bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levels of soluble endothelium‐derived adhesion molecules in patients with sickle cell disease are associated with pulmonary hypertension, organ dysfunction, and mortality
Authors: Kato Gregory J. , Martyr Sabrina , Blackwelder William C. , Nichols James S. , Coles Wynona A. , Hunter Lori A. , Brennan Marie‐Luise , Hazen Stanley L. , Gladwin Mark T. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryEndothelial cell adhesion molecules orchestrate the recruitment and binding of inflammatory cells to vascular endothelium. With endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury, the levels of endothelial bound and soluble adhesion molecules increase. Such expression is modulated by nitric oxide (NO), and in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), these levels are inversely associated with measures of NO bioavailability. To further evaluate the role of endothelial dysfunction in a population study of SCD, we have measured the levels of soluble endothelium‐derived adhesion molecules in the plasma specimens of 160 adult patients with SCD during steady state. Consistent with a link between endothelial dysfunction and end‐organ disease, we found that higher levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) were associated with markers indicating renal dysfunction and hepatic impairment. Analysis of soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), sE‐selectin and sP‐selectin levels indicated partially overlapping associations with sVCAM‐1, with an additional association with inflammatory stress and triglyceride levels. Importantly, increased soluble adhesion molecule expression correlated with severity of pulmonary hypertension, a clinical manifestation of endothelial dysfunction. Soluble VCAM‐1, ICAM‐1, and E‐selectin were independently associated with the risk of mortality in this cohort. Our data are consistent with steady state levels of soluble adhesion molecules as markers of pulmonary hypertension and risk of death.
Isotype‐specific detection of ABO blood group antibodies using a novel flow cytometric method
Authors: Stussi G. , Huggel K. , Lutz H. U. , Schanz U. , Rieben R. , Seebach J. D. 
Published: August 2005

SummarySeveral methods to detect anti‐A/B antibodies based on haemagglutination and haemolysis have been described. These methods measure predominantly anti‐A/B immunoglobulin (Ig)M, whereas anti‐A/B IgG and IgG subclasses are less well examined. We established a flow cytometry method (ABO‐fluorescence‐activated cell sorting; ABO‐FACS) to quantify binding of anti‐A/B IgM, IgG and IgG subclasses to human A or B red blood cells. Anti‐A/B IgM were present in the majority of 120 blood donors, as expected from blood group typing. The sensitivity and specificity of anti‐A/B IgM to predict the blood group was 93% and 96% respectively. Anti‐A/B IgG was found in 34/38 blood group O samples (89%). Anti‐B IgG in blood group A or anti‐A IgG in blood group B was present in 4/28 (14%) and 1/28 (4%) samples, respectively, and absent in 26 AB sera. IgG2 was the predominant IgG subclass. The correlation of anti‐A/B IgM and IgG in the ABO‐FACS with haemagglutination titres was 0·870 and 0·783, respectively (n = 240; P < 0·001) whereas the comparison of ABO‐FACS with ABO‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was less significant. In conclusion, ABO‐FACS is a valid method to quantify anti‐A/B IgM, IgG and IgG subclasses. It opens the possibility of isotype‐specific monitoring of anti‐A/B antibodies levels after ABO‐incompatible solid organ and stem cell transplantation.
Functional osteoclast‐like transformation of cultured human myeloma cell lines
Authors: Calvani Nicola , Cafforio Paola , Silvestris Franco , Dammacco Franco 
Published: August 2005

