bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the In Vivo Photodynamic Threshold Dose for Photofrin, Mono‐ and Tetrasulfonated Aluminum Phthalocyanine Using a Rat Liver Model
Authors: Farrell Thomas J. , Wilson Brian C. , Patterson Michael S. , Olivo Malini C. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTThe photodynamic threshold dose in normal rat liver was determined from the measured depth of necrosis following surface irradiation. The threshold was determined for the photosensitizing drugs Photofrin and monosulfo‐nated aluminum chlorophthalocyanine, AIPcS1, at 24 h postinjection and was found to be (3.4 ×/÷ 1.3) × 1018 (8.2 ×/÷ 1.5) × 1018photons cm‐3, respectively, compared with the previously reported value of (38 ± 2) × 1018photons cm‐3for the tri/tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine, AlPcS4. These values were independent of drug concentration or total light fluence. For all three drugs the depth of tissue necrosis decreased as the time between drug and light administration increased from 10 min to 72 h. This decrease can be attributed both to the change in the tissue drug concentration as well as to changes in the efficiency of photodynamic therapy for producing tissue damage, related to the photodynamic necrosis threshold. 1'he threshold values for all three photosensitizers were lowest at 10 min post injection: (1.4 ×/÷ 1.4) × 1018, (1.6 ×/÷ 1.3) × 1018 (23 ×/÷ 1.3) × 1018photons cm‐3for Photofrin, AIPcS1 and AlPcS4, respectively. The changes in necrosis threshold with time may be due to an initial change from entirely vascular to a combination of vascular and cellular damage, with later redistribution of the photosensiti/.er to targets at the subcellular level.
Characterization of Photoreceptor and Signaling Pathway for Light Induction of the Chlamydomonas Heat‐Shock Gene HSP70A
Authors: Kropat Janette , Beck Christoph F. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTLight induces heat‐shock gene HSP70A by a heat stress‐independent pathway. Analysis of mutants defective in plastid‐localized chlorophyll synthesis as well as feeding of chlorophyll precursors have previously provided evidence for the participation of the chloroplast in this light induction. An involvement of photosynthesis appears unlikely because an inhibitor of photosystem II and various mutations causing defects in photosystems I and II or the cytb6/f complex did not affect light inducibility. The competence of a mutant defective in carotenoid biosynthesis for induction of HSP70A by light also ruled out the involvement of photoreceptors with a carotenoid‐based chromophore like chlamyrhodopsin. Analysis of the wavelength dependence of HSP70A mRNA accumulation revealed a major peak around 600 nm and a minor one around 450 nm. This suggests that a novel photoreceptor mediates this induction. Continuous irradiation during the induction phase was required for a sustained accumulation of HSP70A mRNA, indicating that continuous triggering of the signaling pathway is needed. A prerequisite for this light induction is a state of competence achieved by incubation of the cells in the dark for at least 1h.
Development of a Fiber Optic Probe to Measure NIR Raman Spectra of Cervical Tissue In Vivo
Authors: Mahadevan‐Jansen Anita , Mitchell Michele Follen , Ramanujam Nirmala , Utzinger Urs , Richards‐Kortum Rebecca 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study was to develop a compact fiber optic probe to measure near infrared Raman spectra of human cervical tissue in vivo for the clinical diagnosis of cervical precancers. A Raman spectrometer and fiber optic probe were designed, constructed and tested. The probe was first tested using standards with known Raman spectra, and then the probe was used to acquire Raman spectra from normal and precancerous cervical tissue in vivo. Raman spectra of cervical tissue could be acquired in vivo in 90 s using incident powers comparable to the threshold limit values for laser exposure of the skin. Although some silica signal obscured tissue Raman bands below 900 cm‐1, Raman features from cervical tissue could clearly be discerned with an acceptable signal‐to‐noise ratio above 900 cm‐1. The success of the Raman probe described here indicates that near infrared Raman spectra can be measured in vivo from cervical tissues. Increasing the power of the excitation source could reduce the integration time to below 20 s.
