bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A possible association between aprotinin and improved survival after radical surgery for mesothelioma
Authors: Norman Peter H. , Thall Peter F. , Purugganan Ronaldo V. , Riedel Bernhard J. C. J. , Thakar Dilip R. , Rice David C. , Huynh Lisa , Qiao Wei , Wen Sijin , Smythe W. Roy 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:Aprotinin has been used to decrease blood loss with complicated cardiac surgery but has not been investigated in extrapleural pneumonectomy, an operation that does not use cardiopulmonary bypass. In this prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial, the authors investigated whether aprotinin decreased blood loss in patients who underwent this operation.METHODS:After appropriate statistical design and institutional review board approval, eligible patients who were scheduled for extrapleural pneumonectomy were randomized to receive either aprotinin or placebo during the operation. Blood loss and survival data were obtained from electronic medical records and surgical databases.RESULTS:Of 20 patients who were enrolled, 16 patients met criteria for blood loss analysis. Four patients were excluded from the blood loss analysis: Three patients were inoperable because of tumor spread and underwent limited surgery, and 1 patient died intraoperatively because of acute, massive hemorrhage. The mean blood loss was 769 mL with aprotinin versus 1832 mL with placebo (P = .05; Wilcoxon test). All 20 patients were included in survival analyses. All 9 patients who received placebo died. In contrast, 7 of 11 patients who received aprotinin remained alive at the time of the current report. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves differed significantly between the 2 groups (P = .0004). A Bayesian multivariate survival analysis of 18 patients who had complete data available on 8 prognostic variables indicated a posterior probability of .99 that aprotinin was beneficial.CONCLUSIONS:Aprotinin decreased blood loss. After accounting for covariate effects, there was a significant comparative benefit with aprotinin in postoperative survival. This finding was unexpected and could not be considered conclusive because of the small size of the current study. A confirmatory study may be warranted. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Electron and X‐Ray Methods of Ultrafast Structural Dynamics: Advances and Applications
Authors: Chergui Majed , Zewail Ahmed H. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn this contribution, we highlight the state of the art in the determination of structures with ultrafast electrons and X‐rays. We provide our perspectives and reflections on the principles, techniques and methods, and on applications from different disciplines, with some focus on physical, chemical and biological structures. Although this article is not a survey of all the work done with these techniques, it provides a comprehensive referencing to current research.
3D image stack reconstruction in live cell microscopy ofDrosophilamuscles and its validation
Authors: Du Tiehua , Wasser Martin 
Published: January 2009

AbstractRapid movements of live tissues during the acquisition of 3D image stacks can result in misalignments between successive image slices. The remodeling of the muscles inDrosophilametamorphosis is an example where sporadic motion during image acquisition impede image analysis and volume visualization. Most of the image stack registration algorithms applied in microscopy are aimed at the linear alignment of fixed histological sections. However, live muscles are nonrigid objects and their contractions and relaxations represent nonlinear transformations that cannot be properly rectified by applying purely linear registration methods. We developed a fully automated area‐based nonrigid stack registration (NSR) method that minimizes the mean square error of intensities between successive image slices. The mapping function is formulated using the thin plate spline (TPS). A hierarchical linear to nonlinear, coarse to fine matching strategy is applied to ensure stability and fast convergence. Topological structure is preserved by constraining the step size of the nonlinear transformation. To assess the accuracy of 3D reconstruction, we propose a new benchmarking method that measures geometrical features of restored nuclei. We tested our algorithm on image stacks generated by laser scanning confocal microscopy that show live muscles during the prepupal stage ofDrosophilametamorphosis. Our registration algorithm is able to restore image stacks that are distorted by periodic contraction of muscles. Quantitative assessment of registration performance agrees well with qualitative visual inspection. Our NSR method is able to restore image stacks for the purpose of visualization and quantitative analysis ofDrosophilametamorphosis and, potentially, various other processes in developmental biology studied by 3D live cell microscopy. © 2009 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Development of olfactory ability in children: Sensitivity and identification
