bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the functional variant c.‐169T > C of the Fc receptor‐like 3 (FCRL3) gene in alopecia areata
Authors: Schäfer N. , Blaumeiser B. , Becker T. , Freudenberg‐Hua Y. , Hanneken S. , Eigelshoven S. , Schmael C. , Lambert J. , De Weert J. , Kruse R. , Nöthen M. M. , Betz R. C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA functional variant in the Fc receptor‐like 3 (FCRL3) gene has been implicated in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid disease. Investigating a large case‐control sample of patients with alopecia areata (AA), we found no evidence for the involvement of FCRL3 in susceptibility to AA.
Utilization of Low‐Cost Waste Material Bagasse Fly Ash in Removing of Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cr3+ from Industrial Waste Water
Authors: Taha G.M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBagasse fly ash, a waste material generated in the sugar industry, collected from a local sugar firm at Kom‐Umbo district (42 km to the north of the midcity of Aswan), Aswan Governorate, Egypt, was used as a low cost and effective adsorbing surface for the removal of Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cr3+ from industrial waste water. The adsorption capacity was followed as a function of pH, adsorbent dose, metal ion concentration, shaking time, and divers ions. Under the optimum conditions used, more than 95% of some of the ions under study were successfully removed. The data were fitted using both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms.
Optimum release times for biological control of the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) by Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot (Acari: Phytoseidae) on the strawberry in greenhouses
Authors: KIM Yong‐Heon , PARK Sang‐Gu 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe effectiveness of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot (Acari: Phytoseidae) in controlling the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) was evaluated in commercial strawberry greenhouses in two areas of Korea. Optimum release times for P. persimilis were investigated by case studies. Control effects of the two‐spotted spider mite by release of the predatory mite were shown. There was mostly good control by the release of P. persimilis when there were fewer than 0.9 T. urticae per leaf. We recommend it would be ideal to release P. persimilis twice in December and once in February for very early strawberry harvest, and three times from February to March (after overwintering) for early harvest.
Naturally Occurring Anti-
Escherichia coli
Protein Antibodies in the Sera of Healthy Humans Cause Analytical Interference in a Recombinant Nucleocapsid Protein-Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Serodiagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Authors: Yip Chi Wai , Hon Chung Chau , Zeng Fanya , Chow Ken Y. C. , Chan Kwok Hung , Peiris Joseph S. M. , Leung Frederick C. C. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

We reported the analytical interference of anti-
Escherichia coli
protein (EP) antibodies in human sera and residual EP in a recombinant nucleocapsid protein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as a possible source of false positives in severe acute respiratory syndrome serodiagnosis. The rate of false positives was significantly reduced by adding mouse anti-EP antiserum in the blocking step.
Genome Sequence of
Aeromonas hydrophila
ATCC 7966
T
: Jack of All Trades
Authors: Seshadri Rekha , Joseph Sam W. , Chopra Ashok K. , Sha Jian , Shaw Jonathan , Graf Joerg , Haft Daniel , Wu Martin , Ren Qinghu , Rosovitz M. J. , Madupu Ramana , Tallon Luke , Kim Mary , Jin Shaohua , Vuong Hue , Stine O. Colin , Ali Afsar , Horneman Amy J. , Heidelberg John F. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

The complete genome of
Aeromonas hydrophila
ATCC 7966
T
was sequenced.
Aeromonas
, a ubiquitous waterborne bacterium, has been placed by the Environmental Protection Agency on the Contaminant Candidate List because of its potential to cause human disease. The 4.7-Mb genome of this emerging pathogen shows a physiologically adroit organism with broad metabolic capabilities and considerable virulence potential. A large array of virulence genes, including some identified in clinical isolates of
Aeromonas
spp. or
Vibrio
spp., may confer upon this organism the ability to infect a wide range of hosts. However, two recognized virulence markers, a type III secretion system and a lateral flagellum, that are reported in other
A. hydrophila
strains are not identified in the sequenced isolate, ATCC 7966
T
. Given the ubiquity and free-living lifestyle of this organism, there is relatively little evidence of fluidity in terms of mobile elements in the genome of this particular strain. Notable aspects of the metabolic repertoire of
A. hydrophila
include dissimilatory sulfate reduction and resistance mechanisms (such as thiopurine reductase, arsenate reductase, and phosphonate degradation enzymes) against toxic compounds encountered in polluted waters. These enzymes may have bioremediative as well as industrial potential. Thus, the
A. hydrophila
genome sequence provides valuable insights into its ability to flourish in both aquatic and host environments.
