bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural-killer cells and dendritic cells: “l'union fait la force”
Authors: Walzer Thierry , Dalod Marc , Robbins Scott H. , Zitvogel Laurence , Vivier Eric 
Published: June 2005

AbstractSeveral recent publications have focused on the newly described interactions between natural-killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DCs). Activated NK cells induce DC maturation either directly or in synergy with suboptimal levels of microbial signals. Immature DCs appear susceptible to autologous NK-cell-mediated cytolysis while mature DCs are protected. NK-cell-induced DC activation is dependent on both tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secretion and a cell-cell contact involving NKp30. In vitro, interleukin-12 (IL-12)/IL-18, IL-15, and IFN-α/β production by activated DCs enhance, in turn, NK-cell IFN-γ production, proliferation, and cytotoxic potential, respectively. In vivo, NK-cell/DC interactions may occur in lymphoid organs as well as in nonlymphoid tissues, and their consequences are multiple. By inducing DC activation, NK-cell activation induced by tumor cells can indirectly promote antitumoral T-cell responses. Reciprocally, DCs activated through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) induce potent NK-cell activation in antiviral responses. Thus, DCs and NK cells are equipped with complementary sets of receptors that allow the recognition of various pathogenic agents, emphasizing the role of NK-cell/DC crosstalk in the coordination of innate and adaptive immune responses.
Nuclear substructure reorganization during late-stage erythropoiesis is selective and does not involve caspase cleavage of major nuclear substructural proteins
Authors: Krauss Sharon Wald , Lo Annie J. , Short Sarah A. , Koury Mark J. , Mohandas Narla , Chasis Joel Anne 
Published: June 2005

