bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The immunoregulatory effects of gangliosides involve immune deviation favoring type-2 T cell responses
Authors: Crespo Fabian A , Sun Xichun , Cripps James G , Fernandez-Botran Rafael 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Gangliosides, sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids present in most cell membranes, are thought to participate in the maintenance of immune privilege and tumor-induced immunosuppression. However, the mechanisms responsible for their immunomodulatory activity remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether gangliosides are able to modulate the balance of type-1/type-2 T cell responses and to characterize the cellular mechanisms involved. The effects of different gangliosides on anti-CD3-stimulated murine splenocytes and purified T cells were studied. The presence of gangliosides during T cell activation reduced the expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and enhanced that of interleukin (IL)-4, suggesting a shift toward a type-2 response. Intracellular cytokine staining demonstrated that gangliosides inhibited IFN-γ production in CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer (NK)1.1+ cell populations and enhanced IL-4 in CD4+ T cells. The ganglioside-mediated enhancement in IL-4 production was independent of changes in endogenous IFN-γ, did not occur with cells from CD1d-deficient mice, and was partially inhibited by anti-CD1d antibodies. The inhibitory effects on IFN-γ were independent of endogenous IL-4 or the presence of NKT cells and were unaffected by anti-CD1d antibodies. These results suggest that gangliosides may modify the immunological environment by promoting immune deviation in favor of type-2 T cell responses.
Characterizing the circulating, gliadin-specific CD4+ memory T cells in patients with celiac disease: linkage between memory function, gut homing and Th1 polarization
Authors: Ben-Horin Shomron , Green Peter H R , Bank Ilan , Chess Leonard , Goldstein Itamar 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder of the gut, driven by T cells reacting locally to a distinct antigen, gliadin. Thus, CD offers the opportunity to study the T cell memory response to gliadin and whether gut tropism and T helper cell type 1 (Th1) polarization, which characterize the effector phase, are preserved in the memory progeny. It is notable that previous studies yielded conflicting results as to the presence of gliadin-specific memory CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood of CD patients. However, we used a different and highly sensitive approach based on fluorescein-derived label dilution, whereby the memory cells are identified operationally by their greater capacity to proliferate upon re-encounter with antigen. Thus, using flow cytometry, we could resolve multiple successive generations as well as immunophenotype the dividing cells. Here, we show that the peripheral blood lymphocyte of some CD patients on a gliadin-free diet, but not healthy donors, contains a detectable population of CD4+ memory T cells specific for deamidated gliadin. Moreover, these gliadin-specific memory T cells are marked by a distinctive phenotype: They express high levels of the gut-homing β7 integrins and primarily produce interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor α. We conclude that memory for gliadin-derived antigens within the circulating CD4+ T cells is linked with gut tropism as well as Th1 polarization.
CD13 in cell adhesion: aminopeptidase N (CD13) mediates homotypic aggregation of monocytic cells
Authors: Mina-Osorio Paola , Shapiro Linda H , Ortega Enrique 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Homotypic aggregation (HA) of cells plays key roles in physiological and pathological processes, such as embryogenesis, immune responses, angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. Aminopeptidase N (CD13) has been implicated in most of these phenomena, although its participation has been attributed to its enzymatic activity, while its role as an adhesion molecule has been almost unexplored. Here, we show that certain anti-CD13 monoclonal antibodies induce HA of monocytic U-937 cells, independently of their effect on enzymatic activity. The phenomenon is related to binding to a specific site on the CD13 molecule and is independent of integrins. It is abrogated by low temperature, by the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose, and by inhibitors of tyrosine and mitogen-activated protein kinases. The inhibitor of microtubule polymerization colchicine has a synergistic effect on CD13-mediated aggregation, suggesting an inhibitory role of microtubules in this process. Finally, during HA, CD13 actively redistributes to the zones of cell-cell contact, as determined by live cell imaging studies, demonstrating a direct role of CD13 in the adhesion phenomenon. Together, these data show for the first time the participation of CD13 in monocytic cell adhesion.
Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, and lipopolysaccharide induce different transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of the IRG1 gene in murine macrophages
Authors: Basler Tina , Jeckstadt Sabine , Valentin-Weigand Peter , Goethe Ralph 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) causes a chronic enteritis in ruminants. In addition, MAP is presently the most favored pathogen linked to Crohn’s disease. In this study, we were interested in dissecting the molecular mechanisms of macrophage activation or deactivation after infection with MAP. By subtractive hybridization of cDNAs, we identified the immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1), which was expressed substantially higher in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated than in MAP-infected murine macrophage cell lines. A nuclear run-on transcription assay revealed that the IRG1 gene was activated transcriptionally in LPS-stimulated and MAP-infected macrophages with higher expression in LPS-stimulated cells. Analysis of post-transcriptional regulation demonstrated that IRG1 mRNA stability was increased in LPS-stimulated but not in MAP-infected macrophages. Furthermore, IRG1 gene expression of macrophages infected with the nonpathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis differed from those of LPS-stimulated and MAP-infected macrophages. At 2 h postinfection, M. smegmatis-induced IRG1 gene expression was as low as in MAP-infected, and 8 h postinfection, it increased nearly to the level in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Transient transfection experiments revealed similar IRG1 promoter activities in MAP- and M. smegmatis-infected cells. Northern analysis demonstrated increased IRG1 mRNA stability in M. smegmatis-infected macrophages. IRG1 mRNA stabilization was p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-independent. Inhibition of protein synthesis revealed that constitutively expressed factors seemed to be responsible for IRG1 mRNA destabilization. Thus, our data demonstrate that transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms are responsible for a differential IRG1 gene expression in murine macrophages treated with LPS, MAP, and M. smegmatis.
Effector-phase tolerance: another mechanism of how cancer escapes antitumor immune response
Authors: Frey Alan B , Monu Ngozi 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Growth of cancer in rodent models and in patients elicits immune responses directed toward various antigens expressed by the transformed cell. Clearly though, as most tumors grow, unmanipulated antitumor immune responses are incapable of eliminating cancer. Over the past ∼15 years, antitumor immunoglobulin and T cells have been used to identify tumor antigens, which in turn, have served as the basis for therapeutic vaccine trials [1, 2]. However, experimental cancer vaccines, although in some patients result in elimination of large tumor burdens, have a low frequency of long-term cancer remission in most patients, ca. &lt;5% [2]. Therefore, as tumors express antigens that distinguish themselves from nontransformed cells in immunological terms (i.e., elicit immune responses to growth of primary tumor and can target tumor cells in vivo), and tumor vaccines prime unsuccessful antitumor immune responses in patients, it is likely that growth of cancer induces immune tolerance to tumor cells. Although there are several types of T cell tolerance, mature, antigen-specific CD8+ T cells isolated from tumors are lytic-defective, implying that the tumor microenvironment inactivates the antitumor effector phase. The nature of the functional local tolerance to antitumor immune response is the subject of this review.
Missense Mutation in the Transcription Factor NKX2–5: A Novel Molecular Event in the Pathogenesis of Thyroid Dysgenesis
Authors: Dentice Monica , Cordeddu Viviana , Rosica Annamaria , Ferrara Alfonso Massimiliano , Santarpia Libero , Salvatore Domenico , Chiovato Luca , Perri Anna , Moschini Lidia , Fazzini Cristina , Olivieri Antonella , Costa Pietro , Stoppioni Vera , Baserga Mariangiola , De Felice Mario , Sorcini Mariella , Fenzi Gianfranco , Di Lauro Roberto , Tartaglia Marco , Macchia Paolo Emidio 
Published: January 2006

Context: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a common endocrine disorder with an incidence of 1:3000–4000 at birth. In 80–85% of cases, CH is caused by defects in thyroid organogenesis, resulting in absent, ectopically located, and/or severely reduced gland [thyroid dysgenesis (TD)]. Mutations in genes controlling thyroid development have demonstrated that in a few cases, TD is a Mendelian trait. However, accumulating evidence supports the view that the genetics of TD are complex, possibly with a polygenic/multifactorial basis. A higher prevalence of congenital heart disease has been documented in children with CH than in the general population. Such an association suggests a possible pathogenic role of genes involved in both heart and thyroid development. NKX2–5 encodes a homeodomain-containing transcription factor with a major role in heart development, and mutations affecting this gene have been reported in individuals with congenital heart disease.Objective: In the present work we investigated the possible involvement of NKX2–5 mutations in TD.Results: Our results indicate that Nkx2–5−/− embryos exhibit thyroid bud hypoplasia, providing evidence that NKX2–5 plays a role in thyroid organogenesis and that NKX2–5 mutations contribute to TD. NKX2–5 mutational screening in 241 patients with TD allowed the identification of three heterozygous missense changes (R25C, A119S, and R161P) in four patients with TD. Functional characterization of the three mutations demonstrated reduced DNA binding and/or transactivation properties, with a dominant-negative effect on wild-type NKX2–5.Conclusion: Our results suggest a previously unknown role of NKX2–5 in the pathogenesis of TD.
