bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WASP and WIP regulate podosomes in migrating leukocytes
Authors: CALLE Y. , ANTÓN I.M. , THRASHER A.J. , JONES G.E. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryPodosomes are specialized adhesion sites found in rapidly migrating and invasive cells, most notably in cells from the myeloid lineage that participate in immune surveillance and phagocyte defence mechanisms. In this review, we describe the nature of leukocyte podosomes and the regulation of their turnover during migration by the key regulatory molecules Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein and WASP‐interacting protein.
Regulation of macrophage adhesion and migration by Rho GTP‐binding proteins
Authors: RIDLEY A.J. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe Rho family proteins Rac and Rho are believed to be key regulators of cell migration through their effects on the cytoskeleton and cell adhesion. However, recent studies in macrophages indicate that they are not always essential for migration, although they do affect cell shape and adhesion.
Apoptotic pulsed dendritic cells induce a protective immune response against Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: BERTAUX L. , MEVELEC M.‐N. , DION S. , SURAUD V. , GREGOIRE M. , BERTHON P. , DIMIER‐POISSON I. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY Infection with the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii may cause severe sequelae in foetuses and life‐threatening neuropathy in immunocompromised patients. We recently reported that vaccination with T. gondii‐pulsed dendritic cells induces protective humoral and cellular immune responses against this intracellular pathogen in CBA/J mice. We assessed the feasibility of using a nonlive vaccine, by inducing the apoptosis of T. gondii‐pulsed dendritic cells before injecting them into mice. Apoptosis was induced by culturing cells to confluence. We investigated whether these apoptotic T. gondii‐pulsed dendritic cells elicited an immune response in vivo. Some studies have shown that immunization with apoptotic cells leads to the activation of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. Our results are consistent with apoptotic cells having immunomodulatory properties in a model of parasite infection. We showed that the adoptive transfer of T. gondii‐pulsed apoptotic dendritic cells elicited humoral and cellular Toxoplasma‐specific immune responses with a Th1/Th2 profile, and conferred specific protection. The protective immune response induced was independent of inducible HSP70 production by apoptotic dendritic cells.
Germinal centre and marginal zone B cells expand quickly in a second Plasmodium chabaudi malaria infection producing mature plasma cells
Authors: STEPHENS R. , NDUNGU F. M , LANGHORNE J. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY Antibodies and B cells are critical in the protective immune response to the blood stage of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium chabaudi. However, little is known about the development of memory B cells and their differentiation into plasma cells during infection or after re‐infection. Here we have shown that B cells with phenotypic characteristics of memory cells (CD19+IgD− CD38+, IgG1+) are generated in a primary Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi infection of mice. In addition, we observed that germinal centre cells (CD19+, GL7+, MHCIIhi) and Marginal Zone B cells (CD19+CD23−IgD−) show faster expansion on re‐infection than in the primary, though other subsets do not. Interestingly, though both IgM− and IgM+ memory cells are produced, IgM+ memory cells do not expand on second infection. The second infection quickly produced mature bone marrow plasma cells (intracellular Ighi, CD138hi, CD9+, B220−), compared to primary infection; which generates a very large population of immature splenic plasma cells (B220+). This analysis suggests that a memory B cell population is generated after a single infection of malaria, which on re‐infection responds quickly producing germinal centres and generating long‐lived plasma cells making the second encounter with parasite more efficient.
Leaf water relations during summer water deficit: differential responses in turgor maintenance and variation in leaf structure among different plant communities in south‐western Australia
Authors: MITCHELL PATRICK J. , VENEKLAAS ERIK J. , LAMBERS HANS , BURGESS STEPHEN S. O. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTWe measured leaf water relations and leaf structural traits of 20 species from three communities growing along a topographical gradient. Our aim was to assess variation in seasonal responses in leaf water status and leaf tissue physiology between sites and among species in response to summer water deficit. Species from a ridge‐top heath community showed the greatest reductions in pre‐dawn leaf water potentials (Ψleaf) and stomatal conductance during summer; species from a valley‐floor woodland and a midslope mallee community showed less reductions in these parameters. Heath species also displayed greater seasonal reduction in turgor‐loss point (ΨTLP) than species from woodland or mallee communities. In general, species that had larger reductions in Ψleaf during summer showed significant shifts in either their osmotic potential at full turgor (Ψπ 100; osmotic adjustment) or in tissue elasticity (εmax). Ψπ 100 and εmax were negatively correlated, during both spring and summer, suggesting a trade‐off between these different mechanisms to cope with water stress. Specific leaf area varied greatly among species, and was significantly correlated with seasonal changes in ΨTLP and pre‐dawn Ψleaf. These correlations suggest that leaf structure is a prerequisite for cellular mechanisms to be effective in adjusting to water deficit.
