bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis in medfly hemocytes is regulated during pupariation through FAK, Src, ERK, PI‐3K p85a, and Akt survival signaling
Authors: Mamali Irene , Tatari Marianthi N. , Micheva Ilina , Lampropoulou Maria , Marmaras Vassilis J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractFocal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its downstream signaling targets are implicated in the process of apoptosis induced by external stimuli, in several mammalian systems. In this report, we demonstrate, that medfly (Ceratitis capitata) hemocytes do undergo apoptosis during larval development. In particular, we show using Western blot, ELISA and flow cytometry analysis, that FAK expression silencing in transfected by FAK double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) hemocytes, enhances twofold hemocyte apoptosis, by signaling through Src, MEK/ERK, and PI‐3K/Akt signaling pathways. FAK expression silencing, in response to FAK dsRNA treatment, blocks partially the phosphorylation of its downstream targets. Pre‐incubation of hemocytes, with specific inhibitors of FAK downstream signaling molecules, demonstrated that all these inhibitors reduced hemocyte viability and enhanced the magnitude of apoptosis about threefold. This data suggest that these pathways contribute to hemocyte survival and/or death during development. The expression and phosphorylation of FAK, Src, PI‐3K p85a, Akt, and ERK signaling molecules appear to be dependent upon developmental stages. The expression and phosphorylation of the above signaling molecules, in annexin‐positive and annexin‐negative hemocytes is also distinct. The maximum expression and phosphorylation of FAK, Src, PI‐3K p85a, Akt, and ERK appeared in annexin‐positive hemocytes, in both early and late apoptotic hemocytes. The novel aspect of this report is based on the fact that hemocytes attempt to suppress apoptosis, by increasing the expression/phosphorylation of FAK and, hence its downstream targets signaling molecules Src, ERK, PI‐3K p85a, and Akt. Evidently, the basic survival pathways among insects and mammals appear to remain unchanged, during evolution. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 331–347, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Site‐specific proteolysis of cyclooxygenase‐2: A putative step in inflammatory prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis
Authors: Mancini Arturo , Jovanovic Dragan V. , He Qing W. , Di Battista John A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractCyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) catalyzes the rate‐limiting step in inflammatory prostanoid biosynthesis. Transcriptional, post‐transcriptional, and post‐translational covalent modifications have been defined as important levels of regulation for COX‐2 gene expression. Here, we describe a novel regulatory mechanism in primary human cells involving regulated, sequence‐specific proteolysis of COX‐2 that correlates with its catalytic activity and ultimately, the biosynthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Proinflammatory cytokines induced COX‐2 expression and its proteolysis into stable immunoreactive fragments of 66, 42–44, 34–36, and 28 kDa. Increased COX‐2 activity (PGE2 release) was observed coincident with the timing and degree of COX‐2 proteolysis with correlation analysis confirming a linear relationship (R2 = 0.941). Inhibition of induced COX‐2 activity with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and COX‐2 selective inhibitors also abrogated cleavage. To determine if NSAID inhibition of proteolysis was related to drug‐binding‐induced conformational changes in COX‐2, we assayed COX‐inactive NSAID derivatives that fail to bind COX‐2. Interestingly, these compounds suppressed COX‐2 activity and cleavage in a correlated manner, thus suggesting that the observed NSAID‐induced inhibition of COX‐2 cleavage occurred through COX‐independent mechanisms, presumably through the inhibition of proteases involved in COX‐2 processing. Corroborating this observation, COX‐2 cleavage and activity were mutually suppressed by calpain/cathepsin protease inhibitors. Our data suggest that the nascent intracellular form of COX‐2 may undergo limited proteolysis to attain full catalytic capacity. