bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
1141424444 Detection of a2V‐ATPase in T regulatory cells of women with recurrent spontaneous abortions or implantation failures
Authors: Ntrivalas EI , Fukui A , Gilman‐Sachs A , Levine R , Kwak‐Kim J , Beaman KD 
Published: May 2006

Problem:  T regulatory cells (Tregs) have recently been shown to play a critical role in maternal tolerance to the fetus. Tregs are decreased in women with recurrent miscarriages. a2V‐ATPase (previously referred to as Regeneration and Tolerance Factor) is expressed in activated lymphocytes and plays a role in immune regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of a2V‐ATPase on CD4+/CD25bright Tregs.Method of Study:  Whole blood from women with RSA or implantation failures was reacted with anti‐CD4 and anti‐CD25 mAbs for the identification of CD4+/CD25bright and CD4+/CD25neg T cells by flow cytometric analysis. Subsequently, these two T‐cell populations were analyzed for the expression of a2V‐ATPase using PE‐conjugated 2C1 mAb (specific for the membrane portion of a2V‐ATPase). These two cell populations were also analyzed for the expression of CD71, CD62L, CD45RO and CD58 (Treg markers).Results:  a2V‐ATPase was more highly expressed on CD4+/CD25bright Tregs (22.8 ± 16.4%) than on CD4+/CD25neg T cells (2.4 ± 3.8%) in women with RSA (P < 0.0001). Additionally, a2V‐ATPase was more highly expressed on CD4+/CD25bright Tregs (18.0 ± 18.2%) than on CD4+/CD25neg T cells (1.5 ± 1.4%) in women with implantation failures (P < 0.0001). a2V‐ATPase expression also coincided with the expression of CD71, CD62L, CD45RO and CD58 in Tregs, as opposed to the conventional CD4+/CD25neg T cells.Conclusions:  The expression of a2V‐ATPase in Tregs of women with RSA or implantation failures is a novel finding and suggests that this vacuolar ATPase plays an important role in suppression. a2V‐ATPase may be a unique molecule in the identification of Tregs among peripheral blood lymphocytes and may also explain the tolerogenic activity of these cells.
1141635071 Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling 3 (SOCS3) controls trophoblast invasion and proliferation
Authors: Poehlmann TG , Markert UR 
Published: May 2006

Introduction:  Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is an intracellular mediator of trophoblast invasion. In other cells, Suppressor Of Cytokine Signalling 3 (SOCS3) is known to be a major antagonist of STAT3 activation. For auto‐regulation and to avoid excessive signals, SOCS3 gene expression is partly induced by STAT3.Methods:  The human choriocarcinoma cell line JEG‐3 was used for all experiments. STAT3 expression and STAT3 tyrosine (705) phosphorylation were analyzed by polyacrylamid gele electrophoresis followed by Western blotting. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) or Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) were used for stimulation. SOCS3 expression was silenced by RNA interference. For this approach in a first step, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used. Subsequently, Jeg‐3 cells were transfected with genes for the respective, self‐designed small hairpin RNA (shRNA), neomycin resistance and green fluorescent protein. Application of neomycin and cell sorting by green fluorescence were used for elimination of non‐transfected cells. Non‐genomic siRNA and shRNA were respectively used for controls. Colorimetric proliferation assays were performed.Results:  In IL‐6 stimulated cells, SOCS3 knockdown leads to increased STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation. After LIF stimulation, proliferation in SOCS3 knockdown cells is significantly higher than in controls. STAT3 expression is not affected by SOCS3 knockdown.Conclusion:  SOCS3 plays a major role in intracellular regulation of trophoblast proliferation and invasiveness. The balance of STAT3 and SOCS3 may tune the behavior of invading trophoblast cells.
1141636674 Differential serine and tyrosine phosphorylation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) in Jeg‐3 choriocarcinoma cell lines
Authors: Roediger J , Busch S , Enkelmann A , Poehlmann TG , Markert UR 
Published: May 2006

