bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistent expression of chemokine and chemokine receptor RNAs at primary and latent sites of herpes simplex virus 1 infection
Authors: Cook W James , Kramer Martha F , Walker Russell M , Burwell Timothy J , Holman Holly A , Coen Donald M , Knipe David M 
Published: September 2004

AbstractInflammatory cytokines and infiltrating T cells are readily detected in herpes simplex virus (HSV) infected mouse cornea and trigeminal ganglia (TG) during the acute phase of infection, and certain cytokines continue to be expressed at lower levels in infected TG during the subsequent latent phase. Recent results have shown that HSV infection activates Toll-like receptor signaling. Thus, we hypothesized that chemokines may be broadly expressed at both primary sites and latent sites of HSV infection for prolonged periods of time. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymrease chain reaction (RT-PCR) to quantify expression levels of transcripts encoding chemokines and their receptors in cornea and TG following corneal infection. RNAs encoding the inflammatory-type chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2, CCR5, and CXCR3, which are highly expressed on activated T cells, macrophages and most immature dendritic cells (DC), and the more broadly expressed CCR7, were highly expressed and strongly induced in infected cornea and TG at 3 and 10 days postinfection (dpi). Elevated levels of these RNAs persisted in both cornea and TG during the latent phase at 30 dpi. RNAs for the broadly expressed CXCR4 receptor was induced at 30 dpi but less so at 3 and 10 dpi in both cornea and TG. Transcripts for CCR3 and CCR6, receptors that are not highly expressed on activated T cells or macrophages, also appeared to be induced during acute and latent phases; however, their very low expression levels were near the limit of our detection. RNAs encoding the CCR1 and CCR5 chemokine ligands MIP-1α, MIP-1β and RANTES, and the CCR2 ligand MCP-1 were also strongly induced and persisted in cornea and TG during the latent phase. These and other recent results argue that HSV antigens or DNA can stimulate expression of chemokines, perhaps through activation of Toll-like receptors, for long periods of time at both primary and latent sites of HSV infection. These chemokines recruit activated T cells and other immune cells, including DC, that express chemokine receptors to primary and secondary sites of infection. Prolonged activation of chemokine expression could provide mechanistic explanations for certain aspects of HSV biology and pathogenesis.
Weekly Epoetin Alfa Maintains Hemoglobin, Improves Quality of Life, and Reduces Transfusion in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Chang Jose , Couture Felix , Young Scott , McWatters Kara-Lee , Lau Catherine Y. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose Epoetin alfa administered at 40,000 U once weekly (qw) to anemic cancer patients receiving chemotherapy increases hemoglobin levels, improves quality of life (QOL), and reduces transfusions. The benefit of epoetin alfa in maintaining hemoglobin levels in cancer patients with hemoglobin less than 12 g/dL has not been evaluated. Methods Breast cancer patients (N = 354) receiving chemotherapy were randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio to epoetin alfa (40,000 U qw) or standard of care (SOC). QOL was assessed at baseline and week 12. Hemoglobin responses, transfusion requirements, and prognostic factors for responses were measured. Results At week 12, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Anemia (FACT–An; mean, 2.16 ± 12.84 for epoetin alfa v −4.43 ± 13.42 for SOC) and FACT–An fatigue (mean, 1.85 ± 10.52 for epoetin alfa v −3.55 ± 11.14 for SOC) change scores were significantly higher in the epoetin alfa group (P < .0001). Hemoglobin responses defined as mean hemoglobin ≥ 12 g/dL or a ≥ 2 g/dL increase compared with baseline were significantly higher in the epoetin alfa group versus SOC: 52.0% v 5.1% and 65.7% v 6.3%, respectively (P < .0001 for both comparisons). Percentage transfused was significantly lower in the epoetin alfa group compared with SOC (8.6% v 22.9%). More than 90% of patients did not require a dose increase and 28.7% had a dose reduction. Conclusion Epoetin alfa administered at 40,000 U qw is effective in improving QOL, maintaining hemoglobin level, and reducing transfusion requirements in breast cancer patients. The high effectiveness observed could be attributed in part to early treatment with epoetin alfa.