Comparison of the Antimicrobial Effects of Chlorine, Silver Ion, and Tobramycin on Biofilm
Authors: Kim Jaeeun , Pitts Betsey , Stewart Philip S. , Camper Anne , Yoon Jeyong 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT
The systematic understanding of how various antimicrobial agents are involved in controlling biofilms is essential in order to establish an effective strategy for biofilm control, since many antimicrobial agents are effective against planktonic cells but are ineffective when they are used against the same bacteria growing in a biofilm state. Three different antimicrobial agents (chlorine, silver, and tobramycin) and three different methods for the measurement of membrane integrity (plate counts, the measurement of respiratory activity with 5-cyano-2,3-ditolyl tetrazolium chloride [CTC] staining, and BacLight Live/Dead staining) were used along with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and epifluorescence microscopy to examine the activities of the antimicrobials on biofilms in a comparative way. The three methods of determining the activities of the antimicrobials gave very different results for each antimicrobial agent. Among the three antimicrobials, tobramycin appeared to be the most effective in reducing the respiratory activity of biofilm cells, based upon CTC staining. In contrast, tobramycin-treated biofilm cells maintained their membrane integrity better than chlorine- or silver-treated ones, as evidenced by imaging by both CLSM and epifluorescence microscopy. Combined and sequential treatments with silver and tobramycin showed an enhanced antimicrobial efficiency of more than 200%, while the antimicrobial activity of either chlorine or tobramycin was antagonized when the agents were used in combination. This observation makes sense when the different oxidative reactivities of chlorine, silver, and tobramycin are considered.
gp63 in Stable Cationic Liposomes Confers Sustained Vaccine Immunity to Susceptible BALB/c Mice Infected withLeishmania donovani
Authors: Bhowmick Swati , Ravindran Rajesh , Ali Nahid 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTVisceral leishmaniasis is deadly if not treated, and development of a vaccine with long-term immunity remains a challenge. In this study, we showed that cationic distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) liposomes, when used as vaccine adjuvant with the immunodominant 63-kDa glycoprotein (gp63) ofLeishmania donovanipromastigotes, induced significant protection against progressive visceral leishmaniasis in susceptible BALB/c mice. gp63 used without adjuvant elicited partial protection but in association with liposomes exhibited marked resistance in both the livers and spleens of the mice challenged 10 days after the last vaccination. The protective efficacy of liposomal gp63 vaccination was dose dependent, with 2.5 μg of protein showing optimal protection. The immunity conferred by this vaccine formulation was durable, as mice challenged 12 weeks after immunization were still protected, and the infection was controlled for at least 3 months postchallenge. Production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) by splenic T cells, and of serum immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2a following immunization, suggested that a mixed Th1/Th2 response had been induced following immunization. However, control of disease progression and parasitic burden in mice vaccinated with gp63 in cationic DSPC liposomes was associated with enhancement of antigen-specific IFN-γ and downregulation of IL-4, demonstrating a Th1 bias. Long-term immunity elicited by this vaccine corresponded to, in addition to the presence of antigen-specific Th1, CD8+T-cell responses. Our results demonstrated that stable cationic liposomes containing gp63 acted as a potent adjuvant for protein antigen to induce long-term protection againstL. donovanithat represents an alternative to DNA vaccination.
The Acute-Phase Reactant C-Reactive Protein Binds to Phosphorylcholine-ExpressingNeisseria meningitidisand Increases Uptake by Human Phagocytes
Authors: Casey Rosalyn , Newcombe Jane , McFadden JohnJoe , Bodman-Smith Katherine B. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTNeisseria meningitidisis a global cause of meningitis and septicemia. Immunity toN. meningitidisinvolves both innate and specific mechanisms with killing by serum bactericidal activity and phagocytic cells. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase serum protein that has been shown to help protect the host from several bacterial pathogens, which it recognizes by binding to phosphorylcholine (PC) on their surfaces. PathogenicNeisseriaspecies can exhibit phase-variable PC modification on type 1 and 2 pili. We have shown that CRP can bind to piliated meningococci in a classical calcium-dependent manner. The binding of CRP to the meningococcus was concentration dependent, of low affinity, and specific for PC. CRP appears to act as an opsonin forN. meningitidis, as CRP-opsonized bacteria showed increased uptake by human macrophages and neutrophils. Further investigation into the downstream effects of CRP-boundN. meningitidismay lead us to a better understanding of meningococcal infection and help direct more effective therapeutic interventions.
