julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Dectin-1 Interaction with Tetraspanin CD37 Inhibits IL-6 Production
2007-01-01

Abstract C-type lectins are pattern-recognition receptors important for pathogen binding and uptake by APCs. Evidence is accumulating that integration of incoming cellular signals in APCs is regulated by grouping of receptors and signaling molecules into organized membrane complexes, such as lipid rafts and tetraspanin microdomains. In this study, we demonstrate that C-type lectin dectin-1 functionally interacts with leukocyte-specific tetraspanin CD37. Dectin-1 and CD37 colocalize on the surface of human APCs. Importantly, macrophages of CD37-deficient (CD37−/−) mice express decreased dectin-1 membrane levels, due to increased dectin-1 internalization. Furthermore, transfection of CD37 into a macrophage cell line elevated endogenous dectin-1 surface expression. Although CD37 deficiency does not affect dectin-1-mediated phagocytosis, we observed a striking 10-fold increase of dectin-1-induced IL-6 production in CD37−/− macrophages compared with wild-type cells, despite reduced dectin-1 cell surface expression. Importantly, the observed increase in IL-6 production was specific for dectin-1, because signaling via other pattern-recognition receptors was unaffected in CD37−/− macrophages and because the dectin-1 ligand curdlan was used. Taken together, these findings show that tetraspanin CD37 is important for dectin-1 stabilization in APC membranes and controls dectin-1-mediated IL-6 production.
Immunomorphological Analysis of RAGE Receptor Expression and NF‐κB Activation in Tissue Samples from Normal and Degenerated Intervertebral Discs of Various Ages
2007-01-01

Abstract : We immunohistochemically investigated the pattern of RAGE expression and NFκB translocation into the nucleus in 43 complete cross‐sections of human lumbar intervertebral discs (neonatal—85 years) and compared this with the carboxymethyl‐lysine (CML) modification of proteins as a marker for oxidative stress. No significant expression of RAGE, no obvious activation of NF‐κB, and no deposition of CML‐modified proteins were seen in fetal, juvenile, and young adolescent discs (until age of 13 years). In adults, 25–50% of nucleus pulposus cells were labeled for RAGE and activated NF‐κB, which correlated well with the occurrence and extent of CML staining in the pericellular matrix. In the annulus fibrosus significantly lower values were seen than in the nucleus pulposus. In consequence, we provide evidence for activation of the NF‐κB system in intervertebral discs in vivo , which correlates with accumulated oxidative stress and increases in age and disc degeneration. Oxidative stress (as monitored by CML modifications) may lead to RAGE activation and NF‐κB translocation.
Bevacizumab: Off-label use in ophthalmology
2007-01-01

Bevacizumab is a full-length, humanized monoclonal antibody directed against all the biologically active isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A). The antibody was initially designed and studied as an anti-angiogenic strategy to treat a variety of solid tumors. After approval by the US Food and Drug Administration, bevacizumab gained access into ophthalmology to treat various types of neovascular diseases. Since the first report in 2005 more than 100 publications share the experience with bevacizumab in ophthalmology. Two authors independently assessed the research results from Pubmed to April 2007. The reference list is a selection of key publications related to the issue. Currently, there is no well-designed randomized controlled trial yet to establish the efficacy and safety of intraocular bevacizumab for any ocular disease in spite of its assumed characteristics representing the most cost-effective VEGF inhibitor.
Specific transcriptional changes in human fetuses with autosomal trisomies
2007-01-01

