bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polarization and apoptosis of T cell subsets in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: CHANG‐LIN W. U. , JIAN‐CHENG X. U. E. , FANG L. I. U. , HONG X. I. A. O. , XUE‐MIN Z. H. U. O. , QUN C. H. E. N. , XUE‐WEN L. V. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryIt is well known that idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired organ‐specific autoimmune hemorrhagic disease and dysfunctional cellular immunity is considered important in the pathophysiology of ITP, however, polarization and apoptosis profiles of T lymphocytes remain unclear completely. In this paper, we investigated the polarization of T cell subsets, the expressions of apoptotic proteins Fas/FasL on T cell subsets and the level of antiapoptotic gene bcl‐2 and bax mRNA in the bcl‐2 family, then discussed the role of them in ITP pathogenesis. We demonstrated that the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 in ITP children increased obviously, the average percentages of Th1 and Th2 also increased clearly, but the average percentages of Tc1 and Tc2 did not changed. In ITP children, the expressions of Fas, FasL on Th, Th1, Th2, Tc, Tc1 and Tc2 increased significantly. The expressions of FasL on Th1 and Tc1 increased sharply vs. Fas, whereas the expressions of Fas on Th2 and Tc2 increased obviously vs. FasL. The expressions of bcl‐2 mRNA in ITP children increased significantly, but the expressions of bax mRNA decreased, the ratios of bcl‐2/bax mRNA were improved obviously and there were positive correlation between the ratios of Th1/Th2 (IFN‐γ+T/IL‐4+T) and the ratios of bcl‐2/bax mRNA. Taken together, our findings indicate that ITP is Th1 type cell predominant disease although the precise mechanisms await further functional assay. This abnormal polarization of T cell subsets might be related to the high ratios of bcl‐2/bax mRNA and the abnormal expressions of Fas, FasL on T cell subsets, as can involve in ITP immunopathogenesis.
Lipid profile inβ‐thalassemia intermedia patients: correlation with erythroid bone marrow activity
Authors: AMENDOLA G. , DANISE P. , TODISCO N. , D'URZO G. , DI PALMA A. , DI CONCILIO R. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryLipid abnormalities, including low levels of all fractions of serum lipids, have been repeatedly reported in all phenotypes ofβ‐thalassemia. Unexpectedly, in more recent studies, the concentration of total cholesterol (TC) and high‐ and/or low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C and LDL‐C) has been found inβ‐thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients even lower than in thalassemia major, without a clear explanation of pathophysiology of these findings. This lack of information prompted us to evaluate the plasma lipids and lipoproteins pattern in the TI patients followed in our department; the data were compared with those found in hereditary spherocytosis patients. Furthermore, in both groups of patients, the erythroid bone marrow activity was evaluated, utilizing the level of soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) in the plasma. Both groups of patients showed similar lipid abnormalities (low‐TC, HDL‐C and LDL‐C) and the same increase of sTfR, with significantly lower hemoglobin levels in TI patients. Data analysis of our study shows that the lipid profile in TI patients is not influenced by age, sex, liver injury, hemoglobin or ferritin levels; the higher erythroid bone marrow activity with the enhanced cholesterol consumption could be the dominant mechanism implicated in the lipid abnormalities of TI patients.
Rapamycin Reduces CCR5 Density Levels on CD4 T Cells, and This Effect Results in Potentiation of Enfuvirtide (T-20) against R5 Strains of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 In Vitro
Authors: Heredia Alonso , Gilliam Bruce , Latinovic Olga , Le Nhut , Bamba Douty , DeVico Anthony , Melikyan Gregory B. , Gallo Robert C. , Redfield Robert R. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT
The CCR5 chemokine receptor plays a pivotal role in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Several studies have suggested that CCR5 density levels in individuals are rate limiting for infection. In addition, CCR5 density levels influence the antiviral activity of the HIV-1 fusion inhibitor enfuvirtide (T-20) against R5 strains. In the present study we demonstrate that rapamycin (RAPA), a drug approved for the treatment of renal transplantation rejection, reduces CCR5 density levels on CD4 T cells and inhibits R5 HIV-1 replication. In addition, RAPA increased the antiviral activity of T-20 against R5 strains of the virus in a cell-cell fusion assay and as shown by quantification of early products of viral reverse transcription. Median-effect analysis of drug interaction between RAPA and T-20 in infectivity assays using donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrated that the RAPA-T-20 combination is synergistic against R5 strains of HIV-1 and this synergy translates into T-20 dose reductions of up to ∼33-fold. Importantly, RAPA effects on replication levels and T-20 susceptibility of R5 strains of HIV-1 were observed at drug concentrations that did not inhibit cell proliferation. These results suggest that low concentrations of RAPA may potentiate the antiviral activity of T-20 against R5 strains of HIV-1, which are generally present throughout the course of infection and are less sensitive to T-20 inhibition than are X4 strains.
Identification of Commensal Bacterial Strains That Modulate
Yersinia enterocolitica
and Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Inflammatory Responses: Implications for the Development of Probiotics
Authors: Frick Julia S. , Fink Kerstin , Kahl Frauke , Niemiec Maria J. , Quitadamo Matteo , Schenk Katrin , Autenrieth Ingo B. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

