bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of discrete tumor-induced myeloid-derived suppressor cell subpopulations with distinct T cell–suppressive activity
Authors: Movahedi Kiavash , Guilliams Martin , Van den Bossche Jan , Van den Bergh Rafael , Gysemans Conny , Beschin Alain , De Baetselier Patrick , Van Ginderachter Jo A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe induction of CD11b+Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is an important immune-evading mechanism used by tumors. However, the exact nature and function of MDSCs remain elusive, especially because they constitute a heterogeneous population that has not yet been clearly defined. Here, we identified 2 distinct MDSC subfractions with clear morphologic, molecular, and functional differences. These fractions consisted of either mononuclear cells (MO-MDSCs), resembling inflammatory monocytes, or low-density polymorphonuclear cells (PMN-MDSCs), akin to immature neutrophils. Interestingly, both MO-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs suppressed antigen-specific T-cell responses, albeit using distinct effector molecules and signaling pathways. Blocking IFN-γ or disrupting STAT1 partially impaired suppression by MO-MDSCs, for which nitric oxide (NO) was one of the mediators. In contrast, while IFN-γ was strictly required for the suppressor function of PMN-MDSCs, this did not rely on STAT1 signaling or NO production. Finally, MO-MDSCs were shown to be potential precursors of highly antiproliferative NO-producing mature macrophages. However, distinct tumors differentially regulated this inherent MO-MDSC differentiation program, indicating that this phenomenon was tumor driven. Overall, our data refine tumor-induced MDSC functions by uncovering mechanistically distinct MDSC subpopulations, potentially relevant for MDSC-targeted therapies.
Dynamic imaging of fibrin network formation correlated with other measures of polymerization
Authors: Chernysh Irina N. , Weisel John W. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractUsing deconvolution microscopy, we visualized in real time fibrin network formation in the hydrated state. Individual mobile fibers were observed before the gel point determined by eye. After gelation, an initial fibrin network was seen, which evolved over time by addition of new fibers and elongation and branching of others. Furthermore, some fibers in the network moved for a time. We quantified network formation by number of branch points, and longitudinal and lateral growth of fibers. Eighty percent of branch points were formed, and 70% of all fibers reached their maximum length at the gel point. In contrast, at the gel point, fiber diameter, measured as fluorescence intensity, was less than 25% and turbidity was less than 15% of the maximum values of the fully formed clot. The cumulative percentage of fibers reaching their final length and the number of branch points attained maximum values at 60% of maximum turbidity. Lateral fiber growth reached a plateau at the same time as turbidity. Measurements of clot mechanical properties revealed that the clots achieved maximum stiffness and minimum plasticity after the structural parameters reached their maxima. These results provide new information on the relative time sequence of events during fibrin network formation.
Genetic and genomic analysis modeling of germline c-MYC overexpression and cancer susceptibility
Authors: Solé Xavier , Hernández Pilar , de Heredia Miguel López , Armengol Lluís , Rodríguez-Santiago Benjamín , Gómez Laia , Maxwell Christopher A , Aguiló Fernando , Condom Enric , Abril Jesús , Pérez-Jurado Luis , Estivill Xavier , Nunes Virginia , Capellá Gabriel , Gruber Stephen B , Moreno Víctor , Pujana Miguel Angel 
Published: February 2008

Abstract

Background
Germline genetic variation is associated with the differential expression of many human genes. The phenotypic effects of this type of variation may be important when considering susceptibility to common genetic diseases. Three regions at 8q24 have recently been identified to independently confer risk of prostate cancer. Variation at 8q24 has also recently been associated with risk of breast and colorectal cancer. However, none of the risk variants map at or relatively close to known genes, with c-MYC mapping a few hundred kilobases distally.

