julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Attitudes of young people towards depression and mania
2007-06-27

Objectives . Despite the known effects of stigma on people suffering from affective disorders, no study so far has investigated and compared attitudes of the general public towards depression and mania. Furthermore, we were interested if it makes a difference if one asks a sample about its own attitudes or the assumed opinions of ‘others’. Design . We used an experimental and randomized design. Methods . People were faced either with a case vignette describing a man with current symptoms of depression or mania. Randomly people ( N =387, age 16–34 years) were asked for their own attitudes or for the attitudes of the public in general. Results . Attitudes towards an individual with a current manic episode turned out to be significantly more negative than towards a person with current depression. Interestingly, the attitudes of the general public were reported to be more negative than the personal attitudes. Conclusions . While depression is still associated with negative attitudes, this first study looking at manic symptoms as well finds that this seems to be even more so for manic episodes indicating bipolar disorder. It seems recommended to concentrate efforts to reduce stigmatization of the mentally ill more intensively on the bipolar spectrum of affective disorders. Furthermore, testable hypotheses have to be derived why individuals attribute less favourable attitudes to the general public when compared with their own attitudes. The question is if there is a general bias towards social desirability when people are asked for their opinion.
The impact of geology and geomorphology on cave and rockshelter archaeological site formation, preservation, and distribution in the Zagros mountains of Iran
2007-06-27

Abstract This paper is a first attempt to explore the impact of geological and geomorphological settings on formation processes of shelter sites in the karstic Zagros Mountains of Iran. In general, the Zagros Mountains can be divided geologically and geomorphologically into two main zones, highland and folded, which are located parallel to each other and run from the northeast to the southwest in western Iran. Both the geological and geomorphological zones have implications for the formation processes of archaeological deposits at shelter sites. These environmental differences also influence the preservation of archaeological deposits at these types of sites. It is suggested that apart from site formation and post‐depositional processes, the local geological and geomorphological structure might also have had some influence on the distribution of prehistoric sites in the region. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population‐based study of screening test performance indices of three human papillomavirus DNA tests
2007-06-27

Abstract In order to evaluate three common human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA tests for key performance indices in population‐based cervical screening, we sampled 12,527 women aged 32–38 years who attended invitational, population‐based screening and followed them for 4 years with comprehensive registry linkages. Three different HPV DNA tests (GP5+/6+ general primer PCR (using either AmpliTaq or AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase), AmplicorTM PCR and Hybrid Capture II TM were evaluated using baseline samples from women who on follow‐up developed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CINII+) (n = 197) as well as a representative subsample of the women in the cohort (n = 794). The population‐based HPV prevalence, sensitivity for future cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CINII+), and absolute risk of CINII+ was 7.1%, 87.1%, and 23.2% for AmpliTaq GP5+/6+ PCR, 11.9%, 88.9%, and 11.0% for AmpliTaq Gold GP5+/6+ PCR, 15.7%, 93.4%, and 9.8% for Amplicor, 10.0%, 92.9%, and 15.3% for Amplicor with raised cut‐off, and 7.8%, 79.7%, and 16.9% for Hybrid Capture II. In conclusion, AmpliTaq GP5+/6+ PCR and Amplicor with raised cut‐off value have adequate performance indices for primary screening. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1169–1175, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Geomorphology, site distribution, and Paleolithic settlement dynamics of the Ma'aloula region, Damascus Province, Syria
2007-06-27

Abstract This survey of the geology, geomorphology, and Paleolithic archaeology of a 300 km2 area in Damascus Province, Syria, focused around the villages of Ma'aloula and Jaba'deen. The study resulted in the definition of seven geomorphological zones that trend northeast–southwest, parallel to the prevailing geological features of the region. The zones span a broad range of elevations, from a dry lake bed in the Jeiroud Basin (ca. 800 m) to the peaks of the Anti‐Lebanon Mountains (ca. 2350 m). The research focused on assessing the geological and paleoenvironmental history of the region as a backdrop for 500,000 years of Paleolithic settlement. Among the 618 archaeological sites documented thus far, all major archaeological periods from the Lower Paleolithic through the Epipaleolithic are represented. Most abundant are occurrences of the Levalloisian Middle Paleolithic, with 255 new sites documented. Nine Neolithic sites were also included in the survey. The distribution of sites varies during the Paleolithic and reflects the availability of resources, especially of flint and water, as well as the spatial patterns of erosion and deposition on the ancient land surfaces. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of marker gene expression in chondrocytes from patients receiving autologous chondrocyte transplantation versus osteoarthritis patients
2007-06-27

