bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic analysis of eIF4E-family members
Authors: Joshi Bhavesh , Lee Kibwe , Maeder Dennis L , Jagus Rosemary 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
Translation initiation in eukaryotes involves the recruitment of mRNA to the ribosome which is controlled by the translation factor eIF4E. eIF4E binds to the 5'-m7Gppp cap-structure of mRNA. Three dimensional structures of eIF4Es bound to cap-analogues resemble 'cupped-hands' in which the cap-structure is sandwiched between two conserved Trp residues (Trp-56 and Trp-102 of H. sapiens eIF4E). A third conserved Trp residue (Trp-166 of H. sapiens eIF4E) recognizes the 7-methyl moiety of the cap-structure. Assessment of GenBank NR and dbEST databases reveals that many organisms encode a number of proteins with homology to eIF4E. Little is understood about the relationships of these structurally related proteins to each other.

Results
By combining sequence data deposited in the Genbank databases, we have identified sequences encoding 411 eIF4E-family members from 230 species. These sequences have been deposited into an internet-accessible database designed for sequence comparisons of eIF4E-family members. Most members can be grouped into one of three classes. Class I members carry Trp residues equivalent to Trp-43 and Trp-56 of H. sapiens eIF4E and appear to be present in all eukaryotes. Class II members, possess Trp→Tyr/Phe/Leu and Trp→Tyr/Phe substitutions relative to Trp-43 and Trp-56 of H. sapiens eIF4E, and can be identified in Metazoa, Viridiplantae, and Fungi. Class III members possess a Trp residue equivalent to Trp-43 of H. sapiens eIF4E but carry a Trp→Cys/Tyr substitution relative to Trp-56 of H. sapiens eIF4E, and can be identified in Coelomata and Cnidaria. Some eIF4E-family members from Protista show extension or compaction relative to prototypical eIF4E-family members.

Conclusion
The expansion of sequenced cDNAs and genomic DNAs from all eukaryotic kingdoms has revealed a variety of proteins related in structure to eIF4E. Evolutionarily it seems that a single early eIF4E gene has undergone multiple gene duplications generating multiple structural classes, such that it is no longer possible to predict function from the primary amino acid sequence of an eIF4E-family member. The variety of eIF4E-family members provides a source of alternatives on the eIF4E structural theme that will benefit structure/function analyses and therapeutic drug design.
A TNF-induced gene expression program under oscillatory NF-κB control
Authors: Tian Bing , Nowak David E , Brasier Allan R 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) initiates tissue inflammation, a process mediated by the NF-κB transcription factor. In response to TNF, latent cytoplasmic NF-κB is activated, enters the nucleus, and induces expression of inflammatory and anti-apoptotic gene expression programs. Recently it has been shown that NF-κB displays two distinct activation modes, monophasic and oscillatory, depending on stimulus duration. Characterization of temporal expression patterns for the NF-κB network and determination of those genes under monophasic- or oscillatory control has not been experimentally addressed.

Results
To identify the kinetics of NF-κB-dependent gene expression and determine whether these two types of NF-κB translocation modes control distinct gene programs, a detailed kinetic analysis of a validated microarray data set was performed on 74 unique NF-κB-dependent genes in response to TNF. Hierarchical clustering identified distinct expression profiles termed the "Early", "Middle", "Late" response groups, peaking 1, 3, and 6 h after stimulation, respectively. These expression patterns were validated by Quantitative Real Time PCR (Q-RT-PCR) and NF-κB binding was demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Each response group was mapped to its molecular function; this analysis indicated that the Early group encodes cytokines or negative regulators of the IKK-NF-κB pathway, and the Late group encodes cell surface receptors, adhesion molecules and signal adapters. That similar coordinated sequential cascades of gene expression were also seen in response to stimulation by the cytokine IL-1, and expression patterns observed in MRC-5 fibroblasts indicated that the epithelial NF-κB program is relatively stimulus- and cell type-independent. Bioinformatic analysis of the Early and Late gene promoters indicates that although both groups contain similar patterns of NF-κB-binding sites, only the Early gene promoters contain NF-κB-binding sites located in phylogenetically conserved domains. Stimulation protocols designed to produce either monophasic or oscillatory NF-κB activation modes showed that the oscillatory mode is required only for expression of the Late genes.

