bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HLA DR phenotypic frequencies and genetic risk of Type 1 diabetes in west region of Algeria, Tlemcen
Authors: Aribi Mourad , Moulessehoul Soraya , Benabadji Ahmed-Bakir , Kendoucitani Mohammed 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
The main genomic region controlling the predisposition to type 1 diabetes is the Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) class II of the major histocompatibility complex. Association with different HLA types depends also on the studied populations. In our investigation, we tried to measure the phenotypic HLA class II association frequencies of DR3 and/or DR4 antigens, using a serologic method called microlymphocytotoxicity analysis, in diabetic and nondiabetic (ND) subjects originating from the west-Algerian region of Tlemcen. The aim of the present study was to determine which HLA DR antigens represent a high susceptibility to develop the disease in this area. Using a case-control retrospective study design, we randomly recruited ninety-one related subjects, 39 type 1 diabetics and 52 ND as controls, at the Internal Medicine Board of Medical Centre University of Tlemcen.

Results
DR3 antigen frequencies were comparable between the type 1 diabetics and the ND subjects and showed no association with the disease (p = 1.000, OR = 0.95), whereas DR4 and DR3DR4 antigens were associated with susceptibility to develop type 1 diabetes (DR4; OR = 2.10, DR3DR4; OR = 1.30). Also, no incidence for DR3 (p = 0.2646) or DR3DR4 (p = 0.0699) antigen frequencies was related to the sex ratio. However, significant differences in HLA DR4 frequencies between type 1 diabetics and ND were found to be related to sex (p = 0.0085).

Conclusion
Taken together, our investigation showed that the strongest association with type 1 diabetes was noticed in the presence of HLA DR4 antigens followed by DR3DR4 antigens. This study highlighted a characteristic of Tlemcen population; a history of consanguineous marriages. Association studies between the disease and genetic polymorphisms should be undertaken in a population where consanguinity is more limited to reduce confounding in result interpretations.
Durable cytotoxic immune responses against gp120 elicited by recombinant SV40 vectors encoding HIV-1 gp120 ± IL-15
Authors: McKee Hayley J , T'sao Patricia Y , Vera Maria , Fortes Puri , Strayer David S 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Background
A vaccine that elicits durable, powerful anti-HIV immunity remains an elusive goal. In these studies we tested whether multiple treatments with viral vector-delivered HIV envelope antigen (gp120), with and without IL-15, could help to approach that goal. For this purpose, we used recombinant Tag-deleted SV40-derived vectors (rSV40s), since they do not elicit neutralizing antibody responses, and so can be given multiply without loss of transduction efficiency.

Methods
SV(gp120) carried the coding sequences for HIV-1NL4-3 Env, and SV(mIL-15) carried the cDNA for mouse IL-15. Singly, and in combination, these two vectors were given monthly to BALB/cJ mice. Cytotoxic immunity and cytotoxic memory were tested in direct cytotoxicity assays using unselected effector cells. Antibody vs. gp120 was measured in a binding assay. In both cases, targets were P815 cells that were stably transfected with gp120.

Results
Multiple injections of SV(gp120) elicited powerful anti-gp120 cytolytic activity (>70% specific lysis) by unselected spleen cells. Cells from multiply-immunized mice that were rested 1 year after their last injections still showed >60% gp120-specific lysis. Anti-gp120 antibody was first detected after 2 monthly injections of SV(gp120) and remained elevated thereafter. Adding SV(mIL-15) to the immunization regimen dramatically accelerated the development of memory cytolytic responses, with ≥ 50% specific lysis seen 1 month after two treatments. IL-15 did not alter the development of antibody responses.

Conclusions
Thus, rSV40s encoding antigens and immunostimulatory cytokines may be useful tools for priming and/or boosting immune responses against HIV.
