bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genesis 1 and the Spirit: A Narrative-Rhetorical Ancient Near Eastern Reading in Light of Modern Science
Authors: Elbert Paul 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe creation narrative in Genesis 1 has historically presented a number of interpretive difficulties to Torah and Old Testament scholars. That this ancient account might correlate in a harmonious manner with physical reality seemed difficult to believe. It has been considered to be a myth, while some have adopted it to ideology. But these interpretive perspectives have proved to be insufficient and premature. When confirmation of a cosmic beginning was found in 1963, Gen. 1.1 and the ensuing account of the Spirit's role in Earth history became a topic of serious investigation. With the ongoing discoveries of many anthropic-looking aspects of cosmic history, giving the cumulative and substantial impression that the universe had been designed for humankind, a divine role in optimizing Earth for life became an attractive consideration. The ensuing abrupt appearance of diverse life-forms, eventually including humankind, as sequentially described in this creation narrative, now appears to be heuristically compatible and consistent with experimental scientific findings. These findings are increasingly unharmonious with the speculation of the non-existence of God and with the impossibility of divine action, from the cosmic to life's biochemical realm. The present study argues, against the background of ancient Near Eastern literary texts, that the Genesis creation narrative was specifically designed by the Spirit and composed by a firmly guided littérateur so as to be understood from within its contextual literary setting, and that it is a unique written prophecy, originating in a distinctive Sabbath-keeping culture. On this hypothesis the text serves originally to remind attentive like-minded readers of the cultural significance of Sabbath observance, while detailing a series of unobservable creative events. However, the text appears also designed to be read, still within the original cultural perception of literary-minded Sabbath-keepers, from a perspective that is aware of the Spirit's intentional transparent design of the universe for the benefit of humankind. Using the narrative techniques of point of view, resumptive repetition, and rhetorical or communicative intention, techniques found in ancient literature, the present study suggests that previous interpretive difficulties yield to a literary solution, which offers an explanation for the potentially mysterious features of this prophetic composition. In divine foreknowledge the current modern witness of this remarkable narrative to the Spirit's past creative deeds now becomes more visible as a testimony to the invisible God.
Rce1 deficiency accelerates the development of K-RAS–induced myeloproliferative disease
Authors: Wahlstrom Annika M. , Cutts Briony A. , Karlsson Christin , Andersson Karin M. E. , Liu Meng , Sjogren Anna-Karin M. , Swolin Birgitta , Young Stephen G. , Bergo Martin O. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The RAS proteins undergo farnesylation of a carboxyl-terminal cysteine (the “C” of the carboxyl-terminal CaaX motif). After farnesylation, the 3 amino acids downstream from the farnesyl cysteine (the -aaX of the CaaX motif) are released by RAS-converting enzyme 1 (RCE1). We previously showed that inactivation of Rce1 in mouse fibroblasts mislocalizes RAS proteins away from the plasma membrane and inhibits RAS transformation. Therefore, we hypothesized that the inactivation of Rce1 might inhibit RAS transformation in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we used Cre/loxP recombination techniques to simultaneously inactivate Rce1 and activate a latent oncogenic K-RAS allele in hematopoietic cells in mice. Normally, activation of the oncogenic K-RAS allele in hematopoietic cells leads to rapidly progressing and lethal myeloproliferative disease. Contrary to our hypothesis, the inactivation of Rce1 actually increased peripheral leukocytosis, increased the release of immature hematopoietic cells into the circulation and the infiltration of cells into liver and spleen, and caused mice to die more rapidly. Moreover, in the absence of Rce1, splenocytes and bone marrow cells expressing oncogenic K-RAS yielded more and larger colonies when grown in methylcellulose. We conclude that the inactivation of Rce1 worsens the myeloproliferative disease caused by oncogenic K-RAS.