Conclusion
This analysis provides important insights into the TNF-regulated genetic response program in epithelial cells, where NF-κB controls sequential expression patterns of functionally distinct genes that depend on its oscillatory activation mode.
Low pH immobilizes and kills human leukocytes and prevents transmission of cell-associated HIV in a mouse model
Authors: Olmsted Stuart S , Khanna Kristen V , Ng Erina M , Whitten Steven T , Johnson Owen N , Markham Richard B , Cone Richard A , Moench Thomas R 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
Both cell-associated and cell-free HIV virions are present in semen and cervical secretions of HIV-infected individuals. Thus, topical microbicides may need to inactivate both cell-associated and cell-free HIV to prevent sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS. To determine if the mild acidity of the healthy vagina and acid buffering microbicides would prevent transmission by HIV-infected leukocytes, we measured the effect of pH on leukocyte motility, viability and intracellular pH and tested the ability of an acidic buffering microbicide (BufferGel®) to prevent the transmission of cell-associated HIV in a HuPBL-SCID mouse model.

Methods
Human lymphocyte, monocyte, and macrophage motilities were measured as a function of time and pH using various acidifying agents. Lymphocyte and macrophage motilities were measured using video microscopy. Monocyte motility was measured using video microscopy and chemotactic chambers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) viability and intracellular pH were determined as a function of time and pH using fluorescent dyes. HuPBL-SCID mice were pretreated with BufferGel, saline, or a control gel and challenged with HIV-1-infected human PBMCs.

Results
Progressive motility was completely abolished in all cell types between pH 5.5 and 6.0. Concomitantly, at and below pH 5.5, the intracellular pH of PBMCs dropped precipitously to match the extracellular medium and did not recover. After acidification with hydrochloric acid to pH 4.5 for 60 min, although completely immotile, 58% of PBMCs excluded ethidium homodimer-1 (dead-cell dye). In contrast, when acidified to this pH with BufferGel, a microbicide designed to maintain vaginal acidity in the presence of semen, only 4% excluded dye at 10 min and none excluded dye after 30 min. BufferGel significantly reduced transmission of HIV-1 in HuPBL-SCID mice (1 of 12 infected) compared to saline (12 of 12 infected) and a control gel (5 of 7 infected).

Conclusion
These results suggest that physiologic or microbicide-induced acid immobilization and killing of infected white blood cells may be effective in preventing sexual transmission of cell-associated HIV.
Cytophilic antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Glutamate Rich Protein are associated with malaria protection in an area of holoendemic transmission
Authors: Lusingu John PA , Vestergaard Lasse S , Alifrangis Michael , Mmbando Bruno P , Theisen Michael , Kitua Andrew Y , Lemnge Martha M , Theander Thor G 
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Background
Several studies conducted in areas of medium or low malaria transmission intensity have found associations between malaria immunity and plasma antibody levels to glutamate rich protein (GLURP). This study was conducted to analyse if a similar relationship could be documented in an area of intense malaria transmission.

Methods
A six month longitudinal study was conducted in an area of holoendemic malaria transmission in north-eastern Tanzania, where the incidence of febrile malaria decreased sharply by the age of three years, and anaemia constituted a significant part of the malaria disease burden. Plasma antibodies to glutamate rich protein (GLURP) were analysed and related with protection against malaria morbidity in models correcting for the effect of age.

Results
The risk of febrile malaria episodes was reduced significantly in children with measurable anti-GLURP IgG1 antibodies at enrolment [adjusted odds ratio: 0.39 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.99); P = 0.047]. Interestingly, there was an inverse relationship between the plasma anti-GLURP IgG1 and IgG3 levels and the levels of parasitaemia at enrolment. However, anti-GLURP IgG2 and IgG4 levels were not associated with reduction in parasite density. Similarly, antibody levels were not associated with haemoglobin levels or anaemia risk.