Abstract Currently, autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) is used to treat traumatic cartilage damage or osteochondrosis dissecans, but not degenerative arthritis. Since substantial refinements in the isolation, expansion and transplantation of chondrocytes have been made in recent years, the treatment of early stage osteoarthritic lesions using ACT might now be feasible. In this study, we determined the gene expression patterns of osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes ex vivo after primary culture and subculture and compared these with healthy chondrocytes ex vivo and with articular chondrocytes expanded for treatment of patients by ACT. Gene expression profiles were determined using quantitative RT-PCR for type I, II and X collagen, aggrecan, IL-1β and activin-like kinase-1. Furthermore, we tested the capability of osteoarthritic chondrocytes to generate hyaline-like cartilage by implanting chondrocyte-seeded collagen scaffolds into immunodeficient (SCID) mice. OA chondrocytes ex vivo showed highly elevated levels of IL-1β mRNA, but type I and II collagen levels were comparable to those of healthy chondrocytes. After primary culture, IL-1β levels decreased to baseline levels, while the type II and type I collagen mRNA levels matched those found in chondrocytes used for ACT. OA chondrocytes generated type II collagen and proteoglycan-rich cartilage transplants in SCID mice. We conclude that after expansion under suitable conditions, the cartilage of OA patients contains cells that are not significantly different from those from healthy donors prepared for ACT. OA chondrocytes are also capable of producing a cartilage-like tissue in the in vivo SCID mouse model. Thus, such chondrocytes seem to fulfil the prerequisites for use in ACT treatment.
An Elaborate Classification of SNARE Proteins Sheds Light on the Conservation of the Eukaryotic Endomembrane System
2007-06-28

Proteins of the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmalemide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) family are essential for the fusion of transport vesicles with an acceptor membrane. Despite considerable sequence divergence, their mechanism of action is conserved: heterologous sets assemble into membrane-bridging SNARE complexes, in effect driving membrane fusion. Within the cell, distinct functional SNARE units are involved in different trafficking steps. These functional units are conserved across species and probably reflect the conservation of the particular transport step. Here, we have systematically analyzed SNARE sequences from 145 different species and have established a highly accurate classification for all SNARE proteins. Principally, all SNAREs split into four basic types, reflecting their position in the four-helix bundle complex. Among these four basic types, we established 20 SNARE subclasses that probably represent the original repertoire of a eukaryotic cenancestor. This repertoire has been modulated independently in different lines of organisms. Our data are in line with the notion that the ur-eukaryotic cell was already equipped with the various compartments found in contemporary cells. Possibly, the development of these compartments is closely intertwined with episodes of duplication and divergence of a prototypic SNARE unit.
Bendamustine hydrochloride in patients with refractory soft tissue sarcoma
2007-06-28