Authors: Monnery‐Patris S. , Rouby C. , Nicklaus S. , Issanchou S. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis study assessed the influence of school level and gender on odor sensitivity and identification, and the role of verbal capacity on odor identification in children (4–12 years) by using a revised version of an olfactory test designed for adults [Rouby et al. (1997). Connaissance et reconnaissance d'une série olfactive chez l'enfant préscolaire. Enfance, 1, 152–171]. We found that odor sensitivity and identification scores increased with school level, and that identification performance was better in girls than in boys. However, when we controlled verbal ability, the gender differences disappeared and the school level differences remained. This result indicates that the effect of gender on identification was probably due to the greater verbal ability of girls rather than to their greater olfactory ability per se. In addition, we found that general verbal ability is independent of olfactory fluency and that their influence on olfactory perception is different. Thus, this study illuminates the role of cognitive/verbal factors in the development of odor perception and knowledge. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 268–276, 2009
Binge‐like eating in mice
Authors: Consoli Daniele , Contarino Angelo , Tabarin Antoine , Drago Filippo 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectiveGiven the lack of reliable murine model of binge‐like eating, we tried to induce this pathological behavior in mice.MethodWe used an experimental protocol mimicking the etiological factors involved in the development of binge eating in humans, that is, food restriction, refeeding (R‐R) in presence of high palatable food, and stress (S).ResultsMice subjected to at least three cycles of R‐R plus S (forced swimming stress), showed a binge‐like behavior evident as early as 4 h, persisting 24 h after stress application and not associated to depressive‐like behavior. However, after the third R‐R/S cycle, food intakes of mice returned to normal levels.Discussion(i) at least three cycles of R‐R plus S are required to promote abnormal eating in mice, (ii) this is not associated to depressive‐like behaviors, and (iii) the enhanced pathological behavior showed a transient nature not persisting after the third R‐R/S cycle. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord, 2009
Anthrax protective antigen administered by DNA vaccination to distinct subcellular locations potentiates humoral and cellular immune responses
Authors: Midha Shuchi , Bhatnagar Rakesh 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBased on the hypothesis that immune outcome can be influenced by the form of antigen administered and its ability to access various antigen‐processing pathways, we targeted the 63 kDa fragment of protective antigen (PA) of Bacillus anthracis to various subcellular locations by DNA chimeras bearing a set of signal sequences. These targeting signals, namely, lysosome‐associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) and ubiquitin, encoded various forms of PA viz. lysosomal, secreted and cytosolic, respectively. Examination of IgG subclass distribution arising as a result of DNA vaccination indicated a higher IgG1:IgG2a ratio whenever the groups were immunized with chimeras bearing TPA, LAMP1 signals alone or when combined together. Importantly, high end‐point titers of IgG antibodies were maintained until 24 wk. It was paralleled by high avidity toxin neutralizing antibodies (TNA) and effective cellular adaptive immunity in the systemic compartment. Anti‐PA and TNA titers of ≈105 and ≈103, respectively, provided protection to ≈90% of vaccinated animals in the group pTPA‐PA63‐LAMP1. A significant correlation was found between survival percentage and post‐challenge anti‐PA titers and TNA titers. Overall, immune kinetics pointed that differential processing through various compartments gave rise to qualitative differences in the immune response generated by various chimeras.
IL‐4 blocks M‐CSF‐dependent macrophage proliferation by inducing p21Waf1 in a STAT6‐dependent way
Authors: Arpa Luis , Valledor Annabel F. , Lloberas Jorge , Celada Antonio 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMacrophages are recruited from the blood stream to the inflammatory loci to carry out their functional activities. In an early phase of the cell cycle, macrophages become activated by Th1‐type cytokines (i.e. IFN‐γ), thereby producing several factors (cytokines, NO, etc.) and developing pro‐inflammatory activities. When bacteria and apoptotic bodies are removed, through the interaction with Th2‐type cytokines (i.e. IL‐4), macrophages become anti‐inflammatory and repair damaged tissues. Incubation of bone‐marrow‐derived macrophages with IFN‐γ or IL‐4 blocked their proliferation. While M‐CSF withdrawal caused cell cycle arrest at the early G1 phase, treatment of macrophages with IFN‐γ or IL‐4 caused this arrest later, at the G1/S boundary. Proliferation arrest was not due to an induction of apoptosis. IFN‐γ and IL‐4 induced the expression of the cyclin‐dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21Waf1. Using KO mice and iRNA experiments, we found that p21Waf1is required for IL‐4‐ but not for IFN‐γ‐dependent inhibition of macrophage proliferation. IL‐4 inhibited M‐CSF‐dependent Cdk‐2 and Cdk‐4 activities, which are necessary for entry and passage through the S phase of the cell cycle. The signal transduction used to induce the expression of p21Waf1after interaction of IL‐4 with the corresponding receptor was mediated by STAT6. Thus, IL‐4 and IFN‐γ blocked M‐CSF‐induced macrophage proliferation through distinct mechanisms.
