tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Bioluminescence in Marine Planktonic Copepods
Authors: Yasuhiro Takenaka, Atsushi Yamaguchi, Naoki Tsuruoka, Masaki Torimura, Takashi Gojobori, Yasushi Shigeri
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2012)

Copepods are the dominant taxa in zooplankton communities of the ocean worldwide. Although bioluminescence of certain copepods has been known for more than a 100 years, there is very limited information about the structure and evolutionary history of copepod luciferase genes. Here, we report the cDNA sequences of 11 copepod luciferases isolated from the superfamily Augaptiloidea in the order Calanoida. Highly conserved amino acid residues in two similar repeat sequences were confirmed by the multiple alignment of all known copepod luciferases. Copepod luciferases were classified into two groups of Metridinidae and Heterorhabdidae/Lucicutiidae families based on phylogenetic analyses, with confirmation of the interrelationships within the Calanoida using 18S ribosomal DNA sequences. The large diversity in the specific activity of planktonic homogenates and copepod luciferases that we were able to express in mammalian cultured cells illustrates the importance of bioluminescence as a protective function against predators. We also discuss the relationship between the evolution of copepod bioluminescence and the aspects of their ecological characteristics, such as swimming activity and vertical habitat.
Unique Clinical and Pathological Features in HLA-DRB1*0401–restricted MBP 111–129–specific Humanized TCR Transgenic Mice
Authors: Jacqueline A. Quandt, Mirza Baig, Karen Yao, Kazuyuki Kawamura, Jaebong Huh, Samuel K. Ludwin, Hong-Jin Bian, Mark Bryant, Laura Quigley, Zoltan A. Nagy, Henry F. McFarland, Paolo A. Muraro, Roland Martin, Kouichi Ito
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2004)

Amino acid residues 111–129 represent an immunodominant epitope of myelin basic protein (MBP) in humans with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*0401 allele(s). The MBP 111–129–specific T cell clone MS2-3C8 was repeatedly isolated from a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting an involvement of MS2-3C8 T cells in the pathogenesis. To address the pathogenic potential of the MS2-3C8 T cell clone, we generated transgenic (Tg) mice expressing its T cell receptor and restriction element, HLA-DRB1*0401, to examine the pathogenic characteristics of MS2-3C8 Tg T cells by adoptive transfer into HLA-DRB1*0401 Tg mice. In addition to the ascending paralysis typical of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, mice displayed dysphagia due to restriction in jaw and tongue movements and abnormal gait. In accordance with the clinical phenotype, infiltrates of MS2-3C8 Tg T cells and inflammatory lesions were predominantly located in the brainstem and the cranial nerve roots in addition to the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. Together, these data suggest a pathogenic role of MBP-specific T cells in inflammatory demyelination within the brainstem and cranial nerve roots during the progression of MS. This notion may help to explain the clinical and pathological heterogeneity of MS.
Two new types of allergens from the cockroach, <i>Periplaneta americana</i>
Authors: Y. Fang, C. Long, X. Bai, W. Liu, M. Rong, R. Lai, S. An
Journal: Allergy (2015)

Periplaneta americana cockroach is an important source of inhalant indoor allergen resource, and there are more than twenty IgE-binding components identified in P. americana, but only nine allergens were characterized. Our knowledge about cockroach allergens remains poor. In this work, two novel allergen proteins Per a 11 (alpha-amylase) and Per a 12 (chitinase) with molecular weight around 55 and 45 kDa, respectively, were purified and characterized from the midgut of cockroaches. Their primary sequences were determined by Edman degradation, mass spectrometry, and cDNA cloning. Sera from 39 and 30 of 47 (83.0% and 63.8%) patients reacted to Per a 11 and Per a 12 on immunoblots, respectively. The allergenicity of Per a 11 and Per a 12 was further confirmed by competitive ELISA, basophil activation test (BAT), and skin prick test (SPT). They appear to be of importance for the allergic reactions induced by cockroach and have a potential for component-based diagnosis of allergy.
National, regional, and global trends in body-mass index since 1980: systematic analysis of health examination surveys and epidemiological studies with 960 country-years and 9·1 million participants
Authors: Mariel M Finucane, Gretchen A Stevens, Melanie J Cowan, Goodarz Danaei, John K Lin, Christopher J Paciorek, Gitanjali M Singh, Hialy R Gutierrez, Yuan Lu, Adil N Bahalim, Farshad Farzadfar, Leanne M Riley, Majid Ezzati
Journal: The Lancet (2011)
STUDIES ON THE TRANSFER OF LYMPH NODE CELLS
Authors: Susanna Harris, T. N. Harris
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1954)