Results
This study identifies cis-regulators of germline c-MYC expression in immortalized lymphocytes of HapMap individuals. Quantitative analysis of c-MYC expression in normal prostate tissues suggests an association between overexpression and variants in Region 1 of prostate cancer risk. Somatic c-MYC overexpression correlates with prostate cancer progression and more aggressive tumor forms, which was also a pathological variable associated with Region 1. Expression profiling analysis and modeling of transcriptional regulatory networks predicts a functional association between MYC and the prostate tumor suppressor KLF6. Analysis of MYC/Myc-driven cell transformation and tumorigenesis substantiates a model in which MYC overexpression promotes transformation by down-regulating KLF6. In this model, a feedback loop through E-cadherin down-regulation causes further transactivation of c-MYC.

Conclusion
This study proposes that variation at putative 8q24 cis-regulator(s) of transcription can significantly alter germline c-MYC expression levels and, thus, contribute to prostate cancer susceptibility by down-regulating the prostate tumor suppressor KLF6 gene.
Optimized molecular resolution of cross-contamination alerts in clinical mycobacteriology laboratories
Authors: Martín Ana , Herranz Marta , Lirola Miguel Martínez , Fernández Rosa Fernández ,   INDAL-TB group, Bouza Emilio , de Viedma Darío García 
Published: February 2008

Abstract

Background
The phenomenon of misdiagnosing tuberculosis (TB) by laboratory cross-contamination when culturing Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) has been widely reported and it has an obvious clinical, therapeutic and social impact. The final confirmation of a cross-contamination event requires the molecular identification of the same MTB strain cultured from both the potential source of the contamination and from the false-positive candidate. The molecular tool usually applied in this context is IS6110-RFLP which takes a long time to provide an answer, usually longer than is acceptable for microbiologists and clinicians to make decisions. Our purpose in this study is to evaluate a novel PCR-based method, MIRU-VNTR as an alternative to assure a rapid and optimized analysis of cross-contamination alerts.

Results
MIRU-VNTR was prospectively compared with IS6110-RFLP for clarifying 19 alerts of false positivity from other laboratories. MIRU-VNTR highly correlated with IS6110-RFLP, reduced the response time by 27 days and clarified six alerts unresolved by RFLP. Additionally, MIRU-VNTR revealed complex situations such as contamination events involving polyclonal isolates and a false-positive case due to the simultaneous cross-contamination from two independent sources.

Conclusion
Unlike standard RFLP-based genotyping, MIRU-VNTR i) could help reduce the impact of a false positive diagnosis of TB, ii) increased the number of events that could be solved and iii) revealed the complexity of some cross-contamination events that could not be dissected by IS6110-RFLP.
Preclinical studies of Apogossypolone: a new nonpeptidic pan small-molecule inhibitor of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL and Mcl-1 proteins in Follicular Small Cleaved Cell Lymphoma model
Authors: Arnold Alan A , Aboukameel Amro , Chen Jianyong , Yang Dajun , Wang Shaomeng , Al-Katib Ayad , Mohammad Ramzi M 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Elevated expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins have been linked to a poor survival rate of patients with Follicular Lymphoma (FL). This prompted us to evaluate a very potent non-peptidic Small-Molecule Inhibitor (SMI) targeting Bcl-2 family proteins, Apogossypolone (ApoG2) using follicular small cleaved cell lymphoma cell line (WSU-FSCCL) and cell isolated from lymphoma patients. ApoG2 inhibited the growth of WSU-FSCCL significantly with a 50% growth inhibition of cells (IC50) of 109 nM and decreased cell number of fresh lymphoma cells. ApoG2 activated caspases-9, -3, and -8, and the cleavage of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF). In the WSU-FSCCL-SCID xenograft model, ApoG2 showed a significant anti-lymphoma effect, with %ILS of 84% in the intravenous and 63% in intraperitoneal treated mice. These studies suggest that ApoG2 can be an effective therapeutic agent against FL.
Breast cancer stroma frequently recruits fetal derived cells during pregnancy
Authors: Dubernard Gil , Aractingi Sélim , Oster Michel , Rouzier Roman , Mathieu Marie-Christine , Uzan Serge , Khosrotehrani Kiarash 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Breast carcinomas associated with pregnancy display a high frequency of inflammatory types, multifocal lesions and lymph node metastasis. Because pregnancy results in transfer to mothers of foetal stem cells that can migrate and differentiate into various tissues, we addressed the issue of whether such cells are present in breast carcinoma associated with pregnancy.