Background:  Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is an intracellular signalling molecule, which is used by several cytokines, including leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), epithelial growth factor (EGF), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). It induces a variety of gene transcripts and cell functions. In trophoblast cells and in tumor cells, its tyrosine phosphorylation is directly linked to their invasiveness. The regulation and function of STAT3 serine phosphorylation is still widely unclear.Material and Methods:  Jeg‐3 choriocarcinoma cells were stimulated with different concentrations of EGF, IL‐6 and LIF. STAT3 serine (727) and tyrosine (705) phosphorylation were analyzed 5–60 min after stimulation by SDS‐PAGE electrophoresis followed by Western blotting.Results:  Jeg‐3 cells display spontaneous STAT3 serine phosphorylation. 100 ng/mL EGF induces a time‐dependent reduction starting 15 min after stimulation. Tyrosine phosphorylation does not occur spontaneously, but is strongly induced by EGF at all analyzed time points. LIF induces tyrosine phosphorylation, but affects serine phosphorylation only very slightly. IL‐6 did not influence neither serine phosphorylation nor tyrosine phosphorylation.Discussion:  The EGF induced STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation may be responsible for its invasion triggering capacities. The parallel reduction of serine phosphorylation may enhance this effect. LIF was formerly shown to enhance trophoblast invasion via STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation. IL‐6 displays very little effects on STAT3 and seems to use other pathways for signalling.
1141638491 Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) stimulates mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in choriocarcinoma cell lines and human trophoblast cells
Authors: Busch S , Poehlmann TG , Roediger J , Markert UR 
Published: May 2006

Introduction:  Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and insulin‐like growth factor‐II (IGF‐II) are involved in the regulation of trophoblast cell migration and invasion. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) and Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR) signalling regulate cell invasion, growth and proliferation. mTOR plays also a key role during embryogenesis. Knock‐out mice embryos die after implantation and blastocysts trophoblast outgrowth is reduced.Aim:  Stimuli which might trigger such invasive behaviour through mTOR should be defined.Methods:  The human choriocarcinoma cell lines JEG‐3, JAR, the human choriocarcinoma‐trophoblast hybrid AC1‐M59 and human term trophoblast cells were stimulated with HGF, IL‐6 or IGF‐II. At several time points, the phosphorylation level of mTOR and STAT3 were tested by Western blot. STAT3 DNA‐binding capacity was analyzed by Electrophorectic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). To examine the role of mTOR for invasion and proliferation, mTOR expression was silenced by RNA interference (RNAi).Results:  HGF, IGF‐II and IL‐6 did neither induce tyrosine (705) phosphorylation of STAT3 nor STAT3 DNA binding capacity as assessed by EMSA. HGF led to an increase of mTOR serine (2448) phosphorylation for all cell types after 15 and 30 min while IL‐6 and IGF‐II did not induce mTOR phosphorylation. Simultaneously, HGF decreased STAT3 serine (727) phosphorylation. mTOR silencing in AC1‐M59 correlates with reduced proliferation and invasion. STAT3 expression was not affected by mTOR knock down.Conclusion:  HGF triggers mTOR activity in trophoblast and trophoblast‐like cells. mTOR is a main regulator of crucial trophoblast functions.
1141646904 Influence of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on proliferation and cytokine synthesis in maternal, fetal and decidual lymphocytes after stimulation with allergens
Authors: Enke U , Heinzelmann J , Markert UR , Jahreis G , Seyfarth L 
Published: May 2006

Background:  Fetal programming is the notion that adverse environmental conditions in utero can cause short term survival adaptations that may have long‐term consequences, such as chronic disease in subsequent lifetime. Recently, some authors reported that the increase of allergy prevalence in childhood may be linked with fetal immune development. In this regard, literature survey inspired to study the influence of two conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)‐isomers (c9,t11 and t10,c12) on parameters of the immune system in pregnancy.Methods:  Lymphocytes from allergic and non‐allergic mothers, cord blood of their newborns, and the decidual layer of term placentae were isolated and cultured for 2 days and supplemented or not with relevant allergens, c9,t11 CLA, t10,c12 CLA or linoleic acid, respectively. Expression of CD69 (activation marker) and CD71 (transferrin receptor; proliferation marker) on B and T lymphocytes and T helper cell type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines in culture supernatant were analyzed.Results:  Both CLA isomers led to an increase of the IFN‐γ/IL‐10 ratio in supernatants of peripheral maternal and cord blood cells from allergic patients and non‐allergic‐control. CLA supplementation decreased IL‐10 secretion of peripheral maternal and decidual lymphocytes and the portion of CD71+ maternal B cells. Linoleic acid induced a similar effect.Conclusion:  An immunological effect of CLA on maternal and fetal lymphocyte responses could be demonstrated. It would be expected that further investigations could reveal differences in effects of CLA and linoleic acid.
1142280946 Effect of estradiol and PAMPs on class II mediated antigen presentation and immunomodulatory molecule expression in the mouse female reproductive tract
Authors: Wira CR , Rossoll RM , Ochiel DO , Haddad SN , Schaefer TM 
Published: May 2006