An increasing body of evidence suggests that probiotic bacteria are effective in the treatment of enteric infections, although the molecular basis of this activity remains elusive. To identify putative probiotics, we tested commensal bacteria in terms of their toxicity, invasiveness, inhibition of
Yersinia
-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo, and modulation of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The commensal bacteria
Escherichia coli
,
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
,
Bacteroides vulgatus
,
Bacteroides distasonis
, and
Streptococcus salivarius
were screened for adhesion to, invasion of, and toxicity for host epithelial cells (EC), and the strains were tested for their ability to inhibit
Y. enterocolitica
-induced NF-κB activation. Additionally,
B. adolescentis
was administered to mice orally infected with
Y. enterocolitica
and to mice with mucosae impaired by DSS treatment. None of the commensal bacteria tested was toxic for or invaded the EC.
B. adolescentis
,
B. distasonis
,
B. vulgatus
, and
S. salivarius
inhibited the
Y. enterocolitica
-induced NF-κB activation and interleukin-8 production in EC. In line with these findings,
B. adolescentis
-fed mice had significantly lower results for mean pathogen burden in the visceral organs, intestinal tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA expression, and loss of body weight upon oral infection with
Y. enterocolitica
. In addition, the administration of
B. adolescentis
decelerated inflammation upon DSS treatment in mice. We suggest that our approach might help to identify new probiotics to be used for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious gastrointestinal disorders.
Femoral osteolysis following total hip replacement
Authors: Dattani R 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Total hip replacement represents the most significant advance in orthopaedic surgery in the 20th century. Periprosthetic osteolysis remains the most significant long-term complication with total hip replacement. It has been reported with all materials and prosthetic devices in use or that have been used to date. This paper reviews the current thinking on the aetiology, pathogenesis, management and future treatment options for osteolysis.
Familial aggregation and excess maternal transmission of type 2 diabetes in Tunisia
Authors: Arfa Imen , Abid Abdelmajid , Malouche Dhafer , Ben Alaya Nissaf , Roland Azegue Théophile , Mannai Imen , Majdi Zorgati Mohamed , Chiheb Ben Rayana Mohamed , Ben Ammar Slim , Blousa-Chabchoub Samira , Ben Romdhane Habiba , Zouari Béchir , Koussay Dellagi Mohamed , Abdelhak Sonia 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Aim
To evaluate the degree of familial aggregation of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tunisia and to investigate transmission patterns of the disease and their relationships with patients' clinical profiles.

Methods
Family history of diabetes and clinical data were collected for 132 unrelated type 2 diabetic Tunisian patients. Diabetes status was recorded for first degree relatives (parents, siblings) and second degree relatives (aunts and uncles from both maternal and paternal sides). Information about family history of diabetes was gathered for a total of 1767 individuals.

Results
Familial aggregation of type 2 diabetes was prominent and more important among first degree relatives than among second degree relatives (p = 0.01). Among studied subjects, 70% reported at least one relative with diabetes and 34% had at least one parent with diabetes. Diabetes was more frequent among mothers than fathers of probands (p = 0.03). This maternal effect extends to second degree relatives as diabetes was more common among maternal than paternal aunts and uncles (p = 0.01). There is no significant difference in clinical and metabolic profiles between patients according to transmission patterns of the disease.

