bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunity to RecombinantPlasmodium falciparumMerozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP1): Protection inAotus nancymaiMonkeys Strongly Correlates with Anti-MSP1 Antibody Titer and In Vitro Parasite-Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Singh Sanjay , Miura Kazutoyo , Zhou Hong , Muratova Olga , Keegan Brian , Miles Aaron , Martin Laura B. , Saul Allan J. , Miller Louis H. , Long Carole A. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTA number of malarial blood-stage candidate vaccines are currently being tested in human clinical trials, but our understanding of the relationship between clinical immunity and data obtained from in vitro assays remains inadequate. An in vitro assay which could reliably predict protective immunity in vivo would facilitate vaccine development. Merozoite surface protein1 (MSP1) is a leading blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate, and anti-MSP1 antibodies from individuals that are clinically immune to malaria inhibit the invasion ofPlasmodiummerozoites into erythrocytes in vitro. Using expression inEscherichia coliand subsequent refolding, we have produced two allelic forms of MSP142(FVO and 3D7).Aotus nancymaimonkeys were immunized with MSP142-FVO, MSP142-3D7, or a combination of FVO and 3D7 allelic forms, (MSP142-C1) and were subsequently challenged withPlasmodium falciparumFVO parasites. Sera obtained prior to challenge were tested by standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine antibody titer, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) fractions were also obtained from the same sera; the IgG fractions were tested in an in vitro growth inhibition (GI) assay to evaluate biological activity of the antibodies. Regardless of the immunogen used, all monkeys that had >200,000 ELISA units against MSP142-FVO antigen before challenge controlled their infections. By contrast, all monkeys whose purified IgGs gave <60% inhibition activity in an in vitro GI assay withP. falciparumFVO required treatment for high parasitemia after challenge. There is a strong correlation between ELISA units (Spearman rank correlation of greater than 0.75) or GI activity (Spearman rank correlation of greater than 0.70) and protective immunity judged by various parameters (e.g., cumulative parasitemia or day of patency). These data indicate that, in this monkey model, the ELISA and GI assay values can significantly predict protective immunity induced by a blood-stage vaccine, and they support the use of these assays as part of evaluation of human clinical trials of MSP1-based vaccines.
Role of Transcription Factor T-bet Expression by CD4+Cells in Gastritis Due toHelicobacter pyloriin Mice
Authors: Eaton Kathryn A. , Benson Lucy H. , Haeger Jennifer , Gray Brian M. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTGastritis due toHelicobacter pyloriis induced by a Th1-mediated response that is CD4 cell and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) dependent. T-bet is a transcription factor that directs differentiation of and IFN-γ secretion by CD4+Th1 T cells. The goal of this study was to use two mouse models to elucidate the role of T-bet in gastritis due toH. pylori. C57BL/6J mice, congenic T-bet knockout (KO) mutants, or congenic SCID (severe, combined immunodeficient) mutants were given liveH. pyloriby oral inoculation. SCID mice were given CD4+splenocytes from C57BL/6J or T-bet KO mice by intraperitoneal injection. Twelve or 24 weeks after bacterial inoculation, C57BL/6J mice developed moderate gastritis but T-bet KO mice and SCID mice did not. In contrast, SCID recipients of either C57BL/6J T cells or T-bet KO T cells developed gastritis 4 or 8 weeks after adoptive transfer. In recipients of C57BL/6J CD4+cells but not recipients of T-bet KO cells, gastritis was associated with a delayed-type hypersensitivity response toH. pyloriantigen and elevated gastric and serum IFN-γ, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. In spite of the absence of IFN-γ expression, indicating failure of Th1 differentiation, CD4+T cells from T-bet KO mice induce gastritis inH. pylori-infected recipient SCID mice. This indicates that Th1-independent mechanisms can cause gastric inflammation and disease due toH. pylori.
Hemin-Dependent Modulation of the Lipid A Structure of
Porphyromonas gingivalis
Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Al-Qutub Montaser N. , Braham Pamela H. , Karimi-Naser Lisa M. , Liu Xinyan , Genco Caroline A. , Darveau Richard P. 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT

Porphyromonas gingivalis
is a periopathogen strongly associated with the development of adult-type periodontitis. Both the virulence characteristics of periopathogens and host-related factors are believed to contribute to periodontitis.
P. gingivalis
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) displays a significant amount of lipid A structural heterogeneity, containing both penta- and tetra-acylated lipid A structures. However, little is known concerning how the lipid A structural content of
P. gingivalis
is regulated. Alterations in the lipid A content may facilitate the ability of
P. gingivalis
to modulate the innate host response to this bacterium. In this report, it is shown that the concentration of hemin in the growth medium significantly modulates the lipopolysaccharide lipid A structural content of
P. gingivalis
. Hemin is a key microenvironmental component of gingival cervicular fluid which is believed to vary depending upon the state of vascular ulceration. At low hemin concentrations, one major penta-acylated lipid A structure was found, whereas at high concentrations of hemin, multiple tetra- and penta-acylated lipid A structures were observed. Hemin concentrations, not iron acquisition, were responsible for the alterations in the lipid A structural content. The modifications of the lipid A structural content were independent of the LPS extraction procedure and occurred in a variety of laboratory strains as well as a freshly obtained clinical isolate. The known hemin binding proteins Kgp and HmuR contributed to the lipid A modulation sensing mechanism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that hemin, a clinically relevant microenvironmental component for
P. gingivalis
, can modulate the lipid A structure found in a bacterium. Since tetra- and penta-acylated
P. gingivalis
lipid A structures have opposing effects on Toll-like receptor 4 activation, the alteration of the lipid A structural content may have significant effects on the host response to this bacterium.
Expression and Antimicrobial Function of Bactericidal Permeability-Increasing Protein in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Aichele Diana , Schnare Markus , Saake Marc , Röllinghoff Martin , Gessner Andre 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTIn cystic fibrosis (CF), the condition limiting the prognosis of affected children is the chronic obstructive lung disease accompanied by chronic and persistent infection with mostly mucoid strains ofPseudomonas aeruginosa. The majority of CF patients have antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) primarily directed against the bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) potentially interfering with antimicrobial effects of BPI. We analyzed the expression of BPI in the airways of patients with CF. In their sputum samples or bronchoalveolar lavage specimens, nearly all patients expressed BPI mRNA and protein, which were mainly products of neutrophil granulocytes as revealed by intracellular staining and subsequent flow cytometry. Repeated measurements revealed consistent individual BPI expression levels during several months quantitatively correlating with interleukin-8. In vitro,P. aeruginosaisolates from CF patients initiated the rapid release of BPI occurring independently of protein de novo syntheses. Furthermore, purified natural BPI as well as a 27-mer BPI-derived peptide displayed antimicrobial activity against even patient-derived mucoidP. aeruginosastrains and bacteria resistant against all antibiotics tested. Thus, BPI that is functionally active against mucoidP. aeruginosastrains is expressed in the airways of CF patients but may be hampered by autoantibodies, resulting in chronic infection.
Plasmid Diversity in Neisseriae
Authors: van Passel Mark W. J. , van der Ende Arie , Bart Aldert 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACT

Horizontal gene transfer constitutes an important force in prokaryotic genome evolution, and it is well-known that plasmids are vehicles for DNA transfer. Chromosomal DNA is frequently exchanged between pathogenic and commensal neisseriae, but relatively little is known about plasmid diversity and prevalence among these nasopharyngeal inhabitants. We investigated the plasmid contents of 18
Neisseria lactamica
isolates and 20 nasopharyngeal
Neisseria meningitidis
isolates. Of 18
N. lactamica
strains, 9 harbored one or more plasmids, whereas only one
N. meningitidis
isolate contained a plasmid. Twelve plasmids were completely sequenced, while five plasmid sequences from the public databases were also included in the analyses. On the basis of nucleic acid sequences, mobilization, and replicase protein alignments, we distinguish six different plasmid groups (I to VI). Three plasmids from
N. lactamica
appeared to be highly similar on the nucleotide level to the meningococcal plasmids pJS-A (>99%) and pJS-B (>75%). The genetic organizations of two plasmids show a striking resemblance with that of the recently identified meningococcal disease-associated (MDA) phage, while four putative proteins encoded by these plasmids show 25% to 39% protein identity to those encoded by the MDA phage. The putative promoter of the gene encoding the replicase on these plasmids contains a polycytidine tract, suggesting that replication is subjected to phase variation. In conclusion, extensive plasmid diversity is encountered among commensal neisseriae. Members of three plasmid groups are found in both pathogenic and commensal neisseriae, indicating plasmid exchange between these species. Resemblance between plasmids and MDA phage may be indicative of dissemination of phage-related sequences among pathogenic and commensal neisseriae.
Proteasome Inhibitor Drugs on the Rise
Authors: Joazeiro Claudio A.P. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Hunter Tony 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
In May 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (Velcade) fast-track status for the treatment of multiple myeloma. This landmark represented the first approval of a drug targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) for any indication. More recently, at the AACR Special Conference “Ubiquitin and Cancer: From Molecular Targets and Mechanisms to the Clinic” (Orlando, FL, January 18-22, 2006), it became evident that drug discovery in the UPS is experiencing another round of great excitement. The reason—new clinical applications found for bortezomib, along with the promised success of new types of proteasome inhibitors reaching the clinic. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(16): 7840-2)
United States, Globalization and the International System
Authors: Gaan Narottam 
Published: July 2006

The belief that globalization has resulted in a multipolar global village transcending political, territorial, economic and socio-cultural particularities seems to be mistaken. On the contrary, it has been a convenient metaphor for the US to promote its own political and economic thinking on all nations at the expense of their cultural, social, economic and political diversity through the instrument of Transnational Corporations (TNCs) and the process of homogenization of production, labour and trade. The developing countries have remained captive to the wishes of these US-based corporations. Globalization has not meant more democratization, freedom, independence or emergence of a multipolar world and regional powers. Instead, it has become an expedient euphemism for the US to decide the economy of the entire globe by its own domestic imperatives of providing a luxurious life style to its own citizens. The disintegration of Soviet Union and the end of Cold War, instead of ushering in a new world order, has resulted in the emergence of the US as a great leviathan, which by virtue of its own military prowess feels free to spread auits own liberal market economy binding all the nations of the world to all its nuances at the cost of their independence and sovereignty. American foreign policy behaviour with respect to Afghanistan, Iraq and global climate change negotiations is a testimony to this fact.
Biomechanical Comparison of Traditional and Locked Suture Configurations for Arthroscopic Repairs of the Rotator Cuff
Authors: Koganti Anil K. , Adamson Gregory J. , Gregersen Colin S. , Pink Marilyn M. , Shankwiler James A. 
Published: July 2006

Background The optimal suture configuration for arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs is controversial. “Locked” suture configurations, which use a combination of simple and transverse suture loops, have demonstrated better fixation strength than have traditional simple and horizontal mattress techniques. Purpose To compare traditional arthroscopic suture configurations to locked arthroscopic configurations in ability to resist gap formation under cyclic loading. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Crescent-shaped defects were created at the infraspinatus tendon insertion in 32 bovine shoulders. Four arthroscopic suture configurations were tested (8 specimens in each group): simple (group 1), horizontal mattress (group 2), locked mattress (group 3), and locked inverted mattress (group 4). A metal corkscrew suture anchor doubly loaded with No. 2 Fiberwire suture was used for the repairs. A cyclic loading protocol with application of forces from 10 to 180 N for a maximum of 2500 cycles was used. The number of cycles required to form gaps of 5 mm and 10 mm was recorded. Results The locked mattress configuration (group 3) outperformed all other groups in resisting 5-mm gap formation (P <. 0001), requiring a mean of 628 cycles in comparison to 65, 193, and 197 cycles for groups 1, 2, and 4, respectively. Both locked configurations (groups 3 and 4) were superior to traditional simple and horizontal mattress configurations in resisting 10-mm gap formation. Conclusion The locked mattress suturing technique (group 3) provided the most secure tendon fixation of all arthroscopic configurations tested. Clinical Relevance The use of locked suture configurations for arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs may enhance tendon fixation and limit gap formation in the early postoperative period.
Tendon Healing in a Bone Tunnel Differs at the Tunnel Entrance versus the Tunnel Exit
Authors: Rodeo Scott A. , Kawamura Sumito , Kim Hyon-Jeong , Dynybil Christian , Ying Liang 
Published: July 2006

