bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wage Formation, Regional Migration and Local Labour Market Tightness*
Authors: Carlsen Fredrik , Johansen Kåre , RØed Knut 
Published: August 2006

AbstractEmpirical studies of regional wage formation and interregional migration routinely include the regional unemployment rate as indicator of local labour market tightness. However, these studies are usually motivated by economic theories that emphasize transition probabilities between unemployment and employment, and the unemployment rate is an imperfect proxy for these probabilities. We use a large micro data set to compute estimates of the rate of outflow from unemployment for 90 Norwegian travel‐to‐work areas. The outflow rates perform better than traditional measures of regional labour market tightness in panel data analyses of regional wages and interregional migration.
Evidence for an immunodeficiency syndrome related to beta‐haemolytic streptococci in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Weigl B.A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractInfection with beta‐haemolytic streptococci is accepted as one of the triggering factors leading to exacerbation of psoriasis. In a long‐term study lasting nine years (1982–1991) we investigated whether there is any evidence of dysfunction of humoral and cellular immune factors, and what part is played by microbial infection in this connection, with specific reference to streptococcal antigens. 110 patients with chronic psoriasis, either clinically inactive (stage 1) or active with eruptions (stage 2) and 70 healthy controls underwent the following immunologic investigations: streptococcal antibody titres, serum immunoglobulins IgM, IgA, IgG, total serum IgE, complement factors C3, C4, B and T cells, and subpopulations. The findings demonstrate that phases of inactivity are associated with a mechanism described as “Immunologic Regulation”‐activated antibacterial titres and unremarkable findings for humoral and cellular parameters. Eruptions of psoriasis are with phases of humoral and cellular deficiency; antibacterial titres are significantly elevated, serum IgM or IgA or IgG show deficient levels, C3 is activated, C4 is decreased, as are serum IgE and T4:T8 ratio. Shift in T‐cell subpopulations may depend on serum IgE concentration.The question for consideration is whether antigen‐eliminating inflammatory lesions present in immunodeficiency phases trigger the formation of circulating immune complexes. It seems probable that the pathogenicity of these immune complexes is controlled by serum factors and that they are involved in the initiation of keratinocyte hyperproliferation.
Cutaneous lymphadenoma is distinct from basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Krahl Dieter , Kohl Peter Karl 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground Cutaneous lymphadenoma is a recently recognized unusual tumor. It presents as an indistinct solitary non‐ulcerating dermal nodule occuring mostly in the head and neck region of middle aged persons. Its histogenetic definition is controversial and recently it has been proposed that it might represent an unusual inflammatory basal cell carcinoma. We present clinical, hislological and immunohistochemistry data of two cases. For the first time lectin‐imrnunohistochemisiry of cutaneous lymphadenoma is reported on.Observations One tumor was located on the eyebrow of a 37 years old, the other on the nose of a 75 years old male patient. Slow growth over years occured. Histology showed biphasic pattern of elongated and angulated lobules with peripheral rim of basaloid cells and central network of lymphohisltocytic cells with preponderance of protein S 100‐positive cells. Peanut agglutinin (PNA) did not show peripheral staining around tumor lobules as seen in basal cell carcinoma.Conclusions Clinical and histological features as well as absence of peanut agglutinin staining argue in favor of the distinction of cutaneous lymphadenoma from inflammatory basal cell carcinoma. The former probably represents a benign growth of adnexal origin.
Silencing urokinase in the ventral tegmental area in vivo induces changes in cocaine‐induced hyperlocomotion
Authors: Bahi Amine , Boyer Frederic , Kafri Tal , Dreyer Jean‐Luc 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSerine proteases in the nervous system have functional roles in neural plasticity. Among them, urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) exerts a variety of functions during development, and is involved in learning and memory. Furthermore, psychostimulants strongly induce uPA expression in the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway. In this study, doxycycline‐regulatable lentiviruses expressing either uPA, a dominant‐negative form of uPA, or non‐regulatable lentiviruses expressing small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeted against uPA have been prepared and injected into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of rat brains. Over‐expression of uPA in the VTA induces doxycycline‐dependent expression of its receptor, uPAR, but not its inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1). uPAR expression in the VTA is repressed upon silencing of uPA with lentiviruses expressing siRNAs. In addition, over‐expression of uPA in the VTA promotes a 15‐fold increase in locomotion activity upon cocaine delivery. Animals expressing the dominant‐negative form of uPA did not display such hyperlocomotor activity. These cocaine‐induced behavioural changes, associated with uPA expression, could be suppressed in the presence of doxycycline or uPA‐specific siRNAs expressing lentiviruses. These data strongly support the major role of urokinase in cocaine‐mediated plasticity changes.
