bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treponema denticolaSuppresses Expression of Human β-Defensin-3 in Gingival Epithelial Cells through Inhibition of the Toll-Like Receptor 2 Axis
Authors: Shin Ji Eun , Kim Young Sook , Oh Ju-Eun , Min Byung-Moo , Choi Youngnim 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTWe reported previously thatTreponema denticola, one of the periodontal pathogens, suppresses the expression of human β-defensins (HBDs) in human gingival epithelial cells. To identify the mechanisms involved in this suppression, immortalized and normal human gingival epithelial cells were infected with live or heat-killedT. denticolafor 24 h, and then the expression of HBDs was examined by real-time RT-PCR. LiveT. denticolasuppressed the expression of HBD-3 substantially and also suppressed the expression of HBD-1 and HBD-2. However, heat-killed bacteria did not produce a suppressive effect but instead slightly upregulated the levels of HBD-2 and HBD-3. In contrast to liveT. denticola, which reduced the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB within an hour of infection, heat-killed bacteria did not show any inhibitory effect on the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Knockdown of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) via RNA interference abolished the suppressive effect ofT. denticolaon the expression of HBD-3. Heat-killedT. denticolabut not live bacteria could activate TLR2 in CHO/CD14/TLR2 reporter cells, suggesting thatT. denticolacontains a heat-labile inhibitor(s) of TLR2 in addition to ligands recognized by TLR2. Indeed, liveT. denticolawas able to inhibit TLR2 activation by Pam3CSK. In conclusion,T. denticolasuppressed the expression of HBD-3 by inhibiting the TLR2 axis in gingival epithelial cells. These results may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of periodontitis caused byT. denticola.
Genetic Control of the Innate Immune Response toBorrelia hermsiiInfluences the Course of Relapsing Fever in Inbred Strains of Mice
Authors: Benoit Vivian M. , Petrich Annett , Alugupalli Kishore R. , Marty-Roix Robin , Moter Annette , Leong John M. , Boyartchuk Victor L. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTHost susceptibility to infection is controlled in large measure by the genetic makeup of the host. Spirochetes of the genusBorreliainclude nearly 40 species of vector-borne spirochetes that are capable of infecting a wide range of mammalian hosts, causing Lyme disease and relapsing fever. Relapsing fever is associated with high-level bacteremia, as well as hematologic manifestations, such as thrombocytopenia (i.e., low platelet numbers) and anemia. To facilitate studies of genetic control of susceptibility toBorrelia hermsiiinfection, we performed a systematic analysis of the course of infection using immunocompetent and immunocompromised inbred strains of mice. Our analysis revealed that sensitivity toB. hermsiiinfections is genetically controlled. In addition, whereas the role of adaptive immunity to relapsing fever-causing spirochetes is well documented, we found that innate immunity contributes significantly to the reduction of bacterial burden. Similar to human infection, the progression of the disease in mice was associated with thrombocytopenia and anemia. Histological and fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) analysis of infected tissues indicated that red blood cells (RBCs) were removed by tissue-resident macrophages, a process that could lead to anemia. Spirochetes in the spleen and liver were often visualized associated with RBCs, lending support to the hypothesis that direct interaction ofB. hermsiispirochetes with RBCs leads to clearance of bacteria from the bloodstream by tissue phagocytes.
RenderAnts
Authors: Zhou Kun , Hou Qiming , Ren Zhong , Gong Minmin , Sun Xin , Guo Baining 
Published: December 2009

We present RenderAnts, the first system that enables interactive Reyes rendering on GPUs. Taking RenderMan scenes and shaders as input, our system first compiles RenderMan shaders to GPU shaders. Then all stages of the basic Reyes pipeline, including bounding/splitting, dicing, shading, sampling, compositing and filtering, are executed on GPUs using carefully designed data-parallel algorithms. Advanced effects such as shadows, motion blur and depth-of-field can also be rendered. In order to avoid exhausting GPU memory, we introduce a novel dynamic scheduling algorithm to bound the memory consumption during rendering. The algorithm automatically adjusts the amount of data being processed in parallel at each stage so that all data can be maintained in the available GPU memory. This allows our system to maximize the parallelism in all individual stages of the pipeline and achieve superior performance. We also propose a multi-GPU scheduling technique based on work stealing so that the system can support scalable rendering on multiple GPUs. The scheduler is designed to minimize inter-GPU communication and balance workloads among GPUs.