Coinfection withHeligmosomoides polygyrusFails To Establish CD8+T-Cell Immunity againstToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Khan Imtiaz A. , Hakak Rubeena , Eberle Karen , Sayles Peter , Weiss Louis M. , Urban Joseph F. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTCD8+T-cell immunity is important for long-term protection againstToxoplasma gondiiinfection. However, a Th1 cytokine environment, especially the presence of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), is essential for the development of primary CD8+T-cell immunity against this obligate intracellular pathogen. Earlier studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that mice lacking optimal IFN-γ levels fail to develop robust CD8+T-cell immunity againstT. gondii. In the present study, induction of primary CD8+T-cell immune response againstT. gondiiinfection was evaluated in mice infected earlier withHeligmosomoides polygyrus, a gastrointestinal worm known to evoke a polarized Th2 response in the host. In the early stage ofT. gondiiinfection, both CD4 and CD8+T-cell responses against the parasite were suppressed in the dually infected mice. At the later stages, however,T. gondii-specific CD4+T-cell immunity recovered, while CD8+T-cell responses remained low. Unlike in mice infected withT. gondiialone, depletion of CD4+T cells in the dually infected mice led to reactivation of chronic infection, leading toToxoplasma-related encephalitis. Our observations strongly suggest that prior infection with a Th2 cytokine-polarizing pathogen can inhibit the development of CD8+T-cell immune response againstT. gondii, thus compromising long-term protection against a protozoan parasite. This is the first study to examine the generation of CD8+T-cell immune response in a parasitic nematode and protozoan coinfection model that has important implications for infections where a CD8+T-cell response is critical for host protection and reduced infection pathology.
Aggregation via the Red, Dry, and Rough Morphotype Is Not a Virulence Adaptation in
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: White A. P. , Gibson D. L. , Grassl G. A. , Kay W. W. , Finlay B. B. , Vallance B. A. , Surette M. G. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT

The
Salmonella
rdar (
r
ed,
d
ry,
a
nd
r
ough) morphotype is an aggregative and resistant physiology that has been linked to survival in nutrient-limited environments. Growth of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium was analyzed in a variety of nutrient-limiting conditions to determine whether aggregation would occur at low cell densities and whether the rdar morphotype was involved in this process. The resulting cultures consisted of two populations of cells, aggregated and nonaggregated, with the aggregated cells preferentially displaying rdar morphotype gene expression. The two groups of cells could be separated based on the principle that aggregated cells were producing greater amounts of thin aggregative fimbriae (Tafi or curli). In addition, the aggregated cells retained some physiological characteristics of the rdar morphotype, such as increased resistance to sodium hypochlorite. Competitive infection experiments in mice showed that nonaggregative Δ
agfA
cells outcompeted rdar-positive wild-type cells in all tissues analyzed, indicating that aggregation via the rdar morphotype was not a virulence adaptation in
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium. Furthermore, in vivo imaging experiments showed that Tafi genes were not expressed during infection but were expressed once
Salmonella
was passed out of the mice into the feces. We hypothesize that the primary role of the rdar morphotype is to enhance
Salmonella
survival outside the host, thereby aiding in transmission.
