bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis of cannabinoid ligand binding affinity and receptor distribution: interspecies differences
Authors: McPartland J M , Glass M , Pertwee R G 
Published: July 2007

A meta‐analysis, unlike a literature review, synthesizes previous studies into new results. Pooled data from 211 studies measured ligand binding affinities at human (Hs) or rat (Rn) cannabinoid receptors CB1and CB2. Cochrane methods were modified for this non‐clinical analysis. Meta‐regression detected data heterogeneity arising from methodological factors: use of sectioned tissues, lack of PMSF and choice of radioligand. Native brain tissues exhibited greater affinity (lower nM) than transfected cells, but the trend fell short of significance, as did the trend between centrifugation and filtration methods. Correcting for heterogeneity, mean Kivalues for Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol differed significantly betweenHsCB1andRnCB1(25.1 and 42.6 nM, respectively) but not betweenHsCB1andHsCB2(25.1 and 35.2). Mean Kdvalues forHsCB1,RnCB1andHsCB2of CP55,940 (2.5, 0.98, 0.92) and WIN55,212‐2 (16.7, 2.4, 3.7) differed betweenHsCB1andRnCB1and betweenHsCB1andHsCB2. SR141716A differed betweenHsCB1andRnCB1(2.9 and 1.0 nM). Anandamide atHsCB1,RnCB1andHsCB2(239.2, 87.7, 439.5) fell short of statistical differences due to heterogeneity. We consider these Kdand Kivalues to be the most valid estimates in the literature. Sensitivity analyses did not support the numerical validity of cannabidiol, cannabinol, 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol and all ligands atRnCB2. Aggregate rank order analysis of CB1distribution in the brain (pooled from 119 autoradiographic, immunohistochemical andin situhybridization studies) showed denserHsCB1expression in cognitive regions (cerebral cortex) compared toRnCB1, which was relatively richer in movement‐associated areas (cerebellum, caudate‐putamen). Implications of interspecies differences are discussed.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 583–593; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707399; published online 16 July 2007
Kiwifruit allergy: actinidin is not a major allergen in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lucas J. S. A. , Nieuwenhuizen N. J. , Atkinson R. G. , MacRae E. A. , Cochrane S. A. , Warner J. O. , Hourihane J. O'B. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryBackground
Actinidin has previously been reported as the major allergen in kiwifruit.Objectives
To investigate the relevance of actinidin in a well‐characterized population of UK patients with kiwifruit allergy.Methods
To identify the allergens in kiwifruit, using Western blots, we examined the IgE‐binding patterns of 76 patients with a history of kiwifruit allergy, 23 of who had had a positive double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge. In addition, IgE binding to purified native actinidin was studied in 30 patients, and to acidic and basic isoforms of recombinant actinidin in five patients. Inhibition of IgE binding to kiwifruit protein extract by purified native actinidin was investigated by both inhibition immunoblots and inhibition ELISAs using pooled sera.Results
Twelve protein bands in kiwifruit protein extract were bound by IgE. A protein band with a molecular weight of 38 kDa was the major allergen recognized by 59% of the population. IgE did not bind to actinidin in the kiwifruit protein extract, or to purified native or recombinant forms of actinidin during Western blotting. Pooled sera bound to kiwifruit protein extract but not purified actinidin on ELISA, and pre‐incubating sera with actinidin did not inhibit IgE binding to kiwifruit protein extract on immunoblot or ELISA.Conclusion
A novel 38 kDa protein, not actinidin, is the major allergen in this large study population. Identification of major allergens in one patient group is therefore not necessarily reproducible in another; therefore, major allergens should not be defined until there is a sufficient body of data from diverse geographical and cultural populations.
