julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Myeloid Cell Adenosine Receptor A2a Stimulation in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Lung Injury
2007-07-01

Abstract To determine the role of the adenosine receptor A2a in a murine model of LPS-induced lung injury, migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) into the different compartments of the lung was determined by flow cytometry, microvascular permeability was assessed by the extravasation of Evans blue, and the release of chemotactic cytokines into the alveolar airspace was determined by ELISA. Measurements were performed in wild-type and A2a gene-deficient mice (A2a−/−). To differentiate the role of A2a on hemopoietic and nonhemopoietic cells, we created chimeric mice by transfer of bone marrow (BM) between wild-type and A2a−/− mice and used mice that lacked A2a expression selectively on myeloid cells (A2aflox/flox × LysM-cre). A specific A2a receptor agonist (ATL202) was used to evaluate its potential to reduce lung injury in vivo. In wild-type mice, therapeutic treatment with ATL202 reduced LPS-induced PMN recruitment, and release of cytokines. Pretreatment, but not posttreatment, also reduced Evans blue extravasation. In the BM chimeric mice lacking A2a on BM-derived cells, PMN migration into the alveolar space was increased by ∼50%. These findings were confirmed in A2aflox/flox × LysM-cre mice. ATL202 was only effective when A2a was present on BM-derived cells. A2a agonists may be effective at curbing inflammatory lung tissue damage.
LARGER FORAMINIFERA FROM THE UPPER OLIGOCENE OF THE VENETIAN AREA, NORTH‐EAST ITALY
2007-07-01

Abstract: A moderately diverse larger foraminiferal fauna from the north‐east Italian ‘Arenarie e calcari di S. Urbano’ formation with important stratigraphic, palaeoecological and palaeobiogeographical implications is described with respect to its position in the Western Tethys area. The fauna is dominated by hyaline perforated and porcellaneous forms including Amphistegina , Archaias , Austrotrillina , Miogypsinoides , Neoplanorbulinella , Neorotalia , Nummulites , Operculina and Spiroclypeus. The presence of Miogypsinoides complanatus allows the age of the formation to be determined as late Chattian (Shallow Benthic Zone SBZ 23). The palaeoenvironmental setting is interpreted as a shallow ramp environment ranging from (1) well lit, highly translucent, shallowest part of the photic zone characterized by Archaias and Austrotrillina , the deeper part of the inner ramp with Nummulites , to (2) the shallow part of the middle ramp with Spiroclypeus and miogypsinids and Operculina , to (3) a deeper middle‐ramp setting dominated by coralline rhodoliths along with lepidocylinids. The presence of Archaias hensoni Smout and Eames shows that members of much more diverse Middle Eastern associations of shallow‐water larger porcellaneous foraminifera are also present in the north‐western parts of the Western Tethys, and reveals a corresponding diversity gradient among larger foraminiferal faunas in the Western Tethys, which is related to a decrease in temperature.
Smallpox during Pregnancy and Maternal Outcomes
2007-07-01

A historical study evaluated maternal outcomes in pregnancy complicated by smallpox. The overall case fatality was estimated to be 34.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31.4-37.1), and the proportion of miscarriage or premature birth was estimated to be 39.9% (95% CI 36.5-43.2). Vaccination before pregnancy reduced the risk for death.
TheTORMOZGene Encodes a Nucleolar Protein Required for Regulated Division Planes and Embryo Development inArabidopsis
2007-07-01

Abstract Embryogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana is marked by a predictable sequence of oriented cell divisions, which precede cell fate determination. We show that mutation of the TORMOZ (TOZ) gene yields embryos with aberrant cell division planes and arrested embryos that appear not to have established normal patterning. The defects in toz mutants differ from previously described mutations that affect embryonic cell division patterns. Longitudinal division planes of the proembryo are frequently replaced by transverse divisions and less frequently by oblique divisions, while divisions of the suspensor cells, which divide only transversely, appear generally unaffected. Expression patterns of selected embryo patterning genes are altered in the mutant embryos, implying that the positional cues required for their proper expression are perturbed by the misoriented divisions. The TOZ gene encodes a nucleolar protein containing WD repeats. Putative TOZ orthologs exist in other eukaryotes including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where the protein is predicted to function in 18S rRNA biogenesis. We find that disruption of the Sp TOZ gene results in cell division defects in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Previous studies in yeast and animal cells have identified nucleolar proteins that regulate the exit from M phase and cytokinesis, including factors involved in pre-rRNA processing. Our study suggests that in plant cells, nucleolar functions might interact with the processes of regulated cell divisions and influence the selection of longitudinal division planes during embryogenesis.
Amycolatopsis saalfeldensis sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from a medieval alum slate mine
2007-07-01

