julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
The Trinity between Athens and Jerusalem
2009-01-01

Abstract This article uncovers the roots of the doctrine of the Trinity in the 'prototrinitarian grammar of discourse on God' of the New Testament and in its Old Testament presuppositions. Contrary to the well-worn thesis of Harnack, it is argued that it was Jerusalem rather than Athens—i.e., the biblical witness rather than Greek metaphysics—that gave rise to the dogma of the Trinity. Greek metaphysics only came in when the early Christians had to express the universality of the truth they claimed for God's self-disclosure through Christ in the Spirit by engaging with Greek philosophy. This was a risky experiment, since it implied a conceptual redefinition that went against the doctrine's original import. It is shown, however, that the crucial link to the biblical witness was re-established by the Cappadocian fathers and subsequently adopted by the Council of Constantinople (381).
Effects of a supplementary final year curriculum on students’ clinical reasoning skills as assessed by key-feature examination
2009-01-01

Supplementary interactive case-based seminars and skills training sessions are effective and significantly improve the clinical reasoning skills of final year students in internal medicine. Further study is warranted and should look to examine the effectiveness of a final year student curriculum on other performance measures.
Palaeoceanographic evolution of the central Red Sea during the late Holocene
2009-01-01

Three multicores were studied in the Central Red Sea off Port Sudan at a W—E transect in order to reconstruct palaeoceanographic conditions of the past ~6000 years. Downcore fluctuations in the relative abundance of the epipelagic planktic foraminifera Globigerinoides ruber versus that of the deeper dweller G. sacculifer, together with the presence/absence pattern of the mesopelagic pteropod Limacina bulimoides, reflect variations in the mixed layer and intermediate water column properties and enabled a division of the past ~6000 years into five zones. These palaeoceanographic changes reflect late-Holocene climate fluctuations. Two distinct climate systems regulate the hydrography of the central Red Sea: the Mediterranean climate system to the north controls the formations of the deeper waters, at times of drier and harsher winters, with periods of increased abundance of G. sacculifer reflecting a vigorous deep-water formation in the northern Red Sea. The second is the monsoonal climate system that regulates the nutrient input from the south and the shifting northward position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) at times of monsoon intensification. Increasing abundances in G. ruber indicate greater influence of the monsoonal climate system. The most arid interval (4200—3400 yr BP) is associated with high abundance of G. sa cculifer and maximum abundance of Limacina bulimoides , linked to the Mediterranean climate system. This period is of a wide regional scale and also coincides with a pulse of weakening in the Indian Ocean monsoonal system.
Inhibition of Na<sup>+</sup>/H<sup>+</sup> Exchanger Activity by Parvovirus B19 Protein NS1
2009-01-01

Infection with parvovirus B19 (B19) may induce apoptosis resulting in anemia, acute fulminant liver failure, placental insufficiency and myocarditis. Apoptosis has been attributed to proapoptotic activity of the non-structural viral protein NS1, which is known to trigger a signaling cascade eventually leading to activation of caspases. In several cell types apoptosis was found to be paralleled by profound cytosolic acidification, which may be secondary to inhibition of the Na+/H+ exchanger. The acidification has been considered to support the activation of pH sensitive caspases and endonucleases. However, nothing is known about the effect of NS1 on Na+/H+ exchanger activity and cytosolic pH. The present study thus explored whether NS1 expression affects cytosolic pH (pHi) and Na+-dependent realkalinization (DeltapHi) following acidification by an ammonium pulse. According to FACS analysis, overexpression of NS1 in RXR-10SW cells led within 72 hours to activation of caspase 3 and DNA fragmentation. NS1 overexpression resulted within 24 hours in a significant decline of pHi from 6.93 +/- 0.03 (n = 6) to 6.78 +/- 0.04 (n = 7), and to a significant decrease of DeltapHi from 0.159 +/- 0.017 (n = 6) to 0.039 +/- 0.004, (n = 7). The decrease of pHi and of DeltapHi following NS1 expression could be significantly blunted by inhibition of caspase 3 with zVAD. Western blot analysis revealed degradation of NHE1 following NS1 expression. In vitro, caspase 3, but not caspase 6, caspase 7 and caspase 8 degraded NHE1 protein of cell lysates. In conclusion, overexpression of NS1 triggers a signaling cascade eventually leading to activation of caspase 3 and subsequent degradation of NHE1. The effect contributes to cytosolic acidification which may in turn favor activation of caspases and endonucleases and thus participate in the pathophysiology of B19-infection.
Membrane-initiated effects of progesterone on proliferation and activation of VEGF in breast cancer cells
2009-01-01