Stratigraphic evolution of an outcropping continental slope system, Tres Pasos Formation at Cerro Divisadero, Chile
Authors: ROMANS BRIAN W. , HUBBARD STEPHEN M. , GRAHAM STEPHAN A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDepositional slope systems along continental margins contain a record of sediment transfer from shallow‐water to deep‐water environments and represent an important area for natural resource exploration. However, well‐preserved outcrops of large‐scale depositional slopes with seismic‐scale exposures and tectonically intact stratigraphy are uncommon. Outcrop characterization of smaller‐scale depositional slope systems (i.e. < 700 m of undecompacted shelf‐to‐basin relief) has led to increased understanding of stratigraphic packaging of prograding slopes. Detailed stacking patterns of facies and sedimentary body architecture for larger‐scale slope systems, however, remain understudied. The Cretaceous Tres Pasos Formation of the Magallanes Basin, southern Chile, presents a unique opportunity to evaluate the stratigraphic evolution of such a slope system from an outcrop perspective. Inherited tectonic relief from a precursor oceanic basin phase created shelf‐to‐basin bathymetry comparable with continental margin systems (∼1000 m). Sedimentological and architectural data from the Tres Pasos Formation at Cerro Divisadero reveal a record of continental margin‐scale depositional slope progradation and aggradation. Slope progradation is manifested as a vertical pattern exhibiting increasing amounts of sediment bypass upwards, which is interpreted as reflecting increasing gradient conditions. The well‐exposed, seismic‐scale outcrop is characterized by four 20 to 70 m thick sandstone‐rich successions, separated by mudstone‐rich intervals of comparable thickness (40 to 90 m). Sedimentary body geometry, facies distribution, internal bedding architecture, sandstone richness and degree of amalgamation were analysed in detail across a continuous 2·5 km long transect parallel to depositional dip. Deposition in the lower section (Units 1 and 2) was dominated by poorly channellized to unconfined sand‐laden flows and accumulation of mud‐rich mass transport deposits, which is interpreted as representing a base of slope to lower slope setting. Evidence for channellization and indicators of bypass of coarse‐grained turbidity currents are more common in the upper part of the > 600 m thick succession (Units 3 and 4), which is interpreted as reflecting increased gradient conditions as the system accreted basinward.
PIOGLITAZONE INHIBITS HOMOCYSTEINE‐INDUCED MIGRATION OF VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS THROUGH A PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR‐ACTIVATED RECEPTOR γ‐INDEPENDENT MECHANISM
Authors: Li Li , Gao Ping‐Jin , Xi Rui , Wu Chun‐Fang , Zhu Ding‐Liang , Yan Jing , Lu Guo‐Ping 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ agonists have been demonstrated to exert protective effects against homocysteine (Hcy)‐induced pathogenesis. However, the effects of PPAR‐γ agonists on Hcy‐induced migration are unknown. In the present study, we examined the effect of pioglitazone on the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) induced by Hcy and the possible mechanism involved.
Vascular smooth muscle cells were isolated from the thoracic aortas of male Sprague‐Dawley rats. The migration of VSMC was examined using a transwell technique. The generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using the ROS‐sensitive fluoroprobe 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. The activity of NAD(P)H oxidase was assessed by lucigenin enhanced chemiluminescence. Activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) was determined by western blotting.
The results showed that pioglitazone dose‐dependently inhibited the migration of VSMC induced by Hcy. This was not reversed by the PPAR‐γ antagonist GW9662. In addition, pretreatment with the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI), the free radical scavenger N‐acetylcysteine and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 blocked Hcy‐induced VSMC migration. Furthermore, we observed that pioglitazone suppressed Hcy‐induced intracellular ROS production; similar effects were observed with DPI and NAC. Pioglitazone attenuated Hcy‐induced activation of NAD(P)H oxidase. Moreover, pioglitazone blocked Hcy‐induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation; similar effects were observed for DPI, NAC and SB202190.
