bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as an early and sensitive marker for virus-induced T cell activation
Authors: Christensen J p , Johansen J , Marker O , Thomsen A R 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYThe effect of systemic virus infection on the level of circulating ICAM-1 (cICAM-1) in serum, and the role of virus-activated T cells in this context, were studied using the murine lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection as primary model system. A marked virus-induced elevation in cICAM-1 in serum was revealed, the presence of which coincided with the phase of virus-induced T cell activation. However, high levels of cICAM-1 in serum were observed well before maximal T cell activation could be demonstrated. No increase in cICAM-1 was observed in the serum of infected T cell-deficient nude mice, clearly demonstrating that T cells were mandatory. Analysis of MHC class I and MHC class II-deficient mice revealed that either CD4+ or CDS+ T cells alone are sufficient, despite a markedly reduced inflammatory exudate in the former animals. These results indicate that virus-activated T cells induce shedding of ICAM-1 into the circulation, and this parameter may be used as an early and sensitive marker for immune activation.
Molecular characteristics of anti-self antibody fragments against neutrophil cytoplasmic antigens from human V gene phage display libraries
Authors: Finnern R , Bye J M , Dolman K M , Zhao M-H , Short A , Marks J D , Wood M C LOCK , Ouwehand W H 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYRecently it has been demonstrated that human antibody fragments with binding activities against self antigens can be isolated from repertoires of rearranged V genes from non-immunized humans. We have applied phage display technology to study the B cell repertoire for antibody activity against neutrophil cytoplasmic antigens. These antibodies may play an important role in Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) and related forms of vasculitides. Autoantibodies in patients with WG are directed against proteinase 3. The immunodominant antigen in other forms of vasculitis is myeloperoxidase, but the B cell response can also be directed against other neutrophil enzymes, e.g. lysozyme, human neutrophil elastase, lactoferrin and cathepsin G. We show here that anti-self reactivity against neutrophil cytoplasmic antigens can be detected in the rearranged V gene repertoire of healthy individuals and that the reactivity can be directed against structural related epitopes which are present on different neutrophil cytoplasmic antigens. The scFv with binding activities were sequenced and the V gene usage, the level of somatic mutations and the immunoserological characteristics of the antibody fragments are discussed. Further evidence is presented that antibody fragments consisting only of a heavy chain variable domain can recognize neutrophil cytoplasmic antigens in a specific manner. These single-domain antibody fragments were used in experiments designed to establish the relative role of the light chain variable domains in antigen binding.
Antigen presentation by naive macrophages, dendritic cells and B cells to primed T lymphocytes and their cytokine production following exposure to immunostimulating complexes
Authors: Villacres-Eriksson M 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYInfluenza virus envelope proteins incorporated into immunostimulating complexes (iscoms) are taken up and processed by various kinds of antigen-presenting cells (APC), encompassing peritoneal cells (PEC), unfractionated splenocytes, splenic dendritic cells (DC) or B cells. The iscom-pulsed naive APC stimulated primed T cells to proliferate and produce cytokine in vitro. In contrast, only DC and B cells pulsed with the same antigen (Ag) in the micelle form functioned as accessory cells stimulating the primed T cells to proliferate and produce cytokine. In general, iscoms were better inducers of cell proliferation than micelles, Iscoms stimulated more secretion of IL-2 and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) than the micelles, but both antigenic forms stimulated secretion of IL-4. DC and B cells pulsed with iscoms stimulated most efficiently the secretion of IL-2 and IFN-γ, DC were superior to the other APC in stimulating primed T cells to secrete IFN-γ. On the other hand, micelles stimulated more efficiently than iscoms splenic T cells from micelle-primed as well as iscom-primed mice to secrete IL-10, These data indicate that influenza virus envelope proteins incorporated in iscoms stimulate a broad T cell response, possibly emphasizing a Thl type of response. The same Ag in a micelle form induce a more prominent Th2 type of T cell response. The results indicate that the administration of an Ag in an adjuvant formulation can superimpose a different cytokine profile on the immune response than that induced by the protein Ag alone.
