bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Protective Role of Locally Administered Immunostimulatory CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide in a Mouse Model of Genital Herpes Infection
Authors: Harandi Ali M. , Eriksson Kristina , Holmgren Jan 
Published: December 2002

ABSTRACTUnmethylated CpG dinucleotides in bacterial DNA or synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) are known as potent activators of the immune system and inducers of several Th1-associated immunomodulatory cytokines. We therefore investigated whether such a CpG-containing ODN (CpG ODN) given mucosally in the female genital tract could enhance innate immunity and protect against genital herpes infection. Groups of C57BL/6 mice were treated intravaginally with either CpG ODN or a non-CpG ODN control in the absence of any antigen either 2 days before or 4 h after an intravaginal challenge with a normally lethal dose of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Mice treated with CpG ODN exhibited significantly decreased titers of HSV-2 in their vaginal fluids compared with non-CpG ODN-treated mice. Furthermore, CpG ODN pretreatment significantly protected against development of disease and death compared to non-CpG ODN pretreatment. Most strikingly, CpG ODN conferred protection against disease and death even when given after the viral challenge. The CpG ODN-induced protection was associated with a rapid production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-18, and RANTES in the genital tract mucosa following CpG ODN treatment. The observed protection appeared to be dependent on IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-18, and T cells, as CpG ODN pretreatment did not confer any significant protection in mice deficient in IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-18, or T cells. Further, a complete protective immunity to reinfection was elicited in CpG ODN-treated, HSV-2-challenged mice, suggesting a role for mucosally administered CpG ODN in inducing the development of an acquired immune response in addition to its potent stimulation of innate immunity.
Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Envelope-Mediated Syncytium Formation Can Be Activated in Resistant Mammalian Cell Lines by a Carboxy-Terminal Truncation of the Envelope Cytoplasmic Domain
Authors: Kim Felix J. , Manel Nicolas , Boublik Yvan , Battini Jean-Luc , Sitbon Marc 
Published: December 2002

ABSTRACT

Human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) envelope (Env) glycoproteins induce fusion, leading to rampant syncytium formation in a broad range of cell lines. Here, we identified murine, hamster, canine, and porcine cell lines that are resistant to HTLV-1 Env-induced syncytium formation. This resistance was not due to the absence of functional receptors for HTLV Env, as these cells were susceptible to infection with HTLV Env-pseudotyped virions. As murine leukemia virus (MLV) Env and HTLV Env present close structural homologies (F. J. Kim, I. Seiliez, C. Denesvre, D. Lavillette, F. L. Cosset, and M. Sitbon, J. Biol. Chem.
275:
23417-23420, 2000), and because activation of syncytium formation by MLV Env generally requires cleavage of the R peptide in the cytoplasmic domain of the Env transmembrane (TM) component, we assessed whether truncation of the cytoplasmic domain of HTLV Env would alleviate this resistance. Indeed, in all resistant cell lines, truncation of the last 8 amino acids of the HTLV Env cytoplasmic domain (HdC8) was sufficient to overcome resistance to HTLV Env-induced syncytium formation. Furthermore, HdC8-mediated cell-to-cell infection titers varied according to the target cell lines and could be significantly higher than that observed with HTLV Env on HeLa cells. These data indicate that a determinant located within the 8 carboxy-terminal cytoplasmic amino acids of TM plays a distinct role in HTLV Env-mediated cell-to-cell infection and syncytium formation.
Quantitative Detection of Hepadnavirus-Infected Lymphoid Cells by In Situ PCR Combined with Flow Cytometry: Implications for the Study of Occult Virus Persistence
Authors: Mulrooney Patricia M. , Michalak Tomasz I. 
Published: December 2002