Problem:  Antigen presenting cells (APC) in the female reproductive tract play important roles in innate immune defense and activation of the adaptive immune responses. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of estradiol and PAMP on antigen presentation in the female reproductive tract.Method of Study:  DO11.10 T cell antigen receptor transgenic mice specific for the MHC class II‐restricted OVA323–339peptide were used to study the effects of estradiol and PAMP on antigen presentation of OVA by uterine epithelial (EC) and stromal cells as well as vaginal cells to OVA specific memory‐T cells.Results:  Estradiol inhibited antigen presentation of OVA by uterine EC, uterine stromal cells and vaginal cells to OVA specific memory‐T cells. When ovariectomized animals were treated with estradiol for 1 or 3 days, antigen presentation decreased by 20–80%. In contrast, incubation with TLR agonists increased antigen presentation by EC (Poly (I:C), Pam3Cys), stromal cells (PGN, Pam3Cys) and vaginal cells (LPS, Pam3Cys). Analysis of mRNA expression by real time RT‐PCR indicated that estradiol inhibited CD40, CD80/86 and class II in the uterus and vagina. In contrast, stimulation of antigen presentation by PAMP did not correlate with changes in costimulatory molecule mRNA expression.Conclusions:  These results indicate that APC in the uterus and vagina are responsive to estradiol, which inhibits antigen presentation and costimulatory molecule expression. These findings suggest that whereas APC in the uterus and vagina respond to TLR agonists with increased antigen presentation, which initiates an adaptive immune response, their effects appear to be at levels other than the expression of costimulatory molecules.Acknowledgement:  Supported by AI‐13541 from NIH.
1142292808 Developmental exposure of mice to dioxin exhibit endometrial dysfunction which mimics endometrium from women with endometriosis
Authors: Bruner‐Tran Kaylon L. , Nayyar Tultul , Piestrzeniewicz‐Ulanska Dagmara , Eisenberg Esther , Osteen Kevin G. 
Published: May 2006

Problem:  The environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8‐tetracholorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) has been suggested to play a role in the etiology of endometriosis, but whether women develop this disease due to a prior exposure to endocrine disruptors is difficult to ascertain. Several studies have failed to demonstrate a link between adult TCDD exposure and the development of endometriosis, but we suspect it is the very early exposures that may be most relevant to alterations in adult tissue function. To this end, we have recently developed a mouse model in which we can examine the impact of developmental TCDD exposure on the adult uterus. The endometrial phenotype of these mice is markedly similarly to the phenotype found in women with endometriosis.Method of Study:  TCDD was administered to mice at multiple developmental stages (in utero, prepubertal and pubertal). Adult mice were ovariectomized and treated with either estradiol (E2) or with E2 and progesterone (P4). The uteri were collected and PR expression examined by immunohistochemistry. As an indicator of P4 responsiveness, tissues were further examined for expression of TGF‐β2. Human endometrial samples from women with and without endometriosis were similarly examined for PR and TGF‐β2 expression.Results:  Minimal uterine expression of PR and TGF‐β2 was observed in TCDD exposed mice while control mice demonstrated abundant expression of both proteins. Analysis of normal human endometrium revealed intense staining for both PR and TGF‐β2 during the P4‐dominated secretory phase while these proteins were greatly diminished in tissues from women with endometriosis.Conclusions:  A reduced responsiveness to P4 has recently been demonstrated in women with endometriosis. Although development of endometriosis is likely multifactorial, our studies are consistent with a role of in utero/developmental exposure to TCDD in the pathophysiology of this disease.Acknowledgement:  This work was supported by NIEHS # R21ES12298 and The Endometriosis Association.
Middle segment pancreatectomy for the treatment of benign and low malignant potential pancreatic tumours
Authors: Lou Wen‐Hui , Jin Da‐Yong , Niu Wei‐Xin , Ni Xiao‐Lin , Wu Wen‐Chaun 
Published: May 2006