AbstractEnucleation, a rare feature of mammalian differentiation, occurs in 3 cell types: erythroblasts, lens epithelium, and keratinocytes. Previous investigations suggest that caspase activation functions in lens epithelial and keratinocyte enucleation, as well as in early erythropoiesis encompassing erythroid burst-forming unit (BFU-E) differentiation to proerythroblast. To determine whether caspase activation contributes to later erythropoiesis and whether nuclear substructures other than chromatin reorganize, we analyzed distributions of nuclear subcompartment proteins and assayed for caspase-induced cleavage of subcompartmental target proteins in mouse erythroblasts. We found that patterns of lamin B in the filamentous network interacting with both the nuclear envelope and DNA, nuclear matrix protein NuMA (Nuclear mitotic apparatus), and splicing factors Sm and SC35 persisted during nuclear condensation, consistent with effective transcription of genes expressed late in differentiation. Thus, nuclear reorganization prior to enucleation is selective, allowing maintenance of critical transcriptional processes independent of extensive chromosomal reorganization. Consistent with these data, we found no evidence for caspase-induced cleavage of major nuclear subcompartment proteins during late erythropoiesis, in contrast to what has been observed in early erythropoiesis and in lens epithelial and keratinocyte differentiation. These findings imply that nuclear condensation and extrusion during terminal erythroid differentiation involve novel mechanisms that do not entail major activation of apoptotic machinery. (Blood. 2005;106:2200-2205)
Analysis of multiple biomarkers shows that lymphoma-associated macrophage (LAM) content is an independent predictor of survival in follicular lymphoma (FL)
Authors: Farinha Pedro , Masoudi Hamid , Skinnider Brian F. , Shumansky Karey , Spinelli John J. , Gill Karamjit , Klasa Richard , Voss Nicolas , Connors Joseph M. , Gascoyne Randy D. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractWe studied the role of multiple biomarkers in determining outcome in follicular lymphoma (FL), concentrating in particular on the role of benign macrophages. The study group consisted of uniformly staged and treated patients with FL enrolled in a phase 2 trial between 1987 and 1993. All patients were younger than 61 years of age, had advanced-stage FL, and were treated with a multiagent chemotherapy regimen, BP-VACOP (bleomycin, cisplatin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone), followed by involved region radiation. The median follow-up of living patients was 12.5 years, and the median survival was 16.3 years. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) was predictive of overall survival (OS) (P = .003). Biopsy specimens from all cases were stained with an anti-CD68 antibody. Of the 99 evaluable patients with FL, 87 had less than 15 CD68+ macrophages/high-power field (hpf) (median, 7; range, 1-14) and 12 had more than 15 CD68+ macrophages/hpf (median, 20; range, 16-25) with a median OS of 16.3 vs 5.0 years, respectively (P &lt; .001). A multivariate Cox model that included the IPI score, the histologic grade, and the lymphoma-associated macrophage (LAM) score, showed IPI and LAM to be independent predictors of OS (P = .009 and P = .004, respectively). The LAM content of FL predicts survival, and these data support a prominent role for nonneoplastic immune cells in the biology of FL. (Blood. 2005;106:2169-2174)
Synthetic hepcidin causes rapid dose-dependent hypoferremia and is concentrated in ferroportin-containing organs
Authors: Rivera Seth , Nemeth Elizabeta , Gabayan Victoria , Lopez Miguel A. , Farshidi Dina , Ganz Tomas 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Hepcidin is the principal iron regulatory hormone and its overproduction contributes to anemia of inflammation (AI). In vitro, hepcidin binds to and induces the degradation of the exclusive iron exporter ferroportin. We explored the effects and distribution of synthetic hepcidin in the mouse. A single intraperitoneal injection of hepcidin caused a rapid fall of serum iron in a dose-dependent manner, with a 50-μg dose resulting in iron levels 80% lower than in control mice. The full effect was seen within only 1 hour, consistent with a blockade of iron export from tissue stores and from macrophages involved in iron recycling. Serum iron remained suppressed for more than 48 hours after injection. Using radiolabeled hepcidin, we demonstrated that the serum concentration of hepcidin at the 50-μg dose was 1.4 μM, consistent with the inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) of hepcidin measured in vitro. Radiolabeled hepcidin accumulated in the ferroportin-rich organs, liver, spleen, and proximal duodenum. Our study highlights the central role of the hepcidin-ferroportin interaction in iron homeostasis. The rapid and sustained action of a single dose of hepcidin makes it an appealing agent for the prevention of iron accumulation in hereditary hemochromatosis. (Blood. 2005;106:2196-2199)
Chlamydophila pneumoniae induces expression of Toll-like Receptor 4 and release of TNF-α and MIP-2 via an NF-κB pathway in rat type II pneumocytes
Authors: Wissel Heide , Schulz Christian , Koehne Petra , Richter Ekkehard , Maass Matthias , Rüdiger Mario 
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background
The role of alveolar type II cells in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity is unclear. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been implicated in host defense. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether Chlamydophila pneumoniae (I) alters the expression of TLR2 and/orTLR4 in type II cells in a (II) Rho-GTPase- and (III) NF-κB-dependent pathway, subsequently (IV) leading to the production of (IV) pro-inflammatory TNF-α and MIP-2.

Methods
Isolated rat type II pneumocytes were incubated with C. pneumoniae after pre-treatment with calcium chelator BAPTA-AM, inhibitors of NF-κB (parthenolide, SN50) or with a specific inhibitor of the Rho-GTPase (mevastatin). TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA expressions were analyzed by PCR. Activation of TLR4, Rac1, RhoA protein and NF-κB was determined by Western blotting and confocal laser scan microscopy (CLSM) and TNF-α and MIP-2 release by ELISA.

Results
Type II cells constitutively expressed TLR4 and TLR2 mRNA. A prominent induction of TLR4 but not TLR2 mRNA was detected after 2 hours of incubation with C. pneumoniae. The TLR4 protein expression reached a peak at 30 min, began to decrease within 1–2 hours and peaked again at 3 hours. Incubation of cells with heat-inactivated bacteria (56°C for 30 min) significantly reduced the TLR4 expression. Treated bacteria with polymyxin B (2 μg/ml) did not alter TLR4 expression. C. pneumoniae-induced NF-κB activity was blocked by TLR4 blocking antibodies. TLR4 mRNA and protein expression were inhibited in the presence of BAPTA-AM, SN50 or parthenolide. TNF-α and MIP-2 release was increased in type II cells in response to C. pneumoniae, whereas BAPTA-AM, SN50 or parthenolide decreased the C. pneumoniae-induced TNF-α and MIP-2 release. Mevastatin inhibited C. pneumoniae-mediated Rac1, RhoA and TLR4 expression.