Capacity of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells especially at mature stage to express and secrete HLA-G molecules
Authors: Le Friec Gaëlle , Gros Frédéric , Sebti Yasmine , Guilloux Valérie , Pangault Céline , Fauchet Renée , Amiot Laurence 
Published: August 2004

AbstractHuman leukocyte antigen (HLA-G), a class Ib major histocompatibility complex molecule, is potentially relevant in the immune response through its various immune cell functions. Its expression noticed in some malignancies has also been shown on macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) in tumoral and inflammatory diseases. As DC constitute a key component in the immune response, this work aimed at assessing the expression of HLA-G at transcriptional and proteic levels during differentiation and maturation of the different DC subsets. We show that HLA-G transcription was induced during CD34+-derived DC differentiation and is associated with a cell-surface expression in half of cases and with a substantial secretion of soluble HLA-G in all cases. Results were very similar for monocyte-derived DC, but there was still a weak HLA-G cell-surface expression and a lower level of secretion. On the contrary, HLA-G transcription was weak in plasmacytoid DC without any HLA-G cell-surface expression and with a basal level of secretion. The mechanisms involved in HLA-G expression appear transcriptional and post-transcriptional. However, the amount of HLA-G transcripts and the expression of the protein are not related. HLA-G expression or secretion by DC may have negative consequences on the function of effective immune cells and also on DC themselves via the interaction with inhibitory receptors expressed by these cells. The capacity of DC to express or secrete HLA-G should be studied in the context of cellular therapy using DC in addition to its suppressive action in immune response.
Bacterial endotoxin stimulates macrophages to release HMGB1 partly through CD14- and TNF-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Chen Guoqian , Li Jianhua , Ochani Mahendar , Rendon-Mitchell Beatriz , Qiang Xiaoling , Susarla Seenu , Ulloa Luis , Yang Huan , Fan Saijun , Goyert Sanna M , Wang Ping , Tracey Kevin J , Sama Andrew E , Wang Haichao 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBacterial endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] stimulates macrophages to sequentially release early [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)] and late [high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)] proinflammatory cytokines. The requirement of CD14 and mitogen-activated protein kinases [MAPK; e.g., p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2] for endotoxin-induced TNF production has been demonstrated previously, but little is known about their involvement in endotoxin-mediated HMGB1 release. Here, we demonstrated that genetic disruption of CD14 expression abrogated LPS-induced TNF production but only partially attenuated LPS-induced HMGB1 release in cultures of primary murine peritoneal macrophages. Pharmacological suppression of p38 or ERK1/2 MAPK with specific inhibitors (SB203580, SB202190, U0126, or PD98059) significantly attenuated LPS-induced TNF production but failed to inhibit LPS-induced HMGB1 release. Consistently, an endogenous, immunosuppressive molecule, spermine, failed to inhibit LPS-induced activation of p38 MAPK and yet, still significantly attenuated LPS-mediated HMGB1 release. Direct suppression of TNF activity with neutralizing antibodies or genetic disruption of TNF expression partially attenuated HMGB1 release from macrophages induced by LPS at lower concentrations (e.g., 10 ng/ml). Taken together, these data suggest that LPS stimulates macrophages to release HMGB1 partly through CD14- and TNF-dependent mechanisms.
Constitutive membrane expression of proteinase 3 (PR3) and neutrophil activation by anti-PR3 antibodies
Authors: van Rossum André P , Rarok Agnieszka A , Huitema Minke G , Fassina Giorgio , Limburg Pieter C , Kallenberg Cees G M 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAntineutrophil cytoplasm autoantibodies with specificity for proteinase 3 (PR3) are thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), presumably by their potential to activate neutrophils. In patients with WG, high expression of PR3 on the surface of nonprimed neutrophils is associated with an increased incidence and rate of relapse. In this study, we analyzed the functional significance of constitutive PR3 expression for neutrophil activation as induced by anti-PR3 antibody. Therefore, primed and nonprimed neutrophils were stimulated with the monoclonal anti-PR3 antibody PR3G-3. Activation was measured as actin polymerization by the phalloidin assay as an early, detectable activation event and oxidative burst by the dihydrorhodamine assay, as a late, detectable activation event. In contrast to the oxidative burst, we found that anti-PR3 antibody-induced actin polymerization could be triggered in neutrophils without priming with tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). In addition, a correlation was found between the level of PR3 expression on the surface of these nonprimed neutrophils and the degree of actin polymerization. However, after priming with TNF-α, no correlation was found between membrane expression of PR3 and the level of actin polymerization or respiratory burst as induced by anti-PR3 antibody. These data suggest that the presence of PR3 on the surface of nonprimed neutrophils has consequences for their susceptibility to the initial activation step by anti-PR3 antibodies. These data may be relevant in view of the observed relation between membrane expression of PR3 on nonprimed neutrophils of patients with WG and their susceptibility for relapses.
