bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low SCL/TAL1 expression reveals its major role in adult hematopoietic myeloid progenitors and stem cells
Authors: de la Grange Philippe Brunet , Armstrong Florence , Duval Veronique , Rouyez Marie-Christine , Goardon Nicolas , Romeo Paul-Henri , Pflumio Françoise 
Published: July 2006

AbstractStem cell leukemia/T cell acute leukemia 1 (SCL/TAL1) plays a key role in the development of murine primitive hematopoiesis but its functions in adult definitive hematopoiesis are still unclear. Using lentiviral delivery of TAL1-directed shRNA in human hematopoietic cells, we show that decreased expression of TAL1 induced major disorders at different levels of adult hematopoietic cell development. Erythroid and myeloid cell production in cultures was dramatically decreased in TAL1-directed shRNA-expressing cells, whereas lymphoid B-cell development was normal. These results confirm the role of TAL1 in the erythroid compartment and show TLA1's implication in the function of myeloid committed progenitors. Moreover, long-term cultures and transplantation of TAL1-directed shRNA-expressing CD34+ cells into irradiated nonobese diabetic–severe combined immunodeficient (NOD-SCID) mice led to dramatically low levels of human cells of all lineages including the B-lymphoid lineage, strongly suggesting that TAL1 has a role in the early commitment of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in humans. Cultures and transplantation experiments performed with mouse Sca1+ cells gave identical results. Altogether, these observations definitively show that TAL1 participates in the regulation of hematopoiesis from HSCs to myeloid progenitors, and pinpoint TAL1 as a master protein of human and murine adult hematopoiesis.
FcRn: an IgG receptor on phagocytes with a novel role in phagocytosis
Authors: Vidarsson Gestur , Stemerding Annette M. , Stapleton Nigel M. , Spliethoff Suzanne E. , Janssen Hans , Rebers Frank E. , de Haas Masja , van de Winkel Jan G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractHere, we report that the MHC class I-related neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is expressed within azurophilic and specific granules of neutrophils and relocates to phagolysosomes on phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized bacteria. We found FcRn to enhance phagocytosis in a pH-dependent manner which was independent of IgG recycling. IgG-opsonized bacteria were inefficiently phagocytosed by neutrophils from β2M knock-out or FcRn α-chain knock-out mice, which both lack expression of FcRn. Similarly, low phagocytic activity was also observed with mutated IgG (H435A), which is incapable of binding to FcRn, while retaining normal binding to classical leukocyte Fcγ receptors. Finally, a TAT peptide representing intracellular endocytosis and transport motifs within FcRn strongly inhibited IgG-mediated phagocytosis. These findings support a novel concept in which FcRn fulfills a major role in IgG-mediated phagocytosis.
Impaired neutrophil chemotaxis in sepsis associates with GRK expression and inhibition of actin assembly and tyrosine phosphorylation
Authors: Arraes Sandra Mara A. , Freitas Marta S. , da Silva Simone V. , de Paula Neto Heitor A. , Alves-Filho Jose Carlos , Martins Maria Auxiliadora , Basile-Filho Anibal , Tavares-Murta Beatriz M. , Barja-Fidalgo Christina , Cunha Fernando Q. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe deregulation of inflammatory response during sepsis seems to reflect the overproduction of mediators, which suppress leukocyte functions. We investigated the intracellular mechanisms underlying the inability of neutrophils from severe septic patients to migrate toward chemoattractants. Patients with sepsis (52) and 15 volunteers were prospectively enrolled. Patients presented increased circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)–8, and IL-10. Patients showed reduced neutrophil chemotaxis to formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), leukotriene B4 (LTB4) or IL-8. No difference in the transcription or expression of the IL-8 receptor, CXCR1, was detected in neutrophils from controls and patients. However, septic neutrophils failed to increase tyrosine phosphorylation and actin polymerization in response to IL-8 or LTB4. In contrast, septic neutrophils, similar to controls, showed phagocytic activity that induced actin polymerization and augmented phosphotyrosine content. Treatment of control neutrophils with cytokines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic endogenous septic environment inhibited actin polymerization and tyrosine phosphorylation in response to IL-8 or LTB4. High expression of G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and GRK5 was detected in septic neutrophils and control cells treated with cytokines plus LPS. Data suggest that endogenous mediators produced during sepsis might continually activate circulating neutrophils, leading to GRK activation, which may induce neutrophil desensitization to chemoattractants.
HEX expression and localization in normal mammary gland and breast carcinoma
Authors: Puppin Cinzia , Puglisi Fabio , Pellizzari Lucia , Manfioletti Guidalberto , Pestrin Marta , Pandolfi Maura , Piga Andrea , Di Loreto Carla , Damante Giuseppe 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
The homeobox gene HEX is expressed in several cell types during different phases of animal development. It encodes for a protein localized in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. During early mouse development, HEX is expressed in the primitive endoderm of blastocyst. Later, HEX is expressed in developing thyroid, liver, lung, as well as in haematopoietic progenitors and endothelial cells. Absence of nuclear expression has been observed during neoplastic transformation of the thyroid follicular cells. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the localization and the function of the protein HEX in normal and tumoral breast tissues and in breast cancer cell lines.

