bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CCL20 chemokine induces both osteoblast proliferation and osteoclast differentiation: Increased levels of CCL20 are expressed in subchondral bone tissue of rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Lisignoli Gina , Piacentini Anna , Cristino Sandra , Grassi Francesco , Cavallo Carola , Cattini Luca , Tonnarelli Beatrice , Manferdini Cristina , Facchini Andrea 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe evaluated the role of CCL20 (MIP‐3α) chemokine in cells directly involved in the remodeling of bone tissue (osteoblasts and osteoclasts) and we confirmed its expression in the subchondral bone tissue of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The expression of CCL20 and of its receptor CCR6 was evaluated in osteoblasts isolated from bone tissue of post‐traumatic (PT) patients. Functional tests were performed to evaluate osteoblast proliferation and matrix protein modulation. Immunohistochemical analysis for CCR6, CCL20, and RANKL was performed on bone samples from RA patients. The role of CCL20 was then analyzed in osteoclast differentiation. We found that in basal conditions CCR6, but not its ligand CCL20, was highly expressed by osteoblasts. Functional analysis on osteoblasts showed that CCL20 significantly increased cellular proliferation but did not affect matrix protein expression. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines significantly induced the release of CCL20 and RANKL by human osteoblasts but did not modulate CCR6 expression. Increased expression of CCR6, CCL20, and RANKL was confirmed in RA subchondral bone tissue biopsies. We demonstrated that CCL20 was also an earlier inducer of osteoclast differentiation by increasing the number of pre‐osteoclasts, thus favoring cell fusion and MMP‐9 release. Our results add new insight to the important role of the CCL20/CCR6, RANKL system in the bone tissue of RA. The contemporary action of CCL20 on osteoblasts and osteoclasts involved in the maintenance of bone tissue homeostasis demonstrates the important role of this compartment in the evolution of RA, by showing a clear uncoupling between new bone formation and bone resorption. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 798–806, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular signaling and genetic pathways of senescence: Its role in tumorigenesis and aging
Authors: Zhang Hong 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn response to progressive telomere shortening in successive cell divisions, normal somatic cells enter senescence, during which they cease to proliferate irreversibly and undergo dramatic changes in gene expression. Senescence can also be activated by various types of stressful stimuli, including aberrant oncogenic signaling, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Because of the limited proliferative capacity imposed by senescence, as well as the ability of senescent cells to influence neighboring non‐senescent cells, senescence has been proposed to play an important role in tumorigenesis and to contribute to aging. Considerable effort has been put into elucidating the molecular mechanisms of senescence, including the signals that trigger senescence, the molecular pathways by which cells enter senescence, and evidence that supports its role in tumorigenesis and aging. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 567–574, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
2,2′‐Thiodiethanol: A new water soluble mounting medium for high resolution optical microscopy
Authors: Staudt Thorsten , Lang Marion C. , Medda Rebecca , Engelhardt Johann , Hell Stefan W. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe use of high numerical aperture immersion lenses in optical microscopy is compromised by spherical aberrations induced by the refractive index mismatch between the immersion system and the embedding medium of the sample. Especially when imaging >10 μm deep into the specimen, the refractive index mismatch results in a noticeable loss of image brightness and resolution. A solution to this problem is to adapt the index of the embedding medium to that of the immersion system. Unfortunately, not many mounting media are known that are both index tunable as well as compatible with fluorescence imaging. Here we introduce a nontoxic embedding medium, 2,2′‐thiodiethanol (TDE), which, by being miscible with water at any ratio, allows fine adjustment of the average refractive index of the sample ranging from that of water (1.33) to that of immersion oil (1.52). TDE thus enables high resolution imaging deep inside fixed specimens with objective lenses of the highest available aperture angles and has the potential to render glycerol embedding redundant. The refractive index changes due to larger cellular structures, such as nuclei, are largely compensated. Additionally, as an antioxidant, TDE preserves the fluorescence quantum yield of most of the fluorophores. We present the optical and chemical properties of this new medium as well as its application to a variety of differently stained cells and cellular substructures. substructures. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A branched histidine/lysine peptide, H2K4b, in complex with plasmids encoding antitumor proteins inhibits tumor xenografts