PGRMC1 is expressed in breast cancer tissue and mediates an RU-486-independent proliferative signal. It might also contribute to VEGF-induced neovascularization in tumor tissue. Thus, screening for PGRMC1 expression might be of interest to identify women with a higher expression of PGRMC1 and who might thus be susceptible for breast cancer development under hormone replacement therapy.
Influence of zoledronic acid on disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in primary breast cancer patients.
2009-01-01

Abstract Abstract #2048 Background: The presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in the bone marrow is associated with an increased risk for subsequent bone metastases. Bisphosphonates reduce the occurence of bone metastases in patients (pts) with primary breast cancer (BC) with DTC. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of adjuvant zoledronic acid (ZOL) on DTC in the bone marrow and the Patients and methods: Eligibilty criteria for this prospective, randomized multicenter trial were primary BC pts (pT1-4, N1-2, M0) with positive bone marrow status as determined by a standardized immunocytochemistry staining procedure. Ninety-eight pts were enrolled between April 2002 and January 2006. Randomization and medication had to be started within 28 days of primary surgery. Consenting pts were randomized to the treatment arm (ZOL 4mg i.v. q 4 weekly) or control arm. During the study, all pts received adjuvant treatment in the form of chemotherapy ± hormonal therapy or hormonal therapy alone. Bone marrow aspirations were performed to analyze the presence of DTC at surgery (baseline) and 12 months later. Efficacy and tolerability of intravenous ZOL in pts with primary Result: Bone marrow status was available for 76 patients both at baseline and 12 months after surgery. At baseline a median of 2.0 / range 1-6 (mean 2.1±1.1) DTC were detected in the ZOL group and a median of 2.0 / range 1-35 (mean 2.9±5.5) DTC in the control group. In both groups the number of detected tumor cells decreased during the 12 months follow-up with 0.5±0.8 (median 0.0; 0-2) DTC in the ZOL group and 0.9±0.8 (median 1.0; 0-2) DTC in the control group. By ANCOVA analysis a trend was seen towards a reduction of the number of DTC in the ZOL group compared with the control group (p=0.066). In addition, bone marrow-positive pts treated with ZOL were more likely to become bone marrow negative after 12 months (66.7% versus 35.1%, (p=0.009) compared to the control group. Most frequently reported AEs were musculoskeletal,arthralgia and myalgia in Conclusions: In this first prospective, randomized, multicenter trial we were able to show, that both treatment groups have a reduction in the number of DTC after 12 months as compared to baseline. There is a tendency to more reduction of DTC in the ZOL group. More pts under ZOL achieved a change from positive to negative bone marrow status than controls (p=0.009). Treatment with ZOL was safe and well tolerated. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 2048.
Modulation of CXC Chemokine Receptor Expression and Function in Human Neutrophils during Aging In Vitro Suggests a Role in Their Clearance from Circulation
2009-01-01

In mice, differential regulation of CXC chemokine receptor expression in circulating polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) undergoing senescence results in homing to the bone marrow. However, the role of this compartment and of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 is still under discussion, and only scarce data exist about CXCR4 function in human PMN. In our study, we provide evidence that also in human neutrophils, expression (cell surface and mRNA), chemotactic and signaling functions of the homing-related chemokine receptor CXCR4 are upregulated during aging in vitro, independent of addition of stimulatory cytokines (TNF, IL-1, IL-8, G-CSF). In contrast, interleukin-8 receptors are downmodulated (CXCR2) or remain unchanged (CXCR1), suggesting that human PMNs undergoing senescence acquire a phenotype that impairs inflammatory extravasation and favors homing to the bone marrow or other tissues involved in sequestration. Partially retained responsiveness to interleukin-8 may be important for neutrophil function when senescence occurs after extravasation in inflamed tissues.
Inhibitory Effect of Thymol on Suicidal Erythrocyte Death
2009-01-01

