bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calmodulin kinase II regulates the maturation and antigen presentation of human dendritic cells
Authors: Herrmann Tara L , Morita Craig T , Lee Kelvin , Kusner David J 
Published: October 2005

AbstractDendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen-presenting cells, which activate the adaptive immune system. Upon receiving a danger signal, they undergo a maturation process, which increases their antigen presentation capacity, but the responsible regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood. A Ca2+-calmodulin (Cam)-Cam kinase II (CamK II) pathway regulates phagosome maturation in macrophages, and this pathway is inhibited by pathogenic microbes. Our hypothesis is that signal transduction events which control phagosome maturation also regulate antigen presentation. Stimulation of primary human DC or the human DC line KG-1, with particulate antigen, resulted in the activation of CamK II and its localization to the phagosome and plasma membrane. Two mechanistically distinct inhibitors of CamK II significantly reduced DC maturation, as determined by up-regulation of surface costimulatory and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and secretion of cytokines. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that the CamK II inhibitors blocked the antigen-induced increase in total cellular MHC class molecules as well as their trafficking to the plasma membrane. Inhibition of CamK II was associated with decreased presentation of particulate and soluble MHC class II-restricted antigen, with a greater effect on the former. These data support a model in which CamK II regulates critical stages of the maturation and antigen presentation capacity of human DC, particularly in response to stimulation via phagocytosis.
The low-toxicity versions of LPS, MPL® adjuvant and RC529, are efficient adjuvants for CD4+ T cells
Authors: Thompson Bruce S , Chilton Paula M , Ward Jon R , Evans Jay T , Mitchell Thomas C 
Published: October 2005

AbstractLipopolysaccharide (LPS) has long been known to enhance innate and adaptive immune responses; however, its extreme toxicity precludes its use in clinical settings. The combined toxicity and adjuvanticity of LPS have contributed to the view that immunological adjuvants need to be highly inflammatory to be maximally effective. Here, we compared the effects of LPS with its less-toxic derivatives, monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and a chemical mimetic, RC529, on CD4+ T cell clonal expansion, long-term survival, and T helper cell type 1 (Th1) differentiation. We found that LPS, MPL, and RC529 had similar effects on CD4+ T cell clonal expansion, cell division, and ex vivo survival. Analysis of the ability of activated CD4+ T cells to produce interferon-γ following a 21-day immunization and challenge protocol with LPS and MPL resulted in similar Th1 differentiation. In contrast, we found that LPS was more effective in promoting long-term CD4+ T cell responses, as we recovered nearly sixfold more cells following immunization/challenge as compared with treatment with MPL. Our results indicate that low-inflammation adjuvants, such as MPL and RC529, are capable of enhancing short-term CD4+ T cell clonal expansion and Th1 differentiation, but inflammatory signaling aids in the long-term retention of antigen-specific T cells.
Crosstalk between chemokines and neuronal receptors bridges immune and nervous systems
Authors: Zhang Ning , Oppenheim Joost J 
Published: October 2005

AbstractChemokine receptors, a family of Gi protein-coupled receptors responsible for cell migration, are widely expressed by cells of immune and nervous systems. Activation of receptors on the surface of leukocytes, such as opioid, vasoactive intestinal peptide, or adenosine receptors, often has inhibitory effects on chemokine receptors by a mechanism termed heterologous desensitization, resulting in suppression of immune responses. Conversely, activation of chemokine receptors also induces heterologous desensitization of μ-opioid receptors (MOR), a class of key analgesic receptors on neurons. Furthermore, prior exposure of neuronal cells to chemokine treatment enhances the sensitivity of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a heat- and ligand-gated calcium channel, which is critical for sensing of pain. Consequently, during inflammation, activation of chemokine receptors on neurons contributes to hyperalgesia by inhibiting MOR and concomitantly sensitizing TRPV1 via Gi protein-mediated signaling pathways. These observations suggest that the crosstalk between chemokine receptors and neuropeptide membrane receptors serves as a bridge between the immune and nervous systems.
Repeated [131I]Metaiodobenzylguanidine Therapy in Two Patients with Malignant Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Lam Marnix G. E. H. , Lips Cornelis J. M. , Jager Pieter L. , Dullaart Robin P. F. , Lentjes Eef G. W. M. , van Rijk Peter P. , de Klerk John M. H. 
Published: October 2005