Background Motion between a tendon graft and bone tunnel may impair graft incorporation and lead to tunnel widening. Hypothesis Healing of a tendon graft in a bone tunnel is inhibited by graft-tunnel motion. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed in 5 cadaveric rabbit limbs, and 3-dimensional graft-tunnel motion was measured using micro–computed tomography. The authors then performed bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in 15 rabbits and used histomorphometry to compare tendon-to-bone healing between the tunnel aperture, midtunnel, and tunnel exit and between the anterior and posterior aspects of the tunnel. Results Graft-tunnel motion was greatest at the tunnel apertures and least at the tunnel exit in cadaveric testing. Healing of the graft was slowest at the tunnel apertures. Tendon-bone interface width was greater at the aperture than at the tunnel exit for the femoral tunnel (P =. 04). There was an inverse correlation between time zero graft-tunnel motion and healing in the femoral tunnel (P =. 005). There was closer apposition of new bone to the tendon graft in the posterior half of the interface (P <. 05). Osteoclasts were found at the tunnel apertures. Conclusion Although graft-tunnel motion was only measured in cadaveric animals, results suggest that healing may be affected by the local mechanical environment, as graft healing in the femoral tunnel was inversely proportional to the magnitude of grafttunnel motion. Clinical Relevance Graft-tunnel motion may impair early graft incorporation and may lead to osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, contributing to tunnel widening. Early, aggressive postoperative rehabilitation may have detrimental effects on graft-to-bone healing.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Symptomatic and Contralateral Knees
Authors: Boks Simone S. , Vroegindeweij Dammis , Koes Bart W. , Hunink Myriam M. G. M. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M. A. 
Published: July 2006

Background After trauma, internal knee lesions are found in approximately two thirds of patients. However, magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities have also been described in asymptomatic volunteers. Hypothesis Not all visualized lesions in symptomatic posttraumatic knees are the result of recent trauma; there are subgroups of lesions that may be preexistent. Study Design Cross-sectional study (prevalence); Level of evidence, 2. Methods Patients visiting their general practitioners after knee trauma were invited for magnetic resonance imaging of both knees. Prevalence of knee abnormalities was compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic knees. Multivariable analysis was performed to investigate the association between lesions that were seen in symptomatic and asymptomatic knees (ie, effusion and meniscal tears) and recent trauma, history of old trauma, age, and osteoarthritis. Results In 134 participants, ligament lesions were found almost exclusively in symptomatic knees. Meniscal lesions and effusion were almost equally found in symptomatic and asymptomatic knees. Effusion was related to recent trauma (odds ratio, 14.0; 95% confidence interval, 5.0-39.6) and osteoarthritis (odds ratio, 4.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-15.5) but not to history of old trauma and age. Meniscal tears were more common in older patients (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.12) but were not related to osteoarthritis. History of old trauma was more strongly related to the group of radial, longitudinal, and complex meniscal tears (odds ratio, 8.6; 95% confidence interval, 3.3-22.5) than to horizontal tears (odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-5.6). Recent trauma was not related to horizontal meniscal tears but was strongly related to other types of meniscal tears (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-6.9). Conclusion Ligament knee lesions are most probably the result of recent trauma. Radial, longitudinal, and complex meniscal tears are strongly related to trauma, whereas horizontal meniscal tears and effusion may be preexistent in many cases.
Labour Organization and Economical Aspects within On-farm Diversifying Households
Authors: Pascotto Sabrina 
Published: July 2006

Business diversification represents an ongoing process which is being progressively adopted by small-medium farms, especially in disadvantaged, rural and mountainous areas. As such it may represent a tool for their development, as long as farmers are able to exploit its potential and find proper organizational solutions that best fit their farm features.In this article, a stratified sample of diversifying farms is analysed in order to provide some evidence on the influence of diversification on role organization among all the on-farm ‘active’ subjects and on the working time allocation within different activities, depending on farm type, economic size and type of diversification pathways undertaken. Moreover, the comparison between the proportion of time engaged in alternative activities and that of the relative returns deriving from them allows to understand the efficiency of this strategy. The final aim is the comprehension of the extent to which the diversification ratio is making its way in the farmers’ business conceptions and the individuation of obstacles and stimula preventing or promoting the further development of this option.
Expression profiling of clonal lymphocyte cell cultures from Rett syndrome patients
Authors: Delgado Ivan J , Kim Dong Sun , Thatcher Karen N , LaSalle Janine M , Van den Veyver Ignatia B 
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Background
More than 85% of Rett syndrome (RTT) patients have heterozygous mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2, a transcriptional repressor that binds methylated CpG sites. Because MECP2 is subject to X chromosome inactivation (XCI), girls with RTT express either the wild type or mutant MECP2 in each of their cells. To test the hypothesis that MECP2 mutations result in genome-wide transcriptional deregulation and identify its target genes in a system that circumvents the functional mosaicism resulting from XCI, we performed gene expression profiling of pure populations of untransformed T-lymphocytes that express either a mutant or a wild-type allele.

Methods
Single T lymphocytes from a patient with a c.473C>T (p.T158M) mutation and one with a c.1308-1309delTC mutation were subcloned and subjected to short term culture. Gene expression profiles of wild-type and mutant clones were compared by oligonucleotide expression microarray analysis.

Results
Expression profiling yielded 44 upregulated genes and 77 downregulated genes. We compared this gene list with expression profiles of independent microarray experiments in cells and tissues of RTT patients and mouse models with Mecp2 mutations. These comparisons identified a candidate MeCP2 target gene, SPOCK1, downregulated in two independent microarray experiments, but its expression was not altered by quantitative RT-PCR analysis on brain tissues from a RTT mouse model.

Conclusion
Initial expression profiling from T-cell clones of RTT patients identified a list of potential MeCP2 target genes. Further detailed analysis and comparison to independent microarray experiments did not confirm significantly altered expression of most candidate genes. These results are consistent with other reported data.
The effect of different combination therapies on oxidative stress markers in HIV infected patients in cameroon
Authors: Ngondi Judith L , Oben Julius , Forkah David Musoro , Etame Lucten Honore , Mbanya Dora 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The study assessed the effect of some highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART), used in the management of HIV/AIDS in Cameroon, on oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (as TBARs), albumin, protein carbonyl content and protein sulfhydryls groups. 85 HIV positive patients (34.8 ± 9.3 years) were on three different highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART patients). 65 HIV positive patients (32.2 ± 10.9 years) on no treatment (Pre-HAART patients), and 90 non-HIV infected patients (32.6 ± 9.3 years), were the control groups. Plasma TBARs as well as carbonyl levels were significantly higher in HIV patients on HAART compared to pre-HAART patients or non-HIV infected controls. On the other hand, the protein sulfhydryl group content was not different for patients on HAART compared to pre-HAART patients, but both were significantly lower than non-HIV infected controls (P < 0.0001, 0.001). The combination treatment Therapy I [stavudin (80 mg) + Lamivudin (600 mg) + Nevirapin + (400 mg) zidovudin (600 mg)] brought about a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the plasma concentration of protein sulfhydrl groups as well as TBARs compared to Therapy II [stavudin (80 mg) + Lamivudin (300 mg) + nevirapin (400 mg)] or with combination Therapy III of [zidovudine (600 mg) + lamivudin(300 mg) with efavirenz (600 mg)] (P < 0.05). The content of the antioxidant, Vitamin C was lower in the plasma of patients on Therapy I compared to those on Therapy II (P < 0.01) and Therapy III (P < 0.001).
HIV infection therefore increases the oxidative stress process, while antiretroviral combination therapy increased protein oxidation as well as the level of oxidative stress already present in HIV infection.