Among full autosomal trisomies, only trisomies of chromosome 21 (Down syndrome), 18 (Edwards syndrome) and 13 (Patau syndrome) are compatible with postnatal survival. But the mechanisms, how a supernumerary chromosome disrupts the normal development and causes specific phenotypes, are still not fully explained. As an alternative to gene dosage effect due to the trisomic chromosome a genome-wide transcriptional dysregulation has been postulated. The aim of this study was to define the transcriptional changes in trisomy 13, 18, and 21 during early fetal development in order to obtain more insights into the molecular etiopathology of aneuploidy. Using oligonucleotide microarrays, we analyzed whole genome expression profiles in cultured amniocytes (AC) and chorionic villus cells (CV) from pregnancies with a normal karyotype and with trisomies of human chromosomes 13, 18 and 21. We observed a low to moderate up-regulation for a subset of genes of the trisomic chromosomes. Transcriptional levels of most of the genes on the supernumerary chromosome appeared similar to the respective chromosomal pair in normal karyotypes. A subset of chromosome 21 genes including the &lt;i&gt;DSCR1&lt;/i&gt; gene involved in fetal heart development was consistently up-regulated in different prenatal tissues (AC, CV) of trisomy 21 fetuses whereas only minor changes were found for genes of all other chromosomes. In contrast, in trisomy 18 vigorous downstream transcriptional changes were found. Global transcriptome analysis for autosomal trisomies 13, 18, and 21 supported a combination of the two major hypotheses.
Comparison of 11C-choline-PET/CT and whole body-MRI for staging of prostate cancer
2007-01-01

Summary Aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of positron emission tomography and computed tomography with 11C-Choline (Cho-PET/CT) and whole body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) for diagnostic work-up of prostate cancer. Patients, methods: We evaluated retrospectively 42 patients with untreated prostate cancer (n = 17), or increasing levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after curative therapy (n = 25) who had been investigated by both Cho-PET/CT and WB-MRI. MRI, CT, and PET images were separately analyzed by experienced radiologists or nuclear medicine experts, followed by consensus reading. Validation was established by histology, follow-up, or consensus reading. Results: 88/103 detected lesions were considered as malignant: 44 bone metastases, 22 local tumor, 15 lymph node metastases, 3 lung, and 3 brain metastases. One further lesion was located in the adrenal gland, which was a second tumor. Overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for Cho-PET/CT were 96.6%, 76.5%, and 93.3%, resp., and for WB-MRI 78.4%, 94.1%, and 81.0%, resp. 3 vertebral metastases had initially been missed by Cho-PET/CT and were found retrospectively. MRI identified 2 bone metastases and 1 lymph node metastasis after being informed about the results of Cho-PET/CT. Conclusions: Cho-PET/CT and WB-MRI both presented high accuracy in the detection of bone and lymph node metastases. The strength of MRI is excellent image quality providing detailed anatomical information whereas the advantage of Cho-PET/CT is high image contrast of pathological foci.
A probabilistic proof of a weak limit law for the number of cuts needed to isolate the root of a random recursive tree
2007-01-01

We present a short probabilistic proof of a weak convergence result for the number of cuts needed to isolate the root of a random recursive tree. The proof is based on a coupling related to a certain random walk.
Supplementation of Ω‐3 Fatty Acids in Parenteral Nutrition Beneficially Alters Phospholipid Fatty Acid Pattern
2007-01-01

