julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Cytomegalovirus and human immunosenescence
2008-11-26

Abstract ‘Immunosenescence’ is an imprecise term used to describe deleterious age‐associated changes to immune parameters observed in all mammals studied so far. Primarily anecdotal evidence implies that failing immunity is responsible for the increased incidence and severity of infectious disease in old people. However, there is a serious dearth of accurate hard data concerning the actual cause of death in the elderly and the contribution thereto of the multitude of age‐associated alterations measured in the immune system. Cross‐sectional studies comparing those currently young with those currently old reveal a large number of differences in the distribution of immune cell types in the blood, and to some extent the functional integrity of those cells. Many of these parameters differ markedly between individuals infected with CMV and uninfected people, regardless of infection with other persistent herpesviruses. The adaptive arm of immunity appears to be more seriously affected than the innate arm, particularly the T lymphocytes. However, cross‐sectional studies suffer the disadvantage that like is not being compared with like, because the conditions applied during the entire life course of the currently elderly were different from those applied now to the young. These differences in environment, nutrition, pathology and possibly genetics, rather than merely age, may be expected to influence the parameters studied. Moreover, pathogen exposure of the currently elderly was also different from contemporary exposure, probably including CMV. Some of the problems associated with cross‐sectional studies can be overcome by performing longitudinal studies, as pointed out in an earlier analysis of the Baltimore Longitudinal Ageing study looking at lymphocyte numbers. However, longitudinal studies are challenging in humans. Nonetheless, the pioneering Swedish OCTO/NONA studies of the very elderly which for the first time included a range of immune parameters, have identified a set of immune parameters predicting mortality at 2, 4 and 6 year follow‐up; CMV infection makes a material contribution to this so‐called ‘immune risk profile (IRP)’. Whether the IRP is informative in younger individuals and the mechanism of the CMV effect is discussed in this review. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
S100A12 is a novel molecular marker differentiating systemic‐onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis from other causes of fever of unknown origin
2008-11-26

Abstract Objective Fever of unknown origin (FUO) in children presents a diagnostic challenge. The differential diagnosis includes systemic‐onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), an autoinflammatory syndrome associated with activation of phagocytic cells that, at presentation, is difficult to differentiate from severe systemic infections. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum concentrations of the phagocytic proinflammatory protein S100A12 may help in deciding whether to treat patients with FUO with antibiotics or immunosuppressive agents. Methods Serum samples were obtained from 45 healthy control subjects and from 240 patients (60 with systemic‐onset JIA, 17 with familial Mediterranean fever [FMF], 18 with neonatal‐onset multisystem inflammatory disease [NOMID], 17 with Muckle‐Wells syndrome [MWS], 40 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL], 5 with acute myeloblastic leukemia [AML], and 83 with systemic infections). All samples were collected at the time of presentation, before the initiation of any treatment, and concentrations of S100A12 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results The mean ± 95% confidence interval serum levels of S100A12 were as follows: in patients with JIA, 7,190 ± 2,690 ng/ml; in patients with FMF, 6,720 ± 4,960 ng/ml; in patients with NOMID, 720 ± 450 ng/ml; in patients with MWS, 150 ± 60 ng/ml; in patients with infections, 470 ± 160 ng/ml; in patients with ALL, 130 ± 80 ng/ml; in patients with AML, 45 ± 60 ng/ml; in healthy control subjects, 50 ± 10 ng/ml. The sensitivity and specificity of S100A12 to distinguish between systemic‐onset JIA and infections were 66% and 94%, respectively. Conclusion S100A12, a marker of granulocyte activation, is highly overexpressed in patients with systemic‐onset JIA or FMF, which may point to as‐yet unknown common inflammatory mechanisms in these diseases. The measurement of S100A12 serum levels may provide a valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of FUO.
IGFBP‐2 overexpression reduces the appearance of dysplastic aberrant crypt foci and inhibits growth of adenomas in chemically induced colorectal carcinogenesis
2008-11-26