Neonatal exposure to staphylococcal superantigen improves induction of oral tolerance in a mouse model of airway allergy
Authors: Lönnqvist Anna , Östman Sofia , Almqvist Nina , Hultkrantz Susanne , Telemo Esbjörn , Wold Agnes E. , Rask Carola 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe hygiene hypothesis suggests that lack of microbial stimulation in early infancy may lead to allergy, but it has been difficult to identify particular protective microbial exposures. We have observed that infants colonised in the first week(s) of life with Staphylococcus aureus have lower risk of developing food allergy. As many S. aureus strains produce superantigens with T‐cell stimulating properties, we here investigate whether neonatal mucosal exposure to superantigen could influence the capacity to develop oral tolerance and reduce sensitisation and allergy. BALB/c mice were exposed to staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) as neonates and fed with OVA as adults, prior to sensitisation and i.n. OVA challenge. Our results show that SEA pre‐treated mice are more efficiently tolerised by OVA feeding, as shown by lower lung‐cell infiltration and antigen‐specific IgE response in the SEA pre‐treated mice, compared with sham‐treated mice. This was not due to deletion or anergy of lymphocytes by SEA treatment, because the SEA pre‐treated mice that were fed with PBS showed similar inflammatory response as the sham‐treated PBS‐fed mice. Our results suggest that strong T‐cell activation in infancy conditions the mucosal immune system and promotes development of oral tolerance.
Th17 cells promote pancreatic inflammation but only induce diabetes efficiently in lymphopenic hosts after conversion into Th1 cells
Authors: Martin‐Orozco Natalia , Chung Yeonseok , Chang Seon Hee , Wang Yi‐Hong , Dong Chen 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIDDM is characterized by leukocyte invasion to the pancreatic tissues followed by immune destruction of the islets. Despite the important function of Th17 cells in other autoimmune disease models, their function in IDDM is relatively unclear. In this study, we found association of elevated Th17 cytokine expression with diabetes in NOD mice. To understand the function of Th17 cells in IDDM, we differentiated islet‐reactive BDC2.5 TcR transgenic CD4+ cells in vitro into Th17 cells and transferred them into NOD.scid and neonate NOD mice. NOD.scid recipient mice developed rapid onset of diabetes with extensive insulitic lesions, whereas in newborn NOD mice, despite extensive insulitis, most recipient mice did not develop diabetes. Surprisingly, BDC2.5+ cells recovered from diabetic NOD.scid mice, in comparison with those from neonate NOD mice, showed predominant IFN‐γ over IL‐17 expression, indicating conversion of donor cells into Th1 cells. Moreover, diabetes progression in NOD.scid recipients was dependent on IFN‐γ while anti‐IL‐17 treatment reduced insulitic inflammation. These results indicate that islet‐reactive Th17 cells promote pancreatic inflammation, but only induce IDDM upon conversion into IFN‐γ producers.