BAFF and APRIL support chronic lymphocytic leukemia B-cell survival through activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway
Authors: Endo Tomoyuki , Nishio Mitsufumi , Enzler Thomas , Cottam Howard B. , Fukuda Tetsuya , James Danelle F. , Karin Michael , Kipps Thomas J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells express BR3, the specific receptor for the B cell–activating factor of tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF). CLL cells also express 2 other receptors for BAFF, namely B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and the transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand-interactor (TACI), which also bind a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). We found that signaling through BR3, but not BCMA or TACI, activated the alternative nuclear factor of κ B (NF-κB) pathway in CLL cells, whereas signaling through BCMA/TACI induced activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway. Blocking BR3 did not inhibit the capacity of BAFF to support CLL cell survival in vitro. On the other hand, specifically blocking the canonical NF-κB pathway with UTC, an inhibitor of IκB kinase β (IKKβ), or transfection of CLL cells with the IκBα super-repressor, blocked the capacity of BAFF and APRIL to promote CLL cell survival in vitro. This contrasts what is found with normal blood B cells, which apparently depend on activation of the alternative NF-κB pathway for BAFF-enhanced survival. These findings suggest that inhibitors of protein kinase IKKβ, which is required for activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway, might have a therapeutic role in this disease.
Prolonged pancytopenia in a gene therapy patient with ADA-deficient SCID and trisomy 8 mosaicism: a case report
Authors: Engel Barbara C. , Podsakoff Greg M. , Ireland Joanna L. , Smogorzewska E. Monika , Carbonaro Denise A. , Wilson Kathy , Shah Ami , Kapoor Neena , Sweeney Mirna , Borchert Mark , Crooks Gay M. , Weinberg Kenneth I. , Parkman Robertson , Rosenblatt Howard M. , Wu Shi-Qi , Hershfield Michael S. , Candotti Fabio , Kohn Donald B. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA patient with adenosine deaminase–deficient severe combined immune deficiency (ADA-SCID) was enrolled in a study of retroviral-mediated ADA gene transfer to bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells. After the discontinuation of ADA enzyme replacement, busulfan (75 mg/m2) was administered for bone marrow cytoreduction, followed by infusion of autologous, gene-modified CD34+ cells. The expected myelosuppression developed after busulfan but then persisted, necessitating the administration of untransduced autologous bone marrow back-up at day 40. Because of sustained pancytopenia and negligible gene marking, diagnostic bone marrow biopsy and aspirate were performed at day 88. Analyses revealed hypocellular marrow and, unexpectedly, evidence of trisomy 8 in 21.6% of cells. Trisomy 8 mosaicism (T8M) was subsequently diagnosed by retrospective analysis of a pretreatment marrow sample that might have caused the lack of hematopoietic reconstitution. The confounding effects of this preexisting marrow cytogenetic abnormality on the response to gene transfer highlights another challenge of gene therapy with the use of autologous hematopoietic stem cells.
Putative cross-kingdom horizontal gene transfer in sponge (Porifera) mitochondria
Authors: Rot Chagai , Goldfarb Itay , Ilan Micha , Huchon Dorothée 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
The mitochondrial genome of Metazoa is usually a compact molecule without introns. Exceptions to this rule have been reported only in corals and sea anemones (Cnidaria), in which group I introns have been discovered in the cox1 and nad5 genes. Here we show several lines of evidence demonstrating that introns can also be found in the mitochondria of sponges (Porifera).