Conclusion
These results suggest familial aggregation and excess maternal transmission of type 2 diabetes in the Tunisian studied population.
Modulatory role of verapamil treatment on the cardiac electrophysiological effects of cisapride
Authors: Morissette Pierre , Hreiche Raymond , Turgeon Jacques 
Published: May 2007

The role of transport proteins in the distribution of drugs in various tissues has obvious implications for drug effects. Recent reports indicate that such transporters are present not only in the liver, intestine, or blood−brain barrier but also in the heart. The objective of our study was to determine whether treatment of animals with verapamil, a well-known L-type calcium channel blocker with modulatory properties of membrane transporters, would alter distribution and cardiac electrophysiological effects of an IKrblocker. Male guinea pigs (n = 72) were treated with either saline or verapamil at various doses (1.5 to 15 mg/kg) and for various durations (1 to 7 d). Animals were sacrified 24 h after the last dose of verapamil (or saline), and their hearts were isolated and retroperfused with cisapride, a gastrokinetic drug with IKrblockade properties. In hearts obtained from animals treated with vehicle, 50 nmol/L cisapride prolonged MAPD90by 15 ± 5 ms vs. 36 ± 8 ms in hearts from animals treated with verapamil 15 mg·kg−1·d−1for 5 d (p < 0.01). Treatment effects were dose- and time-dependent. Cardiac myocytes isolated from animals treated with vehicle or verapamil were incubated for 3 h with 100 ng/mL cisapride. Intracellular concentrations of cisapride in cardiac myocytes from animals treated with verapamil were 1.6-fold higher than those measured in myocytes from animals treated with vehicle (p < 0.01). The increase in intracellular concentrations of cisapride and potentiation of cisapride electrophysiological effects suggest that chronic treatment with drugs such as verapamil may modulate drug effects on the QT interval because of an increased access to intracellular binding sites on IKrchannels.
The regulation of smooth muscle contractility by zipper-interacting protein kinaseThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled Young Investigators' Forum.
Authors: Ihara Eikichi , MacDonald Justin A. 
Published: May 2007

Smooth muscle contractility is mainly regulated by phosphorylation of the 20 kDa myosin light chains (LC20), a process that is controlled by the opposing activities of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP). Recently, intensive research has revealed that various protein kinase networks including Rho-kinase, integrin-linked kinase, zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK), and protein kinase C (PKC) are involved in the regulation of LC20phosphorylation and have important roles in modulating smooth muscle contractile responses to Ca2+(i.e., Ca2+sensitization and Ca2+desensitization). Here, we review the general background and structure of ZIPK and summarize our current understanding of its involvement in a number of cell processes including cell death (apoptosis), cell motility, and smooth muscle contraction. ZIPK has been found to induce the diphosphorylation of LC20at Ser-19 and Thr-18 in a Ca2+-independent manner and to regulate MLCP activity directly through its phosphorylation of the myosin-targeting subunit of MLCP or indirectly through its phosphorylation of the PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein of MLCP. Future investigations of ZIPK function in smooth muscle will undoubtably focus on determining the mechanisms that regulate its cellular activity, including the identification of upstream signaling pathways, the characterization of autoinhibitory domains and regulatory phosphorylation sites, and the development of specific inhibitor compounds.
Comparative capacities of the pig colon and duodenum for luminal iron absorption
Authors: Blachier François , Vaugelade Pierre , Robert Véronique , Kibangou Bertille , Canonne-Hergaux François , Delpal Serge , Bureau François , Blottière Hervé , Bouglé Dominique 
Published: May 2007

