bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Observation of genotype C infected chronic hepatitis B patients in clinical practice
Authors: Aung Myo Nyein , Leowattana Wattana , Tangpukdee Noppadon , Kittitrakul Chatporn 
Published: December 2011

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C is prevalent in many areas of the world including Thailand and Southeast Asia. It is a strong risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by evidence. We aimed to describe the baseline clinical information of treatment naïve genotype C infected chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and to describe the treatment response by surrogate outcome markers in genotype C infected CHB patients after one year of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) treatment Methodology: Thirty-four genotype C CHB patients were studied at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Bangkok, including 12 patients treated with lamivudine, 11 with telbivudine, 8 with adefovir, and 3 with entecavir. Serum HBV DNA levels, serum alanine amino transferase ( ALT ) levels, HBeAg status, and alpha-feto protein (AFP) levels were recorded at the start and after twelve months of ongoing treatment. HBV genotyping was performed by line-probe assay. Results: About half of the patients (58.8%) were HBeAg positive. Mean HBV viral load was 6.53 + 1.15 log10 copies per ml at baseline and reduced to 3.63 + 1.3 log10 copies per ml after one year of NA treatment. Serum HBV DNA levels became undetectable in 47.1 % of the patients and serum ALT was normalized in 23.5 % of the patients. Conclusion: Most of the genotype C patients were aged above 40 years. More than half of the genotype C infected patients did not achieve virological response and biochemical remission. Among the CHB patients, genotype C infected patients are a high priority group for intervention.
Nitrostative stress status during seasonal and pdmH1N1 infection in Iraq
Authors: Al-Nimer Marwan S. M. , Mahmood Majid M , Khazaal Saba Saadoon 
Published: December 2011

Introduction: Influenza A virus infection is associated with oxidative and nitrosative stress. This study aimed to assess nitrosative stress in pandemic H1N1 (pdmH1N1) and seasonal influenza A infected patients. Methodology: The study included the following subjects: 20 patients infected with seasonal (negative one-step probe RT-PCR) influenza and 12 patients infected with pdmH1N1 (positive, one-step probe RT-PCR) influenza during the 2009 pandemic in Iraq. Twenty healthy subjects served as controls. Serum nitric oxide using Greiss reagent and peroxynitrite were used to assess nitrosative stress status. Results: Serum nitric oxide and peroxynitrite are significantly increased in patients infected with seasonal and pdmH1N1 influenza compared with the levels in healthy subjects. Infected patients with seasonal influenza showed significantly higher numbers of serum nitrogen species than corresponding pdmH1N1 infected patients. The turnover process reflected by the peroxynitrite/nitric oxide ratio was 0.177, 0.313 and 0.214 in healthy subjects, seasonal and pdmH1N1infected patients respectively. Conclusions: Influenza A virus infection is associated with significant nitrosative stress activity which is more pronounced in seasonal than in pdmH1N1 infected patients. The determination of serum nitric oxide and peroxynitrite may serve as biochemical markers.
Identification of Innate IL-5–Producing Cells and Their Role in Lung Eosinophil Regulation and Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Ikutani Masashi , Yanagibashi Tsutomu , Ogasawara Masaru , Tsuneyama Koichi , Yamamoto Seiji , Hattori Yuichi , Kouro Taku , Itakura Atsuko , Nagai Yoshinori , Takaki Satoshi , Takatsu Kiyoshi 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
IL-5 is involved in a number of immune responses such as helminth infection and allergy. IL-5 also plays roles in innate immunity by maintaining B-1 B cells and mucosal IgA production. However, the identity of IL-5–producing cells has not been unambiguously characterized. In this report, we describe the generation of an IL-5 reporter mouse and identify IL-5–producing non-T lymphoid cells that reside in the intestine, peritoneal cavity, and lungs in naive mice. They share many characteristics with natural helper cells, nuocytes, and Ih2 cells, including surface Ags and responsiveness to cytokines. However, these phenotypes do not completely overlap with any particular one of these cell types. Innate non-T IL-5–producing cells localized most abundantly in the lung and proliferated and upregulated IL-5 production in response to IL-25 and IL-33. IL-33 was more effective than IL-25. These cells contribute to maintaining sufficient numbers of lung eosinophils and are important for eosinophil recruitment mediated by IL-25 and IL-33. Given that eosinophils are shown to possess antitumor activity, we studied lung tumor metastasis and showed that innate IL-5–producing cells were increased in response to tumor invasion, and their regulation of eosinophils is critical to suppress tumor metastasis. Genetic blockade or neutralization of IL-5 impaired eosinophil recruitment into the lung and resulted in increased tumor metastasis. Conversely, exogenous IL-5 treatment resulted in suppressed tumor metastasis and augmented eosinophil infiltration. These newly identified innate IL-5–producing cells thus play a role in tumor surveillance through lung eosinophils and may contribute to development of novel immunotherapies for cancer.