The data demonstrate that pioglitazone inhibits Hcy‐induced VSMC migration that is independent of PPAR‐γ. Furthermore, part of the biological effect of pioglitazone involves a decrease in the levels of NAD(P)H oxidase derived‐ROS and p38 MAPK activation.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA HAPLOGROUPS IN A CHINESE UYGUR POPULATION AND THEIR POTENTIAL ASSOCIATION WITH LONGEVITY
Authors: Ren Wei‐Hong , Li Xiao‐Hui , Zhang Hai‐Gang , Deng Feng‐Mei , Liao Wen‐Qiang , Pang Yan , Liu Yan‐Hua , Qiu Meng‐Jie , Zhang Guo‐Yuan , Zhang Yi‐Guan 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY

The haplogroups and polymorphisms of mitochondrial (mt) DNA are associated with longevity. This association is highly geographically dependent. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between mtDNA haplogroups, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and longevity in the Chinese Uygur population.
Ninety‐eight Uygur Chinese subjects aged over 90 years (vitality 90+) and 117 healthy young controls living in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China were chosen for the present study. Frequencies of mtDNA haplogroups and SNPs in the subjects were analysed using polymerase chain reaction. The entire mtDNA genome was sequenced and the mtDNA haplogroups and SNPs were determined.
Nine haplogroups were identified in the Chinese Uygur population and the frequency of haplogroup J was higher in control subjects than in the vitality 90+ group (odds ratio = 0.384; 95% confidence interval = 0.163–0.906; P = 0.025). Interestingly, most of the SNPs were in the D‐loop region, with frequencies higher in the control group than in the vitality 90+ group.
In conclusion, mtDNA haplogroups are potentially associated with longevity in the Uygur Chinese population and the D‐loop region is strongly involved in ageing‐related events.
CYCLO‐OXYGENASE‐1 INHIBITION INCREASES ACID SECRETION BY MODULATING H+,K+‐ATPase EXPRESSION AND ACTIVATION IN RABBIT PARIETAL CELLS
Authors: Nandi Jyotirmoy , Das Pratap K , Zinkievich J Michael , Baltodano Juan D , Levine Robert A 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYIn the present study, we evaluated the role of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐1 and COX‐2 on gastric acid secretion in rabbit isolated parietal cells and gastric glands by examining [14C]‐aminopyrine uptake, prostaglandin (PG) E2synthesis and COX‐1, COX‐2 and proton pump expression at baseline and after treatment with various concentrations of specific COX‐1 (SC‐560), COX‐2 (5,5‐dimethyl‐3‐(3‐fluorophenyl)‐4‐(4‐methyl‐sulphonyl)phenyl‐2 (5H)‐furanone; DFU) and non‐specific COX (indomethacin) inhibitors.In parietal cells, SC‐560 and indomethacin, over the concentration range 10−8to 10−4 mol/L, dose‐dependently increased basal and 10−4 mol/L histamine‐stimulated aminopyrine uptake and inhibited PGE2synthesis, whereas DFU (10−8to 10−5 mol/L) had no effect. However, at 10−4 mol/L, DFU augmented histamine‐stimulated aminopyrine uptake by 135% and inhibited PGE2synthesis by 39%, indicating an inhibition of COX‐1 at this higher concentration.The SC‐560‐, DFU‐ and indomethacin‐induced augmentation of histamine‐stimulated aminopyrine uptake was reduced to basal levels after 10−5 mol/L lansoprazole treatment in parietal cells and gastric glands, whereas 10−4 mol/L ranitidine only partially inhibited such augmentation.Only COX‐1 was detected in parietal cells. However, both COX‐1 and COX‐2 were expressed in gastric glands, with relative protein density of COX‐1 being sixfold higher than that of COX‐2. Protein levels of COX‐1 in parietal cells and those of COX‐1 and COX‐2 in gastric glands remained unchanged, regardless of inhibitor treatment, either alone or with histamine.Parietal cell proton pump expression was significantly enhanced by 10−5 mol/L SC‐560 and 10−4 mol/L indomethacin (by 29 and 31%, respectively) and pump activity was enhanced by 61 and 65%, respectively. In contrast, 10−5 mol/L DFU had no effect.In conclusion, the data indicate that inhibition of COX‐1‐ but not COX‐2‐derived PGE2synthesis is involved in augmentation of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced gastric acid secretion in parietal cells by enhancing expression and activation of the proton pump.