Methods
HEX expression and nuclear localization were investigated by immunohistochemistry in normal and cancerous breast tissue, as well as in breast cancer cell lines. HEX mRNA levels were evaluated by real-time PCR. Effects of HEX expression on Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS) gene promoter activity was investigated by HeLa cell transfection.

Results
In normal breast HEX was detected both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. In both ductal and lobular breast carcinomas, a great reduction of nuclear HEX was observed. In several cells from normal breast tissue as well as in MCF-7 and T47D cell line, HEX was observed in the nucleolus. MCF-7 treatment with all-trans retinoic acid enhanced HEX expression and induced a diffuse nuclear localization. Enhanced HEX expression and diffuse nuclear localization were also obtained when MCF-7 cells were treated with inhibitors of histone deacetylases such as sodium butyrate and trichostatin A. With respect to normal non-lactating breast, the amount of nuclear HEX was greatly increased in lactating tissue. Transfection experiments demonstrated that HEX is able to up-regulate the activity of NIS promoter.

Conclusion
Our data indicate that localization of HEX is regulated in epithelial breast cells. Since modification of localization occurs during lactation and tumorigenesis, we suggest that HEX may play a role in differentiation of the epithelial breast cell.
NERVE: New Enhanced Reverse Vaccinology Environment
Authors: Vivona Sandro , Bernante Filippo , Filippini Francesco 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
Since a milestone work on Neisseria meningitidis B, Reverse Vaccinology has strongly enhanced the identification of vaccine candidates by replacing several experimental tasks using in silico prediction steps. These steps have allowed scientists to face the selection of antigens from the predicted proteome of pathogens, for which cell culture is difficult or impossible, saving time and money. However, this good example of bioinformatics-driven immunology can be further developed by improving in silico steps and implementing biologist-friendly tools.

Results
We introduce NERVE (New Enhanced Reverse Vaccinology Environment), an user-friendly software environment for the in silico identification of the best vaccine candidates from whole proteomes of bacterial pathogens. The software integrates multiple robust and well-known algorithms for protein analysis and comparison. Vaccine candidates are ranked and presented in a html table showing relevant information and links to corresponding primary data. Information concerning all proteins of the analyzed proteome is not deleted along selection steps but rather flows into an SQL database for further mining and analyses.

Conclusion
After learning from recent years' works in this field and analysing a large dataset, NERVE has been implemented and tuned as the first available tool able to rank a restricted pool (~8–9% of the whole proteome) of vaccine candidates and to show high recall (~75–80%) of known protective antigens. These vaccine candidates are required to be "safe" (taking into account autoimmunity risk) and "easy" for further experimental, high-throughput screening (avoiding possibly not soluble antigens). NERVE is expected to help save time and money in vaccine design and is available as an additional file with this manuscript; updated versions will be available at http://www.bio.unipd.it/molbinfo.
Methylation mediated silencing of TMS1/ASC gene in prostate cancer
Authors: Das Partha M , Ramachandran Kavitha , VanWert Jane , Ferdinand Larry , Gopisetty Gopal , Reis Isildinha M , Singal Rakesh 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
Transcriptional silencing associated with aberrant promoter methylation has been established as an alternate pathway for the development of cancer by inactivating tumor suppressor genes. TMS1 (Target of Methylation induced Silencing), also known as ASC (Apoptosis Speck like protein containing a CARD) is a tumor suppressor gene which encodes for a CARD (caspase recruitment domain) containing regulatory protein and has been shown to promote apoptosis directly and by activation of downstream caspases. This study describes the methylation induced silencing of TMS1/ASC gene in prostate cancer cell lines. We also examined the prevalence of TMS1/ASC gene methylation in prostate cancer tissue samples in an effort to correlate race and clinico-pathological features with TMS1/ASC gene methylation.