ABSTRACT

The detection of small amounts of viral pathogens in infected cells by classical PCR is hampered by a partial loss of virus nucleic acid due to extraction and by difficulties in discrimination between truly intracellular virus genome material and that possibly adhered to the cell surface. These impediments limit reliable identification of virus traces within infected cells, which are typically encountered in latent and persistent occult infections. In this study, hepadnavirus-specific in situ PCR combined with the enzymatic elimination of extracellular virus and flow cytometry permitted detection of viral genomes in lymphoid cells without nucleic acid isolation and allowed quantification of infected cells during the course of persistent infection with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV). The validity of the procedure was confirmed by hybridization analysis of the in situ-amplified viral sequences. The results showed that hepadnavirus can be directly detected within lymphoid cells not only in serologically accountable infection, but also years after recovery from viral hepatitis and in the course of primary occult virus carriage. Percentages of infected peripheral lymphoid cells in symptomatic WHV hepatitis fluctuate between 3.4 and 20.4% (mean ± standard error of the mean, 9.6% ± 1.7%), whereas those in persistent, serologically mute WHV infection range from 1.1 to 14.6% (mean ± standard error of the mean, 4.8% ± 0.8%) (
P
= 0.005). The data obtained provide further evidence that WHV infection continues indefinitely in the lymphatic system independently of whether it is symptomatic or concealed. They document that hepadnavirus can be detected in a significant proportion of circulating lymphoid cells in both immunovirologically apparent as well as occult persistent infection.
Increased Mucosal Transmission but Not Enhanced Pathogenicity of the CCR5-Tropic, Simian AIDS-Inducing Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus SHIV
SF162P3
Maps to Envelope gp120
Authors: Hsu Mayla , Harouse Janet M. , Gettie Agegnehu , Buckner Clarisa , Blanchard James , Cheng-Mayer Cecilia 
Published: December 2002

ABSTRACT

Through rapid serial transfer in vivo, the chimeric CCR5-tropic simian/human immunodeficiency virus SHIV
SF162
evolved from a virus that is nonpathogenic and poorly transmissible across the vaginal mucosa to a variant that still maintains CCR5 usage but which is now pathogenic and establishes intravaginal infection efficiently. To determine whether envelope glycoprotein gp120 is responsible for increased pathogenesis and transmissibility of the variant SHIV
SF162P3
, we cloned and sequenced the dominant envelope gene (encoding P3 gp120) and characterized its functions in vitro. Chimeric SHIV
SF162
virus expressing P3 gp120 of the pathogenic variant, designated SHIV
SF162PC
, was also constructed and assessed for its pathogenicity and mucosal transmissibility in vivo. We found that, compared to wild-type SHIV
SF162
gp120, P3 gp120 conferred in vitro neutralization resistance and increased entry efficiency of the virus but was compromised in its fusion-inducing capacity. In vivo, SHIV
SF162PC
infected two of two and two of three rhesus macaques by the intravenous and intravaginal routes, respectively. Nevertheless, although peak viremia reached 10
6
to 10
7
RNA copies per ml of plasma in some infected animals and was associated with depletion of gut-associated CD4
+
lymphocytes, none of the animals maintained a viral set point that would be predictive of progression to disease. Together, the data from this study suggest a lack of correlation between entry efficiency and cytopathic properties of envelope glycoproteins with viral pathogenicity. Furthermore, whereas
env
gp120 contains the determinant for enhanced mucosal transmissibility of SHIV
SF162P3
, the determinant(s) of its increased virulence may require additional sequence changes in
env
gp41 and/or maps to other viral genes.
Association study between CAG trinucleotide repeats in the PCQAP gene (PC2 glutamine/Q‐rich‐associated protein) and schizophrenia
Authors: De Luca Alessandro , Conti Emanuela , Grifone Nicoletta , Amati Francesca , Spalletta Gianfranco , Caltagirone Carlo , Bonaviri Giuseppina , Pasini Augusto , Gennarelli Massimo , Stefano Bignotti , Berti Lucia , Mittler Gerhard , Meisterernst Michael , Dallapiccola Bruno , Novelli Giuseppe 
Published: December 2002

AbstractSchizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders are quite common features in patients with DiGeorge/velocardiofacial syndrome (DGS/VCFS) as a result of hemizygosity of chromosome 22q11.2. We evaluated the PCQAP gene, which maps within the DGS/VCFS interval, as a potential candidate for schizophrenia susceptibility. PCQAP encodes for a subunit of the large multiprotein complex PC2, which exhibits a coactivator function in RNA polymerase II mediated transcription. Using a case–control study, we searched association between schizophrenia and the intragenic coding trinucleotide polymorphism. The distribution of the CAG repeat alleles was significantly different between patients and controls with the Mann‐Whitney test (z = −2.5694, P = 0.0051; schizophrenics: n = 378, W = 161,002.5, Mean rank = 425.9325; controls: n = 444, W = 177,250.5, Mean rank = 399.2128). This result may indicate a possible involvement of the multiprotein complex PC2 in schizophrenia susceptibility. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene and obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Millet Bruno , Chabane Nadia , Delorme Richard , Leboyer Marion , Leroy Sophie , Poirier Marie‐France , Bourdel Marie‐Chantal , Mouren‐Simeoni Marie‐Christine , Rouillon Fréderic , Loo Henri , Krebs Marie‐Odile 
Published: December 2002

AbstractObsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a frequent and disabling anxiety disorder. Dopamine (DA) might be involved in its pathophysiology, therefore DA receptors are candidate genes in OCD. A 48‐base pairs (bp) polymorphism located in the third exon of the dopamine receptor type 4 (DRD4) gene has been described. Previous case control studies, however, have reported inconclusive results in OCD. The aim of the study was to study this polymorphism in a family‐based association study of 55 trios. Extended transmission‐disequilibrium test (ETDT) for preferential allele transmission in this group showed an absence of transmission of the allele 2 for the 48 bp repeat polymorphism of the DRD4 gene (P = 0.005). Moreover, in a population‐based association study, we found a significantly lower frequency of the allele 2 in patients suffering from OCD compared to ethnically‐matched controls (P = 0.02). We found no association of DRD4 48 bp polymorphism with OCD in the subgroup of patients with comorbid tics. This study is the first to report on a significant association of variants of the DRD4 gene in OCD, found on both family‐ and population‐based studies. The results suggest that the 2 allele or a nearby genetic variation could have a protective effect against OCD symptoms. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early‐onset schizophrenia and dopamine‐related gene polymorphism
Authors: Iwata Yasuhide , Matsumoto Hideo , Minabe Yoshio , Osada Naoko , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Sekizawa Takahiro , Suzuki Katsuaki , Sekine Yoshimoto , Takei Nori , Mori Norio 
Published: December 2002

AbstractSchizophrenic patients with an onset before age 16 years (early‐onset schizophrenia, EOS) would be a rare but attractive subpopulation for genetic studies. This study explored the relationship between the polymorphism of four dopamine‐regulating‐enzymes (tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase, catechol‐O‐methltransferase, monoamine oxidase‐A) genes, four dopamine‐receptors (dopamine D1, D2, D3, D4 receptors) genes and susceptibility to EOS in a Japanese sample. Subjects comprised 51 Japanese patients who met DSM‐IV criteria for schizophrenia with an onset before age 16 (by age 15) and 148 Japanese healthy controls. DNA was extracted from whole blood and genotyping was carried out by PCR‐RELP using each restriction endonuclease. No significant difference was found in the allele frequencies or genotype distributions of any of the eight genes examined between EOS and the control groups. We did not find the relationship between the polymorphism of eight dopamine‐related genes and susceptibility to EOS in a Japanese sample. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association study between the fibronectin gene and schizophrenia
Authors: Nakata Kenji , Ujike Hiroshi , Sakai Ayumu , Takaki Manabu , Imamura Takaki , Tanaka Yuji , Kuroda Shigetoshi 
Published: December 2002

