bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of impact of EMCV replication on the nuclear apparatus of NIH 3T3 and HEp‐2 cells
Authors: Karalyan Z.A. , Jaghatspanyan N.G. , Gasparyan M.H. , Hakobyan L.A. , Abroyan L.O. , Ter‐Pogossyan Z.R. , Kamalyan L.A. , Karalova E.M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractWe have investigated differences between the actions of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) on cytometric indices in cultured NIH 3T3 and HEp‐2 cells, which are characterized by different levels of transformation. HEp‐2 cells surviving 48 h after EMCV infection showed lower nuclear ploidy, reduced nuclear area, fewer nucleoli and a higher percentage of euploid cells. There was a significant increase of nucleolar/nuclear DNA 6–24 h after EMCV infection. However, EMCV had markedly different effects on NIH 3T3 cells: there was a consistent increase in population ploidy, but the average number of nucleoli and the number of euploid cells in the population remained constant. The nucleolar/nuclear DNA ratio was almost unchanged. These different viral effects might be explained by the contrasting levels of differentiation of the cultured cell lines. The number of nucleoli does not depend on the amount of nuclear DNA in either viral‐infected or intact cells but on the euploidy‐to‐aneuploidy ratio. The ratio of the sums of the nucleolar perimeters to the nuclear perimeter increases linearly with the number of nucleoli per nucleus in both intact and virus‐infected cells. In both cell lines, the amount of DNA per nucleolus decreases as the number of nucleoli increases.
Late Quaternary climate-driven environmental change in the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica, multi-proxy evidence from a lake sediment core
Authors: Hodgson Dominic A. , Verleyen Elie , Sabbe Koen , Squier Angela H. , Keely Brendan J. , Leng Melanie J. , Saunders Krystyna M. , Vyverman Wim 
Published: June 2005

AbstractLittle is known about the response of terrestrial East Antarctica to climate changes during the last glacialâ€“interglacial cycle. Here we present a continuous sediment record from a lake in the Larsemann Hills, situated on a peninsula believed to have been ice-free for at least 40,000 yr. A mutli-proxy data set including geochronology, diatoms, pigments and carbonate stable isotopes indicates warmer and wetter conditions than present in the early part of the record. We interpret this as Marine Isotope Stage 5e after application of a chronological age-depth model and similar ice core evidence. Dry and cold conditions are inferred during the last glacial, with lake-level minima, floristic changes towards a shallow water algal community, and a greater biological receipt of ultraviolet radiation. During the Last Glacial Maximum and Termination I the lake was perennially ice-covered, with minimal snowmelt in the catchment. After ca. 10,500 cal yr B.P., the lake became seasonally moated or ice-free during summer. Despite a low accumulation rate, the sediments document some Holocene environmental changes including neoglacial cooling after ca. 2450 cal yr B.P., and a gradual increase in aridity and salinity to the present.
Hotspots: are some areas of sewer network prone to re-infestation by rats (Rattus norvegicus) year after year?
Authors: CHANNON D. , CHANNON E. , ROBERTS T. , HAINES R. 
Published: June 2005

SUMMARYThe records of sewer baiting work for three London boroughs were examined to see whether there were locations that exhibited ‘rat’ (Rattus norvegicus) activity more often than would be expected by chance, a feature we dubbed ‘hotspots’. More than 100 000 baiting records were checked covering 15 years of the London Borough of Enfield (Enfield) and 5 years each of the London Borough of Barnet (Barnet), and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC). The additional boroughs were included for comparison to see whether any effect observed was confined to Enfield or was a feature that could be found in both inner and outer city locations. Each borough was divided into kilometre squares corresponding with those found both on Ordnance Survey maps and also Thames Water Utilities Asset maps. The number of records per square were logged and then the number of positive records for all the manholes in that square on a year-on-year basis. We examined 350 km2 in Enfield, 377 km2 in Barnet and 66 km2 in RBKC. The data were subjected to a weighted analysis (i.e. allowing for the number of manholes per square and the varying total rat population from year to year). Some areas were shown to exhibit significantly higher amounts of activity than others suggesting that their distribution is not random and that there must be environmental and other factors, which make certain locations attractive to rats. Squares with very high activity, repeating year-on-year, ‘hotspots’, were found in all three boroughs, suggesting that the phenomena are widespread.
Comparing Shigella waterborne outbreaks in four different areas in Greece: common features and differences
Authors: KOUTSOTOLI A. D. , PAPASSAVA M. E. , MAIPA V. E. , ALAMANOS Y. P. 
Published: June 2005