EARLY ORIGINS OF CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY: DOES CARDIOMYOCYTE ATTRITION PROGRAMME FOR PATHOLOGICAL ‘CATCH‐UP’ GROWTH OF THE HEART?
Authors: Porrello Enzo R , Widdop Robert E , Delbridge Lea MD 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY

Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that adult development of cardiovascular disease is influenced by events of prenatal and early postnatal life. Cardiac hypertrophy is recognized as an important predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but the developmental origins of this condition are not well understood.
In the heart, a switch from hyperplastic to hypertrophic cellular growth occurs during late prenatal or early postnatal life. Postnatal growth of the heart is almost entirely reliant on hypertrophy of individual cardiomyocytes, and damage to heart muscle in adulthood is typically not reparable by cell replacement. Therefore, a reduced number of cardiomyocytes may render the heart more vulnerable in situations where an increased workload is required.
A number of different animal models have been used to study fetal programming of adult diseases, including nutritional, hypoxic, maternal/neonatal endocrine stress and genetic models. Although studies investigating the cellular basis of myocardial disease in growth‐restricted models are limited, a reduction in cardiomyocyte number through either reduced cellular proliferation or increased apoptosis appears to be a central feature.
The mechanisms responsible for the programming of adult cardiovascular disease are poorly understood. We hypothesize that cardiac hypertrophy can have a developmental origin in excess cardiomyocyte attrition during a critical perinatal growth window. Findings that have directly assessed the impact of fetal growth restriction on the myocardium are considered and cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the potential pathological ‘catch‐up’ growth of the heart during later maturation are identified.
Inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate following lung resection for bronchial carcinoma
Authors: JUNGRAITHMAYR Wolfgang , FRINGS Christina , ZISSEL Gernot , PRASSE Antje , PASSLICK Bernward , STOELBEN Erich 
Published: August 2008

Background and objective:  Pulmonary resection may cause inflammatory changes with subsequent injury to the remaining lung and deterioration in respiratory function. This study investigated the pattern of serum inflammatory markers and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) in patients undergoing major lung resection due to bronchial carcinoma compared with minimally invasive thoracic surgery.Methods:  The pro‐inflammatory markers IL‐1‐β, IL‐6, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1) were measured preoperatively (day −1) and on three postoperative days (day 1, 3, 7) in serum and EBC in patients after lobectomy or pneumonectomy due to bronchial carcinoma (test group) and in patients undergoing thoracoscopy with minimal wedge resection (control group).Results:  All mediators were detectable in serum and all but IL‐8 were detectable in EBC. No patient suffered postoperative respiratory failure. In the test group, serum IL‐6 was significantly higher postoperatively compared with day −1 (P < 0.001). For EBC (test group), the postoperative values of IL‐1‐β were significantly higher compared with day −1 (P = 0.005). In EBC (test group), day −1 TNF‐α and sICAM‐1 were significantly higher compared with controls (P < 0.029 and P = 0.032, respectively). There was no correlation between the levels of mediators and the extent of resection.Conclusions:  Pro‐inflammatory markers are detected in EBC following pulmonary surgery. Mediators are detectable in both serum and EBC in patients with bronchial carcinoma undergoing pulmonary resection, but the levels are higher in EBC.
Effect of hydrofluoroalkane–ethanol inhalers on estimated alcohol levels in asthmatic subjects
Authors: BRUCE Colleen , CHAN Hiang Ping , MUELLER Lyndall , THOMAS Paul S. , YATES Deborah H. 
