bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia inducible factor-1α correlates with vascular endothelial growth factor A and C indicating worse prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: orević Gordana , Matušan-Ilijaš Koviljka , Babarović Emina , Hadžisejdić Ita , Grahovac Maja , Grahovac Blaženka , Jonjić Nives 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
The role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma is well recognized, however, the influence of tumor cells in this activity has not yet been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a regulatory factor of angiogenic switch, in comparison to vascular endothelial growth factor A and C (VEGF-A and VEGF-C), recognized to be involved in blood and lymph vessel neoangiogenesis, with potential association in the prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Methods
Ninety-four patients with diagnosis of clear cell renal cell carcinomas (CCRCC), all clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival were unrolled in this study. Immunohistochemicaly VEGF-A, VEGF-C, HIF-1α and Ki67 were detected on tumor cells and the staining was performed on tissue microarrays (TMA). The staining was evaluated as a percentage of cytoplasmic or nuclear positive tumor cells.

Results
Variable expression of all three proteins was confirmed. Both angiogenic factors demonstrated perimembranous or diffuse cytoplasmic staining, with diffuse pattern positively associated (p < 0.001). Nuclear HIF-1α expression (nHIF-1α) showed inverse correlation with diffuse cytoplasmic VEGF-A (p = 0.002) and VEGF-C (p = 0.053), while cytoplasmic HIF-1α expression (cHIF-1α) showed positive correlation with diffuse staining of both angiogenic factors (p < 0.001; p < 0.001, respectively). In comparison to clinicopathological characteristics, a higher nuclear grade (p = 0.006; p < 0.001, respectively), larger tumor size (p = 0.009; p = 0.015, respectively), higher stage (p = 0.023; p = 0.027, respectively) and shorter survival (p = 0.018; p = 0.024, respectively) were associated with overexpression of cHIF-1α and diffuse cytoplasmic VEGF-A expression. In contrary, overexpression of nHIF-1α was associated with better diagnostic parameters i.e. lower nuclear grade (p = 0.006), smaller tumor size (p = 0.057), and longer survival (p = 0.005).

Conclusion
Overexpression of VEGF-A and cHIF-1α in tumor cells highlights a more aggressive subtype of CCRCC that might have some clinical implications. The significance of nHIF-1α expression associated with better differentiated tumors should be further elucidated.
Regression models for explaining and predicting concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in fish from streams in the United States
Authors: Nowell Lisa H. , Crawford Charles G. , Gilliom Robert J. , Nakagaki Naomi , Stone Wesley W. , Thelin Gail P. , Wolock David M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractEmpirical regression models were developed for estimating concentrations of dieldrin, total chlordane, and total DDT in whole fish from U.S. streams. Models were based on pesticide concentrations measured in whole fish at 648 stream sites nationwide (1992–2001) as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Quality Assessment Program. Explanatory variables included fish lipid content, estimates (or surrogates) representing historical agricultural and urban sources, watershed characteristics, and geographic location. Models were developed using Tobit regression methods appropriate for data with censoring. Typically, the models explain approximately 50 to 70% of the variability in pesticide concentrations measured in whole fish. The models were used to predict pesticide concentrations in whole fish for streams nationwide using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's River Reach File 1 and to estimate the probability that whole-fish concentrations exceed benchmarks for protection of fish-eating wildlife. Predicted concentrations were highest for dieldrin in the Corn Belt, Texas, and scattered urban areas; for total chlordane in the Corn Belt, Texas, the Southeast, and urbanized Northeast; and for total DDT in the Southeast, Texas, California, and urban areas nationwide. The probability of exceeding wildlife benchmarks for dieldrin and chlordane was predicted to be low for most U.S. streams. The probability of exceeding wildlife benchmarks for total DDT is higher but varies depending on the fish taxon and on the benchmark used. Because the models in the present study are based on fish data collected during the 1990s and organochlorine pesticide residues in the environment continue to decline decades after their uses were discontinued, these models may overestimate present-day pesticide concentrations in fish.
Postoperative Results of Off-Pump Coronary By-pass Grafting in Elderly Patients: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Biçer M , Özdemir B , İşçimen R , Saba D , Yanar M , Tüydeş O , Şenkaya I , Cengiz M 
Published: April 2009

Aim:
We aimed to report our postoperative results in elderly patients that had off-pump coronary bypass grafting.

