bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LeishmaniaInfection Impairs β1-Integrin Function and Chemokine Receptor Expression in Mononuclear Phagocytes
Authors: Pinheiro Nathanael F. , Hermida Micely D. R. , Macedo Mariana P. , Mengel José , Bafica Andre , dos-Santos Washington L. C. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTLeishmaniaspp. are intracellular parasites that cause lesions in the skin, mucosa, and viscera. We have previously shown thatLeishmaniainfection reduces mononuclear phagocyte adhesion to inflamed connective tissue. In this study, we examined the role of adhesion molecules and chemokines in this process. Infection rate (r= −0.826,P= 0.003) and parasite burden (r= −0.917,P= 0.028) negatively correlated to mouse phagocyte adhesion. The decrease (58.7 to 75.0% inhibition,P= 0.005) in phagocyte adhesion to connective tissue, induced byLeishmania, occurred as early as 2 h after infection and was maintained for at least 24 h. Interestingly, impairment of cell adhesion was sustained by phagocyte infection, since it was not observed following phagocytosis of killed parasites (cell adhesion varied from 15.2% below to 24.0% above control levels,P> 0.05). In addition,Leishmaniainfection diminished cell adhesion to fibronectin (54.1 to 96.2%,P< 0.01), collagen (15.7 to 83.7%,P< 0.05), and laminin (59.1 to 82.2%,P< 0.05). The CD11bhisubpopulation was highly infected (49.6 to 97.3%). Calcium and Mg2+replacement by Mn2+, a treatment that is known to induce integrins to a high state of affinity for their receptors, reverted the inhibition in adhesion caused byLeishmania. This reversion was completely blocked by anti-VLA4 antibodies. Furthermore, expression of CCR4 and CCR5, two chemokine receptors implicated in cell adhesion, was found to be downregulated 16 h after infection (2.8 to 4.1 times and 1.9 to 2.8 times, respectively). Together, these results suggest that mechanisms regulating integrin function are implicated in the change of macrophage adhesion in leishmaniasis.
Why are manual workers at high risk of upper limb disorders? The role of physical work factors in a random sample of workers in France (the Pays de la Loire study)
Authors: Melchior M , Roquelaure Y , Evanoff B , Chastang J-F , Ha C , Imbernon E , Goldberg M , Leclerc A 
Published: June 2006

Objective:To investigate the reasons for the excess risk of upper limb musculoskeletal disorders among manual workers compared with other workers in a random sample of 2656 French men and women (20–59 years old) participating in a study on the prevalence of work related upper limb disorders conducted by France’s National Institute of Health Surveillance.Methods:Prevalence ratios (PR) of physician-diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand (any of six leading disorders, rotator cuff syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome) in manual versus non-manual workers were calculated using Cox regression models with a constant time of follow up and robust variance.Results:11.3% of men and 15.1% of women were diagnosed with an upper limb disorder. The risk was especially high in manual workers (PRs: 1.40 to 2.10). Physical work factors accounted for over 50% of occupational disparities overall, 62% (men) to 67% (women) for rotator cuff syndrome, and 96% (women) for carpal tunnel syndrome. The authors calculated that under lower levels of physical work exposures, up to 31% of cases among manual workers could have been prevented.Conclusions:In working men and women, upper limb musculoskeletal disorders are frequent. Physical work exposures, such as repetitive and forceful movements, are an important source of risk and in particular account for a large proportion of excess morbidity among manual workers.
INFORMATION IN AN EIA PROCESS AND THE INFLUENCE THEREOF ON PUBLIC OPINION
Authors: PETERLIN MONIKA , KROSS BURTON C. , KONTIC BRANKO 
Published: June 2006

