bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality‐of‐life and health benefits of early treatment of mild anemia
Authors: Straus David J. , Testa Marcia A. , Sarokhan Brenda J. , Czuczman Myron S. , Tulpule Anil , Turner Ralph R. , Riggs Shirley A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDChemotherapy‐related anemia is prevalent among patients with hematologic malignancies. A randomized, open‐label, multicenter trial of early versus late epoetin alfa in this population was conducted, focusing on quality of life (QOL).METHODSPatients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or multiple myeloma and baseline hemoglobin of 10 to 12 g/dL who were scheduled for ≥4 months of myelosuppressive chemotherapy were randomized to receive ≤16 weeks of epoetin alfa at a dose of 40,000 U once weekly immediately (early) or to wait and only receive epoetin alfa if hemoglobin decreased to <9 g/dL (late). Those patients with a hemoglobin level >12 g/dL after 3 chemotherapy cycles were not randomized. The primary endpoint was a mean change in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Anemia (FACT‐An) total.RESULTSIn all, 269 patients with a hemoglobin level ≤12 g/dL were randomized. The mean total FACT‐An increased 3.84 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.21–7.46) in early patients and decreased 4.37 (95% CI, −7.99 to −0.74) in late patients (P = .003). Early patients had significantly (P < .05) higher mean scores for total FACT‐General; FACT‐General physical and functional well‐being subscales, total anemia scale, and fatigue subscale; and daily activity, energy, and important activity Linear Analog Scale Assessment scales, as well as reduced bedrest days and restricted activity days. The mean hemoglobin increased 1.2 g/dL (95% CI, 0.98–1.46) in early patients but decreased 0.2 g/dL (95% CI, −0.32–0.12) in late patients (P < .0001). Adverse events were similar between groups (with fatigue being the most prevalent); clinically relevant thromboembolic events were more common in early patients.CONCLUSIONSTreating mild anemia immediately with epoetin alfa during chemotherapy for hematologic malignancy significantly improved QOL, productivity, and hemoglobin compared with delaying treatment until the hemoglobin level decreases to <9.0 g/dL. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Survival of DA neurons is independent of CREM upregulation in absence of CREB
Authors: Parlato R. , Rieker C. , Turiault M. , Tronche F. , Schütz G. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractcAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and the related factors CREM (cAMP response element modulator) and ATF1 (activation transcription factor 1) are bZIP‐domain‐containing transcription factors activated through cAMP and other signaling pathways. The disruption of CREB function in developing and mature neurons affects their development and survival when associated with loss of CREM. Since dopaminergic (DA) neurons are affected in several neurological diseases, we generated CREB conditional mutants in DA neurons by using a newly generated transgenic Cre line targeting the dopaminergic system (DATCre). Here we report the generation and analysis of mutant mice lacking CREB in DA neurons (CREBDATCre mutants). During adulthood, lack of CREB leads to a partial loss of DA neurons. Since CREM is upregulated in absence of CREB, we have introduced this mutation in a CREM−/− genetic background to assess a compensatory role of CREM. Additional inactivation of CREM does not lead to a more severe phenotype. genesis 44:454–464, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Site‐specific recombination systems for the genetic manipulation of eukaryotic genomes
Authors: Thomson James G. , Ow David W. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSite‐specific recombination systems, such as the bacteriophage Cre‐lox and yeast FLP‐FRT systems, have become valuable tools for the rearrangement of DNA in higher eukaryotes. As a first step to expanding the repertoire of recombination tools, we screened recombination systems derived from the resolvase/invertase family for site‐specific recombinase activity in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Here, we report that seven recombination systems, four from the small serine resolvase subfamily (CinH, ParA, Tn1721, and Tn5053) and three from the large serine resolvase subfamily (Bxb1, TP901‐1, and U153), can catalyze site‐specific deletion in S. pombe. Those from the large serine resolvase subfamily were also capable of site‐specific integration and inversion. In all cases, the recombination events were precise. Functional operation of these recombination systems in the fission