The antibacterial plant component thymol has antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress is known to activate Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels with subsequent Ca(2+) entry, activation of Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels, cell shrinkage, cell membrane scrambling and phosphatidylserine exposure at the erythrocyte surface. Cell shrinkage and phosphatidylserine exposure are typical features of suicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis. Eryptotic cells are cleared from circulating blood thus causing anemia and may adhere to the vascular wall thus interfering with the microcirculation. The present experiments explored whether thymol interacts with eryptosis. Annexin V-binding was utilized to determine phosphatidylserine exposure, forward scatter to detect alterations of cell volume and Fluo3 fluorescence to depict changes of the cytosolic Ca(2+) activity. Oxidative stress (30 min. 0.3 mM tert-butylhydroperoxide), energy depletion (48 h glucose removal) and isotonic cell shrinkage (48 h replacement of extracellular Cl(-) with gluconate) significantly increased annexin V-binding and decreased the forward scatter, effects significantly blunted in the presence of thymol 2.5 - 20 microg/ml. Thymol is a potent inhibitor of suicidal erythrocyte death particularly following oxidative stress. In conclusion, thymol may be useful incounteracting anemia and impairment of microcirculation.
Integrated FDG-PET/CT for detection, therapy monitoring and follow-up of granulocytic sarcoma
2009-01-01

Summary Aim: Granulocytic sarcomas (GS) are rare extramedullary manifestations of myeloid or lymphoblastic leukaemia. Laboratory examinations are of limited use for diagnosis of extramedullary disease. Radiological imaging based on morphology is challenging. To date, the possible role of FDG-PET/CT as a method for combined metabolic and morphologic imaging is unclear. We present a series of 10 patients to evaluate the potential role of FDGPET/ CT in the management of GS. Patients, materials, methods: A retrospective evaluation of 18 FDG-PET/CT exams in 10 patients with histologically proven GS was performed. All scans included a contrast enhanced CT. The FDG uptake of GS was analyzed and the sensitivity of lesion detection was compared to PET and CT alone. The changes in FDG uptake after therapy were compared to morphological changes detected by CT and follow-up / clinical outcome. Results: 52 untreated or recurrent GS lesions were detected by FDG-PET/CT and all showed an increased FDG uptake with a mean SUVmax and SUVavg of 5.1 and 3.4, respectively. GS was multifocal in 8/10 patients. Combined PET/CT avoided 5 false positive findings compared to PET alone and 13 false negative findings and 1 false positive compared to CT alone. Changes in FDG uptake after therapy correlated with clinical outcome and were more reliable than CT assessment alone. PET/CT identified recurrent GS in 3 patients. Conclusion: Viable GS are FDG-avid. Using this metabolic information and morphologic CT criteria, combined FDG-PET/CT was more accurate in lesion detection than FDG-PET or CT alone. Changes in FDG uptake after therapy might be a useful additional parameter for therapy monitoring. Therefore, FDG-PET/CT appears to be a promising diagnostic and monitoring tool in the management of patients with GS.
Measuring second language proficiency with EEG synchronization: how functional cortical networks and hemispheric involvement differ as a function of proficiency level in second language speakers
2009-01-01