A protocol for generating high numbers of mature and functional human mast cells from peripheral blood
Authors: Lappalainen J. , Lindstedt K. A. , Kovanen P. T. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryBackground
Mast cells (MCs) are multi‐functional effector cells with an essential role in innate immunity and host defence, and under several pathological conditions, such as allergy. Here, we aimed at defining the culture conditions that would allow efficient generation of mature and functional human MCs from their progenitor cells.Methods
Human peripheral blood‐derived CD34+ progenitor cells were cultured in vitro under serum‐free conditions with human stem cell factor for 9 weeks. Growth and differentiation of the cells into MCs were optimized by selected cytokines and a combination of hypoxic and normoxic conditions. MCs were phenotypically characterized by immunocytochemistry, their preformed mediators were quantified, and their functional ability to degranulate and release histamine was tested.Results
On average, 20 × 106 mature MCs were generated from 0.5 × 106 progenitor cells during 9 weeks of culture, i.e. at least a 40‐fold increase in cell number was achieved. The mature MCs had oval‐shaped non‐lobular nuclei, contained histamine, heparin, tryptase, chymase, and cathepsin G in their secretory granules, and strongly expressed c‐kit (CD117) and Fc epsilon receptor I on their surface. Histamine release from the cells could be brought about by IgE–anti‐IgE cross‐linkage, compound 48/80, substance P, and anaphylatoxin C3a. The MCs remained functional for several weeks after their maturation.Conclusion
This study describes an efficient protocol for generating mature MCs from human peripheral blood with a functional phenotype of connective tissue‐type MCs. Use of these cultured human MCs will increase our knowledge and understanding about human MC development and biology in human disease.
Interferon‐β reduces the mouse liver fibrosis induced by repeated administration of concanavalin A via the direct and indirect effects
Authors: Tanabe Junichi , Izawa Akiko , Takemi Natsumi , Miyauchi Yasushi , Torii Yuichi , Tsuchiyama Hiromi , Suzuki Tomohiko , Sone Saburo , Ando Kazuki 
Published: July 2007

SummaryType I interferons (IFNs), IFN‐α and IFN‐β, are widely used for treating chronic hepatitis C. Although retrospective studies have suggested that type I IFNs have direct antifibrotic effects, little is known about these mechanisms. The present study was designed to clarify the preventive mechanisms of type I IFNs in the progression of fibrosis for the establishment of a more effective therapy. A murine fibrosis model comprising immunological reactions was induced by the administration of concanavalin A (0·3 mg/body) into mice once a week for 4 weeks. Liver injury and the degree of fibrosis were determined by measuring the serum alanine aminotransferase activities and liver hydroxyproline contents with or without IFN‐β pretreatment. IFN‐β suppressed the hepatocellular injury and increased the hydroxyproline content induced by repeated concanavalin A injections, but had no effect on established fibrosis. Furthermore, IFN‐β reduced the expressions of transforming growth factor‐β, basic fibroblast growth factor, collagen type I A2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 messenger RNAs, which are related to the progression of liver fibrosis. The IFN‐β reduced the liver injury and fibrosis induced by immunological reactions. These data suggest that type I IFNs suppress the progression of cirrhosis through inhibition of repeated hepatocellular injury and/or factors that promote the liver fibrosis induced by hepatitis virus infection.
Evaluation of spontaneous space closure and development of permanent dentition after extraction of hypomineralized permanent first molars
Authors: JÄLEVIK BIRGITTA , MÖLLER MARIE 
Published: July 2007

Aim.   The aim of this study was to evaluate spontaneous space closure, development of the permanent dentition, and need for orthodontic treatment after extraction of permanent first molars due to severe molar–incisor hypomineralization (MIH).Subjects.   Twenty‐seven children aged 5.6–12.7 (median 8.2) years had one to four permanent first molars extracted due to severe MIH. Each case was followed up on individual indications 3.8–8.3 (median 5.7) years after extractions.The eruption of the permanent dentition, and space closure were documented by orthopantomograms, casts, photographs, and/or bitewings.Results.  Fifteen children were judged to have a favourable spontaneous development of their permanent dentition without any orthodontic intervention. Seven children were or should be subjected to orthodontic treatment for other reasons registered prior to the extraction. Five children were judged to have a treatment at least caused by the extractions, but three of them abstained because of no subjective treatment need.Conclusion. Extraction of permanent first molars severely affected by MIH is a good treatment alternative. Favourable spontaneous space reduction and development of the permanent dentition positioning can be expected without any intervention in the majority of cases extracted prior to the eruption of the second molar.
