bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-Affinity Zn2+Uptake System ZnuABC Is Required for Bacterial Zinc Homeostasis in Intracellular Environments and Contributes to the Virulence ofSalmonella enterica
Authors: Ammendola Serena , Pasquali Paolo , Pistoia Claudia , Petrucci Paola , Petrarca Patrizia , Rotilio Giuseppe , Battistoni Andrea 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTTo investigate the relevance of zinc in host-pathogen interactions, we have constructedSalmonella entericamutant strains in which theznuAgene, which encodes the periplasmic component of the ZnuABC high-affinity Zn2+transporter, was deleted. This mutation does not alter the ability ofSalmonellato grow in rich media but drastically reduces its ability to multiply in media deprived of zinc. In agreement with this phenotype, ZnuA accumulates only in bacteria cultivated in environments poor in zinc. In spite of the nearly millimolar intracellular concentration of zinc, we have found thatznuAis highly expressed in intracellular salmonellae recovered either from cultivated cells or from the spleens of infected mice. We have also observed thatznuAmutants are impaired in their ability to grow in Caco-2 epithelial cells and that bacteria starved for zinc display decreased ability to multiply in phagocytes. A dramatic reduction in the pathogenicity of theznuAmutants was observed inSalmonella-susceptible (BALB/c) orSalmonella-resistant (DBA-2) mice infected intraperitoneally or orally. This study shows that the amount of free metals available for bacterial growth within the infected animal is limited, despite the apparent elevated concentration of free metals within cells and in plasma and suggests thatSalmonellaexploits the ZnuABC zinc transporter to maximize zinc availability in such conditions. These results shed new light on the complex functions of zinc in vertebrate and bacterial physiology and pave the way for a better comprehension of pathogenic mechanisms inSalmonellainfections.
Individual Matrix Metalloproteinases Control Distinct Transcriptional Responses in Airway Epithelial Cells Infected with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kassim Sean Y. , Gharib Sina A. , Mecham Brigham H. , Birkland Timothy P. , Parks William C. , McGuire John K. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Airway epithelium is the initial point of host-pathogen interaction in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infection, an important pathogen in cystic fibrosis and nosocomial pneumonia. We used global gene expression analysis to determine airway epithelial transcriptional responses dependent on matrilysin (matrix metalloproteinase 7 [MMP-7]) and stromelysin-2 (MMP-10), two MMPs induced by acute
P. aeruginosa
pulmonary infection. Extraction of differential gene expression (EDGE) analysis of gene expression changes in
P. aeruginosa
-infected organotypic tracheal epithelial cell cultures from wild-type,
Mmp7
−/−
, and
Mmp10
−/−
mice identified 2,091 matrilysin-dependent and 1,628 stromelysin-2-dependent genes that were differentially expressed. Key node network analysis showed that these MMPs controlled distinct gene expression programs involved in proliferation, cell death, immune responses, and signal transduction, among other host defense processes. Our results demonstrate discrete roles for these MMPs in regulating epithelial responses to
Pseudomonas
infection and show that a global genomics strategy can be used to assess MMP function.
Fusion Proteins Containing Family 1 and Family 2 PspA Fragments Elicit Protection against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
That Correlates with Antibody-Mediated Enhancement of Complement Deposition
Authors: Darrieux M. , Miyaji E. N. , Ferreira D. M. , Lopes L. M. , Lopes A. P. Y. , Ren B. , Briles D. E. , Hollingshead S. K. , Leite L. C. C. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT
PspA is an important pneumococcal vaccine candidate that is capable of inducing protection in different animal models. Because of its structural diversity, a PspA-based vaccine should contain at least one fragment from each of the two major families (1 and 2) in order to elicit broader protection. In the present work, we have tested the potential of PspA hybrids containing fused portions of family 1 and 2 (PspA1ABC-4B and PspA1ABC-3AB) PspA fragments to induce protection against pneumococci bearing distinct PspA fragments. Sera from mice immunized with these hybrid PspA fragments were able to increase C3 deposition on pneumococci bearing PspA fragments from both families, in contrast with sera made against the PspA family 1 (PspA1ABC) and PspA family 2 (PspA3ABC) fragments, which were effective only within the same family. Although PspA hybrids were able to extend protection against pneumococcal infection with strains bearing diverse PspA fragments, the immunity elicited by family 2 was clade dependent, suggesting that PspA fragments from family 2 clades 3 and 4 should both be included in a comprehensive PspA vaccine. These results indicate that PspA fusion proteins constitute an efficient immunization strategy for future PspA-based antipneumococcal vaccines since they are able to extend protection provided by a protein derived from a single transcript.
Treponema denticola
Activates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Pathways through Toll-Like Receptor 2
Authors: Ruby John , Rehani Kunal , Martin Michael 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Treponema denticola
, a spirochete indigenous to the oral cavity, is associated with host inflammatory responses to anaerobic polymicrobial infections of the root canal, periodontium, and alveolar bone. However, the cellular mechanisms responsible for the recognition of
T. denticola
by the innate immune system and the underlying cell signaling pathways that regulate the inflammatory response to
T. denticola
are currently unresolved. In this study, we demonstrate that
T. denticola
induces innate immune responses via the utilization of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) but not TLR4. Assessment of TLR2/1 and TLR2/6 heterodimers revealed that
T. denticola
predominantly utilizes TLR2/6 for the induction of cellular responses. Analysis of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in
T. denticola
-stimulated monocytes identified a prolonged up-regulation of the MAPK extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38, while no discernible increase in phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) levels was observed. With the aid of pharmacological inhibitors selectively targeting ERK1/2 via the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 kinase and p38, we further demonstrate that ERK1/2 and p38 play a major role in
T. denticola
-mediated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production.
Azimuthal asymmetry and dynamical fluctuation of compound multiplicity in nucleus–nucleus collisions at ultra-relativistic energy
Authors: Ghosh D , Deb A , Haldar P K , Guptaroy S 
Published: October 2007