This article examines the question of whether university-based high-level foreign language and linguistic training can influence brain activation and whether different L2 proficiency groups have different brain activation in terms of lateralization and hemispheric involvement. The traditional and prevailing theory of hemispheric involvement in bilingual language processing states that bilingual and second language processing is always at least in some form connected to the right hemisphere (RH), when compared to monolingual first language processing, the classical left-hemispheric language-processing domain. A widely held specification of this traditional theory claims that especially bilinguals or second language learners in their initial phases and/or bilinguals with poor fluency and less experience rely more on RH areas when processing their L2. We investigated this neurolinguistic hypothesis with differently proficient Austrian learners of English as a second language. Two groups of L2 speakers (all Austrian German native speakers), differing in their L2 (English) language performance, were recorded on electroencephalography (EEG) during the processing of spoken English language. A short comprehension interview followed each task. The `high proficiency group' consisted of English language students who were about to complete their master's degree for English language and linguistics, while the `low proficiency group' was composed of non-language students who had only school level performance and less training in English. The age of onset of L2 learning was kept constant: 9 years for both groups. To look for cooperative network activity in the brain, EEG coherence and synchronization measures were analysed for a high EEG frequency range (gamma band). Results showed the most significant group differences in synchronization patterns within the lower gamma frequency range, with more RH involvement (extensive right-hemisphere networks) for the low proficiency group, especially when processing their L2. The results can be interpreted in favour of RH theories of second language processing since, once again, we found evidence of more RH involvement in (late) second language learners with less experience and less training in the L2. The study shows that second language training (and resulting proficiency) and/or differences in ability or state of linguistic alertness can be made visible by brain imaging using newly developed EEG-synchronization techniques as a measure.
Using the Multiple Analysis Approach to Reconstruct Phylogenetic Relationships among Planktonic Foraminifera from Highly Divergent and Length-polymorphic SSU rDNA Sequences
2009-01-01

The high sequence divergence within the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA) of foraminifera makes it difficult to establish the homology of individual nucleotides across taxa. Alignment-based approaches so far relied on time-consuming manual alignments and discarded up to 50% of the sequenced nucleotides prior to phylogenetic inference. Here, we investigate the potential of the multiple analysis approach to infer a molecular phylogeny of all modern planktonic foraminiferal taxa by using a matrix of 146 new and 153 previously published SSU rDNA sequences. Our multiple analysis approach is based on eleven different automated alignments, analysed separately under the maximum likelihood criterion. The high degree of congruence between the phylogenies derived from our novel approach, traditional manually homologized culled alignments and the fossil record indicates that poorly resolved nucleotide homology does not represent the most significant obstacle when exploring the phylogenetic structure of the SSU rDNA in planktonic foraminifera. We show that approaches designed to extract phylogenetically valuable signals from complete sequences show more promise to resolve the backbone of the planktonic foraminifer tree than attempts to establish strictly homologous base calls in a manual alignment.
Transcranial ultrasound as a risk marker for Parkinson's disease
2009-01-01

Abstract The question of early, even premotor, detection of Parkinson's disease (PD) has become a major issue because the effect of neuroprotective therapies depends on the time they are started.A number of clinical premotor markers which are helpful especially in the early diagnosis are being discussed; however, they are mostly unspecific and already signs of the progressing neurodegenerative process. An increasingly important risk marker for PD is genetic predisposition, as the number of known disease causing and modulating genes is increasing. Still, only the minority of PD cases can be attributed to monogenetic forms. Substantia nigra (SN) hyperechogenicity, assessed by transcranial sonography, has been shown to be a typical marker for PD. Because of its stability during the disease course, this echofeature is very helpful in early and differential diagnosis. Moreover, functional neuroimaging studies indicate a vulnerability of the nigrostriatal system of yet healthy subjects with SN hyperechogenicity. This vulnerability may become clinically relevant with age, under neuroleptic therapy, or under demanding motor tasks. The fact that still unaffected mutation carriers for monogenetic PD show this echofeature and that over the years some subjects with SN hyperechogenicity have already been observed to develop PD indicates that it may be regarded as a risk factor—a hypothesis which is currently being investigated in large prospective investigations. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Haemodialysis is associated with changes in cutaneous microcirculation in diabetes mellitus
2009-01-01