Method:
Data of 173 patients with isolated coronary bypass 70 years of age or older were retrospectively evaluated. One month follow-up data were evaluated in all patients. After getting verbal informed consent a total of 91 patients were included in the quality of life assessment via EuroQoL form. The data of patients with age of 70-74 and 75 or older were compared.

Results:
The mean ages of patients at age of 70-74 and ≥75 were 71.69±0.16 and 76.81±0.23 years; respectively. Eleven cases had in-hospital mortality (%6 of 173 patients). The mean follow-up period for the group that were reached for EuroQoL assessment was 46,3 ± 20,8 months. The percent of cases among the whole study group that had participated in the quality of life questionnaire were in good condition in terms of mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression were %75, %87, %81, %92 and %89; respectively.

Discussion:
Off-pump coronary bypass operation may be safely used in elderly patients with high quality of life and low morbidity and mortality.
The A2B Adenosine Receptor Impairs the Maturation and Immunogenicity of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Wilson Jeffrey M. , Ross William G. , Agbai Oma N. , Frazier Renea , Figler Robert A. , Rieger Jayson , Linden Joel , Ernst Peter B. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
The endogenous purine nucleoside adenosine is an important antiinflammatory mediator that contributes to the control of CD4+ T cell responses. While adenosine clearly has direct effects on CD4+ T cells, it remains to be determined whether actions on APC such as dendritic cells (DC) are also important. In this report we characterize DC maturation and function in BMDC stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of the nonselective adenosine receptor agonist NECA (5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine). We found that NECA inhibited TNF-α and IL-12 in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas IL-10 production was increased. NECA-treated BMDC also expressed reduced levels of MHC class II and CD86 and were less effective at stimulating CD4+ T cell proliferation and IL-2 production compared with BMDC exposed to vehicle control. Based on real-time RT-PCR, the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) and A2BAR were the predominant adenosine receptors expressed in BMDC. Using adenosine receptor subtype selective antagonists and BMDC derived from A2AAR−/− and A2BAR−/−mice, it was shown that NECA modulates TNF-α, IL-12, IL-10, and CD86 responses predominantly via A2BAR. These data indicate that engagement of A2BAR modifies murine BMDC maturation and suggest that adenosine regulates CD4+ T cell responses by selecting for DC with impaired immunogencity.
FcγRIIA and FcγRIIIB Mediate Nuclear Factor Activation through Separate Signaling Pathways in Human Neutrophils
Authors: García-García Erick , Nieto-Castañeda Georgina , Ruiz-Saldaña Melissa , Mora Nancy , Rosales Carlos 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Receptors for IgG Abs (Fcγ receptors) are capable of triggering diverse cell responses in leukocytes. In neutrophils, two Fcγ receptors, namely FcγRIIA and FcγRIIIB, are constitutively expressed. The signaling pathways that regulate FcγRIIA-mediated phagocytosis have been relatively well described. However, the different signaling pathways that lead to NF activation after engagement of each Fcγ receptor have only been partially described. To address this problem, neutrophils were stimulated by cross-linking selectively each type of Fcγ receptor with specific mAbs, and NF activation was then analyzed. FcγRIIIB, but not FcγRIIA, promoted a robust increase in phosphorylated ERK in the nucleus, and also efficient phosphorylation of the NF Elk-1. Complete mAb 3G8 (anti-FcγRIIIB) induced a higher response than did F(ab′)2 fragments of mAb 3G8, suggesting a possible synergistic effect of both FcγR receptors. However, mAb IV.3 (anti-FcγRIIA) alone did not cause an increase of phosphorylated ERK in the nucleus. FcγRIIIB-induced nuclear phosphorylation of ERK, and of Elk-1, was not affected by Syk, PI3K, or MEK inhibitors. In contrast, FcγRIIA- or FcγRIIIB-mediated phosphorylation of cytoplasmic ERK depended on Syk, PI3K, and MEK. Also, ERK, but not MEK, was constitutively present in the nucleus, and FcγRIIIB cross-linking did not increase the levels of nuclear ERK or MEK. These data clearly show that different neutrophil Fcγ receptors possess different signaling capabilities. FcγRIIIB, but not FcγRIIA, activates a unique signaling pathway leading to the nuclear-restricted phosphorylation of ERK and Elk-1, independently of Syk, PI3K, or MEK.
Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Is Involved in miR-346-Related Regulation of IL-18 Release by Lipopolysaccharide-Activated Rheumatoid Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
Authors: Alsaleh Ghada , Suffert Guillaume , Semaan Noha , Juncker Tom , Frenzel Laurent , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Sibilia Jean , Pfeffer Sébastien , Wachsmann Dominique 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key players in the regulation of expression of target mRNAs expression. They have been associated with diverse biological processes, and recent studies have demonstrated that miRNAs play a role in inflammatory responses. We reported previously that LPS-activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) isolated from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients express IL-18 mRNA but they do not release IL-18. Based on the observation that this inhibition was due to a rapid degradation of IL-18 mRNA, our group has conducted a study to identify miRNAs that could play a role in the “antiinflammatory” response of LPS-activated RA FLS. LPS challenge modulated the expression of 63 miRNAs as assessed by microarray analysis. Fifteen miRNAs were up-regulated, including miR-346, for which overexpression upon LPS treatment was validated by quantitative RT-PCR. We then transfected FLS with an antisense oligonucleotide targeting miR-346 and found that, in these conditions, IL-18 release could be measured upon LPS activation of FLS. Moreover, we also demonstrated that miR-346 indirectly regulated IL-18 release by indirectly inhibiting LPS-induced Bruton’s tyrosine kinase expression in LPS-activated RA FLS. These findings suggest that miRNAs function as regulators that help to fine-tune the inflammatory response in RA.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells: Linking Inflammation and Cancer
Authors: Ostrand-Rosenberg Suzanne , Sinha Pratima 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Many cancer immunotherapies developed in experimental animals have been tested in clinical trials. Although some have shown modest clinical effects, most have not been effective. Recent studies have identified myeloid-origin cells that are potent suppressors of tumor immunity and therefore a significant impediment to cancer immunotherapy. “Myeloid-derived suppressor cells” (MDSC) accumulate in the blood, lymph nodes, and bone marrow and at tumor sites in most patients and experimental animals with cancer and inhibit both adaptive and innate immunity. MDSC are induced by tumor-secreted and host-secreted factors, many of which are proinflammatory molecules. The induction of MDSC by proinflammatory mediators led to the hypothesis that inflammation promotes the accumulation of MDSC that down-regulate immune surveillance and antitumor immunity, thereby facilitating tumor growth. This article reviews the characterization and suppressive mechanisms used by MDSC to block tumor immunity and describes the mechanisms by which inflammation promotes tumor progression through the induction of MDSC.
The Generation of Influenza-Specific Humoral Responses Is Impaired in ST6Gal I-Deficient Mice
Authors: Zeng Junwei , Joo Hye Mee , Rajini Bheemreddy , Wrammert Jens P. , Sangster Mark Y. , Onami Thandi M. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Posttranslational modification of proteins, such as glycosylation, can impact cell signaling and function. ST6Gal I, a glycosyltransferase expressed by B cells, catalyzes the addition of α-2,6 sialic acid to galactose, a modification found on N-linked glycoproteins such as CD22, a negative regulator of B cell activation. We show that SNA lectin, which binds α-2,6 sialic acid linked to galactose, shows high binding on plasma blasts and germinal center B cells following viral infection, suggesting ST6Gal I expression remains high on activated B cells in vivo. To understand the relevance of this modification on the antiviral B cell immune response, we infected ST6Gal I−/− mice with influenza A/HKx31. We demonstrate that the loss of ST6Gal I expression results in similar influenza infectivity in the lung, but significantly reduced early influenza-specific IgM and IgG levels in the serum, as well as significantly reduced numbers of early viral-specific Ab-secreting cells. At later memory time points, ST6Gal I−/− mice show comparable numbers of IgG influenza-specific memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells, with similarly high antiviral IgG titers, with the exception of IgG2c. Finally, we adoptively transfer purified B cells from wild-type or ST6Gal I−/− mice into B cell-deficient (μMT−/−) mice. Recipient mice that received ST6Gal I−/− B cells demonstrated reduced influenza-specific IgM levels, but similar levels of influenza-specific IgG, compared with mice that received wild-type B cells. These data suggest that a B cell intrinsic defect partially contributes to the impaired antiviral humoral response.
Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate 3-Kinase B Is a Negative Regulator of BCR Signaling That Controls B Cell Selection and Tolerance Induction
Authors: Miller Andrew T. , Beisner Daniel R. , Liu Daorong , Cooke Michael P. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase B (or Itpkb) converts inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate upon Ag receptor activation and controls the fate and function of lymphocytes. To determine the role of Itpkb in B cell tolerance, Itpkb−/− mice were crossed to transgenic mice that express a BCR specific for hen egg lysozyme (IgHEL). B cells from Itpkb−/− IgHEL mice possess an anergic phenotype, hypoproliferate in response to cognate Ag, and yet they exhibit enhanced Ag-induced calcium signaling. In IgHEL transgenic mice that also express soluble HEL, lack of Itpkb converts anergy induction to deletion. These data establish Itpkb as a negative regulator of BCR signaling that controls the fate of developing B cells and tolerance induction.
Formyl Peptide Receptor-Like 2 Is Expressed and Functional in Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells, Tissue-Specific Macrophage Subpopulations, and Eosinophils
Authors: Devosse Thalie , Guillabert Aude , D'Haene Nicky , Berton Alix , De Nadai Patricia , Noel Sophie , Brait Maryse , Franssen Jean-Denis , Sozzani Silvano , Salmon Isabelle , Parmentier Marc 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
The formyl peptide receptor (FPR) is a key player in innate immunity and host defense mechanisms. In humans and other primates, a cluster of genes encodes two related receptors, FPR-like 1 and FPR-like 2 (FPRL1 and FPRL2). Despite their high sequence similarity, the three receptors respond to different sets of ligands and display a different expression pattern in leukocyte populations. Unlike FPR and FPRL1, FPRL2 is absent from neutrophils, and two endogenous peptide agonists, F2L and humanin, were recently described. In the present work, we investigated the detailed functional distribution of FPRL2 in leukocytes by quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and chemotaxis assays, with the aim of raising hypotheses regarding its potential functions in the human body. We describe that FPRL2 is highly expressed and functional in plasmacytoid dendritic cells and up-regulated upon their maturation. FPRL2 is also expressed in eosinophils, which are recruited but do not degranulate in response to F2L. FPRL2 is expressed and functional in macrophages differentiated from monocytes in vitro in different conditions. However, in vivo, only specific subsets of macrophages express the receptor, particularly in the lung, colon, and skin, three organs chronically exposed to pathogens and exogenous aggressions. This distribution and the demonstration of the production of the F2L peptide in mice underline the potential role of FPRL2 in innate immunity and possibly in immune regulation and allergic diseases.
Pathogenesis of Steroid-Resistant Airway Hyperresponsiveness: Interaction between IFN-γ and TLR4/MyD88 Pathways
Authors: Yang Ming , Kumar Rakesh K. , Foster Paul S. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Chronic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthmatics are usually managed effectively by treatment with glucocorticoids. However, a subset of patients remains refractory to therapy. The underlying mechanisms are largely unknown, although recruitment of neutrophils (rather than eosinophils) is strongly correlated, suggesting a role for nonallergic host defense responses. Increased levels of IFN-γ and endotoxins are also related to severe asthma and because these activate host defense pathways, we investigated a possible common etiologic link to steroid-resistant disease. To be able to unravel the complexity of asthmatic inflammation, we used two model systems which permitted dissection of the relevant molecular pathways. In the first of these, we transferred transgenic OVA323–339 peptide-specific IFN-γ-producing Th1 cells into mice. These animals were subsequently challenge via the airways with OVA323–339 peptide and/or LPS. Challenge with both components, but not with either one individually, induced AHR. Importantly, AHR was resistant to treatment with dexamethasone. Development of AHR was dependent on IFN-γ, inhibited by depletion of pulmonary macrophages (but not neutrophils) and abrogated in TLR4- or MyD88-deficient mice. In contrast, in the second model in which we transferred OVA323–339 peptide-activated Th2 cells, eosinophilic inflammation and AHR were induced, and both were suppressed by steroid treatment. We conclude that cooperative signaling between IFN-γ and TLR4/MyD88 constitutes a previously unrecognized pathway that regulates macrophage-dependent steroid-resistant AHR.