Results
A 2,349 bp fragment of the mitochondrial cox1 gene was sequenced from the sponge Tetilla sp. (Spirophorida). This fragment suggests the presence of a 1143 bp intron. Similar to all the cnidarian mitochondrial introns, the putative intron has group I intron characteristics. The intron is present in the cox1 gene and encodes a putative homing endonuclease. In order to establish the distribution of this intron in sponges, the cox1 gene was sequenced from several representatives of the demosponge diversity. The intron was found only in the sponge order Spirophorida. A phylogenetic analysis of the COI protein sequence and of the intron open reading frame suggests that the intron may have been transmitted horizontally from a fungus donor.

Conclusion
Little is known about sponge-associated fungi, although in the last few years the latter have been frequently isolated from sponges. We suggest that the horizontal gene transfer of a mitochondrial intron was facilitated by a symbiotic relationship between fungus and sponge. Ecological relationships are known to have implications at the genomic level. Here, an ecological relationship between sponge and fungus is suggested based on the genomic analysis.
Expression of P2 receptors in human B cells and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines
Authors: Lee Dong Hyeon , Park Kyu Sang , Kong In Deok , Kim Jun Woo , Han Bok Ghee 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection immortalizes primary B cells in vitro and generates lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), which are used for several purposes in immunological and genetic studies. Purinergic receptors, consisting of P2X and P2Y, are activated by extracellular nucleotides in most tissues and exert various physiological effects. In B cells, especially EBV-induced LCLs, their expression and function have not been well studied. We investigated the expression of P2 receptors on primary human B cells and LCLs using the quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method for revealing the gene expression profile of the P2 receptor subtypes and their changes during transformation.ResultsThe mRNA transcripts of most P2 receptors were detected in primary B cells; the expression of P2X3and P2X7receptors was the lowest of all the P2 receptors. By contrast, LCLs expressed several dominant P2 receptors – P2X4, P2X5, and P2Y11– in amounts similar to those seen in B cells infected with EBV for 2 weeks. The amount of most P2 subtypes in LCLs or EBV-infected B cells was lower than in normal B cells. However, the amount of P2X7receptor expressed in LCLs was higher. Protein expression was studied using Western blotting to confirm the mRNA findings for P2X1, P2X4, P2X7, P2Y1, and P2Y11receptors. ATP increased the intracellular free Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) by enhancing the Ca2+influx in both B cells and LCLs in a dose-dependent manner.ConclusionThese findings describe P2 receptor expression profiles and the effects of purinergic stimuli on B cells and suggest some plasticity in the expression of the P2 receptor phenotype. This may help explain the nature and effect of P2 receptors on B cells and their role in altering the characteristics of LCLs.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors strongly sensitise neuroblastoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by a caspases-dependent increase of the pro- to anti-apoptotic proteins ratio
Authors: Mühlethaler-Mottet Annick , Flahaut Marjorie , Bourloud Katia Balmas , Auderset Katya , Meier Roland , Joseph Jean-Marc , Gross Nicole 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the second most common solid childhood tumour, an aggressive disease for which new therapeutic strategies are strongly needed. Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively induces apoptosis in most tumour cells, but not in normal tissues and therefore represents a valuable candidate in apoptosis-inducing therapies. Caspase-8 is silenced in a subset of highly malignant NB cells, which results in full TRAIL resistance. In addition, despite constitutive caspase-8 expression, or its possible restoration by different strategies, NB cells remain weakly sensitive to TRAIL indicating a need to develop strategies to sensitise NB cells to TRAIL. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are a new class of anti-cancer agent inducing apoptosis or cell cycle arrest in tumour cells with very low toxicity toward normal cells. Although HDACIs were recently shown to increase death induced by TRAIL in weakly TRAIL-sensitive tumour cells, the precise involved sensitisation mechanisms have not been fully identified.

Methods
NB cell lines were treated with various doses of HDACIs and TRAIL, then cytotoxicity was analysed by MTS/PMS proliferation assays, apoptosis was measured by the Propidium staining method, caspases activity by colorimetric protease assays, and (in)activation of apoptotic proteins by immunoblotting.

