bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Latent Membrane Protein 2A Regulates B-Cell Receptor-Induced Apoptosis and EBV Reactivation through Tyrosine Phosphorylation
Authors: Fukuda Makoto , Longnecker Richard 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACTEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus that establishes a lifelong latent infection of B cells. Within the immune system, apoptosis is a central mechanism in normal lymphocyte homeostasis both during early lymphocyte development and in response to antigenic stimuli. In this study, we found that latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) inhibited B-cell receptor (BCR)-induced apoptosis in Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines. Genistein, a specific inhibitor of tyrosine-specific protein kinases, blocked BCR-induced apoptosis and EBV reactivation in the cells. These findings indicate that LMP2A blocks BCR-induced cell apoptosis and EBV reactivation through the inhibition of activation of tyrosine kinases by BCR cross-linking.
Vertical Transmission of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Prions Evaluated in a Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Castilla J. , Brun A. , Díaz-San Segundo F. , Salguero F. J. , Gutiérrez-Adán A. , Pintado B. , Ramírez M. A. , del Riego L. , Torres J. M. 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACTIn this work we show evidence of mother-to-offspring transmission in a transgenic mouse line expressing bovine PrP (boTg) experimentally infected by intracerebral administration of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) prions. PrPreswas detected in brains of newborns from infected mothers only when mating was allowed near to the clinical stage of disease, when brain PrPresdeposition could be detected by Western blot analysis. Attempts to detect infectivity in milk after intracerebral inoculation in boTg mice were unsuccessful, suggesting the involvement of other tissues as carriers of prion dissemination. The results shown here prove the ability of BSE prions to spread centrifugally from the central nervous system to peripheral tissues and to offspring in a mouse model. Also, these results may complement previous epidemiological data supporting the occurrence of vertical BSE transmission in cattle.
MEASURES AND INDICES FOR INTRINSIC CHARACTERIZATION OF CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION DURING FILLING AND SYSTOLIC EJECTION
Authors: ZHONG LIANG , GHISTA DHANJOO N. , NG E. Y.-K. , LIM SOO TEIK , CHUA SIANG JIN 
Published: June 2005

