bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ESR and IR Evidence for Chromium in Kaolinites
Authors: Mosser C. , Petit S. , Mestdagh M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractEvidence obtained from ESR and IR studies is presented for the presence of structural Cr in two natural kaolinites (MILO and GEY) formed in an hydrothermal environment in Sonoma County, California. The XRD patterns show a greater structural disorder for GEY than for MILO, but both have the usual hexagonal shapes as shown by TEM observations. On the basis of EDX analysis of different particles, GEY, on average, appears to be richer in Cr (2.1% Cr203) than MILO (0.6% Cr203). The presence of Fe oxide particles containing some Cr, Ni and V is also indicated by EDX analysis. By FT-IR observation, the octahedral Cr3+position was easily detected by a well resolved spectral feature at 3586 cm-1. The adsorbed Cr3+kaolinite (KMRXCR) presents no band at 3586 cm-1, but two other bands situated at 3527 and 3477 cm-1. The main features of the ESR spectra of these two kaolinites are a set of resonances neargeff4; a broad resonance centred neargeff2 with some modulations; and a set of resonances near gcffl. The broad resonance centred neargeff2 is interpreted as the free iron oxide signal with modulations due to VO2+. The set of resonances neargeff4 is similar to that observed for octahedral Fe3+, but the position is shifted compared to that of octahedral Fe 3+. This set of resonances neargeff4 is, therefore, interpreted as belonging to Cr3+in octahedral position. The resonances atgeff1 are also interpreted as belonging to Cr3-. Comparison with the Cr3+surface-adsorbed ESR signal of a Cr-saturated kaolinite (which is a broad resonance centred neargeff2) strengthens the interpretation of thegeff4 resonances belonging to Cr3+in the octahedral position. The results obtained by the combination of FT-IR and ESR spectroscopics indicate that Cr3+is present in the octahedral position of the MILO and GEY kaolinites.
FT-IR Partial Least-Squares Analysis of Tubular Halloysite in Kaolin Samples from the Mount Hope Kaolin Deposit
Authors: Janik L J. , Keeling J. L. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA method of infrared (IR) analysis for quantitative determination of tubular halloysite in mixtures with kaolinite was investigated for drill hole samples collected during an assessment of paper-coating kaolin resources at the Mount Hope Kaolin Deposit, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. Tubular, dehydrated halloysite from the deposit does not readily intercalate formamide, and the proportion of tubes in <2 μm size-fractions was determined initially from scanning electron micrographs. For samples showing a range of tube contents, a strong correlation between IR spectral response and counts of halloysite tubes was established using partial leastsquares analysis. This provided a rapid technique suitable for routine determination of tubular halloysite in samples from the Mount Hope deposit. Although the universality of the method remains to be tested, it offers an alternative approach to other analytical techniques for assessment of kaolin deposits where the presence of halloysite is suspected.
Development of Interstratification in K-and NH4-Smectite from Jelšový Potok (Slovakia) Treated by Wetting and Drying
Authors: Mikloš D. , Čičel B. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA K+-saturated and an NH4+ -saturated smectite from Jelgov 37 Potok (Slovakia) was analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) after a series of I to 150 wetting and drying (WD) cycles, and the corresponding distribution functions were calculated using the Dyakonov method. From these data the thicknesses and proportions of different layers were determined. Three kinds of layers (A- 1-00 nm, B-1.26 nm and C-1-52 nm) were detected in the original samples. After 15 WD cycles only A and B type layers were identified in the K-smectite, whereas all three varieties were present during the whole WD treatment in the NH4-smectite. After initial changes the mutual proportion of layers seems to be stable. The 1.00 nm layer is the major layer type in the K-smectite and the 1.26 nm layer is the major layer type in the NH4-smectite. The layer thicknesses evolved during the WD experiments. The systematic changes observed for the NH4-smectite were greater than those for the K-smectite.