Antigen-Specific Transfer of Functional Programmed Death Ligand 1 from Human APCs onto CD8+ T Cells via Trogocytosis
Authors: Gary Regina , Voelkl Simon , Palmisano Ralf , Ullrich Evelyn , Bosch Jacobus J. , Mackensen Andreas 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Upon specific interaction with APCs, T cells capture membrane fragments and surface molecules in a process termed trogocytosis. In this study, we demonstrate that human Ag-specific CD8+ T cells acquire the coinhibitory molecule programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) from mature dendritic cells (mDC) and tumor cells in an Ag-specific manner. Immature dendritic cells were less effective in transferring surface molecules onto CD8+ T cells than mDCs. Interestingly, trogocytosis of PD-L1 requires cell–cell contact and cannot be induced by uptake of soluble proteins obtained from mDC lysates. The transfer process is impaired by inhibition of vacuolar ATPases in T cells as well as by fixation of dendritic cells. Of importance, CD8+ T cells that acquired PD-L1 complexes were able to induce apoptosis of neighboring programmed death 1–expressing CD8+ T cells. In summary, our data demonstrate that human CD8+ T cells take up functionally active PD-L1 from APCs in an Ag-specific fashion, leading to fratricide of programmed death 1–expressing, neighboring T cells. The transfer of functionally active coinhibitory molecules from APCs onto human CD8+ T cells could have a regulatory role in immune responses.
The Critical Role of Complement Alternative Pathway Regulator Factor H in Allergen-Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Inflammation
Authors: Takeda Katsuyuki , Thurman Joshua M. , Tomlinson Stephen , Okamoto Masakazu , Shiraishi Yoshiki , Ferreira Viviana P. , Cortes Claudio , Pangburn Michael K. , Holers V. Michael , Gelfand Erwin W. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Activation of the alternative pathway of complement plays a critical role in the development of allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation in mice. Endogenous factor H, a potent inhibitor of the alternative pathway, is increased in the airways of sensitized and challenged mice, but its role in regulating inflammation or AHR has been unknown. We found that blocking the tissue-binding function of factor H with a competitive antagonist increased complement activation and tissue inflammation after allergen challenge of sensitized mice. Conversely, administration of a fusion protein that contains the iC3b/C3d binding region of complement receptor 2 linked to the inhibitory region of factor H, a molecule directly targeting complement-activating surfaces, protected mice in both primary and secondary challenge models of AHR and lung inflammation. Thus, although endogenous factor H does play a role in limiting the development of AHR, strategies to deliver the complement-regulatory region of factor H specifically to the site of inflammation provide greater protection than that afforded by endogenous regulators. Such an agent may be an effective therapy for the treatment of asthma.
Recombinant MPT83 Derived fromMycobacterium tuberculosisInduces Cytokine Production and Upregulates the Function of Mouse Macrophages through TLR2
Authors: Chen Su-Ting , Li Jia-Yun , Zhang Yi , Gao Xiang , Cai Hong 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTLR2 recognizes components of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and initiates APC activities that influence both innate and adaptive immunity. M. tuberculosis lipoproteins are an important class of TLR2 ligands. In this study, we focused on recombinant MPT83 (rMPT83) to determine its effects on mouse macrophages. We demonstrated that rMPT83 induced the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12 p40 and that cytokine induction depended on activated MAPKs, because we observed the rapid phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and JNK in macrophages. Additionally, neutralizing Abs against TLR2 significantly inhibited cytokine secretion and reduced or attenuated the rMPT83-induced activation of p38 and JNK in RAW264.7 cells, a mouse macrophage cell line. Furthermore, rMPT83-induced cytokine production was significantly lower in macrophages from TLR2−/− mice than in macrophages from wild-type mice. We further found that prolonged exposure (&gt;24 h) of RAW264.7 cells or macrophages from wild-type and TLR2−/− mice to rMPT83 resulted in a significant enhancement of IFN-γ–induced MHC class II expression and an enhanced ability of macrophages to present the rMPT83 peptide to CD4+ T cells. These results indicated that rMPT83 is a TLR2 agonist that induces the production of cytokines by macrophages and upregulates macrophage function.