Comparative Genomic Analysis Using Microarray Demonstrates a Strong Correlation between the Presence of the 80-Kilobase Pathogenicity Island and Pathogenicity in Kanagawa Phenomenon-Positive
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Strains
Authors: Izutsu Kaori , Kurokawa Ken , Tashiro Kosuke , Kuhara Satoru , Hayashi Tetsuya , Honda Takeshi , Iida Tetsuya 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is a gram-negative marine bacterium. A limited population of the organisms causes acute gastroenteritis in humans. Almost all of the clinical
V. parahaemolyticus
isolates exhibit beta-type hemolysis on Wagatsuma agar, known as the Kanagawa phenomenon (KP). KP is induced by the thermostable direct hemolysin produced by the organism and has been considered a crucial marker to distinguish pathogenic strains from nonpathogenic ones. Since 1996, so-called “pandemic clones,” the majority of which belong to serotype O3:K6, have caused worldwide outbreaks of gastroenteritis. In this study, we used a DNA microarray constructed based on the genome sequence of a pandemic
V. parahaemolyticus
strain, RIMD2210633, to examine the genomic composition of 22 strains of
V. parahaemolyticus
, including both pathogenic (pandemic and nonpandemic) and nonpathogenic strains. More than 86% of the RIMD2210633 genes were conserved in all of the strains tested. Many variably present genes formed gene clusters on the genome of RIMD2210633 and were probably acquired through lateral gene transfer. At least 65 genes over 11 loci were specifically present in the pandemic strains compared with any of the nonpandemic strains, suggesting that the difference between pandemic and nonpandemic strains is not due to a simple genetic event. Only the genes in the 80-kb pathogenicity island (Vp-PAI) on chromosome II, including two
tdh
genes and a set of genes for the type III secretion system, were detected only in the KP-positive pathogenic strains. These results strongly suggest that acquisition of this Vp-PAI was crucial for the emergence of
V. parahaemolyticus
strains that are pathogenic for humans.
Behavioural responses of Canis familiaris to different tail lengths of a remotely-controlled life-size dog replica
Authors: Reimchen  , Leaver  
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe tail of dogs and allies (Canidae) is important for intraspecific communication. We used a life-sized dog model and varied the tail length and motion as an experimental method of examining effects of tail-docking on intraspecific signaling in domestic dogs, Canis familiaris. We videotaped interactions of 492 off-leash dogs and quantified size and behaviour of approaching dogs to the model's four tail conditions (short/still, short/wagging, long/still, long/wagging). Larger dogs were less cautious and more likely to approach a long/wagging tail rather than a long/still tail, but did not differ in their approach to a short/still and a short/wagging tail. Using discriminant analyses of behavioural variables, dogs responded with an elevated head and tail to a long/wagging tail model relative to the long/still tail model, but did not show any differences in response to tail motion when the model's tail was short. Our study provides evidence that a longer tail is more effective at conveying different intraspecific cues, such as those provided by tail motion, than a shorter tail and demonstrates the usefulness of robotic models when investigating complex behavioural interactions.
Individual discrimination following 24 h of pair contact in one- and seven-day-old Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: Béry Amandine , Porter Richard , Arnould Cécile 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis study examined the capacity of young Japanese quail to discriminate between a familiar cagemate (F) and an unfamiliar conspecific (U). Two tests of discrimination were initially compared: a simultaneous double choice test and a pair test allowing social pecking. Discrimination was more clearly demonstrated in the choice test, which was, therefore, used in the subsequent experiments. One-day-old chicks that had been housed in pairs after hatching spent significantly more time near F than a U stimulus bird and more frequently approached and attempted to interact with F. Seven-day-old chicks that were raised in large groups for the first 6 days, then in pairs for 24 h, subsequently displayed no significant differences in their responses to their recent pair partner versus an unfamiliar chick. On the other hand, chicks that were raised in pairs for 6 days, then housed with a new partner (F) for 24 h, more frequently approached and attempted to interact with F than a U bird. These results show that 24 h of pair contact beginning at hatching or 6 days of age is sufficient for quail to discriminate between a familiar cagemate and a stranger. This discrimination ability is influenced by the chicks' early social experience.