Environmental issues can only be solved by coherent action at local, national and international levels, therefore understanding of the factors that influence the information exchange process is very important. The subject of investigation in this research is the influence of environmental information provided in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process on the level of knowledge concerning environmental issues in the local community. A survey of public opinion of the environmental impacts of the Port of Koper in Slovenia was performed.Results show that respondents did not find the EIA presentations effective and received more information from TV, newspapers and radio. The EIA process did not fulfil its' potential, since respondents express the highest trust in expert information, but the effectiveness of the expert part of the presentation is considered to be low, not reaching the media. By improving the presentations effectiveness in the EIA process, further efforts in informing public and employees could theoretically bring the opinions of both groups to a similar level of understanding.
Robust Alternatives and Responsibility
Authors: Allen Robert 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe Principle of Robust Alternatives (PRA) states that an agent is responsible for doing something only if he/she could have performed a ‘robust’ alternative: another action having a different moral or practical value. Defenders of PRA maintain that it is not refuted by a ‘Frankfurt case’, given that its agent can be seen as having had such an alternativeprovided that we properly qualify that for which she is responsible. I argue here against two versions of this defense. First, I show that those who maintain that a ‘Frankfurt agent’ is responsible forvoluntarily performing his/her action must attach moral significance to his/her luck. I proceed to discuss Carl Ginet's strategy of temporally qualifying ascriptions of responsibility, arguing that his counterexample to the principle that ‘If an agent is responsible for doing A @ t, then he/she is responsible for doing Asimpliciter’ is disanalogous to a Frankfurt case.
Rorty, the First Amendment and Antirealism: Is Reliance upon Truth Viewpoint-Based Speech Regulation?
Authors: Butler Brian 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn this article I investigate the implications of antirealism, as characterized by Richard Rorty, for First Amendment jurisprudence under the United States Constitution. It is hoped that the implications, while played out in the context of a specific tradition, will have more universal application. In Section 1, Rorty’s ‘pragmatic antirealism’ is briefly outlined. In Section 2, some effects of the elimination of the concept of truth for First Amendment jurisprudence are investigated. Section 3 argues for the conclusion that given the antirealist stance, the Supreme Court’s usage of the true/ false fact distinction is actually an uncritical allowance of viewpoint-based discrimination into speech protection that has potentially far-reaching and restrictive results for important speech. Finally, in Section 4 Rorty’s antirealism is combined with various traditional models of First Amendment analysis to see how it would function. The conclusions aimed at are twofold. First, that Rortian antirealism is compatible with the traditional models underlying First Amendment theory. Second, that a realization that truth is the result of, in Rorty’s words, ‘intra-mundane’ discourse leads to an argument for different and potentially stronger and more farreaching protections to speech.
Bruton tyrosine kinase is essential for botrocetin/VWF-induced signaling and GPIb-dependent thrombus formation in vivo
Authors: Liu Junling , Fitzgerald Malinda E. , Berndt Michael C. , Jackson Carl W. , Gartner T. Kent 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBotrocetin (bt)-facilitated binding of von Willebrand factor (VWF) to the platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex on platelets in suspension initiates a signaling cascade that causes αIIbβ3 activation and platelet aggregation. Previous work has demonstrated that bt/VWF-mediated agglutination activates αIIbβ3 and elicits ATP secretion in a thromboxane A2 (TxA2)-dependent manner. The signaling that results in TxA2 production was shown to be initiated by Lyn, enhanced by Src, and propagated through Syk, SLP-76, PI3K, PLCγ2, and PKC. Here, we demonstrate that the signaling elicited by GPIb-mediated agglutination that results in TxA2 production is dependent on Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk). The results demonstrate that Btk is downstream of Lyn, Syk, SLP-76, and PI3K; upstream of ERK1/2, PLCγ2, and PKC; and greatly enhances Akt phosphorylation. The relationship(s), if any, between ERK1/2, PLCγ2, and PKC were not elucidated. The requirement for Btk and TxA2 receptor function in GPIb-dependent arterial thrombosis was confirmed in vivo by characterizing blood flow in ferric chloride-treated mouse carotid arteries. These results demonstrate that the Btk family kinase, Tec, cannot provide the function(s) missing because of the absence of Btk and that Btk is essential for both bt/VWF-mediated agglutination-induced TxA2 production and GPIb-dependent stable arterial thrombus formation in vivo.