Mechanisms of Transcription Activation Exerted by GadX and GadW at the
gadA
and
gadBC
Gene Promoters of the Glutamate-Based Acid Resistance System in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Tramonti Angela , De Canio Michele , Delany Isabel , Scarlato Vincenzo , De Biase Daniela 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

In
Escherichia coli
the
gad
system protects the cell from the extreme acid stress encountered during transit through the host stomach. The structural genes
gadA
,
gadB
, and
gadC
encode two glutamate decarboxylase isoforms and a glutamate/γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) antiporter, respectively. Glutamate decarboxylation involves both proton consumption and production of GABA, a neutral compound which is finally exported via the GadC antiporter. Regulation of
gadA
and
gadBC
transcription is very complex, involving several circuits controlling expression under different growth phase, medium, and pH conditions. In this study we found that the AraC-like activators GadX and GadW share the same 44-bp binding sites in the
gadA
and
gadBC
regulatory regions. The common binding sites are centered at 110.5 bp and 220.5 bp upstream of the transcriptional start points of the
gadA
and
gadBC
genes, respectively. At the
gadA
promoter this regulatory element overlaps one of the binding sites of the repressor H-NS. The DNA of the
gadBC
promoter has an intrinsic bend which is centered at position −121. These findings, combined with transcriptional regulation studies, may account for the two different mechanisms of transcriptional activation by GadX and GadW at the two promoters studied. We speculate that while at the
gadA
promoter GadX and GadW activate transcription by displacing H-NS via an antirepressor mechanism, at the
gadBC
promoter the mechanism of activation involves looping of the DNA sequence between the promoter and the activator binding site.
Development of Multiplex Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR Assays for Detecting Eight Medically Important Flaviviruses in Mosquitoes
Authors: Chao Day-Yu , Davis Brent S. , Chang Gwong-Jen J. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
A multiplex real-time reverse transcriptase PCR has been developed for the rapid detection and identification of eight medically important flaviviruses from laboratory-reared, virus-infected mosquito pools. The method used involves the gene-specific amplification of yellow fever virus (YFV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), West Nile virus (WNV), St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), and dengue virus (DENV) serotypes 1 to 4 (DENV-1 to DENV-4, respectively) by use of the flavivirus consensus amplimers located at the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain of nonstructural protein 5. Virus-specific amplicons were detected by four newly characterized TaqMan fluorogenic probes (probes specific for YFV, JEV, WNV, and SLEV) and four previously published probes specific for DENV-1 to -4 (L. J. Chien, T. L. Liao, P. Y. Shu, J. H. Huang, D. J. Gubler, and G. J. Chang, J. Clin. Microbiol. 44:1295-1304, 2006). This assay had a specificity of 100% and various sensitivities of at least 3.5 PFU/ml for YFV, 2.0 PFU/ml for JEV, 10.0 PFU/ml for WNV, and 10.0 PFU/ml for SLEV. Additionally, we have developed an in vitro transcription system to generate RNase-resistant RNA templates for each of these eight viruses. These templates can be incorporated into the assay as RNA copy number controls and/or as external controls for RNA-spiked mosquito pools for quality assurance purposes. Although further study with mosquitoes collected in the field is needed, the incorporation of this assay into mosquito surveillance could be used as an early-warning system for the detection of medically important flaviviruses, particularly when the cocirculation of multiple viruses in the same region is suspected.
Veillonella parvula
Discitis and Secondary Bacteremia: a Rare Infection Complicating Endoscopy and Colonoscopy?
Authors: Marriott D. , Stark D. , Harkness J. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

We report a case of
Veillonella parvula
lumbar discitis and secondary bacteremia confirmed by molecular characterization of the 16S rRNA genes. Identification of the organism was essential for an appropriate choice of antimicrobial therapy following the failure of empirical flucloxacillin.