Results
Loss of TMS1/ASC gene expression associated with complete methylation of the promoter region was observed in LNCaP cells. Gene expression was restored by a demethylating agent, 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine, but not by a histone deacetylase inhibitor, Trichostatin A. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed enrichment of MBD3 (methyl binding domain protein 3) to a higher degree than commonly associated MBDs and MeCP2. We evaluated the methylation pattern in 66 prostate cancer and 34 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue samples. TMS1/ASC gene methylation was more prevalent in prostate cancer cases than controls in White patients (OR 7.6, p 0.002) while no difference between the cases and controls was seen in Black patients (OR 1.1, p 0.91).

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that methylation-mediated silencing of TMS1/ASC is a frequent event in prostate cancer, thus identifying a new potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for the treatment of the disease. Racial differences in TMS1/ASC methylation patterns implicate the probable role of molecular markers in determining in susceptibility to prostate cancer in different ethnic groups.
Parameter estimation in biochemical systems models with alternating regression
Authors: Chou I-Chun , Martens Harald , Voit Eberhard O 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
The estimation of parameter values continues to be the bottleneck of the computational analysis of biological systems. It is therefore necessary to develop improved methods that are effective, fast, and scalable.

Results
We show here that alternating regression (AR), applied to S-system models and combined with methods for decoupling systems of differential equations, provides a fast new tool for identifying parameter values from time series data. The key feature of AR is that it dissects the nonlinear inverse problem of estimating parameter values into iterative steps of linear regression. We show with several artificial examples that the method works well in many cases. In cases of no convergence, it is feasible to dedicate some computational effort to identifying suitable start values and search settings, because the method is fast in comparison to conventional methods that the search for suitable initial values is easily recouped. Because parameter estimation and the identification of system structure are closely related in S-system modeling, the AR method is beneficial for the latter as well. Specifically, we show with an example from the literature that AR is three to five orders of magnitudes faster than direct structure identifications in systems of nonlinear differential equations.

Conclusion
Alternating regression provides a strategy for the estimation of parameter values and the identification of structure and regulation in S-systems that is genuinely different from all existing methods. Alternating regression is usually very fast, but its convergence patterns are complex and will require further investigation. In cases where convergence is an issue, the enormous speed of the method renders it feasible to select several initial guesses and search settings as an effective countermeasure.
Arbidol: a broad-spectrum antiviral that inhibits acute and chronic HCV infection
Authors: Boriskin Yury S , Pécheur Eve-Isabelle , Polyak Stephen J 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Arbidol (ARB) is an antiviral compound that was originally proven effective for treatment of influenza and several other respiratory viral infections. The broad spectrum of ARB anti-viral activity led us to evaluate its effect on hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and replication in cell culture. Long-term ARB treatment of Huh7 cells chronically replicating a genomic length genotype 1b replicon resulted in sustained reduction of viral RNA and protein expression, and eventually cured HCV infected cells. Pre-treatment of human hepatoma Huh7.5.1 cells with 15 μM ARB for 24 to 48 hours inhibited acute infection with JFH-1 virus by up to 1000-fold. The inhibitory effect of ARB on HCV was not due to generalized cytotoxicity, nor to augmentation of IFN antiviral signaling pathways, but involved impaired virus-mediated membrane fusion. ARB's affinity for membranes may inhibit several aspects of the HCV lifecycle that are membrane-dependent.
The psychological well-being of children orphaned by AIDS in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Cluver Lucie , Gardner Frances 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
An estimated 2 million children are parentally bereaved by AIDS in South Africa. Little is known about mental health outcomes for this group.