Methods
We analyzed women presenting with such tumours who were pregnant with male foetuses using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), targeting X and Y chromosomes. The foetal cell phenotype was then determined by combining FISH and immunohistochemistry with various antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test or nonparametric Wilcoxon's test.

Results
We found that foetal cells were present in nine out of 10 carcinomas, in contrast with none of four benign mammary lesions (P < 0.05). Counting foetal and maternal cells showed that the mean number of foetal cells per million maternal cells was 36 in breast cancers and 0 in control samples (P < 0.01). By combining FISH and immunolabelling, we found that foetal cells expressed mainly mesenchymal or, to a lesser degree, epithelial or endothelial markers, but never leucocytes.

Conclusion
These findings demonstrate the frequent presence of foetal derived cells essentially in tumour stroma. Given the role played by stroma in tumour proliferation, these findings raise the issue of whether foetal cell can be targeted to influence tumour behaviour.
ESR1 and EGFgenetic variation in relation to breast cancer risk and survival
Authors: Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Darabi Hatef , Li Yi , Low Yen Ling , Li Yu Qing , Bonnard Carine , Sjölander Arvid , Czene Kamila , Wedrén Sara , Liu Edison T , Hall Per , Humphreys Keith , Liu Jianjun 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Oestrogen exposure is a central factor in the development of breast cancer. Oestrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) is the main mediator of oestrogen effect in breast epithelia and has also been shown to be activated by epidermal growth factor (EGF). We sought to determine if common genetic variation in the ESR1 and EGF genes affects breast cancer risk, tumour characteristics or breast cancer survival.

Methods
We genotyped 157 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ESR1 and 54 SNPs in EGF in 92 Swedish controls and selected haplotype tagging SNPs (tagSNPs) that could predict both single SNP and haplotype variation in the genes with an R2 of at least 0.8. The tagSNPs were genotyped in 1,590 breast cancer cases and 1,518 controls, and their association with breast cancer risk, tumour characteristics and survival were assessed using unconditional logistic regression models, Cox proportional hazard models and haplotype analysis.

Results
The single tagSNP analysis did not reveal association evidence for breast cancer risk, tumour characteristics, or survival. A multi-locus analysis of five adjacent tagSNPs suggested a region in ESR1 (between rs3003925 and rs2144025) for association with breast cancer risk (p = 0.001), but the result did not withstand adjustment for multiple comparisons (p = 0.086). A similar region was also implicated by haplotype analyses, but its significance needs to be verified by follow-up analysis.

Conclusion
Our results do not support a strong association between common variants in the ESR1 and EGF genes and breast cancer risk, tumour characteristics or survival.
1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p'-DDE) disrupts the estrogen-androgen balance regulating the growth of hormone-dependent breast cancer cells
Authors: Aubé Michel , Larochelle Christian , Ayotte Pierre 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Estrogen and androgen signalling pathways exert opposing influences on the proliferation of mammary epithelial and hormone-dependent breast cancer cells. We previously reported that plasma concentrations of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p'-DDE), the main metabolite of the insecticide DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis [p-chlorophenyl]ethane) and a potent androgen antagonist, were associated with tumor aggressiveness in women diagnosed with breast cancer. We sought to examine the biological plausibility of this association by testing the effect of p,p'-DDE on the proliferation of CAMA-1 cells, a human breast cancer cell line that expresses the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and the androgen receptor (AR), in the presence of physiological concentrations of estrogens and androgens in the cell culture medium.

Methods
The proliferation of CAMA-1 cells was determined in 96-well plates following a 9-day treatment with p,p'-DDE alone (0.1 to 10 μM) or in combination with 17β-estradiol (E2) (100 pM) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (100, 500, or 1,000 pM). We also assessed p,p'-DDE-induced modifications in cell cycle entry and the expression of the sex-steroid-dependent genes ESR1, AR, CCND1, and TFF1 (pS2) (mRNA and/or protein).