Prognostic significance of mast cell number and microvascular density for the survival of patients with primary colorectal cancer
Authors: Gulubova Maya , Vlaykova Tatyana 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The prognostic relevance of tumor‐related angiogenesis and mast cell presence in colorectal cancer remains controversial. The aim of the current study was to assess the mast cell and microvessel densities (MCD and MVD) in the invasive front of colorectal cancers and to determine their prognostic relevance for survival of the patient with colorectal carcinoma.Methods:  Histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were used to identify mast cells by toluidine blue (TB) histochemical staining and tryptase (Try) immunohistochemical staining and to determine the MVD in 106 biopsies from patients with 57 colonic and 49 rectal primary cancers. The MVD was assessed using CD31 as an endothelial cell marker.Results:  Significant positive correlations were found between the MVD in the ‘hot spots’ and MCD‐Try and MCD‐TB (R = 0.623 and R = 0.414, respectively, P < 0.001). The survival analyses showed that the patients with hypovascular tumor tissues had significantly longer survival than those with hypervascular tumor biopsies (P < 0.0001). Analogous significant correlation was observed for MCD‐Try: patients with low MCD‐Try had significantly better prognosis compared to those with high MCD (P = 0.038). In the multivariate Cox's hazard analysis of the ‘hot spots’ MVD was found to be an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.0007), together with the presence of invasion of lymph vessels (P = 0.017) and the presence of regional lymph node metastases (P = 0.028).Conclusion:  We suggest that the assessment of MVD and tryptase‐positive mast cells in the invasive front of the primary colorectal cancer could be a useful tool for prognosis of patients after surgical therapy.
Health‐related quality of life in Chinese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Wong Grace L‐H , Law Florence M‐Y , Wong Vincent W‐S , Hui Alex Y , Chan Francis K‐L , Sung Joseph J‐Y , Chan Henry L‐Y 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Symptoms and complications of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) have been shown to impair patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in the West. We aimed to measure the HRQOL and to determine the factors associated with worse HRQOL among the Chinese PBC patients in Hong Kong.Methods:  Chinese patients with biopsy‐proven PBC were compared with an age‐ and gender‐matched control group of patients suffering from uncomplicated hypertension (HT) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Their HRQOL was assessed by a Chinese (Hong Kong) version of the 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36). The psychological aspect of patients was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).Results:  Forty‐four PBC patients aged 60 ± 11 years were identified. PBC patients had more profound impairment in their HRQOL, as evidenced by their significantly lower Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores (39 ± 11 vs 45 ± 9 and 45 ± 11, P = 0.009 and 0.01) and slightly lower Mental Component Summary (MCS) score (47 ± 12 vs 51 ± 10 and 48 ± 11, P = 0.051 and 0.80) as compared with the HT and CHB control groups, respectively. High HADS‐depression score was independently associated with lower PCS scores. More severe fatigue and higher HADS‐anxiety and HADS‐depression scores were independently associated with lower MCS scores.Conclusion:  Chinese PBC patients have significant impairment of the HRQOL. The anxiety and depression status of patients had important contribution to the HRQOL.
Heterochronic shifts during early cranial neural crest cell migration in two ranid frogs
Authors: Mitgutsch Christian , Piekarski Nadine , Olsson Lennart , Haas Alexander 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe describe the development of the cranial neural crest cell streams relative to embryonic events such as neural tube formation and somite appearance in two Eurasian frog species belonging to the Ranidae, Rana temporaria and Sylvirana nigrovittata, and demonstrate developmental heterochronies. The mandibular stream appeared well developed in R. temporaria at a time when the embryo was still spherical, the neural folds were elevated, and the neural plate was wide open, thus earlier than known from any frog species so far. The appearance of the second stream and its division into hyoid and branchial portions was clearly accelerated in R. temporaria relative to other embryonic events when compared to S. nigrovittata. For example, in R. temporaria, the hyoid and branchial portions of the cranial neural crest cell streams were separated before the neural folds had started to fuse, whereas in S. nigrovittata this event took place only after the neural folds had fused completely. Such ostentatious heterochronies related to the characters used herein have formerly only been reported from comparisons between species belonging to different higher taxa. Our results re‐confirm that to understand the full dynamics of the evolution of development, studies need to implement comparative embryological approaches, and include phylogenetically relatively closely related taxa.