We demonstrate the potential of RenderAnts using several complex RenderMan scenes and an open source movie entitled Elephants Dream. Compared to Pixar's PRMan, our system can generate images of comparably high quality, but is over one order of magnitude faster. For moderately complex scenes, the system allows the user to change the viewpoint, lights and materials while producing photorealistic results at interactive speed.
Efficient algorithms for genome-wide association study
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Zou Fei , Wang Wei 
Published: December 2009

Studying the association between quantitative phenotype (such as height or weight) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is an important problem in biology. To understand underlying mechanisms of complex phenotypes, it is often necessary to consider joint genetic effects across multiple SNPs. ANOVA (analysis of variance) test is routinely used in association study. Important findings from studying gene-gene (SNP-pair) interactions are appearing in the literature. However, the number of SNPs can be up to millions. Evaluating joint effects of SNPs is a challenging task even for SNP-pairs. Moreover, with large number of SNPs correlated, permutation procedure is preferred over simple Bonferroni correction for properly controlling family-wise error rate and retaining mapping power, which dramatically increases the computational cost of association study.
In this article, we study the problem of finding SNP-pairs that have significant associations with a given quantitative phenotype. We propose an efficient algorithm, FastANOVA, for performing ANOVA tests on SNP-pairs in a batch mode, which also supports large permutation test. We derive an upper bound of SNP-pair ANOVA test, which can be expressed as the sum of two terms. The first term is based on single-SNP ANOVA test. The second term is based on the SNPs and independent of any phenotype permutation. Furthermore, SNP-pairs can be organized into groups, each of which shares a common upper bound. This allows for maximum reuse of intermediate computation, efficient upper bound estimation, and effective SNP-pair pruning. Consequently, FastANOVA only needs to perform the ANOVA test on a small number of candidate SNP-pairs without the risk of missing any significant ones. Extensive experiments demonstrate that FastANOVA is orders of magnitude faster than the brute-force implementation of ANOVA tests on all SNP pairs. The principles used in FastANOVA can be applied to categorical phenotypes and other statistics such as Chi-square test.
Gendering the Nation: The Proliferation of Images of Zhen Fei (1876-1900) and Sai Jinhua (1872-1936) in Late Qing and Republican China
Authors: Wu Shengqing 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper analyzes the historical trajectories of the images of Zhen Fei and Sai Jinhua, who rose from an obscure royal concubine and an infamous prostitute, respectively, to become androgynous national heroines in wartime China. The study exposes the construction and the fictional elements of these images, thus providing concrete examples for establishing the interconnection between male fantasy and the invention of the modern national subject. It argues that the female body became the contested site for predominantly male-led discourses on eroticism and politics, and emphasizes that erotic desire may inform or enhance expressions and experiences of the formation of modern nationhood.
Low mannose-binding lectin levels and MBL2 gene polymorphisms associate with Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies
Authors: Rantala Aino , Lajunen Taina , Juvonen Raija , Bloigu Aini , Paldanius Mika , Silvennoinen-Kassinen Sylvi , Peitso Ari , Vainio Olli , Leinonen Maija , Saikku Pekka 
Published: December 2009

Objective: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) has been shown to inhibit infection of host cells by Chlamydia pneumoniae in vitro. We studied if MBL levels and MBL2 polymorphisms associate with the presence of C. pneumoniae antibodies in vivo. Materials and Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MBL2 gene (promoter alleles H/L, X/Y and P/Q; and exon 1 variant alleles B, C and D and wild-type allele A) were genotyped and serum MBL concentrations and C. pneumoniae IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies were analysed in 889 Finnish military recruits. Results: An MBL level below the median concentration and the MBL2 P/P genotype were significant risk factors of IgG or IgA seroconversions or the presence of IgM antibodies during military service (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1—2.1 and OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0—2.2, respectively). In addition, the promoter Y/Y (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1—2.3) and exon 1 variant allele genotypes (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0—2.0) were possibly associated with elevated antibodies. Conclusions: These results suggest, for the first time, that low serum MBL levels and MBL2 polymorphisms may associate with elevated C. pneumoniae antibodies and seroconversions and thus support the previous findings in vitro.