Abstract Colon cancer patients frequently show increased levels of serum insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐2 (IGFBP‐2), however, the pathogenetic relevance of this phenomenon for colorectal cancer is unclear. Therefore, we have used IGFBP‐2 transgenic animals which overexpress IGFBP‐2 systemically and locally in the intestine to study its role in chemically induced colorectal carcinogenesis. Mice received intraperitoneal injections of 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH) (40 mg/kg body weight) once a week for 6 weeks to selectively induce aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and tumors in the colon. While tumor incidence was comparable in transgenic and control mice, the volume of adenomas in IGFBP‐2 transgenic mice was reduced more than 2‐fold. Furthermore, serum IGFBP‐2 levels negatively correlated with tumor volume in the IGFBP‐2 transgenic group. Histological examination showed that IGFBP‐2 transgenic mice developed significantly less dysplastic ACF with a high potential to progress to advanced stages. The reduced tumor volume in IGFBP‐2 transgenic animals was due to significantly reduced proliferative capacity, evidenced by a lower proportion of cells positive for Ki67. Our results demonstrate for the first time in an experimental model that IGFBP‐2 overabundance prior to the onset and during colorectal carcinogenesis reduces tumor growth by inhibition of cell proliferation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adhesive Bonding Technology: Fields of Application
2008-11-26

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Transportation Building Industry Wooden Constructions Paper and Packaging Industry Small-Scale Industries and Handicraft Trades Electronics Industry Optical Industry Mechanical Engineering and Process Equipment Construction Textile Industry Footwear Industry Road and Highway Engineering Surface Design Tamper-Indicating Labels Medical Sector Adhesion in Nature Little-Known Applications
Adhesives and Adhesive Joints: Test Methods and Properties
2008-11-26

This chapter contains sections titled: Adhesive Bulk Properties Test Categories by Type of Mechanical Stress Test Categories by Duration and Load Rate Assessment of Durability and Service Life of Adhesive Joints Tests Related to Storage and Handling of Adhesives Nondestructive Testing Methods Applications of Test Methods in Structural Adhesive Bonding Experiences and Learning from Damage Cases
Chemistry and Properties of Adhesives and Primers
2008-11-26

This chapter contains sections titled: Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs) Contact Adhesives Hot Melts Phenolic Resin Adhesives Epoxy Resin Adhesives Polyurethane Adhesives Acrylate Adhesives Silicones Natural Adhesives Chemistry of Primers and Adhesion Promoters Fillers
Index
2008-11-26

a Acacia arabica 90 acetic acid vapors 86 acetone-degreased aluminum bondings 177 acetone-degreased aluminum surfaces 181 acid-base bonds 23 acrylate adhesives 41, 84, 71, 227 formulations 84 acrylate dispersions 71 acrylate/methacrylate adhesive groups 74 acrylate systems 42 acrylic adhesives 47 acrylic diester 31 acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS) 85 copolymer 74, 84, 85 adherents deformation 107 adhesion promoters 24, 94-96, 189, 251, 325 aramid fibers 328 chemistry 94 rubber mixtures 328 textiles 328 adhesion theories 24 adhesive(s) 29, 39, 108 anchor 238 bonds 13, 191, 359 chemistry 39 classification 29, 32 elastic-plastic deformation 108 peel stress 130 polymers 137 properties 39 protein plaque 345, 350 residues 201, 363 secretions 352 substances 354 surface 352 survey 29 systems 11, 28
Screening for triploidy by the risk algorithms for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 at 11 weeks to 13 weeks and 6 days of gestation
2008-11-27

