julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
TGF-beta1-mediated alterations of rat lung fibroblast differentiation resulting in the radiation-induced fibrotic phenotype
2000-01-01

The results indicate the important role of TGF-beta1 in triggering radiation-induced inhibition of clonogenic activity as well as terminal differentiation of rat lung fibroblasts. The data presented support the hypothesis that terminal differentiation is an essential cellular process in the development of radiation-induced fibrosis in the lung.
LPS and Cytokine-Activated Endothelium
2000-01-01

Endothelial cells coordinate the recruitment of inflammatory cells to sites of vascular injury. Endothelial cells produce and release cytokines and growth factors serving as communication signals to leukocytes as well as with organs and tissues. In addition, endothelial cells respond to inflammatory stimuli such as lipopolysaccharides (endotoxin, LPS), cytokines, or ligation of CD40. Functional changes in response to inflammatory stimuli are mediated by induction of signaling cascades leading to activation of transcription factors and alterations in endothelial gene expression. This article summarizes the current knowledge of molecular events resulting in cytokine-mediated endothelial dysfunction.
Association of signal-regulatory proteins β with KARAP/DAP-12
2000-01-01

The signal-regulatory proteins (SIRP) are Ig-like cell surface receptors detected in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. SIRP are classified as SIRPalpha molecules, containing a 110- to 113-amino acid long, or SIRPbeta molecules, with a 5-amino acid long intracytoplasmic domain. SIRPalpha molecules belong to inhibitory immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM)-bearing molecules. The majority of ITIM-bearing receptors are paired with activating isoforms, which share highly related extracytoplasmic domains but harbor a shorter cytoplasmic domain devoid of ITIM and contain a charged amino acid residue in their transmembrane domain. Activating receptors are associated with immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-bearing proteins, such as KARAP/DAP-12 and FcRgamma. In this report, we show that human SIRPbeta1 is included in an oligomeric complex with KARAP/DAP-12 in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic transfectant cells as well as in human monocytes. The physical association between SIRPbeta1 and KARAP/DAP-12 results in the functional coupling of SIRPbeta1 engagement to the recruitment of the protein tyrosine kinase Syk and to serotonin release in RBL cell transfectants. Therefore our results show that SIRPbeta1 acts as an activating isoform of SIRPalpha molecules, confirming the co-existence of inhibitory ITIM-bearing molecules, recruiting SHP-1 and SHP-2 protein tyrosine phosphatases, and activating counterparts, whose engagement couples to protein tyrosine kinases via ITAM-bearing molecules.
Microglial Cells in Culture Express a Prominent Glutathione System for the Defense against Reactive Oxygen Species
2000-01-01

To obtain information on the glutathione metabolism of microglial cells, the content of glutathione and activities of enzymes involved in the defense against peroxides were determined for microglia-rich cultures from rat brain. These cultures contain approximately 90% microglia cells as determined by immunocytochemical staining for glial markers, by the phagocytosis activity of the cells and by the production of superoxide after stimulation of the cells with phorbolester. For these cultures, a glutathione content of 41.2 ± 11.2 nmol/mg protein and a specific activity of glutathione reductase of 15.2 ± 3.2 nmol/(min × mg protein) were determined. These values are significantly higher than those found for astroglial or neuronal cultures. In addition, with 68.7 ± 23.5 nmol/(min × mg protein), the specific activity of glutathione peroxidase in microglial cultures was 78% higher than in cultured neurons. The specific catalase activity of microglial cultures was less than 40% that of astroglial or neuronal cultures. Microglial cultures contain only marginal amounts of oxidized glutathione. However, on application of oxidative stress by incubation of microglial cultures with hydrogen peroxide or with the superoxide-producing hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase system, cellular glutathione was rapidly oxidized. These results demonstrate that microglial cells have a prominent glutathione system, which is likely to reflect the necessity for self-protection against reactive oxygen species when produced by these or surrounding brain cells.
Middle palaeolithic hunting economies in the Rhineland
2000-01-01