Conclusion
Cytophilic IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies against R0-GLURP may contribute to the control of parasite multiplication and reduction in febrile malaria incidence in children living in an area of intense malaria transmission.
Centile values for serum lipids and blood pressure for Asian Indian adolescents
Authors: Madhavan Malini , Pandey Ravindra M , Misra Anoop , Vikram Naval K , Dhingra Vibha , Luthra Kalpana , Wasir Jasjeet S 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackgroundReference data for plasma lipids and blood pressure are not available for Asian Indian adolescents. This study aimed to develop representative age- and sex- specific percentile reference data for serum lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-HDL cholesterol] and blood pressure for urban Asian Indian adolescents aged 14–18 years. The sample consisted of 680 boys and 521 girls aged 14–18 years from the cross-sectional population survey,EpidemiologicalStudy ofAdolescents andYoung Adults (ESAY) for whom the data for serum lipid levels and blood pressure were recorded. Smoothed age- and sex- specific 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 85th, 90thand 95thpercentiles where derived using LMS regression.ResultsPercentile-based reference data for serum lipids and blood pressure are presented for adolescent Asian Indian boys and girls for the first time. Asian Indian adolescents had lower levels of serum TC, LDL-C and HDL-C and higher TG than their counterparts in the USA. Interesting trends in TC and HDL-C levels where observed, which might reflect changes in dietary pattern and physical activity in this age group in India.ConclusionThese reference data could be used to identify adolescents with an elevated risk of developing dyslipidemia, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders, to plan and implement preventive policies, and to study temporal trends.
The subcellular distribution of myeloid-related protein 8 (MRP8) and MRP14 in human neutrophils
Authors: Stroncek David F , Shankar Raji A , Skubitz Keith M 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackgroundMyeloid-related protein 8 (MRP8) and MRP14 are S100 family calcium binding proteins that form a heterodimer known as calprotectin or MRP8/14 that is present in the cytosol of neutrophils and monocytes. MRP8/14 becomes associated with endothelium at sites of monocyte and neutrophil adhesion and transmigration and induces a thrombogenic and inflammatory response by increasing the endothelial transcription of proinflamatory chemokines and adhesion molecules. The distribution of MRP8/MRP14 among neutrophil granules and plasma membranes is unclear and was investigated to better understand the role of this molecule in acute inflammation.Study designThree monoclonal antibodies specific for MRP8 and MRP14 were characterized and used in immunoblotting assays of neutrophil whole cell extracts, and isolated plasma membranes, primary granules, secondary granules and cytosol.ResultsMRP8 and MRP14 were detected in neutrophil cytosol, plasma membrane, primary granule and secondary granule fractions. MRP8/14 demonstrated a calcium-dependent adherence to plasma membranes and primary granules and could be removed by washing with EGTA in a high ionic strength buffer. In contrast, MRP8/14 was found within the contents of the secondary granules. Activated neutrophils released secondary granules and MRP8/14.ConclusionMRP8/14 is located in neutrophil cytosol and secondary granule fractions and is loosely associated with plasma membranes. MRP8/14 released with secondary granules by activated neutrophils likely binds to endothelium and plays an important role in acute inflammation.
The ethnobotany of Christ's Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) in Israel
Authors: Dafni Amots , Levy Shay , Lev Efraim 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThis article surveys the ethnobotany ofZiziphus spina-christi(L.) Desf. in the Middle East from various aspects: historical, religious, philological, literary, linguistic, as well as pharmacological, among Muslims, Jews, and Christians. It is suggested that this is the only tree species considered "holy" by Muslims (all the individuals of the species are sanctified by religion) in addition to its status as "sacred tree " (particular trees which are venerated due to historical or magical events related to them, regardless of their botanical identity) in the Middle East. It has also a special status as "blessed tree" among the Druze.
Reduced transforming growth factor-beta signaling in cartilage of old mice: role in impaired repair capacity
Authors: Blaney Davidson EN , Scharstuhl A , Vitters EL , van der Kraan PM , van den Berg WB 
Published: September 2005

