bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mycoplasma genitalium-Derived Lipid-Associated Membrane Proteins Activate NF-κB through Toll-Like Receptors 1, 2, and 6 and CD14 in a MyD88-Dependent Pathway
Authors: He Jun , You Xiaoxing , Zeng Yanhua , Yu Minjun , Zuo Lingling , Wu Yimou 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTMycoplasma genitaliumis a leading pathogen of nongonoccocal chlamydia-negative urethritis, which has been implicated directly in numerous other genitourinary and extragenitourinary tract pathologies. The pathogenesis of infection is attributed in part to excessive immune responses.M. genitalium-derived lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs) are a mixture of bacterial lipoproteins, exposed at the surface of mycoplasma, that are potent inducers of the host innate immune system. However, the interaction ofM. genitalium-derived LAMPs as pathogenic agents with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the signaling pathways responsible for active inflammation and NF-κB activation have not been fully elucidated. In this study, LAMPs induced the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in a dose-dependent manner. Blocking assays showed that TLR2- and CD14-neutralizing antibodies reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in THP-1 cells. Furthermore, LAMP-induced NF-κB activation was increased in 293T cells transfected with TLR2 plasmid. The activity of NF-κB was synergically augmented by cotransfected TLR1, TLR6, and CD14. Additionally, LAMPs were shown to inhibit NF-κB expression by cotransfection with dominant-negative MyD88 and TLR2 plasmids. These results suggest thatM. genitalium-derived LAMPs activate NF-κB via TLR1, TLR2, TLR6, and CD14 in a MyD88-dependent pathway.
Endemic and Epidemic
Acinetobacter
Species in a University Hospital: an 8-Year Survey
Authors: van den Broek P. J. , van der Reijden T. J. K. , van Strijen E. , Helmig-Schurter A. V. , Bernards A. T. , Dijkshoorn L. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of the currently known
Acinetobacter
species and related trends of antimicrobial resistance in a Dutch university hospital were studied. Between 1999 and 2006,
Acinetobacter
isolates from clinical samples were collected prospectively. Isolates were analyzed by amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting. For species identification, a profile similarity cutoff level of 50% was used, and for strain identification, a cutoff level of 90% was used. Susceptibility for antimicrobial agents was tested by disk diffusion by following the CLSI guideline. The incidences of
Acinetobacter
isolates ranged from 1.7 to 3.7 per 10,000 patients per year, without a trend of increase, during the study years. Twenty different species were distinguished.
Acinetobacter baumannii
(27%) and
Acinetobacter
genomic species (gen. sp.) 3 (26%) were the most prevalent. Other species seen relatively frequently were
Acinetobacter lwoffii
(11%),
Acinetobacter ursingii
(4%),
Acinetobacter johnsonii
(4%), and
Acinetobacter junii
(3%). One large cluster of
A. baumannii
, involving 31 patients, and 16 smaller clusters of various species, involving in total 39 patients, with at most 5 patients in 1 cluster, occurred. Overall, 37% of the
A. baumannii
isolates were fully susceptible to the tested antibiotics. There was a borderline significant (
P
= 0.059) trend of decreasing susceptibility.
A. baumannii
was the
Acinetobacter
species causing the largest burden of multiple-antibiotic resistance and transmissions in the hospital.
Epstein-Barr Virus Protein EB2 Contains an N-Terminal Transferable Nuclear Export Signal That Promotes Nucleocytoplasmic Export by Directly Binding TAP/NXF1
Authors: Juillard Franceline , Hiriart Edwige , Sergeant Nicolas , Vingtdeux-Didier Valérie , Drobecq Hervé , Sergeant Alain , Manet Evelyne , Gruffat Henri 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT
The Epstein-Barr virus early protein EB2 (also called BMLF1, Mta, or SM), which allows the nuclear export of a subset of early and late viral mRNAs derived from intronless genes, is essential for the production of infectious virions. An important feature of mRNA export factors is their capacity to shuttle continuously between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In a previous study, we identified a novel CRM1-independent transferable nuclear export signal (NES) at the N terminus of EB2, between amino acids 61 and 146. Here we show that this NES contains several small arginine-rich domains that cooperate to allow efficient interaction with TAP/NXF1. Recruitment of TAP/NXF1 correlates with this NES-mediated efficient nuclear export when it is fused to a heterologous protein. Moreover, the NES can export mRNAs bearing MS2 RNA-binding sites from the nucleus when tethered to the RNA via the MS2 phage coat protein RNA-binding domain.