In vivo detection of Egr2 binding to target genes during peripheral nerve myelination
Authors: Jang Sung‐Wook , LeBlanc Scott E. , Roopra Avtar , Wrabetz Lawrence , Svaren John 
Published: July 2006

AbstractEgr2/Krox20 is a zinc finger transactivator that regulates a diverse array of genes required for peripheral nerve myelination. Although several studies have elucidated the Egr2‐regulated gene network, it is not clear if Egr2 regulates its target genes directly or indirectly through induction of other transactivators. Moreover, very few Egr2 binding sites have been identified in regulatory elements of myelin genes. To address this issue, we have successfully adapted chromatin immunoprecipitation assays to test if Egr2 binds directly to target genes in myelinating rat sciatic nerve. These experiments demonstrate direct binding of Egr2 to previously described binding sites within the Schwann cell enhancer of the myelin basic protein gene. Furthermore, we show Egr2 binding to a conserved site within the myelin‐associated glycoprotein gene. Finally, our experiments provide the first evidence that Egr2 directly regulates expression of desert hedgehog, which is critically involved in development, maintenance and regeneration of multiple nerve elements including myelinated fibers. Surprisingly, this analysis has identified an apparent preponderance of Egr2 binding sites within conserved intron sequences of several myelin genes. Application of chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis to myelination in vivo will prove to be a valuable asset in assaying transcription factor binding and chromatin modifications during activation of myelin genes.
Relative immunogenicity of Fya and K antigens in a Caucasian population, based on HLA class II restriction analysis
Authors: Noizat‐Pirenne France , Tournamille Christophe , Bierling Philippe , Roudot‐Thoraval Françoise , Le Pennec Pierre‐Yves , Rouger Philippe , Ansart‐Pirenne Hélène 
Published: July 2006

BACKGROUND: It has long been known that relative immunogenicity is a characteristic of protein red blood cell (RBC) antigens, but the mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this work was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relative immunogenicity.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two RBC antigens were used as a model—the highly immunogenic K antigen (KEL1) and the less immunogenic Fya antigen (FY1)—and analyzed the distribution of DRB1* molecules in two groups of Caucasian individuals producing anti‐Fya (n = 29) or anti‐K (n = 30) alloantibodies. These experimental results were compared to the results generated by TEPITOPE, a DRB1* peptide–binding motif prediction algorithm.RESULTS: It was found that within the anti‐Fya group, the DRB1*04 phenotypic frequency was 100 percent, indicating that the DRB1*04 molecule is the restriction molecule. In the anti‐K group, numerous DRB1* molecules were identified, demonstrating a high degree of histocompatibility promiscuity, corresponding to the predominant molecules in the Caucasian population. These findings were confirmed by TEPITOPE.CONCLUSION: These results strongly suggest that protein RBC intrinsic immunogenicity depends on the distribution of DRB1* restriction molecules.