Three actinomycetes isolated from the surfaces of rocks in a medieval slate mine were examined in a polyphasic taxonomic study. Chemotaxonomic and morphological characteristics of the isolates were typical of strains of the genus Amycolatopsis . The isolates had identical 16S rRNA gene sequences and formed a distinct phyletic line towards the periphery of the Amycolatopsis mediterranei clade, being most closely related to Amycolatopsis rifamycinica . The organisms shared a wide range of genotypic and phenotypic markers that distinguished them from their closest phylogenetic neighbours. On the basis of these results, a novel species, Amycolatopsis saalfeldensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is HKI 0457 T (=DSM 44993 T =NRRL B-24474 T ).
FAIR true‐FISP perfusion imaging of the thyroid gland
2007-07-01

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of quantitative perfusion MRI of the thyroid gland using an arterial spin labeling (ASL) method. Materials and Methods An ASL technique with flow‐sensitive alternating inversion‐recovery (FAIR) spin preparation and a true fast imaging in the steady state (TrueFISP) signal readout strategy was implemented on a 1.5T whole‐body unit. Anatomical and perfusion imaging of the thyroid gland was performed in eight healthy volunteers and one patient with functioning adenoma. Quantitative perfusion maps were calculated using the extended Bloch equations. Results In all subjects the perfusion images showed diagnostic image quality. The mean examination time was 24 minutes for multiplanar perfusion imaging of the entire thyroid gland. Individual perfusion values ranged between 341 ± 91 and 640 ± 90 mL/100 g/minute, with a mean perfusion of 461 ± 90 mL/100 g/minute. The functioning adenoma showed markedly reduced perfusion compared to normal thyroidal parenchyma. No perfusion was noticeable inside four detected thyroid cysts. Conclusion Quantitative ASL perfusion imaging of the thyroid gland using a FAIR‐TrueFISP sequence leads to perfusion maps that may provide important information for assessing thyroid gland pathologies and monitoring therapeutic treatment. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;26:66–71. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gender Specific Correlations of Adrenal Gland Size and Body Fat Distribution: A Whole Body MRI Study
2007-07-01

The high correlation between the adrenal gland volume and VAT in women underlines the link between hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, stress, and circadian cortisol rhythm, respectively, and an increased abdominal fat volume. The lack of correlation between visceral fat and adrenal volume in men points to an additional influence of sex hormones.
Time to Diagnosis of Melanoma: Same Trend in Different Continents
2007-07-01

Background: Patients and physicians both play an important role in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess important factors of delay in diagnosis at different centers and on three continents. Methods: Between October 2001 and October 2002, patients with histologically confirmed invasive melanoma were included in the study and given an established questionnaire. Recorded patients and tumor characteristics included age, sex, anatomic location, Breslow thickness, patients' awareness of the lesion and time with suspicion, and physicians' time (delay) before the operation. Results: The study included 985 patients (486 males, 499 females): 253 from Germany, 464 from Sweden, 58 from Brazil, and 210 from Australia. More females detected their lesions by themselves. The change to a darker color (21 %) and enlargement of the area of the lesion (19%) were the major signs. The highest knowledge among patients that early detection may improve the outcome was found in Sweden and Australia. At each center, the media (newspaper, magazine, radio, and television) provided the best sources of information about melanoma. Twenty to 33% of all physicians initially consulted missed the melanoma diagnosis, independent of their specialty. Conclusions: There are still factors for the delay in melanoma diagnosis in different countries and continents, but the differences are rather small. The results should be included in planning prevention campaigns in this specific field and in the education of medical students, physicians of all specialties, and other health professionals.
Charging in the IP Multimedia Subsystem: A Tutorial
2007-07-01