Regulation of Treg functionality by acetylation-mediated Foxp3 protein stabilization
Authors: van Loosdregt Jorg , Vercoulen Yvonne , Guichelaar Teun , Gent Yoony Y. J. , Beekman Jeffrey M. , van Beekum Olivier , Brenkman Arjan B. , Hijnen Dirk-Jan , Mutis Tuna , Kalkhoven Eric , Prakken Berent J. , Coffer Paul J. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specific subset of lymphocytes that are critical for the maintenance of self-tolerance. Expression levels of the transcription factor Foxp3 have been causally associated with Treg differentiation and function. Recent studies show that Foxp3 can also be transiently expressed in effector T cells; however, stable Foxp3 expression is required for development of a functional Treg suppressor phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that Foxp3 is acetylated, and this can be reciprocally regulated by the histone acetyltransferase p300 and the histone deacetylase SIRT1. Hyperacetylation of Foxp3 prevented polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, therefore dramatically increasing stable Foxp3 protein levels. Moreover, using mouse splenocytes, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, T cell clones, and skin-derived T cells, we demonstrate that treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors resulted in significantly increased numbers of functional Treg cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate that modulation of the acetylation state of Foxp3 provides a novel molecular mechanism for assuring rapid temporal control of Foxp3 levels in T cells, thereby regulating Treg numbers and functionality. Manipulating Foxp3 acetylation levels could therefore provide a new therapeutic strategy to control inappropriate (auto)immune responses.
Fibrinolytic cross-talk: a new mechanism for plasmin formation
Authors: Dejouvencel Tiphaine , Doeuvre Loïc , Lacroix Romaric , Plawinski Laurent , Dignat-George Françoise , Lijnen H. Roger , Anglés-Cano Eduardo 
Published: December 2009

AbstractFibrinolysis and pericellular proteolysis depend on molecular coassembly of plasminogen and its activator on cell, fibrin, or matrix surfaces. We report here the existence of a fibrinolytic cross-talk mechanism bypassing the requirement for their molecular coassembly on the same surface. First, we demonstrate that, despite impaired binding of Glu-plasminogen to the cell membrane by ϵ-aminocaproic acid (ϵ-ACA) or by a lysine-binding site–specific mAb, plasmin is unexpectedly formed by cell-associated urokinase (uPA). Second, we show that Glu-plasminogen bound to carboxy-terminal lysine residues in platelets, fibrin, or extracellular matrix components (fibronectin, laminin) is transformed into plasmin by uPA expressed on monocytes or endothelial cell–derived microparticles but not by tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) expressed on neurons. A 2-fold increase in plasmin formation was observed over activation on the same surface. Altogether, these data indicate that cellular uPA but not tPA expressed by distinct cells is specifically involved in the recognition of conformational changes and activation of Glu-plasminogen bound to other biologic surfaces via a lysine-dependent mechanism. This uPA-driven cross-talk mechanism generates plasmin in situ with a high efficiency, thus highlighting its potential physiologic relevance in fibrinolysis and matrix proteolysis induced by inflammatory cells or cell-derived microparticles.