Effect of Cognitive-Existential Group Therapy on Survival in Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Kissane David W. , Love Anthony , Hatton Allison , Bloch Sidney , Smith Graeme , Clarke David M. , Miach Patricia , Ikin Jill , Ranieri Nadia , Snyder Raymond D. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose Cognitive-existential group therapy (CEGT) was developed to improve mood and mental attitude toward cancer in women with early-stage breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Given the debate about group therapy's association with increased survival in women with metastatic breast cancer, we were curious to check its effect at a much earlier stage in the cancer journey. Patients and Methods We randomly assigned 303 women with early-stage breast cancer who were receiving adjuvant chemotherapy to either 20 sessions of weekly group therapy plus three relaxation classes (n = 154) or to a control condition of three relaxation classes alone (n = 149). The primary outcome was survival. Results CEGT did not extend survival; the median survival time was 81.9 months (95% CI, 64.8 to 99.0 months) in the group-therapy women and 85.5 months (95% CI, 67.5 to 103.6 months) in the control arm. The hazard ratio for death was 1.35 (95% CI, 0.76 to 2.39; P = .31). In contrast, histology and axillary lymph node status were significant predictors of survival. Low-grade histology yielded a hazard ratio of 0.342 (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.69), and axillary lymph node–negative status yielded a hazard ratio of 0.397 (95% CI, 0.20 to 0.78). Conclusion CEGT does not prolong survival in women with early-stage breast cancer.
Development of a single-dose stabilized poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres-based vaccine against hepatitis B
Authors: Jaganathan K S , Singh Paramjit , Prabakaran D , Mishra Vivek , Vyas Suresh P 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a stable single-dose vaccine based on recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres, in which HBsAg was stabilized by a protein stabilizer (trehalose) and an antacid (Mg(OH)2). The microspheres were prepared by the double emulsion method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. To neutralize the acids liberated by the biodegradable lactic/glycolic acid based polymer, we co-incorporated into the polymer an antacid, Mg(OH)2, which neutralized the acidity during degradation of the polymer and also prevented HBsAg structural losses and aggregation. The antigen integrity after encapsulation was examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining, isoelectric focusing and Western blotting techniques, which confirmed that antigen remained intact after encapsulation. In-vitro release experiments were performed in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) and the release of antigen was found to be improved by the protein stabilizer (trehalose). In stability studies, performed at 37°C, the microspheres were found to be stable for 16 days. The immunogenicity of stable microsphere formulations bearing HBsAg was compared with the conventional alum-absorbed HBsAg vaccine in a guinea-pig model. The antibody titre indicated that a single injection of stabilized HBsAg-PLGA microspheres produced a better immune response than two injections of alum-formulated HBsAg vaccine. The findings suggest that recombinant HBsAg can be stabilized by use of a protein stabilizer and antacid during entrapment, and this stabilized preparation can be useful for antigen delivery.
Meeting the challenge: developing systematic reviewing in social policy
Authors: Wallace Alison , Baldwin Sally , Croucher Karen , Quilgars Deborah 
Published: September 2004

English
This article uses the experience of reviewing the evidence on the financial support available for defaulting home owners to consider the opportunities and challenges systematic review methods present to social policy. It addresses concerns about examining the strength of given evidence, and perceptions of it being a purely technical method to review existing research. It argues that there is merit in utilising the method to provide research users with transparent summaries of the most robust evidence with minimum bias. The article outlines the challenges presented and suggests that social policy researchers have a valuable contribution to make to the developing methods.
The Latin American pension reform experience: evidence that contradicts discourse
Authors: D'Haeseleer Steven , Berghman Jos 
Published: September 2004

English
This article examines the structural pension reforms that have been implemented recently in several Latin American countries. The defining feature of these reforms is the adoption of a privately managed, fully funded pension scheme as a complement or alternative to the public pay-as-you-go system. The article first discusses the relevance of the process of economic globalisation for this particular choice of reform model. It then describes the key design features of the new Latin American pension schemes. Finally, an assessment is offered of the performance of reformed pension systems with respect to their main social functions.