Targeted Transduction via CD4 by a Lentiviral Vector Uses a Clathrin-Mediated Entry Pathway
Authors: Liang Min , Morizono Kouki , Pariente Nonia , Kamata Masakazu , Lee Benhur , Chen Irvin S. Y. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTWe recently developed a novel targeting Sindbis virus envelope pseudotyped lentiviral vector, 2.2ZZ, which acquires specific transduction capacity by antibody conjugation and binding with specific antigens on the surface of targeted cells. Here we characterize the virological properties of this vector by examining its targeting to CD4 antigen. Our results show that entry is dependent on CD4 cell surface density and occurs via the clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of infection by a new viral vector with combined properties of Sindbis virus and lentiviruses and infectivity conferred by monoclonal antibody-ligand interactions.
Identification of B-Cell Epitopes on Virus-Like Particles of Cutaneous Alpha-Human Papillomaviruses
Authors: Senger Tilo , Becker Maria R. , Schädlich Lysann , Waterboer Tim , Gissmann Lutz 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTHuman papillomavirus (PV) (HPV) types 2, 27, and 57 are closely related and, hence, represent a promising model system to study the correlation of phylogenetic relationship and immunological distinctiveness of PVs. These HPV types cause a large fraction of cutaneous warts occurring in immunocompromised patients. Therefore, they constitute a target for the development of virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines. However, the immunogenic structure of HPV type 2, 27, and 57 capsids has not been studied yet. Here we provide, for the first time, a characterization of the B-cell epitopes on VLPs of cutaneous alpha-HPVs using a panel of 94 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) generated upon immunization with capsids from HPV types 2, 27, and 57. The MAbs generated were characterized regarding their reactivities with glutathioneS-transferase-L1 fusion proteins from 18 different PV types, the nature of their recognized epitopes, their isotypes, and their ability to neutralize HPV type 2, 27, 57, or 16. In total, 33 of the 94 MAbs (35%) showed type-specific reactivity. All type-specific MAbs recognize linear epitopes, most of which map to the hypervariable surface loop regions of the L1 amino acid sequence. Four of the generated MAbs neutralized pseudovirions of the inoculated HPV type efficiently. All four MAbs recognized epitopes within the BC loop, which is required and sufficient for their neutralizing activity. Our data highlight the immunological distinctiveness of individual HPV types, even in comparison to their closest relatives, and they provide a basis for the development of VLP-based vaccines against cutaneous alpha-HPVs.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Coactivator 1α and Small Heterodimer Partner Differentially Regulate Nuclear Receptor-Dependent Hepatitis B Virus Biosynthesis
Authors: Ondracek Caitlin R. , Rushing Christel N. , Reese Vanessa C. , Oropeza Claudia E. , McLachlan Alan 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) biosynthesis involves the transcription of the 3.5-kb viral pregenomic RNA, followed by its reverse transcription into viral DNA. Consequently, the modulation of viral transcription influences the level of virus production. Nuclear receptors are the only transcription factors known to support viral pregenomic RNA transcription and replication. The coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) and corepressor small heterodimer partner (SHP) have central roles in regulating energy homeostasis in the liver by modulating the transcriptional activities of nuclear receptors. Therefore, the effect of PGC1α and SHP on HBV transcription and replication mediated by nuclear receptors was examined in the context of individual nuclear receptors in nonhepatoma cells and in hepatoma cells. This analysis indicated that viral replication mediated by hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) plus peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and estrogen-related receptor (ERR) displayed differential sensitivity to PGC1α activation and SHP inhibition. The effects of PGC1α and SHP on viral biosynthesis in the human hepatoma cell line Huh7 were similar to those observed in the nonhepatoma cells expressing ERRα and ERRγ. This suggests that these nuclear receptors, potentially in combination with RXRα plus PPARα, may have a major role in governing HBV transcription and replication in this cell line. Additionally, this functional approach may help to distinguish the transcription factors in various liver cells governing viral biosynthesis under a variety of physiologically relevant conditions.