Impact of chronic graft-versus-host disease on the health status of hematopoietic cell transplantation survivors: a report from the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor Study
Authors: Fraser Christopher J. , Bhatia Smita , Ness Kirsten , Carter Andrea , Francisco Liton , Arora Mukta , Parker Pablo , Forman Stephen , Weisdorf Daniel , Gurney James G. , Baker K. Scott 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to understand the impact of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) on the overall health status of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors. Subjects included 584 individuals who had undergone allogeneic HCT between 1976 and 1999, survived 2 or more years, and completed a 255-item health questionnaire. Global assessment of health status was facilitated by measurement of 6 health status domains: general health, mental health, functional impairment, activity limitation, pain, and anxiety/fear. Information regarding diagnosis of cGVHD was abstracted from medical records, and presence of active cGVHD in the preceding 12 months was self-reported. The incidence of cGVHD in participants was 54%, of whom 46% reported active cGVHD. In multivariable analyses, subjects with active cGVHD were more likely to report adverse general health, mental health, functional impairments, activity limitation, and pain than were those with no history of cGVHD. However, health status did not differ between those with resolved cGVHD and those who never had cGVHD. We conclude that active cGVHD has a significant impact on many aspects of the overall health status of HCT survivors and that, most importantly, those successfully treated for cGVHD do not appear to have long-term impairments.
Multiple vitamin K-dependent coagulation zymogens promote adenovirus-mediated gene delivery to hepatocytes
Authors: Parker Alan L. , Waddington Simon N. , Nicol Campbell G. , Shayakhmetov Dmitry M. , Buckley Suzanne M. , Denby Laura , Kemball-Cook Geoffrey , Ni Shaoheng , Lieber Andre , McVey John H. , Nicklin Stuart A. , Baker Andrew H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractUpon local delivery, adenovirus (Ad) serotype 5 viruses use the coxsackie and Ad receptor (CAR) for cell binding and αv integrins for internalization. When administered systemically, however, their role in liver tropism is limited because CAR-permissive and mutated viruses show similar biodistribution, a finding recently attributed to blood coagulation factor (F) IX or complement protein C4BP binding to the adenovirus fiber and “bridging” to either low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein or heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Here, we show that hepatocyte transduction in vitro can be enhanced by the vitamin K-dependent factors FX, protein C, and FVII in addition to FIX but not by prothrombin (FII), FXI, and FXII. This phenomenon was not dependent on proteolytic activation or cell signaling activity and for FX was mediated by direct virus-factor binding. Human FX substantially enhanced hepatocyte transduction by CAR-permissive and mutated viruses in an ex vivo liver perfusion model. In vivo, global down-regulation of vitamin K-dependent zymogens by warfarin significantly diminished liver uptake of CAR-deleted Ads; however, this phenomenon was fully rescued by acute infusion of human FX. Our results indicate a common and pivotal role for distinct vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors in mediating hepatocyte transduction by adenoviruses in vitro and in vivo.
The features of Drosophila core promoters revealed by statistical analysis
Authors: Gershenzon Naum I , Trifonov Edward N , Ioshikhes Ilya P 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Experimental investigation of transcription is still a very labor- and time-consuming process. Only a few transcription initiation scenarios have been studied in detail. The mechanism of interaction between basal machinery and promoter, in particular core promoter elements, is not known for the majority of identified promoters. In this study, we reveal various transcription initiation mechanisms by statistical analysis of 3393 nonredundant Drosophila promoters.