Methods
This study aimed to investigate mental health outcomes for urban children living in deprived settlements in Cape Town. 30 orphaned children and 30 matched controls were compared using standardised questionnaires (SDQ) on emotional and behavioural problems, peer and attention difficulties, and prosocial behaviour. The orphan group completed a modified version of a standardised questionnaire (IES-8), measuring Post-Traumatic Stress symptoms. Group differences were tested using t-tests and Pearson's chi-square.

Results
Both groups scored highly for peer problems, emotional problems and total scores. However, orphans were more likely to view themselves as having no good friends (p = .002), to have marked concentration difficulties (p = .03), and to report frequent somatic symptoms (p = .05), but were less likely to display anger through loss of temper (p = .03). Orphans were more likely to have constant nightmares (p = .01), and 73% scored above the cut-off for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Conclusion
Findings suggest important areas for larger-scale research for parentally-bereaved children.
Leukocytes, inflammation, and angiogenesis in cancer: fatal attractions
Authors: Rüegg Curzio 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Leukocytes are cells of defense. Their main function is to protect our body against invading microorganisms. Some leukocytes, in particular, polymorphonuclear and monocytes, accumulate at sites of infection and neutralize pathogens through innate mechanisms. The blood and lymphatic vascular system are essential partners in this defensive reaction: Activated endothelial cells promote leukocyte recruitment at inflammatory sites; new blood vessel formation, a process called angiogenesis, sustains chronic inflammation, and lymphatic vessels transport antigens and antigen-presenting cells to lymph nodes, where they stimulate naive T and B lymphocytes to elicit an antigen-specific immune response. In contrast, leukocytes and lymphocytes are far less efficient in protecting us from cancer, the “enemy from within.” Worse, cancer can exploit inflammation to its advantage. The role of angiogenesis, leukocytes, and inflammation in tumor progression was discussed at the second Monte Verità Conference, Tumor Host Interaction and Angiogenesis: Basic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives, held in Ascona, Switzerland, October 1–5, 2005. (Conference chairs were K. Alitalo, M. Aguet, C. Rüegg, and I. Stamenkovic.) Eight articles reporting about topics presented at the conference are featured in this issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Improves Psychological Well-Being in Male and Female Hypopituitary Patients on Maintenance Growth Hormone Replacement
Authors: Brooke Antonia M. , Kalingag Leonila A. , Miraki-Moud Farideh , Camacho-Hübner Cecilia , Maher Katharine T. , Walker Dorothy M. , Hinson Joy P. , Monson John P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractContext: Patients with panhypopituitarism have impaired quality of life (QoL) despite GH replacement. They are profoundly androgen deficient, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been shown to have a beneficial effect on well-being and mood in patients with adrenal failure and possibly in hypopituitarism.Objective: Our objective was to determine the effect of DHEA administration on mood in hypopituitary adults on established GH replacement with a constant serum IGF-I.Design: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted over an initial 6 months followed by an open phase of 6 months of DHEA.Setting: The study was conducted at a tertiary referral endocrinology unit.Patients: Thirty female and 21 male hypopituitary patients enrolled. Data from 26 females and 18 males were analyzed after patient withdrawal.Interventions: DHEA (50 mg) was added to maintenance replacement including GH.Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome objective was the effect on QoL and libido assessed by QoL assessment in GH deficiency in adults, Short Form 36, General Health Questionnaire, EuroQol, and sexual self-efficacy scale.Results: Patients had impaired QoL at baseline compared with the age-matched British population. Females showed improvement in QoL assessment in GH deficiency in adults score (−2.9 ± 2.8 DHEA vs.−0.53 ± 3 placebo; P &lt; 0.05), in Short Form 36 social functioning (14.6 ± 23.1 DHEA vs.−4.7 ± 25 placebo; P = 0.047), and general health perception (9.6 ± 14.2 DHEA vs.−1.2 ± 11.6 placebo; P = 0.036) after 6 months of DHEA. Men showed improvement in self-esteem (−1.3 ± 1.7 DHEA vs. 0.5 ± 1.5 placebo; P = 0.03) and depression (−1.6 ± 2.2 DHEA vs. 1.2 ± 2.4 placebo, P = 0.02) domains of the General Health Questionnaire after 6 months of DHEA.Conclusions: DHEA replacement leads to modest improvement in psychological well-being in female and minor psychological improvement in male hypopituitary patients on GH replacement.