Background:  Conventional distal pancreatectomy is used for the removal of lesions located at the body and tail of the pancreas. Generally, the spleen is sacrificed. But for benign and low malignant potential tumours in the pancreatic neck and body, this incurs notable loss of normal pancreatic tissue and the unnecessary risk of diabetes mellitus as well as splenic loss.Methods:  We report three cases of middle segment pancreatectomy in an effort to avoid the unnecessary loss of normal pancreatic tissue and the spleen. Two patients were males with a mucinous cystadenoma and non‐cystic mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. The other was a female with a serous cystadenoma. Middle segment pancreatectomy was performed. Two patients were reconstructed with double pancreaticojejunostomy and the third with a pancreaticogastrostomy.Results:  No major complications were observed.Comnclusions:  Middle segment pancreatectomy is a safe and effective procedure for the resection of benign and low malignant potential tumours in the pancreatic neck and body with preservation of normal pancreatic tissue and the spleen in selected patients. This is the first report of middle segment pancreatectomy for pancreatic tumour in China.
Postoperative complications of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
Authors: Dukhno Oleg , Pinsk Ilya , Levy Isaac , Ovnat Amnon 
Published: May 2006

Background:  The primary aim was to determine the rate and nature of late postoperative complications in relation to the type of band used and the route through which it encircled the stomach in a retrospective review of postoperative complications that necessitated reoperation in 500 consecutive cases of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) conducted over the past 48 months.Methods:  The four study groups were: (A) Lap‐Band® perigastric route, 186 cases; (B) Lap‐Band® pars flaccida route 73 cases; (C) SAGB perigastric 70 cases, and (D) SAGB pars flaccida, 171 cases. There were 414 women and 86 men. The mean age was 39.2 ± 11.0 years (17–68). The mean weight was 126 kg, and mean BMI was 43.4 kg/m2 prior to operation.Results:  There were 32 cases of slippage (17%) in group A and five cases (7%) in Group B (P < 0.05). In group C there were 15 cases (21%) of slippage and in group D six cases (3%) (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between Groups A and C or Groups B and D. Except for one case of band erosion in Group C, erosion, tube disconnection and aneurysmatic balloon dilatation occurred only in groups A and B. Band erosion occurred in 2% each in groups A and B, tube disconnection in 3% and 4%, respectively, and balloon dilatation in 2% in each of groups A and B.Conclusions:  Slippage was primarily route dependent. Erosion, tube disconnection and aneurysmatic dilatation of the balloon were encountered almost exclusively in the high‐pressure system. We conclude that the pars flaccida route with the low‐pressure system is more effective in reducing the rate of complications necessitating reoperation.
Transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: The Tuen Mun Hospital experience
Authors: Chan Steve Wai‐Hee 
Published: May 2006

Background:   The technique of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was popularized after the report by a French group in 1998. The Tuen Mun Hospital started the program of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy since 2002 and the surgical technique has been evolving along a learning curve.Methods and results:   We reviewed the transperitoneal approach of this procedure with emphasis on the variation of technique that the Tuen Mun Hospital has adopted.Conclusion:   Although well described and standardized, the technique of transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is still evolving, as are many other surgical procedures. The exposure and development of different techniques allows the surgeons to be better equipped in catering for patients with different needs.
Subgrid-Scale
Diffusivity: Wall Behavior and Dynamic Methods
Authors: Brillant Guillaume , Husson Sabine , Bataille Françoise 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
This study concerns the near-wall behavior of the subgrid-scale diffusivity. This is shown to depend on the thermal boundary conditions. Therefore, the constant subgrid-scale Prandtl number hypothesis is questionable and a direct modeling of the subgrid-scale diffusivity is considered instead. Large-eddy simulations are carried out using the Trio U code in a turbulent channel flow configuration with the three classical thermal boundary conditions (constant temperature, constant heat flux, and adiabatic wall). Different dynamic methods are used to model the subgrid-scale diffusivity and results are compared with constant subgrid-scale Prandtl number large-eddy simulations and with direct numerical simulations.
Diazotrophic
Burkholderia
Species Associated with Field-Grown Maize and Sugarcane
Authors: Perin L. , Martínez-Aguilar L. , Castro-González R. , Estrada-de los Santos P. , Cabellos-Avelar T. , Guedes H. V. , Reis V. M. , Caballero-Mellado J. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