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 425–441, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐dimensional investigation and scoring of extracellular matrix remodeling during lung fibrosis using multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Pena Ana‐Maria , Fabre Aurélie , Débarre Delphine , Marchal‐Somme Joëlle , Crestani Bruno , Martin Jean‐Louis , Beaurepaire Emmanuel , Schanne‐Klein Marie‐Claire 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe organization of collagen during fibrotic processes is poorly characterized because of the lack of appropriate methodologies. Here we show that multimodal multiphoton microscopy provides novel insights into lung fibrosis. We characterize normal and fibrotic pulmonary tissue in the bleomycin model, and show that second‐harmonic generation by fibrillar collagen reveals the micrometer‐scale three‐dimensional spatial distribution of the fibrosis. We find that combined two‐photon excited fluorescence and second‐harmonic imaging of unstained lung tissue allows separating the inflammatory and fibrotic steps in this pathology, underlining characteristic features of fibroblastic foci in human Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis samples. Finally, we propose phenomenological scores of lung fibrosis and we show that they unambiguously sort out control and treated mice, with a better sensitivity and reproducibility in the subpleural region. These results should be readily generalized to other organs, as an accurate method to assess extracellular matrix remodeling during fibrosis. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Six‐color segmentation of multicolor images in the infection studies of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Ma Bin , He Feng , Jablonska Jadwiga , Winkelbach Simon , Lindenmaier Werner , Zeng An‐Ping , Dittmar Kurt E.J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractMultiple immunofluorescent staining is a powerful strategy for visualizing the spatial and temporal relationship between antigens, cell populations, and tissue components in histological sections. To segment different cell populations from the multicolor image generated by immunostaining based on color addition theory, a systems approach is proposed for automatic segmentation of six colors. After image acquisition and processing, images are automatically segmented with the proposed approach and six‐pseudo channels for individual or colocalized fluorescent dye are generated to distinguish different cell types. The principle of this approach is the classification of each pixel into one of six colors (red, green, blue, yellow, magenta, and cyan) by choosing the minimal angular deviation between the RGB vector of the given pixel and six classically defined edge vectors. In the present infection studies of Listeria monocytogenes, the new multicolor staining methods based on the color addition were applied and the proposed color segmentation was performed for multicolor analysis. Multicolor analysis was accomplished to study the migration and interaction of Listeria and different cell subpopulations such as CD4CD25 double positive T regulatory cells; we also visualized simultaneously the B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and Listeria in another experiment. After Listeria infection, ERTR9 macrophages and dendritic cells formed cluster with Listeria in the infection loci. The principle of color addition and the systems approach for segmentation may be widely applicable in infection and immunity studies requiring multicolor imaging and analysis. This approach can also be applied for image analysis in the multicolor in vivo imaging, multicolor FISH or karyotyping or other studies requiring multicolor analysis. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alternative care giving in the context of Aids in southern Africa: complex strategies for care
Authors: van Blerk Lorraine , Ansell Nicola 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis paper examines the various mechanisms by which alternative care giving occurs in the context of the AIDS pandemic in southern Africa. High infection rates and the clustering of illness and death among families and communities, has resulted in large numbers of orphans coupled with an extended family support system which is already over‐burdened and in some cases disintegrating. Drawing on a series of case studies from qualitative research carried out with young people, aged between 10 and 17 years, and their guardians in urban and rural communities in Malawi and Lesotho, the changing nature and increasing complexity of family, household and community relationships around care giving are discussed. The concept of inter‐generational contracts as a mechanism through which extended families operate is used to explore the diverse arrangements for the care of young people, and their increased involvement as carers for family and surrogate family members. The paper identifies three ways in which contracts are changing in relation to orphan care. For many there is a reduction in the time