Sonothrombolysis is effective with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator, but not with Abciximab
Authors: Ossadnik Stefan , Hütten Heiko , Seidel Günter , Eggers Jürgen 
Published: October 2009

SummaryTranscranial “diagnostic” ultrasound (US) has been shown to accelerate thrombolysis related to recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA). In this in vitro study, we evaluated the potential of US to increase clot dissolution mediated by Abciximab (Abc) compared to rt-PA. The effect of 1.8-MHz pulsed wave (PW) Doppler US on dissolution of whole venous blood clots (WBC) and platelet-rich clots (PRC) treated with Abc and rt-PA was investigated in an in vitro model. Clot dissolution was measured by weight loss. Abc-related WBC dissolution was enhanced by additional US, but the effect was not any more detectable when the US was attenuated by a human temporal bone (US-tb). In PRC there was no additional effect of US on the Abc-related clot lysis. Rt-PA-related clot dissolution was increased by US in WBC and PRC as well, however, US-tb was only effective in WBC. The effect of insonation on WBC dissolution treated with the combination of Abc plus rt-PA was lower compared with those treated with rt-PA. In this in vitro experiment, the additional effect of “diagnostic” US in combination with Abc was only present in WBC and less strong than with rt-PA. The results do not support the use of Abc for sonothrombolysis targeting both, fibrin-rich and platelet-rich clots. In contrast, US when combined with rt-PA increases dissolution in both, WBC and PRC as well.
Are glycoprotein inhibitors safe during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients on chronic warfarin treatment?
Authors: Lahtela Heli , Karjalainen Pasi , Niemelä Matti , Vikman Saila , Kervinen Kari , Ylitalo Antti , Puurunen Marja , Porela Pekka , Nyman Kai , Hinkka-Yli-Salomäki Susanna , Airaksinen K. E. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients on chronic warfarin therapy due to atrial fibrillation (AF).We analysed all consecutive AF patients (N = 377, mean age 70 years, male 71%) on warfarin therapy referred for PCI in seven centres. Major bleeding, access site complications and major adverse cardiovascular events were recorded during hospitalisation. A total of 111 patients (29%) received periprocedural GPIs with a wide inter-hospital variation in their use (range 3–68%).The use of GPIs increased with the severity of the disease presentation and 49% of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction received GPIs. Mean periprocedural international normalised ratio (INR) of patients who received GPIs was 1.89 (range 1.1–3.3). Major bleeding was more common in the patients treated with GPIs (9.0% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.001) than in those without GPIs, but there was no difference in major adverse cardiovascular events between the groups. In multivariable analysis, use of GPIs (odds ratio [OR]???????????5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]???????????1.3–20.6, p = 0.02) and old age (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.3, p = 0.02) remained as the only independent predictors of major bleeding. Also after adjusting for propensity score, GPIs remained as a significant predictor of major bleeding (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.03–14.1, p = 0.045). In the GPI group, major bleeding was not predicted by INR level or warfarin pause. GPIs increase the risk of major bleeding events irrespective of periprocedural INR levels and should be used with caution in this fragile patient group.
