bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium‐induced folding of a fragment of calmodulin composed of EF‐hands 2 and 3
Authors: Lakowski Ted M. , Lee Gregory M. , Okon Mark , Reid Ronald E. , McIntosh Lawrence P. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCalmodulin (CaM) is an EF‐hand protein composed of two calcium (Ca2+)‐binding EF‐hand motifs in its N‐domain (EF‐1 and EF‐2) and two in its C‐domain (EF‐3 and EF‐4). In this study, we examined the structure, dynamics, and Ca2+‐binding properties of a fragment of CaM containing only EF‐2 and EF‐3 and the intervening linker sequence (CaM2/3). Based on NMR spectroscopic analyses, Ca2+‐free CaM2/3 is predominantly unfolded, but upon binding Ca2+, adopts a monomeric structure composed of two EF‐hand motifs bridged by a short antiparallel β‐sheet. Despite having an “even–odd” pairing of EF‐hands, the tertiary structure of CaM2/3 is similar to both the “odd–even” paired N‐ and C‐domains of Ca2+‐ligated CaM, with the conformationally flexible linker sequence adopting the role of an inter‐EF‐hand loop. However, unlike either CaM domain, CaM2/3 exhibits stepwise Ca2+ binding with a Kd1 = 30 ± 5 μM to EF‐3, and a Kd2 > 1000 μM to EF‐2. Binding of the first equivalent of Ca2+ induces the cooperative folding of CaM2/3. In the case of native CaM, stacking interactions between four conserved aromatic residues help to hold the first and fourth helices of each EF‐hand domain together, while the loop between EF‐hands covalently tethers the second and third helices. In contrast, these aromatic residues lie along the second and third helices of CaM2/3, and thus are positioned adjacent to the loop between its “even–odd” paired EF‐hands. This nonnative hydrophobic core packing may contribute to the weak Ca2+ affinity exhibited by EF‐2 in the context of CaM2/3.
Structure of the fungal β‐glucan‐binding immune receptor dectin‐1: Implications for function
Authors: Brown James , O'Callaghan Chris A. , Marshall Andrew S.J. , Gilbert Robert J.C. , Siebold Christian , Gordon Siamon , Brown Gordon D. , Jones E. Yvonne 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe murine molecule dectin‐1 (known as the β‐glucan receptor in humans) is an immune cell surface receptor implicated in the immunological defense against fungal pathogens. Sequence analysis has indicated that the dectin‐1 extracellular domain is a C‐type lectin‐like domain, and functional studies have established that it binds fungal β‐glucans. We report several dectin‐1 crystal structures, including a high‐resolution structure and a 2.8 Å resolution structure in which a short soaked natural β‐glucan is trapped in the crystal lattice. In vitro characterization of dectin‐1 in the presence of its natural ligand indicates higher‐order complex formation between dectin‐1 and β‐glucans. These combined structural and biophysical data considerably extend the current knowledge of dectin‐1 structure and function, and suggest potential mechanisms of defense against fungal pathogens.
Induction of mictic females in the rotiferBrachionus: oocytes of amictic females respond individually to population‐density signal only during oogenesis shortly before oviposition
Authors: GILBERT JOHN J. 
