bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating Interferon‐γ‐ and Interleukin‐4‐Secreting Cells in Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions
Authors: Palfi Miodrag , Jablonowska Barbara , Matthiesen Leif , Ernerudh Jan 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Are recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSAs) associated with deviation of circulating cytokine‐secreting cells?METHOD OF STUDY: Interferon (IFN)‐γ‐ and interleukin (IL)‐4‐secreting cells were identified by enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) in blood from 34 women with RSA. Samples were taken before pregnancy and/or pregnancy weeks 7–10, 17–20, and after terminated pregnancy. Eleven healthy primigravidae and 10 nonpregnant women served as controls.RESULTS: No significant difference in numbers of IFN‐γ‐ and IL‐4‐secreting cells was noted within the RSA group when abortions and successful pregnancies were compared in samples taken before pregnancy. The number of IFN‐γ‐ as well as IL‐4‐secreting cells in pregnancy weeks 17–20 in the RSA group was significantly higher compared with before pregnancy, pregnancy weeks 7–10, and after pregnancy. In samples from non‐pregnant women, the number of IFN‐γ‐ and IL‐4‐secreting cells was significantly higher in the RSA group compared with controls.CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not indicate a systemic shift in the general balance between T helper 1‐ and T helper 2‐type cytokine pattern. A local shift at the fetomaternal interface seems more probable.
Oral Vaccination of White‐Tailed Deer Using a Recombinant Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin Vaccine Expressing the Borrelia burgdorferi Outer Surface Protein A: Prospects for Immunocontraception
Authors: Miller Lowell A. , Johns Brad E. , Elias Donald J. , Killian Gary J. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Reduction of excess numbers of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is a prime example of a potential use for immunocontraception as a means of wildlife population management. Oral vaccination appears to be the most pragmatic way to deliver immunocontraceptive vaccines to free‐roaming populations of deer, but there was little, if any, prior evidence that oral vaccination is a viable concept in deer.METHOD OF STUDY: We used live Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) in a recombinant form (rBCG), which expressed Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein A, to test whether deer vaccinated orally with a specific antigen expressed in a live vector produce detectable antibody titers.RESULTS: The data indicate that oral vaccination of deer with an expressed antigen is feasible, as demonstrated by peak antibody titers to the expressed antigen. Also, peak titers measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were highest in orally vaccinated deer: 1600 in deer vaccinated by injection and 6400 in those vaccinated orally.CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that it is feasible to vaccinate deer orally with a live vector.
Review: Vertical Transmission of HIV: Parameters Which Might Affect Infection of Placental Trophoblasts by HIV‐1: A Review
Authors: Moussa Marléne , Mognetti Barbara , Dubanchet Sylvie , Menu Elisabeth , Roques Pierre , Gras Gabriel , Dormont Dominique , Barre‐Sinoussi Françoise , Chaouat Gérard 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: To understand the mechanisms preventing and/or facilitating maternofetal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 across the placenta during pregnancy.METHODS OF STUDY: Current experimental data were reviewed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The data about the production of cytokines by placental cells and expiants, taken together with information indicating selective passage of certain HIV‐1 variants across the placental trophoblast, suggest an intricate regulatory network operating at the fetomaternal interface. The data show a differential differentiation of early and late trophoblasts, as far as HIV entry routes are concerned. We believe this explains the relative predominance of the early infection window, as far as in utero infection is concerned. Whether such a differentiation state can be transiently induced on term placental trophoblasts by several differentiation agents, including cytokines, is being investigated. Whatever the results may be, it is obvious that infection of placental cells is an excellent model of passage infection by HIV of through a mucosal barrier.