Background: The clinical safety and the uptake of ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) into the serum phospholipids and erythrocyte membranes after administration of fish‐oil‐supplemented parenteral nutrition (PN) was investigated in colorectal surgical patients. Methods: Forty patients undergoing colorectal surgery (n = 40) and with an indication for PN were enrolled in a prospective, double‐blind, randomized study to receive an ω‐3 PUFA‐supplemented 20% lipid emulsion (Lipoplus; B. Braun Melsungen, Melsungen, Germany; test group, n = 19) for 5 days postoperatively. The control group received a standard 20% fat emulsion (Lipofundin MCT/LCT, B. Braun Melsungen, Melsungen, Germany, control group, n = 21). Clinical outcome parameters and safety were assessed by means of adverse events recording clinical parameters and hematologic analyses. The contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as arachidonic acid (AA), in phospholipid fractions in plasma and in erythrocytes were analyzed preoperatively, on postoperative days 1, 6, and 10 using liquid gas chromatography. Results: Both fat emulsions were well tolerated, and none of the adverse events was considered to be related to treatment. Postoperative infectious complications occurred in 4 patients of the ω‐3 PUFA group vs 7 patients in the control group. As compared with the control group, the ω‐3 PUFA group had significantly increased levels of EPA in the membranes of the erythrocytes in postoperative day 6 (2.0% ± 0.9% vs 0.8% ± 0.5% fatty acid methyl esters, [FAME]) and postoperative day 10 (2.1% ± 0.8% vs 0.9%± 0.7% FAME, p &lt; .05). Also, the EPA levels in the serum phospholipids were significantly higher than in the control group on the same postoperative days (7.0% ± 2.6% vs 1.3% ± 0.8% and 3.6%± 1.0% vs 1.0% ± 0.4% FAME, p &lt; .05). The DHA levels in the serum phospholipids were significantly higher in theω ‐3 PUFA group compared with the control on postoperative days 6 and 10 (11.8% ± 1.9% vs 8.4% ± 1.5% and 11.2% ± 1.6% vs 8.5% ± 1.4% FAME, p &lt; .05). AA levels were not significantly different in the both groups. Conclusions: Ω ‐3‐fatty‐acids‐supplemented fat emulsions for parenteral administration are safe and very well tolerated. This study demonstrates that parenteral administration of ω‐3‐PUFA‐enriched fat emulsions leads to increased incorporation of EPA and DHA into phospholipids in serum and erythrocytes, whereas AA levels remain unchanged. Thus, postoperative parenteral administration of ω‐3‐PUFA‐enriched lipid emulsions could have an impact on the postoperative inflammatory response after abdominal surgery and could be used in standard postoperative care when PN is indicated.
South China provenance of the lower-grade Penglai Group north of the Sulu UHP orogenic belt, eastern China: Evidence from detrital zircon ages and Nd-Hf isotopic composition
2007-01-01

The Dabie-Sulu ultrahigh-pressure orogenic belt resulted from the early Mesozoic collision of the North China block and South China block (comprising the Yangtze and the Cathaysia) and subsequent exhumation of the subducted South China continental slabs. This belt consists of tectonically juxtaposed rock units of different metamorphic grade. Provenance of the low-grade metamorphic terranes exposed along the northern part of the belt can offer useful information about the location of the boundary between these two continental blocks. This study reports detrital zircon ages and Nd-Hf isotopic composition of sedimentary rocks of the low-grade Penglai Group, situated north of the Sulu UHP terrane. Results show that detrital zircon grains mostly crystallized during Mesoproterozoic time, clustering at 1.7 Ga to 1.6 Ga and 1.2 Ga. Nd isotopic composition (TDM value) of the Penglai Group suggests that sedimentary sources are similar to average crustal material of the Yangtze block and mostly formed in Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic. Late Mesoproterozoic detrital zircons probably demonstrate that sedimentary material was derived from the boundary of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, which was formed by the late Mesoproterozoic convergence. Absence of Neoproterozoic detrital zircons from the Penglai sediments probably suggests a late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic deposition age (about 1.1 Ga to 0.8 Ga). The age and isotopic evidence implies that the Penglai Group originated from the South China block and probably was thrust onto the basement of the North China block during the early Mesozoic continental collision.
Integration of role-playing into technical skills training: a randomized controlled trial
2007-01-01

Introducing role-plays enhances the realism of technical skills training and leads to better patient-physician communication. Students do not seem to be overstrained by practising clinical technical skills using role-plays. We conclude that role-playing is a valuable method in practising technical skills.
Sitagliptin: Profile of a novel DPP-4 inhibitor for the treatmentof type 2 diabetes (update)
2007-01-01

