bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunodeficiency lentiviral infections in natural and non-natural hosts
Authors: Brenchley Jason M. , Paiardini Mirko 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The host immune system is profoundly affected during the acute phase of progressive immunodeficiency lentiviral infections. Studies of these alterations have been quite restricted in humans because of the limited availability of samples from acutely HIV-infected persons. Therefore, numerous studies have turned attention to nonhuman primate models. Specifically, SIV-infected rhesus macaques (RMs) have been informative for understanding the pathogenesis of HIV infection in humans. Indeed, advantages of the nonhuman primate model include the ability to study the very early events after infection and the ability to retrieve copious amounts of tissues. In addition, nonhuman primates allow for comparative studies between non-natural and natural hosts for SIV, in which SIV infection results in progression, or not, to AIDS, respectively. Although SIV infection of RM is the best model for HIV infection, the immunologic and/or virologic phenomena in SIV-infected RM do not always reflect those seen in HIV-infected humans. Here virologic and immunologic aspects of acute HIV infection of humans and SIV infection of Asian and African nonhuman primates are discussed and compared in relation to how these aspects relate to disease progression.
Efficient infection, activation, and impairment of pDCs in the BM and peripheral lymphoid organs during early HIV-1 infection in humanized rag2−/−γ C−/− mice in vivo
Authors: Zhang Liguo , Jiang Qi , Li Guangming , Jeffrey Jerry , Kovalev Grigoriy I. , Su Lishan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAlthough plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are involved in HIV-1 pathogenesis, the precise mechanism of interaction between pDCs and HIV-1 in vivo is not clear. The conflicting reports in HIV-1–infected patients highlight the importance of studying the interaction between HIV-1 and pDCs in relevant in vivo models. The rag2/γC double knockout (DKO) mouse supports reconstitution of a functional human immune system in central and peripheral lymphoid organs. We report here that functional pDCs were developed in the BM and peripheral lymphoid organs in humanized DKO (DKO-hu) mice. We show that pDCs from both BM and spleen were activated and productively infected during early HIV infection. The activation level of pDCs correlated with that of CD4+ T-cell activation and apoptosis. Although CD4+ T cells were preferentially depleted, pDCs were maintained but functionally impaired in the BM and spleen of HIV-infected DKO-hu mice. We conclude that HIV-1 can efficiently infect, activate, and impair pDCs in the BM and spleen, in correlation with CD4+ T-cell depletion. The humanized mouse will serve as a relevant model to investigate the development and function of pDCs and their role during HIV-1 pathogenesis in vivo.
Berberine modulates AP-1 activity to suppress HPV transcription and downstream signaling to induce growth arrest and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Mahata Sutapa , Bharti Alok C , Shukla Shirish , Tyagi Abhishek , Husain Syed A , Das Bhudev C 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground-Specific types of high risk Human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) particularly, HPV types 16 and 18 cause cervical cancer and while the two recently developed vaccines against these HPV types are prophylactic in nature, therapeutic options for treatment and management of already existing HPV infection are not available as yet. Because transcription factor, Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) plays a central role in HPV-mediated cervical carcinogenesis, we explored the possibility of its therapeutic targeting by berberine, a natural alkaloid derived from a medicinal plant species,Berberiswhich has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties with no known toxicity; however, the effect of berberine against HPV has not been elucidated.Results-We studied the effect of berberine on HPV16-positive cervical cancer cell line, SiHa and HPV18-positive cervical cancer cell line, HeLa using electrophoretic mobility gel shift assays, western and northern blotting which showed that berberine could selectively inhibit constitutively activated AP-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner and downregulates HPV oncogenes expression. Inhibition of AP-1 was also accompanied by changes in the composition of their DNA-binding complex. Berberine specifically downregulated expression of oncogenic c-Fos which was also absent in the AP-1 binding complex. Treatment with berberine resulted in repression of E6 and E7 levels and concomitant increase in p53 and Rb expression in both cell types. Berberine also suppressed expression of telomerase protein, hTERT, which translated into growth inhibition of cervical cancer cells. Interestingly, a higher concentration of berberine was found to reduce the cell viability through mitochondria-mediated pathway and induce apoptosis by activating caspase-3.Conclusion-These results indicate that berberine can effectively target both the host and viral factors responsible for development of cervical cancer through inhibition of AP-1 and blocking viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 expression. Inhibition of AP-1 activity by berberine may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the anti-HPV effect of berberine. We propose that berberine is a potentially promising compound for the treatment of cervical cancer infected with HPV.
Selective area epitaxy of ultra-high density InGaN quantum dots by diblock copolymer lithography
Authors: Liu Guangyu , Zhao Hongping , Zhang Jing , Park Joo Hyung , Mawst Luke J , Tansu Nelson 
Published: April 2011