Published: May 2007

Summary1. One at a time during the reproductive period of amictic females, oocytes fill with yolk and undergo a mitotic maturation division (oogenesis), are oviposited as single cells, and then develop parthenogenetically into females. Sexual reproduction inBrachionusand several other genera is initiated when amictic females are crowded and oviposit some eggs induced to differentiate into mictic females. Mictic females produce haploid eggs that can develop parthenogentically into males or be fertilised and develop into diapausing embryos called resting eggs.2. This study examines the time when oocytes in amictic females respond to maternal population density. Is the fate of all oocytes in the germarium irreversibly determined during the early postnatal life of the mother, or is each oocyte labile until just before oviposition? In the former case, the probability of an amictic female producing a mictic daughter at any time throughout her reproductive period would reflect the population density she experienced while young and not that at the time she oviposited an egg.3. Amictic females of two clones of a Florida strain ofB. calycifloruswere cultured singly from birth at a low or high density (in a large or small volume) until about halfway through their reproductive period and then switched (experimental treatment), or not (control treatment), to the other density condition. The results indicate that the female fate of an oocyte is determined by maternal population density during oogenesis. Eggs oviposited soon after transfer from low to high density had the same, or a higher, probability of becoming mictic females compared with those produced by control females kept at the high density; eggs oviposited after transfer from the high to the low density had the same low probability of becoming mictic females as those produced by control females kept at the low density.4. Control females kept at the high density were less likely to produce mictic daughters as they aged. This decline is not because of a decreased propensity of older females to respond to crowding, as older females responded maximally when transferred from a low to a high population density.5. As oocytes in amictic females respond to maternal population density only during oogenesis, there is a negligible lag between the population‐density signal in the environment and the commitment to sexual reproduction. This minimises the obligatory two‐generation lag between this signal and production of resting eggs, and thus reduces the possibility that crowding will lead to food limitation before production of these eggs.
Passive ultrasonic irrigation of the root canal: a review of the literature
Authors: Van Der Sluis L. W. M. , Versluis M. , Wu M. K. , Wesselink P. R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractUltrasonic irrigation of the root canal can be performed with or without simultaneous ultrasonic instrumentation. When canal shaping is not undertaken the term passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) can be used to describe the technique. In this paper the relevant literature on PUI is reviewed from a MEDLINE database search.Passive ultrasonic irrigation can be performed with a small file or smooth wire (size 10–20) oscillating freely in the root canal to induce powerful acoustic microstreaming. PUI can be an important supplement for cleaning the root canal system and, compared with traditional syringe irrigation, it removes more organic tissue, planktonic bacteria and dentine debris from the root canal. PUI is more efficient in cleaning canals than ultrasonic irrigation with simultaneous ultrasonic instrumentation. PUI can be effective in curved canals and a smooth wire can be as effective as a cutting K‐file. The taper and the diameter of the root canal were found to be important parameters in determining the efficacies of dentine debris removal. Irrigation with sodium hypochlorite is more effective than with water and ultrasonic irrigation is more effective than sonic irrigation in the removal of dentine debris from the root canal. The role of cavitation during PUI remains inconclusive. No detailed information is available on the influence of the irrigation time, the volume of the irrigant, the penetration depth of the instrument and the shape and material properties of the instrument. The influence of irrigation frequency and intensity on the streaming pattern as well as the complicated interaction of acoustic streaming with the adherent biofilm needs to be clarified to reveal the underlying physical mechanisms of PUI.
The (un)‐certainties of district nurses in the context of cultural diversity
Authors: Peckover Sue , Chidlaw Robert G. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of part of a study exploring district nurses’ understanding and practices in relation to discrimination and inequalities issues.Background.  Clients from minority ethnic groups continue to experience inequalities in health status and care provision. District nurses work with a wide range of clients, yet research has demonstrated inequities in service provision to clients from minority ethnic groups due to organizational, professional and personal constraints.Methods.  A qualitative methodology was used to explore district nurses’ understanding of discrimination and equalities issues in the context of their work. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken during 2003 with 18 district nurses employed in two primary care organizations in England providing healthcare services to a large and culturally diverse population.Findings.  District nurses’ accounts were marked by uncertainty, suggesting that many lacked confidence when discussing issues of ethnicity and cultural difference. There were marked differences in the extent to which they appeared to recognize or engage with clients’ experiences of discrimination or inequalities, or to recognize inequitable service provision to clients from minority ethnic groups. Key issues were a lack of provision of district nursing services to some clients, and failures to meet clients’ language and communication needs, and although reflecting organizational constraints, such continuing inequities were largely unquestioned.Conclusion.  There is a need for further educational and practice developments to enable district nurses to provide more equitable care to clients from culturally diverse communities, ensuring that the key professional discourse of individual care and advocacy are fully realized in their work with all clients.