Minimum Incomes for Healthy Living (MIHL): next thrust in UK social policy?
Authors: Morris J.N. , Deeming C. 
Published: September 2004

English
Research worldwide is establishing basic needs for personal health and well-being. Official acceptance of this consensual evidence into policy tends to be slow, partial and unsystematic, resulting in avoidable health deficits, waste of human potential and costs to society. Minimum personal costs of meeting these basic needs can be assessed, together with costs of the popular consensus on other requirements for healthy decent participatory living. UK policy could next aim to provide for these costs generally, including the social security and anti-poverty programmes that determine minimum living standards, and so life chances, of increasing millions of people.
Microsatellite Mutation Models
Authors: Sainudiin Raazesh , Durrett Richard T , Aquadro Charles F , Nielsen Rasmus 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Using genomic data from homologous microsatellite loci of pure AC repeats in humans and chimpanzees, several models of microsatellite evolution are tested and compared using likelihood-ratio tests and the Akaike information criterion. A proportional-rate, linear-biased, one-phase model emerges as the best model. A focal length toward which the mutational and/or substitutional process is linearly biased is a crucial feature of microsatellite evolution. We find that two-phase models do not lead to a significantly better fit than their one-phase counterparts. The performance of models based on the fit of their stationary distributions to the empirical distribution of microsatellite lengths in the human genome is consistent with that based on the human-chimp comparison. Microsatellites interrupted by even a single point mutation exhibit a twofold decrease in their mutation rate when compared to pure AC repeats. In general, models that allow chimps to have a larger per-repeat unit slippage rate and/or a shorter focal length compared to humans give a better fit to the human-chimp data as well as the human genomic data.
Quantitative Trait Loci Affecting Life Span in Replicated Populations of Drosophila melanogaster. II. Response to Selection
Authors: Valenzuela Robert K , Forbes Scott N , Keim Paul , Service Philip M 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Three selection experiments were used to identify chromosome regions that contain QTL affecting late-life and early-life fitness in Drosophila melanogaster. The selection experiments were initiated by crossing pairs of inbred lines that had been derived from outbred laboratory populations that had different mean life spans. QTL regions were located by association with microsatellite markers that showed significant selection responses. Regions between recombination map positions 54 and 81 on chromosome 2, between 0 and 30 on chromosome 3, and near locations 49 and 81 on chromosome 3 had the strongest support as locations of life-span QTL. There was good general agreement between the life-span QTL regions that were identified by selection and those that were identified in a companion recombination mapping experiment that used the same fly stocks. Many marker loci responded in opposite directions to selection for late- and early-life fitness, indicating negative genetic correlations or trade-offs between those traits. Indirect evidence suggested that some negative genetic correlations were due to antagonistic pleiotropy.
On the Distribution of Temporal Variations in Allele Frequency
Authors: Goldringer Isabelle , Bataillon Thomas 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
The effective population size (Ne) is frequently estimated using temporal changes in allele frequencies at neutral markers. Such temporal changes in allele frequencies are usually estimated from the standardized variance in allele frequencies (Fc). We simulate Wright-Fisher populations to generate expected distributions of Fc and of F̅c (Fc averaged over several loci). We explore the adjustment of these simulated F̅c distributions to a chi-square distribution and evaluate the resulting precision on the estimation of Ne for various scenarios. Next, we outline a procedure to test for the homogeneity of the individual Fc across loci and identify markers exhibiting extreme Fc-values compared to the rest of the genome. Such loci are likely to be in genomic areas undergoing selection, driving Fc to values greater (or smaller) than expected under drift alone. Our procedure assigns a P-value to each locus under the null hypothesis (drift is homogeneous throughout the genome) and simultaneously controls the rate of false positive among loci declared as departing significantly from the null. The procedure is illustrated using two published data sets: (i) an experimental wheat population subject to natural selection and (ii) a maize population undergoing recurrent selection.