Abstract BACKGROUND. For patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS), no standard treatment is established after previous chemotherapy with anthracyclines and ifosfamide. Bendamustine hydrochloride is a bifunctional alkylating agent that is not cross‐resistant to other DNA‐interacting substances including anthracyclines and oxazaphosphorines. It has shown single‐agent activity in refractory lymphoma, myeloma, and some solid tumors. A phase 2 study was initiated to evaluate the efficacy of bendamustine in previously treated patients. METHODS. Thirty‐six of 44 screened patients were included and received a total of 101 cycles (median, 2 cycles; range, 1–8 cycles), 21 as second‐line treatment and 15 as third‐line treatment. The median age was 55 years (range, 18–79 years). Bendamustine was given as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes at a dose of 100 mg/m 2 on 2 consecutive days and repeated every 28 days. Eighty‐eight percent of cycles could be given without dose or schedule modification. RESULTS. The toxicity profile was mild, consisting of National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) grade 3 neutropenia in 11% and grade 3 anemia in 9% of patients. Nonhematologic toxicities were noticed with CTC grade 3 fever in 3% of patients. No other grade 3 toxicity and no treatment‐related toxic deaths were observed. The best overall response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria was 1 partial remission (3%) and disease stabilizations in 31% of patients. Six of 15 patients (40%) with leiomyosarcoma histology achieved stable disease. The estimated 3‐month and 6‐month progression‐free survival rates were 35.3% and 23.5%, respectively, for all histologic subtypes included. CONCLUSIONS. In patients with refractory STS, bendamustine is well tolerated and appears moderately effective, particularly in patients with leiomyosarcoma histology. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Isovist Analysis Captures Properties of Space Relevant for Locomotion and Experience
2007-06-29

In a series of exploratory experiments we investigated interrelations between structure and shape of architectural indoor spaces on the one hand, and affective experience and navigation behaviour on the other hand. For this, isovist-based descriptions of 16 virtual indoor scenes were correlated with behavioural data from the experimental tasks. For all tasks—two active navigation tasks and an introspective appraisal of experiential qualities—strong correlations between subjects' behaviour and a small set of quantitative measurands derived from the isovists were found. The outcomes suggest that isovist analysis captures behaviourally relevant properties of space and is therefore a promising general means for predicting central experiential qualities of architecture and navigation behaviour.
The voices of seduction: cross-gender effects in processing of erotic prosody
2007-06-29

Gender specific differences in cognitive functions have been widely discussed. Considering social cognition such as emotion perception conveyed by non-verbal cues, generally a female advantage is assumed. In the present study, however, we revealed a cross-gender interaction with increasing responses to the voice of opposite sex in male and female subjects. This effect was confined to erotic tone of speech in behavioural data and haemodynamic responses within voice sensitive brain areas (right middle superior temporal gyrus). The observed response pattern, thus, indicates a particular sensitivity to emotional voices that have a high behavioural relevance for the listener.
A Papulovesicular Rash in a Farmer and His Wife
2007-06-29

Diagnosis: infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei variant bovis. Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis was isolated from skin scraping samples obtained from the cows (figure 1). In addition, multiple eggs and scybala were found on direct microscopy. Antiscabious treatment of the animals was performed. The pruritus of both patients spontaneously resolved within 3 days after treatment of the animals. The rash disappeared within 1 week. Infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis (cattle mite) can produce a pruritic rash in humans (figure 2), which generally manifests 24-96 h after contact with the affected animal (figure 3) and is also known as dairyman's itch [1]. Typical lesions are papules and papulovesicles with central excoriation. The rash is not restricted to spots of direct contact with the affected animal. Man is an inadequate host. Persistent lesions result from reinfestation [2]. In our case, other members of the family were not affected, because they were not directly involved in the care of the cows.
In vivo transcript profiling of Candida albicans identifies a gene essential for interepithelial dissemination
2007-06-30

Candida albicans is the most common oral fungal pathogen of humans, but the mechanisms by which C. albicans invades and persists within mucosal epithelium are not clear. To understand oral pathogenesis, we characterized the cellular and molecular mechanisms of epithelial-fungus interactions using reconstituted human oral epithelium (RHE). We observed that hyphal formation facilitates epithelial invasion via both active (physical penetration) and passive (induced endocytosis) processes. Genome wide transcript profiling of C. albicans experimental RHE infection was compared with that from 11 patient samples with pseudomembranous candidiasis to identify genes associated with disease development in vivo. Expression profiles reflected the morphological switch and an adaptive response to neutral pH, non-glucose carbon sources and nitrosative stress. We identified several novel infection-associated genes with unknown function. One gene, upregulated in both RHE infection and patients, named EED1, was essential for maintenance of hyphal elongation. Mutants lacking EED1 showed transient cell elongation on epithelial tissue, which enabled only superficial invasion of epithelial cells. Once inside an epithelial cell, Deltaeed1 cells could proliferate as yeasts or pseudohyphae but remained trapped intracellularly. Our results suggest that the adaptive response and morphology of C. albicans play specific roles for host-fungal interactions during mucosal infections.
Functional and physiological evidence for a Rhesus-type ammonia transporter inNitrosomonas europaea
2007-06-30