AbstractHighly uniform InGaN-based quantum dots (QDs) grown on a nanopatterned dielectric layer defined by self-assembled diblock copolymer were performed by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The cylindrical-shaped nanopatterns were created on SiN
x
layers deposited on a GaN template, which provided the nanopatterning for the epitaxy of ultra-high density QD with uniform size and distribution. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy measurements were conducted to investigate the QDs morphology. The InGaN/GaN QDs with density up to 8 × 1010 cm-2 are realized, which represents ultra-high dot density for highly uniform and well-controlled, nitride-based QDs, with QD diameter of approximately 22-25 nm. The photoluminescence (PL) studies indicated the importance of NH3 annealing and GaN spacer layer growth for improving the PL intensity of the SiN
x
-treated GaN surface, to achieve high optical-quality QDs applicable for photonics devices.
Usefulness of case reports to improve medical knowledge regarding trigemino-cardiac reflex in skull base surgery
Authors: Sandu Nora , Sadr-Eshkevari Pooan , Schaller Bernhard J ,   the Trigemino-Cardiac Reflex Examination Group (TCREG)
Published: April 2011

Abstract
We describe the discovery of the trigemino-cardiac reflex by Schaller in 1999 and the continued improvement of the knowledge about the trigemino-cardiac reflex involved in neurosurgery, especially in skull base surgery, during the past several years. The achieved medical progress could be gained only by the practical experience described by different case reports and later case series that have been published in several principal scientific journals. Additionally, we explain the scientific as well as clinical importance of the communication of the case reports on TCR. Special reference has been given to the validity of the case reports for new phenomena in clinical medicine.
Response to the criticism by Taube et al. in ESE 23:1, 2011, on the booklet "Green Genetic Engineering" published by the German Research Foundation (DFG)
Authors: Broer Inge , Jung Christian , Ordon Frank , Qaim Matin , Reinhold-Hurek Barbara , Sonnewald Uwe , von Tiedemann Andreas 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The authors of the DFG booklet "Green Genetic Engineering" respond to the criticism by Taube et al. in Environmental Sciences Europe 2011, 23:1. The broad criticism on current cropping systems in agriculture is replied to by the notice that the booklet focusses on the role of Green Genetic Engineering as a modern tool in plant breeding and on the potential uses of GMO cultivars. It is pointed out that the risks of GMO crops for the environment or human health which have been put forward in the criticism are not provable. The reproaches of wrong facts being contained in the booklet are particularly addressed and rebutted.
Increased plasma levels of the soluble Mer tyrosine kinase receptor in systemic lupus erythematosus relate to disease activity and nephritis
Authors: Wu Jun , Ekman Carl , Jönsen Andreas , Sturfelt Gunnar , Bengtsson Anders A , Gottsäter Anders , Lindblad Bengt , Lindqvist Elisabet , Saxne Tore , Dahlbäck Björn 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Mer and Tyro3 are receptor tyrosine kinases important for the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Together with Axl, they constitute the TAM receptor family. These receptors can be shed from the cell membrane and their soluble extracellular regions can be found in plasma. The objective of this study was to elucidate whether the plasma levels of soluble Mer (sMer) and Tyro3 (sTyro3) were increased in systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or critical limb ischemia (CLI).