Transfusion‐Related Risks of Intradermal Allogeneic Lymphocyte Immunotherapy: Single Cases in a Large Cohort and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kling Christiane , Steinmann Jörg , Flesch Brigitte , Westphal Eckhard , Kabelitz Dieter 
Published: August 2006

Problem  Lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) is applied in infertility treatment. Moreover, it has been suggested for prevention of rhesus D‐hemolytic disease and as a vaccine for reduction of human immunodeficiency virus‐1 susceptibility. Although transfusion‐related problems have been rarely reported they were a matter of debate. Here we discuss extensive single‐center experience with intradermal LIT for implantation failure and recurrent miscarriages.Method of study  Retrospective 2‐ to 3‐year follow‐up of in vitro fertilization couples treated during 1996–2002 (feedback 2848/3041 = 93%), registering 930 deliveries. Prospective survey for acute reactions for 2000–2003 (feedback 2687/3246 = 83%). Review of the literature.Results  Infections of the patient and transplant rejection later in life are minor residual risks. Post‐transfusion purpura was suspected once but not verified. Anaphylaxis or malignancy were not promoted. Fetal/newborn alloimmune disease (severe hemolytic disease, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia) were not observed.Conclusion  Based on microbiological, immunological, and hematological testing the risks of intradermal LIT are low.
Ant Defense Versus Induced Defense in Lafoensia pacari (Lythraceae), a Myrmecophilous Tree of the Brazilian Cerrado1
Authors: Korndörfer Ana Paula , Del‐Claro Kleber 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTWe compared the effects of ant presence at extrafloral nectaries of Lafoensia pacari St. Hil. on herbivore damage and silicon accumulation. Plants that were accessible to ants experienced lower herbivory levels over the first 3 mo of the experiment. After 3 mo, most leaves were fully expanded with inactive extrafloral nectaries; by 6 mo there was no effect of ant access on herbivore damage. Along with experiencing higher herbivory, plants in the ant‐exclusion treatment had significantly higher silicon levels in their leaves, suggesting that silicon serves as an induced defense in this ant–plant–herbivore interaction.
Cloning of Salt Tolerance‐Related cDNAs from the Mangrove Plant Sesuvium portulacastrum L.
Authors: Zeng Hui‐Cai , Deng Liu‐Hong , Zhang Chun‐Fa 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIn an attempt to isolate and identify the target genes relevant to salt tolerance in a mangrove plant (Sesuvium portulacastrum L.), a subtracted cDNA library was constructed via suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH), in which the poly(A)+RNA isolated from salt‐tolerant S. portulacastrum leaves was used as a tester, whereas the driver was poly(A)+RNA, derived from salt‐sensitive S. portulacastrum leaves. Screening of this subtracted cDNA library revealed five clones, of which the expression levels in the salt‐tolerant plant were markedly higher than those observed in the salt‐sensitive plant, indicating that these candidate clones may be involved in salt‐tolerance pathways. Among the clones isolated, P66, P175, and P233 are novel because no significant similarity was obtained upon alignment with the GenBank database. Clone P89 demonstrated high homology with NADPH of Arabidopsis thaliana, whereas clone P152 was highly homologous with the gene encoding late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein of A. thaliana. The full‐length gene of clone P152, with a predicated 344 amino acid residues, was shown to bear LEA‐2 domains, a signature motif for proteins that have been enriched under salty and drought conditions. It is thus implied that clone P152 would be a salt‐tolerance gene of S. portulacastrum. In addition, we have also developed a strategy for the extraction of total RNA from mangrove plants.(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)
Production of a Heterologous Nonheme Catalase by
Lactobacillus casei
: an Efficient Tool for Removal of H
2
O
2
and Protection of
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
from Oxidative Stress in Milk
Authors: Rochat Tatiana , Gratadoux Jean-Jacques , Gruss Alexandra , Corthier Gérard , Maguin Emmanuelle , Langella Philippe , van de Guchte Maarten 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are generally sensitive to H
2
O
2
, a compound that they can paradoxically produce themselves, as is the case for
Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Lactobacillus plantarum
ATCC 14431 is one of the very few LAB strains able to degrade H
2
O
2
through the action of a nonheme, manganese-dependent catalase (hereafter called MnKat). The MnKat gene was expressed in three catalase-deficient LAB species:
L. bulgaricus
ATCC 11842,
Lactobacillus casei
BL23, and
Lactococcus lactis
MG1363. While the protein could be detected in all heterologous hosts, enzyme activity was observed only in
L. casei
. This is probably due to the differences in the Mn contents of the cells, which are reportedly similar in
L. plantarum
and
L. casei
but at least 10- and 100-fold lower in
Lactococcus lactis
and
L. bulgaricus
, respectively. The expression of the MnKat gene in
L. casei
conferred enhanced oxidative stress resistance, as measured by an increase in the survival rate after exposure to H
2
O
2
, and improved long-term survival in aerated cultures. In mixtures of
L. casei
producing MnKat and
L. bulgaricus
,
L. casei
can eliminate H
2
O
2
from the culture medium, thereby protecting both
L. casei
and
L. bulgaricus
from its deleterious effects.
Random Insertion of a TetR-Inducing Peptide Tag into
Escherichia coli
Proteins Allows Analysis of Protein Levels by Induction of Reporter Gene Expression
Authors: Schlicht Maximilian , Berens Christian , Daam Janko , Hillen Wolfgang 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

The insertion element InsTipα was constructed to generate protein expression data. It randomly fuses the TetR-inducing peptide Tip to the affected reading frame. Fusion protein expression is quantified by Tet-regulated reporter gene expression. The expression patterns of tagged
Escherichia coli
genes fully agree with published data from transcriptional fusions or microarrays, validating the Tip tag approach.
What determines whether patients are willing to participate in resuscitation studies requiring exception from informed consent?
Authors: Abboud P-A , Heard K , Al-Marshad A A , Lowenstein S R 
Published: July 2006

Objectives:To examine the willingness of patients to participate in a resuscitation study that requires exception from informed consent and to determine if willingness to participate is associated with demographic and other characteristics.Methods:Adult patients in an emergency department and in a geriatric outpatient clinic were surveyed. Patients were asked to imagine that they presented to an emergency department with cardiac arrest and asked about their willingness to (1) receive a new drug outside of a study, (2) receive a new drug as part of a study and (3) participate in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) for a new drug. Patients were also asked about participation in studies of invasive procedures.Results:213 patients from a geriatric clinic and 207 from an emergency department were surveyed. Two thirds of patients from the geriatric clinic and 83% from the emergency department were willing to receive an experimental drug outside of a study. Patients were less willing to participate in a study of the new drug and even less likely to participate in an RCT for the new drug (χ2test for trend, p<0.001 for both settings). Patients were less likely to participate in a study of thoracotomy than in a study that required placement of a femoral catheter (p = 0.008 for the geriatric clinic, p = 0.01 for the emergency department). Willingness to participate was not associated with trust in the doctors.Conclusions:Study design and invasiveness of the intervention were associated with the willingness of patients to participate in resuscitation studies that require exception from informed consent.
Perceptions of patients on the utility or futility of end-of-life treatment
Authors: Rodriguez K L , Young A J 
Published: July 2006

Background and objectives:Definitions of medical futility, offered by healthcare professionals, bioethicists and other experts, have been rigorously debated by many investigators, but the perceptions of patients of futility have been explored only by a few. Patients were allowed to discuss their concerns about end-of-life care, so that their ideas about treatment futility or utility could be extrapolated by us.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 elderly people who were receiving outpatient care in a large, urban Veterans Affairs medical centre in the US. Each of their healthcare providers was also interviewed. Participants were asked to consider four terms commonly used in advance directive forms (ie, life-sustaining treatment, terminal condition, state of permanent unconsciousness and decision-making capacity) and to discuss what these terms meant to them. Audiotapes of the open-ended interviews were transcribed and responses were coded and categorised by constant comparison, a commonly used qualitative method.Results:The following four factors were taken into account by the participants when discussing end-of-life interventions and outcomes: (1) expected quality of life; (2) emotional and financial costs of treatment; (3) likelihood of treatment success; and (4) expected effect on longevity.Conclusions:Although the terms “utility” or “futility” were not generally used by the participants, segments of speech indicating their perceptions of these terms were identified. Treatment was not always discussed in the same way by patients and providers, but seemed to reflect the same four concerns. Therefore, it may be fruitful for providers to focus on these concerns when discussing end-of-life treatment options with their patients.
Prevention of Cerebral Oxidative Injury by Post-ischemic Intravenous Administration of Shengmai San
Authors: Ichikawa Haruyo , Wang Lei , Konishi Tetsuya 
Published: August 2006

Shengmai San (SMS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) comprising three different herbal components, Panax ginseng, Ohiopogon japonicus and Fructus schisandrae and has been used for treating coronary heart diseases (Bensky and Barolet, 1990). It was shown that SMS effectively prevented cerebral oxidative injury in rats when it administered into the duodenum before cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. In the present study, we examined whether post-ischemic administration of SMS can ameliorate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats as well. Results showed that SMS injected immediately after ischemia also prevented the ischemia-reperfusion injury, when the effect was evaluated by the formation of protein carbonyl and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and the loss of glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The preventative potential of SMS was decreased rapidly dependent on the time lag until SMS was injected after ischemia. However, it was noted that intravenously administered SMS protected the oxidative injury approximately 30% even after 60 min of reperfusion in terms of protein carbonyl formation. It is thus suggested that SMS injection might be useful for preventing the progression of injury in cerebral infarction after stroke.
A Photon Counting Technique for Quantitatively Evaluating Progression of Peritoneal Tumor Dissemination
Authors: Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Takigahira Misato , Takeshita Fumitaka , Komatsu Teruo , Nishio Kazuto , Hasegawa Fumio , Ochiya Takahiro 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe recently established a mouse model of peritoneal dissemination of human gastric carcinoma, including the formation of ascites, by orthotopic transplantation of cultured gastric carcinoma cells. To clarify the processes of expansion of the tumors in this model, nude mice were sacrificed and autopsied at different points of time after the orthotopic transplantation of the cancer cells for macroscopic and histopathologic examination of the tumors. The cancer cells grew actively in the gastric submucosa and invaded the deeper layers to reach the serosal plane. The tumor cells then underwent exfoliation and became free followed by the formation of metastatic lesions initially in the greater omentum and subsequent colonization and proliferation of the tumors on the peritoneum. Although this model allowed the detection of even minute metastases, it was not satisfactory from the viewpoint of quantitative and objective evaluation. To resolve these problems, we introduced a luciferase gene into this tumor cell line with a high metastasizing potential and carried out in vivo photon counting analysis. This photon counting technique was found to allow objective and quantitative evaluation of the progression of peritoneal dissemination on a real-time basis. This animal metastatic model is useful for monitoring the responses of tumors to anticancer agents. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(15): 7532-9)
Divergent Routes to Oral Cancer
Authors: Hunter Keith D. , Thurlow Johanna K. , Fleming Janis , Drake Paul J.H. , Vass J. Keith , Kalna Gabriela , Higham Des J. , Herzyk Pawel , MacDonald D. Gordon , Parkinson E. Ken , Harrison Paul R. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractMost head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients present with late-stage cancers, which are difficult to treat. Therefore, early diagnosis of high-risk premalignant lesions and incipient cancers is important. HNSCC is currently perceived as a single progression mechanism, resulting in immortal invasive cancers. However, we have found that ∼40% of primary oral SCCs are mortal in culture, and these have a better prognosis. About 60% of oral premalignancies (dysplasias) are also mortal. The mortal and immortal tumors are generated in vivo as judged by p53 mutations and loss of p16INK4A expression being found only in the original tumors from which the immortal cultures were derived. To investigate the relationships of dysplasias to SCCs, we did microarray analysis of primary cultures of 4 normal oral mucosa biopsies, 19 dysplasias, and 16 SCCs. Spectral clustering using the singular value decomposition and other bioinformatic techniques showed that development of mortal and immortal SCCs involves distinct transcriptional changes. Both SCC classes share most of the transcriptional changes found in their respective dysplasias but have additional changes. Moreover, high-risk dysplasias that subsequently progress to SCCs more closely resemble SCCs than nonprogressing dysplasias. This indicates for the first time that there are divergent mortal and immortal pathways for oral SCC development via intermediate dysplasias. We believe that this new information may lead to new ways of classifying HNSCC in relation to prognosis. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(15): 7405-13)