SUMMARYIn Greece the public health surveillance for most infectious diseases, including shigellosis, is not well developed. However, four waterborne outbreaks of shigellosis have been recorded in Greece in the last three decades, in different areas of the country, under different environmental and socioeconomic conditions. This study presents the epidemiological characteristics of these four outbreaks in order to examine common points and differences and to investigate their possible association with environmental and socioeconomic conditions. All four outbreaks were caused by Shigella sonnei and related to drinking water. Epidemic curves, distribution of cases by age and gender, hospitalization rates, environmental conditions and laboratory results were compared. The outbreaks seemed to correspond to two different ‘models’ presenting two characteristic types of epidemic waves related to specific environmental conditions. The attack rates for the general population varied from about 9 to 13% and were similar for both sexes. Children were affected mostly. In these outbreaks there was a strong suspicion of contamination of the water distribution system from the sewage network, highlighting the importance of environmental health control measures.
Geranylgeranyl transferase inhibition stimulates antimelanoma immune response through MHC class I and costimulatory molecule expression
Authors: Tilkin‐Mariamé Anne‐Françoise , Cormary Carine , Ferro Nathalie , Sarrabayrouse Guillaume , Lajoie‐Mazenc Isabelle , Faye Jean‐Charles , Favre Gilles 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACTDefective antitumor immune responses are frequent consequences of defects in the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and costimulatory molecules. We demonstrated that statins, inhibitors of HMGCoA reductase, enhance mIFN‐γ induced expression of MHC class I antigens on murine B16F10 melanoma. GGTI‐298, a geranylgeranyl transferase I inhibitor, but not FTI‐277, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, mimics this effect of statins. This effect is related to peptide transporter protein TAP1 up‐regulation. Simultaneously, GGTI‐298 induces the expression of CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules. C3 exoenzyme, which selectively inactivates Rho proteins, phenocopies the effects of GGTI‐298, indicating a role for Rho proteins in these events. Furthermore, the treatment of B16F10 cells with GGTI‐298 or C3 exoenzyme associated with mIFN‐γ induces in vivo tumor growth slowing down in immunocompetent but not in nu/nu syngeneic mice. Both in vivo injections and in vitro restimulation of splenocytes with GGTI‐298‐ and mIFN‐γ‐treated B16F10 cells induces an enhancement of specific CD8 T lymphocytes labeled by TRP‐2/H‐2Kb tetramers. Finally, these effects are not limited to mouse models since they were also reproduced in two human melanoma cell lines. These observations indicate that protein geranylgeranylation as well as Rho protein are critical for costimulatory and IFN‐γ‐dependent MHC class I molecule expression in melanoma.
Solution structure of the ubiquitin‐like domain of human DC‐UbP from dendritic cells
Authors: Gao Yong‐Guang , Song Ai‐Xin , Shi Yan‐Hong , Chang Yong‐Gang , Liu Shu‐Xun , Yu Yi‐Zi , Cao Xue‐Tao , Lin Dong‐Hai , Hu Hong‐Yu 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe previously identified dendritic cell‐derived ubiquitin‐like protein (DC‐UbP) was implicated in cellular differentiation and apoptosis. Sequence alignment suggested that it contains a ubiquitin‐like (UbL) domain in the C terminus. Here, we present the solution NMR structure and backbone dynamics of the UbL domain of DC‐UbP. The overall structure of the domain is very similar to that of Ub despite low similarity (<30%) in amino‐acid sequence. One distinct feature of the domain structure is its highly positively charged surface that is different from the corresponding surfaces of the well‐known UbL modifiers, Ub, NEDD8, and SUMO‐1. The key amino‐acid residues responsible for guiding polyubiquitinated proteins to proteasome degradation in Ub are not conserved in the UbL domain. This implies that the UbL domain of DC‐UbP may have its own specific interaction partners with other yet unknown cellular functions related to the Ub pathway.
The effect of long‐range interactions on the secondary structure formation of proteins
Authors: Kihara Daisuke 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe influence of long‐range residue interactions on defining secondary structure in a protein has long been discussed and is often cited as the current limitation to accurate secondary structure prediction. There are several experimental examples where a local sequence alone is not sufficient to determine its secondary structure, but a comprehensive survey on a large data set has not yet been done. Interestingly, some earlier studies denied the negative effect of long‐range interactions on secondary structure prediction accuracy. Here, we have introduced the residue contact order (RCO), which directly indicates the separation of contacting residues in terms of the position in the sequence, and examined the relationship between the RCO and the prediction accuracy. A large data set of 2777 nonhomologous proteins was used in our analysis. Unlike previous studies, we do find that prediction accuracy drops as residues have contacts with more distant residues. Moreover, this negative correlation between the RCO and the prediction accuracy was found not only for β‐strands, but also for α‐helices. The prediction accuracy of β‐strands is lower if residues have a high RCO or a low RCO, which corresponds to the situation that a β‐sheet is formed by β‐strands from different chains in a protein complex. The reason why the current study draws the opposite conclusion from the previous studies is examined. The implication for protein folding is also discussed.
Interaction of serine acetyltransferase with O‐acetylserine sulfhydrylase active site: Evidence from fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Campanini Barbara , Speroni Francesca , Salsi Enea , Cook Paul F. , Roderick Steven L. , Huang Bin , Bettati Stefano , Mozzarelli Andrea 
Published: June 2005