Until recently, diazotrophy was known in only one of the 30 formally described species of
Burkholderia
. Novel N
2
-fixing plant-associated
Burkholderia
species such as
B. unamae
,
B. tropica
, and
B. xenovorans
have been described, but their environmental distribution is scarcely known. In the present study, the occurrence of N
2
-fixing
Burkholderia
species associated with different varieties of sugarcane and maize growing in regions of Mexico and Brazil was analyzed. Only 111 out of more than 900 isolates recovered had N
2
-fixing ability as demonstrated by the acetylene reduction assay. All 111 isolates also yielded a PCR product with primers targeting the
nifH
gene, which encodes a key enzyme in the process of nitrogen fixation. These 111 isolates were confirmed as belonging to the genus
Burkholderia
by using a new 16S rRNA-specific primer pair for diazotrophic species (except
B. vietnamiensis
) and closely related nondiazotrophic
Burkholderia
. In Mexico, many isolates of
B. unamae
(predominantly associated with sugarcane) and
B. tropica
(more often associated with maize) were recovered. However, in Brazil
B. tropica
was not identified among the isolates analyzed, and only a few
B. unamae
isolates were recovered from one sugarcane variety. Most Brazilian diazotrophic
Burkholderia
isolates (associated with both sugarcane and maize plants) belonged to a novel species, as revealed by amplified 16S rRNA gene restriction profiles, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and protein electrophoresis. In addition, transmissibility factors such as the
cblA
and
esmR
genes, identified among clinical and environmental isolates of opportunistic pathogens of
B. cenocepacia
and other species of the
B. cepacia
complex, were not detected in any of the plant-associated diazotrophic
Burkholderia
isolates analyzed.
Comparative Genomics and Transcriptional Analysis of Prophages Identified in theGenomes of
Lactobacillus gasseri
,
Lactobacillussalivarius
, and
Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Ventura Marco , Canchaya Carlos , Bernini Valentina , Altermann Eric , Barrangou Rodolphe , McGrath Stephen , Claesson Marcus J. , Li Yin , Leahy Sinead , Walker Carey D. , Zink Ralf , Neviani Erasmo , Steele Jim , Broadbent Jeff , Klaenhammer Todd R. , Fitzgerald Gerald F. , O'Toole Paul W. , van Sinderen Douwe 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

Lactobacillus
gasseri
ATCC 33323,
Lactobacillus salivarius
subsp.
salivarius
UCC 118, and
Lactobacillus casei
ATCC 334
contain one (LgaI), four (Sal1, Sal2, Sal3, Sal4), and one (Lca1)
distinguishable prophage sequences, respectively. Sequence analysis
revealed that LgaI, Lca1, Sal1, and Sal2 prophages belong to the group
of Sfi11-like
pac
site and
cos
site
Siphoviridae
, respectively. Phylogenetic investigation of
these newly described prophage sequences revealed that they have not
followed an evolutionary development similar to that of their bacterial
hosts and that they show a high degree of diversity, even within a
species. The attachment sites were determined for all these prophage
elements; LgaI as well as Sal1 integrates in tRNA genes, while prophage
Sal2 integrates in a predicted arginino-succinate lyase-encoding gene.
In contrast, Lca1 and the Sal3 and Sal4 prophage remnants are
integrated in noncoding regions in the
L. casei
ATCC 334 and
L. salivarius
UCC 118 genomes. Northern analysis showed that
large parts of the prophage genomes are transcriptionally silent and
that transcription is limited to genome segments located near the
attachment site. Finally, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis followed by
Southern blot hybridization with specific prophage probes indicates
that these prophage sequences are narrowly distributed within
lactobacilli.
Genetic Diversity and Quinolone Resistance in
Campylobacter jejuni
Isolates from Poultry in Senegal
Authors: Kinana Alfred Dieudonné , Cardinale Eric , Tall Fatou , Bahsoun Ibrahim , Sire Jean-Marie , Garin Benoit , Breurec Sebastien , Boye Cheikh Saad-Bouh , Perrier-Gros-Claude Jean-David 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

We used the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method to evaluate the genetic diversity of 46
Campylobacter jejuni
isolates from chickens and to determine the link between quinolone resistance and sequence type (ST). There were a total of 16 ST genotypes, and the majority of them belonged to seven clonal complexes previously identified by using isolates from human disease. The ST-353 complex was the most common complex, whereas the ST-21, ST-42, ST-52, and ST-257 complexes were less well represented. The resistance phenotype varied for each ST, and the Thr-86-Ile substitution in the GyrA protein was the predominant mechanism of resistance to quinolone. Nine of the 14 isolates having the Thr-86-Ile substitution belonged to the ST-353 complex. MLST showed that the emergence of quinolone resistance is not related to the diffusion of a unique clone and that there is no link between ST genotype and quinolone resistance. Based on silent mutations, different variants of the
gyrA
gene were shown to exist for the same ST. These data provide useful information for understanding the epidemiology of
C. jejuni
in Senegal.