The paper reports a study on azimuthal asymmetry fluctuations in compound (pion combined with proton) multiplicity spectra obtained from interactions of 60A GeV 16O–nucleus and 200A GeV 32S–nucleus with AgBr nuclei. The maximum azimuthal asymmetry is investigated, averaged over different compound multiplicity intervals. The data exhibit the existence of a dynamical component in the emission asymmetry fluctuations. The degree of the asymmetry is found to decrease as the multiplicity increases, and the decrease is found to be faster for a heavier projectile. The latter may provide important information on the production mechanism, when compared to the similar studies of pion fluctuations, where no such dependence has been observed. PACS Nos.: 25.75–q, 24.60 Ky
Central forces and secular perihelion motion
Authors: D'Eliseo M M 
Published: October 2007

The first-order orbital equation and its perturbed version under the form of an integro-differential equation provide a new method to study, respectively, the elliptical orbit and the secular motion of a planetary perihelion due to the perturbing action of an important category of central forces: the inverse-power radial forces. For this, a general formula is found. The related problems of the gravitational bending of fast particles and light rays are studied using the same methods. PACS Nos.: 02.60.Nm, 04.25.–g, 46.15.Ff, 45.50.Pk
Volume change behaviour of saturated clays under drained heating conditions: experimental results and constitutive modeling
Authors: Abuel-Naga H.M. , Bergado D.T. , Bouazza A. , Ramana G.V. 
Published: October 2007