A Common Polymorphism in TLR3 Confers Natural Resistance to HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Sironi Manuela , Biasin Mara , Cagliani Rachele , Forni Diego , De Luca Mariacristina , Saulle Irma , Lo Caputo Sergio , Mazzotta Francesco , Macías Juan , Pineda Juan A. , Caruz Antonio , Clerici Mario 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
TLR3 recognizes dsRNA and activates antiviral immune responses through the production of inflammatory cytokines and type I IFNs. Genetic association studies have provided evidence concerning the role of a polymorphism in TLR3 (rs3775291, Leu412Phe) in viral infection susceptibility. We genotyped rs3775291 in a population of Spanish HIV-1–exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals who remain HIV seronegative despite repeated exposure through i.v. injection drug use (IDU-HESN individuals) as witnessed by their hepatitis C virus seropositivity. The frequency of individuals carrying at least one 412Phe allele was significantly higher in IDU-HESN individuals compared with that of a matched control sample (odds ratio for a dominant model = 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–3.34; p = 0.023). To replicate this finding, we analyzed a cohort of Italian, sexually HESN individuals. Similar results were obtained: the frequency of individuals carrying at least one 412Phe allele was significantly higher compared with that of a matched control sample (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–3.08; p = 0.029). In vitro infection assays showed that in PBMCs carrying the 412Phe allele, HIV-1Ba-L replication was significantly reduced (p = 0.025) compared with that of Leu/Leu homozygous samples and was associated with a higher expression of factors suggestive of a state of immune activation (IL-6, CCL3, CD69). Similarly, stimulation of PBMCs with a TLR3 agonist indicated that the presence of the 412Phe allele results in a significantly increased expression of CD69 and higher production of proinflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and CCL3. The data of this study indicate that a common TLR3 allele confers immunologically mediated protection from HIV-1 and suggest the potential use of TLR3 triggering in HIV-1 immunotherapy.
Leukotriene E4 Activates Human Th2 Cells for Exaggerated Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Response to Prostaglandin D2
Authors: Xue Luzheng , Barrow Anna , Fleming Vicki M. , Hunter Michael G. , Ogg Graham , Klenerman Paul , Pettipher Roy 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
PGD2 exerts a number of proinflammatory responses through a high-affinity interaction with chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2) and has been detected at high concentrations at sites of allergic inflammation. Because cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) are also produced during the allergic response, we investigated the possibility that cysLTs may modulate the response of human Th2 cells to PGD2. PGD2 induced concentration-dependent Th2 cytokine production in the absence of TCR stimulation. Leukotrienes D4 and E4 (LTE4) also stimulated the cytokine production but were much less active than PGD2. However, when combined with PGD2, cysLTs caused a greater than additive enhancement of the response, with LTE4 being most effective in activating Th2 cells. LTE4 enhanced calcium mobilization in response to PGD2 in Th2 cells without affecting endogenous PGD2 production or CRTH2 receptor expression. The effect of LTE4 was inhibited by montelukast but not by the P2Y12 antagonist methylthioadenosine 5′-monophosphate. The enhancing effect was also evident with endogenous cysLTs produced from immunologically activated mast cells because inhibition of cysLT action by montelukast or cysLT synthesis by MK886, an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase–activating protein, reduced the response of Th2 cells to the levels produced by PGD2 alone. These findings reveal that cysLTs, in particular LTE4, have a significant proinflammatory impact on T cells and demonstrate their effects on Th2 cells are mediated by a montelukast-sensitive receptor.