Methods
ELISA kits were used to test plasma concentrations in controls and in patients with SLE, RA or CLI.

Results
Increased levels of, in particular, sMer and, to some extent, sTyro3, were found in patients with SLE or RA, but not in patients with CLI. Patients with SLE demonstrated the highest sMer levels and there was a strong correlation to higher SLE disease activity score (SLEDAI). In contrast, in patients with RA, the sMer levels did not correlate with the disease activity score (DAS). In SLE, sMer levels were particularly high in those with lupus nephritis, patients who also had decreased C1q levels and increased titers of anti-DNA antibodies. After therapy, the plasma concentrations of sMer decreased in parallel to the decrease in SLEDAI score.

Conclusions
The plasma concentrations of sMer and sTyro3 were significantly increased in patients with active SLE and RA, suggesting the TAM receptor shedding was affected by these autoimmune diseases. In particular, sMer was increased in SLE, the plasma levels of sMer reflecting disease activity.
Underexpression of mitochondrial-DNA encoded ATP synthesis-related genes and DNA repair genes in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lee Hooi-Ming , Sugino Hidehiko , Aoki Chieko , Nishimoto Norihiro 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypical autoimmune disease characterized by various systemic symptoms and multiple organ damage. We clarify biological and functional abnormalities in SLE by comparing the gene expression profiles of SLE patients with those of healthy individuals.

Methods
Gene expression profiles from the peripheral blood of 21 SLE patients and 45 healthy individuals were obtained using a DNA microarray. Gene ontology analysis and network pathway analysis were performed on the genes differentially expressed between SLE and healthy individuals.

Results
A total of 2,329 upregulated genes and 1,884 downregulated genes were differentially expressed. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the upregulated genes were classified as response to biotic stimulus genes, which mainly includes genes related to immune response. Abnormalities in other categories such as cell motility and regulation of apoptosis were also revealed. Downregulated genes were mainly sorted into two gene categories, sensory perception and response to radiation/light. The sensory perception genes included ATPase/ATPase domain-containing genes, myosin-related genes, and two excision repair cross-complementing genes, which are involved in DNA repair. Other genes in this group - including three crystallin genes, genes encoding the receptor protein for melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and six mitochondrial-DNA encoded genes, which are involved in ATP synthesis - were also categorized as response to radiation genes. Using network pathway analysis, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta 1, TNF, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α were found to play central roles in the networks of sensory perception-related molecules.

Conclusions
Functional abnormalities in ATP synthesis and DNA repair are implicated in peripheral blood cells from SLE patients.
Relationship between time to target temperature and outcome in patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest
Authors: Haugk Moritz , Testori Christoph , Sterz Fritz , Uranitsch Maximilian , Holzer Michael , Behringer Wilhelm , Herkner Harald ,   the Time to Target Temperature Study Group
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Our purpose was to study whether the time to target temperature correlates with neurologic outcome in patients after cardiac arrest with restoration of spontaneous circulation treated with therapeutic mild hypothermia in an academic emergency department.

Methods
Temperature data between April 1995 and June 2008 were collected from 588 patients and analyzed in a retrospective cohort study by observers blinded to outcome. The time needed to achieve an esophageal temperature of less than 34°C was recorded. Survival and neurological outcomes were determined within six months after cardiac arrest.

Results
The median time from restoration of spontaneous circulation to reaching a temperature of less than 34°C was 209 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 130-302) in patients with favorable neurological outcomes compared to 158 min (IQR: 101-230) (P < 0.01) in patients with unfavorable neurological outcomes. The adjusted odds ratio for a favorable neurological outcome with a longer time to target temperature was 1.86 (95% CI 1.03 to 3.38, P = 0.04).