Virulence, Multiple Infections and Regulation of Symbiotic Population in the Wolbachia-Asobara tabida Symbiosis
Authors: Mouton Laurence , Dedeine Franck , Henri Hélène , Boulétreau Michel , Profizi Nérina , Vavre Fabrice 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
The density and regulation of microbial populations are important factors in the success of symbiotic associations. High bacterial density may improve transmission to the next generation, but excessive replication could turn out to be costly to the host and result in higher virulence. Moreover, differences in virulence may also depend on the diversity of symbionts. Using the maternally transmitted symbiont Wolbachia, we investigated how bacterial density and diversity are regulated and influence virulence in host insects subject to multiple infection. The model we used was the wasp Asobara tabida that naturally harbors three different Wolbachia strains, of which two are facultative and induce cytoplasmic incompatibility, whereas the third is necessary for the host to achieve oogenesis. Using insect lines infected with different subsets of Wolbachia strains, we show that: (i) some traits of A. tabida are negatively affected by Wolbachia; (ii) the physiological cost increases with the number of co-infecting strains, which also corresponds to an increase in the total bacterial density; and (iii) the densities of the two facultative Wolbachia strains are independent of one another, whereas the obligatory strain is less abundant when it is alone, suggesting that there is some positive interaction with the other strains.
Identification and Characterization of Genes Involved in Embryonic Crystal Cell Formation During Drosophila Hematopoiesis
Authors: Milchanowski Allison B , Henkenius Amy L , Narayanan Maya , Hartenstein Volker , Banerjee Utpal 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Parallels between vertebrate and Drosophila hematopoiesis add to the value of flies as a model organism to gain insights into blood development. The Drosophila hematopoietic system is composed of at least three classes of terminally differentiated blood cells: plasmatocytes, crystal cells, and lamellocytes. Recent studies have identified transcriptional and signaling pathways in Drosophila involving proteins similar to those seen in human blood development. To identify additional genes involved in Drosophila hematopoiesis, we have conducted a P-element-based genetic screen to isolate mutations that affect embryonic crystal cell development. Using a marker of terminally differentiated crystal cells, we screened 1040 P-element-lethal lines located on the second and third chromosomes and identified 44 individual lines that affect crystal cell development. Identifying novel genes and pathways involved in Drosophila hematopoiesis is likely to provide further insights into mammalian hematopoietic development and disorders.
GLD-3 and Control of the Mitosis/Meiosis Decision in the Germline of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Eckmann Christian R , Crittenden Sarah L , Suh Nayoung , Kimble Judith 
Published: September 2004

AbstractGerm cells can divide mitotically to replenish germline tissue or meiotically to produce gametes. In this article, we report that GLD-3, a Caenorhabditis elegans Bicaudal-C homolog, promotes the transition from mitosis to meiosis together with the GLD-2 poly(A) polymerase. GLD-3 binds GLD-2 via a small N-terminal region present in both GLD-3S and GLD-3L isoforms, and GLD-2 and GLD-3 can be co-immunoprecipitated from worm extracts. The FBF repressor binds specifically to elements in the gld-3S 3′-UTR, and FBF regulates gld-3 expression. Furthermore, FBF acts largely upstream of gld-3 in the mitosis/meiosis decision. By contrast, GLD-3 acts upstream of FBF in the sperm/oocyte decision, and GLD-3 protein can antagonize FBF binding to RNA regulatory elements. To address the relative importance of these two regulatory mechanisms in the mitosis/meiosis and sperm/oocyte decisions, we isolated a deletion mutant, gld-3(q741), that removes the FBF-binding site from GLD-3L, but leaves the GLD-2-binding site intact. Animals homozygous for gld-3(q741) enter meiosis, but are feminized. Therefore, GLD-3 promotes meiosis primarily via its interaction with GLD-2, and it promotes spermatogenesis primarily via its interaction with FBF.