Minireview: RET: Normal and Abnormal Functions
Authors: Santoro Massimo , Melillo Rosa Marina , Carlomagno Francesca , Vecchio Giancarlo , Fusco Alfredo 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe RET gene encodes a single-pass transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase. RET is the oncogene that causes papillary thyroid carcinoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma. The latter may arise as a component of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndromes; germline mutations in RET are responsible for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 inheritance. In this report we review data on the mechanisms leading to RET oncogenic conversion and on RET targeting as a strategy in thyroid cancer treatment.
Down-Regulation of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor in Cells Stably Expressing the Constitutively Active Angiotensin II N111G-AT1 Receptor
Authors: Auger-Messier Mannix , Arguin Guillaume , Chaloux Benoit , Leduc Richard , Escher Emanuel , Guillemette Gaetan 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe diverse cellular changes brought about by the expression of a constitutively active receptor are poorly understood. QBI-human embryonic kidney 293A cells stably expressing the constitutively active N111G-AT1 receptor (N111G cells) showed elevated levels of inositol phosphates and frequent spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ oscillations. Interestingly, Ca2+ transients triggered with maximal doses of angiotensin II were much weaker in N111G cells than in wild-type cells. These blunted responses were observed independently of the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+ and were also obtained when endogenous muscarinic and purinergic receptors were activated, revealing a heterologous desensitization process. The desensitized component of the Ca2+ signaling cascade was neither the G protein Gq nor phospholipase C. The intracellular Ca2+ store of N111G cells and their mechanism of Ca2+ entry also appeared to be intact. The most striking adaptive response of N111G cells was a down-regulation of their inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) as revealed by reduced IP3-induced Ca2+ release, lowered [3H]IP3 binding capacity, diminished IP3R immunoreactivity, and accelerated IP3R degradation involving the lysosomal pathway. Treatment with the inverse agonist EXP3174 reversed the desensitized phenotype of N111G cells. Down-regulation of IP3R represents a reversible adaptive response to protect cells against the adverse effects of constitutively active Ca2+-mobilizing receptors.
A Novel Cell Type-Specific Mechanism for Thyroid Hormone-Dependent Negative Regulation of the Human Type 1 Deiodinase Gene
Authors: Kim Sung-Woo , Hong Seong-June , Kim Kyung Min , Ho Sung-Chul , So Edward C. , Harney John W. , Larsen P. Reed 
Published: August 2004

AbstractWe have identified a cell type-specific, negative thyroid hormone-responsive element in the human type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase (hdio1) gene. This fragment, termed a JEG response element, bound tightly to a JEG-cell nuclear protein [JEG cell-specific transcription factor (JTF)] also present in placenta but not in COS-7, HeLa, or human embryonic kidney-293 cells. In JEG-3 cells, three copies of the JEG response element conferred a more than 40-fold transcriptional stimulation to the heterologous rat GH promoter which was further increased 2-fold by apo-thyroid hormone receptor (TR) and reduced 3-fold by T3. Dimethyl sulfide footprinting showed overlapping contact sites for the high-affinity interaction of JTF and low-affinity binding of TR-retinoid X receptor. Expression of the same construct was unaffected by TR or T3 in COS cells, indicating JTF was required for negative regulation by T3-TR. Mutations of the critical thyroid hormone responsive element binding P box amino acids EG to GS in TRα1 or TRβ2 eliminated the apo-TR and T3-TR effects. These studies identify a novel mechanism for cell type-specific, promoter-independent negative regulation by T3.