Veillonella
spp. are normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract, raising the possibility that an endoscopy and colonoscopy performed 8 weeks prior to presentation, during which small intestinal and rectal biopsies were obtained, was the portal of entry. This case highlights the importance of obtaining a microbiologic diagnosis, particularly in patients who previously have had procedures involving instrumentation.
Characterization of the Uracil-DNA Glycosylase Activity of Epstein-Barr Virus BKRF3 and Its Role in Lytic Viral DNA Replication
Authors: Lu Chih-Chung , Huang Ho-Ting , Wang Jiin-Tarng , Slupphaug Geir , Li Tsai-Kun , Wu Meng-Chuan , Chen Yi-Chun , Lee Chung-Pei , Chen Mei-Ru 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Uracil-DNA glycosylases (UDGs) of the uracil-
N
-glycosylase (UNG) family are the primary DNA repair enzymes responsible for removal of inappropriate uracil from DNA. Recent studies further suggest that the nuclear human UNG2 and the UDGs of large DNA viruses may coordinate with their DNA polymerase accessory factors to enhance DNA replication. Based on its amino acid sequence, the putative UDG of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), BKRF3, belongs to the UNG family of proteins, and it was demonstrated previously to enhance oriLyt-dependent DNA replication in a cotransfection replication assay. However, the expression and enzyme activity of EBV BKRF3 have not yet been characterized. In this study, His-BKRF3 was expressed in bacteria and purified for biochemical analysis. Similar to the case for the
Escherichia coli
and human UNG enzymes, His-BKRF3 excised uracil from single-stranded DNA more efficiently than from double-stranded DNA and was inhibited by the purified bacteriophage PBS1 inhibitor Ugi. In addition, BKRF3 was able to complement an
E. coli ung
mutant in rifampin and nalidixic acid resistance mutator assays. The expression kinetics and subcellular localization of BKRF3 products were detected in EBV-positive lymphoid and epithelial cells by using BKRF3-specific mouse antibodies. Expression of BKRF3 is regulated mainly by the immediate-early transcription activator Rta. The efficiency of EBV lytic DNA replication was slightly affected by BKRF3 small interfering RNA (siRNA), whereas cellular UNG2 siRNA or inhibition of cellular and viral UNG activities by expressing Ugi repressed EBV lytic DNA replication. Taking these results together, we demonstrate the UNG activity of BKRF3 in vitro and in vivo and suggest that UNGs may participate in DNA replication or repair and thereby promote efficient production of viral DNA.
Fcγ Receptors Play a Dominant Role in Protective Tumor Immunity against a Virus-Encoded Tumor-Specific Antigen in a Murine Model of Experimental Pulmonary Metastases
Authors: Lowe Devin B. , Shearer Michael H. , Jumper Cynthia A. , Bright Robert K. , Kennedy Ronald C. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTSimian virus 40 (SV40) large tumor antigen (Tag) represents a virus-encoded tumor-specific antigen expressed in many types of human cancers and a potential immunologic target for antitumor responses. Fc receptors are important mediators in the regulation and execution of host effector mechanisms against conditions including infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and cancer. By examining tumor protection in SV40 Tag-immunized wild-type BALB/c mice using an experimental pulmonary metastasis model, we attempted to address whether engagement of the immunoglobulin G Fc receptors (FcγRs) on effector cells is necessary to mediate antitumor responses. All immunized BALB/c FcγR−/−knockout mice developed anti-SV40 Tag antibody responses prior to experimental challenge with a tumorigenic cell line expressing SV40 Tag. However, all mice deficient in the activating FcγRI (CD64) and FcγRIII (CD16) were unable to mount protective immunologic responses against tumor challenge and developed tumor lung foci. In contrast, mice lacking the inhibitory receptor FcγRII (CD32) demonstrated resistance to tumorigenesis. These results underscore the importance of effector cell populations expressing FcγRI/III within this murine tumor model system, and along with the production of a specific humoral immune response, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) may be a functioning mechanism of tumor clearance. Additionally, these data demonstrate the potential utility of ADCC as a viable approach for targeting vaccination strategies that promote FcγRI/III scavenging pathways against cancer.