Stereoselective Hydrogenation of Tetralin to cis-Decalin over a Carbon-supported Rhodium Catalyst in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Solvent
Authors: Hiyoshi Norihito , Mine Eiichi , Rode Chandrashekhar V , Sato Osamu , Shirai Masayuki 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
cis-Decalin was selectively obtained with high cis/trans ratio (83%) over a carbon-supported rhodium catalyst at 333 K under 6 MPa of hydrogen and 15 MPa of carbon dioxide.
An Efficient Synthesis of Helical Mesoporous Silica Nanorods
Authors: Zhang Qinghong , Lü Fei , Li Changli , Wang Ye , Wan Huilin 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Helical mesoporous silica nanorods have been synthesized with high efficiency by the addition of 1-alkanol or 1-aminoalkane with proper carbon chain length (C4–C8) as a cosurfactant of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) during the synthesis of MCM-41 in a dilute synthesis gel containing CTAB, tetraethyl orthosilicate, ammonium hydroxide, and water.
(Inorganic Nanofiber/Enzyme) Hybrid Hydrogel: Preparation, Characterization, and Enzymatic Activity of Imogolite/Pepsin Conjugate
Authors: Inoue Nozomi , Otsuka Hideyuki , Wada Shin-Ichiro , Takahara Atsushi 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The hybrid hydrogel composed of tubular aluminosilicate nanofiber, “imogolite,” and pepsin was prepared in a simple manner. We confirmed the formation of a network structure of imogolite in hydrogel by FE-SEM observations. Pepsin immobilized onto imogolite showed enzymatic activity after repeated reactions.
Prediction of the Octanol/Water Partition Coefficients of Petroporphyrin Model Compounds
Authors: Asami Satsuki , Saitoh Koichi 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The octanol/water partition coefficients (POW) were predicted for five vanadium(IV)–porphyrin complexes which were taken as model compounds of petroporphyrin. The correlation between the reversed-phase liquid chromatographic retention factor and the POW observed for standards was applied to the prediction. The log POW values estimated for the metalloporphyrins range from 5.8 (for 5,10,15,20-tetramethylporphine complex) to 10.1 (for 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphine complex).
Palladium Catalyzed Conjugate 1,4-Addition of Organoboronic Acids to α,β-Unsaturated Ketones
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Iizuka Michiko , Ohta Tetsuo , Ito Yoshihiko 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
1,4-Addition of arylboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated ketones was smoothly catalyzed by palladium(0) phosphine complexes with chloroform in the presence of base. It is remarked that the palladium(0) complexes have no catalytic activity in the absence of chloroform. The reaction proceeded without β-hydride elimination.
Kabob-like Carbon Nanotube Hybrids
Authors: Liu Yuyang , Wang Ronghua , Chen Wei , Chen Xianqiong , Hu Zhigang , Cheng Xiaoyin , Xin Haozhong John 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Inspired by the formation of stalagmite in nature, calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3) have been successfully generated along multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) backbones periodically via a very simple wet chemical route, thus forming the kabob-like MWNTs–CaCO3 hybrids. These MWNTs–CaCO3 hybrids are expected to have many potential applications in biomaterials and polymer reinforcement.