Until the 1980s, archaeologists routinely assumed that faunal material found in association with Middle Palaeolithic artifacts represented the remains of animals hunted by Neanderthals. Over the last two decades, most researchers have come to the conclusion that diverse anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic agents can lead to the co-occurrence of lithic artifacts and faunal remains. With this taphonomic problem in mind, this paper considers the evidence for Middle Palaeolithic hunting in the Rhineland. Special attention will be paid to the recent excavations at Ariendorf, Hummerich, Schweinskopf, Tönchesberg and Wannen in the Neuwied Basin, and Wallertheim in Rheinhessen. The analysis of the data from the faunal assemblages themselves form the basis of this paper, but emphasis will also be placed on the taphonomic contexts, the nature of the accompanying lithic assemblages, and the topographic and stratigraphic positions of the sites, in order to address the question of how hominids responded to changing environmental conditions during the Middle Palaeolithic. This paper discusses the diversity in patterns of prey selection, skeletal part transport, seasonality and occupation intensity documented at key sites in the region, and addresses their implications for interpreting Middle Palaeolithic behaviour. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review of Nd isotopic data and xenocrystic and detrital zircon ages from the pre-Variscan basement in the eastern Bohemian Massif: speculations on palinspastic reconstructions
2000-01-01

Abstract Nd crustal residence ages combined with xenocrystic and detrital zircon ages of Neoproterozoic and early Palaeozoic granitoid gneisses and metasediments from the NE Bohemian Massif (West Sudetes and Erzgebirge) suggest an origin from a basement with significant Grenvillian and Svecofennian-Birimian-Amazonian age components. Large contributions from Archaean crust appear to be missing. Nd model ages of 1.4–1.7 Ga as well as Meso- to Palaeoproterozoic zircon xenocrysts ages for the Lugian Domain (Jizerské, Krkonoše, and Orlica-Sniezník Mountains) are interpreted as evidence for a predominantly Palaeoproterozoic basement that underwent rejuvenation during Meso- and Neoproterozoic-Ordovician magmatic events. Our interpretation of the Nd model ages may be relevant for the western part of the Variscan Belt, where a similar range of Nd model ages characterizes large crustal segments. Samples from the Silesian Domain (Desná Dome Staré Město Belt, Velké Vrbno Unit) of the Brunia Microcontinent, in thrust contact with the Lugian Domain, yielded Nd crustal residence ages of 1.1–1.3 Ga, which coincide with the oldest ages of xenocrystic zircons. Brunia is interpreted as a predominantly juvenile Grenvillian-age crustal segment, possibly constituting a former arc batholith outboard from the more ensialic setting of the Lugian Domain. Nd crustal residence ages for our 77 whole-rock samples, including 41 new data, as well as 185 xenocrystic and detrital zircon ages from the northern and northeastern Bohemian Massif agree with those of Neoproterozoic rocks from northern South America and support an origin from a northwest Gondwana palaeogeographical location.
Simocyclinones, Novel Cytostatic Angucyclinone Antibiotics Produced by Streptomyces antibioticus Tue 6040. I. Taxonomy, Fermentation, Isolation and Biological Activities.
2000-01-01

Two novel angucyclinone-type antibiotics, simocyclinones D4 and D8, were detected in the mycelium extract of Streptomyces antibioticus Tü 6040 by HPLC-diode-array and HPLC-electrospray-mass-spectrometry screening. The compounds show antibiotic activities against Gram-positive bacteria and cytostatic effects on various tumor cell lines.
Complexity of electrocortical dynamics in children: Developmental aspects
2000-01-01

Dimensional complexity (DCx) is an EEG measure derived from nonlinear systems theory that can be indicative of the global dynamical complexity of electrocortical activity. This study examined developmental changes in DCx, as well as the effects of cognitive tasks, gender, and brain topography, and compared DCx with traditional spectral power measures. EEG was recorded in three groups of children at mean age of 7.5 (n = 37), 13.8 (n = 42), and 16.4 (n = 56) years at rest and during the performance of verbal and spatial cognitive tasks. DCx measured both at rest and during tasks increased with age. Specific effects of brain topography, condition, and gender became stronger with age, suggesting an increase in structural and functional differentiation of the cortex. Hemispheric asymmetry of DCx recorded during tasks also increased with age, with the task-induced DCx reduction being stronger in the left hemisphere. Gender differences in DCx suggested faster cerebral maturation in girls over late adolescence. Relationships between DCx and spectral power varied as a function of tasks and scalp locations, suggesting that these EEG measures can reflect different aspects of cortical functioning.
Postoperative Residual Paralysis and Respiratory Status: Comparative Study of Pancuronium and Vecuronium
2000-01-01