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Protects Resistant C57BL/6 Mice against Herpes Simplex Virus-Induced Encephalitis Independently of Signaling via TNF Receptor 1 or 2
Authors: Lundberg Patric , Welander Paula V. , Edwards Carl K. , van Rooijen Nico , Cantin Edouard 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTTumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a multifunctional cytokine that has a role in induction and regulation of host innate and adaptive immune responses. The importance of TNF antiviral mechanisms is reflected by the diverse strategies adopted by different viruses, particularly members of the herpesvirus family, to block TNF responses. TNF binds and signals through two receptors,Tnfrsf1a(TNF receptor 1 [TNFR1], or p55) andTnfrsf1b(TNFR2, or p75). We report here that herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection of TNF−/−mice on the resistant C57BL/6 genetic background results in significantly increased susceptibility (P< 0.0001, log rank test) to fatal HSV encephalitis (HSE) and prolonged persistence of elevated levels of virus in neural tissues. In contrast, although virus titers in neural tissues of p55−/−N13 mice were elevated to levels comparable to what was found for the TNF−/−mice, the p55−/−N13 mice were as resistant as control C57BL/6 mice (P> 0.05). The incidence of fatal HSE was significantly increased by in vivo neutralization of TNF using soluble TNFR1 (sTNFR1) or depletion of macrophages in C57BL/6 mice (P= 0.0038 andP= 0.0071, respectively). Strikingly, in vivo neutralization of TNF in HSV-1-infected p55−/−p75−/−mice by use of three independent approaches (treatment with soluble p55 receptor, anti-TNF monoclonal antibody, or in vivo small interfering RNA against TNF) resulted in significantly increased mortality rates (P= 0.005), comparable in magnitude to those for C57BL/6 mice treated with sTNFR1 (P= 0.0018). Overall, these results indicate that while TNF is required for resistance to fatal HSE, both p55 and p75 receptors are dispensable. Precisely how TNF mediates protection against HSV-1 mortality in p55−/−p75−/−mice remains to be determined.
Beneficial effects of isometric strength training on endothelial dysfunction in rats
Authors: Figard Hélène , Gaume Vincent , Mougin Fabienne , Demougeot Céline , Berthelot Alain 
Published: November 2006

Using female 4-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats, we investigated the effects of 14 weeks of progressive strength isometric training on endothelium dysfunction after estrogen deficiency. We also proposed possible mechanism(s) by which such training acted on endothelium-dependent vasodilation in thoracic aortic rings. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 rats: a sham operated group, an ovariectomized sedentary group receiving 17β-estradiol vehicle s.c. daily, an ovariectomized sedentary group receiving a daily injection of 20 µg·kg–1 17β-estradiol s.c., and an ovariectomized exercised group receiving daily s.c. vehicle. Vascular reactivity of aortic rings have been evaluated by a cumulative dose of acetylcholine (ACh), in the presence or absence of l-NAME (N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester), indomethacin, thapsigargin, iberiotoxin, apamin, and tetraethylammonium. Ovariectomy markedly decreased the relaxation caused by ACh, whereas 17β-estradiol treatment induced a significant increase in the relaxation elicited by ACh. Isometric exercise enhanced relaxation due to ACh. This enhancement was attenuated in the presence of l-NAME, indomethacin, thapsigargin, iberiotoxin, and apamin. Our data indicated, for the first time, that the endothelium-dependent relaxant response to ACh was markedly improved in trained ovariectomized rats. This increased vasodilation is mediated by nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase, sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase pathways, and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. Finally, this study suggested that resistance training may provide benefits in addressing vascular dysfunction consequent to a decline in estrogen levels after menopause. However, any benefits for age-related vascular dysfunction remain to be demonstrated.