Risk Factors for Infection with Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in Newborns from the Neonatal Unit of a Brazilian University Hospital
Authors: De Oliveira Adilson , Sanches Patrícia , Lyra João C. , Bentlin Maria R. , Rugolo Ligia M.S.S. , De Lourdes Ribeiro De Souza Da Cunha Maria 
Published: December 2011

Background Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are one of the most frequent causative agents of neonatal nosocomial infections, especially in premature and low-weight newborns. Risk factors for infection include extracellular polysaccharide production and consequent biofilm formation that permit adhesion to the smooth surface of catheters and other medical devices. The objective of this study was to identify CoNS strains isolated from 105 newborns admitted to the Neonatal Unit of our hospital, and to evaluate the association of biofilm production and host risk factors with the occurrence of infection. Methods CoNS isolates were identified and classified as significant or contaminant based on clinical and laboratory data of the newborn medical records. Perinatal risk factors for infection, neonatal clinical evolution, and antibiotic treatment were analysed. In addition, the presence of genes ( icaA, icaC and icaD) responsible for biofilm production in CoNS was investigated. Results Among the 130 CoNS strains studied, 66 (50.8%) were classified as clinically significant and 64 (49.2%) as contaminant. There was no difference in the detection of biofilm-specific genes between CoNS strains isolated from newborns with (81.8%) and without infection (84.3%), although 11 (91.7%) of the 12 children whose death was related to CoNS were infected with strains that were positive for these genes. Forty-five (83.3%) of the 54 newborns infected with CoNS were premature and 33 (61.1%) had a birth weight ≤ 1,500 g. Most newborns infected with CoNS had been submitted to invasive procedures, including catheter use (85.2%), parenteral nutrition (61.1%), and mechanical ventilation (57.4%). S. epidermidis was the most frequently isolated species (81.5%) and was more related to infection (86.3%) than to contamination (76.5%). Conclusion Most newborns infected with CoNS presented factors that contributed to the colonization and development of infection with these microorganisms, including a birth weight ≤ 1,500 g, catheter complications, use of a drain, and previous antibiotic treatment. The fact that most children who died of CoNS-related infection carried strains positive for biofilm-specific genes indicates the importance of this virulence factor for the outcome of staphylococcal infections.
Low TemplateDNAAnalysis and Interpretation
Authors: Hopwood Andrew J , Pope Susan , Puch‐Solis Roberto , Tully Gillian 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe capability of the forensic practitioner to process samples using low template DNA (LTDNA) methodologies is becoming more widespread. In a properly validated system, LTDNA analysis provides the practitioner with a valuable tool for the robust profiling of trace level DNA samples. Here we provide an introduction to the technical processes used for the analytical and interpretive processes for LTDNA analysis and an understanding of the surrounding precautions and protocols used to increase the robustness of the technique.
Characterization of layered silicate dispersion in polymer nanocomposites using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Xingui , Bhuvana Sowrirajalu , Loo Leslie S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractFourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the state of dispersion of layered silicate in polymer nanocomposites. The nanocomposite samples were based on poly(hexamethylene isophthalamide) and montmorillonite nanoclay prepared by melt intercalation. The infrared spectra of SiO stretching bands between 1150 and 960 cm−1 are found to be very sensitive to the extent of nanoclay dispersion at the molecular level. Increased level of nanoclay delamination resulted in significant changes to the out‐of‐plane a mode at 1082 cm−1 and the two in‐plane modes b and b at 1050 and 1030 cm−1, respectively. The a mode shows a substantial increase in intensity and shifts toward lower wave numbers. The bandwidths of the b and b modes are reduced significantly. The b mode also shifts toward higher wave numbers in exfoliated nanoclay. Hence, FTIR can complement other methods to characterize the morphology of polymer nanocomposites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Advantages and Potential of Lipid‐Membrane‐Incorporating Fullerenes Prepared by the Fullerene‐Exchange Method
Authors: Ikeda Atsushi , Mori Miyuki , Kiguchi Kazuya , Yasuhara Kazuma , Kikuchi Jun‐ichi , Nobusawa Kazuyuki , Akiyama Motofusa , Hashizume Mineo , Ogawa Takuya , Takeya Tatsuo 
Published: December 2011

AbstractLipid‐membrane‐incorporating C60 and C70 (LMIC60 and LMIC70) were prepared by the fullerene‐exchange reaction from the γ‐cyclodextrin cavity to vesicles (we call this method the “exchange method”). An advantage of this method is that the ratios of [C60]/[lipids] and [C70]/[lipids] can be arbitrarily controlled by adjusting the ratios of the fullerenes and liposome. The maximum ratio (30 mol %) obtained was approximately 14 and 100 times higher than those achieved for LMIC60 and LMIC70, respectively, that were prepared by the classical method, which we call the “premixing method” (dissolving lipids and C60 or C70 in chloroform, followed by concentration and extraction with water). Furthermore, the stabilities and photodynamic activities of the LMIC60 and LMIC70 solutions prepared by the exchange method were shown to be much higher than those prepared by the premixing method. That is, the exchange method was found to be superior to the premixing method as a preparative method of LMIC60 and LMIC70 for applications in photomedical and photomaterials chemistry.