AbstractSerine acetyltransferase is a key enzyme in the sulfur assimilation pathway of bacteria and plants, and is known to form a bienzyme complex with O‐acetylserine sulfhydrylase, the last enzyme in the cysteine biosynthetic pathway. The biological function of the complex and the mechanism of reciprocal regulation of the constituent enzymes are still poorly understood. In this work the effect of complex formation on the O‐acetylserine sulfhydrylase active site has been investigated exploiting the fluorescence properties of pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate, which are sensitive to the cofactor microenvironment and to conformational changes within the protein matrix. The results indicate that both serine acetyltransferase and its C‐terminal decapeptide bind to the α‐carboxyl subsite of O‐acetylserine sulfhydrylase, triggering a transition from an open to a closed conformation. This finding suggests that serine acetyltransferase can inhibit O‐acetylserine sulfhydrylase catalytic activity with a double mechanism, the competition with O‐acetylserine for binding to the enzyme active site and the stabilization of a closed conformation that is less accessible to the natural substrate.
Oral pemphigus vulgaris in children and adolescents: a review of the literature and a case report
Authors: ARIYAWARDANA A. , TILAKARATNE W. M. , DISSANAYAKE M. , VITANAARACHCHI N. , BASNAYAKE L. K. , SITHEEQUE M. A. M. , RANASINGHE A. W. 
Published: June 2005

Summary.This paper describes a case of oral pemphigus vulgaris (PV) in a child that was diagnosed in its early stages and managed successfully. The authors also report a literature review. Although oral PV in children and adolescents is extremely rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of oral ulcerative disease. It is of utmost importance to diagnose PV in children and adolescents in its initial stages in order to prevent the serious morbidity that may result from the disease, and to institute phamacotherapeutic measures so that they have the greatest effect. Furthermore, it is essential for dentists to be aware of the existence of PV in child and adolescent patients so that they may refer such cases for specialist management without undue delay.
Scanning electron micrograph analysis of hypomineralized enamel in permanent first molars
Authors: JÄLEVIK B. , DIETZ W. , NORÉN J. G. 
Published: June 2005