Conclusion
The TLR4 protein expression in rat type II cells is likely to be mediated by a heat-sensitive C. pneumoniae protein that induces a fast Ca2+-mediated NF-κB activity, necessary for maintenance of TLR4 expression and TNF-α and MIP-2 release through possibly Rac and Rho protein-dependent mechanism. These results indicate that type II pneumocytes play an important role in the innate pulmonary immune system and in inflammatory response mechanism of the alveolus.
Genome-wide localization of mobile elements: experimental, statistical and biological considerations
Authors: Martinez-Vaz Betsy M , Xie Yang , Pan Wei , Khodursky Arkady B 
Published: June 2005

AbstractBackgroundThe distribution and location of insertion elements in a genome is an excellent tool to track the evolution of bacterial strains and a useful molecular marker to distinguish between closely related bacterial isolates. The information about the genomic locations ofISelements is available in public sequence databases. However, the locations of mobile elements may vary from strain to strain and within the population of an individual strain. Tools that allowde novolocalization ofISelements and are independent of existing sequence information are essential to map insertion elements and advance our knowledge of the role that such elements play in gene regulation and genome plasticity in bacteria.ResultsIn this study, we present an efficient and reliable method for linear mapping of mobile elements using whole-genome DNA microarrays. In addition, we describe an algorithm for analysis of microarray data that can be applied to find DNA sequences physically juxtaposed with a target sequence of interest. This approach was used to map the locations of theIS5elements in the genome ofEscherichia coliK12. AllIS5elements present in theE. coligenome known from GenBank sequence data were identified. Furthermore, previously unknown insertion sites were predicted with high sensitivity and specificity. Two variants ofE. coliK-12 MG1655 within a population of this strain were predicted by our analysis. The only significant difference between these two isolates was the presence of anIS5element upstream of the main flagella regulator,flhDC. Additional experiments confirmed this prediction and showed that these isolates were phenotypically distinct. The effect ofIS5on the transcriptional activity of motility and chemotaxis genes in the genome ofE. colistrain MG1655 was examined. Comparative analysis of expression profiles revealed that the presence ofIS5results in a mild enhancement of transcription of the flagellar genes that translates into a slight increase in motility.ConclusionIn summary, this work presents a case study of an experimental and analytical application of DNA microarrays to map insertion elements in bacteria and gains an insight into biological processes that might otherwise be overlooked by relying solely on the available genome sequence data.
(TG/CA)n repeats in human gene families: abundance and selective patterns of distribution according to function and gene length
Authors: Sharma Vineet K , Brahmachari Samir K , Ramachandran Srinivasan 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Background
Creation of human gene families was facilitated significantly by gene duplication and diversification. The (TG/CA)n repeats exhibit length variability, display genome-wide distribution, and are abundant in the human genome. Accumulation of evidences for their multiple functional roles including regulation of transcription and stimulation of recombination and splicing elect them as functional elements. Here, we report analysis of the distribution of (TG/CA)n repeats in human gene families.

Results
The 1,317 human gene families were classified into six functional classes. Distribution of (TG/CA)n repeats were analyzed both from a global perspective and from a stratified perspective based on their biological properties. The number of genes with repeats decreased with increasing repeat length and several genes (53%) had repeats of multiple types in various combinations. Repeats were positively associated with the class of Signaling and communication whereas, they were negatively associated with the classes of Immune and related functions and of Information. The proportion of genes with (TG/CA)n repeats in each class was proportional to the corresponding average gene length. The repeat distribution pattern in large gene families generally mirrored the global distribution pattern but differed particularly for Collagen gene family, which was rich in repeats. The position and flanking sequences of the repeats of Collagen genes showed high conservation in the Chimpanzee genome. However the majority of these repeats displayed length polymorphism.