A minimally hypomorphic mutation in Btk resulting in reduced B cell numbers but no clinical disease
Authors: Conley M E , Farmer D M , Dobbs A K , Howard V , Aiba Y , Shurtleff S A , Kurosaki T 
Published: July 2010

SummaryReduced B cell numbers and a mutation in Btk are considered sufficient to make the diagnosis of X-linked agammaglobulinaemia. In the process of conducting family studies, we identified a 58-year-old healthy man with an amino acid substitution, Y418H, in the adenosine-5′-triphosphate binding site of Btk. Immunofluorescence studies showed that this man had 0·85% CD19+ B cells (normal 4–18%) in the peripheral circulation and his monocytes were positive for Btk. He had borderline low serum immunoglobulins but normal titres to tetanus toxoid and multiple pneumococcal serotypes. To determine the functional consequences of the amino acid substitution, a Btk– chicken B cell line, DT40, was transfected with expression vectors producing wild-type Btk or Y418H Btk. The transfected cells were stimulated with anti-IgM and calcium flux and inositol triphosphate (IP3) production were measured. Cells bearing the mutant protein demonstrated consistently a 15–20% decrease in both calcium flux and IP3 production. These findings indicate that even a modest decrease in Btk function can impair B cell proliferation or survival. However, a mutation in Btk and reduced numbers of B cells are not always associated with clinical disease.
Infiltration of forkhead box P3-expressing cells in small intestinal mucosa in coeliac disease but not in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Tiittanen M , Westerholm-Ormio M , Verkasalo M , Savilahti E , Vaarala O 
Published: July 2010

Summary
Because the role of regulatory T cells in the intestinal inflammation is unknown in coeliac disease (CD) and type 1 diabetes (T1D), the expression of forkhead box P3 (FoxP3), CD25, transforming growth factor-β, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15 and IL-18 was measured by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in the small intestinal biopsies from paediatric patients with active or potential CD, T1D and control patients. The numbers of FoxP3- and CD25-expressing cells were studied with immunohistochemistry. Enhanced intestinal expressions of FoxP3, IL-10 and IFN-γ mRNAs were found in active CD when compared with controls (P-values &lt; 0·001, 0·004, &lt;0·001). In potential CD, only the expression of IFN-γ mRNA was increased. The numbers of FoxP3-expressing cells were higher in active and potential CD (P &lt; 0·001, P = 0·05), and the ratio of FoxP3 mRNA to the number of FoxP3-positive cells was decreased in potential CD when compared with controls (P = 0·007). The ratio of IFN-γ to FoxP3-specific mRNA was increased in active and potential CD (P = 0·001 and P = 0·002). Patients with T1D had no changes in regulatory T cell markers, but showed increased expression of IL-18 mRNA. The impaired up-regulation of FoxP3 transcripts despite the infiltration of FoxP3-positive cells in potential CD may contribute to the persistence of inflammation. The increased ratio of IFN-γ to FoxP3 mRNA in active and potential CD suggests an imbalance between regulatory and effector mechanisms. The increased intestinal expression of IL-18 mRNA in patients with T1D adds evidence in favour of the hypothesis that T1D is associated with derangements in the gut immune system.