Abstract Aims To examine the cutaneous microcirculation on the dorsum of the foot before, during and after haemodialysis in diabetic and non‐diabetic patients. Methods Fourteen age‐matched patients (seven diabetic, seven non‐diabetic) without active foot ulceration were studied. Cutaneous microcirculation was assessed using a micro‐lightguide spectrophotometer to measure venous oxygen saturation and relative blood flow determined at two tissue depths: 2 and 6 mm. Cumulative relative changes of each parameter during haemodialysis were calculated as area under the curve. Differences between and within the groups were calculated by Mann–Whitney U ‐test and anova following post hoc testing, respectively. Results At baseline, relative blood flow at 6 mm tissue depth was significantly greater in diabetic patients ( P = 0.048). Thirty minutes after the end of dialysis, relative blood flow at 2 and 6 mm tissue depth was significantly higher in non‐diabetic patients ( P = 0.048 and P = 0.001). Mean cumulative relative changes in venous oxygen saturation and relative blood flow at 2 mm as well as 6 mm tissue depth were positive for non‐diabetic subjects and negative for diabetic patients. Conclusions Haemodialysis is associated with changes in cutaneous microcirculation, which differ between people with and without diabetes. In those without diabetes, we found an increase in blood flow during haemodialysis, whereas blood flow was reduced in diabetic patients. This may be the result of abnormal vasomotor regulation due to distal neuropathy.
Influence of platelet count on the expression of platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome
2009-01-01

Summary Platelets play a key role in the development of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and contribute to cardiovascular events. Platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) contributes significantly to platelet adhesion and thrombus formation in ACS. We consecutively investigated both the platelet count and the platelet surface expression of GPVI in 843 patients with a symptomatic coronary artery disease verified by coronary angiography. Four hundred fourteen patients presented with stable angina pectoris and 429 patients with ACS. Platelet surface expression of GPVI and CD62P was determined by flow cytometry and platelet count with a coulter counter, plasmatic soluble GPVI was measured by ELISA. Platelet GPVI expression in patients with ACS was compared to platelet count. Patients with ACS showed significantly elevated GPVI expression levels in the first and second quartiles of platelet count compared to patients with higher platelet count [mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) ± standard deviation): 1st vs. 4th: 20.44 ± 6.1 vs. 18.62 ± 3.7; p=0.012; 2ndvs.3rd:21.2±8.5vs.18.76±3.7;P=0.03; 2ndvs.4th: 21.2±8.5vs.18.62±3.7;P=0.004], which was paralleled in trend for the CD62P expression [MFI: 1st vs. 4th: 11.2 ± 6.8 vs. 12.3 ± 9; p=0.057; 2nd vs. 3rd: 16.3 ± 16 vs.12.7 ± 5.3; p=0.138; 2nd vs. 4th: 16.3 ± 16 vs.11 ± 4.4; p=0.043]. In a subgroup of 48 patients with ACS, determination of soluble GPVI showed similar results [plasma GPVI (ng/ml): 1stvs.4th: 1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4; p=0.046; 1st vs. 3rd: 1.6 ± 0.6 vs. 1.1 ± 0.5; p=0.038; 2nd vs. 3rd: 1.9 ± 0.8 vs. 1.1 ± 0.5; p=0.04; 2nd vs. 4th: 1.9 ± 0.8 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4; p=0.056]. Thus, a lower platelet count comes along with a higher GPVI surface expression and plasma concentration in patients with ACS, which potentially reflects increased activation and enhanced recruitment of platelets to the site of vascular injury.
Signaling Pathways of the TREM-1- and TLR4-Mediated Neutrophil Oxidative Burst
2009-01-01

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) is involved in the innate inflammatory response to microbial infections. Activation and expression of TREM-1 by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) occurs in concert with Toll-like receptors (TLR) such as TLR4 for bacterial lipopolysaccharide. However, it is currently unclear how this is mediated on a molecular level. Using pharmacological inhibitors and Western blot analysis we demonstrate that phosphatidyl inositide 3-kinase, phospholipase C and the mitogen-activated kinase p38MAPK are essential for the TREM-1- and TLR4-induced oxidative burst of human PMN. The activation of protein kinase B and extracellular signal-related kinase show characteristic phosphorylation patterns upon single or co-ligation indicating individual activation pathways of both receptors. Taken together, we provide new insights into the mechanisms how TREM-1 and TLR interact creating synergistic activation in PMN. These results shed a new light on our understanding of how the innate inflammatory responses are regulated and might contribute to the development of future concepts for the treatment of severe inflammatory conditions such as sepsis.