yeast holds promise that they may be further developed as recombination tools for the site‐specific rearrangement of plant and animal genomes. genesis 44:465–476, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IL‐15 protects intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Obermeier Florian , Hausmann Martin , Kellermeier Silvia , Kiessling Stefan , Strauch Ulrike G. , Duitman Erwin , Bulfone‐Paus Silvia , Herfarth Hans , Bock Jürgen , Dunger Nadja , Stoeck Michael , Schölmerich Jürgen , Falk Werner , Rogler Gerhard 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIL‐15, a T‐cell growth factor, has been shown to be increased in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It has been suggested that neutralization of IL‐15 could protect from T cell‐dependent autoimmune inflammation. On the other hand, an anti‐apoptotic effect of IL‐15 has been demonstrated in kidney epithelial cells during nephritis. We therefore tested the role of IL‐15 in two different experimental models of colitisin vivo, and in models of intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosisin vitro. IL‐15 blockade in chronic dextran sulphate sodium‐induced colitis resulted in aggravation of the disease with a significantly 2.1‐fold increased epithelial damage score compared to controls. TUNEL staining clearly revealed increased apoptosis. IL‐6, TNF and IFN‐γ secretion by mesenteric lymph node cells were increased. In the T cell‐dependent SCID transfer model of colitis IL‐15 neutralization reduced the inflammatory infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine production. Despite that, the intestinal epithelial damage was not reduced.In vitro,IL‐15 pre‐incubation prevented up to 75% of CH11 antibody‐induced apoptosis in SW‐480 cells and reduced caspase‐3 activity. According to this, endogenously produced IL‐15 in chronic colitis does not only act as a proinflammatory cytokine but has at the same time the potential to reduce mucosal damage by preventing IEC apoptosis.
Structural requirements for initiation of cross‐reactivity and CNS autoimmunity with a PLP139–151 mimic peptide derived from murine hepatitis virus
Authors: Croxford J. Ludovic , Ercolini Anne M. , DeGutes Mathew , Miller Stephen D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMS is an autoimmune CNS demyelinating disease in which infection appears to be an important pathogenic factor. Molecular mimicry, the cross‐activation of autoreactive T cells by mimic peptides from infectious agents, is a possible explanation for infection‐induced autoimmunity. Infection of mice with a non‐pathogenic strain of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) engineered to express an epitope from Haemophilus influenzae (HI) sharing 6/13 amino acids with the dominant proteolipid protein (PLP) epitope, PLP139–151, can induce CNS autoimmune disease. Here we demonstrate that another PLP139–151 mimic sequence derived from murine hepatitis virus (MHV) which shares only 3/13 amino acids with PLP139–151 can also induce CNS autoimmune disease, but only when delivered by genetically engineered TMEV, not by immunization with the MHV peptide. Further, we demonstrate the importance of proline at the secondary MHC class II contact residue for effective cross‐reactivity, as addition of this amino acid to the native MHV sequence increases its ability to cross‐activate PLP139–151‐specific autoreactive T cells, while substitution of proline in the HI mimic peptide has the opposite effect. This study describes a structural requirement for potential PLP139–151 mimic peptides, and provides further evidence for infection‐induced molecular mimicry in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease.
Inhibition of CD1d1‐mediated antigen presentation by the vaccinia virus B1R and H5R molecules
Authors: Webb Tonya J. Roberts , Litavecz Roberta A. , Khan Masood A. , Du Wenjun , Gervay‐Hague Jacquelyn , Renukaradhya Gourapura J. , Brutkiewicz Randy R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractVaccinia virus (VV) has been most commonly used as the vaccine to protect individuals against the causative agent of smallpox (variola virus), but it also uses a number of strategies meant to evade or blunt the host's antiviral immune response. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of immunoregulatory CD1d‐restricted T lymphocytes believed to bridge the innate and adaptive immune responses. It is shown here that the VV‐encoded molecules, B1R and H5R, play a role in the ability of VV to inhibit CD1d‐mediated antigen presentation to NKT cells. These are the first poxvirus‐encoded molecules identified that can play such a role in the evasion of an important component of the innate immune response.