frame within which contracts take place, the contracts have become more explicit and there is an emerging inequality in the provision of resources related both to the stigmatisation of orphans and the greater impoverishment of care givers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping the grassroots: NGO formalisation in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Moore Sarah , Winders Jamie , Fröhling Oliver , Jones John Paul , Roberts Susan M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractUsing data compiled from two surveys of non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, we analysed regional variations in the degree of ‘formalisation’ among NGOs operating in the state. Formalisation is shown to vary from regions with a weak grassroots sector but a top‐heavy concentration of activities undertaken by more formalised NGOs, to those with a strong grassroots base but a smaller number of more formalised organisations. These structures do not appear to correlate with either levels of poverty or proportion of indigenous population, but instead with unique geo‐historical conditions in each region. We conclude by reflecting on the broader implications of these structures, particularly in the context of neoliberal state policies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing new‐style currency crises: the swan diagram approach revisited
Authors: Rajan Ramkishen S. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe new‐style currency crises that have afflicted a number of developing and emerging economies of late are characterised by sudden stops in capital inflows and adverse balance sheet effects. Given the potential high costs of these crises, there remains an ongoing debate on how they might best be managed when they do arise. This paper argues that the age‐old Swan diagram, appropriately modified, is able to provide useful insights into how a country might manage a new‐style crisis via a combination of adjustment (which involves expenditure switching and reducing polices) and financing. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing interventions to improve child nutrition: a theory‐based impact evaluation of the Bangladesh Integrated Nutrition Project
Authors: White Howard , Masset Edoardo 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe Community‐Based Nutrition Component of the Bangladesh Integrated Nutrition Project sought to improve nutritional status through nutritional counselling and supplementary feeding for malnourished children and pregnant women. This paper presents a theory‐based impact evaluation of this programme. Both counselling and feeding suffered from problems of inappropriate targeting strategies and a failure to reach intended groups. While counselling has changed women's knowledge it has had less of an impact on behaviour. There is a knowledge‐practice gap, which is explained by resource constraints faced by women, including lack of time, which prevent them from putting the advice into practice. The impact of the project on anthropometric outcomes of infants, children and mothers has not been large. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why have the members gone? Explanations for dropout from a community‐based insurance scheme
Authors: Sinha Tara , Ranson M. Kent , Patel Falguni , Mills Anne 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA common challenge faced by voluntary community based insurance (CBI) schemes is ensuring re‐enrolment of their members. This study examines factors that may explain dropout from a CBI scheme targeting poorer self‐employed women in Gujarat. Members who exited from the scheme were poorer and less educated; had weaker links with the promoting institution; and used the scheme less in the preceding year. The primary reason for dropping out was that members were not contacted by programme staff to re‐enrol. Scheme administrators can reduce dropout rates by maintaining better contact with scheme members and systematically seeking them out at the time of enrolment. Such relatively simple improvements in scheme administration can enhance the efficiency and equity of the scheme. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study by liquid secondary ion and electrospray mass spectrometry of synthesized and formed‐in‐source metallocorroles