Abstract Objectives To examine the effectiveness in screening for triploidy at 11 weeks to 13 weeks and 6 days of gestation by the combined use of the risk algorithms for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 based on maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness, fetal heart rate (FHR) and maternal serum free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A. Methods Prospective screening for trisomy 21, including 56 376 normal singleton pregnancies and 31 cases with triploidy (24 digynic and 7 diandric). Patient‐specific risks for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 were calculated by multiplying the age related risk for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 with the likelihood ratio (LR) for fetal NT and with a combined LR for FHR, free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A, respectively. Detection rates (DRs) and false positive rates (FPRs) for triploidy were calculated by taking the proportion with risks above a given risk threshold and standardized for maternal age according to the distribution of pregnancies in England and Wales in 2000 to 2002. Results In digynic triploidy, free β‐hCG was 0.16 (range 0.02–0.95) MoM and PAPP‐A was 0.06 (range 0.02–0.47) MoM and the respective values for diandric triploidy were 8.74 (range 2.83–47.0) and 0.74 (range 0.32–1.51) MoM. Use of the trisomy 21 algorithm identified 5 of the 7 diandric cases and 3 of the 24 digynic ones at a 3% FPR. Combined use of the risk algorithms for trisomies 18 and 13 identified 20 of the 24 cases with the digynic triploidy at the FPR of 0.2%. When screen positivity was defined by a 3% FPR using the algorithm for trisomy 21 and an additional 0.2% FPR using the algorithms for trisomies 18 and 13, the total FPR was 3.1% and the DR was 84%. Conclusions A beneficial side‐effect of first trimester combined screening for trisomies is the detection of a high proportion of fetuses with triploidy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.
A single conserved proline residue determines the membrane topology of stomatin
2008-11-27

Stomatin is an integral membrane protein which is widely expressed in many cell types. It is accepted that stomatin has a unique hairpin-loop topology: it is anchored to the membrane with an N-terminal hydrophobic domain and the N- and C-termini are cytoplasmically localized. Stomatin is a prototype for a family of related proteins, containing among others MEC-2 (mechanosensory protein 2) from Caenorhabditis elegans, SLP (stomatin-like protein)-3 and podocin, all of which interact with ion channels to regulate their activity. Members of the stomatin family partly localize in DRMs (detergent-resistant membrane domains) enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids. It has been proposed that a highly conserved proline residue in the middle of the hydrophobic domain directly binds cholesterol and that cholesterol binding is necessary for the regulation of ion channels. In the present study we show that a small part of the stomatin pool exists as a single-pass transmembrane protein rather than a hairpin-loop protein. The highly conserved proline residue is crucial for adopting the hairpin-loop topology: substitution of this proline residue by serine transfers the whole stomatin pool to the single-pass transmembrane form, which no longer localizes to DRMs. These results suggest that formation of the hairpin loop is inefficient and that the conserved proline residue is indispensable for formation of the hairpin loop. The single-pass transmembrane form exists also for SLP-3 and it should be considered that it mediates part of the physiological functions of stomatin and related proteins.
Pagetoid reticulosis (Woringer‐Kolopp disease)
2008-11-27

Summary Pagetoid reticulosis (Woringer‐Kolopp disease) is a rare subtype of cutaneous CD8‐positive T‐cell lymphoma. A 41‐year‐old man presented with a 7‐year history with a slowly progressive erythematous plaque on his right buttocks. With the working diagnosis of psoriasis, he was treated with topical corticosteroids which produced no improvement. Histological examination showed an epidermotropic T‐cell lymphoma with predominance of CD8‐ vs.CD4‐positive lymphocytes. Based on the clinical picture and the histological findings, we diagnosed pagetoid reticulosis. Excision of the plaque and cream PUVA photo‐chemotherapy produced long‐term remission.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of an oomycete-derived Nep1-like protein
2008-11-27

The elicitor protein Nep1-like protein from the plant pathogen Pythium aphanidermatum was purified and crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. A native data set was collected to 1.35 A resolution at 100 K using synchrotron radiation. Since selenomethionine-labelled protein did not crystallize under the original conditions, a second crystal form was identified that yielded crystals that diffracted to 2.1 A resolution. A multiple-wavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) experiment was performed at 100 K and all four selenium sites were identified, which allowed solution of the structure.
The First Twenty Years of the ELCA: Remembrances of a Retired Bishop
2008-11-28