Comparison of Near Infrared Light Photography and Middle Infrared Light Photography for Deciphering Obliterated Writings
Authors: Sugawara S 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
There are obliterated writings that are undecipherable by conventional visible and near infrared monochromatic light photography. Some of them could be deciphered undestructively by middle infrared light photography. Characters were written on paper with 101 kinds of pens. Middle infrared light photographs and near infrared light photographs of them were taken and compared to recognize what kinds of inks is transparent at examined wavelength regions. Based on the results obtained, the combination of ink for drawing and obliterating (which is not deciphered by visible and near infrared light photography, but expected to be deciphered with middle infrared light photography) is selected. From the examined photographs, it is demonstrated that there exist obliterated writings which are undecipherable by conventional near infrared light photography, but decipherable by middle infrared light photography.
The Evidential Value of Cosmetic Foundation Smears in Forensic Casework
Authors: Gordon A , Coulson S 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Cosmetic foundation products are easily transferred to clothing and other surfaces asa result ofcontact with such objects. Examination of past cases involving cosmetics in New Zealand has shown cosmetic foundation to be one of the more common cosmetic products encountered. The aim of this research was to determine the most discriminating method for the comparison of transferred foundation with samples obtained from a known source in forensic casework. Fifty-three foundation samples were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (SEM-EDX). It was found that a 5 mm2 section of a light smearing was enough to provide detectable results. The discriminating powers for FTIR, SEM-EDX and GC-FID were 98.3, 93.8, and 82.0% respectively. A combination of all three techniques provided a discriminating power of 99.7%, meaning that almost complete discrimination was achieved between the foundation samples.
Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks—A New Application of the ABFO #2 Scale
Authors: Kaminski JA 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
In 1984 at its first Bitemark Workshop, the American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO) developed guidelines for the analysis of bitemark evidence. Prior to this, no standards had been established for the evaluation of bitemarks. The development of the ABFO #2 scale in 1987 gave the forensic odontologist a reproducible way to rectify and measure bitemarks that had been documented photographically. Primarily developed for the analysis of bitemark evidence, its use has expanded to encompass myriad forms of evidence. While the ABFO #2 scale can depict horizontal and vertical measurements, it is unable to depict depth accurately. The purpose of this paper is to show its successful application to three dimensions.
Dental Maturity Curves in Finnish Children: Demirjian's Method Revisited and Polynomial Functions for Age Estimation
Authors: Chaillet N , Nyström M , Kataja M , Demirjian A 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Dental maturity was studied from 2213 dental panoramic radiographs of healthy ethnic Finns from southern Finland, aged between 2 and 19 years. The aim was to provide new Finnish maturity tables and curves and to compare the efficiency of Demirjian's method when differently weighted scores and polynomial regressions are used. The inter-ethnic variations lead us to calculate specific Finnish weighted scores. Demirjian's method gives maturity score as a function of age and seems better adapted for clinicians because, in their case, the maturity score is unknown. Polynomial functions give age as a function of maturity score and are statically adapted for age estimation studies. Finnish dental maturity tables and development curves are given for Demirjian's method and for polynomial functions. Sexual dimorphism is established for the same weighted score for girls and boys, and girls present a greater maturity than boys for all of age groups. Polynomial functions are highly reliable (0.19% of misclassifies) and the percentile method, using Finnish weighted scores, is very accurate (±1.95 years on average, between 2 and 18 years of age). This suggests that polynomial functions are most useful in forensic sciences, while Demirjian's method is most useful for dental health clinicians.