A nurse‐ and pharmacist‐led treatment advice clinic for patients attending an HIV outpatient clinic
Authors: Griffiths C. , Miles K. , Aldam D. , Cornforth D. , Minton J. , Edwards S. , Williams I. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study to map care pathways, examine the approach of different treatment advisors and explore the acceptability of a nurse‐ and pharmacist‐led treatment advice clinic in order to aid decision‐making for the future development and evaluation of the clinic.Background.  High levels of adherence to antiretroviral drugs are a prerequisite for a successful and durable virological and immunological response to HIV. Treatment guidelines acknowledge that adherence is a process, not a single event, and that adherence support must be integrated into clinical follow‐up for all patients receiving these drugs.Method.  Data were collected between September 2004 and January 2005 through 17 consultation observations and 10 patient interviews in a specialist treatment advice clinic located within a central London HIV outpatient clinic providing care for over 2200 patients, of whom more than 1300 are taking highly active antiretroviral therapy.Findings.  The nurses and pharmacist had similar consultation approaches, although follow‐up care varied in extent. Benefits of the clinic approach included permitting patients to observe real tablets, tailoring regimens to lifestyles and telephone follow‐up. These factors, particularly telephone support, were perceived by patients to assist with adherence.Conclusion.  The role of telephone support, perceived to assist with initial adherence, requires further investigation. Future work is also needed to explore the health economics of this approach and to determine the actual impact of the clinic on clinical and adherence outcomes.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine among people living with diabetes: literature review
Authors: Chang Hsiao‐yun , Wallis Marianne , Tiralongo Evelin 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a literature review to explore the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use amongst people with diabetes to inform nursing practice, education and research.Background.  Diabetes mellitus affects the entirety of a person's being and increasingly people use complementary and alternative medicine in conjunction with other medical treatments and lifestyle modifications to manage their condition and improve well‐being.Methods.  The CINAHL, Medline, ProQuest nursing journals and Psych INFO databases were searched for the period 1990–2006 using identified keywords.Results.  A total of 18 studies from nine countries were found. The results suggest that the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use among people with diabetes ranges from 17% to 72·8%. The most widely used therapies among diabetic populations are nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, nutritional advice, spiritual healing and relaxation techniques. The characteristics which influence complementary and alternative medicine use are age, duration of diabetes, degree of complications and self‐monitoring of blood glucose.Conclusion.  Although inconsistency in the definition of complementary and alternative medicine and varying research designs make estimation of usage prevalence difficult, evidence suggests that a high proportion of people with diabetes use these therapies concurrently with conventional healthcare services. Healthcare professionals need to be aware of this issue and may need to incorporate complementary and alternative medicine information into patient assessment and intervention.
MHC class II Tetramer Guided Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐specific CD4+ T Cells in Peripheral Blood from Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Höhn H. , Kortsik C. , Zehbe I. , Hitzler W. E. , Kayser K. , Freitag K. , Neukirch C. , Andersen P. , Doherty T. M. , Maeurer M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractNovel diagnostic tools are needed to diagnose latent infection and to provide biologically meaningful surrogate markers to define cellular immune responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Interferon gamma‐based assays have recently been developed in addition to the more than 100‐year‐old tuberculin skin test (TST) for the immune diagnosis of MTB in blood. The advent of soluble MHC/peptide tetramer molecules allows to objectively enumerate antigen‐specific T cells. We identified novel MHC class II‐restricted MTB epitopes and used HLA‐DR4 tetrameric complexes to visualize ex vivo CD4+ T cells directed against the antigens Ag85B and the 19‐kDa lipoprotein, shared between MTB and other Mycobacterium species, and CD4+ T cells which recognize the MTB‐associated ESAT‐6 antigen. MTB‐reactive CD4+ T cells reside predominantly in the CD45RA+ CD28+ and CD45− CD28+ T‐cell subset and recognize naturally processed and presented MTB epitopes. HLA‐DR4‐restricted, Ag85B or ESAT‐6‐specific CD4+ T cells show similar dynamics over time in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) when compared with CD8+ T cells directed against the corresponding HLA‐A2‐presented MTB epitopes in patients with pulmonary MTB infection and subsequent successful therapy. This was not found to be true for T‐cell responses directed against the 19‐kDa lipoprotein. The dissection of the cellular immune response in M. tuberculosis infection will enable novel strategies for monitoring MTB vaccine candidates and to gauge CD4+ T cells directed against MTB.