Results
We found that treatment with p,p'-DDE induced a dose-response increase in the proliferation of CAMA-1 cells when cultivated in the presence of physiological concentrations of estrogens and androgens, but not in the absence of sex steroids in the cell culture medium. A similar effect of p,p'-DDE was noted on the proliferation of MCF7-AR1 cells, an estrogen-responsive cell line that was genetically engineered to overexpress the AR. DHT added together with E2 to the cell culture medium decreased the recruitment of CAMA-1 cells in the S phase and the expression of ESR1 and CCND1 by comparison with cells treated with E2 alone. These androgen-mediated effects were blocked with similar efficacy by p,p'-DDE and the potent antiandrogen hydroxyflutamide.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that p,p'-DDE could increase breast cancer progression by opposing the androgen signalling pathway that inhibits growth in hormone-responsive breast cancer cells. The potential role of environmental antiandrogens in breast carcinogenesis deserves further investigation.
Characterization of a subset of bone marrow-derived natural killer cells that regulates T cell activation in rats
Authors: Kheradmand Taba , Trivedi Prachi P , Wolf Norbert A , Roberts Paul C , Swanborg Robert H 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe report that bone marrow-derived natural killer (BMNK) cells from DA or F344 rats inhibit PMA/ionomycin-induced T cell proliferation. These NK-regulatory cells are NKR-P1Adim, whereas a minor subpopulation is NKR-P1Abright. Only the NKR-P1Adim BMNK cells inhibit T cell proliferation. If activated with rat Con A supernatant, the NKR-P1Adim cells become NKR-P1Abright and lose the ability to inhibit T cell proliferation. In contrast to BMNK cells, all DA and F344 rat NK cells isolated from the blood, spleen, cervical, or mesenteric lymph nodes or Peyer’s patches are NKR-P1Abright and lack the ability to inhibit T cell proliferation. Inhibition of T cell proliferation correlates with significant down-regulation of CD3, suggesting that this may be the mechanism through which the NKR-P1Adim cells mediate suppression. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-arginine acetate-abrogated NKR-P1Adim cell inhibition of T cell proliferation. We conclude that rat bone marrow NKR-P1Adim cells represent a unique population that may play a role in maintaining immune homeostasis by regulating the clonal expansion of activated T cells.
Swelling of larch wood in organic liquids
Authors: Loskutov Sergei R. , Aniskina Antonina A. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
The swelling of larch wood in 1-butanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethyl formamide, ethylene glycol, ethanol, methyl cellosolve, 1-propanol and toluene was investigated at room temperature. The volumetric, tangential and radial swelling completion was lagging behind the liquid absorption process. The kinetic indices of swelling of larch wood were determined based on the equation of Kolmogorov-Erofeev. The volumetric swelling was related to molecular mass, molar volume, dielectric permittivity and integral heat of wood wetting. The anisotropy of wood swelling was characterized by the ratio of equilibrium tangential swelling to radial swelling (α
t,/α
r). It was demonstrated that α
t,/α
r is related to the dipole component of Hansen's parameter and cannot exceed the value 3.
Effects of thermomechanical refining conditions on the morphology and thermal properties of wheat straw fibre
Authors: Pan Ming-Zhu , Zhou Ding-Guo , Mei Chang-Tong , Deng James , Wang Xiang-Ming , Zhang Tony S.Y. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Wheat straw fibre is prepared by a thermomechanical (TM) refining system. This study investigated the effects of refining steam pressure (4, 6, 8 and 10 bar) and refiner speed (2500 and 3000 rpm) on the morphology and thermal properties of the resulting fibres. After TM refining, the fibres exhibited more surface irregularities and heterogeneities as well as decreased fibre length. The fine content decreased with increasing steam pressure, but the aspect ratio increased. The findings show that higher steam pressure (8 bar) results in more effective wheat straw refining. Refining lowers the pH. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that TM refining does not influence the thermal properties of wheat straw fibres. Weight loss has to be taken into account upon exposure to temperatures around 170°C. The silica content of the fibres was significantly reduced through refining.
New Slurry Displacement Method for Reconstitution of Highly Gap-Graded Specimens for Laboratory Element Testing
Authors: Khalili Ali , Wijewickreme Dharma 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