Iron in Hydrothermal Clays from the Galapagos Spreading Centre Mounds: Consequences for the Clay Transition Mechanism
Authors: Buatier M. D. , Ouyang K. , Sanchez J. P. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractGlauconite and Fe-smectite, which can be distinguished by their peculiar morphology and stacking sequences, coexist in the Galapagos Spreading Centre hydrothermal mounds. Analytical electron microscopy (AEM) data suggest that Fe is entirely in octahedral sites in Fe-smectite whereas glauconite is K-rich with Fe in tetrahedral and octahedral sites. However, the Mossbauer spectra, recorded at various temperatures for samples containing both smectite and glauconite, were satisfactorily analysed with three overlapping doublets corresponding to Fe in octahedral sites. The contradictory results obtained with the two methods are explained by the presence of small particles of iron oxide intimately associated with glauconite. These particles were detected in Mossbauer spectra obtained at 77 K and 4·2 K and were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Iron oxide is a secondary phase formed by alteration of smectite. These data are in good agreement with the hypothesis that the smectite-glauconite reaction, which occurs at 30 m and low temperature in the Galapagos hydrothermal mounds, is a dissolution-precipitation process, dissolution of Fe-rich smectite being followed by precipitation of glauconite and iron oxides.
Effect of genetic variations in platelet glycoproteins Ibα and VI on the risk for coronary heart disease events in postmenopausal women taking hormone therapy
Authors: Bray Paul F. , Howard Timothy D. , Vittinghoff Eric , Sane David C. , Herrington David M. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Millions of women still use postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT). We genotyped 2090 women in Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study for functional polymorphisms in GP1BA and GP6 and assessed the coronary heart disease (CHD) event rate over 5.8 years of follow-up. In patients receiving placebo, there was an increased CHD death/myocardial infarction (MI)/unstable angina (UA) event rate in carriers of the GP1BA −5C allele (adjusted [adj] P = .006). HT increased the hazard ratio (HR) of CHD events in patients with the GP1BA −5TT genotype by 16% and reduced the HR in patients with the TC+CC genotypes by 46% (adj interaction P < .001). HT reduced the HR in patients with the GP6 13254TT genotype by 17% but increased the HR in patients with the TC+CC genotypes by 35% (adj interaction P < .001). Furthermore, HT increased the HR of CHD events in patients with the GP1BA −5TT plus GP6 13254TC+CC genotypes by 57% and reduced the HR in patients with the GP1BA −5TC+CC plus GP6 13254TT genotypes by 55% (adj interaction P < .001). In postmenopausal women with established CHD, these polymorphisms of platelet genes were predictors of CHD events and significantly modified the effects of HT on CHD risk. It will be important to replicate these findings in other studies.
Characterizing exons 11 and 1 promoters of the mu opioid receptor (Oprm) gene in transgenic mice
Authors: Xu Jin , Xu Mingming , Pan Ying-Xian 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
The complexity of the mouse mu opioid receptor (Oprm) gene was demonstrated by the identification of multiple alternatively spliced variants and promoters. Our previous studies have identified a novel promoter, exon 11 (E11) promoter, in the mouse Oprm gene. The E11 promoter is located ~10 kb upstream of the exon 1 (E1) promoter. The E11 promoter controls the expression of nine splice variants in the mouse Oprm gene. Distinguished from the TATA-less E1 promoter, the E11 promoter resembles a typical TATA-containing eukaryote class II promoter. The aim of this study is to further characterize the E11 and E1 promoters in vivo using a transgenic mouse model.