Phosphorylation of the HuR ligand APRIL by casein kinase 2 regulates CD83 expression
Authors: Chemnitz Jan , Pieper Dorothea , Grüttner Cordula , Hauber Joachim 
Published: January 2009

AbstractFully mature DC and, to a lesser extent, activated T and B cells express CD83, a surface molecule that appears to fulfil an important role in efficient T‐cell activation. Recently, it has been shown that CD83 mRNA is transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm by an uncommon route, involving the cellular RNA‐binding protein HuR and the nuclear export receptor CRM1. Moreover, the shuttle phosphoprotein APRIL (ANP32B) has been shown to be required for HuR‐mediated nucleocytoplasmic translocation of the CD83 mRNA by acting as an adaptor that links HuR and CRM1. Here, we are able to report that casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphorylates APRIL on residue threonine244 (Thr244) and demonstrate that the CK2‐specific inhibitor 4,5,6,7‐tetrabromo‐2‐azabenzimidazole abolishes CD83 expression in activated Jurkat T cells by interfering with the nucleocytoplasmic translocation of CD83 mRNA. Depletion and knockdown studies demonstrate that the CK2 α′ subunit is necessary for this regulation, whereas the CK2 α subunit seems to be dispensable. Taken together, the data presented significantly extend our knowledge of the complex regulation of CD83 mRNA processing and provides a novel strategy to interfere with CD83 expression.
Long‐lasting cross‐presentation of tumor antigen in human DC
Authors: Faure Florence , Mantegazza Adriana , Sadaka Charlotte , Sedlik Christine , Jotereau Francine , Amigorena Sebastian 
Published: January 2009

AbstractDC cross‐present exogenous antigens on MHC class I molecules, a process required for the onset of anti‐tumor immune responses. In order to study the cross‐presentation of tumor antigens by human DC, we compared the pathways of cross‐presentation of long peptides requiring internalization and intracellular processing with the direct presentation of short peptides, which does not require intracellular processing. We found that, after brief incubations with DC, short peptides were presented to CD8+ T cells with higher efficiencies than long peptides. After longer times of chase in the absence of peptide, however, the efficiency of presentation of the two types of peptides was reversed. After 2–3 days, DC pulsed with long peptides still activated T cells efficiently, while DC pulsed with short peptides failed to do so. Long‐lasting presentation of the long peptides was, at least in part, due to a stored persistent pool of antigen, which was still available for loading on MHC class I molecules after several days of chase. These results show that the use of long synthetic peptides allows the efficient, long‐lasting, presentation of tumor antigens, suggesting that long peptides represent an interesting approach for active anti‐tumor vaccination.
Triacylglycerols of Apiaceae seed oils: Composition and regiodistribution of fatty acids
Authors: Ngo‐Duy Cam‐Chi , Destaillats Frédéric , Keskitalo Marjo , Arul Joseph , Angers Paul 
Published: January 2009

AbstractOils from the seeds of caraway (Carum carvi), carrot (Daucus carota), celery (Apium graveolens) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum), all from the Apiaceae family, were analyzed by gas chromatography for their triacylglycerol (TAG) composition and fatty acid (FA) distribution between the sn‐1(3) and sn‐2 positions of TAG. Twenty‐two TAG species were quantified. Glyceryl tripetroselinate was the major TAG species in seed oils of carrot, celery and parsley, with levels ranging from 38.7 to 55.3%. In caraway seed oil, dipetroselinoyllinoleoylglycerol was the major TAG species at 21.2%, while the glyceryl tripetroselinate content was 11.4%. Other TAG species were linoleoyloleoylpetroselinoylglycerol and dipetroselinoyloleoylglycerol. Predominantly, TAG were triunsaturated (72.2–84.0%) with diunsaturates at 14.4–25.9%, and small amounts of monounsaturated TAG. Results for regiospecific analysis showed a non‐random FA distribution in Apiaceae for palmitic, petroselinic, linoleic and oleic acids. Petroselinic acid was predominantly located at the sn‐1(3) position in carrot, celery and parsley seed oils, while it was mainly at the sn‐2 position in caraway seed oil. The distribution of linoleic acid was opposite to that of petroselinic acid. Oleic acid was mostly located at the sn‐2 position, except for caraway, where it was evenly distributed between the sn‐1(3) and sn‐2 positions. Both the saturated FA, palmitic and stearic acid, were located mainly at the sn‐1(3) position. The presence of a high level of tripetroselinin in parsley seed oil (55.3%) makes it a potential source for the production of petroselinic acid.