A new “slurry displacement” method was developed for reconstitution of cylindrical specimens of highly gap-graded soils for laboratory element testing. The method stems from a need to conduct laboratory element tests on mixtures of waste rock and tailings with specific relevance to the development of new technology and material science for mining industry. The slurry displacement method allows preparing uniform/homogeneous specimens of highly gap-graded materials in a saturated condition, thus overcoming the difficulties in the use of currently available specimen preparation techniques. The suitability of the technique to replicate specimens is demonstrated by the repeatable test results obtained from shear testing of identical specimens prepared using the method.
Formulation Performance Improvements with Blends of Alkyl Naphthalene Sulfonate Condensates Plus Lignosulfonates When Compared to Lignosulfonates Alone
Authors: Alexander Mark W. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Comparative data were generated on lignosulfonates, dry blends, and co-processed blends of ANSCs plus lignosulfonates in a series of pesticide formulations. There was an unexpected improvement in the performance of certain formulations when the co-processed blends were compared to the dry blends of the dispersants.
Thickness Gaging of Thin Plates by Multi-Peak Frequency Decomposition of Lamb Wave Signals
Authors: Edalati K. , Edalati A. , Kermani A. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
In the present work ultrasonic Lamb wave testing has been applied for thickness gaging of thin aluminum plates with 2, 3, and 4-mm thickness. Angle probes operated in pulse-echo arrangement with 0.98 MHz central frequency and 7°, 12°, and 20° incident angles were utilized for investigations. High order modes (A1, S1, A2, and S2) were selected and evaluated for measurements and a fast Fourier transform was utilized for frequency decomposition. The variation with thickness and frequency of the phase velocity was the basis of measurement. Two methods were proposed for thickness gaging: (1) a probe with 6000–8000 m/s phase velocity and one or two other probes with higher than 10 000 m/s phase velocity were utilized simultaneously to inspect each test area and the peak frequency with the highest amplitude excited by each probe was evaluated, and (2) a single probe was utilized and all visible peak frequencies were evaluated. These methods overcome the limitations of the previous research, which applied a peak frequency shift method for corrosion monitoring of plates only for a known mode and known initial thickness and low thickness reductions. The second method is more practical and accurate and has potential for on-line automatic thickness gaging of rolled plates.
Fish Pathogen Screening and Its Influence on the Likelihood of Accidental Pathogen Introduction during Fish Translocations
Authors: Fenichel Eli P. , Tsao Jean I. , Jones Michael , Hickling Graham J. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Fish translocations are an important tool in fisheries management, yet translocating fish carries the risk of introducing unwanted pathogens. Although pathogen screening can be a useful tool for managing the risk associated with fish translocations, screening cannot eliminate this risk. This paper addresses these problems by demonstrating that two elements must be considered when designing efficient and effective aquatic pathogen screening programs: (1) how many fish to screen and (2) how long to continue screening programs when repeated testing detects zero infected individuals. The chance that infected fish are translocated despite screening is the joint probability of (1) the failure of the screening to detect infected fish in the sample and (2) the actual presence of infected fish in the translocation batch. Our analysis demonstrates that transfer of an infected fish is most likely to occur at moderately low levels of pathogen prevalence because the probability of detecting at least one infected fish through screening increases as pathogen prevalence increases. Small screening samples (i.e., with a low number of individuals) are most likely to detect infected fish when pathogen prevalence is relatively high (i.e., &gt;5%). Screening programs should terminate after some number of successive screening events in which no infected individuals have been detected. The number of screening events is a function of the cost of the screening program, the cost of a pathogen translocation, and the probability that an infected fish will be transferred. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that the cost of a disease outbreak has relatively little effect on the length of time the screening program should continue. A more pronounced result is that screening programs that are inexpensive or allow a higher probability of pathogen translocation should be continued longer.