Heme oxygenase activity in fetal and adult sheep is not altered by acclimatization to high altitude hypoxia
Authors: Kinobe Robert T. , Vlahakis Jason Z. , Soong Jonathan M. , Szarek Walter A. , Brien James F. , Longo Lawrence D. , Nakatsu Kanji 
Published: November 2006

Hypoxic stress has been reported to induce the expression of stress proteins such as heme oxygenase (HO), which catalyze the breakdown of heme to generate biliverdin, ferrous iron, and carbon monoxide. These degradation products play a role in the regulation of a variety of processes such as vascular tone, inflammation, and central nervous system function. In mammals, there are 2 catalytically functional HO isozymes, HO-1 (inducible) and HO-2 (constitutive). HO-1 expression is regulated by an array of nonphysiological and physiological stimuli including acute hypoxemia. As relatively little is known of the HO response to prolonged hypoxia in whole animals other than small laboratory rodents, the aim of this work was to examine the effect of long-term hypoxia on total HO activity in fetal and adult ovine tissue. Sheep were maintained at high altitude (3820 m), after which the following tissues were harvested from near-term fetal and non-pregnant ewes for in vitro measurement of HO activity: left ventricle, renal papilla, lung apex, pulmonary artery, carotid artery, mesenteric artery, placental cotyledon, spleen, and brain frontal cortex. There were no significant differences between HO activities in tissues from hypoxic fetal and adult sheep compared with their normoxic controls. Fetal heart HO activities were higher than those of adult tissue (p < 0.05), whereas adult spleen HO activity was significantly higher than that of fetal tissue (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these data indicate that long-term exposure to high altitude hypoxia does not have a persistent effect on HO activity in ovine tissues. Also, except for the spleen where there is a high expression of HO-1 under normal conditions, tissue HO activity is correlated with the expression of HO-2, the constitutive isozyme.
Reversal of Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells by Transglutaminase 2 Inhibition and Nuclear Factor-κB Inactivation
Authors: Kim Dae-Seok , Park Sung-Soo , Nam Byung-Ho , Kim In-Hoo , Kim Soo-Youl 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Induction of transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2) by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in human breast cancer cells increases their oncogenic potential and chemoresistance. The role of TGase 2 in the development of these tumor-related phenotypes remains to be elucidated, but it has been shown that expression of a dominant-negative form of TGase 2 reverses EGF-mediated chemoresistance in breast cancer cells. We examined several different breast cancer cell lines, representing both EGF receptor (EGFR)-positive and EGFR-negative breast cancers, and found that doxorubicin-resistant cells had a higher level of TGase 2 compared with doxorubicin-sensitive cells independent of the EGFR expression level. TGase 2 inhibition increased the chemosensitivity of drug-resistant cells, concomitant with a decrease in nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity. Increasing the level of TGase 2 in drug-sensitive cells by transient transfection reduced the level of inhibitory subunit α of NF-κB (IκBα) and increased NF-κB activity in these cells. Inhibition of TGase 2 in drug-resistant cells by RNA interference increased the levels of IκBα, and this correlated with a shift in the accumulation of NF-κB from the nucleus to the cytosol. We recently showed that TGase 2 activated NF-κB through polymerization and depletion of free IκBα during inflammation. Therefore, increased expression of TGase 2 and subsequent activation of NF-κB may contribute to drug resistance in breast cancer cells independently of EGF signaling. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10936-43)
TMPRSS2:ERG Fusion by Translocation or Interstitial Deletion Is Highly Relevant in Androgen-Dependent Prostate Cancer, But Is Bypassed in Late-Stage Androgen Receptor–Negative Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hermans Karin G. , van Marion Ronald , van Dekken Herman , Jenster Guido , van Weerden Wytske M. , Trapman Jan 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Recently, a unique fusion between the prostate-specific, androgen-regulated TMPRSS2 gene and the ETS genes ERG, ETV1, or ETV4 has been described in clinical prostate cancer. We investigated mechanisms of expression of four ETS genes, ERG, ETV1, ETV4, and FLI1, in 11 xenografts representing different stages of prostate cancer. All five androgen-dependent xenografts showed as major transcript overexpression of two splice variants of TMPRSS2:ERG, linking TMPRSS2 exon 1 or 2 sequences to ERG exon 4. In one of two androgen-sensitive xenografts, fusion transcripts of TMPRSS2 and ETV1 were detected. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated both interstitial deletions and translocations as mechanisms of TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion. Importantly, TMPRSS2 to ERG fusions were also observed in three of four androgen-independent, androgen receptor (AR)–negative xenografts and in two AR-negative clinical prostate cancer specimens; however, the fusion gene was not expressed. In almost all AR-negative tumor samples, overexpression of wild-type ETV4 or FLI1 was detected. Combined, our observations indicate a key role of fusion of TMPRSS2 and ETS genes in most androgen-regulated prostate cancers, which might be bypassed by androgen-independent expression of wild-type ETS factors in late-stage disease. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10658-63)