bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inducible hydrogen sulfide synthesis in chondrocytes and mesenchymal progenitor cells: is H2S a novel cytoprotective mediator in the inflamed joint?
Authors: Fox Bridget , Schantz Jan‐Thorsten , Haigh Richard , Wood Mark E. , Moore Phillip K. , Viner Nick , Spencer Jeremy P. E. , Winyard Paul G. , Whiteman Matthew 
Published: June 2011

AbstractHydrogen sulfide (H2S) has recently been proposed as an endogenous mediator of inflammation and is present in human synovial fluid. This study determined whether primary human articular chondrocytes (HACs) and mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) could synthesize H2S in response to pro‐inflammatory cytokines relevant to human arthropathies, and to determine the cellular responses to endogenous and pharmacological H2S. HACs and MPCs were exposed to IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expression and enzymatic activity of the H2S synthesizing enzymes cystathionine‐β‐synthase (CBS) and cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE) were determined by Western blot and zinc‐trap spectrophotometry, respectively. Cellular oxidative stress was induced by H2O2, the peroxynitrite donor SIN‐1 and 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE). Cell death was assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Mitochondrial membrane potential (DCm) was determined in situ by flow cytometry. Endogenous H2S synthesis was inhibited by siRNA‐mediated knockdown of CSE and CBS and pharmacological inhibitors D,L‐propargylglycine and aminoxyacetate, respectively. Exogenous H2S was generated using GYY4137. Under basal conditions HACs and MPCs expressed CBS and CSE and synthesized H2S in a CBS‐dependent manner, whereas CSE expression and activity was induced by treatment of cells with IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6 or LPS. Oxidative stress‐induced cell death was significantly inhibited by GYY4137 treatment but increased by pharmacological inhibition of H2S synthesis or by CBS/CSE‐siRNA treatment. These data suggest CSE is an inducible source of H2S in cultured HACs and MPCs. H2S may represent a novel endogenous mechanism of cytoprotection in the inflamed joint, suggesting a potential opportunity for therapeutic intervention.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell response to nano‐structured oxidized and turned titanium surfaces
Authors: Annunziata Marco , Oliva Adriana , Buosciolo Antonietta , Giordano Michele , Guida Agostino , Guida Luigi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the topographic features of a novel nano‐structured oxidized titanium implant surface and to evaluate its effect on the response of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSC) compared with a traditional turned surface.Methods: The 10 × 10 × 1 mm turned (control) and oxidized (test) titanium samples (P.H.I. s.r.l.) were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and characterized by height, spatial and hybrid roughness parameters at different dimensional ranges of analysis. Primary cultures of BM‐MSC were seeded on titanium samples and cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, in terms of alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin synthesis and extracellular matrix mineralization, were evaluated.Results: At SEM and AFM analyses turned samples were grooved, whereas oxidized surfaces showed a more complex micro‐ and nano‐scaled texture, with higher values of roughness parameters. Cell adhesion and osteogenic parameters were greater on oxidized (P<0.05 at least) vs. turned surfaces, whereas the cell proliferation rate was similar on both samples.Conclusions: Although both control and test samples were in the range of average roughness proper of smooth surfaces, they exhibited significantly different topographic properties in terms of height, spatial and, mostly, of hybrid parameters. This different micro‐ and nano‐structure resulted in an enhanced adhesion and differentiation of cells plated onto the oxidized surfaces.
Do patients with aggressive periodontitis have evidence of diabetes? A pilot study
Authors: Davies R. C. , Jaedicke K. M. , Barksby H. E. , Jitprasertwong P. , Al‐Shahwani R. M. , Taylor J. J. , Preshaw P. M. 
Published: June 2011

Davies RC, Jaedicke KM, Barksby HE, Jitprasertwong P, Al‐Shahwani RM, Taylor JJ, Preshaw PM. Do patients with aggressive periodontitis have evidence of diabetes? A pilot study. J Periodont Res 2011; 46: 663–672. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  Complex relationships exist between diabetes and periodontal disease. Diabetes is accepted as a risk factor for periodontal disease, and recent evidence supports the existence of a bidirectional relationship between these two diseases. It has been hypothesized that inflammation, lipids and adipokines may mediate these relationships. However, research regarding the above relationships with respect to aggressive periodontitis is very limited. This pilot study aimed to investigate whether patients with aggressive periodontitis (not previously diagnosed with diabetes) have evidence of diabetes and have altered serum levels of inflammatory mediators, lipids and adipokines.Material and Methods:  Glycaemic control markers (random plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin), inflammatory mediators (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, interferon‐γ and interleukin‐18), lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol) and adipokines (leptin, adiponectin and resistin) were measured in serum samples from 30 patients with aggressive periodontitis and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched periodontally healthy control subjects, none of whom had a previous diagnosis of diabetes.Results:  Levels of glycaemic control markers, inflammatory mediators, lipids and adipokines were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the aggressive periodontitis patients and healthy subjects for unadjusted and adjusted analyses (adjusting for body mass index, smoking, ethnicity, age and sex). The p‐value for the adjusted analysis of adiponectin in female aggressive periodontitis patients compared with the female control subjects reached 0.064, the mean adiponectin level being lower in the female aggressive periodontitis patients (4.94 vs. 5.97 μg/mL).Conclusion:  This pilot study provided no evidence to suggest that patients with aggressive periodontitis (not previously diagnosed with diabetes) have evidence of diabetes or altered serum levels of inflammatory mediators, lipids and adipokines.
Implicit and Explicit Cognitive Sexual Processes in Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Rellini Alessandra H. , Ing A. David , Meston Cindy M. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Women with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) exhibit higher rates of sexual dysfunction than nonabused women.