Summary.First molars with cream‐ to yellow‐coloured demarcated opacities of the enamel, often in combination with severe loss of substance, are common in many child populations. The aetiology is obscure.Aim and Method.  The aim of this study was to study the ultrastructure of the enamel of 10 affected teeth by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to gain a better understanding of the clinical appearance and treatment problems of this condition, and to find some clues to its aetiology.Results.  The basic enamel structure with enamel rods and interrod zones was found in porous parts of the enamel, as well as in normal parts, but the packing of the hydroxylapatite crystals seemed to be looser and less well organized in the porous parts. The border between normal and hypomineralized enamel was usually distinct, and followed the direction of the rods. The preserved basic structure indicates normal function of the ameloblasts during their secretion phase, but impaired function during their maturation stage.Conclusion.  Considering the poor etch profile, it seems reasonable to recommend removal of all affected enamel surrounding the cavity, if possible, and to use a glass ionomer filling with its chemical bonding to tooth substrate, when restoring first molars with remaining affected enamel.
Despair and hopelessness in the context of HIV – a meta‐synthesis on qualitative research findings
Authors: Kylmä Jari 
Published: June 2005

Aim. The aim of the study was to explore the concepts of despair and hopelessness in the context of human immunodeficiency virus based on previous studies.Background. Some of the consequences of living with human immunodeficiency virus or as a significant other to a person with human immunodeficiency virus include despair and hopelessness.Methods. The study is based on five earlier studies describing the dynamics of hope (including despair and hopelessness) in adult persons living with human immunodeficiency virus.Results. Despair consists of two sub‐processes. The downward sub‐process of despair refers to stopping and being stuck in a situation, losing grip and sinking into a narrowing existence, focusing on impossibility and losing perspective of the future. Furthermore, the downward orientation means questioning the possibility of hope. The upward sub‐process of despair implies fighting against sinking and fighting to rise back up with a glimmer of hope. Hopelessness is the polar opposite of hope and includes sub‐processes of helplessly giving up everything (including hope) and living in emptiness in the face of an assumed non‐existing future, collapsing mentally, and becoming paralyzed without reason to live.Conclusions. The results of this study support the findings of previous studies revealing that despair and hopelessness are possible elements in the life situation of persons living with human immunodeficiency virus and significant others to persons living with human immunodeficiency virus. The results of this study help to define the contents of despair and hopelessness, and help us to distinguish one from the other. The dual‐dimensionality of despair has not been pointed out in previous studies and in this way the present study offers new information about the phenomenon of despair.Relevance to clinical practice. The findings of this study offer clinical guidelines on a conceptual level about how to detect these phenomena in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus and their significant others. Furthermore, the findings offer a starting point for interventions used to alleviate despair and hopelessness. Suggestions for suitable interventions are offered. The results of this study underline the clinical relevance of these phenomena in adding new information to the previously documented consequences of despair and hopelessness.
An assessment of intellectual disability among Aboriginal Australians
Authors: Glasson E. J. , Sullivan S. G. , Hussain R. , Bittles A. H. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractBackground The health and well‐being of Indigenous people is a significant global problem, and Aboriginal Australians suffer from a considerably higher burden of disease and lower life expectancy than the non‐Indigenous population. Intellectual disability (ID) can further compromise health, but there is little information that documents the prevalence of ID among indigenous populations. This study provides information on ID among the Aboriginal population of Western Australia.Methods The Disability Services Commission (DSC) of Western Australia has maintained a statewide database of people with ID since 1953. Data on people of Aboriginal descent were extracted from the DSC database and linked to two other state‐based databases, the Hospital Morbidity Data System and the Deaths Registry, with additional linkage to the National Death Index. The linked data were used to assess the prevalence, survival patterns and causes of death in Aboriginal people with ID.Results Although comprising 3.5% of the population, Aboriginal Australians represented 7.4% of all people registered for ID services. The level of ID was assessed as borderline or mild in 40.7% of cases, moderate in 19.9%, severe or profound in 12.1%, but had not been specified in 27.2% cases. Median survival was 55.1 years for men and 64.0 years for women, with a mean age at death (n = 102) of 19.6 years. The leading causes of death were respiratory diseases, diseases of the circulatory system, and accidents.Conclusions The study presents unique population summary data for ID in the Aboriginal community of Western Australia. To provide appropriate prevention and intervention strategies, there is an urgent need for more detailed information on the prevalence and patterns of ID.
Liver enzymes elevation after HAART in HIV‐HCV co‐infection
Authors: Servin‐Abad L. , Molina E. , Baracco G. , Arosemena L. , Regev A. , Jeffers L. , Schiff E. 
Published: June 2005