Inference from habitat‐selection analysis depends on foraging strategies
Authors: Bastille‐Rousseau Guillaume , Fortin Daniel , Dussault Christian 
Published: July 2010

Summary1. Several methods have been developed to assess habitat selection, most of which are based on a comparison between habitat attributes in used vs. unused or random locations, such as the popular resource selection functions (RSFs). Spatial evaluation of residency time has been recently proposed as a promising avenue for studying habitat selection. Residency‐time analyses assume a positive relationship between residency time within habitat patches and selection. We demonstrate that RSF and residency‐time analyses provide different information about the process of habitat selection. Further, we show how the consideration of switching rate between habitat patches (interpatch movements) together with residency‐time analysis can reveal habitat‐selection strategies.2. Spatially explicit, individual‐based modelling was used to simulate foragers displaying one of six foraging strategies in a heterogeneous environment. The strategies combined one of three patch‐departure rules (fixed‐quitting‐harvest‐rate, fixed‐time and fixed‐amount strategy), together with one of two interpatch‐movement rules (random or biased). Habitat selection of simulated foragers was then assessed using RSF, residency‐time and interpatch‐movement analyses.3. Our simulations showed that RSFs and residency times are not always equivalent. When foragers move in a non‐random manner and do not increase residency time in richer patches, residency‐time analysis can provide misleading assessments of habitat selection. This is because the overall time spent in the various patch types not only depends on residency times, but also on interpatch‐movement decisions.4. We suggest that RSFs provide the outcome of the entire selection process, whereas residency‐time and interpatch‐movement analyses can be used in combination to reveal the mechanisms behind the selection process.5. We showed that there is a risk in using residency‐time analysis alone to infer habitat selection. Residency‐time analyses, however, may enlighten the mechanisms of habitat selection by revealing central components of resource‐use strategies. Given that management decisions are often based on resource‐selection analyses, the evaluation of resource‐use strategies can be key information for the development of efficient habitat‐management strategies. Combining RSF, residency‐time and interpatch‐movement analyses is a simple and efficient way to gain a more comprehensive understanding of habitat selection.
Detrimental effects of rearing a braconid parasitoid1 on the pink borer larvae2 inoculated by different concentrations of the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner
Authors: Temerak S. A. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractLaboratory trials were undertaken to throw the light on the possible interrelationships which may occur when rearing the braconid, ectoparasitoid, Bracon brevicornis on the pink borer larvae, Sesamia cretica after being injected with the sporeforming bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis.Abundance of Bacillus inside host‐insect larvae enhance the quick immobilization by the parasitoid. Bacillus‐infected larvae had deleterious effects on the parasitoid's progeny; i. e. decreased the numbers of each of deposited eggs, formed cocoons, and emerged adults (specially females). Parasitoid parents which kept in vials of Bacillus‐infected larvae lived significantly shorter than those kept with uninfected larvae.ZusammenfassungÜber nachteilige Wirkungen der Infektion von Sesamia‐Raupen mit Bacillus thuringiensis auf die ektoparasitische Schlupfwespe Bracon brevicornisIn Laboruntersuchungen sollte geklärt werden, welche möglichen Beziehungen zwischen Wirt und Parasiten sich ergeben, wenn der Ektoparasit Bracon brevicornis an Sesamia cretica‐Raupen, die mit Bacillus thuringiensis infiziert waren, aufgezogen wird. Mit zunehmender Menge des Bacillus in der Wirtsraupe wurde die Zahl der sich auf den Raupen entwickelnden Parasitenstadien sowie der schlüpfenden Adulten verringert. Schlupfwespen, die in Gläsern zusammen mit Raupen gehalten wurden, die von B. thuringiensis infiziert waren, zeigten eine signifikant kürzere Lebenszeit als solche in Gegenwart gesunder Raupen.