Current Production and Metal Oxide Reduction by
Shewanella oneidensis
MR-1 Wild Type and Mutants
Authors: Bretschger Orianna , Obraztsova Anna , Sturm Carter A. , Chang In Seop , Gorby Yuri A. , Reed Samantha B. , Culley David E. , Reardon Catherine L. , Barua Soumitra , Romine Margaret F. , Zhou Jizhong , Beliaev Alexander S. , Bouhenni Rachida , Saffarini Daad , Mansfeld Florian , Kim Byung-Hong , Fredrickson James K. , Nealson Kenneth H. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Shewanella oneidensis
MR-1 is a gram-negative facultative anaerobe capable of utilizing a broad range of electron acceptors, including several solid substrates.
S. oneidensis
MR-1 can reduce Mn(IV) and Fe(III) oxides and can produce current in microbial fuel cells. The mechanisms that are employed by
S. oneidensis
MR-1 to execute these processes have not yet been fully elucidated. Several different
S. oneidensis
MR-1 deletion mutants were generated and tested for current production and metal oxide reduction. The results showed that a few key cytochromes play a role in all of the processes but that their degrees of participation in each process are very different. Overall, these data suggest a very complex picture of electron transfer to solid and soluble substrates by
S. oneidensis
MR-1.
Radiographic Findings in the Shoulder and Elbow of Major League Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Wright Rick W. , Steger-May Karen , Klein Sandra E. 
Published: July 2007

Background Changes in the dominant shoulder and elbow of professional pitchers have been noted on radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and ultrasound studies. The relationship of these findings to future injury and to time lost from play has not been identified. Hypothesis Degenerative changes of the shoulder and elbow are common findings on the radiographs of asymptomatic Major League Baseball pitchers. The changes are cumulative with increased pitching. These findings are not predictive of time on the disabled list. Study Design Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 4. Methods Fifty-seven asymptomatic Major League Baseball pitchers participating in the St Louis Cardinals spring training camp underwent routine preseason radiographic screening of their dominant shoulder and elbow between 1986 and 1998. Radiographs were reviewed for osteophytes, cystic changes, joint-space narrowing, and loose bodies. All findings were recorded as present or absent. Public baseball records were reviewed for arm dominance, age, years of professional pitching, professional innings pitched, shoulder or elbow injury or surgery, and time on the disabled list. These factors were statistically evaluated for their possible association with findings seen on preseason radiographs. Results Shoulder radiographs were available for 57 pitchers, and elbow radiographs were available for 56 pitchers. Both groups had an average age of 29 years. The average number of radiographic findings was 3 for the shoulder and 7 for the elbow. Comparing pitchers on the disabled list for a shoulder or elbow injury with those not on the disabled list demonstrated no significant difference in the age, number of seasons pitched, or number of innings pitched between the 2 groups. When individual radiographic findings were compared, no single finding was predictive of disabled list status (P > .05 in all cases). The sum of radiographic findings for the shoulder was significantly correlated with the number of innings pitched in professional baseball (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.46; P = .0004). The elbow data showed a similar correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.38; P = .003). When select individual radiographic findings were evaluated for an association with the number of innings pitched, the presence of acromioclavicular joint findings in the shoulder and radial head osteophytes and radioulnar joint findings in the elbow increased with an increase in innings pitched (P < .05). Conclusion Professional pitchers develop degenerative changes over time in both the shoulder and elbow of their dominant (pitching) arm due to chronic repetitive stresses placed across the joints. These findings do not predict time spent on the Major League Baseball disabled list.
Importance of Tibial Slope for Stability of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament—Deficient Knee
Authors: Giffin J. Robert , Stabile Kathryne J. , Zantop Thore , Vogrin Tracy M. , Woo Savio L-Y. , Harner Christopher D. 