SummaryHyperactive osteoclastogenesis is a hallmark of multiple myeloma, a B cell neoplasia homing to bone marrow and resulting in multiple osteolytic lesions and skeleton devastation. We provide evidence that myeloma cells can themselves act as osteoclastsin vitro. By extending standard cultures of U‐266 and MCC‐2 myeloma cell lines, we found that subsets of adherent cells also expressed the osteoclast phenotype, including multinuclear morphology, cytoplasmic tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, the calcitonin receptor and a specific osteoclast antigen. These subsets resorbed bone substrates by producing osteoclast enzymes as well as the characteristic redistribution of F‐actin in their cytoskeleton, thus forming the sealing zone that is adopted by adherent osteoclasts to generate the acidified environment essential for bone resorption. Neither the phenotype nor the functional properties of osteoclasts were detected in parental non‐adherent cells. In adherent cultures osteoclastogenesis was associated with deregulated expression of both receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor (NF)‐κB (RANK) and its ligand RANK‐L, which triggers cell maturation in osteoclast precursors. Resorption of bone substrates was prevented by a neutralising anti‐RANK‐L antibody. Our data indicate that osteoclast‐like transformation of both U‐266 and MCC‐2 cellular models of human myeloma is dependent on RANK‐L stimulation.
Nephrotic syndrome: an under‐recognised immune‐mediated complication of non‐myeloablative allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Srinivasan R. , Balow J. E. , Sabnis S. , Lundqvist A. , Igarashi T. , Takahashi Y. , Austin H. , Tisdale J. , Barrett J. , Geller N. , Childs R. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryNephrotic syndrome (NS) is an extremely rare complication of myeloablative allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) that usually occurs in association with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (C‐GVHD). We observed an unexpectedly high incidence of NS in a cohort of 163 consecutive patients undergoing non‐myeloablative HCT from a related human leucocyte antigen‐compatible donor. Seven patients developed NS at a median 318 d post‐transplant (range 119–1203 d; cumulative incidence 6·1%). The median age at onset of NS was 46 years (range 33–59 years); three of the seven patients had no evidence of C‐GVHD while four had accompanying limited C‐GVHD. At diagnosis, median proteinuria was 16·5 g/24 h (range 3–24 g/24 h). Renal biopsy was performed in four cases and revealed membranous nephropathy. NS was not always associated with other symptoms of C‐GVHD, and in contrast to previous reports, usually did not improve with the re‐initiation of aggressive immunosuppression, resulting in progressive renal failure necessitating dialysis in three of seven cases. Membranous nephropathy resulting in NS is a previously unrecognised and clinically significant complication of non‐myeloablative HCT.
Transcription repression activity is associated with the type I isoform of the MMSET gene involved in t(4;14) in multiple myeloma
Authors: Todoerti Katia , Ronchetti Domenica , Agnelli Luca , Castellani Stefano , Marelli Silvia , Deliliers Giorgio Lambertenghi , Zanella Alberto , Lombardi Luigia , Neri Antonino 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe WHSC1/MMSET gene, involved in t(4;14)(p16.3;q32) in multiple myeloma, encodes putative isoforms (MMSET I, MMSET II and RE‐IIBP) which are thought to be involved in transcription regulation. We investigated their activity in transfected 293T and HeLa cells. Both MMSET I and MMSET II were localised in the nucleus, whereas RE‐IIBP showed cytoplasmic and nucleolar staining. MMSET I dose‐dependently repressed the transcriptional activity of the promoter region of the thymidine kinase gene, whereas MMSET II and RE‐IIBP had no effect. The HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A, reduced MMSET I repression activity and in vitro co‐immunoprecipitation analyses indicated that MMSET I specifically recruits HDAC1 and mSin3b, but not HDAC2 or HDAC4. Our data support the hypothesis that MMSET may act as a transcription regulator; different functions may be associated with distinct isoforms.
Pax6 is required for production and maintenance of progenitor cells in postnatal hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Maekawa Motoko , Takashima Noriko , Arai Yoko , Nomura Tadashi , Inokuchi Kaoru , Yuasa Shigeki , Osumi Noriko 
Published: August 2005

Neurogenesis is crucial for brain formation and continues to take place in certain regions of the postnatal brain including the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Pax6 transcription factor is a key player for patterning the brain and promoting embryonic neurogenesis, and is also expressed in the SGZ. In the DG of wild‐type rats, more than 90% of total BrdU‐incorporated cells expressed Pax6 at 30 min time point after BrdU injection. Moreover, approximately 60% of Pax6+ cells in the SGZ exhibited as GFAP+ cells with a radial glial phenotype and about 30% of Pax6+ cells exhibited as PSA‐NCAM+ cells in clusters. From BrdU labeling for 3 days, we found that cell proliferation was 30% decreased at postnatal stages in Pax6‐deficient rSey2/+ rat. BrdU pulse/chase experiments combined with marker staining revealed that PSA‐NCAM+ late progenitor cells increased at the expense of GFAP+ early progenitors in rSey2/+ rat. Furthermore, expression of Wnt ligands in the SGZ was markedly reduced in rSey2/+ rat. Taken all together, an appropriate dosage of Pax6 is essential for production and maintenance of the GFAP+ early progenitor cells in the postnatal hippocampal neurogenesis.
Rho mediates endocytosis of epidermal growth factor receptor through phosphorylation of endophilin A1 by Rho‐kinase
Authors: Kaneko Takako , Maeda Akio , Takefuji Mikito , Aoyama Hiroki , Nakayama Masanori , Kawabata Saeko , Kawano Yoji , Iwamatsu Akihiro , Amano Mutsuki , Kaibuchi Kozo 
Published: August 2005

After binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF), the EGF receptor is activated, internalized by endocytosis, and subsequently degraded in the lysosomal pathway. Endocytotic trafficking of the activated EGF receptor is essential for controlling EGF signaling. Upon ligand‐induced activation of EGF receptors, Cbl (ubiquitin ligase) binds to the activated receptor and leads to translocation of the CIN85 (Cbl‐interacting protein of 85 kDa)/endophilin complex in the vicinity of the activated EGF receptors. Endophilin is known as a key regulator of clathrin‐mediated endocytosis, and the translocation of endophilin in the vicinity of active EGF receptor is thought to promote receptor internalization. The constitutively active mutant of small GTPase Rho inhibits EGF receptor endocytosis. In this study, we found that this inhibitory effect was canceled by the dominant negative form of Rho‐associated kinase (Rho‐kinase), which is an effector of Rho. To clarify the molecular mechanisms of endocytosis downstream of Rho/Rho‐kinase signal, we searched for and identified endophilin A1 as a novel substrate of Rho‐kinase. We identified the phosphorylation site of endophilin A1 at Thr‐14 and made endophilin T14D (substitution of Thr‐14 by Asp), which is expected to mimic the phosphorylation state of endophilin A1. Endophilin T14D inhibited EGF receptor internalization. Furthermore, phosphorylation of endophilin by Rho‐kinase inhibited the binding to CIN85. Taken together, these results suggest that Rho‐kinase phosphorylates endophilin downstream of Rho and regulates EGF receptor endocytosis through the inhibition of binding between endophilin and CIN85.
Both antigen optimization and lysosomal targeting are required for enhanced anti‐tumour protective immunity in a human papillomavirus E7‐expressing animal tumour model
Authors: Suk Kim Mi , Sin Jeong‐Im 
Published: August 2005

SummaryDNA immunization is a new approach for cancer immune therapy. In this study, we constructed human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E7 expression vector cassettes and then compared the abilities of these constructs to induce antitumour protection. Lysosome‐targeted E7 antigens, and to a lesser degree signal sequence‐conjugated and transmembrane region sequence‐conjugated E7 antigens in a DNA form, displayed tumour protection significantly higher than wild‐type E7 antigens. This enhanced tumour protection was mediated by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), as determined by in vivo T‐cell depletion and in vitro interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production. Subsequent co‐injection with interleukin‐12‐expressing cDNA showed insignificantly enhanced antitumour protection. However, E7 codon optimization plus lysosomal targeting resulted in a dramatic enhancement in antitumour protection both prophylactically and therapeutically through augmentation of the E7‐specific CTL population, compared to either one of them alone. However, wild‐type or codonoptimized E7 antigens without intracellular targeting displayed no protection against tumour challenge. Thus, these data suggest that antigen codon optimization plus lysosomal targeting strategy could be important in crafting more efficacious E7 DNA vaccines for tumour protection.
Quality retention during the chilled distribution of farmed turbot (Psetta maxima): effect of a primary slurry ice treatment
Authors: Piñeiro Carmen , Bautista Raquel , Rodríguez Óscar , Losada Vanesa , Barros‐Velázquez Jorge , Aubourg Santiago P. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe quality and shelf‐life of chilled farmed turbot (Psetta maxima) was evaluated by sensory, microbiological and biochemical procedures after being subjected to a two‐step refrigeration storage in slurry ice and flake ice, respectively. Turbot specimens were stored for 10 or 17 days in slurry ice, and then were transferred to flake ice for 1–3 days to simulate the sale conditions in the market. The results were compared with control batches stored only in flake ice and processed in parallel. Storage of turbot in the two‐step strategy resulted in a better maintenance of sensory quality, especially with regard to its mucus production and gill odour development, better control of microbial activity, especially of aerobes, and the slowing down of some biochemical degradation mechanisms such as the nucleotide degradation pathway and trimethylamine production. As a consequence, the shelf‐life was extended significantly. From these results it can be concluded that the refrigerated transport of farmed turbot in slurry ice enhances its shelf‐life, before its transfer into flake ice in the retail market.
Effect of flour fortification with haem liposome on bread and bread doughs
Authors: Albaldawi Amira , Brennan Charles S. , Alobaidy Khalid , Alammar Waffa , Aljumaily Dhamla 
Published: August 2005