Context: Approximately 10% of pheochromocytomas are malignant with a 5-yr survival rate of less than 40%. Promising results have been published on single high-dosage [131I]metaiodobenzylguanidine ([131I]MIBG) treatment for malignant pheochromocytoma. We present our experience with multiple intermediate-dosage [131I]MIBG therapy instead of single high-dosage therapy.
Setting and Patients: The study took place at University Medical Centers and included two patients (one male, 36 yr of age, and one female, 43 yr of age) with widely spread metastatic pheochromocytoma and bad prognosis because of liver and lung metastases.
Interventions: Instead of a single high dosage, these two patients were treated with multiple intermediate dosages of [131I]MIBG. The first patient received 37 GBq (1 Ci) [131I]MIBG in five sessions [7400 MBq (200 mCi) each; interval range, 2–11 months]; the second patient received 66.6 GBq (1.8 Ci) [131I]MIBG in 12 sessions [5550 MBq (150 mCi) each; interval range, 2–14 months].
Outcome Measures: We measured efficacy, toxicity, and survival.
Results: Both patients had a complete symptomatic response and a partial tumor volume response. The first patient had a partial biochemical response, the second a complete biochemical response. In both cases, toxicity has been confined to nausea during treatment. Hematological toxicity was minimal, and both patients stayed euthyroid. The survival (so far) of these patients was 5 yr (clinical case 1) and 16 yr (clinical case 2) after initial diagnosis.
Conclusions: Repeated intermediate-dosage [131I]MIBG treatment appears to be a reliable and well-tolerated radionuclide therapy and might be a useful adjunct in patients with malignant pheochromocytoma, providing longstanding palliation and prolonged survival.
Changes in Plasma Concentrations of Osteoprotegerin before and after Levothyroxine Replacement Therapy in Hypothyroid Patients
Authors: Guang-da Xiang , Hui-ling Sun , Zhi-song Cheng , Lin-shuang Zhao 
Published: October 2005

Context: Recent study has shown that overt hypothyroidism (oHT) is associated with increased plasma osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels.
Objective: Our objective was to examine the plasma OPG level alteration before and after levothyroxine (l-T4) treatment in oHT and subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT).
Patients: The study subjects included oHT and sHT patients and healthy individuals (20 subjects in each group).
Methods: All patients were given l-T4 therapy to maintain a euthyroid state. Plasma OPG concentration was measured in duplicate by a sandwich ELISA.
Results: Plasma OPG levels in oHT and sHT before treatment were significantly higher than levels in controls (P &lt; 0.01). After normalization of thyroid function, OPG levels in both groups decreased markedly (P &lt; 0.01). The absolute changes in OPG showed a significant positive correlation with the changes in TSH (P &lt; 0.05) and negative correlation with the changes in endothelium-dependent arterial dilation (P &lt; 0.01) in hypothyroid patients during the course of treatment.
Conclusion: OPG may be involved in the development of vascular dysfunction in hypothyroid patients.
Functional Coupling of β3-Adrenoceptors and Large Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in Human Uterine Myocytes
Authors: Doheny Helen C. , Lynch Caoimhe M. , Smith Terry J. , Morrison John J. 
Published: October 2005