Driving Rho GTPase activity in endothelial cells regulates barrier integrity
Authors: Beckers Cora , van Hinsbergh Victor , van Nieuw Amerongen Geerten 
Published: October 2009

SummaryIn the past decade understanding of the role of the Rho GTPases RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 has been developed from regulatory proteins that regulate specific actin cytoskeletal structures – stress fibers, lamellipodia and filopodia – to complex integrators of cytoskeletal structures that can exert multiple functions depending on the cellular context. Fundamental to these functions are three-dimensional complexes between the individual Rho GTPases, their specific activators (GEFs) and inhibitors (GDIs and GAPs), which greatly outnumber the Rho GTPases themselves, and additional regulatory proteins. By this complexity of regulation different vasoactive mediators can induce various cytoskeletal structures that enable the endothelial cell (EC) to respond adequately. In this review we have focused on this complexity and the consequences of Rho GTPase regulation for endothelial barrier function. The permeability inducers thrombin and VEGF are presented as examples of G-protein coupled receptor- and tyrosine kinase receptormediated Rho GTPase activation, respectively. These mediators induce complex but markedly different networks of activators, inhibitors and effectors of Rho GTPases, which alter the endothelial barrier function. An interesting feature in this regulation is that Rho GTPases often have both barrier-protecting and barrier-disturbing functions. While Rac1 enforces the endothelial junctions, it becomes part of a barrier-disturbing mechanism as activator of reactive oxygen species generating NADPH oxidase. Similarly RhoA is protective under basal conditions, but becomes involved in barrier dysfunction after activation of ECs by thrombin. The challenge and promise lies in unfolding this complex regulation, as this will provide leads for new therapeutic opportunities.
Diotima's Eudaemonism: Intrinsic Value and Rational Motivation in Plato's Symposium
Authors: Wedgwood Ralph 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis paper gives a new interpretation of the central section of Plato's Symposium (199d-212a). According to this interpretation, the term "καλóν", as used by Plato here, stands for what many contemporary philosophers call "intrinsic value"; and "love" (ερωζ) is in effect rational motivation, which for Plato consists in the desire to "possess" intrinsically valuable things – that is, according to Plato, to be happy – for as long as possible. An explanation is given of why Plato believes that "possessing" intrinsically valuable things, at least for mortals like us, consists in actively creating instantiations of the intrinsic values, both in oneself and in the external world, and in knowing and loving these intrinsic values and their instantiations. Finally, it is argued that this interpretation reveals that Plato's "eudaemonism" is a different and more defensible doctrine than many commentators believe.
Twixt Ricardo and Rubin: Debating Kincaid Once More
Authors: Saad-Filho Alfredo , Fine Ben 
Published: October 2009

AbstractOur final instalment in the debate with Jim Kincaid argues that his value-analysis suffers from weaknesses associated with both Ricardian and Rubinesque (mis-)interpretations of Marx. These approaches are methodologically flawed, because value-theory does not draw upon externally imposed theories or standards of logic or evidence to check the conceptual or empirical validity of its approach to the understanding of capitalism. Rather, Marxian value-theory involves reconstructing in thought the class-based production-processes underpinning capitalism through to their more complex and concrete consequences in the broader economic and social structures, agencies and processes, through which they are formed, albeit with definite effects of their own. Examination of the methodological shortcomings in Kincaid's analysis is followed by specific rebuttals of his claims about the (qualitative and quantitative) determination of value and price, the circulation of capital, the role of competition, fixed capital, productive labour and the leverage of value-theory in informing empirical studies.
Governing Technology through Public Participation
Authors: Bora Alfons , Hausendorf Heiko 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAgainst the background of a still controversial debate over participatory governance, the intention of this issue is to scrutinise critically central aspects of this controversy. In particular, the papers here explore regular, routine forms of participatory governance in the heart of political power, namely in administrative procedure. By contrast, political sciences and sociology often focus on new, alternative procedures, including citizen juries, consensus conferences, scenario workshops, and public consultation exercises. Normal forms of participatory governance in constitutional democracy are inevitably governed by rule of law such that a legal framework lies behind participants' concrete actions or communications.