SummarySlaughter blood haem was encapsulated in lecithin : cholesterol Liposomes. Wheat flour was fortified with this mixture at two levels (60 and 100 mg/100 g flour) using the haem liposomes as iron source. The effect of haem fortification on gluten and fat content of flours was determined, as were the effects of fortification on dough visco‐elastic characteristics (water absorption, development time, dough stability and breakdown time). The baking properties of the breads were also investigated. The addition of haem liposomes increased the fat content of flours, and had a positive effect on the stability and rheological characteristics of the dough. Loaf volume and crumb uniformity was improved. These results indicate a potential nutritional use for haem liposomes..
The preservation of the quality of the muscle in frozen Australian red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) by pre‐storage anti‐oxidant dipping treatments†
Authors: Tseng Yen‐Chang , Xiong Youling L. , Webster Carl D. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryAustralian red claw crayfish tails were dipped in either 0.06% (w/w) anti‐oxidant solutions (tocopherols, propyl gallate, or rosemary extract) or in water and subsequently stored in a −20 °C freezer. At the end of 0, 1, 3, and 6 months of storage, the raw muscle samples were analysed for lipid oxidation, the thermal stability of proteins, cooking yield and shear force. Red claw treated with anti‐oxidants showed a lower (P < 0.05) thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) production than the non‐anti‐oxidant control (dipped in water). Enthalpy of denaturation (ΔH) for the myosin head and shear values for the tails decreased (P < 0.05) in all samples after 6 months of storage, while cooking yield was unaffected by storage. Overall, red claw muscle was quite stable and the oxidation, measured as TBARS values, was small (<0.3 mg kg−1) but could be further stabilized by anti‐oxidant dipping treatments. However the anti‐oxidant dipping did not prevent texture softening in red claw muscle during frozen storage.
The effect of high pressure treatment on rheological characteristics and colour of mango pulp
Authors: Ahmed Jasim , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. , Hiremath Nikhil 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe effect of high‐pressure (HP) treatment (100–400 MPa for 15 or 30 min at 20 °C) on the rheological characteristics and colour of fresh and canned mango pulps was evaluated. Differences were observed in the rheological behaviour of fresh and canned mango pulps treated with HP. Shear stress–shear rate data of pulps were well described by the Herschel–Bulkley model. The consistency index (K) of fresh pulp increased with pressure level from 100 to 200 MPa while a steady decrease was noticed for canned pulp. For fresh pulp the flow behaviour index decreased with pressure treatment whereas an increasing trend was observed with canned pulp. Storage and loss moduli of treated fresh pulp with HP increased linearly with angular frequency up to 200 MPa for a treatment time of 30 min while a steady decreasing trend was found for processed pulp. No significant variation in colour was observed during pressure treatment.
Vascular epiphyte distribution patterns: explaining the mid‐elevation richness peak
Authors: CARDELÚS CATHERINE L. , COLWELL ROBERT K. , WATKINS JAMES E. 
Published: August 2005