Results
Using Drosophila-specific position-weight matrices, we identified promoters containing TATA box, Initiator, Downstream Promoter Element (DPE), and Motif Ten Element (MTE), as well as core elements discovered in Human (TFIIB Recognition Element (BRE) and Downstream Core Element (DCE)). Promoters utilizing known synergetic combinations of two core elements (TATA_Inr, Inr_MTE, Inr_DPE, and DPE_MTE) were identified. We also establish the existence of promoters with potentially novel synergetic combinations: TATA_DPE and TATA_MTE. Our analysis revealed several motifs with the features of promoter elements, including possible novel core promoter element(s). Comparison of Human and Drosophila showed consistent percentages of promoters with TATA, Inr, DPE, and synergetic combinations thereof, as well as most of the same functional and mutual positions of the core elements. No statistical evidence of MTE utilization in Human was found. Distinct nucleosome positioning in particular promoter classes was revealed.

Conclusion
We present lists of promoters that potentially utilize the aforementioned elements/combinations. The number of these promoters is two orders of magnitude larger than the number of promoters in which transcription initiation was experimentally studied. The sequences are ready to be experimentally tested or used for further statistical analysis. The developed approach may be utilized for other species.
Effects of work-related factors on the breastfeeding behavior of working mothers in a Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chen Yi Chun , Wu Ya-Chi , Chie Wei-Chu 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
In recent years, the creation of supportive environments for encouraging mothers to breastfeed their children has emerged as a key health issue for women and children. The provision of lactation rooms and breast pumping breaks have helped mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work, but their effectiveness is uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of worksite breastfeeding-friendly policies and work-related factors on the behaviour of working mothers.

Methods
This study was conducted at a large Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer in August-September 2003. Questionnaires were used to collect data on female employees' breastfeeding behaviour, child rearing and work status when raising their most recently born child. A total of 998 valid questionnaires were collected, giving a response rate of 75.3%.

Results
The results showed that 66.9% of survey respondents breastfed initially during their maternity leave, which averaged 56 days. Despite the provision of lactation rooms and breast pumping breaks, only 10.6% mothers continued to breastfeed after returning to work, primarily office workers and those who were aware of their company's breastfeeding-friendly policies.

Conclusion
In conclusion, breastfeeding-friendly policies can significantly affect breastfeeding behaviour. However, an unfavourable working environment, especially for fab workers, can make it difficult to implement breastfeeding measures. With health professionals emphasizing that the importance of breastfeeding for infant health, and as only females can perform lactation, it is vital that women's work "productive role" and family "reproductive role" be respected and accommodated by society.
PCR-based generation of shRNA libraries from cDNAs
Authors: Du Cheng , Ge Baosheng , Liu Zhongfeng , Fu Kai , Chan Wing C , McKeithan Timothy W 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
The use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to silence target gene expression has greatly facilitated mammalian genetic analysis by generating loss-of-function mutants. In recent years, high-throughput, genome-wide screening of siRNA libraries has emerged as a viable approach. Two different methods have been used to generate short hairpin RNA (shRNA) libraries; one is to use chemically synthesized oligonucleotides, and the other is to convert complementary DNAs (cDNAs) into shRNA cassettes enzymatically. The high cost of chemical synthesis and the low efficiency of the enzymatic approach have hampered the widespread use of screening with shRNA libraries.

Results
We report here an improved method for constructing genome-wide shRNA libraries enzymatically. The method includes steps of cDNA fragmentation and endonuclease MmeI digestion to generate 19-bp fragments, capping the 19-bp cDNA fragments with a hairpin oligonucleotide, and amplification of the hairpin structures by PCR. The PCR step converts hairpins into double-stranded DNAs that contain head-to-head cDNA fragments that can be cloned into a vector downstream of a Pol III promoter.