At various intervals, from 10 minutes to 21 days, after the injection of dysentery bacilli into the hind foot pads of rabbits the popliteal lymph nodes were excised. The cells of the lymph nodes were teased free, washed, and injected intravenously into normal rabbits. In each case aliquots of the same cell suspension were either incubated at 37 degrees C. for 24 hours or heated at 52 degrees C. for 20 minutes and then injected into other normal rabbits, as controls. In the case of lymph node cells obtained 4 or 3 days after the injection of antigen, antibody was found in the serum of recipients on the 1st day after the transfer of untreated cells. The titer increased until the 3rd day and then began to decline after the 5th or 7th day. In the sera of recipients of incubated cells antibody was not found, except on occasion after the 4th day and in low titer. This late appearance of antibody was attributed to the presence of small amounts of antigen in the original cell suspension. As the interval between injection of antigen and collection of cells was increased beyond 4 days the effectiveness of the transfer decreased progressively until at 14 days no transfer effect was obtained. When cells which were obtained 2 days after the injection of antigen were transferred, antibody appeared on the 2nd day after transfer and then followed the characteristic curve, whereas in the case of incubated cells antibody did not appear until the 3rd day after transfer. After the transfer of untreated 1 day cells antibody did not appear in the recipient until the 3rd day, and then followed the type of curve seen with 2, 3, and 4 day cells. Following transfer of incubated 1 day cells antibody also appeared on the 3rd day. To establish the possibility of eliciting the cell transfer effect as early as 1 day after the injection of dysentery bacilli, recipient rabbits were x-irradiated 24 hours prior to the injection of cells. It was found that in the sera of such recipients of untreated cells antibody appeared on the 3rd day following transfer, while irradiated recipients of incubated cells did not develop any measurable amounts of agglutinin for the first 10 days. It was concluded that a total of 3 days was required between the injection of antigen into the donor and the appearance of measurable antibody in the serum of the recipient, regardless of the fraction of that time spent by the cells in each of the animals involved, donor or recipient. Following the transfer of untreated cells removed from lymph node as early as 10 minutes after the injection of antigen distal to them, antibody could be found in the sera of x-irradiated recipients 4 days later, whereas antibody did not appear following the transfer of heated cells to such recipients.
The use and abuse of antibiotics in elective colorectal surgery: The Saga Continues…
Authors: Elie Aoun, Sandra El Hachem, Heitham Abdul-Baki, Bassem Ayyach, Mohamad Khalifeh, Hani Chaar, Zeina A. Kanafani, Souha S. Kanj, Ala I. Sharara
Journal: International Journal of Surgery (2005)
Interactions among HCLS1, HAX1 and LEF-1 proteins are essential for G-CSF–triggered granulopoiesis
Authors: Julia Skokowa, Maxim Klimiankou, Olga Klimenkova, Dan Lan, Kshama Gupta, Kais Hussein, Esteban Carrizosa, Inna Kusnetsova, Zhixiong Li, Claudio Sustmann, Arnold Ganser, Cornelia Zeidler, Hans-Heinrich Kreipe, Janis Burkhardt, Rudolf Grosschedl, Karl Welte
Journal: Nature Medicine (2012)
NACK Is an Integral Component of the Notch Transcriptional Activation Complex and Is Critical for Development and Tumorigenesis
Authors: Kelly L. Weaver, Marie-Clotilde Alves-Guerra, Ke Jin, Zhiqiang Wang, Xiaoqing Han, Prathibha Ranganathan, Xiaoxia Zhu, Thiago DaSilva, Wei Liu, Francesca Ratti, Renee M. Demarest, Cristos Tzimas, Meghan Rice, Rodrigo Vasquez-Del Carpio, Nadia Dahmane, David J. Robbins, Anthony J. Capobianco
Journal: Cancer Research (2014)