AbstractFibronectin is one of the cell adhesion proteins. Adhesion molecules play an important role in neural and synaptic genesis, and their dysfunction may result in neurodevelopmental abnormalities, which have been assumed to be a factor in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. To examine the possible involvement of fibronectin in the etiology of schizophrenia, we analyzed six polymorphisms, located in introns 2, 21, 24, and 26, and exons 20 and 28, in the human fibronectin gene (FN1) of schizophrenic patients in the Japanese population (n = 104) and age‐and gender‐matched controls (n = 104). No significant positive association was observed between either of the polymorphisms and schizophrenia, nor was an association found between either of the polymorphisms and any subtypes of schizophrenia. These data did not provide evidence for a contribution of the FN1 gene to susceptibility to schizophrenia. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CAG repeat polymorphisms in KCNN3 (HSKCa3) and PPP2R2B show no association or linkage to schizophrenia
Authors: Laurent Claudine , Niehaus Dana , Bauché Stéphanie , Levinson Douglas F. , Soubigou Stéphane , Pimstone Simon , Hayden Michael , Mbanga Irena , Emsley Robin , Deleuze Jean‐François , Mallet Jacques 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine whether genetic linkage or association could be observed between schizophrenia (SZ) and the CAG repeat polymorphisms within the genes KCNN3 (known previously as hSKCa3) and PPP2R2B (linked to Spino‐Cerebellar Atrophy 12) in the Xhosa population in South Africa. Neither locus has been studied previously in African populations. The polymorphisms were genotyped in 589 individuals to form samples for Transmission Disequilibrium Test (TDT) analysis (176 unrelated probands, 145 with both parents and 30 with one parent genotyped), linkage analysis (49 families with 54 independent affected sib pairs [ASPs]), and case‐control analyses (67 familial cases with a first‐degree SZ relative, 101 sporadic cases with no affected first‐ or second‐degree relative, and 90 control cases). No significant differences were found among familial cases, sporadic cases and controls in allele sizes (Kruskal‐Wallis tests) or the numbers of alleles with sizes above and below the mean size for each polymorphism. Allele size was not correlated with age of onset (Spearman correlation). No significant evidence for association was observed using TDT analyses for all triads and separately for the familial triads. No significant evidence for linkage was observed for either locus with affected sib pair analysis using the possible triangle method or with Non‐Parametric Linkage (NPL) analysis of the multiplex families. In conclusion, no significant evidence for linkage or association with SZ was observed for either polymorphism in this population. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hencky strain shifting of convergent flow measured effective elongational viscosity
Authors: Collier John R. , Petrovan Simioan , Patil Parag 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe effective elongational viscosity data on a series of polyolefins as a function of the Hencky strain are shifted to a reference Hencky strain using an approach similar to that used for temperature shifting, shearing viscosity data. The basis of this shifting is the order that develops (i.e., the decrease in entropy that occurs) during forced flow through semihyperbolically convergent dies. The entropy decrease is proportional to the orientational contribution to the effective elongational viscosity. The Hencky strain shift factors are obtained from the convergent flow effective elongational rheology and the complex and capillary shear rheology. The commercial grades of polyolefins studied include polypropylene, high density polyethylene, and metallocene and conventionally catalyzed low density polyethylene. The combination of the temperature shift factors given in our companion article and the Hencky strain shift factors in this article enable the creation of master curves for the effective elongational rheology. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1397–1404, 2003
Effect of nano‐silica filler on the rheological and morphological properties of polypropylene/liquid‐crystalline polymer blends
Authors: Zhang L. , Tam K. C. , Gan L. H. , Yue C. Y. , Lam Y. C. , Hu X. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractA fumed hydrophilic nano‐silica‐filled polypropylene (PP) composite was blended with a liquid‐crystalline polymer (LCP; Rodrun LC5000). The preblended polymer blend was extruded through a capillary die; this was followed by a series of rheological and morphological characterizations. The viscosity of the PP matrix increased with the addition of the hydrophilic nano‐silica. At shear rates between 50 and 200 s−1, the composite displays marked shear‐thinning characteristics. However, the incorporation of LC5000 in the PP composite eliminated the shear‐thinning characteristic, which suggests that LC5000 destroyed the agglomerated nano‐silica network in the PP matrix. Although the viscosity ratio of LCP/PP was reduced after the addition of nano‐silica fillers, the LCP phases existed as droplets and ellipsoids. The nano‐silicas were concentrated in the LC5000 phase, which hindered the formation of LCP fibers when processed at high shear deformation. We carried out surface modification of the hydrophilic nano‐silica to investigate the effect of modified nano‐silica (M‐silica) on the morphology of the PP/LC5000 blend system. Ethanol was successfully grafted onto the nano‐silica surface with a controlled grafting ratio. The viscosity was reduced for PP filled with ethanol‐M‐silica when compared to the system filled with untreated hydrophilic nano‐silica. The LC5000 in the (PP/M‐silica)/LC5000 blend existed mainly in the form of fibrils. At high shear rates (e.g., 3000 s−1), the LC5000 fibril network was formed at the skin region of the extrudates. The exclusion of nano‐silica in the LC5000 phase and the increased viscosity of the matrix were responsible for the morphological changes of the LCP phase. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1484–1492, 2003
Rice‐husk‐ash‐filled natural rubber. II. Partial replacement of commercial fillers and the effect on the vulcanization process
Authors: da Costa H. M. , Visconte L. L. Y. , Nunes R. C. R. , Furtado C. R. G. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractIn a previous investigation, we observed that in the presence of a conventional vulcanization system, the addition of white rice husk ash (WRHA) to natural rubber (NR) compounds increased the rate of crosslinking and lowered the apparent activation energy (Ea) of the vulcanization reaction more strongly than the other fillers used. In this work, commercial fillers, such as precipitated silica (Zeosil‐175) and carbon black (N762), were partially replaced by black rice husk ash and WRHA. Cure studies were carried out on a TI‐100 curometer at 150, 160, 170, and 180°C, and the overall rates and the Ea's for the vulcanization process were calculated for each compound, with the assumption that vulcanization followed first‐order kinetics. Again, WRHA showed some catalytic effect on the NR vulcanization. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1405–1413, 2003
Crosslinked acrylic pressure‐sensitive adhesives. I. Effect of the crosslinking reaction on the peel strength
Authors: Asahara Junko , Hori Naruhito , Takemura Akio , Ono Hirokuni 
Published: December 2002