Aim
Because sexual responses are affected by cognitive processes, this study investigated the implicit and explicit cognitive processing of sexual stimuli in women with a history of CSA.

Methods
Women with (CSA; N = 34) and without (no history of abuse [NSA]; N = 22) a history of CSA participated in a quasi-experimental study.

Main Outcome Measure
Implicit processes, described as involuntary or unintentional responses to stimuli, were assessed using the Implicit Association Test (IAT). Explicit processes, described as intentional, voluntary, or effortful processing of sexual stimuli, were assessed through a self-reported questionnaire (Sexual Self-Schema Scale).

Results
Results showed initial evidence of between group differences in the cognitive processing of sexual stimuli. Regarding the implicit processes, women in the NSA group showed that sexual pictures were more strongly associated with positive valence (pleasure) than nonsexual pictures. For the CSA group, neutral and sexual pictures were similarly associated with pleasure. Conversely, for both groups, romantic pictures were more strongly associated with positive valence than sexual pictures. Moreover, sexual satisfaction was predicted by both implicit and explicit processes, suggesting that the sexuality of women is affected by both processes independently.

Conclusions
These results fit within the larger body of literature suggesting that implicit and explicit processes independently predict different aspects of behavior.
On the Matter (and Materiality) of the Nation: Interpreting Casamance's Unresolved Separatist Struggle
Authors: Foucher Vincent 
Published: June 2011

AbstractTo understand both the persistence and the very low intensity of the ongoing Casamançais separatist conflict in southern Senegal, one has to take into account the longer history of the encounter between the Senegalese state and the community that the separatists claim to represent. This is not the history of an estrangement, but quite to the contrary, a history of a strong connection, one where ‘pilgrimages’ of education and state employment have played a key role. It is the intensity of the connection that explains both the vivacity of the sentiment that feeds separatism and the reluctance of many Casamançais to break these links entirely. The state's success in maintaining and even revamping this connection, and the fact that many Casamançais enjoy a working relationship with Senegal and its capital city, Dakar, have been key factors. This case confirms that the materiality of experiences of nationhood matters. It also confirms the importance of education in the formation (and contestation) of nationhood.
Becoming Nigerian: African Seamen, Decolonisation, and the Nationalisation of Consciousness
Authors: Schler Lynn 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis article examines the process of nationalisation in the lives of African seamen in the era of decolonisation in order to understand why some Africans were drawn to nationalist identities at this time, and what they hoped to gain from this identification. It will be seen that in becoming Nigerian, seamen had to forfeit transnational sources of solidarity, and ultimately had to contend with new forms of exclusion and discrimination based on ethnicity and class within the Nigerian national context. The study thus follows the journey of everyday Africans as they sought out and engaged with ideological and political opportunities on the eve of independence, and the consequences of their aspirations and choices.
Rise of the machines – recommendations for ecologists when using next generation sequencing for microsatellite development
Authors: GARDNER MICHAEL G. , FITCH ALISON J. , BERTOZZI TERRY , LOWE ANDREW J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractNext generation sequencing is revolutionizing molecular ecology by simplifying the development of molecular genetic markers, including microsatellites. Here, we summarize the results of the large‐scale development of microsatellites for 54 nonmodel species using next generation sequencing and show that there are clear differences amongst plants, invertebrates and vertebrates for the number and proportion of motif types recovered that are able to be utilized as markers. We highlight that the heterogeneity within each group is very large. Despite this variation, we provide an indication of what number of sequences and consequent proportion of a 454 run are required for the development of 40 designable, unique microsatellite loci for a typical molecular ecological study. Finally, to address the challenges of choosing loci from the vast array of microsatellite loci typically available from partial genome runs (average for this study, 2341 loci), we provide a microsatellite development flowchart as a procedural guide for application once the results of a partial genome run are obtained.
Prevalence and correlates of anomalous experiences in a large non‐clinical sample
Authors: Pechey Rachel , Halligan Peter 
Published: June 2011