Context: β3-Adrenoreceptor modulation in human myometrium during pregnancy is linked functionally to myometrial inhibition. Maxi-K+ channels (BKCa) play a significant role in modulating cell membrane potential and excitability.
Objective: This study was designed to investigate the potential involvement of BKCa channel function in the response of human myometrium to β3-adrenoceptor activation.
Design: Single and whole-cell electrophysiological BKCa channel recordings from freshly dispersed myocytes were obtained in the presence and absence of BRL37344, a specific β3-adrenoreceptor agonist. The in vitro effects of BRL37344 on isolated myometrial contractions, in the presence and absence of the specific BKCa channel blocker, iberiotoxin (IbTX), were investigated.
Setting: The study was carried out at the Clinical Science Institute.
Patients or Other Participants: Myometrial biopsies were obtained at elective cesarean delivery.
Intervention: No intervention was applied.
Main Outcome Measures: Open state probability of single channel recordings, whole cell currents, and myometrial contractile activity were measured.
Results: Single-channel recordings identified the BKCa channel as a target of BRL37344. BRL37344 significantly increased the open state probability of this channel in a concentration-dependent manner (control 0.031 ± 0.004; 50 μm BRL37344 0.073 ± 0.005 (P &lt; 0.001); and 100 μm BRL37344 0.101 ± 0.005 (P &lt; 0.001). This effect was completely blocked after preincubation of the cells with 1 μm bupranolol, a nonspecific β-adrenoreceptor blocker, or 100 nm SR59230a, a specific β3-adrenoreceptor antagonist. In addition, BRL37344 increased whole-cell currents over a range of membrane potentials, and this effect was reversed by 100 nm IbTX. In vitro isometric tension studies demonstrated that BRL37344 exerted a significant concentration-dependent relaxant effect on human myometrial tissue (P &lt; 0.05), and preincubation of these strips with IbTX attenuated this effect on both spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions (44.44 and 57.84% at 10−5m, respectively).
Conclusions: These findings outline that activation of the BKCa channel may explain the potent uterorelaxant effect of β3-adrenoreceptor agonists.
Human T Cell Leukemia Virus Type I-Infected Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease
Authors: Matsuda Takehiro , Tomita Mariko , Uchihara Jun-Nosuke , Okudaira Taeko , Ohshiro Kazuiku , Tomoyose Takeaki , Ikema Tomoki , Masuda Masato , Saito Mineki , Osame Mitsuhiro , Takasu Nobuyuki , Ohta Takao , Mori Naoki 
Published: October 2005

Context: Autoimmune thyroid diseases have been reported to be associated with human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) infection. HTLV-I proviral load is related to the development of HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis and has also been shown to be elevated in the peripheral blood of HTLV-I-infected patients with uveitis, arthritis, and connective tissue disease.
Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the proviral load in HTLV-I-infected patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) or Graves’ disease (GD) and ascertain the ability of HTLV-I to infect thyroid cells.
Patients and Methods: A quantitative real-time PCR assay was developed to measure the proviral load of HTLV-I in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 26 HTLV-I-infected patients with HT, eight HTLV-I-infected patients with GD, or 38 asymptomatic HTLV-I carriers. Rat FRTL-5 thyroid cells were cocultured with HTLV-I-infected T cell line MT-2 or uninfected T cell line CCRF-CEM. After coculture with T cell lines, changes in Tax and cytokine mRNA expression were studied by RT-PCR.
Results: HTLV-I proviral load was significantly higher in the peripheral blood of patients with HT and GD than asymptomatic HTLV-I carriers. In the peripheral blood from HTLV-I-infected patients with HT, HTLV-I proviral load did not correlate with the thyroid peroxidase antibody or thyroglobulin antibody titer. After coculture with MT-2 cells, FRTL-5 cells expressed HTLV-I-specific Tax mRNA. These cocultured FRTL-5 cells with MT-2 cells expressed IL-6 mRNA and proliferated more actively than those cocultured with CCRF-CEM cells.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest the role of the retrovirus in the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases in HTLV-I-infected patients.
Modulation of Thyroid-Specific Gene Expression in Normal and Nodular Human Thyroid Tissues from Adults: An in Vivo Effect of Thyrotropin
Authors: Bruno Rocco , Ferretti Elisabetta , Tosi Emanuele , Arturi Franco , Giannasio Paolo , Mattei Tiziana , Scipioni Angela , Presta Ivan , Morisi Roberta , Gulino Alberto , Filetti Sebastiano , Russo Diego 
Published: October 2005