Authors: Leng Qixin , Scaria Puthupparampil , Ioffe Olga B. , Woodle Martin , Mixson A. James 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackgroundIn this study we investigated whether a particular branched HK polymer, H2K4b, was an effective in vivo carrier of plasmids expressing the antiangiogenic kringle 1–5 or the tumor suppressor p53.MethodsH2K4b was synthesized on a solid‐phase peptide synthesizer. Distribution, optimization and time course studies were done in tumor‐bearing nude mice by systemically administering H2K4b in complex with a luciferase‐expressing plasmid. We examined the amount of tumor angiogenesis in C6 with MDA‐MB‐435 xenografts utilizing the carmine dye. The ability of H2K4b to carry luciferase plasmids to different tissues was compared with several liposomal carriers. Medium from cells transfected with mKr1‐5 was tested for its capacity to inhibit angiogenesis with an in vivo Matrigel assay. We then determined if systemically delivered H2K4b in complex with plasmid encoding mKr1‐5 inhibited tumor growth; we also compared the antitumor activity of HK polyplexes containing hKr1‐5, mKr1‐5, and p53 plasmids.ResultsH2K4b carried the luciferase‐expressing plasmid in order of descending efficacy to these tissues: lung, spleen, tumor, and liver. Compared to DOTAP‐containing liposomes, H2K4b was a more effective carrier of a luciferase‐containing plasmid to extrapulmonary tissues. We then determined that mKr1‐5 in complex with H2K4b reduced MDA‐MB‐435 tumor growth by approximately 50% compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Similarly, H2K4b/mKr1‐5 polyplexes reduced the growth of C6 xenografts. In MDA‐MB‐435 xenografts, p53‐ and Kr1‐5‐expressing plasmids in complex with H2K4b had comparable antitumor activity.ConclusionH2K4b demonstrates potential as a carrier of plasmids encoding antiangiogenic and/or tumor suppressor proteins in a tumor‐bearing mouse model. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social capital, egalitarianism and foreign aid allocations
Authors: Knowles Stephen 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis paper explores the issue of whether countries that have higher levels of social capital, and/or are more egalitarian, are more generous in terms of donating foreign aid. The empirical results suggest that in countries with a more equal distribution of income, aid allocations by the government are higher, but donations to non‐government aid organisations by the private sector are lower. There is a positive correlation between the level of social capital and aid allocated by both the government and the private sector. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The nature of indigenous environmental knowledge production: evidence from Bedouin communities in southern Egypt
Authors: Briggs John , Sharp Joanne , Yacoub Hoda , Hamed Nabila , Roe Alan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe use of indigenous knowledge has been seen in some quarters to offer real possibilities of success in development practice. However, results have been uneven, perhaps because of the way in which indigenous knowledge has been conceptualised. Drawing on empirical research among two related Bedouin communities in Egypt, the paper suggests that indigenous knowledge is provisional and dynamic and therefore rather less static than implied in much of the literature; it should be seen as utilitarian and grounded, both economically and socio‐culturally; and indigenous knowledge as a term may be unhelpful and misleading and would be better expressed as local knowledges. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid immunochromatographic test for hantavirus andes contrasted with capture‐IgM ELISA for detection of andes‐specific IgM antibodies
Authors: Navarrete Maritza , Barrera Claudia , Zaror Luis , Otth Carola 
Published: November 2006