The paper discusses the development and application of bioengineering indices for reliable diagnosis of cardiac functional modalities in filling and contraction phases. During diastolic filling, the left-ventricular (LV) volume developed is a response to left-atrium (LV) suction at early rapid filling and LA contraction at late filling. However, in LV ejection, the LV flow-rate and aortic pressure constitute response to LV myocardial stress and intra-LV pressure generation. The differential equations used in the governing of these relationships have been developed. By matching the solutions of these differential equations with the clinical data of LV volume and pressure, we can determine the heart model "differential equations" parameters, as well as the derived indices. These parameters and indices include: compliance and resistance-to-filling for characterizing diastolic-filling function, together with the index of LV contractility (in terms of maximum LV contractile power and stress-velocity relationship for contractile element). By evaluating them, it is possible to diagnose more reliably and differentially heart diseases due to an increase in filling-resistance and contractility abnormalities.
Effect of chitin compost and broth on biological control of Meloidogyne incognita on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
Authors: De Jin Rong , Suh Joo Won , Park Ro Dong , Kim Yong Woong , Krishnan Hari B. , Kim Kil Yong 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes are distributed worldwide and affect a broad range
of important agronomic plant species. Chitinolytic bacteria were evaluated
as potential biological control agents of the root-knot nematode,
Meloidogyne incognita, on tomato. After transplantation of seedlings into
pots containing soil amended with chitin compost, chitin broth, or
respective controls, soil was inoculated with nematode eggs and infective
second-stage juveniles (J2). Samples taken at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after
inoculation indicated that fresh weights of plants did not vary between
treatments or between treatments and controls. The gall index was lower in
the plants grown in the chitin-amended soil at each time point. Activities
of soil chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase were greater in those soils amended
with chitin compost and chitin broth. Gall index of tomato root was
negatively correlated with soil chitinase activity. Activities of tomato
root chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase were higher in plants growing in
non-chitin-amended soil at 6 and 8 weeks after nematode infestation.
Chitinase activity in tomato root was positively correlated with the gall
index of tomato root. The results indicate the potential of chitinase
producing bacteria to alleviate nematode parasitism in important vegetable
crops.
Response of Pratylenchus spp. in tall fescue infected with different strains of the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum
Authors: Timper Patricia , Gates Roger N. , Bouton Joe H. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
The presence of the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium coenophialum in tall fescue
(Festuca arundinacea) confers resistance to some plant-parasitic nematodes
but also results in the production of ergot alkaloids. Recently, new strains
of N. coenophialum have been isolated from wild tall fescue and artificially
inoculated into elite tall fescue cultivars. These strains produce low to
nil levels of ergot alkaloids and are referred to as non-ergot strains. Our
objective was to determine whether non-ergot strains of the endophyte confer
the same level of resistance to Pratylenchus spp. as the endemic strain in
tall fescue. In a glasshouse experiment, nematode resistance was compared in
two fescue cultivars (Jesup and Georgia 5) infected with either the endemic
strain (E+), or two non-ergot strains, AR542 and AR584. An additional
non-ergot strain, AR514, was tested only in cv. Jesup. Cultivars Georgia 5
and Jesup without endophytes (E−) were used as controls. The endophtye
status of the plants was confirmed and then three plants per
cultivar/endophyte combination were transplanted into 10 cm square pots. The
pots were inoculated with a mixed culture of Pratylenchus zeae and P.
scribneri in the first trial and a pure culture of P. scribneri in the
second trial of the experiment. After 8 weeks, the number of nematodes
within the roots from each pot was determined. Numbers of Pratylenchus spp.
in either cv. Georgia 5 or cv. Jesup containing the non-ergot strain AR542
were not different from numbers in E− plants. AR514 also did not confer
resistance to the nematodes in cv. Jesup. By contrast, the non-ergot strain
AR584 appears to confer resistance to Pratylenchus spp. in cv. Georgia 5,
but not in cv. Jesup; however, the level of resistance in cv. Georgia 5 was
less than the resistance conferred by the endemic endophyte. Genetic
differences between the two tall fescue cultivars may affect growth of the
endophyte or production of a nematode toxin or deterrent by the endophyte.
As only a small subset of endophyte strains has been tested, we are
screening additional non-ergot strains for resistance to P. scribneri.
Extraembryonic expression of EPCR is essential for embryonic viability
Authors: Li Weihong , Zheng Xunzhen , Gu Jian-Ming , Ferrell Gary L. , Brady Mingming , Esmon Naomi L. , Esmon Charles T. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) augments protein C activation by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex. Deletion of the EPCR gene (Procr) in mice leads to embryonic lethality before embryonic day 10 (E10.0). EPCR is detected in the giant trophoblast cells at the feto-maternal boundary from E7.5 and weakly in embryonic aortic endothelial cells from E13.5, suggesting that extraembryonic EPCR expression may be essential for embryonic viability. Using conditional knock-out strategies, we demonstrate that Procr-deficient embryos with EPCR expression on placenta giant trophoblasts can be carried to term and then develop normally. Conversely, EPCR expression in the embryo, without expression in the giant trophoblast cells, does not rescue the mice. In genetically modified mice with low tissue factor activity, Procr deficiency is not lethal to the embryo. As adults, Procr-deficient mice generate more thrombin and activate less protein C in response to procoagulant stimuli. Spontaneous thrombin formation in the deficient animals increases with age. These findings show that extraembryonic EPCR expression is critical for embryo development.
In vitro sensitivity to imatinib-induced inhibition of ABL kinase activity is predictive of molecular response in patients with de novo CML
Authors: White Deborah , Saunders Verity , Lyons A. Bruce , Branford Susan , Grigg Andrew , To L. Bik , Hughes Timothy 
Published: June 2005

AbstractMost patients with de novo chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) achieve good responses to imatinib, but the rate and degree of molecular response is variable. We assessed the inhibitory concentration 50% for imatinib (IC50imatinib) in 62 patients with de novo chronic-phase CML as a predictor of molecular response. IC50imatinib was determined in pretherapy blood samples by measuring the in vitro imatinib-induced reduction of the phosphorylated form of the adaptor protein Crkl (CT10 regulator of kinase like). There was marked variability between patients, with IC50imatinib ranging from 0.375 to 1.8 μM (median, 0.6 μM). Patients with low IC50imatinib (IC50 ≤ 0.6 μM; n = 36) had a 36% probability of achieving 2-log reduction in BCR-ABL (breakpoint cluster region-abelson) by 3 months compared with 8% in patients with high IC50imatinib (n = 26) (P = .01). The IC50imatinib was also predictive of molecular response at 12 months, with 47% of patients in the low IC50imatinib group achieving 3-log reduction and 23% in the high IC50imatinib group (P = .03). The predictive power of IC50imatinib was particularly strong in patients with low Sokal scores. These data provide strong evidence that intrinsic sensitivity to imatinib is variable in previously untreated patients with CML, and the actual level of BCR-ABL kinase inhibition achieved is critical to imatinib response. The IC50imatinib potentially provides a new prognostic indicator for molecular response in patients treated with imatinib. (Blood. 2005; 106:2520-2526)
Thrombus formation induced by antibodies to β2-glycoprotein I is complement dependent and requires a priming factor
Authors: Fischetti Fabio , Durigutto Paolo , Pellis Valentina , Debeus Alessandra , Macor Paolo , Bulla Roberta , Bossi Fleur , Ziller Federica , Sblattero Daniele , Meroni Pierluigi , Tedesco Francesco 
Published: June 2005