Modulation of Adipokines and Cytokines in Gestational Diabetes and Macrosomia
Authors: Atègbo J.-M. , Grissa O. , Yessoufou A. , Hichami A. , Dramane K. L. , Moutairou K. , Miled A. , Grissa A. , Jerbi M. , Tabka Z. , Khan N. A. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Context/Objective: Not much is known about the implication of adipokines and different cytokines in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and macrosomia. The purpose of this study was to assess the profile of these hormones and cytokines in macrosomic babies, born to gestational diabetic women.
Design/Subjects: A total of 59 women (age, 19–42 yr) suffering from GDM with their macrosomic babies (4.35 ± 0.06 kg) and 60 healthy age-matched pregnant women and their newborns (3.22 ± 0.08 kg) were selected.
Methods: Serum adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) were quantified using an obesity-related multiple ELISA microarray kit. The concentrations of serum cytokines were determined by ELISA.
Results: Serum adiponectin levels were decreased, whereas the concentrations of leptin, inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, were significantly increased in gestational diabetic mothers compared with control women. The levels of these adipocytokines were diminished in macrosomic babies in comparison with their age-matched control newborns. Serum concentrations of T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines (IL-2 and interferon-γ) were decreased, whereas IL-10 levels were significantly enhanced in gestational diabetic mothers compared with control women. Macrosomic children exhibited high levels of Th1 cytokines and low levels of IL-10 compared with control infants. Serum IL-4 levels were not altered between gestational diabetic mothers and control mothers or the macrosomic babies and newborn control babies.
Conclusions: GDM is linked to the down-regulation of adiponectin along with Th1 cytokines and up-regulation of leptin and inflammatory cytokines. Macrosomia was associated with the up-regulation of Th1 cytokines and the down-regulation of the obesity-related agents (IL-6 and TNF-α, leptin, and adiponectin).
ON THE MOLECULAR VOLUME OF UREA IN COMPLEX IONS
Authors: Nakagawa Haruo 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
(1) The molecular volume of urea, which is contained in complex ions of various metallic complex salts, was determined. The average value thus obtained was found nearly equal to the theoretical.
(2) The molecular volume of water which exists as the water of crystallisation in some urea metallic complex salts was also calculated, and found normal, while Biltz gives distinctly smaller values for water contained in complex ions as “Ligand”.
UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DIE KATALYTISCHE OXYDATIONSWIRKUNG KOLLOIDALER SUBSTANZEN. III
Authors: Shibata Yuji , Yamasaki Kazuo 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Das Oxydationsvermögen von kolloidalem Platin, Silber und Gold auf Pyrogallollösung wurde manometrisch untersucht. Die Platinsole beschleunigten diese Oxydation immer bedeutend, aber Silber und Gold zeigten keine messbaren katalytischen Oxydationswirkungen.
ON THE ABSORPTION OF HYDROGEN CHLORIDE INTO VARIOUS ORGANIC LIQUIDS AND CALCULATION OF THE HEAT OF ABSORPTION. II.
Authors: Hamai Senzo 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
(1) The absorption of hydrogen chloride into 1,1,2-trichlorethane and pentachlorethane at 20°, 15° and 12°C. has been measured.
(2) The heat of absorption of hydrogen chloride into these organic substances has been calculated.
(3) The order of the solubilities of hydrogen chloride into these liquids including those mentioned in our previous paper, is found to be well fitted in a scheme already described, namely they are in the order of the total bond energies of these substances.
STUDIES OF THE RAMAN EFFECT OF ORGANIC SUBSTANCES. PART IV. RAMAN EFFECT OF CEDRENE.
Authors: Matsuno Kichimatsu , Han Kwan 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The Raman spectrum of cedrene has been studied. The frequencies of Δv 733,780,915 and 965 cm.−1 are established to be attributable to the valency frequencies of the linkage, (Remark: Graphics omitted.) in the molecule of cedrene. The most ntense line at Δv 1666 cm.−1 is assigned to characterize the C=C bond. The occurrence of the Raman line at Δv 1375 cm.−1 seems to give an evidence of the (Remark: Graphics omitted.) linkage in the cedrene molecule, (Remark: Graphics omitted.).