AbstractHantavirus is associated with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The clinical diagnosis of hantavirus infections has been confirmed routinely by the immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A rapid and easy diagnostic test for hantavirus infection is required. A new immunochromatographic assay for hantavirus, POC‐PUU, useful for the diagnosis of epidemic nephrophaty associated with hantavirus Puumala in Europe, was evaluated in Chile. This test is based on recombinant N‐protein of hantavirus Puumala, and cross‐reacts with other hantaviruses. Eighty human sera were selected at random from patients from Southern Chile who were suspected with HPS. The hantavirus capture‐IgM ELISA was compared with a commercially available POC‐PUU test (POC PUUMALA, Reagena Ltd., Toivala, Finland). The test sensitivity and specificity of the POC‐PUU test were 97 and 90%, respectively. It is important to note that although the test is not specific for Andes virus the sensitivity and specificity were above 90%, which indicates good reactivity to the Puumala nucleoprotein antigen. As this test is cost‐effective, with a high negative value, rapid and easy to carry out, specialized personnel are not necessary, nor does it require specialized equipment. Its usefulness for diagnosis is important in hospitals far from reference centers and areas with a high incidence of HPS cases. J. Med. Virol. 79:41–44, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in replication capacity between enterovirus 71 isolates obtained from patients with encephalitis and those obtained from patients with herpangina in Taiwan
Authors: Kung Chien‐Min , King Chwan‐Chuen , Lee Chun‐Nan , Huang Li‐Min , Lee Ping‐Ing , Kao Chuan‐Liang 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe cellular‐tropism and biological characteristics of enterovirus 71 (EV71) isolates in Taiwan (TW) were studied. Growth curve experiments were conducted using cell lines that were possibly exhibited pathogenesis, and RT‐PCR and sequencing tests were undertaken to amplify the 5′ non‐coding region (5′‐NCR). The encephalitis isolate EV71 TW98NTU2078 was PBMC‐tropic, temperature‐resistant (Tr) at 40°C, and easier to replicate in HTB‐14 (astrocytoma) than the herpangina isolate EV71 TW98NTU1186 (The viral yields were 100‐fold higher than those of the herpangina isolate EV71 TW98NTU1186 at 96 hr post infection.). The herpangina isolate EV71 TW98NTU1186 was non‐PBMC‐tropic, and temperature‐sensitive (Ts) at 40°C. The replication of EV71 TW98NTU1186 in HTB‐14 was lower. No EV71 isolate infected HTB‐37 (human colon adenocarcinoma cells). The encephalitis EV71 isolate exhibited better replication and transmission in PBMCs and astrocytes than did the EV71 isolate without CNS involvement. J. Med. Virol. 79:60–68, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Norovirus capsid protein expressed in yeast forms virus‐like particles and stimulates systemic and mucosal immunity in mice following an oral administration of raw yeast extracts
Authors: Xia Ming , Farkas Tibor , Jiang Xi 
Published: November 2006

AbstractNorovirus (NV) gastroenteritis is a widespread disease affecting people of all ages worldwide. A simple, safe, and easily deliverable vaccine may be the key for the control and prevention of NV gastroenteritis. In this study, we demonstrated that a NV recombinant capsid protein (strain VA387, genogroup II.4) expressed in yeast (Pichia pastoris) spontaneously formed virus‐like particles (VLPs) like those expressed in other in vitro systems. Oral administration of raw material from the yeast cell lysates containing 0.1 mg of VLPs without an adjuvant resulted in systemic and mucosal immune responses in mice. Significantly higher and earlier responses were observed in mice receiving a higher dose (1 mg per dose) of the antigen. Both the serum and fecal antibodies blocked VA387 VLP binding to its histo‐blood group antigen receptors. The animals did not reveal any side effect following the administration of the yeast lysates. Our results indicated that yeast is a simple, effective alternative for NV VLP production. The mice immunization study also indicated that the oral administration of raw yeast extracts without an adjuvant is a safe and simple way which is worth to be studied for vaccine delivery in humans. J. Med. Virol. 79:74–83, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of NV‐F virus DNA in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yeh Chau‐Ting , Chen Tse‐Ching , Chang Ming‐Ling , Hsu Chao‐Wei , Yeh Ta‐Sen , Lee Wei‐Chen , Huang Shiu‐Feng , Tsai Chih‐Chieh 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA fragment of DNA sequence derived from a hepatotropic virus, named NV‐F was isolated recently. The aim of this study was to examine whether this virus was associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Total cellular DNA was extracted from hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. NV‐F virus DNA was detected by PCR. The PCR products were subjected to sequence analysis. Of the 78 HCC samples included, 12 (15.4%) were positive for NV‐F virus DNA. Sequence analysis of the 12 amplified DNA fragments revealed a point mutation in one of them. The clinicopathological parameters between patients with and without NV‐F virus infection were compared. It was found that patients with NV‐F virus infection were older than those without NV‐F virus infection (mean ages, 61.5 versus 52.5 years; P = 0.032). Otherwise, no difference was observed between the two groups. Of the 12 HCC patients positive for NV‐F virus DNA, 11 patients were co‐infected by either hepatitis B or C virus. The remaining patient was a Taiwanese aboriginal inhabitant with cryptogenic cirrhosis. In conclusion, NV‐F virus DNA was identified in 15.4% of HCC tissues. HCC patients with NV‐F virus infection were significantly older than those without NV‐F virus infection. J. Med. Virol. 