Authors: Barata J. F. B. , Barros C. M. , Santana‐Marques M. G. O. , Neves M. G. P. M. S. , Faustino M. A. F. , Tomé A. C. , Ferrer Correia A. J. , Cavaleiro J. A. S. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractLiquid secondary ion and electrospray mass spectrometry were used to study the complexation in‐source of 5,10,15‐tris(pentafluorophenyl)corrole with several divalent transition‐metal ions. The metallocorrole ions formed in‐source were identified by comparing their product ion mass spectra with the spectra of the same ions formed from metallocorroles obtained from classical procedures. Positive metallocorrole ion formation is accompanied by oxidation of the metal centre. Mechanisms were proposed for the oxidation processes, and data from negative‐ion spectra reinforced these mechanisms. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Apoptosis‐associated gene expression in HIV‐infected patients in response to successful antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Balestrieri Emanuela , Grelli Sandro , Matteucci Claudia , Minutolo Antonella , d'Ettorre Gabriella , Di Sora Fiorella , Montella Francesco , Vullo Vincenzo , Vella Stefano , Favalli Cartesio , Macchi Beatrice , Mastino Antonio 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe simultaneous expression of 19 apoptosis‐related genes was analyzed by RNA‐protection assay in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HIV‐infected patients before and during successful antiretroviral therapy (ART). After 12 months of therapy, the expression of the pro‐apoptotic genes FAS, FAS‐L, FAF‐1, FADD, CASPASE‐8, DR3, TRAIL, TNFR‐1, TRADD, and BAX was significantly downregulated with respect to time 0, while that of BCL‐2, BCL‐XL, and MCL‐1 was significantly upregulated. The data suggest that inhibition of cell death in HIV‐positive patients under successful therapy is the result of a complex network of multifactor signaling, correlated with both death and survival of lymphocytes. J. Med. Virol. 79:111–117, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy and safety of tenofovir double‐dose in treatment‐experienced HIV‐infected patients: The tenoplus study
Authors: Dominguez Stephanie , Ghosn Jade , Peytavin Gilles , Izzedine Hassan , Wirden Marc , Ktorza Nadine , Miller Michael , Aubron‐Olivier Camille , Trylesinski Aldo , Calvez Vincent , Deray Gilbert , Katlama Christine 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDrug resistance is an increasing problem in the treatment of HIV infection. Tenofovir has been shown to inhibit HIV replication even with thymidine‐associated resistance mutations (TAMs) if they are limited to two or less. Double‐dose of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) (600 mg QD) was used to determine weather the drug could be virologically effective in patients harbouring HIV‐strains resistant to nucleoside analogues (NRTI). A pilot, open, non‐comparative add‐on study, where patients failing a current antiretroviral regimen, with at least two TAMs, and naive for tenofovir, were given tenofovir 600 mg once‐daily for 4 weeks, in addition to their current failing antiretroviral regimen. The primary end‐point was the percentage of patients with plasma viral load (VL) reduction of at least 0.8 log10 between baseline and week 4 (W4). Ten patients were enrolled. At baseline, the median viral load was 3.66 log10 copies/ml (range 3.13–4.03) and the median CD4 cell count was 407/mm3 (range 136–1102). The percentage of patients with reduction the viral load ≥0.8 log10 was 40% at W4. After 4 weeks of treatment with tenofovir 600 mg, the median decrease in the viral load was −0.61 log10 (range −0.05; −0.88) and the median gain of CD4 was +109/mm3. Despite a twofold increase tenofovir plasma concentrations, no serious drug‐related adverse event were recorded except for one patient experiencing an de Fanconi syndrome at week 2. This add‐on pilot study supports the concept of double dose tenofovir to virologically overcome the decreased sensitivity of NRTI‐resistant viruses. However, the safety of this regimen needs to be considered carefully. J. Med. Virol. 79:105–110, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis‐B infection amongst Taiwanese university students 18 years following the commencement of a national Hepatitis‐B vaccination program
Authors: Su Fu‐Hsiung , Chen Jong‐Dar , Cheng Shu‐Hsing , Lin Ching‐Hung , Liu Yi‐Hui , Chu Fang‐Yeh 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIn Taiwan, the nation‐wide Hepatitis‐B virus (HB) vaccination program was first launched in July 1984 and was directed to those infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier mothers in Taiwan. From July 1986 onwards, all infants born in Taiwan were immunized against HB. This study examined the HB‐infection status amongst students at a Taiwanese university 18 years subsequent to the implementation of universal HB vaccination. A total of 1,969 new university entrants in 2005 were grouped into 1 of 3 distinct birth cohorts according to their HB‐vaccination schedule (cohort‐1 students