Abstract The Notch signaling pathway governs many distinct cellular processes by regulating transcriptional programs. The transcriptional response initiated by Notch is highly cell context dependent, indicating that multiple factors influence Notch target gene selection and activity. However, the mechanism by which Notch drives target gene transcription is not well understood. Herein, we identify and characterize a novel Notch-interacting protein, Notch activation complex kinase (NACK), which acts as a Notch transcriptional coactivator. We show that NACK associates with the Notch transcriptional activation complex on DNA, mediates Notch transcriptional activity, and is required for Notch-mediated tumorigenesis. We demonstrate that Notch1 and NACK are coexpressed during mouse development and that homozygous loss of NACK is embryonic lethal. Finally, we show that NACK is also a Notch target gene, establishing a feed-forward loop. Thus, our data indicate that NACK is a key component of the Notch transcriptional complex and is an essential regulator of Notch-mediated tumorigenesis and development. Cancer Res; 74(17); 4741–51. ©2014 AACR.
Oxidant Stress and Reduced Antioxidant Enzyme Protection in Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Robin L. Maser, Dianne Vassmer, Brenda S. Magenheimer, James P. Calvet
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2002)

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both acquired and hereditary polycystic kidney disease. Mechanisms of oxidant injury in C57BL/6J-cpk mice and Han:SPRD-Cy rats with rapidly or slowly progressive polycystic kidney disease were explored. Expression of heme oxygenase-1 mRNA, an inducible marker of oxidative stress, was shown to be increased in cystic kidneys of mice and rats in a pattern that reflected disease severity. By contrast, there was a decrease in mRNA expression of the antioxidant enzymes extracellular glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase during disease progression. Renal mRNA levels of these enzymes were strikingly reduced in rapidly progressive disease in homozygous cystic mice and rats. In slowly progressive disease in heterozygous rats, renal antioxidant mRNA levels were decreased to a greater extent in cystic males than in the less severely affected females. Protein levels for extracellular glutathione peroxidase were also reduced in plasma and in cystic kidneys of mice and rats. Plasma extracellular glutathione peroxidase enzymatic activity was also decreased, whereas the lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal were increased in kidneys and blood plasma of cystic mice. Reduced antioxidant enzyme protection and increased oxidative damage represent general mechanisms in the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease.
Insulin Injection Abscesses Caused by <i>Mycobacterium Chelonae</i>
Authors: Katherine Finucane, Phil Ambrey, Shalini Narayan, Clive B. Archer, Colin Dayan
Journal: Diabetes Care (2003)

Insulin injection abscesses occur in patients with diabetes and are mainly due to Staphylococcus aureus . However, we need to look for other organisms that can cause problems so that appropriate treatment can be given. Here we report a case of injection abscesses due to an atypical mycobacterium, Mycobacterium chelonae .

A 43-year-old woman with diabetes presented with a 5-month history of abscesses on her thighs and abdomen at injection sites. She used a pen device three times daily (reusing the needle) and a syringe and needle in the evening. With an HbA1c of 14%, her diabetes control was far from ideal. She had a 23-year history of diabetes and had been admitted to the hospital on a few occasions for seizures during episodes of hypoglycemia.

The abscesses had been treated with several courses of oral flucloxacillin but continued to enlarge …
Predicting Intracranial Traumatic Findings on Computed Tomography in Patients with Minor Head Injury: The CHIP Prediction Rule
Authors: Marion Smits, Diederik W.J. Dippel, Ewout W. Steyerberg, Gijs G. de Haan, Helena M. Dekker, Pieter E. Vos, Digna R. Kool, Paul J. Nederkoorn, Paul A.M. Hofman, Albert Twijnstra, Hervé L.J. Tanghe, M.G. Myriam Hunink
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2007)

Background: Prediction rules for patients with minor head injury suggest that the use of computed tomography (CT) may be limited to certain patients at risk for intracranial complications. These rules apply only to patients with a history of loss of consciousness, which is frequently absent. Objective: To develop a prediction rule for the use of CT in patients with minor head injury, regardless of the presence or absence of a history of loss of consciousness. Design: Prospective, observational study. Setting: 4 university hospitals in the Netherlands that participated in the CT in Head Injury Patients (CHIP) study. Patients: Consecutive adult patients with minor head injury (≥16 years of age) with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13 to 14 or with a GCS score of 15 and at least 1 risk factor. Measurements: Outcomes were any intracranial traumatic CT finding and neurosurgical intervention. The authors performed logistic regression analysis by using variables from existing prediction rules and guidelines, with internal validation by using bootstrapping. Results: 3181 patients were included (February 2002 to August 2004): 243 (7.6%) had intracranial traumatic CT findings and 17 (0.5%) underwent neurosurgical intervention. A detailed prediction rule was developed from which a simple rule was derived. Sensitivity of both rules was 100% for neurosurgical interventions, with an associated specificity of 23% to 30%. For intracranial traumatic CT findings, sensitivity and specificity were 94% to 96% and 25% to 32%, respectively. Potential CT reduction by implementing the prediction rule was 23% to 30%. Internal validation showed slight optimism for the model's performance. Limitation: External validation of the prediction model will be required. Conclusion: The authors propose the highly sensitive CHIP prediction rule for the selective use of CT in patients with minor head injury with or without loss of consciousness.
Immune understudies combat lupus
Authors: Mitch Leslie
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2009)