Conclusions
In comatose cardiac arrest patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia after return of spontaneous circulation, a faster decline in body temperature to the 34°C target appears to predict an unfavorable neurologic outcome.
Combinatorial effect of maytansinol and radiation inDrosophilaand human cancer cells
Authors: Edwards Anthony , Gladstone Mara , Yoon Petros , Raben David , Frederick Barbara , Su Tin Tin 
Published: April 2011

SUMMARYCombination therapy, in which two or more agents are applied, is more effective than single therapies for combating cancer. For this reason, combinations of chemotherapy with radiation are being explored in clinical trials, albeit with an empirical approach. We developed a screen to identify, from the onset, molecules that act in vivo in conjunction with radiation, using Drosophila as a model. Screens through two small molecule libraries from the NCI Developmental Therapeutics Program yielded microtubule poisons; this class of agents is known to enhance the effect of radiation in mammalian cancer models. Here we report an analysis of one microtubule depolymerizing agent, maytansinol isobutyrate (NSC292222; maytansinol), in Drosophila and in human cancer cells. We find that the effect of maytansinol is p53 dependent in Drosophila cells and human cancer cells, that maytansinol enhances the effect of radiation in both systems, and that the combinatorial effect of drug and radiation is additive. We also uncover a differential sensitivity to maytansinol between Drosophila cells and Drosophila larvae, which illustrates the value of studying cell behavior in the context of a whole organism. On the basis of these results, we propose that Drosophila might be a useful model for unbiased screens through new molecule libraries to find cancer drugs for combination therapy.
Vanadium-catalyzed Atmospheric Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols Using Water as Solvent
Authors: Kodama Shintaro , Hashidate Suguru , Nomoto Akihiro , Yano Shigenobu , Ueshima Michio , Ogawa Akiya 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
A vanadium complex combined with 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridyl as a ligand exhibited excellent catalytic activity in atmospheric oxidation of benzhydrols using water as solvent to afford benzophenones in good yields.
Multi-shaped Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized Using an Amino-terminated Poly(ethylene oxide)–Poly(propylene oxide) Block Copolymer in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Sakai Toshio , Ishigaki Mai , Okada Tomohiko , Mishima Shozi 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Multi-shaped gold nanoparticles such as mushroom-like particles, dendritic particles, starlike particles, elongated particles, and spherical particles were synthesized through the reduction of tetrachloroaurate(III) ions ([AuCl4]−) by an amino-terminated poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide) block copolymer (SURFONAMINE L-207; CH3[OCH2CH2]33[OCH2CH(CH3)]10NH2) in aqueous solutions.
Evidence of CO2 Chemisorption at High Temperature in Lithium Gallate (Li5GaO4)
Authors: Ávalos-Rendón Tatiana , Pfeiffer Heriberto 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Li5GaO4 was tested as a possible CO2 captor. Li5GaO4 was synthesized by solid-state reaction, structurally characterized, and then thermally treated under a CO2 flow, from 30 to 900 °C, having the highest CO2 chemisorption at around 709 °C. The results clearly showed that Li5GaO4 is able to trap CO2 chemically in two different steps. The CO2 quantity trapped was equal to 8.9 mmol g−1, which is considerably high in comparison to other ceramics.
Ionic Liquid-accelerated Allylation of Carbonyl Compounds with a Catalytic Amount of Indium Generated from In Situ Reduction of InCl3 with Aluminum
Authors: Hirashita Tsunehisa , Sato Yuki , Yamada Dai , Takahashi Fusako , Araki Shuki 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
In ionic liquids allylation of carbonyl compounds with a catalytic amount of indium(III) trichloride proceeds smoothly to give the corresponding homoallylic alcohol in the presence of aluminium. The corresponding dimeric ethers are also formed.
A Novel Peptide Array Using a Phage Display System for Protein Detection
Authors: Sawada Toshiki , Ishiguro Kojiro , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Mihara Hisakazu 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
A novel peptide array for the protein detection system is described, based on a phage display system. The binding strength and specificity of the antibodies against immobilized phage-displayed peptides were the same as against freed peptides. Therefore, phage-displayed peptides can be used for ligands of a protein-detecting peptide array.
Probable Interaction Between Warfarin and Rifaximin in a Patient Treated for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
Authors: Hoffman Justin Thomas , Hartig Christine , Sonbol Eyman , Lang Megan 
Published: April 2011