Thermo‐mechanical properties of candelilla wax and dotriacontane organogels in safflower oil
Authors: Morales‐Rueda Juan A. , Dibildox‐Alvarado Elena , Charó‐Alonso Miriam A. , Weiss Richard G. , Toro‐Vazquez Jorge F. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe thermo‐mechanical properties of organogels developed by a complex mixture of n‐alkanes present in candelilla wax (CW) were investigated and compared with the ones of organogels developed by a pure n‐alkane, dotriacontane (C32). In both cases, the liquid phase used was safflower oil high in triolein (SFO) and the variables studied were two levels of gelator concentration (1 and 3%), cooling rates of 1 and 10 °C/min, and two gel setting temperatures, 5 and 25 °C (Tset). Based on comparisons of the organogels made with C32, the presence of minor molecular components in CW had a profound effect on the crystal habit of the n‐alkanes in CW‐based organogels, and therefore on their physical properties. Thus, independent of the cooling rate and Tset, C32 showed a higher solubility and higher self‐assembly capability in the SFO than CW. Nevertheless, for the same gelator concentration and time‐temperature conditions, C32 organogels had lower G' profiles than CW organogels. Additionally, independent of the type of gelator, more stable organogel structures were developed at Tset = 5 °C and using the lower cooling rate. The rheological behavior of the organogels was explained considering the formation of a rotator phase by the n‐alkanes, its solid‐solid transition, and their dependence as a function of the cooling rate and Tset. The results here obtained showed that it is possible to gelate SFO through organogelation with CW and without the use of trans fats.
A simple and sensitive transient ITP method for on‐chip analysis of PCR samples
Authors: Wang Lihui , Liu Dayu , Chen Hao , Zhou Xiaomian 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe present a sensitive, simple and robust on‐chip transient ITP (TITP) method for the analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) samples. This TITP analysis was performed on a poly (methyl methacrylate) microchip with cross structure. The PCR sample was injected into a 4 mm free‐solution buffer channel to increase sample loading. When applied separation voltage, the sample ions were stacked by TITP using chloride ions in the sample matrix as the leading ions and HEPES in the background electrolyte as the terminating ions. The stacked sample plug was then separated by zone electrophoresis (ZE) in hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose polymer. The whole operation was carried out in single background electrolyte. Sample injection, preconcentration / separation were performed continuously with the sequential switching of voltage. By injection of the sample into the free‐solution buffer channel, sampling bias was avoided and the injection time was reduced. With this TITP method, the detection sensitivity was improved without loss of resolution, a 20‐fold signal enhancement was achieved and the average limit of detection was estimated to be 0.24 pg/μL (S/N = 3). The TITP method is simple, fast and sensitive, thus is well suited to direct analysis of the highly saline PCR samples.
Manipulation of self‐assembly amyloid peptide nanotubes by dielectrophoresis
Authors: Castillo Jaime , Tanzi Simone , Dimaki Maria , Svendsen Winnie 
Published: January 2009

AbstractSelf‐assembled amyloid peptide nanotubes (SAPNT) were manipulated and immobilized using dielectrophoresis. Micro‐patterned electrodes of Au were fabricated by photolithography and lifted off on a silicon dioxide layer. SAPNT were manipulated by adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the applied voltage. The immobilized SAPNT were evaluated by SEM and atomic force microscopy. The conductivity of the immobilized SAPNT was studied by I–V characterization, for both single SAPNT and bundles. This work illustrates a way to manipulate and integrate biological nanostructures into novel bio‐nanoassemblies with concrete applications, such as field‐effect transistors, microprobes, microarrays, and biosensing devices.
Micropumps actuated negative pressure injection for microchip electrophoresis
Authors: Li Bowei , Jiang Lei , Wang Qi , Qin Jianhua , Lin Bingcheng 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA simple negative pressure pinched sample injection method was presented. This method combined diaphragm micropumps and a single voltage supply to generate controllable well‐defined sample plug, and led to effective electrophoresis separation. The pinched plug was found to be favorable for obtaining representative and reproducible results that the RSD of the migration time and peak height of sodium fluorescein were 0.5 and 2.1%, respectively (n=25). The established method had been applied in separation of amino acid samples. This method has the advantages of well‐defined plug, free sample bias effect, high reproducibility and convenience of controlling the negative pressure by the integrated pumps on the microchip. In addition, the single high voltage supply and the world‐to‐chip interface simplified the instrumentation, which is of benefit to the minimization and automation. These advantages demonstrate the potential of this method for a wide range of applications.