Iron deficiency is the most common human nutritional disorder in the world. Iron absorptive capacity of the small intestine is known to be much limited and therefore large quantities of iron salts must be used to treat iron deficiency. As a result, significant amounts of iron may reach the large intestine. This study compared the capacities of the small and large intestine to transfer luminal iron to the venous blood in relationship with the expression in epithelial cells of proteins involved in iron absorption using a pig model. Intracaecal injection of iron sulphate corresponding with 2.5 and 5.0 mg elemental iron per kg body mass resulted in modest, transient, but significant (p < 0.05) increases in iron concentration in the portal blood plasma. By comparing portal blood plasma iron concentrations following injection in the duodenal and caecal lumen, we calculated that 5 h after injection, iron colonic absorption represented approximately 14% of duodenal absorption. Caecal and proximal colon mucosa accumulated iron to a much lower extent than the duodenal mucosa. Isolated colonocytes were found to express divalent metal transporter (DMT1) and ferritin, but to a lesser extent than the duodenal enterocytes. Ferroportin was highly expressed in colonocytes. In these cells as well as in enterocytes ferroportin was found to be glycosylated. In short term experiments and at a concentration in the range of that measured in the aqueous phases recovered from the large intestine luminal content after iron injection, iron sulphate did not alter colonocyte viability. We concluded that the colonic epithelial cells that express proteins involved in iron absorption are able to transfer luminal iron to the venous blood even if its relative participation in the overall intestinal absorption appears to be modest under our experimental conditions.
Botulinum toxin type A inhibits rat pyloric myoelectrical activity and substance P release in vivo
Authors: Hou Yi-Ping , Zhang Yong-Ping , Song Yan-Feng , Zhu Chun-Min , Wang Yin-Chun , Xie Gui-Lin 
Published: May 2007

The effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on rat pyloric myoelectrical activity in vivo and the content and distribution of substance P (SP) in pylorus were investigated, respectively, with electromyography, radioimmunoassay, and immunohistochemistry. A pair of electrodes for recording pyloric myoelectrical activity and a guide cannula for drug injection were implanted into the pylorus. The changes of pyloric myoelectrical activity were recorded followed vehicle, 10, 20, and 40 U/kg body mass of BTX-A injection. Pyloric tissues were dissected for radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry after recording. The 3 dosages of BTX-A injections caused the reduction of slow wave of pyloric myoelectrical activity in amplitude but not in frequency and the diminishment of spike activity in amplitude and spike burst. The inhibitory effect of 20 U/kg BTX-A was significantly different from that of 10 U/kg (p < 0.05), but not from the effect of 40 U/kg administration (p > 0.05). After BTX-A intrasphincteric injection, SP content was reduced in the pylorus, and cell number of SP-immunoreactivity was decreased more in myenteric nerve plexus of circular muscle and in mucosa of pylori. In conclusion, BTX-A inhibits pyloric myoelectrical slow activity in amplitude and spike activity and weakens pyloric smooth muscle contractility depending on threshold of dose or concentration. BTX-A-induced inhibition of pyloric myoelectrical activity implies a mechanism of inhibiting SP release from the autonomic and enteric nervous terminals in the pylorus.
At-sea movements and habitat use of adult male Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus)
Authors: Kirkwood Roger , Lynch Michael , Gales Nick , Dann Peter , Sumner Michael 
Published: May 2007

Foraging by adult male otariids, a demographic component that often interacts with commercial fisheries, are poorly known. To assess movement patterns and habitat use, nine adult male Australian fur seals ( Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus Wood Jones, 1925) from Seal Rocks, in northern Bass Strait, southeastern Australia, were tracked for periods ranging from 66 to 223 d during 1999–2001. Mean ± SD at-sea and on-land durations were 6.9 ± 2.1 d (range 2.3–10.3 d, n = 9 seals) and 2.4 ± 0.9 d (range 0.8–4.1 d), respectively. All seals foraged almost exclusively in continental shelf waters and mostly (65%–97% of time at sea) in water columns that were between 40 and 100 m deep. Six of nine seals tracked for >30 d spent 64%–98% of their time-at-sea foraging at distances <200 km from Seal Rocks, although the maximum distance achieved from the colony was 1208 km. The seals’ foraging ranges overlapped with the ranges of operation of virtually all fin-fish fisheries in southeastern Australia, but fisheries overlap was low in the most frequented foraging area of central-western Bass Strait.
Demographic independence along ecosystem boundaries in Steller sea lions revealed by mtDNA analysis: implications for management of an endangered species
Authors: O’Corry-Crowe G. , Taylor B.L. , Gelatt T. , Loughlin T.R. , Bickham J. , Basterretche M. , Pitcher K.W. , DeMaster D.P. 
Published: May 2007