Summary

We examined in situ diversity and distribution of vascular epiphytes, as well as site environmental variables at six sites along a continuous elevational gradient (30–2600 m a.s.l.) of old‐growth forest in Costa Rica.
A total of 555 species of vascular epiphytes from 130 genera of 53 families were identified to species or morphospecies. The ferns were the most diverse group, with 138 species, followed by orchids (112 species). Cloud forest at 1000 m was the richest site, representing the maximum of a pronounced mid‐elevation peak in epiphyte species richness.
Spatial randomizations of recorded elevational ranges suggest that the overall elevational richness pattern of most epiphyte groups on this transect is substantially influenced by the mid‐domain effect (MDE, the mid‐elevation overlap of large‐ranged species). Among the environmental factors considered (rainfall, temperature and canopy light environment), only rainfall was significantly correlated with richness.
Different patterns of richness for vascular epiphytes and for trees indicate that mechanisms differ between life forms.
We collected 26% of the estimated epiphyte species of Costa Rica along a single mountain transect. This, together with the finding that different groups and life forms varied in the elevation at which species richness peaked, highlights the need to conserve the few remaining intact elevational gradients in Latin America.
Patterns of virulence gene expression differ between biofilm and tissue communities of Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Cho Kyu Hong , Caparon Michael G. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe ability of Streptococcus pyogenes to form biofilm‐like bacterial communities during infection of soft tissue has suggested that the capacity to produce biofilm may be important for pathogenesis. To examine this relationship, a panel of mutants was evaluated for their ability to form biofilm on abiotic surfaces in several assays. Several established virulence factors were crucial for biofilm formation, including the M protein, required for initial cell‐surface interactions, and the hyaluronic acid capsule, required for subsequent maturation into a three‐dimensional structure. Mutants lacking the transcription regulators Mga and CovR (CsrR) also failed to form biofilm. Comparison of transcriptional profiles revealed differential regulation of approximately 25% of the genome upon adaptation to biofilm. During infection of zebrafish, several virulence factors (notably cysteine protease and streptokinase) were regulated in a biofilm‐like manner. However, the overall profile of virulence factor expression indicated that tissue communities have a pattern of gene expression different from biofilm. Taken together, these data show that while biofilm and tissue communities have many characteristics in common, that biofilm reproduces only a subset of the myriad cues used by tissue communities for regulation of virulence.
An atypical mitogen‐activated protein kinase controls cytokinesis and flagellar motility during male gamete formation in a malaria parasite
Authors: Tewari Rita , Dorin Dominique , Moon Robert , Doerig Christian , Billker Oliver 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe transmission of malaria parasites to the mosquito depends critically on the rapid initiation of sexual reproduction in response to triggers from the mosquito midgut environment. We here identify an essential function for an atypical mitogen‐activated protein kinase of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei, Pbmap‐2, in male sexual differentiation and parasite transmission to the mosquito. A deletion mutant no longer expressing the Pbmap‐2 protein develops as wild type throughout the asexual erythrocytic phase of the life cycle. Gametocytes, the sexual transmission stages, form normally and respond in vitro to the appropriate environmental cues by rounding up and emerging from their host cells. However, microgametocytes fail to release flagellated microgametes. Female development is not affected, as judged by the ability of macrogametes to become cross‐fertilized by microgametes from a donor strain. Cellular differentiation of Pbmap‐2 KO microgametocytes is blocked at a late stage of male gamete formation, after replication and mitoses have been completed and axonemes have been assembled. These data demonstrate a function for Pbmap‐2 in initiating cytokinesis and axoneme motility, possibly downstream of a cell cycle checkpoint for the completion of replication and/or mitosis, which are extraordinarily rapid in the male gametocyte.
VSG switching in Trypanosoma brucei: antigenic variation analysed using RNAi in the absence of immune selection
Authors: Aitcheson Niall , Talbot Suzanne , Shapiro Jesse , Hughes Katie , Adkin Carl , Butt Thomas , Sheader Karen , Rudenko Gloria 
Published: August 2005

SummaryTrypanosoma brucei relies on antigenic variation of its variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat for survival. We show that VSG switching can be efficiently studied in vitro using VSG RNAi in place of an immune system to select for switch variants. Contrary to models predicting an instant switch after inhibition of VSG synthesis, switching was not induced by VSG RNAi and occurred at a rate of 10−4 per division. We find a highly reproducible hierarchy of VSG activation, which appears to be capable of resetting, whereby more than half of the switch events over 12 experiments were to one of two VSGs. We characterized switched clones according to switch mechanism using marker genes in the active VSG expression site (ES). Transcriptional switches between ESs were the preferred switching mechanism, whereby at least 10 of the 17 ESs identified in T. brucei 427 can be functionally active in vitro. We could specifically select for switches mediated by DNA rearrangements by inducing VSG RNAi in the presence of drug selection for the active ES. Most of the preferentially activated VSGs could be activated by multiple mechanisms. This VSG RNAi‐based procedure provides a rapid and powerful means for analysing VSG switching in African trypanosomes entirely in vitro.