Results
We constructed a ~20 kb transgenic construct in which a 3.7 kb E11 promoter region and an 8.9 kb E1 promoter region controlled expression of tau/LacZ and tau/GFP reporters, respectively. The construct was used to establish a transgenic mouse line. The expression of the reporter mRNAs, determined by a RT-PCR approach, in the transgenic mice during embryonic development displayed a temporal pattern similar to that of the endogenous promoters. X-gal staining for tau/LacZ reporter and GFP imaging for tau/GFP reporter showed that the transgenic E11 and E1 promoters were widely expressed in various regions of the central nervous system (CNS). The distribution of tau/GFP reporter in the CNS was similar to that of MOR-1-like immunoreactivity using an exon 4-specific antibody. However, differential expression of both promoters was observed in some CNS regions such as the hippocampus and substantia nigra, suggesting that the E11 and E1 promoters were regulated differently in these regions.

Conclusion
We have generated a transgenic mouse line to study the E11 and E1 promoters in vivo using tau/LacZ and tau/GFP reporters. The reasonable relevance of the transgenic model was demonstrated by the temporal and spatial expression of the transgenes as compared to those of the endogenous transcripts. We believe that these transgenic mice will provide a useful model for further characterizing the E11 and E1 promoter in vivo under different physiological and pathological circumstances such as chronic opioid treatment and chronic pain models.
The conserved protein kinase-A target motif in synapsin of Drosophilais effectively modified by pre-mRNA editing
Authors: Diegelmann Sören , Nieratschker Vanessa , Werner Ursula , Hoppe Jürgen , Zars Troy , Buchner Erich 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Synapsins are abundant synaptic vesicle associated phosphoproteins that are involved in the fine regulation of neurotransmitter release. The Drosophila member of this protein family contains three conserved domains (A, C, and E) and is expressed in most or all synaptic terminals. Similar to mouse mutants, synapsin knock-out flies show no obvious structural defects but are disturbed in complex behaviour, notably learning and memory.

Results
We demonstrate that the N-terminal phosphorylation consensus motif RRxS that is conserved in all synapsins investigated so far, is modified in Drosophila by pre-mRNA editing. In mammals this motif represents the target site P1 of protein kinase A (PKA) and calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase I/IV. The result of this editing, by which RRFS is modified to RGFS, can be observed in cDNAs of larvae and adults and in both isolated heads and bodies. It is also seen in several newly collected wild-type strains and thus does not represent an adaptation to laboratory culture conditions. A likely editing site complementary sequence is found in a downstream intron indicating that the synapsin pre-mRNA can form a double-stranded RNA structure that is required for editing by the adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) enzyme. A deletion in the Drosophila Adar gene generated by transposon remobilization prevents this modification, proving that the ADAR enzyme is responsible for the pre-mRNA editing described here. We also provide evidence for a likely function of synapsin editing in Drosophila. The N-terminal synapsin undeca-peptide containing the genomic motif (RRFS) represents an excellent substrate for in-vitro phosphorylation by bovine PKA while the edited peptide (RGFS) is not significantly phosphorylated. Thus pre-mRNA editing by ADAR could modulate the function of ubiquitously expressed synapsin in a cell-specific manner during development and adulthood.

Conclusion
Similar to several other neuronal proteins of Drosophila, synapsin is modified by ADAR-mediated recoding at the pre-mRNA level. This editing likely reduces or abolishes synapsin phosphorylation by PKA. Since synapsin in Drosophila is required for various forms of behavioural plasticity, it will be fascinating to investigate the effect of this recoding on learning and memory.
Serologic indices of hepatitis B virus infection in military recruits in Greece (2004–2005)
Authors: German Vasilios , Giannakos Georgios , Kopterides Petros , Liaskonis Konstantinos , Falagas Matthew E 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Greece has been decreasing over the last decades. However, recent epidemiological data are lacking.

Methods
We studied 1,840 Army recruits from 05/2004 until 10/2005, and performed serological testing for HBsAg, anti-HBsAg, and anti-HBcAg. We also examined their association with several factors, including age, residential area, socioeconomic class, and educational level.

