bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological soft signs and their relationship to 1-year outcome in first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Prikryl Radovan , Ceskova Eva , Kasparek Tomas , Kucerova Hana 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the relationship between the severity of neurological soft signs at onset and at the 1-year follow-up of patients with schizophrenia, and to investigate temporal stability of neurological soft signs within 1 year from the onset of the first episode schizophrenia.MethodsThe study included 92 first-episode male schizophrenic patients. Neurological soft signs were assessed on the Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES) during index hospitalization and at a 1-year follow-up. The patients were divided into remitters and non-remitters according to their psychiatric status assessed at the 1-year follow-up, using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).ResultsA trend for a lower score for the NES item “others” in late remitters versus non-remitters at baseline was found during index hospitalization. At the 1-year follow-up, the overall severity of the neurological soft signs was statistically significantly higher in non-remitters than in remitters. Within 1 year after index hospitalization, a significant reduction of neurological soft signs, with the exception of sensory integration, occurred in remitters. Within 1 year after index hospitalization, the non-remitters reported a significant reduction of the overall NES score.ConclusionThese findings in a population of patients with first episode schizophrenia are in accord with the findings of previous studies which found an association between neurological soft signs, treatment response and outcome. This association may characterize a subgroup of patients with a poor course of illness and outcome. Neurological soft signs might be regarded as one of the indicators of treatment outcome in patients suffering from their first episode of schizophrenia.
Cervical cerclage for prevention of preterm birth in women with twin pregnancy
Authors: Eskandar M. , Shafiq H. , Almushait M.A. , Sobande A. , Bahar A.M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effect of elective cervical cerclage in women with twin pregnancy on gestational age at time of delivery.MethodIn a pragmatic fashion women in Abha Maternity Hospital, Saudi Arabia with twin gestations were allocated to receive either an elective cerclage (group I) or no cerclage (group II). Elective cerclage was performed at 12 to 14 weeks of gestation after sonographic examination of the fetus to confirm gestational age and exclude major congenital anomalies. In all cases, follow up of the pregnancy was continued until delivery.ResultsOf the 176 twin pregnancies included, cerclage was performed in 76 women, and no cerclage in 100 women. In Group I: 12 pregnancies ended in spontaneous miscarriage, 37 in preterm labor, and 27 women reached full term. There were a total of 106 live births in 62 women. In Group II: 8 women aborted, 44 women ended in preterm labor and 48 women reached full term. There were a total of 160 live births in 89 women. The gestational age at delivery ranged from 20 to 41 weeks. Multiple regression analysis did not show association between cerclage and time of delivery, although a trend was observed (P = 0.056).ConclusionElective cerclage contributes little in prolongation of gestational age at the time of delivery in women with twin pregnancy, especially in women of high parity. Those with a previous history of preterm labor may be a subgroup that could benefit from elective cerclage.
Hamiltonian formulation of direct laser acceleration in vacuum
Authors: ELOY M. , GUERREIRO A. , MENDONÇA J. T. , BINGHAM R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe present a new formulation for the direct laser acceleration of electrons in vacuum based on the Hamiltonian theory. Two different regimes for the snow-plowed, accelerated electrons are identified and characterized, the first pertaining to high-intensity and the second to low-intensity pulses, both leading to efficient electron acceleration. Particle energy yields are shown to be independent of the exact shape of the laser pulse and energy gains are estimated.
Neighbourhood fruit and vegetable availability and consumption: the role of small food stores in an urban environment
Authors: Bodor J Nicholas , Rose Donald , Farley Thomas A , Swalm Christopher , Scott Susanne K 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies on the relationship of dietary intake to the neighbourhood food environment have focused on access to supermarkets, quantified by geographic distance or store concentration measures. However, in-store food availability may also be an important determinant, particularly for urban neighbourhoods with a greater concentration of small food stores. This study synthesises both types of information – store access and in-store availability – to determine their potential relationship to fruit and vegetable consumption.DesignResidents in four census tracts were surveyed in 2001 about their fruit and vegetable intake. Household distances to food stores in these and surrounding tracts were obtained using geographical information system mapping techniques. In-store fruit and vegetable availability was measured by linear shelf space. Multivariate linear regression models were used to measure the association of these neighbourhood availability measures with consumption.SettingFour contiguous census tracts in central-city New Orleans.SubjectsA random sample of 102 households.ResultsGreater fresh vegetable availability within 100 m of a residence was a positive predictor of vegetable intake; each additional metre of shelf space was associated with 0.35 servings per day of increased intake. Fresh fruit availability was not associated with intake, although having a small food store within this same distance was a marginal predictor of fruit consumption.ConclusionsThe findings suggest the possible importance of small neighbourhood food stores and their fresh produce availability in affecting fruit and vegetable intake.
Nutrition transition in Chile revisited: mid-term evaluation of obesity goals for the period 2000–2010
Authors: Vio Fernando , Albala Cecilia , Kain Juliana 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse the nutritional status component of the nutrition transition in Chile in relation to the evolution of obesity rates in all age groups until 2005, comparing these with the goals established by the Ministry of Health for the period 2000–2010.Design and settingA descriptive study which includes data on the nutritional status of the Chilean population categorised by age. The data originate from: (1) institutions which administer nutritional programmes – the National Board for Day-Care Centres (JUNJI) and the National Board for School Assistance and Scholarships (JUNAEB); (2) the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Statistics; and (3) epidemiological studies which include adolescents and the elderly.ResultsThe prevalence of obesity in pre-school children attending JUNJI was 10.6% in 2005; by age group, it was 6% in 2-year-olds, 11% in 3-year-olds and 14% in 4-year-olds. Among schoolchildren in first grade, obesity prevalence was 18.5%. In pregnant women, obesity has increased from 12% in 1987 to 33% in 2004. For adults, the 2003 National Health Survey showed that the prevalence of obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg m−2) was 22% and of morbid obesity (BMI≥40 kg m−2), 1.3%. Obesity varied according to gender and educational level, being higher among women (25% vs. 19% in men) and adults from low socio-economic levels. In the elderly there was a high prevalence of obesity in the 60–64 years age group for both men (35.6%) and women (44.1%), decreasing to 18% and 26%, respectively, in those aged 75 years and older.ConclusionsThe goals for the decade (2000–2010) consider a reduction of obesity rates from 10% to 7% in pre-school children attending JUNJI, and from 16% to 12% in schoolchildren attending first grade. For pregnant women, the goal is to reduce the prevalence from 32% to 28%. Despite the implementation of initiatives in nutrition and physical activity, these have been insufficient to shift the rising trend in obesity. The explanation could be that after a rapid rise in obesity in children and pregnant women between 1987 and 2000, a stabilisation period or a ