bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of prefrontal protein synthesis following recall does not disrupt memory for trace fear conditioning
Authors: Blum Sonja , Runyan Jason D , Dash Pramod K 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
The extent of similarity between consolidation and reconsolidation is not yet fully understood. One of the differences noted is that not every brain region involved in consolidation exhibits reconsolidation. In trace fear conditioning, the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are required for consolidation of long-term memory. We have previously demonstrated that trace fear memory is susceptible to infusion of the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin into the hippocampus following recall. In the present study, we examine whether protein synthesis inhibition in the mPFC following recall similarly results in the observation of reconsolidation of trace fear memory.

Results
Targeted intra-mPFC infusions of anisomycin or vehicle were performed immediately following recall of trace fear memory at 24 hours, or at 30 days, following training in a one-day or a two-day protocol. The present study demonstrates three key findings: 1) trace fear memory does not undergo protein synthesis dependent reconsolidation in the PFC, regardless of the intensity of the training, and 2) regardless of whether the memory is recent or remote, and 3) intra-mPFC inhibition of protein synthesis immediately following training impaired remote (30 days) memory.

Conclusion
These results suggest that not all structures that participate in memory storage are involved in reconsolidation. Alternatively, certain types of memory-related information may reconsolidate, while other components of memory may not.
The PTI1-like kinase ZmPti1a from maize (Zea maysL.) co-localizes with callose at the plasma membrane of pollen and facilitates a competitive advantage to the male gametophyte
Authors: Herrmann Markus M , Pinto Sheena , Kluth Jantjeline , Wienand Udo , Lorbiecke René 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
The tomato kinase Pto confers resistance to bacterial speck disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato in a gene for gene manner. Upon recognition of specific avirulence factors the Pto kinase activates multiple signal transduction pathways culminating in induction of pathogen defense. The soluble cytoplasmic serine/threonine kinase Pti1 is one target of Pto phosphorylation and is involved in the hypersensitive response (HR) reaction. However, a clear role of Pti1 in plant pathogen resistance is uncertain. So far, no Pti1 homologues from monocotyledonous species have been studied.

Results
Here we report the identification and molecular analysis of four Pti1-like kinases from maize (ZmPti1a, -b, -c, -d). These kinase genes showed tissue-specific expression and their corresponding proteins were targeted to different cellular compartments. Sequence similarity, expression pattern and cellular localization of ZmPti1b suggested that this gene is a putative orthologue of Pti1 from tomato. In contrast, ZmPti1a was specifically expressed in pollen and sequestered to the plasma membrane, evidently owing to N-terminal modification by myristoylation and/or S-acylation. The ZmPti1a:GFP fusion protein was not evenly distributed at the pollen plasma membrane but accumulated as an annulus-like structure which co-localized with callose (1,3-β-glucan) deposition. In addition, co-localization of ZmPti1a and callose was observed during stages of pollen mitosis I and pollen tube germination. Maize plants in which ZmPti1a expression was silenced by RNA interference (RNAi) produced pollen with decreased competitive ability. Hence, our data provide evidence that ZmPti1a plays an important part in a signalling pathway that accelerates pollen performance and male fitness.

Conclusion
ZmPti1a from maize is involved in pollen-specific processes during the progamic phase of reproduction, probably in crucial signalling processes associated with regions of callose deposition. Pollen-sporophyte interactions and pathogen induced HR show certain similarities. For example, HR has been shown to be associated with cell wall reinforcement through callose deposition. Hence, it is hypothesized that Pti1 kinases from maize act as general components in evolutionary conserved signalling processes associated with callose, however during different developmental programs and in different tissue types.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy and hospital readmission: comparison of a matched cohort
Authors: Nosyk Bohdan , Sun Huiying , Li Xin , Palepu Anita , Anis Aslam H 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Despite the known efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), a large proportion of potentially-eligible HIV-infected patients do not access, and may stand to benefit from this treatment. In order to quantify these benefits in terms of reductions in hospitalizations and hospitalization costs, we sought to determine the impact of HAART on hospital readmission among HIV-infected patients hospitalized at St. Paul's Hospital (SPH) in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Methods
All patients admitted to a specialized HIV/AIDS ward at SPH (Apr. 1997 – Oct. 2002) were selected and classified as being on HAART or not on HAART based upon their initial admission. Patients were then matched by their propensity scores, which were calculated based on patients' sociodemographics such as age, gender, injection drug use (IDU) status, and AIDS indication, and followed up for one year. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the difference in the odds of hospital readmission between patients on and not on HAART.

Results
Out of a total 1084 patients admitted to the HIV/AIDS ward between 1997 and 2002, 662 were matched according to their propensity score; 331 patients each on and not on HAART. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that patients on HAART had lower odds of AIDS hospital readmission (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42 – 0.89) compared to patients not on HAART. Odds of readmission among patients on HAART were also significantly lower for non-IDU related readmission (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53 – 0.99) and overall readmission (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53 – 0.98).

Conclusion
Propensity score matching allowed us to reliably estimate the association between exposure (on or not on HAART) and outcome (readmitted to hospital). We found that HIV-infected patients who were potentially eligible for, but not on HAART had higher odds of being readmitted to hospital compared to those on HAART. Given the low level of uptake (31%) of HAART observed in our pre-matched hospitalized cohort, a large potential to achieve clinical benefits, reduce hospitalization costs and possibly slow disease progression from improved HAART uptake still exists.
A super-spreading ewe infects hundreds with Q fever at a farmers' market in Germany
Authors: Porten Klaudia , Rissland Jürgen , Tigges Almira , Broll Susanne , Hopp Wilfried , Lunemann Mechthild , van Treeck Ulrich , Kimmig Peter , Brockmann Stefan O , Wagner-Wiening Christiane , Hellenbrand Wiebke , Buchholz Udo 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
In May 2003 the Soest County Health Department was informed of an unusually large number of patients hospitalized with atypical pneumonia.

Methods
In exploratory interviews patients mentioned having visited a farmers' market where a sheep had lambed. Serologic testing confirmed the diagnosis of Q fever. We asked local health departments in Germany to identiy notified Q fever patients who had visited the farmers market. To investigate risk factors for infection we conducted a case control study (cases were Q fever patients, controls were randomly selected Soest citizens) and a cohort study among vendors at the market. The sheep exhibited at the market, the herd from which it originated as well as sheep from herds held in the vicinity of Soest were tested for Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii).

Results
A total of 299 reported Q fever cases was linked to this outbreak. The mean incubation period was 21 days, with an interquartile range of 16–24 days. The case control study identified close proximity to and stopping for at least a few seconds at the sheep's pen as significant risk factors. Vendors within approximately 6 meters of the sheep's pen were at increased risk for disease compared to those located farther away. Wind played no significant role. The clinical attack rate of adults and children was estimated as 20% and 3%, respectively, 25% of cases were hospitalized. The ewe that had lambed as well as 25% of its herd tested positive for C. burnetii antibodies.

Conclusion
Due to its size and point source nature this outbreak permitted assessment of fundamental, but seldom studied epidemiological parameters. As a consequence of this outbreak, it was recommended that pregnant sheep not be displayed in public during the 3rd trimester and to test animals in petting zoos regularly for C. burnetii.
Relevance of cyclin D1b expression and CCND1polymorphism in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Krieger Sophie , Gauduchon Juliette , Roussel Mikel , Troussard Xavier , Sola Brigitte 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
The CCND1 gene generates two mRNAs (cyclin D1a and D1b) through an alternative splicing at the site of a common A/G polymorphism. Cyclin D1a and b proteins differ in their C-terminus, a region involved in protein degradation and sub-cellular localization. Recent data have suggested that cyclin D1b could be a nuclear oncogene. The presence of cyclin D1b mRNA and protein has been studied in two hemopathies in which cyclin D1 could be present: multiple myeloma (MM) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The A/G polymorphism of CCND1 has also been verified in a series of patients.

Methods
The expression of cyclin D1 mRNA isoforms has been studied by real-time quantitative PCR; protein isoforms expression, localization and degradation by western blotting. The CCND1 polymorphism was analyzed after sequencing genomic DNA.

Results
Cyclin D1 mRNA isoforms a and b were expressed in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and multiple myeloma (MM). Cyclin D1b proteins were present in MCL, rarely in MM. Importantly, both protein isoforms localized the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. They displayed the same short half-life. Thus, the two properties of cyclin D1b recognized as necessary for its transforming activity are missing in MCL. Moreover, CCND1 polymorphism at the exon/intron boundary had no influence on splicing regulation in MCL cells.

Conclusion
Our results support the notion that cyclin D1b is not crucial for the pathogenesis of MCL and MM.
Priority setting in developing countries health care institutions: the case of a Ugandan hospital
Authors: Kapiriri Lydia , Martin Douglas K 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Background
Because the demand for health services outstrips the available resources, priority setting is one of the most difficult issues faced by health policy makers, particularly those in developing countries. However, there is lack of literature that describes and evaluates priority setting in these contexts. The objective of this paper is to describe priority setting in a teaching hospital in Uganda and evaluate the description against an ethical framework for fair priority setting processes – Accountability for Reasonableness.

Methods
A case study in a 1,500 bed national referral hospital receiving 1,320 out patients per day and an average budget of US$ 13.5 million per year. We reviewed documents and carried out 70 in-depth interviews (14 health planners, 40 doctors, and 16 nurses working at the hospital). Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data analysis employed the modified thematic approach to describe priority setting, and the description was evaluated using the four conditions of Accountability for Reasonableness: relevance, publicity, revisions and enforcement.

Results
Senior managers, guided by the hospital strategic plan make the hospital budget allocation decisions. Frontline practitioners expressed lack of knowledge of the process. Relevance: Priority is given according to a cluster of factors including need, emergencies and patient volume. However, surgical departments and departments whose leaders "make a lot of noise" are also prioritized. Publicity: Decisions, but not reasons, are publicized through general meetings and circulars, but this information does not always reach the frontline practitioners. Publicity to the general public was through ad hoc radio programs and to patients who directly ask. Revisions: There were no formal mechanisms for challenging the reasoning. Enforcement: There were no mechanisms to ensure adherence to the four conditions of a fair process.

Conclusion
Priority setting decisions at this hospital do not satisfy the conditions of fairness. To improve, the hospital should: (i) engage frontline practitioners, (ii) publicize the reasons for decisions both within the hospital and to the general public, and (iii) develop formal mechanisms for challenging the reasoning. In addition, capacity strengthening is required for senior managers who must accept responsibility for ensuring that the above three conditions are met.
Interest of major serum protein removal for Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization – Time Of Flight (SELDI-TOF) proteomic blood profiling
Authors: Roche Stéphane , Tiers Laurent , Provansal Monique , Piva Marie-Thérèse , Lehmann Sylvain 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization – Time Of Flight (SELDI-TOF) has been proposed as new approach for blood biomarker discovery. However, results obtained so far have been often disappointing as this technique still has difficulties to detect low-abundant plasma and serum proteins.

Results
We used a serum depletion scheme using chicken antibodies against various abundant proteins to realized a pre-fractionation of serum prior to SELDI-TOF profiling. Depletion of major serum proteins by immunocapture was confirmed by 1D and 2D gel electrophoresis. SELDI-TOF analysis of bound and unbound (depleted) serum fractions revealed that this approach allows the detection of new low abundant protein peaks with satisfactory reproducibility.

Conclusion
The combination of immunocapture and SELDI-TOF analysis opens new avenues into proteomic profiling for the discovery of blood biomarkers.
Differential involvement of RelB in morphine-induced modulation of chemotaxis, NO, and cytokine production in murine macrophages and lymphocytes
Authors: Martucci Cataldo , Franchi Silvia , Lattuada Donatella , Panerai Alberto E , Sacerdote Paola 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAcute morphine impairs innate and acquired immunity. The mechanisms involved in immunosuppression have not been well defined yet. The transcription factor NF-κB is a central regulator of immunity, and of the NF-κB family, RelB is particularly involved in the expression of genes important in immune responses. We investigated the involvement of RelB in morphine-induced immnosuppression in mice deficient for the RelB factor. RelB−/− mice and wild-type (WT) controls were injected s.c. with morphine 20 mg/Kg, and 1 h later, immune parameters were evaluated. Morphine significantly reduced macrophage production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-12 in WT animals, and the drug failed to diminish the production of these cytokines in the RelB−/− mice. In contrast, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was similarly affected in the two strains. Macrophage NO production was modulated by morphine in WT animals only, and morphine similarly decreased macrophage chemotaxis in the presence or in the absence of RelB. When Th1 and Th2 cytokines were evaluated, we observed a clear morphine-induced reduction of IL-2 and IFN-γ production by WT splenocytes, whereas no effect of the drug was observed in RelB−/− mice. On the contrary, the production of the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 was lessened to the same degree by morphine in WT and RelB−/− mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that RelB is an important target for morphine modulation of proinflammatory and Th1 cytokines. They also indicate that morphine uses multiple intracellular pathways to exert its generalized immunosuppression.
Aspartic protease and caspase 3/7 activation are central for macrophage apoptosis following infection withEscherichia coli
Authors: Albee Lee , Shi Bo , Perlman Harris 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMacrophages are vital for host defense against microbial infections. We have previously shown that infection of macrophages with a nonpathogenic strain of Escherichia coli induces apoptosis rapidly. Here, we demonstrate that infection of macrophages results in the activation of caspases prior to the induction of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Caspases 9 and 3 are activated prior to the release of intermembrane mitochondrial protein cytochrome C into he cytosol in infected macrophages. Treatment with an inhibitor to caspase 9 has no effect on the death of macrophages and does not prevent activation of the downstream effector caspase 3/7. In contrast, an inhibitor to caspase 3/7 reduces cell death in E. coli-infected macrophages. Although caspase 9 is not required, activation of aspartic proteases, of which cathepsin D is one of the central members, is essential for activation of caspase 3/7. Treatment with pepstatin A, an inhibitor of aspartic proteases, markedly diminishes the activation of cathepsin D and caspase 3/7 and reduces death in E. coli-infected macrophages. Collectively, these data suggest that cathepsin D activation of caspase 3/7 may be required for inducing one of the death pathways elicited by E. coli.
Study on roll force and dynamic recrystallization of high-strength interstitial-free steels in hot rolling
Authors: Byon S M , Kim S I , Lee Y 
Published: October 2006

This paper presents a constitutive model for two interstitial-free (IF) steels that can be used for calculating the roll force during hot rolling. The constitutive models assume that the deformation behaviour of material can be described with reference to strain, strain rate, and temperature together with the volume fraction of dynamically recrystallized grains. The two IF steels are Nb-Ti-added IF steel containing 0.001 wt% B and 0.1 wt% P, and IF steel with no B and P. To verify the proposed constitutive model, a laboratory-scale hot-plate rolling experiment, together with three-dimensional finite element analysis coupled with the proposed model, has been performed. The capability of the proposed model was demonstrated through comparing predicted roll forces with measured values. A series of finite element simulations has then been carried out to study the variation in the distribution of the dynamically recrystallized volume fraction in the deformed workpiece by changing the rolling temperature and reduction ratio. Good agreement was obtained between the predicted roll forces and experimental measurements for two IF steels. The roll force of IF steel with P and B components was 11.6 per cent larger than that of IF steel without them since dynamic recrystallization was delayed owing to the alloying elements. It has been found that, as the reduction ratio increases, the effect of those alloys on the volume fraction of dynamic recrystallization becomes more dominant and leads to considerable differences between the roll force of the steels.
Revenue Management Through Dynamic Cross Selling in E-Commerce Retailing
Authors: Netessine Serguei , Savin Sergei , Xiao Wenqiang 
Published: October 2006

We consider the problem of dynamically cross-selling products (e.g., books) or services (e.g., travel reservations) in the e-commerce setting. In particular, we look at a company that faces a stream of stochastic customer arrivals and may offer each customer a choice between the requested product and a package containing the requested product as well as another product, what we call a “packaging complement.” Given consumer preferences and product inventories, we analyze two issues: (1) how to select packaging complements, and (2) how to price product packages to maximize profits. We formulate the cross-selling problem as a stochastic dynamic program blended with combinatorial optimization. We demonstrate the state-dependent and dynamic nature of the optimal package selection problem and derive the structural properties of the dynamic pricing problem. In particular, we focus on two practical business settings: with (the Emergency Replenishment Model) and without (the Lost-Sales Model) the possibility of inventory replenishment in the case of a product stockout. For the Emergency Replenishment Model, we establish that the problem is separable in the initial inventory of all products, and hence the dimensionality of the dynamic program can be significantly reduced. For both models, we suggest several packaging/pricing heuristics and test their effectiveness numerically.
Endoscopic orbital decompression
Authors: Metson Ralph , Dallow Richard L. , Shore John W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractExophthalmos from Graves' disease can result in visual disability and cosmetic deformity. Surgical treatment of this disorder is now possible through an intranasal endoscopic approach that allows removal of the medial orbital wall and floor without an external incision. Endoscopic orbital decompression was performed on 22 orbits in 14 patients for treatment of progressive exophthalmos. Local anesthesia was used in five cases. Sixteen procedures involved a concurrent lateral orbital decompression performed through an external approach. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Visual acuity remained stable or improved in all cases. Proptosis was reduced an average of 3.2 ± 1.1 mm (range 2 to 4.5 mm) by endoscopic decompression alone. When a lateral decompression was also performed, proptosis was reduced by an additional 2.4 mm, for an average improvement of 5.6 ± 1.7 mm (range 2 to 8 mm). Endoscopic orbital decompression appears to be a safe technique for the treatment of exophthalmos that can be performed effectively with the patient under general or local anesthesia.