The objective of this prospective double-blind study was to determine whether postoperative residual paralysis (PORP) after pancuronium or vecuronium results in hypoxemia and hypercapnia in the immediate admission period to the recovery ward. Eighty-three consecutive surgical patients received balanced or intravenous anesthesia with pancuronium for operations lasting longer than one hour or vecuronium for those lasting less than 60 min, both combined with neostigmine at the end of anesthesia. Standard clinical criteria assessed neuromuscular function intraoperatively. Postoperatively, we determined neuromuscular function (acceleromyography with supramaximal train-of-four (TOF) stimulation of the ulnar nerve, and a 5-s head lift) and pulmonary function (pulse oximetry: SpO2, and blood gas analysis: SaO2, PaCO2). We defined PORP as a TOF-ratio 70 %, hypoxemia as a postoperative SpO2 3 5 % below the pre-anesthestic level together with a postoperative SaO293 %, and hypercapnia as a PaCO2 3 46 mm Hg. Among the 49 pancuronium and 27 vecuronium patients studied, the PORP rates were 20 % in the pancuronium group and 7 % in the vecuronium group (p&gt;0.05). Hypoxemia and hypercapnia occurred more often in pancuronium patients with PORP than in those without PORP namely 60 % vs. 10% (p&lt;0.05) and 30 % vs. 8 % (p&gt;0.05), respectively. We conclude that PORP after pancuronium is a significant risk factor for hypoxemia.
Small Subunit Ribosomal DNA Sequence ShowsParacoccidioides brasiliensis Closely Related toBlastomyces dermatitidis
2000-01-01

The similarities of paracoccidioidomycosis and blastomycosis are highly suggestive of a close relation of the two etiological agents. Whereas the agent of the first disease is exclusively endemic in Latin America, the agent of the latter one is endemic in North America and Africa. In symptomatic travelers visiting both areas of endemicity, differentiation of the diseases might be impossible, even though therapy and prognosis for these two diseases differ significantly. In order to identify differences in the 18S rRNA gene (rDNA) for use as molecular diagnostic tools, we sequenced this gene from five isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and compared them to known sequences of other fungi. Neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony, and maximum likelihood analyses and, finally, the Kishino-Hasegawa test revealed that P. brasiliensis , Blastomyces dermatitidis , and Emmonsia parva are more closely related than Histoplasma capsulatum and B. dermatitidis , whose teleomorphic forms belong to one genus, Ajellomyces . In accordance with the work of other investigators who have used internal transcribed spacer and large subunit rDNA sequences, our small subunit rDNA data show that the dimorphic fungus P. brasiliensis must be grouped within the order Onygenales and is closely related to members of the family Onygenaceae . There are hints in the molecular phylogenetic analysis that the family Onygenaceae might be further divided into two families. The subgroup that includes P. brasiliensis comprises all zoopathogenic species. The differences in the 18S rDNAs appear to be too small to allow species identification of the members of the family Onygenaceae pathogenic for humans by use of target sequences within this gene.
Agreement between Self-Assessment of Melanocytic Nevi by Patients and Dermatologic Examination
2000-01-01

The number of melanocytic nevi is the strongest risk factor for cutaneous melanoma. As pigmented skin lesions are visible to everybody, the question has been raised about whether people can identify themselves as being at risk for melanoma through self-counting of moles. In 1991, a total of 513 central European melanoma patients and 498 controls were asked to count the total number of nevi and the number of atypical nevi on the whole body. Whole-body examination by dermatologists followed. Agreement was assessed on categorized nevus counts by means of ordinal kappa values and log-linear modeling. Study subjects significantly underestimated the total number of melanocytic nevi (p < 0.0001). Chance-corrected overall agreement was rather poor (kappa = 0.14), and the ability to detect many existing nevi was low. Agreement was higher for atypical melanocytic nevi counts (kappa = 0.37), and the sensitivity to detect more than one atypical nevus was 0.48. Self-assessment of the number of melanocytic nevi was difficult to perform accurately, and people severely underestimated the actual number. Despite these results, people should be encouraged to perform regular skin self-examination for early detection of melanoma.
Some Physicochemical Properties of Mefenamic Acid
2000-01-01