Regulatory T (T reg) cells calm the immune system and thwart attacks on the body's own tissues. On [page 793][1] Dai et al. report that another T cell type performs a similar job and might serve as a backup to impaired T reg cells in autoimmune diseases. The cells could provide a new way to treat
Relation of iron and red meat intake to blood pressure: cross sectional epidemiological study
Authors: I. Tzoulaki, I. J Brown, Q. Chan, L. Van Horn, H. Ueshima, L. Zhao, J. Stamler, P. Elliott
Journal: BMJ (2008)

<b>Objective</b> To investigate associations of dietary iron (total, haem, and non-haem), supplemental iron, and red meat with blood pressure. <b>Design</b> Cross sectional epidemiological study. <b>Setting</b> 17 population samples from Japan, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States participating in the international collaborative study on macro-/micronutrients and blood pressure (INTERMAP). <b>Participants</b> 4680 adults aged 40-59. <b>Main outcome measure</b> Average of eight blood pressure readings. <b>Results</b> In multiple linear regression analyses dietary total iron and non-haem iron were consistently inversely associated with blood pressure. With adjustment for potential non-dietary and dietary confounders, dietary total iron intake higher by 4.20 mg/4.2 MJ (2 SD) was associated with −1.39 mm Hg (P&lt;0.01) lower systolic blood pressure. Dietary non-haem iron intake higher by 4.13 mg/4.2 MJ (2 SD) was associated with −1.45 mm Hg (P&lt;0.001) lower systolic blood pressure. Differences were smaller for diastolic blood pressure. In most models haem iron intake from food was positively, non-significantly associated with blood pressure. Iron intake from combined diet and supplements yielded smaller associations than dietary iron alone. Red meat intake was directly associated with blood pressure; 102.6 g/24 h (2 SD) higher intake was associated with 1.25 mm Hg higher systolic blood pressure. Associations between red meat and blood pressure persisted after adjustment for multiple confounders. <b>Conclusion</b> Non-haem iron has a possible role in the prevention and control of adverse blood pressure levels. An unfavourable effect of red meat on blood pressure was observed. These results need confirmation including in prospective studies, clinical trials, and from experimental evidence on possible mechanisms.
Vitamin E and Respiratory Tract Infections in Elderly Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Simin Nikbin Meydani, Lynette S Leka, Basil C Fine, Gerard E Dallal, Gerald T Keusch, Maria Fiatarone Singh, Davidson H Hamer
Journal: JAMA (2004)

Respiratory tract infections are prevalent in elderly individuals, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and use of health care services. Vitamin E supplementation has been shown to improve immune response in elderly persons. However, the clinical importance of these findings has not been determined.
Genetic Organization, Length Conservation, and Evolution of RNA Polymerase II Carboxyl-Terminal Domain
Authors: Pengda Liu, John M. Kenney, John W. Stiller, Arno L. Greenleaf
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2010)