Decoding an olfactory mechanism of kin recognition and inbreeding avoidance in a primate
Authors: Boulet Marylène , Charpentier Marie JE , Drea Christine M 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundLike other vertebrates, primates recognize their relatives, primarily to minimize inbreeding, but also to facilitate nepotism. Although associative, social learning is typically credited for discrimination of familiar kin, discrimination of unfamiliar kin remains unexplained. As sex-biased dispersal in long-lived species cannot consistently prevent encounters between unfamiliar kin, inbreeding remains a threat and mechanisms to avoid it beg explanation. Using a molecular approach that combined analyses of biochemical and microsatellite markers in 17 female and 19 male ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), we describe odor-gene covariance to establish the feasibility of olfactory-mediated kin recognition.ResultsDespite derivation from different genital glands, labial and scrotal secretions shared about 170 of their respective 338 and 203 semiochemicals. In addition, these semiochemicals encoded information about genetic relatedness within and between the sexes. Although the sexes showed opposite seasonal patterns in signal complexity, the odor profiles of related individuals (whether same-sex or mixed-sex dyads) converged most strongly in the competitive breeding season. Thus, a strong, mutual olfactory signal of genetic relatedness appeared specifically when such information would be crucial for preventing inbreeding. That weaker signals of genetic relatedness might exist year round could provide a mechanism to explain nepotism between unfamiliar kin.ConclusionWe suggest that signal convergence between the sexes may reflect strong selective pressures on kin recognition, whereas signal convergence within the sexes may arise as its by-product or function independently to prevent competition between unfamiliar relatives. The link between an individual's genome and its olfactory signals could be mediated by biosynthetic pathways producing polymorphic semiochemicals or by carrier proteins modifying the individual bouquet of olfactory cues. In conclusion, we unveil a possible olfactory mechanism of kin recognition that has specific relevance to understanding inbreeding avoidance and nepotistic behavior observed in free-ranging primates, and broader relevance to understanding the mechanisms of vertebrate olfactory communication.
A rare case of arterial avulsion presenting with occult blood loss following total hip arthroplasty: a case report
Authors: Hall Claire , Khan Wasim S , Ahmed Sohail I , Sochart David H 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIntroductionIatrogenic arterial damage during total hip replacement is a rare but potentially life- or limb-threatening complication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an avulsion injury to a posterior branch of the profunda femoral artery during primary hip arthroplasty.Case presentationWe describe the case of a 55-year-old Caucasian man who underwent a total hip replacement. The patient's hemoglobin levels dropped postoperatively, but there was no obvious bleeding, hemodynamic instability, pulsatile mass, or limb ischemia. The patient's hemoglobin levels continued to drop despite nine units of transfused blood. Three days after surgery, the patient underwent an angiography that showed an avulsion injury to a posterior branch of the profunda femoral artery. The avulsion was ligated and the hematoma was evacuated.ConclusionVascular damage may present in many ways including obvious bleeding, haemodynamic instability, a pulsatile mass, limb ischemia, and occult blood loss. Any of these signs in isolation or in combination could represent a vascular injury and an urgent angiogram should be considered.
Integrin-mediated inhibition of interleukin-8 secretion from human neutrophils by collagen type I
Authors: Quan Wu-Yong , Ko Ji-Ae , Yanai Ryoji , Nakamura Yoshikuni , Nishida Teruo 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Collagen type I inhibits the secretion of IL-8 by human neutrophils interacting with integrin α2β1.
The function of neutrophils in the inflammatory response is modulated by contact with ECM proteins. We have now investigated the effect of collagen type I on secretion of the cytokine IL-8 by human neutrophils in vitro. Collagen type I inhibited the secretion of IL-8 from neutrophils maintained under basal conditions or stimulated with fMLF. This effect was accompanied by down-regulation of IL-8 mRNA, and it appeared to be specific to collagen type I among ECM proteins, in that it was not observed with fibronectin or laminin. The inhibitory effect of collagen type I on IL-8 secretion was dependent on collagen concentration and cell density. It was also abolished in the presence of antibodies to integrin α2β1 but was not affected by antibodies to integrin α5β1 or β4. Our results thus suggest that collagen type I inhibits the secretion of IL-8 by human neutrophils in a selective manner and that this effect is mediated by the interaction of collagen with integrin α2β1.