Ammonium transporters form a conserved family of transport proteins and are widely distributed among all domains of life. The genome of Nitrosomonas europaea codes for a single gene (rh1) that belongs to the family of the AMT/Rh ammonium transporters. For the first time, this study provides functional and physiological evidence for a rhesus-type ammonia transporter in bacteria (N. europaea). The methylammonium (MA) transport activity of N. europaea correlated with the Rh1 expression. The K(m) value for the MA uptake of N. europaea was 1.8+/-0.2 mM (pH 7.25), and the uptake was competitively inhibited by ammonium [K(i)(NH(4) (+)) 0.3+/-0.1 mM at pH 7.25]. The MA uptake rate was pH dependent, indicating that the uncharged form of MA is transported by Rh1. An effect of the glutamine synthetase on the MA uptake was not observed. When expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the function of Rh1 from N. europaea as an ammonia/MA transporter was confirmed. The results suggest that Rh1 equilibrates the uncharged substrate species. A low pH value in the periplasmic space during ammonia oxidation seems to be responsible for the ammonium accumulation functioning as an acid NH(4) (+) trap.
Future Contrast Agents for Molecular Imaging in Stroke
2007-06-30

The objective of this article is to illustrate both the potential and the limitations of molecular imaging in stroke research. By molecular imaging we mean the visual representation of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. The use of molecular imaging for stroke diagnosis is still at a very preliminary stage and many of these procedures have only been tested in animals. In rats, stroke therapy using stem cells can be monitored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), green fluorescent protein (GFP) or luciferase (LUC) imaging. The migration of macrophages, which take up intravenously administered iron-based contrast agents and then migrate to the area of infarction, can already be observed in stroke patients. With MRI, the new agent Gd-DTPA-sLexA that binds to E- and P-selectin can specifically visualize selectin-mediated early endothelial activation after transient focal ischemia "in vivo". Decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene expression can be imaged in vivo by scintigraphy 24 hours after cerebral ischemia using a peptide nucleic acid antisense conjugate labeled with 111In and that hybridizes to the rat GFAP mRNA. Technetium-99m hydrazine nicotinamide-labeled HYNIC-annexin V SPECT can not only detect sites of neuronal injury in stroke patients but also can monitor the effects of neuroprotective therapy with a monoclonal antibody raised against FasLigand (FasL) in rats. Finally, information about cell metabolism in the infarct region can be gained using certain intracellular tracers [e.g. 18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO)]. Imaging benzodiazepine receptors with 11C-flumazenil (FMZ) can distinguish between irreversibly damaged and viable penumbra tissue early after stroke.
Ethylene Regulates Root Growth through Effects on Auxin Biosynthesis and Transport-Dependent Auxin Distribution
2007-07-01

Abstract In plants, each developmental process integrates a network of signaling events that are regulated by different phytohormones, and interactions among hormonal pathways are essential to modulate their effect. Continuous growth of roots results from the postembryonic activity of cells within the root meristem that is controlled by the coordinated action of several phytohormones, including auxin and ethylene. Although their interaction has been studied intensively, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this interplay are unknown. We show that the effect of ethylene on root growth is largely mediated by the regulation of the auxin biosynthesis and transport-dependent local auxin distribution. Ethylene stimulates auxin biosynthesis and basipetal auxin transport toward the elongation zone, where it activates a local auxin response leading to inhibition of cell elongation. Consistently, in mutants affected in auxin perception or basipetal auxin transport, ethylene cannot activate the auxin response nor regulate the root growth. In addition, ethylene modulates the transcription of several components of the auxin transport machinery. Thus, ethylene achieves a local activation of the auxin signaling pathway and regulates root growth by both stimulating the auxin biosynthesis and by modulating the auxin transport machinery.
Imaging applications of synchrotron X‐ray phase‐contrast microtomography in biological morphology and biomaterials science. I. General aspects of the technique and its advantages in the analysis of millimetre‐sized arthropod structure
2007-07-01