Results
Mean age (± SD) of the recruits was 20.5 (± 2.1) years. Antibodies to HBV core antigen [anti-HBcAg (+)] were found in 31 (1.68%) of 1,840 participants. Only 6 (0.32%) were HBsAg (+)/anti-HBsAg (-)/anti-HBcAg (+), while 21 (1.14%) were HBsAg (-)/anti-HBsAg (+)/anti-HBcAg (+), and 4 (0.22%) were HBsAg (-)/anti-HBsAg (-)/anti-HBcAg (+). Overall, 1,144 recruits (62.17%) had antibodies against HBsAg [HBsAg (-)/anti-HBsAg (+)/anti-HBcAg (-)]; 665 recruits (36.14%) had undetectable anti-HBsAg levels. Multivariable analysis showed that younger age (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.82–0.92) and advanced educational level (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.32–1.93) were independently associated with serologic evidence suggestive of previous HBV vaccination.

Conclusion
We document a further decline of the prevalence of chronic HBV infection among Greek military recruits, a fact that may support the effectiveness of the ongoing immunization programme.
Cytotoxic drug sensitivity of Epstein-Barr virus transformed lymphoblastoid B-cells
Authors: Markasz Laszlo , Stuber György , Flaberg Emilie , Jernberg Åsa Gustafsson , Eksborg Staffan , Olah Eva , Skribek Henriette , Szekely Laszlo 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the causative agent of immunosuppression associated lymphoproliferations such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), AIDS related immunoblastic lymphomas (ARL) and immunoblastic lymphomas in X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP). The reported overall mortality for PTLD often exceeds 50%. Reducing the immunosuppression in recipients of solid organ transplants (SOT) or using highly active antiretroviral therapy in AIDS patients leads to complete remission in 23–50% of the PTLD/ARL cases but will not suffice for recipients of bone marrow grafts. An additional therapeutic alternative is the treatment with anti-CD20 antibodies (Rituximab) or EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cells. Chemotherapy is used for the non-responding cases only as the second or third line of treatment. The most frequently used chemotherapy regimens originate from the non-Hodgkin lymphoma protocols and there are no cytotoxic drugs that have been specifically selected against EBV induced lymphoproliferative disorders.

Methods
As lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) are well established in vitro models for PTLD, we have assessed 17 LCLs for cytotoxic drug sensitivity. After three days of incubation, live and dead cells were differentially stained using fluorescent dyes. The precise numbers of live and dead cells were determined using a custom designed automated laser confocal fluorescent microscope.

Results
Independently of their origin, LCLs showed very similar drug sensitivity patterns against 29 frequently used cytostatic drugs. LCLs were highly sensitive for vincristine, methotrexate, epirubicin and paclitaxel.