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease, mainly effecting the elderly population. The cause of OA seems to be an imbalance in catabolic and anabolic factors that develops with age. IL-1 is a catabolic factor known to induce cartilage damage, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is an anabolic factor that can counteract many IL-1-induced effects. In old mice, we observed reduced responsiveness to TGF-beta-induced IL-1 counteraction. We investigated whether expression of TGF-beta and its signaling molecules altered with age. To mimic the TGF-beta deprived conditions in aged mice, we assessed the functional consequence of TGF-beta blocking. We isolated knee joints of mice aged 5 months or 2 years, half of which were exposed to IL-1 by intra-articular injection 24 h prior to knee joint isolation. Immunohistochemistry was performed, staining for TGF-beta1, -2 or -3, TGF-betaRI or -RII, Smad2, -3, -4, -6 and -7 and Smad-2P. The percentage of cells staining positive was determined in tibial cartilage. To mimic the lack of TGF-beta signaling in old mice, young mice were injected with IL-1 and after 2 days Ad-LAP (TGF-beta inhibitor) or a control virus were injected. Proteoglycan (PG) synthesis (35S-sulfate incorporation) and PG content of the cartilage were determined. Our experiments revealed that TGF-beta2 and -3 expression decreased with age, as did the TGF-beta receptors. Although the number of cells positive for the Smad proteins was not altered, the number of cells expressing Smad2P strongly dropped in old mice. IL-1 did not alter the expression patterns. We mimicked the lack of TGF-beta signaling in old mice by TGF-beta inhibition with LAP. This resulted in a reduced level of PG synthesis and aggravation of PG depletion. The limited response of old mice to TGF-beta induced-IL-1 counteraction is not due to a diminished level of intracellular signaling molecules or an upregulation of intracellular inhibitors, but is likely due to an intrinsic absence of sufficient TGF-beta receptor expression. Blocking TGF-beta distorted the natural repair response after IL-1 injection. In conclusion, TGF-beta appears to play an important role in repair of cartilage and a lack of TGF-beta responsiveness in old mice might be at the root of OA development.
Elevated troponin and myocardial infarction in the intensive care unit: a prospective study
Authors: Lim Wendy , Qushmaq Ismael , Cook Deborah J , Crowther Mark A , Heels-Ansdell Diane , Devereaux PJ 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
Introduction
Elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial injury but may occur in critically ill patients without evidence of myocardial ischemia. An elevated troponin alone cannot establish a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI), yet the optimal methods for diagnosing MI in the intensive care unit (ICU) are not established. The study objective was to estimate the frequency of MI using troponin T measurements, 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiography, and to examine the association of elevated troponin and MI with ICU and hospital mortality and length of stay.

Method
In this 2-month single centre prospective cohort study, all consecutive patients admitted to our medical-surgical ICU were classified in duplicate by two investigators as having MI or no MI based on troponin, ECGs and echocardiograms obtained during the ICU stay. The diagnosis of MI was based on an adaptation of the joint European Society of Cardiology/American College of Cardiology definition: a typical rise or fall of an elevated troponin measurement, in addition to ischemic symptoms, ischemic ECG changes, a coronary artery intervention, or a new cardiac wall motion abnormality.

Results
We screened 117 ICU admissions and enrolled 115 predominantly medical patients. Of these, 93 (80.9%) had at least one ECG and one troponin; 44 of these 93 (47.3%) had at least one elevated troponin and 24 (25.8%) had an MI. Patients with MI had significantly higher mortality in the ICU (37.5% versus 17.6%; P = 0.050) and hospital (50.0% versus 22.0%; P = 0.010) than those without MI. After adjusting for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and need for inotropes or vasopressors, MI was an independent predictor of hospital mortality (odds ratio 3.22, 95% confidence interval 1.04–9.96). The presence of an elevated troponin (among those patients in whom troponin was measured) was not independently predictive of ICU or hospital mortality.

Conclusion
In this study, 47% of critically ill patients had an elevated troponin but only 26% of these met criteria for MI. An elevated troponin without ischemic ECG changes was not associated with adverse outcomes; however, MI in the ICU setting was an independent predictor of hospital mortality.
Cannabis use and misuse prevalence among people with psychosis
Authors: Green Bob , Young Ross , Kavanagh David 
Published: September 2005