Kinetics of CD8+ effector T cell responses and induced CD4+ regulatory T cell responses during Friend retrovirus infection
Authors: Zelinskyy Gennadiy , Kraft Anke R. M. , Schimmer Simone , Arndt Tanja , Dittmer Ulf 
Published: September 2006

AbstractCytolytic CD8+ T cells are critical for the control of acute Friend virus (FV) infection yet they fail to completely eliminate the virus during chronic infection because they are functionally impaired by regulatory T cells (Treg). We performed a kinetic analysis of T cell responses during FV infection to determine when dysfunction of CD8+ T cells and suppressive activity of CD4+ regulatory T cells develops. At 1 week post infection, virus‐specific CD8+ T cells with effector phenotype and cytolytic potential expanded. Peak expansion was found at 12 days post infection, correlating with peak viral loads. After 2 weeks when viral loads dropped, numbers of activated CD8+ T cells started to decline. However, a population of virus‐specific CD8+ T cells with effector phenotype was still detectable subsequently, but these cells had lost their ability to produce granzymes and to degranulate cytotoxic molecules. Contemporaneous with the development of CD8+ T cell dysfunction, different CD4+ T cell populations expressing cell surface markers for Treg and the Treg‐associated transcription factor Foxp3 expanded. Transfer as well as depletion experiments indicated that regulatory CD4+ cells developed during the second week of FV infection and subsequently suppressed CD8+ T cell functions, which was associated with impaired virus clearance.
Direct Heterogeneous Electron Transfer Reactions of Trametes hirsuta Laccase at Bare and Thiol‐Modified Gold Electrodes
Authors: Shleev Sergey , Pita Marcos , Yaropolov Alexander I. , Ruzgas Tautgirdas , Gorton Lo 
Published: September 2006

AbstractDirect electron transfer reactions of high redox potential Trametes hirsuta laccase on bare and 15 different thiol‐modified gold electrodes were studied using cyclic voltammetry and potentiometry. Well‐pronounced Faradaic processes were obtained for the enzyme adsorbed on bare gold, whereas reproducible and stable electrochemistry was obtained only when 4‐aminothiophenol was used for gold modification. Moreover, the laccase‐4‐aminothiophenol‐modified gold electrode showed the highest value of the steady‐state potential under aerobic conditions equal to 660 mV vs. NHE compared with the other 15 different thiol modified electrodes and also the bare electrodes with immobilized enzyme. However, this value is still too far away from the equilibrium potential of the oxygen electrode and Trametes hirsuta laccase‐modified graphite electrode, for which a well‐pronounced high potential process of oxygen bioelectroreduction is shown at 800 mV vs. NHE. Possible mechanisms of the enzyme function on bare and thiol‐modified gold electrodes are discussed in correlation with the structure and orientation of the enzyme on the surface of the various electrodes.
Nonfaradaic Impedance Probing of Potato Glycoalkaloids Interaction with Butyrylcholinesterase Immobilized onto Gold Electrode
Authors: Benilova Iryna V. , Soldatkin Alexey P. , Martelet Claude , Jaffrezic‐Renault Nicole 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIn this paper, we report the development of enzyme‐based nonfaradaic impedimetric biosensor for direct detection of potato glycoalkaloids α‐chaconine and α‐solanine. The sensors were prepared by cross‐linking of horse butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) onto gold electrodes. Affinity interaction of both glycoalkaloids with immobilized BuChE caused an essential decrease of the total impedance and of the interfacial polarization resistance as well. No effect was observed after α‐chaconine contact with bovine serum albumin and bacterial carboxylesterase immobilized onto gold. BuChE‐modified electrodes were more sensitive to α‐chaconine, and found I50 values were in quite good agreement with those measured by biocatalytic ISFET‐based sensors.