An Agonist Antibody Specific for CD40 Induces Dendritic Cell Maturation and Promotes Autologous Anti‐tumour T‐cell Responses in an In vitro Mixed Autologous Tumour Cell/Lymph Node Cell Model
Authors: Hunter T. B. , Alsarraj M. , Gladue R. P. , Bedian V. , Antonia S. J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCD40‐mediated interactions play an important role in the response to a variety of diseases, including cancer. Engagement of CD40 on antigen‐presenting cells, namely dendritic cells (DC), by CD40L leads to maturation and up‐regulation of co‐stimulatory molecules B7.1 and B7.2 (CD80 and CD86). These molecules are requisite to subsequent antigen‐specific activation of T cells. T‐cell activation is a critical aspect of specific anti‐tumour immune responses that have become the focus of a variety of cancer immunotherapy approaches. Clinical trials involving immunologic interventions have shown clinical responses confirming that the immune system can be harnessed for the treatment of cancer. However, the clinical response rate has been low, signifying the need for new immunotherapeutic strategies. To this end, an agonist antibody specific for CD40, CP‐870,893, has been developed. A fully autologous mixed tumour cell/lymph node cell model was utilized to demonstrate that CP‐870,893 promotes the responsiveness of lymph node‐derived T cells to autologous tumour. Specifically, T cells from the tumour‐draining lymph nodes are not responsive to autologous tumour cells; however, in the presence of CP‐870,893, this unresponsiveness is reversed, as indicated by lymph node cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. Monocyte‐derived DC treated with CP‐870,893 consistently display a mature phenotype: up‐regulation of CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA‐DR expression, increased Mip1α and IL‐12 secretion, and the loss of exogenous antigen‐presenting capability subsequent to treatment with the antibody. These data indicate that CP‐870,893 binds to and activates DC, ultimately driving a specific anti‐tumour T‐cell response.
Epitope Mapping of Series of Monoclonal Antibodies Against the Hepatocellular Carcinoma‐associated Antigen HAb18G/CD147
Authors: Ku X.‐M. , Liao C.‐G. , Li Y. , Yang X.‐M. , Yang B. , Yao X.‐Y. , Wang L. , Kong L.‐M. , Zhao P. , Chen Z.‐N. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe hepatocellular carcinoma‐associated antigen HAb18G/CD147, a member of CD147 family, could promote tumour invasion and metastasis via inducing the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). Anti‐CD147 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) have exhibited obvious inhibitory effect on MMP induction. However, none of the epitopes of these MoAb has been reported. We previously prepared five MoAb against HAb18G/CD147, named HAb18, 3B3, 1B3, 5A5 and 4D2. To map the epitopes of these MoAb, a series of truncated fragments of extracellular region of HAb18G/CD147 was expressed in Escherichia coli and the MoAb‐binding affinity to these fragments was examined with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. The residues 39LTCSLNDSATEV50, 36KILLTCS42 and 22AAGTVFTTVEDL33 were determined to be the epitopes of HAb18, 3B3 and 1B3, respectively, which were further proved by a dot‐blot analysis with synthesized peptides and bioinformatics epitope prediction. The binding regions of MoAb 5A5 and 4D2 were located at residues E120–R203. Then we constructed and expressed full‐length HAb18G/CD147 and truncated HAb18G/CD147 without residues A22–V50 in COS‐7 cells. Gelatin zymography and Boyden chamber assay showed that the COS‐7 cells expressing truncated HAb18G/CD147 failed to induce MMP production and enhance the cells’ invasive potential, compared with the cells expressing full‐length HAb18G/CD147. Taken together with the obviously inhibitory effects of HAb18 on the function of full‐length HAb18G/CD147, these findings suggest that residues 22AAGTVFTTVEDLGSKILLTCSLNDSATEV50 may play a critical role in the functions of HAb18G/CD147 on MMP secretion and tumour invasion. These key residues can be used as potential drug target in cancer therapy.