Published: August 2008

Background and objective:  Inhaled medication administered via a metered dose inhaler (MDI) is often used to treat asthma. Hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) has replaced chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) as the propellant and these new MDI may contain alcohol. This raises concerns that their use may transiently increase breath ethanol concentration (BEC), thereby interfering with random breath testing. It was hypothesized that HFA–ethanol MDI may contribute to raising BEC above the legal limit.Methods:  The effect of a HFA–ethanol MDI on BEC was compared with that of CFC and placebo MDI and the effect of ingesting a standard amount of alcohol was also investigated. Asthmatic (n = 16) and normal control subjects (n = 15) were recruited for the double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Each subject used the three MDI in random sequence. BEC was measured at baseline and at 2, 5 and 15 min after inhalation of each MDI, using the Lion Alcometer SD‐400TM. Spirometry was performed at baseline and 20 min after the last inhalation. An identical procedure was followed after alcohol consumption.Results:  Use of the HFA–ethanol MDI resulted in a significant increase in BEC from 0.002 to 0.0138 mg/100 mL (28 mg/100 mL of blood, P = 0.001) in asthmatics, and from 0.001 mg/100 mL to 0.016 mg/100 mL (33 mg/100 mL of blood, P = 0.002) in normal subjects. By 5 min, there were no significant differences in BEC of asthmatics (0.0031 mg/100 mL) and normal subjects (0.003 mg/100 mL), when compared with baseline (P > 0.2).Conclusions:  BEC are transiently elevated after inhalation of HFA–ethanol MDI; however, by 5 min, BEC had already returned to baseline levels. Thus the effect of HFA–ethanol MDI on BEC is transient and would be negligible after 5 min.
TRANSNATIONALISM PERSONIFIED: YOUNG RETURNING TRINIDADIANS ‘IN THEIR OWN WORDS’
Authors: POTTER ROBERT B. , CONWAY DENNIS , BERNARD GODFREY ST. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTIn this paper we consider the nexus existing between returning transnational migrants to Trinidad and Tobago's adaptation experiences, matters pertaining to their transnational life‐paths, family and community experiences and their views on transnationalism and return. The research is based on an analysis of the detailed narratives provided by forty informants by means of semi‐structured interviews. The informants consisted of nine ‘second‐generation’, seven ‘one‐and‐a‐half‐generation’ and twenty‐four ‘prolonged sojourner’ returning transnational migrants to Trinidad and Tobago. The main conceptual themes that characterise Caribbean transnationalism are presented at the beginning of the paper. Addressing these in the context of Trinidad and Tobago, we present our narrative‐based findings under the following headings derived from analysis of our informant's experiences and views: transnational family and life‐course issues; transnational community relationships; keeping in touch; transnational mobility and ‘home as fixed anchor’; transnational identity; transnational economic and commercial interests; and strategic flexibility.
Testing Convergence in Income Distribution*
Authors: Bao Yong , Dhongde Shatakshee 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator is often used to test for convergence in income distribution in a dynamic panel set‐up. We argue that though consistent, the GMM estimator utilizes the sample observations inefficiently. We propose a simple ordinary least squares (OLS) estimator with more efficient use of sample information. Our Monte Carlo study shows that the GMM estimator can be very imprecise and severely biased in finite samples. In contrast, the OLS estimator overcomes these shortcomings.
Gendered consumer competences in households with one vs. two adults1
Authors: Berg Lisbet , Teigen Mari 
Published: August 2008

AbstractConsumption is gendered. Some markets can be described as female‐dominated, while others can be described as male‐dominated consumer areas. The departure of this article is observed gender differences in consumer competences, measured by men and women's self‐reported efforts to stay informed on different markets. Three central gender research hypotheses are applied to investigate the observed gender differences in consumer competences.Nowadays, modern consumer markets are characterized by abundance, complexity and rapid changes, making it hardly possible for any consumer to master all markets he or she operates in. Because very much of the consumption takes place within the households, it should be convenient to live in a household with two adult persons who can share responsibilities and stay informed on the different segments of the markets. However, many households consist of only one adult person.Our main concern has been to investigate whether the observed gender differences in consumer competences could be explained by the specializing hypothesis, i.e. that the gendered pattern relies on a gendered division of consumer competences within couple households; in other words, that gender differences in consumer competences among single‐person households should be absent, or significantly lower, than among couple households. In case we would not find support for the specializing hypothesis, two other probable explanations are also put forward: the traditional gender difference hypothesis and the selection hypothesis. These three hypotheses are tested in a data material based on 2000 telephone interviews from the SIFO survey, collected in 2007.