Novel therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes are needed, since the current treatment options neither address all pathophysiological mechanisms nor achieve the glycemic target goals. A general islet-cell dysfunction including insulin- and glucagon-secretion defects contributes to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. Improving islet function by incretin hormone action is a novel therapeutic approach. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) are important incretin hormones contributing to 50-70% of the stimulation of insulin secretion after a meal. Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors inhibit the degradation of GLP-1 and GIP as well as that of other regulatory peptides. Sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, is orally active and has been shown to be efficacious and safe in clinical studies. Sitagliptin has received approval in Mexico, the United States and other countries. Like other DPP-4 inhibitors, sitagliptin reduces hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting and postprandial glucose by glucose-dependent stimulation of insulin secretion and inhibition of glucagon secretion. Sitagliptin is weight neutral. Indirect measures show a possible improvement of beta-cell function. Sitagliptin does not cause a higher rate of hypoglycemia in comparison to metformin or placebo. This article gives an overview of the mechanisms of action, pharmacology and clinical trial results of sitagliptin.
Adhesion of Streptococcus sanguinis to Dental Implant and Restorative Materials in vitro
2007-01-01

Bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces or dental materials starts immediately upon exposure to the oral environment. The aim of this study, therefore, was to compare the adhesion of Streptococcus sanguinis to saliva-coated human enamel and dental materials - during a one-hour period - using an in vitro flow chamber system which mimicked the oral cavity. After fluorescent staining, the number of adhered cells and their vitality were recorded. The dental materials used were: titanium (Rematitan M), gold (Neocast 3), ceramic (Vita Omega 900), and composite (Tetric Ceram). The number of adherent bacterial cells was higher on titanium, gold, and ceramic surfaces and lower on composite as compared to enamel. As for the percentage of adherent vital cells, it was higher on enamel than on the restorative materials tested. These results suggested that variations in the number and vitality of the adherent pioneer oral bacteria, S. sanguinis, in the in vitro system depended on the surface characteristics of the substratum and the acquired salivary pellicle. The in vitro adhesion model used herein provided a simple and reproducible approach to investigate the impact of surface-modified dental materials on bacterial adhesion and vitality.
Soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 1 Is Released in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
2007-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasingly recognized as a systemic disease that is associated with increased serum levels of markers of systemic inflammation. The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) is a recently identified activating receptor on neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophage subsets. TREM-1 expression is upregulated by microbial products such as the toll-like receptor ligand lipoteichoic acid of Gram-positive or lipopolysaccharides of Gram-negative bacteria. In the present study, sera from 12 COPD patients (GOLD stages I–IV,<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="E1"><mml:mrow><mml:msub><mml:mrow><mml:mtext>FEV</mml:mtext></mml:mrow><mml:mn>1</mml:mn></mml:msub></mml:mrow></mml:math>51<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="E2"><mml:mo>±</mml:mo></mml:math>6%) and 10 healthy individuals were retrospectively analyzed for soluble TREM-1 (sTREM-1) using a newly developed ELISA. In healthy subjects, sTREM-1 levels were low (median 0.25 ng/mL, range 0–5.9 ng/mL). In contrast, levels of sTREM-1 in sera of COPD patients were significantly increased (median 11.68 ng/mL, range 6.2–41.9 ng/mL,<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="E3"><mml:mi>P</mml:mi><mml:mo>&lt;</mml:mo><mml:mn>.05</mml:mn></mml:math>). Furthermore, serum levels of sTREM-1 showed a significant negative correlation with lung function impairment. In summary, serum concentrations of sTREM-1 are increased in patients with COPD. Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the relevance of sTREM-1 as a potential marker of the disease in patients with COPD.
PIKfyve in the SGK1 Mediated Regulation of the Creatine Transporter SLC6A8
2007-01-01