Abstract : The ELCA has experienced a number of significant events and developments in the first twenty years of its existence as a Church. In this article you will read about the preparation and direction that newly elected Bishops received for their ministry in their synods, and some of the struggles and joys that accompanied their work with one another and with their rostered leaders and congregations. It is the perspective of one retired Bishop Emeritus who gives an account of his ministry as he experienced it.
ChemInform Abstract: Characterization of Granular Metal Oxide Semiconductor Gas Sensitive Layers by Using Hall Effect Based Approaches
2008-11-28

Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Causes and Metabolic Consequences of Fatty Liver
2008-12-01

Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease represent a serious threat to the health of the population worldwide. Although overall adiposity and particularly visceral adiposity are established risk factors for these diseases, in the recent years fatty liver emerged as an additional and independent factor. However, the pathophysiology of fat accumulation in the liver and the cross-talk of fatty liver with other tissues involved in metabolism in humans are not fully understood. Here we discuss the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic fat accumulation, particularly the roles of body fat distribution, nutrition, exercise, genetics, and gene-environment interaction. Furthermore, the effects of fatty liver on glucose and lipid metabolism, specifically via induction of subclinical inflammation and secretion of humoral factors, are highlighted. Finally, new aspects regarding the dissociation of fatty liver and insulin resistance are addressed.
GRM7 variants confer susceptibility to age-related hearing impairment
2008-12-01

Age-related hearing impairment (ARHI), or presbycusis, is the most prevalent sensory impairment in the elderly. ARHI is a complex disease caused by an interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Here we describe the results of the first whole genome association study for ARHI. The study was performed using 846 cases and 846 controls selected from 3434 individuals collected by eight centers in six European countries. DNA pools for cases and controls were allelotyped on the Affymetrix 500K GeneChip for each center separately. The 252 top-ranked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in a non-Finnish European sample group (1332 samples) and the 177 top-ranked SNPs from a Finnish sample group (360 samples) were confirmed using individual genotyping. Subsequently, the 23 most interesting SNPs were individually genotyped in an independent European replication group (138 samples). This resulted in the identification of a highly significant and replicated SNP located in GRM7, the gene encoding metabotropic glutamate receptor type 7. Also in the Finnish sample group, two GRM7 SNPs were significant, albeit in a different region of the gene. As the Finnish are genetically distinct from the rest of the European population, this may be due to allelic heterogeneity. We performed histochemical studies in human and mouse and showed that mGluR7 is expressed in hair cells and in spiral ganglion cells of the inner ear. Together these data indicate that common alleles of GRM7 contribute to an individual's risk of developing ARHI, possibly through a mechanism of altered susceptibility to glutamate excitotoxicity.
Stimulating personality: Ethical criteria for deep brain stimulation in psychiatric patients and for enhancement purposes
2008-12-01

Abstract Within the recent development of brain‐machine‐interfaces deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become one of the most promising approaches for neuromodulation. After its introduction more than 20 years ago, it has in clinical routine become a successful tool for treating neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia. Recent evidence also demonstrates efficacy in improving emotional and cognitive processing in obsessive‐compulsive disorder and major depression, thus allowing new treatment options for treatment refractory psychiatric diseases, and even indicating future potential to enhance functioning in healthy subjects. We demonstrate here that DBS is neither intrinsically unethical for psychiatric indications nor for enhancement purposes. To gain normative orientation, the concept of “personality” is not useful – even if a naturalistic notion is employed. As an alternative, the common and widely accepted bioethical criteria of beneficence, non‐maleficence, and autonomy allow a clinically applicable, highly differentiated context‐ and case‐sensitive approach. Based on these criteria, an ethical analysis of empirical evidence from both DBS in movement disorders and DBS in psychiatric disease reveals that wide‐spread use of DBS for psychiatric indications is currently not legitimated and that the basis for enhancement purposes is even more questionable. Nevertheless, both applications might serve as ethically legitimate, promising purposes in the future.
T2* Relaxometry in Liver, Pancreas, and Spleen in a Healthy Cohort of One Hundred Twenty-Nine Subjects–Correlation With Age, Gender, and Serum Ferritin
2008-12-01