The IP multimedia subsystem enables a service-rich communication landscape and the convergence of mobile and fixed networks. However, IMS solutions can succeed only when charging for these new services is supported in a flexible and efficient manner. To meet the new challenges, the 3GPP recently introduced a generic charging framework. In this article we give a short overview of the 3GPP charging framework and then describe how IMS charging works with in this framework. To illustrate IMS charging, we discuss an IMS scenario in which three persons with different payment methods conduct a teleconference.
A novel IRF6 nonsense mutation (Y67X) in a German family with Van der Woude syndrome
2007-07-01

Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) is the most common type of syndromic orofacial cleft, which accounts for approximately 2% of all cleft lip and palate cases. It is characterised by variable association of lower lip pits, cleft lip and cleft palate, and hypodontia. VWS arises as the result of mutations in the gene encoding interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6). The disorder is transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner, with high penetrance and variable expressivity. Very recently, mutations of the IRF6 gene in exons 2-9 have been found in VWS patients, suggesting that this gene plays an important role in orofacial development. We report a novel mutation of the IRF6 gene in a German family. Five out of the 12 persons affected were able to be investigated. The mutation produced a stop codon within exon 4 of the IRF6 gene. All 5 patients were heterozygous for a base substitution c.201C>A changing the tyrosine codon at amino acid position 67 into a stop codon (p.Y67X) in exon 4. The premature stop codon was responsible for a truncated protein lacking parts of the DNA- binding domain and the complete Smad-interferon regulatory factor-binding domain probably essential for interactions with the Smad transcription factors.
Solid‐phase Synthesis of a Peptide Derivative of Thymosin alpha1 and Initial Studies on its 99mTc‐Radiolabelling
2007-07-01

A derivative ( 1 ) of the immunopotentiating 28‐peptide thymosin alpha1 has been especially designed, so that it can be 99m Tc‐radiolabelled, and synthesized following the Fmoc solid‐phase peptide synthesis approach. Derivative 1 contains the N‐terminal fragment T α 1[1‐14] as a bioactive segment, at the C‐terminus of which a 99m Tc‐chelating moiety consisting of N α , N α ‐dimethylglycine, serine and cysteine is linked through the N ɛ ‐amino group of a ‘bifunctional’ lysine residue; the latter is indirectly anchored on the solid‐phase peptide synthesis resin through 6‐aminocaproic acid ( dm GSCK{ N ɛ ‐T α 1[1‐14]}Aca). Synthetic derivative 1 was obtained at high overall yield (approximately 35%) and purity (&gt;95%) and shown to be efficiently radiolabelled with 99m Tc, thus resulting in the first, to our knowledge, so far reported 99m Tc‐radiolabelled derivative of thymosin alpha1, which may be eventually used as a specific molecular tool for the in vitro / in vivo study of the mode of action of the parent bioactive peptide.
The Cytokine Response to Streptococcal Superantigens Varies Between Individual Toxins and Between Individuals: Implications for the Pathogenesis of Group A Streptococcal Diseases
2007-07-01

The complete set of currently known streptococcal superantigens (SAgs) was tested for efficacy to induce in vitro cytokine responses from 5 different blood donors using the Luminex 100 system. Cytokine responses varied significantly between individual SAgs and between donors with a mixed Th1/Th2 response in 3 donors and a predominantly Th1 or Th2 response in the other 2 donors. Our results suggest that streptococcal SAgs might be involved not only in acute streptococcal diseases but also in chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Intracellular Cytoskeletal Elements and Cytoskeletons in Bacteria
2007-07-01

Within a short period of time after the discovery of bacterial cytoskletons, major progress had been made in areas such as general spatial layout of cytoskeletons, their involvement in a variety of cell functions (shape control, cell division, chromosome segregation, cell motility). This progress was achieved by application of advanced investigation techniques. Homologs of eukaryotic actin, tubulin, and intermediate filaments were found in bacteria; cytoskeletal proteins not closely or not at all related to any of these major cytoskeletal proteins were discovered in a number of bacteria such as Mycoplasmas, Spiroplasmas, Spirochetes, Treponema, Caulobacter. A structural role for bacterial elongation factor Tu was indicated. On the basis of this new thinking, new approaches in biotechnology and new drugs are on the way.
Endotoxin Removal from Albumin and Saline Solutions
2007-07-01