Background. Anomalous experiences occur in many psychiatric conditions, but are also reported by non‐patients. Given the continuum account of psychiatric symptoms and reports of dissociation between delusions and anomalous experiences, we predicted that anomalous experiences in a large non‐clinical sample would (1) associate with delusion‐like beliefs but not with socio‐cultural beliefs and (2) that anomalous experiences would also show examples of dissociation with anomalous beliefs. A particular focus was the association between beliefs and experiences theoretically predicted to co‐occur in Capgras syndrome.Methods. The study examined the distribution and correlates of differential levels of self‐reported anomalous experience in a British sample of 1,000 individuals.Results. Anomalous experiences were found to be relatively common in the general population and were reported (occurring sometimes/often) by 48% of the sample. Being female and endorsing a non‐Christian religion were the only two demographic factors related to higher experience scores. Significant relationships were found between anomalous experiences and anomalous beliefs (i.e., delusion‐like and paranormal/religious), but not general societal beliefs. Dissociations between anomalous experiences and anomalous beliefs also were present but not common. No significant relationship was found between Capgras‐type beliefs and experiences.Conclusions. This large scale study demonstrated significant association between anomalous experiences and anomalous beliefs in the general population. The relationship was not, however present in all cases similar to cases reported in the clinical literature.
Classical Swine Fever Virus NproLimits Type I Interferon Induction in Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells by Interacting with Interferon Regulatory Factor 7
Authors: Fiebach Ana R. , Guzylack-Piriou Laurence , Python Sylvie , Summerfield Artur , Ruggli Nicolas 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTViruses are detected by different classes of pattern recognition receptors that lead to the activation of interferon regulatory factors (IRF) and consequently to the induction of alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β). In turn, efficient viral strategies to escape the type I IFN-induced antiviral mechanisms have evolved. Previous studies established that pestivirus Nproantagonizes the early innate immune response by targeting the transcription factor IRF3 for proteasomal degradation. Here, we report that Nproof classical swine fever virus (CSFV) interacts also with IRF7, another mediator of type I IFN induction. We demonstrate that the Zn-binding domain of Nprois essential for the interaction of Nprowith IRF7. For IRF3 and IRF7, the DNA-binding domain, the central region, and most of the regulatory domain are required for the interaction with Npro. Importantly, the induction of IRF7-dependent type I IFN responses in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) is reduced after wild-type CSFV infection compared with infection with virus mutants unable to interact with IRF7. This is associated with lower levels of IRF7 in pDC. Consequently, wild-type but not Npromutant CSFV-infected pDC show reduced responses to other stimuli. Taken together, the results of this study show that CSFV Nprois capable of manipulating the function of IRF7 in pDC and provides the virus with an additional strategy to circumvent the innate defense.
The Cytoplasmic Domain of Marburg Virus GP Modulates Early Steps of Viral Infection
Authors: Mittler Eva , Kolesnikova Larissa , Hartlieb Bettina , Davey Robert , Becker Stephan 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT
Marburg virus infection is mediated by the only viral surface protein, GP, a trimeric type I transmembrane protein. While its ectodomain mediates receptor binding and fusion of viral and cellular membranes and its transmembrane domain is essential for the recruitment of GP into budding particles by the matrix protein VP40, the role of the short cytoplasmic domain has remained enigmatic. Here we show that a missing cytoplasmic domain did not impair trimerization, intracellular transport, or incorporation of GP into infectious Marburg virus-like particles (iVLPs) but altered the glycosylation pattern as well as the recognition of GP by neutralizing antibodies. These results suggest that subtle conformational changes took place in the ectodomain. To investigate the function of the cytoplasmic domain during viral entry, a novel entry assay was established to monitor the uptake of filamentous VLPs by measuring the occurrence of luciferase-labeled viral nucleocapsids in the cytosol of target cells. This quantitative assay showed that the entry process of VLPs incorporating GP missing its cytoplasmic domain (GPΔCD) was impaired. Supporting these results, iVLPs incorporating a mutant GP missing its cytoplasmic domain were significantly less infectious than iVLPs containing wild-type GP. Taken together, the data indicate that the absence of the short cytoplasmic domain of Marburg virus GP may induce conformational changes in the ectodomain which impact the filoviral entry process.
Identification of Deletion Mutant Respiratory Syncytial Virus Strains Lacking Most of the G Protein in Immunocompromised Children with Pneumonia in South Africa
Authors: Venter Marietjie , van Niekerk Stephanie , Rakgantso Andronica , Bent Nicola 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) G protein deletion mutants replicate effectively
in vitro
but have not been detected in nature. Subtyping of RSV strains in hospitalized children in South Africa identified G protein PCR amplicons significantly reduced in size in 2 out of 209 clinical specimens screened over 4 years. Sequence analysis revealed subtype B strains lacking nearly the entire G protein ectodomain in one HIV-positive and one HIV-exposed child hospitalized with pneumonia. The association of clinical strains lacking most of the G protein with lower respiratory tract infection in immunocompromised children may have implications for RSV vaccine development.
The Cellular RNA Helicase UAP56 Is Required for Prevention of Double-Stranded RNA Formation during Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: Wisskirchen Christian , Ludersdorfer Thomas H. , Müller Dominik A. , Moritz Eva , Pavlovic Jovan 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT
The cellular DEAD box RNA helicase UAP56 plays a pivotal role in the efficient transcription/replication of influenza A virus. UAP56 is recruited by the nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza A viruses, and recent data revealed that the RNA helicase is required for the nuclear export of a subset of spliced and unspliced viral mRNAs. The fact that influenza viruses do not produce detectable amounts of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) intermediates during transcription/replication suggests the involvement of cellular RNA helicases. Hence, we examined whether the RNA-unwinding activity of UAP56 or its paralog URH49 plays a role in preventing the accumulation of dsRNA during infection. First, our data showed that not only UAP56 but also its paralog URH49 can interact with NPs of avian and human influenza A viruses. The small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of either RNA helicase reduced the transport of M1 and hemagglutinin (HA) mRNAs and, to a lesser extent, NP and NS1 mRNAs into the cytoplasm. Moreover, we found that virus infection of UAP56-depleted cells leads to the rapid accumulation of dsRNA in the perinuclear region. In parallel, we observed a robust virus-mediated activation of dsRNA-dependent protein kinase R (PKR), indicating that the cellular RNA helicase UAP56 may be recruited by influenza virus to prevent dsRNA formation. The accumulation of dsRNA was blocked when actinomycin D or cycloheximide was used to inhibit viral transcription/replication or translation, respectively. In summary, we demonstrate that UAP56 is utilized by influenza A viruses to prevent the formation of dsRNA and, hence, the activation of the innate immune response.
In Vitro
Whole-Virus Binding of a Norovirus Genogroup II Genotype 4 Strain to Cells of the Lamina Propria and Brunner's Glands in the Human Duodenum
Authors: Chan Martin Chi-Wai , Ho Wing-Shan , Sung Joseph Jao-Yiu 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Human norovirus (hNoV) remains refractory to propagation in cell culture systems. We believe that knowing the exact cell type that hNoV targets will provide important insights into culturing the virus. By the use of an
in vitro
whole-virus binding assay, the hNoV genogroup II genotype 4 Sakai variant was found to bind predominantly to cells of the lamina propria and Brunner's glands, but not to those of the luminal epithelial surface, of human duodenum tissue. Our findings, together with accumulating evidence reported elsewhere, suggest that hNoV may display tropism to nonepithelial cells, which is distinct from observations of other human enteric pathogens.
Structural equation models in occupational health: an application to exposure modelling
Authors: Davis Mary E 
Published: June 2011

