiments. This information can aid early process strategy decisions to target hard to remove protein impurities (nearest neighbors) and allow the re‐evaluation of conventional process synthesis. The methodology chosen gives consideration to the fact that at this point in early phase development, material, and established analytical methods are limiting. This study uses surface enhanced laser desorption ionization mass spectroscopy (SELDI‐MS), for its rapid analysis and minimal sample requirement to measure product and contaminant adsorption properties. The technique is used to provide an array of hydrophobic and electrostatic conditions for protein adsorption. The adsorption pattern produced for each protein is analyzed and visualized via a star plot. Dendrograms then define nearest neighbor protein contaminants by quantifying differences in the adsorption pattern between the product and contaminants. By comparison to an existing process to manufacture a 28 kDa recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli, we confirm the method is capable of determining where the greatest separation difficulty lies and what separation methods should be considered. The technique identified that the nearest neighbor contaminants were product‐related proteins (28.6 and 29.1 kDa/e). Thus demonstrating a capability to measure the relative difficulty of purifying early stage protein candidates where little is known about the separation properties of products and contaminants, or the process sequence for their production. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1862–1871. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hofmeister series salts enhance purification of plasmid DNA by non‐ionic detergents
Authors: Lezin George , Kuehn Michael R. , Brunelli Luca 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIon‐exchange chromatography is the standard technique used for plasmid DNA purification, an essential molecular biology procedure. Non‐ionic detergents (NIDs) have been used for plasmid DNA purification, but it is unclear whether Hofmeister series salts (HSS) change the solubility and phase separation properties of specific NIDs, enhancing plasmid DNA purification. After scaling‐up NID‐mediated plasmid DNA isolation, we established that NIDs in HSS solutions minimize plasmid DNA contamination with protein. In addition, large‐scale NID/HSS solutions eliminated lipopolysaccharides (LPS) contamination of plasmid DNA more effectively than Qiagen ion‐exchange columns. Large‐scale NID isolation/NID purification generated increased yields of high‐quality DNA compared to alkali isolation/column purification. This work characterizes how HSS enhance NID‐mediated plasmid DNA purification, and demonstrates that NID phase transition is not necessary for LPS removal from plasmid DNA. Specific NIDs such as IGEPAL CA‐520 can be utilized for rapid, inexpensive, and efficient laboratory‐based large‐scale plasmid DNA purification, outperforming Qiagen‐based column procedures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1872–1882. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of polybutylcyanoacrylate‐encapsulated rose fragrance nanocapsule
Authors: Hu Jing , Xiao Zuobing , Zhou Rujun , Li Zhen , Wang Mingxi , Ma Shuangshuang 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTRose fragrance, containing many kinds of volatile compound, is widely applied in the textile and cosmetics industry. If it can be encapsulated into polymer materials, the duration of its aroma can be extended for a much longer period. Microcapsules cannot be firmly fixed on the fibres, due to their size limitation. However, encapsulating fragrance in nanocapsules could avoid the evaporation of volatile components and prolong the service life of aromatic textiles. In this study, polybutylcyanoacrylate (PBCA) with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability was used to encapsulate rose fragrance to form nanocapsules via anionic polymerization. The mean diameter of the nanocapsules was 67.3 nm and the encapsulation efficiency was 65.83% with 0.8% BCA, 0.5% rose fragrance, 2.6% polyoxyethylene(20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween‐20), <pH 2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the size of spherical nanocapsule varied in the range 30–100 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) demonstrated that BCA had been completely polymerized and could interact with rose fragrance via the hydrogen bonds. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) showed that the washing resistance of cotton fabrics finished by 67.3 nm nanocapsules was much better than that by rose fragrance alone. Both GC–MS and UV analysis displayed that the loss of the fragrance released from cotton fabrics finished by 67.3 nm nanocapsules was obviously lower than that by 339 nm nanocapsules and rose fragrance. Nanoencapsulation by PBCA of the fragrance by anionic polymerization appears to be an effective technique for fragrance encapsulation, providing a well‐sustained release property. The smaller the nanocapsule size, the better the sustained release property. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of selective transarterial chemoembolization in inducing tumor necrosis in small (<5 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas
Authors: Golfieri Rita , Cappelli Alberta , Cucchetti Alessandro , Piscaglia Fabio , Carpenzano Maria , Peri Eugenia , Ravaioli Matteo , D'Errico-Grigioni Antonia , Pinna Antonio Daniele , Bolondi Luigi 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is commonly used as a bridge therapy for patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT) and for downstaging patients initially not meeting the Milan criteria. The primary aim of this study was to analyze whether a difference exists between selective/superselective and lobar TACE in determining tumor necrosis by a pathological analysis of the whole lesion at the time of LT. The secondary aim was to investigate the relationship between the tumor size and the capacity of TACE to induce necrosis. Data were extracted from a prospective database of 67 consecutive patients who underwent LT for hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis from 2003 to 2009 and were treated exclusively with TACE as a bridging (n = 53) or downstaging therapy (n = 14). We identified 122 nodules; 53.3% were treated with selective/superselective TACE. The mean histological necrosis level was 64.7%; complete tumor necrosis was obtained in 42.6% of the nodules. In comparison with lobar TACE, selective/superselective TACE led to significantly higher mean levels of necrosis (75.1% versus 52.8%,