The Na(+),Cl(-),creatine transporter CreaT (SLC6A8) mediates concentrative cellular uptake of creatine into a wide variety of cells. Previous observations disclosed that SLC6A8 transport activity is enhanced by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) at least partially through the serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase isoforms SGK1 and SGK3. As SLC6A8 does not contain a putative SGK consensus motif, the mechanism linking SGK1 with SLC6A8 activity remained elusive. A candidate kinase is the mammalian phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate-5-kinase PIKfyve (PIP5K3), which has previously been shown to regulate the glucose transporter GLUT4. The present experiments explored the possibility that SLC6A8 is regulated by PIKfyve. In Xenopus oocytes expressing SLC6A8 but not in water injected oocytes creatine induced a current which was significantly enhanced by coexpression of PIKfyve. The effect of PIKfyve on SLC6A8 was blunted by additional coexpression of the inactive mutant of the serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase (K127N)SGK1. The stimulating effect of PIKfyve was abrogated by replacement of the serine in the SGK consensus sequence by alanine ((S318A)PIKfyve). Moreover, coexpression of ( S318A)PIKfyve blunted the effect of SGK1 on SLC6A8 activity. The observations suggest that SGK1 regulates the creatine transporter SLC6A8 at least partially through phosphorylation and activation of PIKfyve and subsequent formation of PI(3,5)P(2).
Attraction of phagocytes by apoptotic cells is mediated by lysophosphatidylcholine
2007-01-01

Apoptotic cells promote the phagocytosis of themselves via the exposure of "eat me" signals. Furthermore, a second, "find me" signal is required to attract phagocytes. In this review the double function of lysophosphatidylcholine for the clearance of apoptotic material as factor leading to attraction of phagocytes as a soluble "find me" signal and opsonisation of apoptotic cells as a membrane bound "eat me" signal is outlined. Lysophosphatidylcholine, exerting this bivalent function, leads to a sufficient clearance of apoptotic cell as a "keep calm" mechanism to prevent activation of the immune system by secondary necrosis.
The Solution of the k(GV) Problem
2007-01-01

Conjugacy Classes, Characters and Clifford Theory Blocks of Characters and Brauer's k(B) Problem Symplectic and Orthogonal Modules Holomorphs of Extraspecial Groups and Weil Characters Self-dual Modules and Real Vectors Class Numbers of Permutation Groups Counting Methods.
Biosynthesis of Gastrokine-2 in the Human Gastric Mucosa: Restricted Spatial Expression along the Antral Gland Axis and Differential Interaction with TFF1, TFF2 and Mucins
2007-01-01

Maturation of antral SMCs occurs stepwise via trans-differentiation of TFF3 expressing progenitor cells. The TFF1-GKN2 heterodimer and TFF2 differ characteristically by their binding to gastric mucins. This points to different physiological functions of TFF1 and TFF2, the latter maybe acting as a 'link peptide' for stabilization of the gastric mucus.
Metacognition and Reflexivity in Patients with Schizophrenia
2007-01-01

&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt; Many patients with schizophrenia demonstrate a lack of insight into their disorder and often do not complain about their cognitive impairments. This might be due to generally reduced metacognitive abilities. &lt;i&gt;Sampling and Methods:&lt;/i&gt; Twenty-seven patients with a DSM IV diagnosis of schizophrenia and 19 healthy control subjects performed 2 separate tasks tapping into metacognitive functions. In the first experiment the participants encoded words. In the following recognition part they judged their level of subjective confidence in the correctness of their answer. In the second experiment reaction time was measured, whilst judgments were made about personality trait adjectives describing the subjects themselves or other familiar people. &lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt; Although the recognition rate in the first experiment was equal between the groups, the patients showed a significantly reduced ability to correctly judge their memory performance. There was no correlation between metamemory and psychopathology nor insight measures. The patients further needed significantly more time to characterize themselves compared to the healthy participants. The response rates for self-characterization correlated with the ability to recognize symptoms as part of a disorder but did not correlate with psychopathology. &lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt; Metacognitive faculties seem to be, at least in part, a separable cognitive entity. Patients with schizophrenia demonstrate impaired metacognitive capacities, independent of current symptoms or memory performance.
Familial aggregation of tinnitus: a European multicentre study.
2007-01-01

The presence of a familial effect for tinnitus opens the door to specific studies that can determine whether this effect is due to a shared familial environment or the involvement of genetic factors. Subsequent association studies may result in the identification of the factors responsible. In addition, more emphasis should be placed on the effect of role models in the treatment of tinnitus.