ObjectivesMany occupational hygiene surveys are designed to collect pollutant monitoring data from multiple locations simultaneously to better reflect the reality of work-related exposure. The exposure model must account for the complexity inherent in this study design, as well as be flexible to extrapolating exposures across an occupational cohort for dose–response modelling and risk assessment. This paper explores the structural equation model (SEM) as a tool to analyse pollutant monitoring data from occupational studies with multiple concurrent sampling across exposure locations.MethodsThis study uses exposure data from a comprehensive assessment of diesel exhaust in the US trucking industry to test the strength of SEMs over more standard analytical approaches such as ordinary least squares (OLS). The exposure data consist of concurrent sampling of elemental carbon from multiple co-located monitors on individual workers, work area and background levels at 36 different trucking terminals across the USA.ResultsThe SEM is compared with two separate OLS specifications—one that focuses only on predicting personal exposure and excludes data from the additional monitoring sites, and a second that estimates three separate OLS specifications. When compared with the OLS specifications, the SEM provided a better fit to these layered exposure data. The OLS specifications suffered from bias in the coefficients, including downward bias in the work area and background exposure levels and overstatement of the smoking effect. Additionally, many theoretically valid covariates were significant only in the SEM.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence in favour of more widespread use of SEMs in occupational health. SEMs represent a more robust and realistic framework for modelling multiple exposure pathways and have the potential to reduce exposure misclassification bias and strengthen the linkages between studies of exposure and disease outcomes.