Using a fast quantitative T2* magnetic resonance imaging technique, it was possible to gain insights into the iron metabolism of a healthy cohort. Gender- and age-related differences concerning T2* and serum ferritin levels were found in the liver and spleen, but not in the pancreas.
A Polymorphism in the TC21 Promoter Associates with an Unfavorable Tamoxifen Treatment Outcome in Breast Cancer
2008-12-01

Abstract Tamoxifen therapy is a standard in the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer; however, its efficacy varies widely among patients. In addition to interpatient differences in the tamoxifen-metabolizing capacity, there is growing evidence that crosstalk between ER and growth factor signaling contributes to tamoxifen resistance. We focused on TC21, a member of the Ras superfamily, to investigate the influence of the TC21 −582C&amp;gt;T promoter polymorphism on TC21 expression and treatment outcome. Immunohistochemical analyses of breast tumors revealed a higher TC21 expression in ER-negative compared with ER-positive tumors. Expression in ER-positive tumors was higher in carriers of the T allele in an allele dose–dependent manner. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses showed that TC21 mRNA expression is decreased after transfection of ERα in ER-negative breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231, UACC893, and BT-20. In MCF7 ER-positive cells, TC21 expression decreased with 17β-estradiol treatment and increased after treatment with tamoxifen metabolites, 4-OH-tamoxifen, or endoxifen. In patients treated with adjuvant mono tamoxifen, high cytoplasmic TC21 tumor expression or the carriership of the −582T allele conferred increased recurrence rates [n = 45: hazard ratio (HR), 3.06; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.16–8.05; n = 206: HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.08–3.00, respectively]. A combined analysis with the data of the known tamoxifen predictor CYP2D6 showed an improvement of outcome prediction compared with CYP2D6 or TC21 genotype status alone (per mutated gene HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.34–4.14). Our functional and patient-based results suggest that the TC21 −582C&amp;gt;T polymorphism improves prediction of tamoxifen treatment outcome in breast cancer. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9799–808]
The improvement of care for paediatric and congenital cardiac disease across the World: a challenge for the World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery
2008-12-01

Abstract The diagnosis and treatment for paediatric and congenital cardiac disease has undergone remarkable progress over the last 60 years. Unfortunately, this progress has been largely limited to the developed world. Yet every year approximately 90% of the more than 1,000,000 children who are born with congenital cardiac disease across the world receive either suboptimal care or are totally denied care. While in the developed world the focus has changed from an effort to decrease post-operative mortality to now improving quality of life and decreasing morbidity, which is the focus of this Supplement, the rest of the world still needs to develop basic access to congenital cardiac care. The World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery [ http://www.wspchs.org/ ] was established in 2006. The Vision of the World Society is that every child born anywhere in the world with a congenital heart defect should have access to appropriate medical and surgical care. The Mission of the World Society is to promote the highest quality comprehensive care to all patients with pediatric and/or congenital heart disease, from the fetus to the adult, regardless of the patient’s economic means, with emphasis on excellence in education, research and community service. We present in this article an overview of the epidemiology of congenital cardiac disease, the current and future challenges to improve care in the developed and developing world, the impact of the globalization of cardiac surgery, and the role that the World Society should play. The World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery is in a unique position to influence and truly improve the global care of children and adults with congenital cardiac disease throughout the world [ http://www.wspchs.org/ ].
Reachability in Petri Nets with Inhibitor Arcs
2008-12-01

We define 2 operators on relations over natural numbers such that they generalize the operators '+' and '*' and show that the membership and emptiness problem of relations constructed from finite relations with these operators and ∪ is decidable. This generalizes Presburger arithmetics and allows to decide the reachability problem for those Petri nets where inhibitor arcs occur only in some restricted way. Especially the reachability problem is decidable for Petri nets with only one inhibitor arc, which solves an open problem in [H. Kleine Büning, T. Lettmann, and E. W. Mayr. Projections of vector addition system reachability sets are semilinear. Theoret. Comput. Sci., 64:343–350, 1989]. Furthermore we describe the corresponding automaton having a decidable emptiness problem.