Conclusion
This method can readily be used to generate shRNA libraries from a small amount of mRNA and thus can be used to create cell- or tissue-specific libraries.
An ELISA-based procedure for assaying proteins in digests of human leukocytes and cell lines, using specifically selected peptides and appropriate antibodies
Authors: Braitbard Ori , Bishara-Shieban Janette , Glickstein Hava , Kott-Gutkowski Miriam , Pace Umberto , Rund Deborah G , Stein Wilfred D 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
We describe the application of an ELISA-based assay (the Peptidomatrix) that can be used to simultaneously identify and quantitate a number of proteins in biological samples. The biological sample (blood component, biopsy, culture or other) is first lysed to release all the proteins, without any additional separation. The denatured proteins in the sample are then digested in bulk with the desired proteolytic enzyme(s). The peptides in the digest are then assayed by appropriate antibodies, using a competition ELISA protocol.

Results
As an example of its use, the present paper applies the Peptidomatrix to the assay of four membrane proteins MDR1 (P-glycoprotein or ABCB1), MRP1 (ABCC1), BCRP/MXR (ABCG2) and the alpha subunit of the Na, K_ATPase (ATP1A1), present in a number of cell lines and in human lymphocytes. We show that we can detect and quantitate these proteins, using a series of peptide-antibody pairs, and that we can differentiate between cell lines or cell preparations that express the target proteins and those that do not.

Conclusion
We have devised a simple, ELISA-based proteomics assay that enables the quantitation of designated proteins in a cell or tissue sample, and that can be used in any laboratory, with minimal specialized equipment.
Recent developments in biofeedback for neuromotor rehabilitation
Authors: Huang He , Wolf Steven L , He Jiping 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe original use of biofeedback to train single muscle activity in static positions or movement unrelated to function did not correlate well to motor function improvements in patients with central nervous system injuries. The concept of task-oriented repetitive training suggests that biofeedback therapy should be delivered during functionally related dynamic movement to optimize motor function improvement. Current, advanced technologies facilitate the design of novel biofeedback systems that possess diverse parameters, advanced cue display, and sophisticated control systems for use in task-oriented biofeedback. In light of these advancements, this article: (1) reviews early biofeedback studies and their conclusions; (2) presents recent developments in biofeedback technologies and their applications to task-oriented biofeedback interventions; and (3) discusses considerations regarding the therapeutic system design and the clinical application of task-oriented biofeedback therapy. This review should provide a framework to further broaden the application of task-oriented biofeedback therapy in neuromotor rehabilitation.
Glucagon Suppression of Ghrelin Secretion Is Exerted at Hypothalamus-Pituitary Level
Authors: Arafat A. M. , Perschel F. H. , Otto B. , Weickert M. O. , Rochlitz H. , Schöfl C. , Spranger J. , Möhlig M. , Pfeiffer A. F. H. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Context: The mechanisms underlying the well-known glucagon-induced satiety effect are unclear. Recently, we showed that glucagon induces a remarkable decrease in the orexigenic hormone ghrelin that might be responsible for this effect.
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the putative role of the hypothalamic pituitary axis in glucagon’s suppressive effect on ghrelin secretion.
Design, Subjects, and Methods: Prospectively, we studied the endocrine and metabolic responses to im glucagon administration in 22 patients (16 males; age, 21–68 yr; body mass index, 28.1 ± 1.1 kg/m2) with a known hypothalamic-pituitary lesion and at least one pituitary hormone deficiency. Control experiments were performed in 27 healthy subjects (15 males; age, 19–65 yr; body mass index, 25.5 ± 0.9 kg/m2).
Results: The suppression of ghrelin by glucagon measured as area under the curve240min was significantly greater in controls when compared with patients (P &lt; 0.01). Although there was a significant decrease in ghrelin in controls (P &lt; 0.001), ghrelin was almost unchanged in patients (P = 0.359). Changes in glucagon, glucose, and insulin levels were comparable between both groups.
Conclusions: We show that the hypothalamic-pituitary axis plays an essential role in the suppression of ghrelin induced by im glucagon administration. Glucagon significantly decreases ghrelin levels in healthy subjects. However, in the absence of an intact hypothalamic-pituitary axis, this effect was abolished. The mechanisms responsible for our observation are unlikely to include changes in glucose or insulin levels.