Objective: To report a case in which the anticoagulant effects of warfarin were attenuated during concomitant administration of rifaximin, possibly through induction of CYP3A4 following increased absorption of rifaximin in a patient with small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Case Summary: A 49-year-old African American female had received effective anticoagulant therapy for 5 months with a target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.0-3.5 on a warfarin regimen of 7.5 mg daily. Five days following initiation of rifaximin 400 mg 3 times daily to treat SIBO, her INR had fallen to 1.2 and remained suppressed throughout the duration of her rifaximin regimen despite incremental warfarin dosage increases (highest dose, 15 mg/day for 2 days, followed by 11.25 mg/day). Twelve days after completion of the rifaximin treatment course, the INR was supratherapeutic at 4.2, requiring titration to her baseline warfarin dosage to achieve an INR within the target range. Similar results were obtained following rechallenge with rifaximin. Discussion: Rifaximin has been shown in vitro to induce the CYP3A4 enzyme for which the R-isomer of warfarin is a known substrate. The lack of in vivo CYP3A4 induction with rifaximin in other patient populations has repeatedly been attributed to its minimal oral bioavailability, while a recent study found that patients with SIBO had a clinically significant increase in intestinal permeability. In this patient population it is plausible that rifaximin bioavailability increases enough to induce CYP3A4, leading to clinically significant reductions in the bioavailability of CYP3A4 substrates, including R-warfarin. An objective causality assessment of this case revealed that a warfarin-rifaximin interaction was probable. No other drug dosages were altered during the timeframe in question, and the patient had an impeccable medication adherence history; we therefore ruled out these potential etiologies. Conclusions: To our knowledge, an interaction between warfarin and rifaximin has not been previously reported. While further research needs to be conducted to confirm these results, practitioners should be aware of this possibility because of the increasing use of rifaximin as a first-line choice in the treatment of SIBO.
Epigenetherapy, a new concept
Authors: Husso Tiia , Turunen Mikko P. , Parker Nigel , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo 
Published: April 2011

AbstractSmall RNAs have been shown to regulate gene transcription by interacting with the promoter region and modifying the histone code. The exact mechanism of function is still unclear but the feasibility to activate or repress endogenous gene expression with small RNA molecules has already been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. In traditional gene therapy non-mutated or otherwise useful genes are inserted into patient's cells to treat a disease. In epigenetherapy the action of small RNAs is utilized by delivering only the small RNAs to patient's cells where they then regulate gene expression by epigenetic mechanisms. This method could be widely useful not only for basic research but also for clinical applications of small RNAs.
Molecular diagnostics for pharmacogenomic testing of fluoropyrimidine based-therapy: costs, methods and applications
Authors: Di Francia Raffaele , Berretta Massimiliano , Catapano Oriana , Canzoniero Lorella M.T. , Formisano Luigi 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Genetic testing of drug response represents an important goal for targeted therapy. In particular, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the backbone of several chemotherapic protocols for treatment of solid tumors. Unfortunately, in some patients, 5-FU is toxic and causes gastrointestinal and hematologic lesions leading to the suspension of therapy. Some adverse drug responses can be predicted by pharmacogenomics. Recently, several polymorphic traits of different genes involved with 5-FU biotransformation have been reported. Many methods have been used for qualitative and quantitative assessment of the mutational status of these genes, without a precise cost-effectiveness analysis. This article reviews recent findings on the seven germline polymorphic traits of four genes involved in the biotransformation of the 5-FU. In particular, we analyze the most common platforms used to identify the specific genetic alterations and their relative costs. Genotyping can be performed either by custom service laboratories or academic reference laboratories by using either the commercial kits (when available) or “in house” tests. By random selection of 20 certified laboratories out of a total of 71, we estimate that the cost of the analysis/single trait is on average €120.00 as custom genotyping service. “In house” validated tests by PCR-based platforms cost approximately €20.00 per single polimorphism. On the basis of this information, the lab manager can evaluate the advantage and limitations, in terms of costs and applicability, of the most appropriate methods for diagnostics of 5-FU pharmacogenomics tests.