AbstractWe monitored the number of intravascular platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLAs) and thrombotic occlusions (TOs) by intravascular microscopy in the mesentery of rats receiving antiphospholipid (aPL) immunoglobulin G (IgG) purified from the sera of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. aPL IgG had no procoagulant effect, but it caused rapid endothelial deposition of fibrinogen, followed by PLA and TO in rats receiving an intraperitoneal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide 3 hours before IgG infusion. Anti-β2-glycoprotein I-depleted aPL IgG failed to induce PLAs and TOs. C3 and C9 colocalized with aPL IgG on the mesenteric vessels. The number of PLAs and TOs was markedly reduced in C6-deficient rats and in animals treated with anti-C5 miniantibody, suggesting the contribution of the terminal complement (C) complex to the aPL antibody-mediated intravascular thrombosis. In conclusion, our data indicate that antibodies to β2-glycoprotein I trigger coagulation subsequent to a priming proinflammatory factor and that the terminal C complex is the main mediator of the coagulation process.
Alkahest NuclearBLAST : a user-friendly BLAST management and analysis system
Authors: Diener Stephen E , Houfek Thomas D , Kalat Sam E , Windham DE , Burke Mark , Opperman Charles , Dean Ralph A 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Background -
Sequencing of EST and BAC end datasets is no longer limited to large research groups. Drops in per-base pricing have made high throughput sequencing accessible to individual investigators. However, there are few options available which provide a free and user-friendly solution to the BLAST result storage and data mining needs of biologists.

Results -
Here we describe NuclearBLAST, a batch BLAST analysis, storage and management system designed for the biologist. It is a wrapper for NCBI BLAST which provides a user-friendly web interface which includes a request wizard and the ability to view and mine the results. All BLAST results are stored in a MySQL database which allows for more advanced data-mining through supplied command-line utilities or direct database access. NuclearBLAST can be installed on a single machine or clustered amongst a number of machines to improve analysis throughput. NuclearBLAST provides a platform which eases data-mining of multiple BLAST results. With the supplied scripts, the program can export data into a spreadsheet-friendly format, automatically assign Gene Ontology terms to sequences and provide bi-directional best hits between two datasets. Users with SQL experience can use the database to ask even more complex questions and extract any subset of data they require.

Conclusion -
This tool provides a user-friendly interface for requesting, viewing and mining of BLAST results which makes the management and data-mining of large sets of BLAST analyses tractable to biologists.
Evaluation of amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) for the identification of Mycoplasma species
Authors: Stakenborg Tim , Vicca Jo , Butaye Patrick , Maes Dominiek , De Baere Thierry , Verhelst Rita , Peeters Johan , de Kruif Aart , Haesebrouck Freddy , Vaneechoutte Mario 
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background
Mycoplasmas are present worldwide in a large number of animal hosts. Due to their small genome and parasitic lifestyle, Mycoplasma spp. require complex isolation media. Nevertheless, already over 100 different species have been identified and characterized and their number increases as more hosts are sampled. We studied the applicability of amplified rDNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) for the identification of all 116 acknowledged Mycoplasma species and subspecies.

Methods
Based upon available 16S rDNA sequences, we calculated and compared theoretical ARDRA profiles. To check the validity of these theoretically calculated profiles, we performed ARDRA on 60 strains of 27 different species and subspecies of the genus Mycoplasma.

Results

In silico digestion with the restriction endonuclease AluI (AG^CT) was found to be most discriminative and generated from 3 to 13 fragments depending on the Mycoplasma species. Although 73 Mycoplasma species could be differentiated using AluI, other species gave undistinguishable patterns. For these, an additional restriction digestion, typically with BfaI (C^TAG) or HpyF10VI (GCNNNNN^NNGC), was needed for a final identification. All in vitro obtained restriction profiles were in accordance with the calculated fragments based on only one 16S rDNA sequence, except for two isolates of M. columbinum and two isolates of the M. mycoides cluster, for which correct ARDRA profiles were only obtained if the sequences of both rrn operons were taken into account.

Conclusion
Theoretically, restriction digestion of the amplified rDNA was found to enable differentiation of all described Mycoplasma species and this could be confirmed by application of ARDRA on a total of 27 species and subspecies.
Phase II trial of weekly 24-hour infusion of gemcitabine in patients with advanced gallbladder and biliary tract carcinoma
Authors: von Delius Stefan , Lersch Christian , Schulte-Frohlinde Ewert , Mayr Martina , Schmid Roland M , Eckel Florian 
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background
Patients with advanced gallbladder and biliary tract carcinoma face a dismal prognosis, as no effective palliative chemotherapy exists. The antitumor effect of gemcitabine is schedule-dependent rather than dose-dependent. We evaluated the activity of a prolonged infusion of gemcitabine in advanced gallbladder and biliary tract carcinomas.