Qualitative and quantitative survey on the oophagous wasps attacking the Pink Borer, Sesamia cretica Led. (Lep., Noctuidae) on 3 gramineous crops in Upper Egypt
Authors: Temerak S. A. , Temerak S. A. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractField studies were undertaken to recognize and evaluate the relative role of the possible egg parasitoids attacking the pink borer, Sesamia cretica Lederer on 3 gramineous (sugarcane, sorghum and corn) crops at the University farm of Assiut in 1978 and 1979.One Scelionid, Telenomus sp. and 2 Trichogrammatids, Paracentrobia sp. and P. dimorpha (Kryger) were emerged from S. cretica eggs. The Trichogrammatid parasitoids were only recorded from few egg masses on sorghum and considered as first records in Egypt.The Scelionid, Telenomus sp. was the most dominant parasitoid on the 3 crops. Parasitism (%), estimated by different routes, did not significantly differ on the 3 crops. The Scelionid was actually reached to more than of 65% of the egg masses on each of the 3 crops (during May) in the 2 years. After successful host acceptance, this parasitoid mostly tends to parasitize every egg in the respective egg mass resulting in “completely parasitized egg mass” on the 3 crops. The later was quantified and reported in more than 69% and 78% of the cases of 1978 and 1979, respectively.Size of egg mass (no. of eggs/mass) was significantly larger on sugarcane than both sorghum and corn plants. Sesamia moths were significantly showed “ovipositional preference” to sorghum than both sugarcane and corn stalks.ZusammenfassungQualitative und quantitative Untersuchungen über Schlupfwespen als Eiparasiten von Sesamia cretica Led. (Lepid., Noctuidae) an drei Gramineen‐Arten in UnterägyptenBei Freilanduntersuchungen 1978/79 auf der Univ.‐Farm von Assiut wurden eine Scelionide, Telenomus sp., und 2 Trichogrammatiden, Paracentrobia sp. und P. dimorpha (Kryger) als Eiparasiten von Sesamia cretica festgestellt. Die Trichogrammatiden wurden nur aus Eiablagen an Sorghum gezogen und bilden den ersten Nachweis der beiden Arten in Ägypten. Die Scelionide war der dominanteste Parasit an den 3 Fraßpflanzen, zwischen welchen die Parasitierungsquote nicht signifikant differierte. Die Scelionide parasitierte mehr als 65% der Eiablagen an jeder der 3 Pflanzenarten. Nach der Annahme einer Eiablage tendierte diese Schlupfwespe dazu, alle Eier der Ablage zu parasitieren. 100% ig parasitierte Eiablagen der Eule wurden an den 3 Pflanzenarten in rund 69% (1978) und 78% (1979) festgestellt. Die Zahl der Eier pro Ablage der Eule war an Zuckerrohr signifikant größer als an Sorghum oder Getreide. Dagegen zeigten die Sesamia‐Falter eine gesicherte Eiablage‐Präferenz für Sorghum.
Response of Thawed Epidi dymal Red Deer Spermatozoa to Increasing Concentrations of Hydrogen Peroxide, and Importance of Individual Male Variability
Authors: Domínguez‐Rebolledo AE , Martínez‐Pastor F , Bisbal AF , Ros‐Santaella JL , García‐Álvarez O , Maroto‐Morales A , Soler AJ , Garde JJ , Fernández‐Santos MR 
Published: July 2010

ContentsOxidative stress represents a challenge during sperm manipulation. We have tested the effect of increasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels on red deer spermatozoa after cryopreservation, and the role of male‐to‐male variation in that response. In a first experiment, eight thawed samples were submitted to 0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 μm H2O2 for 2 h at 37°C. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (H2DCFDA‐CM) increased with H2O2 concentration, but we only detected a decrease in sperm function (motility by CASA and chromatin damage by sperm chromatin structure assay) with 200 μm. Lipoperoxidation assessed by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) method increased slightly with 50 μm H2O2 and above. In a second experiment, samples from seven males were submitted to 0 and 200 μm H2O2 for 2 h, triplicating the experiment within each male. Males differed at thawing and regarding their response to incubation and H2O2 presence. We found that the kinematic parameters reflected male‐to‐male variability, whereas the response of the different males was similar for lipid peroxidation and viability. A multiparametric analysis showed that males grouped differently if samples were assessed after thawing, after incubation without H2O2 or after incubation with H2O2. Red deer spermatozoa are relatively resilient to H2O2 after thawing, but it seems to be a great male‐to‐male variability regarding the response to oxidative stress. The acknowledgement of this individual variability might improve the development of optimized sperm work protocols.