Causes and prognostic factors of remission induction failure in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia treated with all-trans retinoic acid and idarubicin
Authors: de la Serna Javier , Montesinos Pau , Vellenga Edo , Rayón Chelo , Parody Ricardo , León Angel , Esteve Jordi , Bergua Juan M. , Milone Gustavo , Debén Guillermo , Rivas Concha , González Marcos , Tormo Mar , Díaz-Mediavilla Joaquín , González Jose D. , Negri Silvia , Amutio Elena , Brunet Salut , Lowenberg Bob , Sanz Miguel A. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
An understanding of the prognostic factors associated with the various forms of induction mortality in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has remained remarkably limited. This study reports the incidence, time of occurrence, and prognostic factors of the major categories of induction failure in a series of 732 patients of all ages (range, 2-83 years) with newly diagnosed APL who received all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plus idarubicin as induction therapy in 2 consecutive studies of the Programa de Estudio y Tratamiento de las Hemopatias Malignas (PETHEMA) Group. Complete remission was attained in 666 patients (91%). All the 66 induction failures were due to induction death. Hemorrhage was the most common cause of induction death (5%), followed by infection (2.3%) and differentiation syndrome (1.4%). Multivariate analysis identified specific and distinct pretreatment characteristics to correlate with an increased risk of death caused by hemorrhage (abnormal creatinine level, increased peripheral blast counts, and presence of coagulopathy), infection (age >60 years, male sex, and fever at presentation), and differentiation syndrome (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] score >1 and low albumin levels), respectively. These data furnish clinically relevant information that might be useful for designing more appropriately risk-adapted treatment protocols aimed at reducing the considerable problem of induction mortality in APL.
Transcription factor Erg regulates angiogenesis and endothelial apoptosis through VE-cadherin
Authors: Birdsey Graeme M. , Dryden Nicola H. , Amsellem Valerie , Gebhardt Frank , Sahnan Kapil , Haskard Dorian O. , Dejana Elisabetta , Mason Justin C. , Randi Anna M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTight regulation of the balance between apoptosis and survival is essential in angiogenesis. The ETS transcription factor Erg is required for endothelial tube formation in vitro. Inhibition of Erg expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), using antisense oligonucleotides, resulted in detachment of cell-cell contacts and increased cell death. Inhibition of Erg expression by antisense in HUVECs also lowered expression of the adhesion molecule vascular endothelial (VE)–cadherin, a key regulator of endothelial intercellular junctions and survival. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we showed that Erg binds to the VE-cadherin promoter. Furthermore, Erg was found to enhance VE-cadherin promoter activity in a transactivation assay. Apoptosis induced by inhibition of Erg was partly rescued by overexpression of VE-cadherin–GFP, suggesting that VE-cadherin is involved in the Erg-dependent survival signals. To show the role of Erg in angiogenesis in vivo, we used siRNA against Erg in a Matrigel plug model. Erg inhibition resulted in a significant decrease in vascularization, with increase in caspase-positive endothelial cells (ECs). These results identify a new pathway regulating angiogenesis and endothelial survival, via the transcription factor Erg and the adhesion molecule VE-cadherin.
LTRharvest, an efficient and flexible software for de novo detection of LTR retrotransposons
Authors: Ellinghaus David , Kurtz Stefan , Willhoeft Ute 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundTransposable elements are abundant in eukaryotic genomes and it is believed that they have a significant impact on the evolution of gene and chromosome structure. While there are several completed eukaryotic genome projects, there are only few high quality genome wide annotations of transposable elements. Therefore, there is a considerable demand for computational identification of transposable elements. LTR retrotransposons, an important subclass of transposable elements, are well suited for computational identification, as they contain long terminal repeats (LTRs).ResultsWe have developed a software toolLTRharvestfor thede novodetection of full length LTR retrotransposons in large sequence sets.LTRharvestefficiently delivers high quality annotations based on known LTR transposon features like length, distance, and sequence motifs. A quality validation ofLTRharvestagainst a gold standard annotation forSaccharomyces cerevisaeandDrosophila melanogastershows a sensitivity of up to 90% and 97% and specificity of 100% and 72%, respectively. This is comparable or slightly better than annotations for previous software tools. The main advantage ofLTRharvestover previous tools is (a) its ability to efficiently handle large datasets from finished or unfinished genome projects, (b) its flexibility in incorporating known sequence features into the prediction, and (c) its availability as an open source software.ConclusionLTRharvestis an efficient software tool delivering high quality annotation of LTR retrotransposons. It can, for example, process the largest human chromosome in approx. 8 minutes on a Linux PC with 4 GB of memory. Its flexibility and small space and run-time requirements makesLTRharvesta very competitive candidate for future LTR retrotransposon annotation projects. Moreover, the structured design and implementation and the availability as open source provides an excellent base for incorporating novel concepts to further improve prediction of LTR retrotransposons.