79:92–96, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seroprevalence of rubella infection after national immunization program in Taiwan: Vaccination status and immigration impact
Authors: Wang I‐Jen , Huang Li‐Ming , Chen Hsiu‐Hsi , Hwang Kung‐Chang , Chen Chien‐Jen 
Published: November 2006

AbstractRubella vaccination was implemented nationwide in 1992 in Taiwan. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted to determine the age‐specific seroprevalence of anti‐rubella in female students aged 7–22 years old and women of reproductive age in Taipei County. Seropositivity of anti‐rubella antibodies was defined as a serum IgG level ≥10 IU/ml tested by enzyme immunoassay. Information on possible predictors of anti‐rubella seronegativity was obtained from structured questionnaire interview. Multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios (ORm) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were derived for each predictor using multiple logistic regression analysis. A total of 826 female students and 318 women were recruited. Anti‐rubella seropositive rates were 98.3% (282/287), 99.6% (234/235), 96.8% (179/185), 92.4% (110/119), 81.4% (197/242), and 89.5% (68/76) for the age groups of 7–9, 11–13, 15–17, 19–22, 25–33, and 34–44 years old, respectively. Among female students, negative serology for rubella antibodies was associated significantly with the age group and foreign nationality of mother, showing ORm (95% CI) of 1.2 (1.06–1.27) for each year increase in age, and 20.9 (6.31–68.97), respectively. Among women at the reproductive age, low maternal education level 91.6 (9.12–920.74), unmarried status 21.2 (6.16–72.89), and no rubella vaccination 98.9 (11.64–840.25) were associated significantly with an increased evidence of seronegativity to rubella. The National Rubella Vaccination Program has led to herd immunity of school girls. However, in order to eradicate the Rubella syndrome, greater effort is required to vaccinate foreign brides in Taiwan. J. Med. Virol. 79:97–103, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Osmotic regulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression in the rat amygdala: Functional role for nitric oxide in adaptive responses?
Authors: Yao Song T. , Antunes Vagner R. , Paton Julian F.R. , Murphy David 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWater‐deprivation‐induced osmotic stress leads to activation of a number of adaptive responses. Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the modulation of these responses, as the amygdala has been implicated in ingestive behavior and modulation of autonomic homeostatic functions. Here we investigated the effects of water deprivation on neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression within the rat amygdala; a brain area involved in modulating ingestive behavior and autonomic function. Water deprivation resulted in significant increases in nNOS immunoreactivity (‐ir) within different regions of the amygdala compared with euhydrated rats. Maximal increases were observed in the anteroventral (118 ± 9 vs. 47 ± 3 neurons), anteriodorsal (133 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 3), and posterioventral (175 ± 5 vs. 71 ± 5) parts of the medial amygdala. The basomedial nucleus (65 ± 4 vs. 39 ± 3) and posterior basolateral nucleus (19 ± 2 vs. 5 ± 1) of the amygdala and the capsular (21 ± 2 vs. 6 ± 1) and medial (44 ± 6 vs. 22 ± 3) parts of the central nucleus of the amygdala also showed increased nNOS‐ir in dehydrated rats. Water deprivation had no effect on nNOS‐ir in areas such as the cortical, anterior basolateral, and intercalated nuclei of the amygdala. Microinjection of an NO donor, DEA‐NONOate, into the central amygdala resulted in a pressor and tachycardic response that was attenuated by a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor. These observations suggest that activation of the nitrergic system is prevalent throughout the amygdala following water deprivation and suggest that the up‐reguation of nNOS could play a significant role in the integrative response to osmotic stress. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro characterization of a human neural progenitor cell coexpressing SSEA4 and CD133