Mefenamic acid is a problematic drug in granulation, tableting, and dissolution due to its poor solubility, hydrophobicity, and tendency to stick to surfaces. In most cases, the specifications of a drug by the pharmacopoeia include identification and purity, but they do not describe the physicochemical drug properties precisely. To characterize the mefenamic acid particle size, surface area measurements, X-ray pattern, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wettability, crystal habit, and compression behavior of different batches from two manufacturers were investigated. Due to larger particle size and better wettability, mefenamic acid of Il Yang type was easier to handle in a granulation process. The compression behavior of both types was nearly the same, although particle size, crystal habit, and wettability were very different.
High Prevalence of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis on the Face and Scalp in Mountain Guides
2000-01-01

&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt; High incidence rates of seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) have been reported in HIV-infected individuals, indicating immunosuppression to be involved in the pathogenesis. &lt;i&gt;Objective:&lt;/i&gt; To establish the prevalence of SD in mountain guides who have a high occupational exposure to solar UV radiation. &lt;i&gt;Patients and Methods:&lt;/i&gt; In November 1999, 283 mountain guides were physically examined on the face and scalp for symptoms of SD in Austria (n = 75), Switzerland (n = 123) and Germany (n = 85); they were 21.3–93.1 years of age (median age 41.4 years). &lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt; Forty-six of 283 (16.3%) mountain guides when examined clinically were found to have SD. The median age of mountain guides with SD was 41.2 years. There were similar incidence rates in all three countries. &lt;i&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/i&gt; SD affects mountain guides in a clearly higher percentage as the general population. We suggest UV-induced immunosuppression due to occupational sun exposure as a pathogenetic factor.
The isolation, characterisation, gas phase electron diffraction and crystal structure of the thermally stable radical [CF3CSNSCCF3]˙ †
2000-01-01

The first structural characterisation of a heterocyclic free radical in all phases has been achieved. 4,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,3,2-dithiazol-2-yl, [CF3CSNSCCF3] ̇ 4d, a 7π radical, was prepared quantitatively on reduction of [4d][AsF6] with various reducing agents. It is a blue gas over a green paramagnetic liquid [19F NMR δ −59.7], which freezes to a diamagnetic black-green solid. There is a remarkably large volume increase on melting implying that the liquid consists of discrete monomeric radicals, and consistently there is no tendency to dimerise in CCl3F solution and the vibrational spectra attributable to the monomer are essentially identical in all phases. The thermodynamic properties obtained for the vapourisation, sublimation and melting processes are very similar to those of related diamagnetic materials. 4d is remarkably thermochemically robust giving decomposition products identical to those from photochemical decomposition, a quantitative mixture of CF3CSSCCF3 (and its oligomers) and CF3CNSNCCF3. The reaction chemistry is described. The crystal structure shows radical 4d to be a planar heterocyclic ring which associates in the solid as a diamagnetic tetramer. The structure of the gaseous monomer determined by electron diffraction is very similar to that in the solid phase. Comprehensive physical measurements were made including the UV-visible spectra of the bright blue solutions, variable temperature magnetic susceptibility and quantitative variable temperature ESR spectra both of which confirm a phase change from a diamagnetic solid to a paramagnetic liquid on melting, the vibrational spectra, and the photoelectron spectrum of the gaseous free radical. A study of the behavior of RCSNSCR ̇ (R = H, CH3 or CF3) given by the reduction of RCSNSCR+ on increase of concentrations of radical is reported, including the isolation of HCSNSCCF3 ̇ at low temperature. The experimental and calculated [UMPW1PW91/6-31+G*] structures of 4d are in good agreement. These and related calculations also support the interpretation of the vibrational and photoelectron spectra, and the thermodynamic properties of 4d, as well as provide possible explanations for the relative stabilities of RCSNSCR ̇, and imply that the weak intramolecular interactions in 4d in the solid state are largely ionic Sδ+⋯Nδ− interactions.
Resistance of recent measles virus wild-type isolates to antibody-mediated neutralization by vaccinees with antibody
2000-01-01