Summary Synchrotron‐generated X‐rays provide scientists with a multitude of investigative techniques well suited for the analysis of the composition and structure of all types of materials and specimens. Here, we describe the properties of synchrotron‐generated X‐rays and the advantages that they provide for qualitative morphological research of millimetre‐sized biological organisms and biomaterials. Case studies of the anatomy of insect heads, of whole microarthropods and of the three‐dimensional reconstruction of the cuticular tendons of jumping beetles, all performed at the beamline ID19 of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), are presented to illustrate the techniques of phase‐contrast tomography available for anatomical and structural investigations. Various sample preparation techniques are described and compared and experimental settings that we have found to be particularly successful are given. On comparing the strengths and weaknesses of the technique with traditional histological thin sectioning, we conclude that synchrotron radiation microtomography has a great potential in biological microanatomy.
PolymorphicCYP2B6: Molecular Mechanisms and Emerging Clinical Significance
2007-07-01

Polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters contribute to wide and inheritable variability in drug pharmacokinetics, response and toxicity. One of the less well-studied human cytochrome P450s is (CYP)2B6, a homologue of the rodent phenobarbital-inducible CYP2B enzymes. Clinically used drug substrates include cytostatics (cyclophosphamide), HIV drugs (efavirenz and nevirapine), antidepressants (bupropion), antimalarials (artemisinin), anesthetics (propofol) and synthetic opioids (methadone). Contrary to the model polymorphisms of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, which were discovered by adverse drug reactions, pharmacogenetic study of CYP2B6 was initiated by reverse genetics approaches and subsequent functional and clinical studies. With over 100 described SNPs, numerous complex haplotypes and distinct ethnic frequencies, CYP2B6 is one of the most polymorphic CYP genes in humans. In this review, we summarize general biomolecular and pharmacological features and present a detailed up-to-date description of genetic polymorphisms, including a discussion of recent clinical applications of CYP2B6 pharmacogenetics.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Affect Dendritic Cell Differentiation and Immunogenicity
2007-07-01

Abstract Purpose: Histone deacetylases (HDAC) modulate gene transcription and chromatin assembly by modifying histones at the posttranscriptional level. HDAC inhibitors have promising antitumor activity and are presently explored in clinical studies. Cumulating evidence in animal models of immune disorders also suggests immunosuppressive properties for these small molecules, although the underlying mechanisms remain at present poorly understood. Here, we have evaluated the effects of two HDAC inhibitors currently in clinical use, sodium valproate and MS-275, on human monocyte-derived DCs. Experimental Design: DCs were generated from monocytes through incubation with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-4. DC maturation was induced by addition of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid. DC phenotype, immunostimulatory capacity, cytokine secretion, and migratory capacity were determined by flow cytometry, mixed leukocyte reaction, ELISA, and Transwell migration assay, respectively. Nuclear translocation of RelB, IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-3, and IRF-8 were determined by immunoblotting. Results: HDAC inhibition skews DC differentiation by preventing the acquisition of the DC hallmark CD1a and by affecting the expression of costimulation and adhesion molecules. In addition, macrophage inflammatory protein-3β/chemokine, motif CC, ligand 19–induced migration, immunostimulatory capacity, and cytokine secretion by DCs are also profoundly impaired. The observed defects in DC function on exposure to HDAC inhibitors seem to reflect the obstruction of signaling through nuclear factor-κB, IRF-3, and IRF-8. Conclusions: HDAC inhibitors exhibit strong immunomodulatory properties in human DCs. Our results support the evaluation of HDAC inhibitors in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.