Influenza outbreaks and hospital bed occupancy in Rome (Italy): current management does not accommodate for seasonal variations in demand
Authors: Fusco D , Saitto C , Arcà M , Perucci C A 
Published: January 2006

Objective: Our goal was to assess how different hospital wards react to influenza epidemics, and whether related specialties cooperate in coping with winter bed crises. Study design: The Lazio Hospital Information System (HIS) dataset from July 1998 to June 2001 was used for the study. The HIS collects data on all hospital discharges. We considered diagnosis-related groups (DRG) as the reason for hospital stay and used DRG to classify admissions as influenza related or influenza unrelated. Time series analysis of daily bed occupancy in different specialty areas by influenza-related and influenza-unrelated cases was performed. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to take the effect of short-term and seasonal bed occupancy into account on influenza-related occupancy. Results: Influenza-related bed occupancy ranges from 770 patients/day during the influenza season to 525 patients/day during the rest of the year. Daily occupancy by influenza-related cases represents 2.8% of total hospital occupancy and 7% of general medicine occupancy during the influenza season. When comparing the influenza season with the rest of the year, general medicine occupancy by influenza-related cases increases by 51% versus the 25-32% increase in other specialty wards. Little change in daily occupancy by influenza-unrelated cases was observed in all specialties when comparing the influenza season with the rest of the year. Conclusions: Hospital specialty wards react poorly and single handedly to a minor and predictable burden. Any winter bed crisis in the Lazio region is probably the result of defective management of available beds more than excess in demand.
Genetic Diversity in Steelhead before and after Conservation Hatchery Operation in a Coastal, Boreal River
Authors: Heggenes Jan , Beere Mark , Tamkee Patrick , Taylor Eric B. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAllelic variation at 10 DNA microsatellite loci was assayed in scale samples of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (n = 333) collected between 1976 and 2003 from the lower main stem of the Kitimat River, British Columbia. Our objectives were to (1) investigate the genetic diversity of wild steelhead populations in the river before hatchery stocking began in 1984 (baseline samples: 1976–1977, 1983–1984; n = 145) and (2) assess the potential genetic impacts of interbreeding of returning hatchery adult fish with wild spawners over almost 20 years of large‐scale hatchery operation (1987–2003; n = 188). The annual target number of wild broodstock adults used for hatchery production was 40 (20 of each sex) but varied from 9 to 39 among years. The level of population subdivision (ϑ) among Kitimat River samples was low (0.004) and not significantly different from 0. Tests of ϑ between prehatchery and posthatchery operation indicated no significant changes. Similar results were obtained using other measures of genetic differentiation (principal components analysis of microsatellite allele frequencies and Cavalli‐Sforza genetic distance). Our data, however, did indicate a slight but significant reduction in allelic richness after hatchery stocking. Pairwise tests for genetic differentiation among samples from different year‐classes were nonsignificant. We conclude that for the current management regime there is little apparent impact of hatchery practices on either the genetic structure or variation within the lower main‐stem Kitimat River steelhead, but there may be a reduction in rare alleles. The practice of using substantial numbers of wild fish and multiple year‐classes in the hatchery may have minimized genetic changes via genetic drift.
An outstanding fauna of marsupiate echinoids in the Pliocene of Vendée (western France)
Authors: Dudicourt Jean-Christophe , Neraudeau Didier , Nicolleau Philippe , Ceulemans Luc , Boutin Frédéric 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
New investigations in the Pliocene deposits of Challans (Vendée) have allowed to collect more than 3000 marsupiate echinoids, remarkably preserved. So, apical systems, especially the marsupium of the breeding temnopleurids T. (V.) bigoti and C. bardini, have been described and figured for the first time with complete specimens. Two new marsupiate species have been described: Arbacina hugueti nov. sp., third marsupiate species of the genus Arbacina to be known in the Neogene of western France after A. emmae NÉRAUDEAU, 2003 from the Messinian of Brittany and A. pareyni ROMAN, 1983 from the Pliocene of Normandy; Tremaster romani, new species and genus of temnopleurid, characterised by an uncommon supra-ambital tuberculation, with excressences of the test surrounding scrobiculated tubercles. A third new marsupiate echinoid, Coptechinus sp. A, has been found too, but it is very difficult to know if it is a new species or a new morphotype of C. bardini.