Democratizing Agri-Biotechnology? European Public Participation in Agbiotech Assessment
Authors: Levidow Les 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAnticipating or responding to European public concerns over agbiotech, state bodies have sponsored participatory exercises in technology assessment (TA). Some participants have sought to open up technological decisions vis-à-vis alternative futures and normative choices, but such efforts have been marginalized; the trajectory of biotechnological innovation has been protected from challenge. Questions about agbiotech as control have been displaced and channeled into regulatory issues and control measures. To some extent, participatory TA exercises have helped to hold governments accountable for regulatory criteria, but not for innovation choices. These participatory TA exercises generally internalize assumptions about agbiotech as societal progress. Despite aspirations to democratize technological choices, the exercises tend to biotechnologise democracy. The prospects for democratization depend upon wider, autonomous forms of participation – neither sponsored nor welcomed by state bodies.
Law and Participation
Authors: Baier Matthias 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe main problem discussed in this paper is that the legal system might be dysfunctional to various political participatory ambitions. Participation implies inclusion, but we see examples of exclusion that originate from internal operations of the legal system. Considering the many instances of participatory instruments embedded in legal frameworks in many sectors of society, it is important to ask what kind of problems the law might cause and the reasons behind these problems. With environmental law and regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), as examples, this essay analyses the paradoxical tendencies of the legal system to exclude citizens even when regulations have the purpose of including them. The scientific residence of this essay is sociology of law.
The Non-Muslim 'Other': Gender and Contestations of Hierarchy of Rights
Authors: Tadros Mariz 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis paper argues that religious affiliation (and not just gender) influences the hierarchy of rights attainable through Personal Status Legislation. While the context of this study is Egypt, the issue is relevant to all Arab countries in which sharia is a guiding framework for Personal Status legislation. The paper examines the way in which there has been a dichotomization of engaging with Personal Status issues for Muslims and non-Muslims with implications on the “othering” of the non-Muslim vis-a-vis Muslim Personal Status legislation. This is followed by an examination of legal cases involving Muslims and non-Muslims. The conceptual and theoretical implications of a failure to take these cases into account are explored, and in the final part of the paper, there is an analysis of the jurisprudence bases for legitimizing such a hierarchy of rights.
PsSal 17, die Hasmonäer und der Herodompeius
Authors: Eckhardt Benedikt 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe Psalms of Solomon are an important source for reconstructing Jewish attitudes towards the major political shift that occurred in 63 BCE. The end of the Hasmonean dynasty and the beginning of Roman rule are often said to have pleased at least some contemporary Jewish groups because they perceived the Hasmoneans as illegitimate rulers. The analysis seeks to show that the only contemporary evidence for this view is PsSol 17:1-10, and that this part of the PsSol does not speak of Pompey, but of Herod the Great. Some attitudes towards the Hasmonean dynasty assumed to be contemporary by scholars have to be seen against the background of the Herodian, not the Hasmonean period.
The Religious Brain: A General Introduction to the Experimental Neuroscience of Religion
Authors: Schjoedt Uffe 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis article is an introduction to the experimental neuroscience of religion, intended for scholars who have an interest in the neurobiological and cognitive aspects of religion, but who do not have the necessary technical and methodological knowledge to evaluate this field's limitations and potential. The article reviews six lines of research, with particular focus on issues of ecological validity, the use of contrast conditions, and theoretical grounding.
Criminal Justice under Shari'ah in the 21st Century—An Inter-Cultural View
Authors: Hedayati-Kakhki Mohammad , Bohlander Michael 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis paper tries to analyse some of the basic issues arising in the conversation between legal systems based on Shari'ah and those based on secular traditions, as well as the efforts of the law-makers in the former to adapt to changed expectations in modern society. The argument focuses on the area of criminal law and highlights concepts such as hudud crimes, apostasy and al-diyah. The authors advocate an increased dialogue and ultimately the creation of a Centre of Global Ijmā' as a forum in which Islamic and other legal scholars could meet to discuss their respective approaches to legal issues of global interest in order to avoid unnecessary ideological clashes and to provide a base for global policymakers to draw upon in their decision-making process.