Results
Sub-toxic doses of HDACIs strongly sensitised caspase-8 positive NB cell lines to TRAIL induced apoptosis in a caspases dependent manner. Combined treatments increased the activation of caspases and Bid, and the inactivation of the anti-apoptotic proteins XIAP, Bcl-x, RIP, and survivin, thereby increasing the pro- to anti-apoptotic protein ratio. It also enhanced the activation of the mitochondrial pathway. Interestingly, the kinetics of caspases activation and inactivation of anti-apoptotic proteins is accelerated by combined treatment with TRAIL and HDACIs compared to TRAIL alone. In contrast, cell surface expression of TRAIL-receptors or TRAIL is not affected by sub-toxic doses of HDACIs.

Conclusion
HDACIs were shown to activate the mitochondrial pathway and to sensitise NB cells to TRAIL by enhancing the amplitude of the apoptotic cascade and by restoring an apoptosis-prone ratio of pro- to anti-apoptotic proteins. Combining HDACIs and TRAIL could therefore represent a weakly toxic and promising strategy to target TRAIL-resistant tumours such as neuroblastomas.
Diagnostic accuracy of an integrated respiratory guideline in identifying patients with respiratory symptoms requiring screening for pulmonary tuberculosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: English René G , Bachmann Max O , Bateman Eric D , Zwarenstein Merrick F , Fairall Lara R , Bheekie Angeni , Majara Bosielo P , Lombard Carl , Scherpbier Robert , Ottomani Salah Eddine 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the integrated Practical Approach to Lung Health in South Africa (PALSA) guideline in identifying patients requiring bacteriological screening for tuberculosis (TB), and to determine which clinical features best predict suspected and bacteriologically-confirmed tuberculosis among patients with respiratory symptoms.

Methods
A prospective, cross-sectional study in which 1392 adult patients with cough and/or difficult breathing, attending a primary care facility in Cape Town, South Africa, were evaluated by a nurse using the guideline. The accuracy of a nurse using the guideline to identify TB suspects was compared to that of primary care physicians' diagnoses of (1) suspected TB, and (2) proven TB supported by clinical information and chest radiographs.

Results
The nurse using the guideline identified 516 patients as TB suspects compared with 365 by the primary care physicians, representing a sensitivity of 76% (95% confidence interval (CI) 71%–79%), specificity of 77% (95% CI 74%–79%), positive predictive value of 53% (95% CI 49%–58%), negative predictive value of 90% (95% CI 88%–92%), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ARUC) of 0.76 (95% CI 0.74–0.79). Sputum results were obtained in 320 of the 365 primary care physicians TB suspects (88%); 40 (13%) of these were positive for TB. Only 4 cases were not identified by the nurse using the guideline. The primary care physicians diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing bacteriologically-confirmed TB (n = 320) was as follows: sensitivity 90% (95% CI 76%–97%), specificity 65% (95% CI 63%–68%), negative predictive value 7% (95% CI 5%–10%), positive predictive value 99.5% (95% CI 98.8%–99.8%), and ARUC 0.78 (95% CI 0.73–0.82). Weight loss, pleuritic pain, and night sweats were independently associated with the diagnosis of bacteriologically-confirmed tuberculosis (positive likelihood ratio if all three present = 16.7, 95% CI 5.9–29.4).

Conclusion
The PALSA guideline is an effective screening tool for identifying patients requiring bacteriological screening for pulmonary tuberculosis in this primary care setting. This supports the randomized trial finding that use of the guideline increased TB case detection.
Analysis of patient flows for orthopedic procedures using small area analysis in Switzerland
Authors: Matter-Walstra Klazien , Widmer Marcel , Busato André 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
In general cantons regulate and control the Swiss health service system; patient flows within and between cantons are thereby partially disregarded. This paper develops an alternative spatial model, based upon the construction of orthopedic hospital service areas (HSAOs), and introduces indices for the analysis of patient streams in order to identify areas, irrespective of canton, with diverse characteristics, importance, needs, or demands.

Methods
HSAOs were constructed using orthopedic discharge data. Patient streams between the HSAOs were analysed by calculating three indices: the localization index (% local residents discharged locally), the netindex (the ratio of discharges of nonlocal incoming residents to outgoing local residents), and the market share index (% of local resident discharges of all discharges in local hospitals).