Summary.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co‐infection is common among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. The incidence and risk factors associated with hepatotoxicity in this population after high active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is initiated are still not well‐understood. We argued to evaluate the incidence and risk factors associated with liver enzyme elevation (LEE) and their clinical significance. A retrospective chart review of patients who started HAART and had follow up at our centre for at least 1 year was undertaken. The frequency and severity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation after treatment initiation were investigated and searched for clinical manifestations.Between January 1996 and March 2002, 85 HIV‐HCV co‐infected patients began HAART and continued follow up for at least 1 year. The incidence of severe toxicity [grades 3 + 4 LEE: >5 and >10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) of ALT or AST] was calculated at 4% per person‐years. There were no clinical manifestations of liver toxicity, and patients continued their treatment with a trend towards a decrease of their enzymes. No statistical differences in opportunistic infections or mortality were evident. The variables associated with severe hepatotoxicity were a higher baseline AST, higher international normalized ratio (INR) and lower albumin. A baseline AST < 2.1 ULN had a negative predictive value of 92% of leading to severe hepatotoxicity.In HIV‐HCV co‐infected patients therefore, the group at a higher risk of developing higher transaminase elevations is the one with a higher baseline AST, higher INR and lower albumin.
Histochemical and Electron Microscopic Study on Motor Neurone Degeneration Following Transient Spinal Cord Ischaemia at Normothermic Conditions in Rabbits
Authors: Lee J.‐C. , Hwang I. K. , Park S.‐K. , Yoo K.‐Y. , Seo K. , Kang T.‐C. , Oh Y. S. , Won M. H. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryThis study was carried out to investigate the motor neurone degeneration in the ventral horn following transient spinal cord ischaemia at normothermic conditions in rabbits. Transient spinal cord ischaemia was induced by occlusion of the abdominal aorta underneath the left renal artery for 15 min at normothermia (38.7°C). Sections at the level of L7 were examined using histochemical and electron microscopic methods. Cresyl violet‐positive motor neurones began to reduce in number at 3 h after ischaemia reperfusion, and were not detectable at 48 h after ischaemia reperfusion. Acid fuchsin‐positive motor neurones were detected at 1 h after ischaemia reperfusion, significantly increased up to 6 h after the ischaemia reperfusion, and eventually disappeared by 48 h after ischaemia reperfusion. In electron microscopic findings, the disintegration of cytoplasmic membranes, and the disruption of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum were observed in motor neurones at 30 min after ischaemia reperfusion. Motor neurones showed necrotic findings with pyknotic degeneration at 1 h after ischaemia reperfusion. The necrotic degeneration became severer time dependently after ischaemia reperfusion. At 48 h after ischaemia reperfusion, cellular components were not detectable in motor neurones. In conclusion, we suggest that the degeneration pattern of motor neurones of the ischaemic spinal cord was necrotic after ischaemia reperfusion under normothermic conditions.
UNITED KINGDOM: CARING DIFFERENTLY: INTERMEDIATE CARE ‐ AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO SERVICE PROVISION IN RESPONSE TO CLIENT NEED AND WORKFORCE CHANGES IN THE NHS
Authors: Vaughan Barbara 
Published: June 2005

IntroductionThe King's Fund is an independant organisation whose prime function is to support development of health and social services. The following paper outlines one aspect of its work which is concerned with the introduction of so called ‘intermediate care’ services for people who need help during the transition between medical dependance and personal independance, but who do not require the specialist medical expertise provided in an acute hospital setting. It is argued that currently there are few services specifically designed to meet this group of patients needs and a ‘black hole’ exists in service provision. The purpose of such a service is to provide intensive therapy in order to maximise their ability to live independently, improve the quality of their lives, and provide the opportunity for them to learn greater self‐care skills in order that they can manage their own health more effectively in the longer term.