Methods
Nineteen consecutive eligible patients were enrolled. All patients were required to have histologically confirmed diagnosis and measurable disease. Gemcitabine was infused over 24 hours at a dose of 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15. Treatment was repeated every 28 days until progression of disease or limiting toxicity. Tumor response was evaluated every second course by computed tomography (CT) scans.

Results
Eighteen patients were evaluable for response. A total of 89 cycles of therapy were administered. One partial response was observed (6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0–27%) and ten additional patients had stable disease for at least two months (disease control rate 61%; 95% CI: 36–83%). The therapy was well tolerated, with moderate myelosuppression as the main toxicity. The median time to tumor progression and median overall survival was 3.6 months (95% CI 2.6–4.6 months) and 7.5 months (95% CI 6.5–8.5 months), respectively.

Conclusion
Weekly 24-hour gemcitabine at a dose of 100 mg/m2 is well tolerated. There was a relatively high rate of disease control for a median duration of 5.3 months (range 2.8–18.8 months). However, the objective response rate of this regimen in gallbladder and biliary tract carcinomas was limited.
The effect of functional splinting on mild dysplastic hips after walking onset
Authors: Windhagen Henning , Thorey Fritz , Kronewid Heinrich , Pressel Thomas , Herold Dieter , Stukenborg-Colsman Christina 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Background
For treatment of Graf class IIb dysplastic hips at walking onset a treatment concept with abduction splints allowing patterns as walking and crawling under constant abduction control was investigated. However, as the splint still incapacitates child movements the research question remains whether the physiologically progressing maturation of hips can be significantly altered using such abduction splints for walking children.

Methods
Of 106 children showing late hip dysplasia, 68 children treated with the Hoffman-Daimler (HD-splint) abduction splint were compared with 38 children with neglect of the abduction treatment in this retrospective study. Radiographic analyses were performed measuring the development of the age dependent acetabular angle.

Results
The regression analysis for splint treatment showed a significant linear regression for both splint treatment and no splint treatment group (r2 = 0,31 respectively r2 = 0,33). No statistical difference between both treatment groups was apparent.

Conclusion
Considering the characteristics of this study, there seems to be no strong rationale supporting the use of an abduction device in growing children. As no significant difference between treatment groups is apparent, a future controlled prospective study on splinting effects can be considered ethically allowed.
A prospective study of cumulative job stress in relation to mental health
Authors: Godin Isabelle , Kittel France , Coppieters Yves , Siegrist Johannes 
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background
This study tests associations between psychosocial stress at work measured by the effort-reward imbalance model in a dynamic perspective, and multiple indicators of poor mental health, in a prospective design.

Methods
1986 male and female employees from four Belgian enterprises were followed-up over one year within the framework of the Somstress study. Based on two consecutive measurements, an index of cumulative job stress was constructed and its associations with five indicators of mental health were studied, excluding caseness at entry (for depression, anxiety, somatisation, chronic fatigue and psychotropic drug consumption respectively). Taking into account the longitudinal design, four categories of job stress are defined: 1) employees free from stress at both measures, 2) job stress present at first measure but not at the second one, 3) recent onset of job stress as evidenced by second measure 4) workers exposed to stress at both measures. Multivariate logistic regression with appropriate adjustments was applied.

Results
In bivariate analysis, a clear graded association of cumulative job stress with all five mental health indicators is observed, both in men and women. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, recent onset of stress is strongly associated with poor mental health among men (odds ratios ranging from 1.8 to 4.6), while cumulative stress shows strongest effects on mental health in women (odds ratios ranging from 1.4 to 7.1).

Conclusion
Cumulative experience and recent onset of job stress in terms of high effort spent and low reward received is associated with elevated risk of all five indicators of poor mental health at follow-up in a large cohort of employees.
Computational optical biopsy
Authors: Li Yi , Jiang Ming , Wang Ge 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Optical molecular imaging is based on fluorescence or bioluminescence, and hindered by photon scattering in the tissue, especially in patient studies. Here we propose a computational optical biopsy (COB) approach to localize and quantify a light source deep inside a subject. In contrast to existing optical biopsy techniques, our scheme is to collect optical signals directly from a region of interest along one or multiple biopsy paths in a subject, and then compute features of an underlying light source distribution. In this paper, we formulate this inverse problem in the framework of diffusion approximation, demonstrate the solution uniqueness properties in two representative configurations, and obtain analytic solutions for reconstruction of both optical properties and source parameters.