Adaptor Proteins and Ras Synergistically Regulate IL-1-Induced ADAMTS-4 Expression in Human Chondrocytes
Authors: Ahmad Rasheed , Sylvester Judith , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafarullah Muhammad 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Aggrecanases (a dystrophin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif, ADAMTSs) are principal proteases involved in cartilage extracellular matrix aggrecan degradation. The role and relative contribution of MyD88, IRAK1, and TRAF6 adaptor proteins in IL-1β regulation of aggrecanase-1 (ADAMTS-4) is unknown. By small interfering RNAs-mediated knockdown, we show that IL-1β-induced up-regulation of ADAMTS-4 in chondrocytes requires MyD88, IRAK1, and TRAF6 adaptor proteins. However, partial inhibition of ADAMTS-4 induction by their knockdown suggested the involvement of additional signaling proteins. Because IL-1β is also known to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) through Ras-mediated activation of NADPH oxidase, we investigated the implication of Ras in ADAMTS-4 regulation. Ras knockdown, or inhibition of ROS by antioxidants along with the ablation of MyD88, IRAK1, or TRAF6 more potently down-regulated IL-1β-induced ADAMTS-4. In addition, IL-1β-induced phosphorylation of downstream effectors, IκB kinase αβ, IκBα, and activation of transcription factor NF-κB was significantly reduced in the MyD88-, IRAK1-, TRAF6-, or Ras-deficient cells. The combined knockdown of Ras and individual adaptor proteins strongly blocked the activation of IKKαβ, IκBα, and NF-κB. These findings suggest that Ras, ROS along with MyD88, IRAK1, or TRAF6 synergistically mediate ADAMTS-4 regulation by IL1-β. Thus, complete ablation of ADAMTS-4 induction could be achieved by combined inhibition of Ras and individual adaptor proteins, which may be of therapeutic value in arthritis.
A Single-Chain H-2Db Molecule Presenting an Influenza Virus Nucleoprotein Epitope Shows Enhanced Ability at Stimulating CD8+ T Cell Responses In Vivo
Authors: Palmowski Michael J. , Parker Mathew , Choudhuri Kaushik , Chiu Christopher , Callan Margaret F. C. , van der Merwe P. Anton , Cerundolo Vincenzo , Gould Keith G. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
We have generated a construct encoding a single-chain H-2Db mouse MHC class I molecule in which an influenza virus nucleoprotein (NP) epitope, amino acid sequence ASNENMDAM, is fused to mouse β2-microglobulin and the Db H chain via flexible linker sequences. This single-chain trimer (SCT) was efficiently expressed at the cell surface independently of TAP and endogenous β2-microglobulin, and it was recognized directly and efficiently by specific T cells in vitro. A recombinant vaccinia virus encoding the Db NP SCT primed a CD8+ T cell response in C57BL/6 mice 4-fold greater than an equivalent virus expressing the NP epitope as a minigene, as shown by tetramer staining, whether or not the minigene was directed into the endoplasmic reticulum by a signal sequence. This response was functional as shown by in vivo lysis assays with peptide-pulsed target cells, and it was greatly expanded following secondary challenge in vivo with influenza virus. The SCT was also significantly more immunostimulatory for CD8+ cells than the NP minigene in adoptive transfer experiments using F5 TCR transgenic spleen cells, in which the magnitude of the T cell response was much greater. Our results extend previous DNA vaccination studies using SCTs, which demonstrated that such molecules are capable of generating functional CD8+ T cell responses. We have shown that class I SCTs are more immunogenic than even preprocessed Ag in the form of an epitope minigene, and they therefore should be considered for use when the generation of optimal CD8+ T cell responses is required.
Steric Hindrance and Fast Dissociation Explain the Lack of Immunogenicity of the Minor Histocompatibility HA-1Arg Null Allele
Authors: Spierings Eric , Gras Stéphanie , Reiser Jean-Baptiste , Mommaas Bregje , Almekinders Mathilde , Kester Michel G. D. , Chouquet Anne , Le Gorrec Madalen , Drijfhout Jan W. , Ossendorp Ferry , Housset Dominique , Goulmy Els 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
The di-allelic HLA-A2 restricted minor histocompatibility Ag HA-1 locus codes for the highly immunogenic HA-1His and the nonimmunogenic HA-1Arg nonapeptides, differing in one amino acid. The HA-1His peptide is currently used for boosting the graft-vs-tumor responses after HLA matched HA-1 mismatched stem cell transplantation; usage of the HA-1Arg peptide would significantly enlarge the applicability for this therapy. Our studies on mechanisms causing the HA-1 unidirectional immunogenicity revealed marginal differences in proteasomal digestion, TAP translocation, and binding affinity, whereas both dissociation rates and structural analyses clearly showed marked differences in the stability of these two HLA-A2 bound alleles. These data provide a rationale for the lack of HA-1Arg peptide immunogenicity essential for the choice of tumor peptides for stem cell-based immunotherapeutic application.