Published: July 2007

Background Previous studies have shown that increasing tibial slope can shift the resting position of the tibia anteriorly. As a result, sagittal osteotomies that alter slope have recently been proposed for treatment of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. Hypotheses Increasing tibial slope with an osteotomy shifts the resting position anteriorly in a PCL-deficient knee, thereby partially reducing the posterior tibial “sag” associated with PCL injury. This shift in resting position from the increased slope causes a decrease in posterior tibial translation compared with the PCL-deficient knee in response to posterior tibial and axial compressive loads. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Three knee conditions were tested with a robotic universal force-moment sensor testing system: intact, PCL-deficient, and PCL-deficient with increased tibial slope. Tibial slope was increased via a 5-mm anterior opening wedge osteotomy. Three external loading conditions were applied to each knee condition at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of knee flexion: (1) 134-N anterior-posterior (A-P) tibial load, (2) 200-N axial compressive load, and (3) combined 134-N A-P and 200-N axial loads. For each loading condition, kinematics of the intact knee were recorded for the remaining 5 degrees of freedom (ie, A-P, medial-lateral, and proximal-distal translations, internal-external and varus-valgus rotations). Results Posterior cruciate ligament deficiency resulted in a posterior shift of the tibial resting position to 8.4 ± 2.6 mm at 90° compared with the intact knee. After osteotomy, tibial slope increased from 9.2° ± 1.0° in the intact knee to 13.8° ± 0.9°. This increase in slope reduced the posterior sag of the PCL-deficient knee, shifting the resting position anteriorly to 4.0 ± 2.0 mm at 90°. Under a 200-N axial compressive load with the osteotomy, an additional increase in anterior tibial translation to 2.7 ± 1.7 mm at 30° was observed. Under a 134-N A-P load, the osteotomy did not significantly affect total A-P translation when compared with the PCL-deficient knee. However, because of the anterior shift in resting position, there was a relative decrease in posterior tibial translation and increase in anterior tibial translation. Conclusion Increasing tibial slope in a PCL-deficient knee reduces tibial sag by shifting the resting position of the tibia anteriorly. This sag is even further reduced when the knee is subjected to axial compressive loads. Clinical Relevance These data suggest that increasing tibial slope may be beneficial for patients with PCL-deficient knees.
CCR1/CCL5 (RANTES) receptor-ligand interactions modulate allogeneic T-cell responses and graft-versus-host disease following stem-cell transplantation
Authors: Choi Sung W. , Hildebrandt Gerhard C. , Olkiewicz Krystyna M. , Hanauer David A. , Chaudhary Meghana N. , Silva Ines A. , Rogers Clare E. , Deurloo Daphne T. , Fisher Jacki M. , Liu Chen , Adams David , Chensue Stephen W. , Cooke Kenneth R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAcute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and leukemic relapse are serious complications of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (SCT). Recruitment of activated T cells to host target tissues or sites of leukemic infiltration (graft-versus-leukemia [GVL]) is likely mediated by chemokine receptor–ligand interactions. We examined the contribution of donor cell CCR1 expression to the development of GVHD and GVL using a well-established murine SCT model (B6 → B6D2F1) and CCR1-deficient mice (CCR1−/−). Allo-SCT with CCR1−/− donor cells significantly reduced systemic and target organ GVHD severity, and CCR1 expression on both T cells and accessory cells contributed to GVHD mortality. Significant GVL activity was preserved following CCR1−/− SCT, but the survival advantage diminished with increasing tumor burden. We then explored the effects of CCR1 expression on allo-specific T-cell responses. Although cytolytic effector function was maintained on a per-cell basis, T-cell proliferation and IFNγ secretion were significantly reduced both in vivo and in vitro. T-cell function was partially dependent on interactions between CCR1 and CCL5. Collectively, these data demonstrate that CCR1 expression on donor cells contributes to the development of both GVHD and GVL, and suggest that CCR1/CCL5 receptor-ligand interactions modulate allo-specific T-cell responses occurring in this context.