Survival Analysis of Cancer Risk Reduction Strategies for BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Kurian Allison W. , Sigal Bronislava M. , Plevritis Sylvia K. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose Women with BRCA1/2 mutations inherit high risks of breast and ovarian cancer; options to reduce cancer mortality include prophylactic surgery or breast screening, but their efficacy has never been empirically compared. We used decision analysis to simulate risk-reducing strategies in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and to compare resulting survival probability and causes of death. Methods We developed a Monte Carlo model of breast screening with annual mammography plus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from ages 25 to 69 years, prophylactic mastectomy (PM) at various ages, and/or prophylactic oophorectomy (PO) at ages 40 or 50 years in 25-year-old BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. Results With no intervention, survival probability by age 70 is 53% for BRCA1 and 71% for BRCA2 mutation carriers. The most effective single intervention for BRCA1 mutation carriers is PO at age 40, yielding a 15% absolute survival gain; for BRCA2 mutation carriers, the most effective single intervention is PM, yielding a 7% survival gain if performed at age 40 years. The combination of PM and PO at age 40 improves survival more than any single intervention, yielding 24% survival gain for BRCA1 and 11% for BRCA2 mutation carriers. PM at age 25 instead of age 40 offers minimal incremental benefit (1% to 2%); substituting screening for PM yields a similarly minimal decrement in survival (2% to 3%). Conclusion Although PM at age 25 plus PO at age 40 years maximizes survival probability, substituting mammography plus MRI screening for PM seems to offer comparable survival. These results may guide women with BRCA1/2 mutations in their choices between prophylactic surgery and breast screening.
Are Gold Standard Depression Measures Appropriate for Use in Geriatric Cancer Patients? A Systematic Evaluation of Self-Report Depression Instruments Used With Geriatric, Cancer, and Geriatric Cancer Samples
Authors: Nelson Christian J. , Cho Christina , Berk Alexandra R. , Holland Jimmie , Roth Andrew J. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeGeriatric issues in cancer are becoming prominent. Depression is a significant concern for both the elderly and patients with cancer, yet identifying depression in these patients is difficult and often leads to under-recognition. We conducted a systematic review to determine which depression instruments are appropriate for use in geriatric patients with cancer.MethodsWe identified the most commonly used self-report depression instruments. We then used the criteria established in the US Food and Drug Administration Draft Guidance on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to determine the extent of validation evidence of these measures in geriatric cancer populations. Finally, we determined which instruments captured depressive symptoms that are common among elderly patients with cancer.ResultsEight measures were selected as the most commonly used instruments. These were the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Brief Symptom Inventory-18, Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Profile of Mood States–Short Form, and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Many have been validated for use with geriatric adults and patients with cancer; however, data addressing content validity and responder definition were lacking. To date, there is no validation information for geriatric patients with cancer. Furthermore, symptom profile analysis revealed that these measures do not identify many symptoms signaling depression in geriatric patients with cancer.ConclusionThe validation evidence for use of common depression instruments in geriatric patients with cancer is lacking. This, and the possibility that these measures may not assess common depressive symptoms in geriatric patients with cancer, questions the adequacy of these scales in this population.
Hypertension is a major risk factor for future atherosclerotic changes in the Japanese population
Authors: Abe Tsueko , Tsuda Akiko , Yata Syogo , Matsuto Takayuki , Okada Masahiko 
Published: December 2009

Background Great differences in age-standardized mortality rates by cardiovascular disease exist among countries. We prospectively assessed determinants of future cardiovascular changes in a Japanese cohort. Methods In 1996, 1011 men and 1153 women from a Japanese community participated in a study on cardiovascular risk factors at a local health centre. Of these, the 896 subjects who visited the centre both in 1996 and 2001 were selected for the analysis. The presence of cardiovascular changes was defined as the appearance of one or more of the following in five years: positive electrocardiographic findings, intima–media thickness of the carotid artery ≥0.8 mm and retinal vascular changes ≥Keith–Wegener–Barker classification stage I. Results Of the 607 subjects who had no history of cardiovascular disease in 1996, 421 showed changes in 2001. Both the age-adjusted and multivariate models showed that the risk of the cardiovascular changes increased as systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased to ≥135 mmHg (multivariate odds ratio = 1.739, 95% confidence interval = 1.076–2.810, P < 0.05) compared with those with an SBP of 110–134 mmHg. When we made the analyses only for laboratory test results by excluding SBP, body mass index, alcohol intake and current smoking from the regression model, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose were significant variables. Conclusion The risk of future cardiovascular changes is significantly greater with higher SBP in the Japanese population.