With a simple tandem iterated sequence, the carboxyl terminal domain (CTD) of eukaryotic RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) serves as the central coordinator of mRNA synthesis by harmonizing a diversity of sequential interactions with transcription and processing factors. Despite intense research interest, many key questions regarding functional and evolutionary constraints on the CTD remain unanswered; for example, what selects for the canonical heptad sequence, its tandem array across organismal diversity, and constant CTD length within given species and finally and how a sequence-identical, repetitive structure can orchestrate a diversity of simultaneous and sequential, stage-dependent interactions with both modifying enzymes and binding partners? Here we examine comparative sequence evolution of 58 RNAP II CTDs from diverse taxa representing all six major eukaryotic supergroups and employ integrated evolutionary genetic, biochemical, and biophysical analyses of the yeast CTD to further clarify how this repetitive sequence must be organized for optimal RNAP II function. We find that the CTD is composed of indivisible and independent functional units that span diheptapeptides and not only a flexible conformation around each unit but also an elastic overall structure is required. More remarkably, optimal CTD function always is achieved at approximately wild-type CTD length rather than number of functional units, regardless of the characteristics of the sequence present. Our combined observations lead us to advance an updated CTD working model, in which functional, and therefore, evolutionary constraints require a flexible CTD conformation determined by the CTD sequence and tandem register to accommodate the diversity of CTD–protein interactions and a specific CTD length rather than number of functional units to correctly order and organize global CTD–protein interactions. Patterns of conservation of these features across evolutionary diversity have important implications for comparative RNAP II function in eukaryotes and can more clearly direct specific research on CTD function in currently understudied organisms.
A Systematic Analytic Approach to Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning
Authors: Daniel J Barnett, Ran D Balicer, Daniel R Lucey, George S Everly, Saad B Omer, Mark C Steinhoff, Itamar Grotto
Journal: PLoS Medicine (2005)

The World Health Organization warns that a flu pandemic is inevitable, and possibly imminent. Barnett and colleagues discuss a tool called the Haddon Matrix that could help in pandemic influenza planning.
The Borg dyspnoea score: a relevant clinical marker of inspiratory muscle weakness in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: N Just, N Bautin, V Danel-Brunaud, V Debroucker, R Matran, T Perez
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2009)

The aim of the study was to determine whether the Borg dyspnoea scale could be a useful and simple marker to predict respiratory muscle weakness in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). From April 1997 to 2001, respiratory function was perfomed in 72 patients together with the Borg score in both the upright (uBorg) and supine (sBorg) positions. Mean upright vital capacity (VC) was 81+/-24% predicted, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) was 55+/-26% pred, maximal inspiratory pressure (P(I,max)) was 57+/-26% pred and arterial carbon dioxide tension (P(a,CO(2))) was 41+/-6 mmHg. The mean Borg scores in the upright and supine positions were 1.7+/-1.5 and 2.2+/-2, respectively. A significant relationship between SNIP and uBorg (r = 0.4; p = 0.0007) and SNIP and sBorg (r = 0.58; p<0.0001) was observed. Upright VC, DeltaVC (measured as the supine fall in VC as a percentage of seated VC), P(I,max) and P(a,CO(2)) were significantly correlated with SNIP. A cut-off value of 3 on the sBorg scale provided the best sensitivity (80%) and specificity (78%) (area under the curve 0.8) to predict a SNIP < or =40 cmH(2)O, indicating severe inspiratory muscle weakness. Patients with a sBorg score > or =3 also exhibited significantly lower VC, P(I,max) and twitch mouth pressure during cervical magnetic stimulation, and slightly higher P(a,CO(2)) (43.7+/-7 versus 39.2+/-5 mmHg; p = 0.05). The Borg dyspnoea scale is a valuable noninvasive test for the prediction of inspiratory muscle weakness in ALS patients.
Palindromic rheumatism. Clinical and serum complement study.
Authors: M A Wajed, D L Brown, H L Currey
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1977)

A review of 39 patients diagnosed as suffering from palindromic rheumatism showed that 17 cases had evolved into typical rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while 22 had remained palindromic. The pattern of palindromic attacks in the two groups gave no grounds for regarding palindromic rheumatism as a separate condition from RA with palindromic onset. At the first attendance minor clinical or radiological changes, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and positive serology were more common along those patients who were about to develop the picture of RA. Rheumatoid disease developing in patients with a palindromic onset was at least as severe as that among other patients with RA. 5 patients gave a history suggestive of fluid retention during the palindromic episodes, suggesting that attacks might be related to circulating immune complexes and altered vascular permeability. However, samples of blood obtained from 6 patients both during and between attacks showed no reduction in any of a variety of complement components tested.
A randomized clinical trial comparing autologous blood clot and gelfoam in transarterial chemoembolization for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Philip Chong-hei Kwok, Ting-Wa Lam, Susan Chi-hum Chan, Chi-ping Chung, Wong-kan Wong, Man-Kwong Chan, Hong-yuen Lo, Wai-ming Lam
Journal: Journal of Hepatology (2000)