Microporous membranes have been developed which can remove endotoxins selectively from electrolyte and albumin solutions by regioselective adsorption in the membrane matrix and outside surface of the membrane. The membranes were prepared in the form of hollow fibre membranes in a continuous process. By varying the membrane preparation parameters, different pore sizes and adsorption capacities could be realized, thus broadening applications for biological purification. Dynamic adsorption capacities for endotoxin from albumin and saline solution were determined and were found to be in the range of 0.2 and 0.1 μg endotoxin/g membrane, respectively, suggesting different adsorption mechanisms. (Int J Artif Organs 2007; 30: 589–93)
A Closed System for Islet Isolation and Purification Using the COBE2991 Cell Processor May Reduce the Need of Clean Room Facilities
2007-07-01

During the isolation of human islets of Langerhans the digest has repeated direct contact with the ambient atmosphere. In order to fulfill GMP requirements in clinical applications, the entire cell preparation must be performed in clean room facilities. We hypothesized that the use of a closed system, which avoids the direct exposure of tissue to the atmosphere, would significantly ease the preparation procedure. To avoid the direct atmosphere exposure we tested a modification of the isolation and purification process by performing all islet preparation steps in a closed system. In this study we compared the isolation outcome of the traditional open preparation technique with the new closed system. Pancreata from 6-month-old hybrid pigs were procured in the local slaughterhouse. After digestion/filtration the digest was cooled, collected, and concentrated in centrifugation containers and purified thereafter in the COBE2991 by top loading (control). In the control group 502 ± 253 IEQ per gram pancreas were purified. The total preparation time amounted to 12 h. In the closed system the digest was cooled and directly pumped into the COBE2991 for centrifugation followed by supernatant expelling. Bag filling, centrifugation, and expelling were repeated several times. Islets in pellet form were than purified by adding a gradient (bottom loading). Using this closed system 1098 ± 489 IEQ per gram pancreas were purified with a total cell viability of 67 ± 10% and a β-cell viability of 41 ± 13%. The total preparation time reduced to 6 h. After 24 h of cell culture the viability of β-cells was still 56 ± 10% and was only reduced after the addition of proapoptotic IL-1 and TNF-α to 40 ± 4%, indicating that freshly isolated islets are not apoptotic. In conclusion, the closed system preparation is much faster, more effective, and less expensive than the traditional islet preparation. The closed system may be applicable for human islets preparations to restrict the need of clean room facilities for islet preparations to a minimum and may open the way for islet preparations without clean room demand.
Living planktonic foraminifera from the northwestern Pacific Ocean: SSU rDNA sequences and their paleoceanographic significance
2007-07-01

Abstract Living planktonic foraminifera (PF) samples from the Okinawa Trough of the northwestern Pacific Ocean were taken for DNA analysis. The SSU rDNA sequences of two PF species, Globigerina sp. and Pulleniatina obliquiloculata collected at Station WP01, were obtained and compared with those from the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Only small differences (<0.7%–1.2% for P. obliquiloculata, and 0.3% for Globigerina sp.) were found between samples from the north- and south-western Pacific Ocean areas and this molecular evidence supported that these micropaleontogical species are the same species, which implies that the West Pacific Ocean circulation system influences the planktonic foraminiferal gene communication.
cGMP-dependent kinase I supports formation of associative fear memory and long-term potentiation in the lateral amygdala
2007-07-01

Nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP have been reported to modulate memory consolidation of Pavlovian fear conditioning and long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission in the amygdala. The cGMP-dependent protein kinases, cGKI and cGKII, representing universal effectors in the NO/cGMP signalling cascade are both expressed in the amygdala and their function for amygdala-dependent fear conditioning and synaptic plasticity remains to be elucidated. Associative fear learning is thought to rely on synaptic plasticity in various inputs to the lateral amygdala. We initially examined LTP in the amygdala of wild type and cGKI-/mice using extracellular recordings. Mutant mice showed reduced LTP in the cortical input to the lateral amygdala (see Figure 1). Behavioural analysis in cGKI null mutants (cGKI-/-) is obstructed by their premature death resulting from severe smooth muscle dysfunction. Differently, cGK-deficient mice live to adulthood when the expression of cGKI is rescued selectively in smooth muscle cells. We used this mouse model (cGKI rescue) to examine whether the impairment of synaptic plasticity due to the lack of cGKI is paralleled by a defect of amygdala-dependent learning. Therefore, we studied amygdala-dependent cued fear and contextual fear behaviour in wild type and rescue mice. Freezing to a tone previously conditioned with a foot shock was significantly reduced in cGKI rescue mice compared with control suggesting an impairment of the toneshock association (see Figure 2). Freezing in the conditioning environment was not different in control and cGKI rescue mice indicating that contextual fear memory was normal.
New mouse models for the analysis of cGMP signalling
2007-07-01