Authors: Barraud Perrine , Stott Simon , Møllgård Kjeld , Parmar Malin , Björklund Anders 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe stage‐specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA4) is commonly used as a cell surface marker to identify the pluripotent human embryonic stem (ES) cells. Immunohistochemistry on human embryonic central nervous system revealed that SSEA4 is detectable in the early neuroepithelium, and its expression decreases as development proceeds. Flow cytometry analysis of forebrain‐derived cells demonstrated that the SSEA4‐expressing cells are enriched in the neural stem/progenitor cell fraction (CD133+), but are rarely codetected with the neural stem cell (NSC) marker CD15. Using a sphere‐forming assay, we showed that both subfractions CD133+/SSEA4+ and CD133+/CD15+ isolated from the embryonic forebrain are enriched in neurosphere‐initiating cells. In addition CD133, SSEA4, and CD15 expression is sustained in the expanded neurosphere cells and also mark subfractions of neurosphere‐initiating cells. Therefore, we propose that SSEA4 associated with CD133 can be used for both the positive selection and the enrichment of neural stem/progenitor cells from human embryonic forebrain. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental abnormalities in the nerves of peripheral myelin protein 22‐deficient mice
Authors: Amici Stephanie A. , Dunn William A. , Notterpek Lucia 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPeripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) is a tetraspan glycoprotein whose misexpression is associated with a family of hereditary peripheral neuropathies. In a recent report, we have characterized a novel PMP22‐deficient mouse model in which the first two coding exons were replaced by the lacZ reporter. To investigate further the myelin abnormalities in the absence of PMP22, sciatic nerves and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron explant cultures from PMP22‐deficient mice were studied at various stages of myelination. Throughout the first 3 months of postnatal development, myelin protein and β4 integrin levels are dramatically reduced, whereas p75 and β1 integrin remain elevated. By immunostaining, the distributions of several glial proteins, including β4 integrin, the voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv1.1, and E‐cadherin, are altered. Schwann cells from PMP22‐deficient mice are able to produce limited amounts of myelin in DRG explant cultures, yet the internodal segments are dramatically fewer and shorter. The comparison of PMP22‐deficient mice with other PMP22 mutant models reveals that the decrease in β4 integrin is specific to an absence of PMP22. Furthermore, whereas lysosome‐associated membrane protein 1 and ubiquitin are notably up‐regulated in nerves of PMP22‐deficient mice, heat shock protein 70 levels remain constant or decrease compared with wild‐type or PMP22 mutant samples. Together these results support a role for PMP22 in the early events of peripheral nerve myelination. Additionally, although myelin abnormalities are a commonality among PMP22 neuropathic models, the underlying subcellular mechanisms are distinct and depend on the specific genetic abnormality. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth and pathfinding of regenerating axons in the optic projection of adult fish
Authors: Becker Catherina G. , Becker Thomas 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn contrast to mammals, teleost fish are able to regrow severed long‐range projection axons in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to recovery of function. The optic projection in teleost fish is used to study neuron‐intrinsic and environmental molecular factors that determine successful axon regrowth and navigation through a complex CNS pathway back to original targets. Here we review evidence for regeneration‐specific regulation and robust expression of growth‐ and pathfinding‐associated genes in regenerating retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons of adult fish. The environment of the CNS in fish appears to contain few inhibitory molecules and at the same time a number of promoting molecules for axon regrowth. Finally, some environmental cues that are used as guidance cues for developing RGC axons are also present in continuously growing adult animals. These molecules may serve as guidance cues for the precise navigation of axons from newly generated RGCs in adult animals as well as of regenerating RGC axons after a lesion. The application of new molecular techniques especially to adult zebrafish, is likely to produce new insights into successful axonal regeneration in the CNS of fish and the absence thereof in mammals. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.