P

= 0.002) and a higher rate of complete necrosis (53.8% versus 29.8%,

P

= 0.013). A significant direct relationship was observed between the tumor diameter and the mean tumor necrosis level (59.6% for lesions < 2 cm, 68.4% for lesions of 2.1–3 cm, and 76.2% for lesions > 3 cm). Histological necrosis was maximal for tumors > 3 cm: 91.8% after selective/superselective TACE and 66.5% after lobar procedures. Independent predictors of complete tumor necrosis were selective/superselective TACE (

P

= 0.049) and the treatment of single nodules (

P

= 0.008). Repeat sessions were more frequently needed for nodules treated with lobar TACE (31.6% versus 59.3%,

P

= 0.049).

Conclusion:

Selective/superselective TACE was more successful than lobar procedures in achieving complete histological necrosis, and TACE was more effective in 3- to 5-cm tumors than in smaller ones. (Hepatology 2011;)
Shortened telomeres in individuals with abuse in alcohol consumption
Authors: Pavanello Sofia , Hoxha Mirjam , Dioni Laura , Bertazzi Pier Alberto , Snenghi Rossella , Nalesso Alessandro , Ferrara Santo Davide , Montisci Massimo , Baccarelli Andrea 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAlcohol abuse leads to earlier onset of aging‐related diseases, including cancer at multiple sites. Shorter telomere length (TL) in peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs), a marker of biological aging, has been associated with alcohol‐related cancer risks. Whether alcohol abusers exhibit accelerated biological aging, as reflected in PBL‐TL, has never been examined. To investigated the effect of alcohol abuse on PBL‐TL and its interaction with alcohol metabolic genotypes, we examined 200 drunk‐driving traffic offenders diagnosed as alcohol abusers as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM‐IV‐TR] and enrolled in a probation program, and 257 social drinkers (controls). We assessed alcohol intake using self‐reported drink‐units/day and conventional alcohol abuse biomarkers (serum γ‐glutamyltrasferase [GGT] and mean corpuscular volume of erythrocytes [MCV]). We used multivariable models to compute TL geometric means (GM) adjusted for age, smoking, BMI, diet, job at elevated risk of accident, genotoxic exposures. TL was nearly halved in alcohol abusers compared with controls (GMs 0.42 vs. 0.87 relative T/S ratio; p < 0.0001) and decreased in relation with increasing drink‐units/day (p‐trend = 0.003). Individuals drinking >4 drink‐units/day had substantially shorter TL than those drinking ≤4 drink‐units/day (GMs 0.48 vs. 0.61 T/S, p = 0.002). Carriers of the common ADH1B*1/*1 (rs1229984) genotype were more likely to be abusers (p = 0.008), reported higher drink‐units/day (p = 0.0003), and exhibited shorter TL (p < 0.0001). The rs698 ADH1C and rs671 ALDH2 polymorphisms were not associated with TL. The decrease in PBL‐TL modulated by the alcohol metabolic genotype ADH1B*1/*1 may represent a novel mechanism potentially related to alcohol carcinogenesis in alcohol abusers.
Development of lamprey mucocartilage and its dorsal–ventral patterning by endothelin signaling, with insight into vertebrate jaw evolution
Authors: Yao Tuoya , Ohtani Kaoru , Kuratani Shigeru , Wada Hiroshi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBecause vertebrate jaw evolution involved modification of the anteriormost pharyngeal arch, it is important to understand the skeletal patterning of the lamprey pharyngeal arch. In this study, we visualized mucocartilage, which constitutes most of the skeletal elements in the anterior pharyngeal arches of the lamprey, and traced the development of these skeletal elements. We found that the basic framework of the mucocartilage skeletal elements is established in stage‐30 larvae (about 1‐month‐old at 16°C) and that the expression pattern of the SoxE homolog, LjSoxE3, prefigures the development of the skeletal elements in the craniofacial region. This enabled us to trace the developmental pattern of the anterior pharyngeal arch skeletal elements. We obtained evidence that endothelin signaling is involved in development of the ventral element of the first pharyngeal arch. These results suggest that endothelin signaling was already involved in the specification for the ventral skeleton and that the gnathostome jaw innovation must have been achieved by modifying downstream regulatory systems. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 316:339–346, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.