Conclusion
Positive association of repeats with genes of Signaling and communication points to their role in modulation of transcription. Negative association of repeats in genes of Information relates to the smaller gene length, higher expression and fundamental role in cellular physiology. In genes of Immune and related functions negative association of repeats perhaps relates to the smaller gene length and the directional nature of the recombinogenic processes to generate immune diversity. Thus, multiple factors including gene length, function and directionality of recombinogenic processes steered the observed distribution of (TG/CA)n repeats. Furthermore, the distribution of repeat patterns is consistent with the current model that long repeats tend to contract more than expand whereas, the reverse dynamics operates in short repeats.
Synaptic and genomic responses to JNK and AP-1 signaling in Drosophila neurons
Authors: Etter Paul D , Narayanan Radhakrishnan , Navratilova Zaneta , Patel Chirag , Bohmann Dirk , Jasper Heinrich , Ramaswami Mani 
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background
The transcription factor AP-1 positively controls synaptic plasticity at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. Although in motor neurons, JNK has been shown to activate AP-1, a positive regulator of growth and strength at the larval NMJ, the consequences of JNK activation are poorly studied. In addition, the downstream transcriptional targets of JNK and AP-1 signaling in the Drosophila nervous system have yet to be identified. Here, we further investigated the role of JNK signaling at this model synapse employing an activated form of JNK-kinase; and using Serial Analysis of Gene Expression and oligonucleotide microarrays, searched for candidate early targets of JNK or AP-1 dependent transcription in neurons.

Results
Temporally-controlled JNK induction in postembryonic motor neurons triggers synaptic growth at the NMJ indicating a role in developmental plasticity rather than synaptogenesis. An unexpected observation that JNK activation also causes a reduction in transmitter release is inconsistent with JNK functioning solely through AP-1 and suggests an additional, yet-unidentified pathway for JNK signaling in motor neurons. SAGE profiling of mRNA expression helps define the neural transcriptome in Drosophila. Though many putative AP-1 and JNK target genes arose from the genomic screens, few were confirmed in subsequent validation experiments. One potentially important neuronal AP-1 target discovered, CG6044, was previously implicated in olfactory associative memory. In addition, 5 mRNAs regulated by RU486, a steroid used to trigger conditional gene expression were identified.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates a novel role for JNK signaling at the larval neuromuscular junction and provides a quantitative profile of gene transcription in Drosophila neurons. While identifying potential JNK/AP-1 targets it reveals the limitations of genome-wide analyses using complex tissues like the whole brain.
Gender and age differences among current smokers in a general population survey
Authors: John Ulrich , Hanke Monika , Meyer Christian , Schumann Anja 
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background
Evidence suggests a higher proportion of current smokers among female than among male ever smokers at the age above 50. However, little is known about the proportion of current smokers among ever smokers in old age groups with consideration of women in comparison to men from general population samples. The goal was to analyze the proportions of current smokers among female and among male ever smokers including those older than 80.

Methods
Cross-sectional survey study with a national probability household sample in Germany. Data of 179,472 participants aged 10 or older were used based on face-to-face in-home interviews or questionnaires. The proportions of current smokers among ever smokers were analyzed dependent on age, age of onset of smoking and cigarettes per day including effect modification by gender.

Results
Proportions of current smokers tended to be larger among female than among male ever smokers aged 40 or above. Women compared to men showed adjusted odds ratios of 1.7 to 6.9 at ages 40 to 90 or older in contrast to men. No such interaction existed for age of onset of smoking or cigarettes per day.

Conclusion
Special emphasis should be given to current smokers among the female general population at the age of 40 or above in public health intervention.
The use of simplified verbal autopsy in identifying causes of adult death in a predominantly rural population in Ethiopia
Authors: Lulu Kidest , Berhane Yemane 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Background
Information on adult mortality is essentially non-existent in Ethiopia particularly from rural areas where access to health services is limited and most deaths occur at home. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying causes of adult death in a rural population of Ethiopia using a simplified verbal autopsy instrument.