Contrarily to previous interpretations, this study points out the high diversity of western European Neogene marsupiate echinoids, a diversity comparable to the one of Australian Neogene marsupiate echinoids. However, breeding species from Australia and western Europe are clearly different and similarities exist between these two marsupiate echinofaunas at the family level only. Indeed, both in Australia and western Europe, the breeding species of echinoids mainly belong to the temnopleurid family, with the austral genus Paradoxechinus, on the one side, the north European genera Temnotrema and Coptechinus, on the other side. Moreover, the arbaciids consist of three marsupiate species of the genus Arbacina in Europe when no breeding species of this family exist in Australia. On the contrary, several breeding irregular echinoids have been found in the Australian Tertiary deposits (Spatangoids and Clypeasteroids) when not any marsupiate irregular echinoid has been discovered at present in the western Europe Neogene deposits.
Manifestations in a family with autosomal dominant bone fragility and limb‐girdle myopathy
Authors: Mehta Sarju G. , Watts Giles D.J. , McGillivray Barbara , Mumm Steven , Hamilton Sara Jane , Ramdeen Sheena , Novack Deborah , Briggs Christine , Whyte Michael P. , Kimonis Virginia E. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe report on an unusual family with an autosomal dominant limb‐girdle type of myopathy and bone fragility. This family was previously reported by Henry et al. [1958] as autosomal dominant progressive limb girdle “muscular dystrophy” with propensity to fractures and defective healing of long bones. Clinical, biochemical, and radiological aspects were evaluated in eight living relatives in this family (three males and five females) and in eight deceased individuals. The average age‐of‐onset of the limb‐girdle myopathy was 31 years occurring in 87% of affected individuals. The average age of onset of fractures was 24 years occurring in 88% of affected individuals. Biochemical analysis showed a mean alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of 64 U/L (normal 30–120) and borderline high creatine kinase (CK) of 213 U/L (normal 4–220). Radiographs revealed coarse trabeculation, patchy sclerosis, cortical thickening, and narrowing of the medullary cavity with an appearance not considered typical of Paget disease of bone (PDB) or of fibrous dysplasia. Results of nerve conduction studies were normal, and electromyograms and muscle biopsies documented non‐specific myopathic changes. There is premature graying with thin hair, thin skin, hernias and the affected individuals appear older than their chronological age, and three members had a clotting disorder. Linkage analysis for markers for the chromosome 9p22.3‐q12 locus indicated that the disorder in this family does not segregate with markers in the critical region of limb‐girdle/inclusion body myopathy, PDB, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) [IBMPFD, OMIM #605382]. Sequencing of Valosin‐containing protein (VCP), the gene associated with IBMPFD, did not identify mutations. We have excluded linkage to the known loci for limb‐girdle type of myopathy and bone disease and excluded several candidate genes. Elucidation of the novel molecular basis of this disorder may provide valuable links between bone, collagen and muscle, and targeted therapeutic options. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A subterminal deletion of the long arm of chromosome 10: A clinical report and review
Authors: Courtens Winnie , Wuyts Wim , Rooms Liesbeth , Pera Sarah Barbera , Wauters Jan 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe report on a girl with mental retardation, dysmorphic features, and behavioral problems. A small terminal deletion of the long arm of chromosome 10 was detected by subtelomeric fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies in all analyzed metaphases. The deletion was shown to be a de novo terminal deletion of approximately 6.1 Mb, with the deletion breakpoint localized at band 10q26.2, between BAC probes RP11‐498K22 and RP11‐42K2. A subterminal 10q deletion as found in the present patient has, to our knowledge, only been reported in 15 patients (including 8 familial cases). We review the clinical and behavioral phenotype of these patients with “pure” subterminal 10q deletion. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.