SDS‐CGE of proteins in microchannels made of SU‐8 films
Authors: Agirregabiria Maria , Blanco Francisco Javier , Berganzo Javier , Fullaondo Asier , Zubiaga Ana María , Mayora Kepa , Ruano‐López Jesús M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis work describes the SDS‐CGE of proteins carried out in microchannels made of the negative photoresist EPON SU‐8. Embedded electrophoretic microchannels have been fabricated with a multilayer technology based on bonding and releasing steps of stacked SU‐8 films. This technology allows the monolithic integration of the electrodes in the device. A high wafer fabrication yield and mass production compatibility guarantees low costs and high reliability. A poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) packaging allows an easy setup and replacement of the device for electrophoresis experiments. In addition, the wire‐bonding step is avoided. The electrophoretic mobilities of four proteins have been measured in microchannels filled with polyacrylamide. Different pore sizes have been tested obtaining their Ferguson plots. Finally, a separation of two proteins (20 and 36 kDa) has been carried out confirming that this novel device is suitable for protein separation. A resolution of 2.75 is obtained. This is the first time that this SU‐8 microfluidic technology has been validated for SDS‐CGE of proteins. This technology offers better separation performance than glass channels, at lower costs and with an easy packaging procedure.
Glioblastoma‐derived tumorospheres identify a population of tumor stem‐like cells with angiogenic potential and enhanced multidrug resistance phenotype
Authors: Salmaggi Andrea , Boiardi Amerigo , Gelati Maurizio , Russo Annamaria , Calatozzolo Chiara , Ciusani Emilio , Sciacca Francesca Luisa , Ottolina Arianna , Parati Eugenio Agostino , La Porta Caterina , Alessandri Giulio , Marras Carlo , Croci Danilo , De Rossi Marco 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe investigated in vitro the properties of selected populations of cancer stem‐like cells defined as tumorospheres that were obtained from human glioblastoma. We also assessed their potential and capability of differentiating into mature cells of the central nervous system. In vivo, their tumorigenicity was confirmed after transplantation into the brain of non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD‐SCID) mice. The angiogenic potential of tumorospheres and glioblastoma‐derived cells grown as adherent cells was revealed by evaluating the release of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and CXCL12 by ELISA, as well as by rat aortic ring assay. The proliferative response of tumorospheres in the presence of CXCL12 was observed for the first time. Multidrug resistance‐associated proteins 1 and 3 as well as other molecules conferring multidrug resistance were higher when compared with primary adherent cells derived from the same tumor. Finally, we obtained cells from the tumor developing after grafting that clearly expressed the putative neural stem cell marker CD133 as shown by FACS analysis and also nestin and CXCR4. The cells' positivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein was very low. Moreover these cells preserved their angiogenic potential. We conclude that human glioblastoma could contain tumor cell subsets with angiogenic and chemoresistance properties and that this chemoresistance potential is highly preserved by immature cells whereas the angiogenic potential is, to a higher extent, a property of mature cells. A better understanding of the features of these cell subsets may favor the development of more specifically targeted therapies. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE‐R): a brief cognitive test battery for dementia screening
Authors: Mioshi Eneida , Dawson Kate , Mitchell Joanna , Arnold Robert , Hodges John R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThere is a clear need for brief, but sensitive and specific, cognitive screening instruments as evidenced by the popularity of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE).ObjectivesWe aimed to validate an improved revision (the ACE‐R) which incorporates five sub‐domain scores (orientation/attention, memory, verbal fluency, language and visuo‐spatial).MethodsStandard tests for evaluating dementia screening tests were applied. A total of 241 subjects participated in this study (Alzheimer's disease = 67, frontotemporal dementia = 55, dementia of Lewy Bodies = 20; mild cognitive impairment–MCI = 36; controls = 63).ResultsReliability of the ACE‐R was very good (alpha coefficient = 0.8). Correlation with the Clinical Dementia Scale was significant (r = −0.321, p < 0.001). Two cut‐offs were defined (88: sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.89; 82: sensitivity = 0.84, specificity = 1.0). Likelihood ratios of dementia were generated for scores between 88 and 82: at a cut‐off of 82 the likelihood of dementia is 100:1. A comparison of individual age and education matched groups of MCI, AD and controls placed the MCI group performance between controls and AD and revealed MCI patients to be impaired in areas other than memory (attention/orientation, verbal fluency and language).ConclusionsThe ACE‐R accomplishes standards of a valid dementia screening test, sensitive to early cognitive dysfunction. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Humour therapy in patients with late‐life depression or Alzheimer's disease: a pilot study