The neutralization capacity of sera from Luxembourgian adolescent vaccinees and from Nigerian women with measles-induced immunity to a number of measles virus strains was compared. Although both cohorts were matched for their hemagglutination inhibition and standard neutralization titers, 12 of the 22 late convalescent sera, and only 6 of 24 vaccinees neutralized all viruses. Similarly, only 2 of 20 viruses were not neutralized by at least 75% of late convalescent sera, in comparison to 10 of 20 viruses that resisted neutralization by at least 75% of the vaccinees. The more resistant viruses were not limited to a certain clade. One Nigerian virus was resistant to neutralization by 30% of the late convalescent women and by 75% of vaccinees. These results suggest that qualitative differences in neutralizing antibodies may reduce further protection of infants by passively acquired immunity against wild-type viruses when vaccinated girls become mothers.
Conventional cross-sectional tomographic evaluation of mandibular third molars.
2000-01-01

Conventional axially corrected cross-sectional tomograms offer additional information in cases where there is a close relationship between impacted third molars and the alveolar nerve (superimposition of the roots and the canal, grooving, or a varied direction of the canal on the panoramic radiograph) and may contribute to a higher level of intrasurgical safety.
Coexpression patterns of mGLuR mRNAs in rat retinal ganglion cells: a single-cell RT-PCR study.
2000-01-01

All types of mGluR mRNAs are expressed in RGCs. This is in contrast with previous in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical studies in which expression of mGluR3, -5, and -6 was not reported. The expression of some mGluR mRNAs seems to be developmental, although no distinct copatterns were found.
Time- and dose-limiting erysipeloid rash confined to areas of lymphedema following treatment with gemcitabine-a report of three cases
2000-01-01

Gemcitabine is a deoxycytidine analog with broad antitumor activity. Its main toxicities include myelosuppression, flu-like symptoms, bronchospasms and mild skin rash. We report three cases, in which the patients developed time- and dose-limiting erysipeloid skin reactions confined to areas of impaired lymphatic drainage after application of gemcitabine. Three patients with metastatic tumors (breast cancer, endometrial cancer and non-small cell lung cancer) received weekly infusions of gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2). All patients suffered from lymphedema of different origin and developed an erysipeloid erythema 40-48 h after chemotherapy within their preexisting lymphedema. Genuine erysipela was ruled out by laboratory tests and clinical observation. The skin reaction was repeatedly observed and faded after 14 days without specific treatment. Although the pathogenesis of the observed reaction is unclear, it is suspected that the skin symptoms were caused by gemcitabine or its metabolites. Gemcitabine is usually metabolized fast and excreted renally. In areas with impaired lymphatic drainage pharmakocinetics might be altered: inactivation happens slower and the drug might accumulate in the s.c. and cutaneous tissue, thus increasing local toxicity. Clinical judgement and biochemical parameters can help to tell apart genuine erysipela and the erysipeloid reaction.
Changes in BDNF and neurotrophin receptor expression in degenerating and regenerating rat retinal ganglion cells
2000-01-01

Purpose: Exogenously applied BDNF has been shown to rescue rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from axotomy-induced apoptotic death, presumably via activation of its high affinity receptor TrkB. Since both TrkB and BDNF are endogenously expressed in RGCs, auto- or para-crine neurotrophic loops in the retina may be involved. In the present study, we investigated whether expression levels of BDNF, TrkA, TrkB, TrkC and p75 protein in RGCs are specifically regulated following axonal lesion and during regeneration of optic fibres in the adult rat. Methods: By double labelling retinal cryosections with Fluorogold and respective antibodies we determined the percentage of RGCs expressing the above-mentioned markers. In addition, mRNA levels of BDNF and TrkB were measured using quantitative RT-PCR. Results: Compared to controls the number of BDNF-positive RGCs increased twofold 2 days after axotomy and the percentage of RGCs expressing TrkB was elevated by 50 %. Correspondingly, mRNA levels of BDNF increased about twofold 2 days after axotomy. During regen-eration, the percentage of BDNF-immunoreactive RGCs was further elevated compared to axotomy alone. The number of TrkA-positive RGCs doubled after axotomy, whereas no significant change in TrkC expression was observed. P75 expression was not detected in adult rat RGCs. Conclusion: Our results suggest that intrinsic rescue mechanisms may contribute to short term neuronal survival and axonal regeneration of RGCs after axonal lesions.