One of the essential features of thermomechanical behaviour of saturated fine-grained soils is the thermally induced volume change occurring under a drained heating condition. In this study, a modified oedometer apparatus, able to handle temperatures up to 100 °C, was used to investigate the thermally induced volume change behaviour of soft Bangkok clay. The results of this experimental study provide additional experimental evidence and insights that may enhance the understanding of volume change behaviour of saturated clays at elevated temperatures. This paper also introduces an isotropic thermoelastoplastic constitutive model that closely predicts the thermally induced volume change behaviour of saturated clay specimens under normally consolidated conditions as well as overconsolidated conditions obtained by unloading process in the temperature range of 20–95 °C. Two yield limits, namely: loading yield limit and thermal yield limit, each of which can be measured from simple experimental results, are proposed to capture the volumetric plastic strain behaviour induced either by mechanical or thermal loading (or any combination thereof). The capability of the proposed model has been verified against experimental results obtained on soft Bangkok clay as well as on two other clays (Boom clay and MC clay) as reported in the literature.
Fasting induces a biphasic adaptive metabolic response in murine small intestine
Authors: Sokolović Milka , Wehkamp Diederik , Sokolović Aleksandar , Vermeulen Jacqueline , Gilhuijs-Pederson Lisa A , van Haaften Rachel IM , Nikolsky Yuri , Evelo Chris TA , van Kampen Antoine HC , Hakvoort Theodorus BM , Lamers Wouter H 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
The gut is a major energy consumer, but a comprehensive overview of the adaptive response to fasting is lacking. Gene-expression profiling, pathway analysis, and immunohistochemistry were therefore carried out on mouse small intestine after 0, 12, 24, and 72 hours of fasting.

Results
Intestinal weight declined to 50% of control, but this loss of tissue mass was distributed proportionally among the gut's structural components, so that the microarrays' tissue base remained unaffected. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of the microarrays revealed that the successive time points separated into distinct branches. Pathway analysis depicted a pronounced, but transient early response that peaked at 12 hours, and a late response that became progressively more pronounced with continued fasting. Early changes in gene expression were compatible with a cellular deficiency in glutamine, and metabolic adaptations directed at glutamine conservation, inhibition of pyruvate oxidation, stimulation of glutamate catabolism via aspartate and phosphoenolpyruvate to lactate, and enhanced fatty-acid oxidation and ketone-body synthesis. In addition, the expression of key genes involved in cell cycling and apoptosis was suppressed. At 24 hours of fasting, many of the early adaptive changes abated. Major changes upon continued fasting implied the production of glucose rather than lactate from carbohydrate backbones, a downregulation of fatty-acid oxidation and a very strong downregulation of the electron-transport chain. Cell cycling and apoptosis remained suppressed.

Conclusion
The changes in gene expression indicate that the small intestine rapidly looses mass during fasting to generate lactate or glucose and ketone bodies. Meanwhile, intestinal architecture is maintained by downregulation of cell turnover.
Signal-averaged P wave analysis for delineation of interatrial conduction – Further validation of the method
Authors: Holmqvist Fredrik , Platonov Pyotr G , Havmöller Rasmus , Carlson Jonas 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
The study was designed to investigate the effect of different measuring methodologies on the estimation of P wave duration. The recording length required to ensure reproducibility in unfiltered, signal-averaged P wave analysis was also investigated. An algorithm for automated classification was designed and its reproducibility of manual P wave morphology classification investigated.

Methods
Twelve-lead ECG recordings (1 kHz sampling frequency, 0.625 μV resolution) from 131 healthy subjects were used. Orthogonal leads were derived using the inverse Dower transform. Magnification (100 times), baseline filtering (0.5 Hz high-pass and 50 Hz bandstop filters), signal averaging (10 seconds) and bandpass filtering (40–250 Hz) were used to investigate the effect of methodology on the estimated P wave duration. Unfiltered, signal averaged P wave analysis was performed to determine the required recording length (6 minutes to 10 s) and the reproducibility of the P wave morphology classification procedure. Manual classification was carried out by two experts on two separate occasions each. The performance of the automated classification algorithm was evaluated using the joint decision of the two experts (i.e., the consensus of the two experts).