AbstractFor pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) composed of poly(co‐ethyl acrylate‐2‐ethylhexyl acrylate‐2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) as a base resin and polyisocyanate as a crosslinker, the relationship between the crosslinking reaction and peel strength was investigated. A 90° peel test of cured PSA films under various storage conditions was carried out. At the same time, the isocyanate (NCO) consumption in these PSA films was monitored by attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The peel strength of the PSA compounded with the crosslinker decreased as the NCO groups were consumed. The elevation of the aging temperature promoted the crosslinking reaction and increased the decrement in the peel strength. The peel strength of noncrosslinked and crosslinked PSA films increased with the contact time. A high storage temperature made the increment in the peel strength increase. The addition of the crosslinker to the PSA films reduced the increment in the peel strength. Furthermore, PSA films with residual NCO groups possessed stronger peel strengths than fully cured films. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1493–1499, 2003
Rheological properties of calcium silicate‐filled isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Maiti S. N. , Singh Gurunam , Nordin Ibrahim Mohd. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe melt rheological behavior of calcium silicate‐filled isotactic polypropylene, with filler volume contents of 0–17.8%, was determined at 493 K. The composites followed the power law in shear stress versus shear rate variations and were shear thinning. Initially, apparent melt viscosity decreased until a critical filler volume content of 8.5% was reached. However, on further increase in calcium silicate concentration, apparent melt viscosity increased. Melt elasticity also showed an initial decrease until 8.5% filler content was reached and then an increase beyond this filler content. Surface treatment of calcium silicate with a titanate coupling agent, LICA 38, modified the rheological properties because of the plasticizing/lubricating effect of LICA 38. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1511–1518, 2003
Effect of iodine absorption on the characteristics of syndiotacticity‐rich high molecular weight poly(vinyl alcohol) microfibril
Authors: Ghim Han Do , Kim Jae Pil , Kwon Ick Chan , Lee Chul Joo , Lee Jinwon , Kim Sam Soo , Lee Sung Min , Yoon Won Sik , Lyoo Won Seok 
Published: December 2002

AbstractIodination of syndiotacticity‐rich high molecular weight poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microfibril, which was obtained from the saponification of poly(vinyl pivalate) without a spinning procedure, was conducted before and after zone drawing at various conditions. The resulting PVA microfibrils were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Surface morphologies of these PVA microfibrils showed some differences between PVA microfibrils iodinated after and before drawing. Crude shapes of PVA microfibrils iodinated after drawing indicated that iodine decreased the structural regularity severely. On the other hand, PVA microfibrils iodinated before drawing showed relatively ordered surfaces. This was ascribed to the enhanced molecular ordering of PVA microfibrils due to zone drawing. Iodinated PVA microfibrils showed a decrease in the crystal melting temperature of about 100°C compared to the untreated sample. PVA microfibrils drawn after iodination showed a relatively higher crystal melting temperature than those of microfibrils iodinated after drawing. These results were considered as proof of the changes in the crystalline lattice of the PVA microfibrils by iodine absorption. Effects of the drawing temperature on the sublimation of iodine were also evaluated. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1519–1524, 2003