Methods
All deaths in the age-group 15–49 years during the period of 1995–99 were taken from computerized demographic surveillance database maintained by the Butajira Rural Health Program. Data on the causes of death were collected from close relatives of the deceased persons by lay interviewers. Causes of death were diagnosed using "expert algorithm" programmed onto a computer.

Results
The major causes of death were acute febrile illnesses (25.2%), liver diseases (11.3%), diarrheal diseases (11.1%), tuberculosis (9.7%) and HIV/AIDS (7.4%). Overall communicable diseases accounted for 60.8% of the deaths. The high levels of mortality from communicable diseases reflect the poor socioeconomic development of the country, and the general poor coverage of health and education services in rural Ethiopia. The tools used in this study can easily be added-on to the numerous health surveys conducted in the country.

Conclusion
The simplified approach to verbal autopsy diagnosis can produce useful data that can effectively guide priority health interventions in rural areas where routine information system is either very weak or non-existent.
Is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) cost-effective? a systematic review
Authors: Herman Patricia M , Craig Benjamin M , Caspi Opher 
Published: June 2005

Abstract
Background
Out-of-pocket expenditures of over $34 billion per year in the US are an apparent testament to a widely held belief that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies have benefits that outweigh their costs. However, regardless of public opinion, there is often little more than anecdotal evidence on the health and economic implications of CAM therapies. The objectives of this study are to present an overview of economic evaluation and to expand upon a previous review to examine the current scope and quality of CAM economic evaluations.

Methods
The data sources used were Medline, AMED, Alt-HealthWatch, and the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Citation Index; January 1999 to October 2004. Papers that reported original data on specific CAM therapies from any form of standard economic analysis were included. Full economic evaluations were subjected to two types of quality review. The first was a 35-item checklist for reporting quality, and the second was a set of four criteria for study quality (randomization, prospective collection of economic data, comparison to usual care, and no blinding).

Results
A total of 56 economic evaluations (39 full evaluations) of CAM were found covering a range of therapies applied to a variety of conditions. The reporting quality of the full evaluations was poor for certain items, but was comparable to the quality found by systematic reviews of economic evaluations in conventional medicine. Regarding study quality, 14 (36%) studies were found to meet all four criteria. These exemplary studies indicate CAM therapies that may be considered cost-effective compared to usual care for various conditions: acupuncture for migraine, manual therapy for neck pain, spa therapy for Parkinson's, self-administered stress management for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, pre- and post-operative oral nutritional supplementation for lower gastrointestinal tract surgery, biofeedback for patients with "functional" disorders (eg, irritable bowel syndrome), and guided imagery, relaxation therapy, and potassium-rich diet for cardiac patients.

Conclusion
Whereas the number and quality of economic evaluations of CAM have increased in recent years and more CAM therapies have been shown to be of good value, the majority of CAM therapies still remain to be evaluated.
Use of pIVEX plasmids for protein overproduction in Escherichia coli
Authors: Rogé Julie , Betton Jean-Michel 
Published: June 2005

Abstract

Background
The pIVEX plasmids are vectors optimized for expression in the Rapid Translation System (RTS) cell-free system under control of bacteriophage T7 transcription elements. Even if these plasmids are intended for use in vitro, it is usually worthwhile to compare both cell-free and bacterial expression from the same genetic construct. However, some RTS users encountered problems when they introcuded these plasmids into Escherichia coli host strains producing the T7 RNA polymerase.

Results
We verified that difficulties in transforming the commonly used BL21(λDE3) strain with pIVEX arose from the presence of a strong T7 promoter combined with a high-copy number plasmid, independent of gene expression. When these vectors were introduced into this strain harboring a compatible plasmid carrying the lactose repressor (lacI), we improved the transformation efficiency by 4 orders of magnitude. Moreover, we designed a transformation protocol that allows, after induction, the overproduction of pIVEX-encoded proteins in the BL21(λDE3) strain.

Conclusion
Using the correct plasmid/host combination and transformation-expression protocol, we could directly compare overproduction of the same pIVEX-encoded proteins from both in vivo and in vitro expression systems.