Results
The estimate of the P wave duration increased in each step as a result of magnification, baseline filtering and averaging (100 ± 18 vs. 131 ± 12 ms; P < 0.0001). The estimate of the duration of the bandpass-filtered P wave was dependent on the noise cut-off value: 119 ± 15 ms (0.2 μV), 138 ± 13 ms (0.1 μV) and 143 ± 18 ms (0.05 μV). (P = 0.01 for all comparisons).
The mean errors associated with the P wave morphology parameters were comparable in all segments analysed regardless of recording length (95% limits of agreement within 0 ± 20% (mean ± SD)). The results of the 6-min analyses were comparable to those obtained at the other recording lengths (6 min to 10 s).
The intra-rater classification reproducibility was 96%, while the interrater reproducibility was 94%. The automated classification algorithm agreed with the manual classification in 90% of the cases.

Conclusion
The methodology used has profound effects on the estimation of P wave duration, and the method used must therefore be validated before any inferences can be made about P wave duration. This has implications in the interpretation of multiple studies where P wave duration is assessed, and conclusions with respect to normal values are drawn.
P wave morphology and duration assessed using unfiltered, signal-averaged P wave analysis have high reproducibility, which is unaffected by the length of the recording. In the present study, the performance of the proposed automated classification algorithm, providing total reproducibility, showed excellent agreement with manually defined P wave morphologies.
Induction of multi-antigen multi-stage immune responses against Plasmodium falciparum in rhesus monkeys, in the absence of antigen interference, with heterologous DNA prime/poxvirus boost immunization
Authors: Jiang George , Charoenvit Yupin , Moreno Alberto , Baraceros Maria F , Banania Glenna , Richie Nancy , Abot Steve , Ganeshan Harini , Fallarme Victoria , Patterson Noelle B , Geall Andrew , Weiss Walter R , Strobert Elizabeth , Caro-Aquilar Ivette , Lanar David E , Saul Allan , Martin Laura B , Gowda Kalpana , Morrissette Craig R , Kaslow David C , Carucci Daniel J , Galinski Mary R , Doolan Denise L 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe present study has evaluated the immunogenicity of single or multiplePlasmodium falciparum (Pf)antigens administered in a DNA prime/poxvirus boost regimen with or without the poloxamer CRL1005 in rhesus monkeys. Animals were primed withPfCSP plasmid DNA or a mixture ofPfCSP,PfSSP2/TRAP,PfLSA1,PfAMA1 andPfMSP1-42 (CSLAM) DNA vaccines in PBS or formulated with CRL1005, and subsequently boosted with ALVAC-Pf7, a canarypox virus expressing the CSLAM antigens. Cell-mediated immune responses were evaluated by IFN-γ ELIspot and intracellular cytokine staining, using recombinant proteins and overlapping synthetic peptides. Antigen-specific and parasite-specific antibody responses were evaluated by ELISA and IFAT, respectively. Immune responses to all components of the multi-antigen mixture were demonstrated following immunization with either DNA/PBS or DNA/CRL1005, and no antigen interference was observed in animals receiving CSLAM as compared toPfCSP alone. These data support the down-selection of the CSLAM antigen combination. CRL1005 formulation had no apparent effect on vaccine-induced T cell or antibody responses, either before or after viral boost. In high responder monkeys, CD4+IL-2+ responses were more predominant than CD8+ T cell responses. Furthermore, CD8+ IFN-γ responses were detected only in the presence of detectable CD4+ T cell responses. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential for multivalentPfvaccines based on rational antigen selection and combination, and suggests that further formulation development to increase the immunogenicity of DNA encoded antigens is warranted.
Suicide in deaf populations: a literature review
Authors: Turner Oliver , Windfuhr Kirsten , Kapur Navneet 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Studies have found that deaf individuals have higher rates of psychiatric disorder than those who are hearing, while at the same time encountering difficulties in accessing mental health services. These factors might increase the risk of suicide. However, the burden of suicidal behaviour in deaf people is currently unknown.
The aim of the present review was to provide a summary of literature on suicidal behaviour with specific reference to deaf individuals. The objectives of the review were to establish the incidence and prevalence of suicidal behaviour in deaf populations; describe risk factors for suicidal behaviour in deaf populations; describe approaches to intervention and suicide prevention that have been used in deaf populations.