born prior to July 1, 1984; cohort‐3 students born subsequent to June 30, 1986) and were examined for their serum HBsAg, antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs), and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) status. Immunity arising from vaccination was defined as an anti‐HBs level 10 mIU/ml. We observed a trend toward a decreasing anti‐HBc‐positive rate and a decreasing HBsAg carrier rate from, respectively, 26.5 and 8.7% for cohort‐1 to 4.7 and 1.7% for cohort‐3 students. The prevalence of students featuring seronegativity for all three HB markers increased from 12.3% for cohort‐1 to 48.8% for cohort‐3 individuals. Amongst the 1,695 subjects revealing seronegativity for HBsAg and anti‐HBc, their anti‐HBs level was analyzed according to their birth year. The prevalence of students featuring a non‐protective anti‐HBs level increased from 11.9% for birth‐year 1984 individuals to 48.2% for birth‐year 1987 students. The introduction of HB vaccine has effectively reduced the transmission of HBV infection in Taiwan, 18 years subsequent to the commencement of the universal HB‐vaccination program. A “waning‐off” effect of anti‐HBs seropositivity acquired from the HB vaccination program has also been observed. J. Med. Virol. 79:138–143, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel, sensitive, and specific RT‐PCR technique for quantitation of hepatitis C virus replication
Authors: Carrière Matthieu , Pène Véronique , Breiman Adrien , Conti Filoména , Chouzenoux Sandrine , Meurs Eliane , Andrieu Muriel , Jaffray Patrick , Grira Lilia , Soubrane Olivier , Sogni Philippe , Calmus Yvon , Chaussade Stanislas , Rosenberg Arielle R. , Podevin Philippe 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe detection of negative‐strand hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is a hallmark of replication. A highly sensitive and specific method is required to quantify the very low level of replication inherent to in vitro infection systems. Based on reverse transcription with a tagged primer in the 5′ non‐coding region of the HCV genome, followed by a nested PCR with a second round of real‐time PCR, a novel method is described with improved sensitivity for negative‐strand HCV RNA quantification. The lower detection level was 25 copies per reaction of negative‐strand HCV RNA, even in the presence of 1 × 105 copies of positive‐strand HCV RNA. This protocol was applied to the detection of negative HCV strand RNA in the liver of HCV‐infected patients as well as in primary human hepatocytes infected in vitro. In both models, and particularly in each of three, independent in vitro infection experiments, this assay permitted the quantitation of HCV replication. J. Med. Virol. 79:155–160, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human herpesvirus 8 and human herpesvirus 2 infections in prison population
Authors: Sarmati L. , Babudieri S. , Longo B. , Starnini G. , Carbonara S. , Monarca R. , Buonomini A.R. , Dori L. , Rezza G. , Andreoni M. ,   Gruppo di Lavoro Infettivologi Penitenziari (GLIP)
Published: December 2006

AbstractIncarcerated persons have high rates of infectious diseases. Few data on the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in prisoners are available. This multi‐center cross‐sectional study enrolled 973 inmates from eight Italian prisons. Demographic and behavioral data were collected using an anonymous standardized questionnaire and antibodies to HIV, HCV, HBV, HSV‐2, and HHV‐8 were detected in a blood sample obtained from each person at the time of the enrollment in the study. Two hundred and two out of the 973 subjects (20.7%) had antibodies against HHV‐8. HHV‐8‐seropositive subjects were more likely to be older than 30 years with a higher educational level. HHV‐8 infection was associated significantly with HBV (P < 0.001) and HSV‐2 (P = 0.004) seropositivity and with previous imprisonments. Multivariate analysis showed that HHV‐8 infection in Italian inmates was associated with HBV (P < 0.001) and HSV‐2 (P = 0.002) seropositivity otherwise among foreigners inmates HHV‐8 was significantly associated with HBV infection (P = 0.05). One hundred and eighty‐six (21.2%) prisoners had anti‐HSV‐2 antibodies. At multivariate analysis HSV‐2‐positivity was significantly associated with HIV (P < 0.001) and HHV‐8 infections (P = 0.003), whereas it was inversely associated with HCV infection (0.004). A relatively high seroprevalence of HHV‐8 and HSV‐2 among Italian prison inmates was found. The association of HHV‐8 and HSV‐2 infections suggest sexual transmission of these viruses among Italian prison inmates. J. Med. Virol. 79:167–173, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.