Previous genetic studies indicate Steller sea lions ( Eumetopias jubatus (Schreber, 1776)) comprise three phylogeographically distinct populations. However, differences in population trends and ecology and the limited extent of recorded dispersal suggest structure may be present at smaller scales. We examined sequence variation within a longer segment (531 bp) of the mtDNA control region in greater numbers (n = 1654) of sea lions from across Alaska than earlier investigations to investigate fine-scale dispersal patterns in Steller sea lions. We detected high levels of haplotypic diversity (h = 0.934) and confirmed phylogeographic differentiation between southeastern and western Alaska (Φst= 0.23, P < 0.0001), but also found significant differentiation at regional and local scales. Rookeries in the Gulf of Alaska, eastern Bering Sea, and eastern Aleutians were distinct from rookeries in the central and western Aleutians (Fst= 0.021, P < 0.0001; Φst= 0.017, P < 0.0001). The location of this split coincides with an oceanographic divergence between continental shelf and ocean basin waters and with differences in sea lion foraging ecology and population trends. A number of rookeries were also significantly differentiated from nearby rookeries (Fst= 0.02–0.025, P < 0.05), signifying substantial female-mediated philopatry, in some cases, at local scales. These findings have important implications for understanding the ecology of Steller sea lions in relation to marine ecosystems and the causes of population declines, and they provide guidance for management, including the identification of management stocks.
Comparative demography of a temperate anuran, Rana chensinensis, along a relatively fine elevational gradient
Authors: Lu Xin , Li Bin , Liang Juan Juan 
Published: May 2007

Rana chensinensis (David, 1875) is a temperate anuran endemic to northern China. We examined differences in demographic traits of the populations from three elevations (1400, 1700, and 2000 m) along a montane river in 2002. We found that frogs from higher elevations had delayed maturity, a larger size at maturity, and slower growth rates compared with frogs at lower elevations. This life-history model is similar to observations of other amphibians living in montane areas. However, discordance with the expected model occurred between neighboring populations and the variation was sex-specific. Mid-elevation adult males were significantly older and larger than their low-elevation congeners, but they were statistically similar in age and size to frogs from high elevations; females from mid elevations were not statistically different in age and size from females from our low-elevation site, but they were significantly younger and smaller than high-elevation females. These variations may be related to sexual differences in life-history strategies, which might not covary systematically when elevational gradients are set at a finer scale. At each elevation, the sex ratio was skewed towards females; females also matured later, lived longer, and were larger. Age was a major factor related to size, but other factors played a role in shaping size differences both between populations and between sexes.
Growth and reproduction of female short-beaked common dolphins,Delphinus delphis, in the eastern tropical Pacific
Authors: Danil K. , Chivers S.J. 
Published: May 2007

We characterize the life-history strategy of female short-beaked common dolphins ( Delphinus delphis L., 1758) inhabiting the eastern tropical Pacific by estimating several growth and reproductive parameters. Reproductive condition (n = 700) and age (n = 405) were determined for animals sampled from those incidentally killed in the yellowfin tuna ( Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788)) purse-seine fishery between 1975 and 1993. Females averaged 160.4 cm at age 2 years, 186.5 cm at attainment of sexual maturity, and 197.2 cm at asymptotic length. The estimated age at attainment of sexual maturity was 7.9 years and the oldest animal in the study was 25 years. Calving occurred throughout the year, with females producing a calf approximately every 2.1 years after a gestation period of approximately 11.4 months, an average lactation period of 16.5 months, and an average resting period of 2.8 months. A relatively high percentage (30.4%) of lactating females were simultaneously pregnant, which effectively shortens the average calving interval. No clear evidence of senescence was found. Estimated lengths at birth, 2 years of age, attainment of sexual maturity, and maximum size were greater than those reported for the temperate North Pacific population, indicating that large-scale geographic variation in life history occurs for this species, which likely reflects population-specific adaptations to the tropical and temperate habitats that they occupy.