Methods
A number of electronic databases (e.g. Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, Dissertation Abstracts International, Web of Science, ComDisDome, ASSIA, Education Sage Full Text, Google Scholar, and the grey literature databases FADE and SIGLE) were explored using a combination of key words and medical subject headings as search terms. Reference lists of papers were also searched. The Science and Social Sciences Citation Index electronic databases were used to identify studies that had cited key papers. We also contacted experts and organisations with an interest in the field.

Results
Very few studies focussed specifically on suicide in deaf populations. Those studies that were included (n = 13) generally involved small and unrepresentative samples. There were limited data on the rate of suicidal behaviour in deaf people. One study reported evidence of hearing impairment in 0.2% of all suicide deaths. Another found that individuals with tinnitus seen in specialist clinics had an elevated rate of suicide compared to the general population. The rates of attempted suicide in deaf school and college students during the previous year ranged from 1.7% to 18%, with lifetime rates as high as 30%. Little evidence was found to suggest that risk factors for suicide in deaf people differed systematically from those in the general population. However, studies did report higher levels of depression and higher levels of perceived risk among deaf individuals than hearing control groups. No firm evidence was found regarding the effectiveness of suicide prevention strategies in deaf people, but suggested strategies include developing specific screening tools, training clinical staff, promoting deaf awareness, increasing the availability of specialist mental health services for deaf people.

Conclusion
There is a significant gap in our understanding of suicide in deaf populations. Clinicians should be aware of the possible association between suicide and deafness. Specialist mental health services should be readily accessible to deaf individuals and specific preventative strategies may be of benefit. However, further research using a variety of study designs is needed to increase our understanding of this issue.
Concurrent Chemotherapy and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Anal Canal Cancer Patients: A Multicenter Experience
Authors: Salama Joseph K. , Mell Loren K. , Schomas David A. , Miller Robert C. , Devisetty Kiran , Jani Ashesh B. , Mundt Arno J. , Roeske John C. , Liauw Stanley L. , Chmura Steven J. 
Published: October 2007

Purpose To report a multicenter experience treating anal canal cancer patients with concurrent chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Patients and Methods From October 2000 to June 2006, 53 patients were treated with concurrent chemotherapy and IMRT for anal squamous cell carcinoma at three tertiary-care academic medical centers. Sixty-two percent were T1-2, and 67% were N0; eight patients were HIV positive. Forty-eight patients received fluorouracil (FU)/mitomycin, one received FU/cisplatin, and four received FU alone. All patients underwent computed tomography–based treatment planning with pelvic regions and inguinal nodes receiving a median of 45 Gy. Primary sites and involved nodes were boosted to a median dose of 51.5 Gy. All acute toxicity was scored according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. All late toxicity was scored using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. Results Median follow-up was 14.5 months (range, 5.2 to 102.8 months). Acute grade 3+ toxicity included 15.1% GI and 37.7% dermatologic toxicity; all acute grade 4 toxicities were hematologic; and acute grade 4 leukopenia and neutropenia occurred in 30.2% and 34.0% of patients, respectively. Treatment breaks occurred in 41.5% of patients, lasting a median of 4 days. Forty-nine patients (92.5%) had a complete response, one patient had a partial response, and three had stable disease. All HIV-positive patients achieved a complete response. Eighteen-month colostomy-free survival, overall survival, freedom from local failure, and freedom from distant failure were 83.7%, 93.4%, 83.9%, and 92.9%, respectively. Conclusion Preliminary outcomes suggest that concurrent chemotherapy and IMRT for anal canal cancers is effective and tolerated favorably compared with historical standards.