Evaluation of metabolic factors on the prognosis of patients undergoing resection of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kaibori Masaki , Ishizaki Morihiko , Matsui Kosuke , Kitade Hiroaki , Matsui Yoichi , Kwon A‐Hon 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The metabolic factors including obesity, diabetes, and hypertension have been implicated as risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis. The effects of metabolic factors were investigated on the prognosis of patients undergoing resection of HCC.Methods:  A total of 469 HCC patients were classified into three groups; hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐, hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐, and non‐HBV/HCV (NBC)‐related HCC. Further, the patients with HCV‐related HCC were sub‐classified into three groups; the patients who did not have documented hypertension, hypertensive patients who received angiotensin II‐blocking agents (ABA), and hypertensive patients who received no ABA.Results:  There were no significant difference of survival in the HBV‐HCC and NBC‐HCC patients with or without obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. In the patients with HCV‐related HCC, however, hypertensive patients were significantly worse on both disease‐free and overall survivals than non‐hypertensive patients. Among the HCV‐HCC patients with chronic hepatitis, hypertensive patients with ABA had significantly better preoperative liver function, and hypertensive patients without ABA were significantly worse on both disease‐free and overall survivals than those of hypertensive patients with ABA and non‐hypertensive patients.Conclusions:  Results suggest that hypertension is a risk factor for a poor prognosis after resection of HCV‐related HCC. Angiotensin II blockade may improve the prognosis of hypertensive patients with early hepatic fibrosis after resection in HCV‐related HCC.
Role of probiotics in management of diverticular disease
Authors: Narula Neeraj , Marshall John K 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPatients with diverticular disease may experience a variety of chronic symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, bloating, and altered bowel habit. They are also at risk of complications, including hemorrhage, diverticulitis, abscess, and fistula formation. The potential role of abnormal colonic microflora in the pathogenesis of diverticular inflammation has led to investigation of novel therapies such as probiotics. Probiotics are microorganisms that may be of net benefit to humans when consumed. The rationale and safety of their use in diverticular disease is discussed and current literature is reviewed.
Mechanisms of alcoholic pancreatitis
Authors: Apte Minoti V , Pirola Romano C , Wilson Jeremy S 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAlcoholic pancreatitis is a major complication of alcohol abuse. The risk of developing pancreatitis increases with increasing doses of alcohol, suggesting that alcohol exerts dose‐related toxic effects on the pancreas. However, it is also clear that only a minority of alcoholics develop the disease, indicating that an additional trigger may be required to initiate clinically evident pancreatic injury. It is now well established that alcohol is metabolized by the pancreas via both oxidative and non‐oxidative metabolites. Alcohol and its metabolites produce changes in the acinar cells, which may promote premature intracellular digestive enzyme activation thereby predisposing the gland to autodigestive injury. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are activated directly by alcohol and its metabolites and also by cytokines and growth factors released during alcohol‐induced pancreatic necroinflammation. Activated PSCs are the key cells responsible for producing the fibrosis of alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. Efforts to identify clinically relevant factors that may explain the susceptibility of some alcoholics to pancreatitis have been underway for several years. An unequivocal, functionally characterized, association is yet to be identified in clinical studies, although in the experimental setting, endotoxin has been shown to trigger overt pancreatic injury and to promote disease progression in alcohol‐fed animals. Thus, while the molecular effects of alcohol on the pancreas have been increasingly clarified in recent years, identification of predisposing or triggering factors remains a challenge.
Thai men becoming a first‐time father
Authors: Sansiriphun Nantaporn , Kantaruksa Kannika , Klunklin Areewan , Baosuang Chavee , Jordan Pamela 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to understand the process of Thai men becoming a first‐time father. Twenty expectant fathers were voluntarily recruited from the antenatal clinics of three hospitals in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. The data were collected by in‐depth interviews and analyzed on the basis of grounded theory methodology. The findings demonstrated that “protecting the unborn baby” was the basic social process that emerged as the core category. This process was divided into three phases: confirming and accepting, perceiving the unborn baby as a human being, and ensuring the health of the mother and baby. Throughout this process, the Thai expectant fathers applied many strategies to manage their concerns, needs, and emotions and to develop themselves into fathers. The process of protecting the unborn baby provides insight into the expectant fathers' experiences, which will enable nurses and midwives to assist and care for men as they become fathers.