Context: Evidence from in vitro studies or animal models has shown that TSH affects thyrocytes by thyroid-specific expression modulation.Objective: The objective of our study was to analyze the role of TSH in human thyroid gene expression in vivo.Design/Setting: Thirty-nine normal thyroid tissues were collected at the same center.Study Subjects: Patients were divided into two groups based on serum TSH levels: 17 with normal TSH levels (1–4 mU/liter; group 1) and 22 with TSH levels below 0.5 mU/liter (group 2).Intervention: Group 2 underwent thyroidectomy after suppressive l-T4 therapy.Main Outcome Measures: mRNA levels of thyroid genes such as sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), apical iodide transporter, pendrin, thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase, TSH receptor, paired box transcription factor 8, and thyroid transcription factor-1 were evaluated by quantitative PCR.Results: The reduction of TSH stimulation causes decreases in NIS and apical iodide transporter gene expression in normal tissues and more limited reductions in thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase, and paired box transcription factor 8, but it has no significant effect on TSH receptor, pendrin, or thyroid transcription factor-1. Comparison of NIS levels in normal and nodular tissues from the same patient confirmed that it is differentially expressed in nodules only in the presence of normal TSH (P &lt; 0.01). In patients with suppressed TSH, nodular NIS levels were similar to those in normal tissues.Conclusions: Our data represent the first demonstration in human thyroid tissues that TSH contributes to the regulation of thyrocyte differentiation by modulating thyroid gene levels. It exerts a particularly important effect on the transcription of NIS, which becomes very low after prolonged TSH suppression.
Protective effects of the Alisma orientalis extract on the experimental nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hong Xuezhi , Tang Huiqing , Wu Limao , Li Lianda 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of Alisma orientalis methanolic extract (AOME) on the experimental nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by high-fat diet. Rats were fed with high-fat diet for six weeks and then gavaged the AOME for another six weeks. Typical pathological symptoms of NAFLD occurred in the high-fat diet rats. Administration with the AOME (150,300 and 600 mg kg−1) markedly decreased the serum and liver lipids; the high level of fasting serum glucose was reduced and insulin resistance was improved. The AOME treatment was also helpful in preventing the oxidative stress by lessening lipid peroxidation and activating antioxidant enzymes. Markers of the liver injury, aminotransferase abnormalities and hepatomegaly were improved and morphological changes, such as liver steatosis, mixed inflammation and collagen deposition, were lessened in rats treated with the AOME. These results suggested that the AOME showed hepatoprotective effects on NAFLD and may be a potential clinical application for treatment of this chronic liver disease.
Preventive effect of Aegle marmelos leaf extract on isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats: biochemical evidence
Authors: Prince P Stanely Mainzen , Rajadurai M 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
We have evaluated the preventive effects of an aqueous Aegle marmelos leaf extract (AMLEt) in isoprenaline (isoproterenol)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Rats were pretreated with AMLEt (50, 100 or 200 mg kg−1) for 35 days. After the treatment period, isoprenaline (200 mg kg−1) was administered subcutaneously to rats at an interval of 24 h for two days. The activity of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly increased in serum and significantly decreased in heart of isoprenaline-treated rats. Pretreatment with AMLEt decreased the activity of CK and LDH in serum and increased them in the heart. The activity of sodium-potassium dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Na+K+ATPase) was significantly decreased while the activity of calcium dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Ca2+ATPase) was simultaneously increased in the heart and aorta. AMLEt pretreatment increased the activity of Na+K+ATPase and decreased the activity of Ca2+ATPase in the heart and aorta simultaneously. The levels of cholesterol and triglycerides increased, while the levels of phospholipids decreased in the heart and aorta of isoprenaline-treated rats. In AMLEt-pretreated rats the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides decreased whereas phospholipids increased in heart and aorta. All the deranged biochemical parameters were restored with 200 mg kg−1 AMLEt. Similarly α-tocopherol (60 mg kg−1)-pretreatment to isoprenaline-treated rats exhibited a significant effect on all the parameters studied. The results from this study may have clinical relevance.
Oral administration of a decaffeinated green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract did not alter urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α, a biomarker for in-vivo lipid peroxidation
Authors: Donovan Jennifer L , De Vane Lindsay , Chavin Kenneth D , Fiorini Ryan N , Oates James C , Njoku Chinedu , Patrick Kennerly S , Markowitz John S 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic human diseases. The objective of this study was to determine whether administration of a decaffeinated green tea extract providing 844 mg flavonoids daily reduced the urinary excretion of 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-epi-PGF2α), a product of lipid peroxidation in cellular membranes and of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Nine healthy male and female subjects were studied at baseline and after 14 days of green tea supplementation. Analysis of urinary 8-epi-PGF2α was performed using immunoaffinity extraction-gas chromatography-negative ion chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-NICI-MS). Urinary 8-epi-PGF2α concentrations were 0.286±0.120 nmol (mmol creatinine)−1 at baseline and 0.244±0.177 nmol mmol−1 creatinine after green tea supplementation. There were no significant differences in the excretion of urinary 8-epi-PGF2α after treatment with green tea. We conclude that 14 days of green tea supplementation did not significantly alter in-vivo lipid peroxidation.
Visual control of flight speed in honeybees
Authors: Baird Emily , Srinivasan Mandyam V. , Zhang Shaowu , Cowling Ann 
Published: October 2005