The second messenger cGMP mediates beneficial and detrimental effects of nitric oxide and natriuretic peptides.Studies with conventional knockout mice showed that the cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I (cGKI) transduces many acute effects of cGMP, such as smooth muscle relaxation and inhibition of platelet aggregation.However, the short life expectancy of cGKI null mice precludes the analysis of long-term processes in adult mice.Recently, we have generated conditional tissue-specific cGKI knockout and rescue mice that can be studied throughout adulthood.These mouse models have uncovered previously unknown functions of cGMP/cGKI signalling in complex behavioural processes, such as object recognition, social discrimination and the regulation of sleep-wake activity.Moreover, a novel role of cGKI in erythrocyte death will be discussed.
Analysis of mice with genetic modifications of PKG I
2007-07-01

The signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) exerts both beneficial and deleterious effects on the vasculature; however, the molecular signaling pathways are incompletely understood. In smooth muscle cells (SMCs), the second messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) mediates many effects of NO via the activation of cGMPdependent protein kinase type I (cGKI). The cGKI gene, prkg1, encodes two isoforms, cGKIα and cGKIβ, both of which are expressed in SMCs. The isoforms differ only in their individual amino-terminal ends, which mediate the interaction with partner proteins and target the kinases to different subcellular compartments. Conventional knockouts carrying a cGKI null mutation (cGKI-/-) show multiple phenotypes. These animals are difficult to analyse, since most die before adulthood. Recently, two mouse lines were generated that express either the cGKIα or cGKIβ isoform exclusively in SMCs of cGKI-/mice. These mouse lines allow an isoform specific of individual smooth muscle functions in adult healthy animals. 8Br-cGMP treatment of aortic SMCs from rescued mice reduced norepinephrineand depolarization-induced Ca2+-increases to wild type levels. In addition, the 8-BrcGMP-induced relaxation of hormone contracted aorta and jejunum was intact in the rescued animals. Finally, telemetric blood pressure recordings in awake, freely moving mice revealed no differences between rescued and control (wild type) mice. Taken together, these results suggest that both isoforms can rescue a major part of the cGMP/cGKI signaling in SMCs and either isoform can compensate for the other in the modulation of vascular tone. Irrespective of the reconstituting isozyme, 50% of the rescued cGKIα and cGKIβ mice die within 52 weeks. Abnormalities found in the mouse lines that possibly cause premature death will be discussed. from 3rd International Conference on cGMP Generators, Effectors and Therapeutic Implications Dresden, Germany. 15–17 June 2007
cGMP signaling and bifurcation of sensory axons at the dorsal root entry zone of the spinal cord
2007-07-01

Background The function of the nervous system depends on precise and selective connections of neurons. Various guidance cues instruct axons in choosing their pathway, polarity of growth, termination of growth and also branching. In vitro studies demonstrated that signaling cascades activated by axonal guidance receptors could be modulated by cyclic nucleotides. Previous analyses of cGKI (cGMP dependent protein kinase I) deficient mice in our lab showed that cGMP signaling via cGKI is important in axonal pathfinding and connectivity of sensory neurons. Sensory axons bifurcate upon arrival at the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) of the spinal cord. Embryonic cGKI knock-out mice lack the bifurcation of sensory axons at the DREZ, i.e. the ingrowing axon either turns rostrally or caudally. Here, we present results of the detailed analysis of axonal pathfinding errors in cGKI deficient mice and of the search for other components of cGMP signaling in dorsal root ganglions (DRG).