Reaction engineering studies of acetone‐butanol‐ethanol fermentation with Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Schmidt Michael , Weuster‐Botz Dirk 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAcetone‐butanol‐ethanol (ABE) fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum has been extensively studied in recent years because the organism is recognized as an excellent butanol producer. A parallel bioreactor system with 48 stirred‐tank bioreactors on a 12 mL scale was evaluated for batch cultivations of the strictly anaerobic, butanol‐producing C. acetobutylicum ATCC 824. Continuous gassing with nitrogen gas was applied to control anaerobic conditions. Process performances of ABE batch fermentations on a milliliter scale were identical to the liter‐scale stirred‐tank reactor if reaction conditions were identical on the different scales (e.g., initial medium, pH, temperature, specific evaporation rates, specific power input by the stirrers). The effects of varying initial ammonia concentrations (0.1–4.4 g L−1) were studied in parallel with respect to glucose consumption and butanol production of C. acetobutylicum ATCC 824 as a first application example. The highest butanol yield of 33% (mol mol−1) was observed at initial ammonia concentrations of 0.5 and 1.1 g L−1. This is the first report on the successful application of a 48 parallel stirred‐tank bioreactor system for reaction engineering studies of strictly anaerobic microorganisms at the milliliter scale.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation and Characterization of the Binary Group 13 Azides M(N3)3 and M(N3)3·CH3CN (M: Ga, In, Tl), [Ga(N3)5]2‐, and [M(N3)6]3‐ (M: In, Tl).
Authors: Haiges Ralf , Boatz Jerry A. , Williams Jodi M. , Christe Karl O. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe extremely shock‐sensitive triazides (II) are synthesized in SO2 and MeCN solutions.
ChemInform Abstract: A New Open‐Framework Indium Phosphate—Phosphite Containing Intersecting Extra‐Large 16‐Ring Channels.
Authors: Dong Zhaojun , Yan Yan , Li Yi , Li Jiyang , Yu Jihong , Xu Ruren 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe new open‐framework compound (H2mpd)3 [In9(H2O)6(HPO3)13 (H2PO3)2 (PO4)(HPO4)] (mpd: 2‐methyl‐1,5‐pentanediamine) is hydrothermally synthesized from a mixture of InCl3, H3PO3, and mpd as the structure‐directing agent (H2O, 180 °C, autoclave, 7 d; 39% yield).
ChemInform Abstract: Li35Ln9Si30N59O2F with Ln: Ce, Pr — Highly Condensed Nitridosilicates.
Authors: Lupart Saskia , Durach Dajana , Schnick Wolfgang 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe isotypic title compounds are synthesized by reaction of LnF3 (Ln: Ce, Pr), LiN3, and Si(NH)2 in a Li flux (Ta ampule, 1299—1250 °C, 9—10 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Bonding Changes in Plutonium(III) and Americium(III) Borates.
Authors: Polinski Matthew J. , Wang Shuao , Alekseev Evgeny V. , Depmeier Wulf , Albrecht‐Schmitt Thomas E. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCompounds (II), (III), and (V) are characterized by single crystal XRD.
ChemInform Abstract: Green Organophotocatalysis. TiO2‐Induced Enantioselective α‐Oxyamination of Aldehydes.
Authors: Ho Xuan‐Huong , Kang Min‐Jung , Kim Seung‐Joo , Park Eun Duck , Jang Hye‐Young 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn the presence of an optimized chiral organocatalyst and TiO2, aldehydes with TEMPO to give the corresponding α‐piperidinyloxy‐substituted aldehydes in a highly chemo‐ and stereoselective manner.
ChemInform Abstract: Iron‐Catalyzed Ayrl‐ and Alkenyllithiation of Alkynes and Its Application to Benzosilole Synthesis.
Authors: Shirakawa Eiji , Masui Seiji , Narui Rintaro , Watabe Ryo , Ikeda Daiji , Hayashi Tamio 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPhenyl‐ and vinyllithium with alkyl substituents at the ortho‐ and cis‐position, resp., readily add to alkynes in the presence of Fe(acac)3.
ChemInform Abstract: Silver‐Catalyzed Regioselective Carbomagnesiation of Alkynes with Alkyl Halides and Grignard Reagents.
Authors: Kambe Nobuaki , Moriwaki Yuusuke , Fujii Yuuki , Iwasaki Takanori , Terao Jun 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe process provides a new and regioselective method to prepare 1,2‐di‐ and 1,1,2‐trisubstituted alkenes.