A Selective Increase in Plasma Soluble Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 Levels in Preeclampsia
Authors: Daniel Yair , Kupferminc Michael J. , Baram Amiram , Geva Eli , Fait Gideon , Lessing Joseph B. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The study was conducted to determine whether altered plasma levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1 are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.METHOD OF STUDY: Maternal plasma samples were collected from 20 patients with preeclampsia, 20 matched normotensive patients with uncomplicated pregnancies, and ten healthy nonpregnant women. Samples were assayed for soluble VCAM‐1 and soluble ICAM‐1 by specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: Both soluble VCAM‐1 and soluble ICAM‐1 were detectable in the plasma of all preeclamptic, normotensive pregnant, and nonpregnant women. The mean plasma level of soluble VCAM‐1 was significantly higher in preeclamptic women compared to normotensive pregnant women (1831 ng/mL ± 534 ng/mL vs. 1254 ng/mL ± 386 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.05). However, the plasma level of soluble VCAM‐1 was unchanged during the third‐trimester of normal pregnancy compared to nonpregnant women. The mean plasma level of soluble ICAM‐1 in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women were increased when compared to nonpregnant women. However, the mean plasma level of soluble ICAM‐1 was comparable in women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancy.CONCLUSIONS: The selective increased plasma levels of soluble VCAM‐1 in patients with preeclampsia provide evidence for endothelial activation and suggest distinct pathways for neutrophil and endothelial activation in preeclampsia.
Mucosal Immunity in the Genital Tract: Prospects for Vaccines Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases—A Review
Authors: Russell Michael W. , Hedges Spencer R. , Wu Hong‐Yin , Hook Edward W. , Mestecky Jiri 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: Consistent with the absence of protective immunity resulting from previous infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the genital mucosal immune response in human gonorrhea is weak: only low levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies are detectable against gonococci, and inflammatory cytokine responses are poor.METHOD OF STUDY: Mucosal immunization strategies designed to induce persisting genital antibody responses might afford protection against infection, if appropriate conserved antigens can also be identified.RESULTS: Intragastric or intranasal immunization with bacterial antigens expressed as recombinant chimeric proteins with cholera toxin A2/B subunits induced persisting IgA antibodies in genital and other secretions, and circulating IgG antibodies.CONCLUSION: Although gonococci may avoid inducing or even suppress immune responses during natural infection, alternative approaches to vaccine development may be successful. However, inadequate understanding of the origins of antibodies in the genital tract, and their effector mechanisms, will need to be rectified to make this possible.
RANTES Production by Cultured Primate Endometrial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Altman Gaylene Bouska , Gown Allen M. , Luchtel Daniel L. , Baker Coralie 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), is a chemokine with monocyte, macrophage, T lymphocyte, and eosinophil attractant and activating activities. This mediator has been detected in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis and in cultures of stromal cells from human endometrial and endometriotic tissue. To determine if endometrial epithelial cells were also a potential source of this mediator, primate endometrial epithelial cells were cultured in vitro and the constitutive and stimulated production of RANTES in these cultures was measured.METHOD OF STUDY: Uterine tissue was obtained from Macaca nemestrina monkeys and the endometrial epithelial cells were isolated and placed in culture for 24–72 hr. RANTES was measured in cell extracts and culture fluids by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).RESULTS: Constitute release of RANTES was low, ranging from 28–52 ng/mL but addition of interferon γ (INF‐γ) or the combination of IFN‐γ and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) produced a marked increase in RANTES production. The greatest release, which was nearly 500‐fold greater than the basal level, was observed at 72 hr with the combined addition of TNF‐α and INF‐γ. Nearly 90% of the stimulated RANTES was released into culture fluids, while cell associated RANTES was minimal constituting only 11.2% of the total.CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that endometrial epithelial cells can produce and release RANTES. This chemokine may be an important attractant and activator of macrophages, T lymphocytes and/or eosinophils in the uterus during the reproductive cycle or implantation.