Authors: Walter Marc , Hänni Beat , Haug Myriam , Amrhein Isabelle , Krebs‐Roubicek Eva , Müller‐Spahn Franz , Savaskan Egemen 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundOf the disabling disorders of the elderly, depression is the most common affective disorder and Alzheimer's disease (AD) the most common neurodegenerative disorder. Pharmacological treatment strategies for these disorders are often accompanied with severe side effects. Therefore non‐pharmacological treatment strategies are of great importance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of humour therapy on quality of life in patients with depression or AD.MethodsTwenty patients with late‐life depression and 20 patients with AD were evaluated. Ten patients in each group underwent a humour therapy group (HT) once in two weeks for 60 min in addition to standard pharmacotherapy, which was given as usual to the other group as standard therapy (ST). All patients completed a psychometric test battery at admission and before discharge from the clinic.ResultsThe quality of life scores improved both in HT and ST groups for depressive patients but not for patients with AD irrespective of the therapy group. Depressive patients receiving HT showed the highest quality of life after treatment. In addition, patients with depression in both therapy groups showed improvements in mood, depression score, and instrumental activities of daily living.ConclusionsAlthough there was no significant effect of humour therapy comparing with standard therapy on quality of life, these findings suggest that humour therapy can provide an additional therapeutic tool. Further studies with higher frequently humour groups are required in order to investigate the impact of humour therapy in gerontopsychiatric treatment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dementia and depression among nursing home residents in Lebanon: a pilot study
Authors: Chahine L. M. , Bijlsma A. , Hospers A. P. N. , Chemali Z. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe proportion of elderly in the Lebanese population is 7.1% and this is expected to increase to 10.2% by the year 2025. The nursing home (NH) population in Lebanon has not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dementia and depression among a portion of nursing home residents (NHR) in Lebanon and describe the characteristics of NHR afflicted with dementia and depression.MethodOf 200 NHR from three NH in Lebanon, 117 were selected by random sampling. Data on demographics and medical history were collected. An Arabic version of the Mini‐Mental Status Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were administered.ResultsOur final sample consisted of 102 NHR. Sixty‐one (59.8%) had dementia of some kind. Seventeen (27.9%) had mild dementia, 14 (22.9%) had moderate dementia, and 30 (49.2%) had severe dementia. Forty‐five (57.7%) of the NHR tested had depression as measured by a GDS score of more than 10.ConclusionsDementia and depression were present in more than half of the NHR in our sample. Our results have important implications, being the first to be collected in the Lebanese community. Screening NHR for dementia and depression on admission and at regular time intervals is a must. More studies targeting all aspects of the elderly population in Lebanon are needed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public health expenditure and spatial interactions in a decentralized national health system
Authors: Costa‐Font Joan , Pons‐Novell Jordi 
Published: September 2006

AbstractOne of the limitations of cross‐country health expenditure analysis refers to the fact that the financing, the internal organization and political restraints of health care decision‐making are country‐specific and heterogeneous. Yet, a way through is to examine the influence of such effects in those countries that have undertaken decentralization processes. In such a setting, it is possible to examine potential expenditure spillovers across the geography of a country as well as the influence of the political ideology of regional incumbents and institutional factors on public health expenditure. This paper examines the determinants of public health expenditure within Spanish region‐states (Autonomous Communities, ACs), most of them subject to similar financing structures although exhibiting significant heterogeneity as a result of the increasing decentralization, region‐specific political factors along with different use of health care inputs, economic dimension and spatial interactions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.