The Influence of MHC Class II Molecules Containing the Rheumatoid Arthritis Shared Epitope on the Immune Response to Aggrecan G1 and Its Peptides
Authors: Brintnell W. , Bell D. A. , Hill J. A. , Jevnikar A. M. , Sette A. , Sidney J. , Doege K. , Cairns E. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAggrecan has been implied as an autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Immunization with aggrecan induces arthritis in BALB/c (H‐2d) mice but not in other strains of mice [e.g. C57BL/6 (H‐2b)]. In humans, the strongest genetic association with RA is to the shared epitope (SE), and aggrecan peptides are predicted to bind to the SE. Therefore, we hypothesized that C57BL/6 mice transgenic (tg) for the RA SE (DR4 tg mice) may be susceptible to aggrecan‐induced arthritis. C57BL/6 and DR4 tg mice were immunized with a mixture of SE‐binding aggrecan peptides and tested for immune responses to the corresponding peptides as well as aggrecan. Sustained T‐ and B‐cell immune responses to aggrecan and several of its peptides were detected in DR4 tg mice. C57BL/6 mice showed only transient T‐cell responses to different immunizing peptides and little B‐cell response. Therefore, an immune response to peptides of aggrecan can be induced experimentally in DR4 tg mice as anticipated from the predicted and actual binding affinities of these peptides for the RA SE. Failure to induce arthritis in these DR4 tg mice may be due to a lack of appropriate non‐MHC genes.
Genotypic characterization of Porphyromonas gingivalis isolated from Swedish patients with periodontitis and from periodontal abscesses
Authors: Yoshino T. , Laine M. L. , Van Winkelhoff A. J. , Dahlén G. 
Published: May 2007

Introduction:  A significant genetic polymorphism has been shown for Porphyromonas gingivalis isolates from different geographical areas. It is, however, possible that genetic similarities can be found among isolates obtained from a more specific population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate genetic heterogeneity among P. gingivalis isolates obtained from Swedish subjects with chronic periodontitis and from periodontal abscess lesions.Methods:  A total of 78 P. gingivalis strains, including 55 fresh clinical isolates obtained from 52 Swedish periodontitis subjects, eight isolates from eight Swedish periodontal abscess subjects and 15 reference strains, were subjected to amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) genotyping assays.Results:  A total of 62 AFLP genotypes and 70 RAPD genotypes were identified among the 78 P. gingivalis strains. Forty‐six strains were clustered at 70% similarity level into 15 clusters. Six identical RAPD genotypes were identified among the strains. The AFLP/RAPD profiles were compared for identical genotypes. A total of 56 AFLP/RAPD genotypes were found. Four pairs of identical AFLP/RAPD genotypes were found for two strains obtained from two different periodontal pockets each of four subjects. Interestingly, two strains showed an RAPD/AFLP genotype, which was identical to the type strain W83.Conclusion:  The present study demonstrated that Swedish P. gingivalis isolates exhibit a wide variety of genotypes with only a weak clustering pattern. No predominant genotype at the whole chromosomal DNA level was present among Swedish P. gingivalis strains.