SUMMARY
Visual control of flight speed in honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)was investigated by training them to fly through a specially constructed tunnel in which the motion, contrast and texture of the patterns lining the walls could be varied. Manipulation of pattern motion revealed that the speed of flight is controlled by regulating the image motion that is experienced by the eyes. Flight speed is surprisingly robust to changes in the contrast and/or spatial texture of the visual environment, suggesting that the underlying movement-detecting mechanisms estimate the speed of image motion in the eye largely independently of these parameters. This ensures that flight speed depends primarily on the distances to nearby surfaces and not upon their particular visual properties, such as contrast or visual texture. The removal of image motion cues drastically compromises the regulation of flight speed,underscoring their role in this function.
Mechanical and morphological properties of different muscle–tendon units in the lower extremity and running mechanics: effect of aging and physical activity
Authors: Karamanidis Kiros , Arampatzis Adamantios 
Published: October 2005

SUMMARYThe objectives of this work were (i) to investigate whether chronic endurance running is a sufficient stimulus to counteract the age-related changes in the mechanical and morphological properties of human triceps surae(TS) and quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle–tendon units (MTUs) by comparing runners and non-active subjects at different ages (young and old), (ii) to identify adaptational phenomena in running mechanics due to age-related changes in the mechanical and morphological properties of the TS and QF MTUs,and finally (iii) to examine whether chronic endurance-running exercise is associated with adaptational effects on running characteristics in old and young adults.The investigation was conducted on 30 old and 19 young adult males divided into two subgroups according to their running activity: endurance-runners vs non-active. To analyse the properties of the MTUs, all subjects performed isometric maximal voluntary (MVC) ankle plantarflexion and knee extension contractions at 11 different MTU lengths on a dynamometer. The activation of the TS and QF during MVC was estimated by surface electromyography. The gastrocnemius medialis and the vastus lateralis and their distal aponeuroses were visualized by ultrasonography at rest and during MVC, respectively. Ground reaction forces and kinematic data were recorded during running trials at 2.7 m s–1.The TS and QF MTU capacities were reduced with aging (lower muscle strength and lower tendon stiffness). Runners and non-active subjects had similar MTU properties, suggesting that chronic endurance-running exercise does not counteract the age-related degeneration of the MTUs. Runners showed a higher mechanical advantage for the QF MTU while running (lower gear ratio) compared to non-active subjects, indicating a task-specific adaptation even at old age. Older adults reacted to the reduced capacities of their MTUs by increasing running safety (higher duty factor, lower flight time) and benefitting from a mechanical advantage for the TS MTU, lower rate of force generation and force generation per meter distance. We suggest that the improvement in running mechanics in the older adults happens due to a perceptual motor recalibration and a feed-forward adaptation of the motor task aimed at decreasing the disparity between the reduced capacity of the MTUs and the running effort.
Synthesis of Polycrystalline Spherical SnO2 Microparticles via Hydrothermal Treatment in the Presence of Mixed Surfactants
Authors: Sakai Go , Nakatani Tomoe , Yoshimura Takumi , Uota Masafumi , Kijima Tsuyoshi 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
The spherical microparticles of SnO2 were synthesized successfully by hydrothermal treatment of their precursor consisting of SnCl4 and mixed surfactants, followed by calcination at 500 °C.