CD8 Membrane Expression Is Down‐regulated by Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)‐β1, TGF‐β2, and Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Ouellette Marie‐Josée , St‐Jacques Sylvie , Lambert Raymond D. , OUELLETTE MARIE‐JOSÉE , ST‐JACQUES SYLVIE , LAMBERT RAYMOND D. 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: CD8 T‐cells are present at a lower frequency in human decidua than in peripheral blood. Because transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β2 down‐regulates CD4 membrane expression, its contribution, as well as the contribution of TGF‐β1 and prostaglandin (PG) E2, to the modulation CD8 expression was studied using human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs).METHOD OF STUDY: PBLs were cultured with TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2, PGE 2, PGI 2, or day‐12 rabbit blastocoelic fluid (BF) that was or was not depleted of TGF‐β2 and/or PGE 2. Quantum Simply Cellular Microbeads™ were then used to evaluate CD8 membrane expression levels.RESULTS: This study is the first demonstration that treatment of PBLs with TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2, and PGE 2 leads to a dose‐dependent decrease in CD8 expression. A significant inhibition was observed at 2.5 ng/mL for TGF‐β2, 5 ng/mL for TGF‐β1, and 10 ng/mL for PGE 2. In contrast, PGI 2 had no effect. Treatment of PBLs with BF day‐12 decreased CD8 expression. This effect, however, was not observed when BF was depleted of TGF‐β2 and/or PGE 2.CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that TGF‐βs and PGE 2 are important modulators of CD8 membrane expression in human lymphocytes. Because TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2, and PGE 2 are produced by the conceptus and by uterine cells, and because the effect is observed after only 3 days of treatment, the present data suggest that these substances can locally modulate the phenotype of lymphocytes at the fetomaternal interface. Such modulation may explain, at least partly, the changes observed in the population of decidual lymphocytes during pregnancy.
Effect of Anticardiolipin Antibodies on Prolactin and Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein‐1 Production by Human Decidual Cells
Authors: Pierro Emilia , Andreani Cristiana Laura , Lazzarin Natalia , Minici Francesca , Apa Rosanna , Miceli Florella , Ayala Glanfranco , Mancuso Salvatore , Lanzone Antonio 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The effect of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACAs) on basal‐ and growth factor‐stimulated prolactin and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) binding protein (BP)‐l production by cultured human decidual cells was investigated.METHOD OF THE STUDY: Decidual cells were cultured for 24, 48, or 96 hr in medium supplemented with 5% ACA‐containing or 5% control serum and increasing concentrations of insulin (1–10 μg/mL) or IGF‐I (10–100 ng/mL).RESULTS: No significant increase in prolactin production was observed after addition of increasing doses of insulin and IGF‐I in the presence of ACA‐containing serum, while a dose‐dependent stimulation was seen with control serum. Time‐dependent prolactin accumulation was also reduced when cells were cultured in the former conditions. IGF BP‐1 release was not affected by insulin and IGF‐I in the presence of both sera. However, lower IGF BP‐1 levels and a less pronounced time‐dependent accumulation were observed in the presence of ACA‐positive serum.CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that ACAs affect cellular transduction mechanisms regulating critical events, such as decidual cell differentiation. These cellular dysfunctions might be relevant in the induction of some obstetric disorders typical of this syndrome.
Monoclonal Antibodies Against Maternal Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Molecules Induce Rapid Abortion in Mice
Authors: Knezevic Nikola , Nikolic Boris , Brajsa Karmen , Spaventi Radan , Jonjic Nives , Jonjic Stipan , Marusic Suzana 
Published: September 2011

PROBLEM: The role of antibodies against fetal or maternal antigens in maintaining or losing pregnancy is not clear.METHOD OF STUDY: Term‐pregnant mice were injected with monoclonal antibodies against only fetal or fetal and maternal major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. The development of pregnancy was then followed.RESULTS: Antibodies against maternal, but not fetal, major histocompatibility complex class I molecules induced abortion in mice. The abortion occurred 6–8 hr after the administration of autoreactive antibodies. The abortion could only be induced after the formation of placenta. Antibodies against tumor necrosis factor‐α could not prevent or postpone the abortion. Extensive bleeding has been detected in the placenta of aborting mice 3 hr after the administration of the antibodies.CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that autoreactive antibodies present risk for pregnancy and that the damage leading to abortion induced by such antibodies most likely occurs at the maternal side of placenta.