Results
The 85 orthopedic HSAOs show a median localization index of 60.8%, a market share index of 75.1%, and 30% of HSAOs have a positive netindex. Insurance class of bed, admission type, and patient age are partially but significantly associated with those indicators. A trend to more centrally provided health services can be observed not only in large urban HSAOs such as Geneva, Bern, Basel, and Zurich, but also in HSAOs in mountain sport areas such as Sion, Davos, or St.Moritz. Furthermore, elderly and emergency patients are more frequently treated locally than younger people or those having elective procedures.

Conclusion
The division of Switzerland into HSAOs provides an alternative spatial model for analysing and describing patient streams for health service utilization. Because this small area model allows more in-depth analysis of patient streams both within and between cantons, it may improve support and planning of resource allocation of in-patient care in the Swiss healthcare system.
Structure, (governance) and health: an unsolicited response
Authors: Reidpath Daniel D , Allotey Pascale 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundIn a recently published article, it was suggested that governance wasthesignificant structural factor affecting the epidemiology of HIV. This suggestion was made notwithstanding the observed weak correlation between governance and HIV prevalence (r= .2). Unfortunately, the paper raised but left unexamined the potentially more important questions about the relationship between the broader health of populations and structural factors such as the national economy and physical infrastructure.MethodsUtilizing substantially the same data sources as the original article, the relationship between population health (healthy life expectancy) and three structural factors (access to improved water, GDP per capita, and governance) were examined in each of 176 countries.ResultsGovernance was found to be significantly correlated with population health, as were GDP per capita, and access to improved water. They were also found to be significantly correlated with each other.ConclusionThe findings are discussed with reference to the growing interest in structural factors as an explanation for population health outcomes, and the relatively weak relationship between governance and HIV prevalence.
Girls' perception of physical environmental factors and transportation: reliability and association with physical activity and active transport to school
Authors: Evenson Kelly R , Birnbaum Amanda S , Bedimo-Rung Ariane L , Sallis James F , Voorhees Carolyn C , Ring Kimberly , Elder John P 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
Preliminary evidence suggests that the physical environment and transportation are associated with youth physical activity levels. Only a few studies have examined the association of physical environmental factors on walking and bicycling to school. Therefore, the purpose of this study was (1) to examine the test-retest reliability of a survey designed for youth to assess perceptions of physical environmental factors (e.g. safety, aesthetics, facilities near the home) and transportation, and (2) to describe the associations of these perceptions with both physical activity and active transport to school.

Methods
Test and retest surveys, administered a median of 12 days later, were conducted with 480 sixth- and eighth-grade girls in or near six U.S. communities. The instrument consisted of 24 questions on safety and aesthetics of the perceived environment and transportation and related facilities. Additionally, girls were asked if they were aware of 14 different recreational facilities offering structured and unstructured activities, and if so, whether they would visit these facilities and the ease with which they could access them. Test-retest reliability was determined using kappa coefficients, overall and separately by grade. Associations with physical activity and active transport to school were examined using mixed model logistic regression (n = 610), adjusting for grade, race/ethnicity, and site.

Results
Item-specific reliabilities for questions assessing perceived safety and aesthetics of the neighborhood ranged from 0.31 to 0.52. Reliabilities of items assessing awareness of and interest in going to the 14 recreational facilities ranged from 0.47 to 0.64. Reliabilities of items assessing transportation ranged from 0.34 to 0.58. Some items on girls' perceptions of perceived safety, aesthetics of the environment, facilities, and transportation were important correlates of physical activity and, in some cases, active transport to school.

Conclusion
This study provides some psychometric support for the use of the questionnaire on physical environmental factors and transportation for studying physical activity and active transport to school among adolescent girls. Further work can continue to improve reliability of these self-report items and examine their association of these factors with objectively measured physical activity.