BackgroundIncreasing attention has been given by researchers to cannabis use in individuals with psychosis. As psychoses are relatively low-prevalence disorders, research has been mostly been restricted to small-scale studies of treatment samples. The reported prevalence estimates obtained from these studies vary widely.AimsTo provide prevalence estimates based on larger samples and to examine sources of variability in prevalence estimates across studies.MethodData from 53 studies of treatment samples and 5 epidemiological studies were analysed.ResultsBased on treatment sample data, prevalence estimates were calculated for current use (23.0%), current misuse (11.3%), 12-month use (29.2%), 12-month misuse (18.8%), lifetime use (42.1%) and lifetime misuse (22.5%). Epidemiological studies consistently reported higher cannabis use and misuse prevalence in people with psychosis.ConclusionsThe factor most consistently associated with increased odds of cannabis prevalence was specificity of diagnosis. Factors such as consumption patterns and study design merit further consideration.
Incidence of anti-brain antibodies in children with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Dale Russell C. , Heyman Isobel , Giovannoni Gavin , Church Andrew J. 
Published: September 2005

BackgroundObsessions and compulsions may occur in the post-streptococcal disorders Sydenham's chorea and paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus (PANDAS). The proposed mediators are anti-basal ganglia antibodies (ABGA)AimsWe tested the hypothesis that post-streptococcal autoimmunity may have a role in ‘idiopathic’ obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD)MethodWe examined 50 children with OCD for ABGA using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western immunoblotting. The findings were compared with paediatric autoimmune (n=50), neurological (n=100) and streptococcal (n=40) controls.ResultsThe mean ABGA binding on ELISA was elevated in the patient cohort compared with all control groups (P<0.005 in all comparisons). Western immunoblotting revealed positive antibody binding (as seen in Sydenham's chorea) in 42% of the patient cohort compared with 2–10% of control groups (P<0.001 in all comparisons)ConclusionsOur findings support the hypothesis that central nervous system autoimmunity may have a role in a significant subgroup of cases of OCD. Further study is required to examine whether the antibodies concerned are pathogenic.
Dietary improvement in people with schizophrenia
Authors: McCreadie Robin G. , Kelly Ciara , Connolly Moira , Williams Sue , Baxter Gwen , Lean Michael , Paterson John R. 
Published: September 2005

BackgroundPeople with schizophrenia make poor dietary choices.AimsTo measure the impact of giving free fruit and vegetables for 6 months on eating habits in schizophrenia.MethodWe randomly allocated 102 people with schizophrenia in two areas of Scotland to receive free fruit and vegetables for 6 months, supported by instruction in meal planning and food preparation; free fruit and vegetables alone; or to continue as before. Diet was assessed using the Scottish Health Survey questionnaire. Blood samples to measure micronutrients were taken and mental state, body mass index, level of physical activity and future risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) were assessed.ResultsAfter the intervention, those who received free fruit and vegetables, or free fruit and vegetables and associated instruction, were consuming significantly more fruit and vegetables than those in the treatment as usual group. Consumption fell to pre-intervention levels 12 months after the intervention stopped. There was no between-group difference at any time in blood micronutrients, body mass index, physical activity or risk of CHD.ConclusionsThe diet of people with schizophrenia improved when they were given free fruit and vegetables but this was not sustained after withdrawal of the intervention. A support programme added no benefit.
Venlafaxine extended-release capsules in panic disorder
Authors: Bradwejn Jacques , Ahokas Antti , Stein Dan J. , Salinas Eliseo , Emilien Gerard , Whitaker Timothy 
Published: September 2005

BackgroundVenlafaxine extended-release (ER) has proven efficacy in the treatment of anxiety symptoms in major depression, generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.AimsTo evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of venlafaxine ER in treating panic disorder.MethodAdult out-patients (n=361) with panic disorder were randomly assigned to receive venlafaxine ER (75–225 mg/day) or placebo for up to 10 weeks in a double-blind study.ResultsVenlafaxine ER was not associated with a greater proportion of patients free from full-symptom panic attacks at the finalon-therapy evaluation, but was associated with lower mean panic attack frequency and a higher proportion free from limited-symptom panic attacks, higher response and remission rates, and improvements in anticipatory anxiety, fear and avoidance. Adverse events were comparable with those of the drug in depression and anxiety disorders.ConclusionsVenlafaxine ER seems to be effective and well tolerated in the short-term treatment of panic disorder.