Neonatal morbidity in singleton late preterm infants compared with full‐term infants
Authors: Leone A , Ersfeld P , Adams M , Meyer Schiffer P , Bucher HU , Arlettaz R 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that singleton late preterm infants (34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks of gestation) compared with full‐term infants have a higher incidence of short‐term morbidity and stay longer in hospital.Methods:  In this retrospective, multicentre study, electronic data of children born at five hospitals in Switzerland were recorded. Short‐term outcome of late preterm infants was compared with a control group of full‐term infants (39 0/7 to 40 6/7 weeks of gestation). Multiple gestations, pregnancies complicated by foetal malformations, maternal consumption of illicit drugs and infants with incomplete documentation were excluded. The results were corrected for gender imbalance.Results:  Data from 530 late preterm and 1686 full‐term infants were analysed. Compared with full‐term infants, late preterm infants had a significant higher morbidity: respiratory distress (34.7% vs. 4.6%), hyperbilirubinaemia (47.7% vs. 3.4%), hypoglycaemia (14.3% vs. 0.6%), hypothermia (2.5% vs. 0.6%) and duration of hospitalization (mean, 9.9 days vs. 5.2 days). The risk to develop at least one complication was 7.6 (95% CI: 6.2–9.6) times higher among late preterm infants (70.8%) than among full‐term infants (9.3%).Conclusion:  Singleton late preterm infants show considerably higher rate of medical complications and prolonged hospital stay compared with matched full‐term infants and therefore need more medical and financial resources.
Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL2) polymorphisms and inflammation in hypertensive patients
Authors: Schreiber R. , Campos‐Coelho A. V. , Brandão L. , Guimarães R. L. , Kamada A. J. , Ferreira‐Sae M. C. , Matos‐Souza J. R. , Cipolli J. A. , de Lima‐Filho J. L. , Crovella S. , Nadruz W. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryWe investigated the possible role of Mannose binding lectin 2 (MBL2) functional polymorphisms in the prevalence of hypertension and hypertensive end‐organ damage in 300 hypertensive patients and 313 normotensive individuals from Southern Brazil. Hypertensive subjects with MBL2 AO/OO genotypes presented lower C‐reactive protein levels than AA individuals and consequently lower inflammatory status.
MICRONIZATION AND ENCAPSULATION OF FUNCTIONAL PIGMENTS USING SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE
Authors: SANTOS DIEGO T. , MEIRELES M. ANGELA A. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThis research involves experimental studies of supercritical fluid (SCF)‐based micronization and encapsulation processes exploiting both solvent and antisolvent properties of supercritical CO2 for diverse functional pigments to extend the application of these natural functional pigments. First, the reliability of homemade experimental apparatuses designed and constructed by our research group was tested. Quercetin and β‐carotene were used as model substances in the micronization process via supercritical antisolvent (SAS). Bixin‐rich extract with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 10,000 as encapsulant material was used in the encapsulation process via SAS, while rutin and anthocyanin‐rich extract with PEG 10,000 and ethanol as cosolvents were applied to the formation of polymeric microcapsules via rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS). The processing parameters and the used levels were based on the literature data. SAS process successfully reduced the particle size of quercetin by 4.1 times, while conventional micronization process only reduced the particle size by 1.8 times. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that SAS process can be successfully utilized to coprecipitate microparticles of PEG loaded with bixin‐rich extract. RESS process using ethanol as cosolvent was employed effectively to encapsulate rutin and anthocyanin‐rich extract in the PEG matrix. The data obtained in this study are in good agreement with the previous values reported by several authors using similar operational conditions and equipment. Core material : encapsulant material ratio, core material physical properties, such as solubility in supercritical CO2 and in CO2 + ethanol, and viscosity were key parameters for these processes.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe application of natural food colorants with relevant antioxidant activities, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, as food additives in various food products is seriously hampered by their fast degradation triggered by light, temperature, presence of oxygen, insolubility in aqueous systems and low dispersibility, among others. Their particle size reduction and/or encapsulation have been successfully used to overcome all these drawbacks. SCFs have become an attractive alternative solvent due to their environmentally friendly properties. SCFs may be conveniently used for various applications such as extraction, reactions, micronization and encapsulation, among others. Studies showing the use of SCFs and/or the construction of apparatuses that use these green solvents for solubility enhancement of functional pigments with poor water solubility and/or avoiding degradation of these compounds are extremely important.
DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF CONVENTIONAL AND FUZZY CONTROLS FOR A HIGH TEMPERATURE SHORT TIME PASTEURIZATION SYSTEM
Authors: BERTO MARIA ISABEL , SILVEIRA, JUNIOR VIVALDO 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTFuzzy control was applied in a high‐temperature short time (HTST) pasteurization system and experimentally evaluated and compared with proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID)/feedback and PID/feedback/feedforward controllers. The product, a juice model solution, was pasteurized for 91C/40 s in a three‐stage plate heat exchange (regeneration, heating and cooling sections). Hot water and propylene glycol were responsible to heat and cool the product, respectively. A control system was designed to assure the pasteurization temperature manipulating the hot fluid flow rate. Controllers were evaluated by means of dynamic behavior of the pasteurization temperature and performance criteria after the imposed step changes of the product inlet temperature. Configured controllers kept the process temperature within HTST requirements, having a variation of ±0,5C, and the similar values of performance criteria indicate an efficiency for all three tested controllers.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe continuous need for better food products, standardized within the consumer demands, has expanded the applications and the search for solutions using automation and control techniques. The use of control strategies and automation in chemical, petroleum and other industrial processes are more intensive as compared with the same applications in food industries. The complex execution of experimental tests in lab‐scale or pilot plants is the main reason for the great number of simulations in the process control area. Based on the importance of accomplishing experimental errors and uncertainties, this paper results from an extensive research developed in a pilot plant of HTST process. Theoretical methods for tuning controllers were applied and evaluated. Conventional controllers (PID/feedback and PID/feedback/feedforward) were tuned and compared with fuzzy control, one of the most recognized nonconventional controllers. Results showed that the requirements to maintain pasteurization temperature after changes in inlet process conditions were performed in all three strategies, indicating the accomplishment of the research purpose.
Ultrasonography of small intestinal obstructions: a contemporary approach
Authors: Garcia D. A. A. , Froes T. R. , Vilani R. G. D. O. C. , Guérios S. D. , Obladen A. 
Published: September 2011

Objectives: To assess the accuracy of intestinal ultrasound for diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in dogs and cats.Methods: A prospective clinical study was performed. Inclusion criteria were dogs and cats with clinical signs suggestive of gastrointestinal obstruction. Animals with no obstruction detected on ultrasound were excluded if they could not be monitored for 48 hours to confirm absence of obstruction. Sonographic diagnosis of small intestinal obstruction was based on identification of at least two findings suggestive of intestinal obstruction.Results: Ninety‐two patients suspected of having intestinal obstruction were included. Correct diagnosis of intestinal obstruction was made in 21 cases (23%), and in 68 (74%) this diagnosis was excluded. Interpretation of the images on prospective analysis had sensitivity, positive predictive, specificity and negative predictive values of 100%, 87.5%, 95.8% and 100%, respectively.Clinical Significance: Ultrasonography is an excellent method for investigation of animals with gastrointestinal disorders, and is particularly useful for excluding obstructive processes.