Conclusion
Our data shows that the inclusion of epirubicin and paclitaxel into chemotherapy protocols against PTLD may be justified.
T-cell contact-dependent regulation of CC and CXC chemokine production in monocytes through differential involvement of NFκB: implications for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Beech Jonathan T , Andreakos Evangelos , Ciesielski Cathleen J , Green Patricia , Foxwell Brian MJ , Brennan Fionula M 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe and others have reported that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial T cells can activate human monocytes/macrophages in a contact-dependent manner to induce the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). In the present study we demonstrate that RA synovial T cells without further activation can also induce monocyte CC and CXC chemokine production in a contact-dependent manner. The transcription factor NFκB is differentially involved in this process as CXC chemokines but not CC chemokines are inhibited after overexpression of IκBα, the natural inhibitor of NFκB. This effector function of RA synovial T cells is also shared by T cells activated with a cytokine cocktail containing IL-2, IL-6 and TNFα, but not T cells activated by anti-CD3 cross-linking that mimics TCR engagement. This study demonstrates for the first time that RA synovial T cells as well as cytokine-activated T cells are able to induce monocyte chemokine production in a contact-dependent manner and through NFκB-dependent and NFκB-independent mechanisms, in a process influenced by the phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase pathway. Moreover, this study provides further evidence that cytokine-activated T cells share aspects of their effector function with RA synovial T cells and that their targeting in the clinic has therapeutic potential.
Methotrexate enhances the anti-inflammatory effect of CF101 via up-regulation of the A3adenosine receptor expression
Authors: Ochaion Avivit , Bar-Yehuda Sara , Cohn Shira , Del Valle Luis , Perez-Liz Georginia , Madi Lea , Barer Faina , Farbstein Motti , Fishman-Furman Sari , Reitblat Tatiana , Reitblat Alexander , Amital Howard , Levi Yair , Molad Yair , Mader Reuven , Tishler Moshe , Langevitz Pnina , Zabutti Alexander , Fishman Pnina 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMethotrexate (MTX) exerts an anti-inflammatory effect via its metabolite adenosine, which activates adenosine receptors. The A3adenosine receptor (A3AR) was found to be highly expressed in inflammatory tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). CF101 (IB-MECA), an A3AR agonist, was previously found to inhibit the clinical and pathological manifestations of AIA. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of MTX on A3AR expression level and the efficacy of combined treatment with CF101 and MTX in AIA rats. AIA rats were treated with MTX, CF101, or both agents combined. A3AR mRNA, protein expression and exhibition were tested in paw and PBMC extracts from AIA rats utilizing immunohistochemistry staining, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. A3AR level was tested in PBMC extracts from patients chronically treated with MTX and healthy individuals. The effect of CF101, MTX and combined treatment on A3AR expression level was also tested in PHA-stimulated PBMCs from healthy individuals and from MTX-treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Combined treatment with CF101 and MTX resulted in an additive anti-inflammatory effect in AIA rats. MTX induced A2AAR and A3AR over-expression in paw cells from treated animals. Moreover, increased A3AR expression level was detected in PBMCs from MTX-treated RA patients compared with cells from healthy individuals. MTX also increased the protein expression level of PHA-stimulated PBMCs from healthy individuals. The increase in A3AR level was counteractedin vitroby adenosine deaminase and mimickedin vivoby dipyridamole, demonstrating that receptor over-expression was mediated by adenosine. In conclusion, the data presented here indicate that MTX induces increased A3AR expression and exhibition, thereby potentiating the inhibitory effect of CF101 and supporting combined use of these drugs to treat RA.
Multicentre study on peri- and postoperative central venous oxygen saturation in high-risk surgical patients
Authors:   Collaborative Study Group on Perioperative ScvO2 Monitoring
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Low central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) has been associated with increased risk of postoperative complications in high-risk surgery. Whether this association is centre-specific or more generalisable is not known. The aim of this study was to assess the association between peri- and postoperative ScvO2 and outcome in high-risk surgical patients in a multicentre setting.

Methods
Three large European university hospitals (two in Finland, one in Switzerland) participated. In 60 patients with intra-abdominal surgery lasting more than 90 minutes, the presence of at least two of Shoemaker's criteria, and ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class greater than 2, ScvO2 was determined preoperatively and at two hour intervals during the operation until 12 hours postoperatively. Hospital length of stay (LOS) mortality, and predefined postoperative complications were recorded.

Results
The age of the patients was 72 ± 10 years (mean ± standard deviation), and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS II) was 32 ± 12. Hospital LOS was 10.5 (8 to 14) days, and 28-day hospital mortality was 10.0%. Preoperative ScvO2 decreased from 77% ± 10% to 70% ± 11% (p < 0.001) immediately after surgery and remained unchanged 12 hours later. A total of 67 postoperative complications were recorded in 32 patients. After multivariate analysis, mean ScvO2 value (odds ratio [OR] 1.23 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.50], p = 0.037), hospital LOS (OR 0.75 [95% CI 0.59 to 0.94], p = 0.012), and SAPS II (OR 0.90 [95% CI 0.82 to 0.99], p = 0.029) were independently associated with postoperative complications. The optimal value of mean ScvO2 to discriminate between patients who did or did not develop complications was 73% (sensitivity 72%, specificity 61%).

Conclusion
Low ScvO2 perioperatively is related to increased risk of postoperative complications in high-risk surgery. This warrants trials with goal-directed therapy using ScvO2 as a target in high-risk surgery patients.