SNR1 (INI1/SNF5) Mediates Important Cell Growth Functions of the Drosophila Brahma (SWI/SNF) Chromatin Remodeling Complex
Authors: Zraly Claudia B , Marenda Daniel R , Dingwall Andrew K 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
SNR1 is an essential subunit of the Drosophila Brahma (Brm) ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex, with counterparts in yeast (SNF5) and mammals (INI1). Increased cell growth and wing patterning defects are associated with a conditional snr1 mutant, while loss of INI1 function is directly linked with aggressive cancers, suggesting important roles in development and growth control. The Brm complex is known to function during G1 phase, where it appears to assist in restricting entry into S phase. In Drosophila, the activity of DmcycE/CDK2 is rate limiting for entry into S phase and we previously found that the Brm complex can suppress a reduced growth phenotype associated with a hypomorphic DmcycE mutant. Our results reveal that SNR1 helps mediate associations between the Brm complex and DmcycE/CDK2 both in vitro and in vivo. Further, disrupting snr1 function suppressed DmcycEJP phenotypes, and increased cell growth defects associated with the conditional snr1E1 mutant were suppressed by reducing DmcycE levels. While the snr1E1-dependent increased cell growth did not appear to be directly associated with altered expression of G1 or G2 cyclins, transcription of the G2-M regulator string/cdc25 was reduced. Thus, in addition to important functions of the Brm complex in G1-S control, the complex also appears to be important for transcription of genes required for cell cycle progression.
Ethical issues in identifying and recruiting participants for familial genetic research
Authors: Beskow Laura M. , Botkin Jeffrey R. , Daly Mary , Juengst Eric T. , Lehmann Lisa Soleymani , Merz Jon F. , Pentz Rebecca , Press Nancy A. , Ross Lainie Friedman , Sugarman Jeremy , Susswein Lisa R. , Terry Sharon F. , Austin Melissa A. , Burke Wylie 
Published: September 2004

AbstractFamily‐based research is essential to understanding the genetic and environmental etiology of human disease. The success of family‐based research often depends on investigators' ability to identify, recruit, and achieve a high participation rate among eligible family members. However, recruitment of family members raises ethical concerns due to the tension between protecting participants' privacy and promoting research quality, and guidelines for these activities are not well established. The Cancer Genetics Network Bioethics Committee assembled a multidisciplinary group to explore the scientific and ethical issues that arise in the process of family‐based recruitment. The group used a literature review as well as expert opinion to develop recommendations about appropriate approaches to identifying, contacting, and recruiting family members. We conclude that there is no single correct approach, but recommend a balanced approach that takes into account the nature of the particular study as well as its recruitment goals. Recruitment of family members should be viewed as part of the research protocol and should require appropriate informed consent of the already‐enrolled participant. Investigators should inform prospective participants why they are being contacted, how information about them was obtained, and what will happen to that information if they decide not to participate. The recruitment process should also be sensitive to the fact that some individuals from families at increased genetic risk will have no prior knowledge of their risk status. These recommendations are put forward to promote further discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to family‐based recruitment. They suggest a framework for considering alternative recruitment strategies and their implications, as well as highlight areas in need of further empirical research. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axially dissymmetric N‐thioacylated (S)‐(–)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diamine ligands for copper‐catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition of diethylzinc to α,β‐unsaturated ketone
Authors: Shi Min , Duan Wei‐Liang , Rong Guo‐Bin 
Published: September 2004

AbstractAxially chiral thioamide ligands L5, L6, L8, L11, and bis(thioamide) ligand L13 were prepared from the reaction of (S)‐(–)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diamine with acyl chlorides and phosphorus pentasulfide (P2S5). The catalytic asymmetric 1,4‐addition of diethylzinc to α,β‐unsaturated ketones was examined using this novel chiral ligand system with 28–73% ee in moderate to good yields. Chirality 16:642–651, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.