Plasmid Profiling of Japanese Flavobacterium psychrophilum Isolates
Authors: Izumi Shotaro , Aranishi Futoshi 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Flavobacterium psychrophilum is the causative agent of bacterial coldwater disease and rainbow trout fry syndrome in salmonids, cyprinids, and ayu Plecoglossus altivelis. To investigate genetic variability of this bacterium, plasmid profiling analysis was undertaken in 104 isolates of F. psychrophilum from Japan (n = 92), Europe (n = 9) and the USA (n = 3). Plasmids were isolated by a simple and inexpensive procedure using silica particles and then analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Seventy-two of 104 isolates (69.2%) possessed plasmids, which were distributed at 2.8 kilobases (kb) (n = 33), 3.4 kb (n = 15), 4.1 kb (n = 23), and 5.2 kb (n = 1). The type strain of F. psychrophilum possessed a 2.8-kb plasmid, and a 3.4-kb plasmid was found mainly in isolates from rainbow trout O. mykiss. The 4.1-kb and 5.2-kb plasmids were found in Japanese isolates. Although the functions of these plasmids remain cryptic, no plasmids were associated with antibiotic resistance to ampicillin, sodium nifurstyrenate, or streptomycin, and some of these plasmids were not needed for growth of F. psychrophilum on tryptone and yeast extract medium.
Influence of Oxygen on the Toxicity of Chloramine-T to Atlantic Salmon Smolts in Freshwater and Seawater
Authors: Powell Mark , Harris James 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Chloramine-T is a widely used disinfectant for the treatment of gill diseases of fish in freshwater, and more recently attention has turned to its use in seawater. However, despite the wide use of chloramine-T, few studies have examined its acute toxicity to fish. In this study we examined the acute (within 12 h) toxicity of freshwater- and seawater-acclimated Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts under aerated (100% air saturation with O2) and oxygen supersaturation conditions (200% air saturation with O2). Chloramine-T was more acutely toxic to salmon in seawater than to those in freshwater, and oxygen supersaturation enhanced the toxicity in both sea- and freshwater. In aerated freshwater the median lethal times (LT50s) for chloramine-T concentrations of 50 and 25 mg/L were 166.8 and 474.3 min, respectively; in aerated seawater they were 119.1 and 297.3 min, respectively. However, in freshwater at 200% air saturation with oxygen, the 50 and 25 mg/L LT50s were 133.6 and 190.9 min, respectively; in seawater at 200% air oxygen saturation, the values were 85.3 and 158.9 min, respectively. Freshwater Atlantic salmon appear to be as sensitive as rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and more sensitive than channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus to chloramine-T toxicity. Seawater-acclimated salmon, however, appear to be more sensitive to chloramine-T than are trout and catfish. The primary mechanism of toxicity in both seawater and freshwater appears to be extensive oxidative necrosis of the gill filament and lamellar epithelium, causing acute osmoregulatory dysfunction.
Optimizing Nickel Orbital Occupancy via Co‐Modulation of Core and Shell Structures to Accelerate Alkaline Hydrogen Electro‐Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Yu Wanqing , Liu Jing , Hu Hao , He Zeyu , Cui Xuejing , Jiang Luhua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNickel‐based catalysts are recognized as a promising alternative to platinum‐based catalysts for the alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) yet suffer from poor stability and relatively low activity. Herein, a nitrogen ligand‐assisted approach is reported to encapsulate nickel‐copper nanoparticles within few carbon layers, and by modulating the core and shell components/structure, the charge distribution in the nanostructures can be finely regulated. The optimized Ni93Cu7@NC catalyst exhibits outstanding HOR activity with an intrinsic activity of 61.0 µA cm−2 and excellent stability, which is among the most advanced Ni‐based HOR catalysts. Notably, an alkaline exchange membrane fuel cell utilizing this catalyst achieves a peak power density of 381 mW cm−2 and maintains stability at 100 mA cm−2 for over 24 h. Experimental and theoretical investigations unveil that the electron re‐distribution at the interface of NiCu core and nitrogen‐doped carbon reduces the electron occupancy in Ni 4s‐H 1s bonding orbitals and Ni 3dz2/yz‐O 2p antibonding orbitals, leading to a weakened hydrogen binding energy and enhance hydroxide binding energy. Consequently, the limiting energy for the HOR is reduced following a bifunctional mechanism on the Ni93Cu7@NC. This work provides a core‐shell co‐modulation strategy to accurately regulate the electronic structure of transition metals to design robust catalysts.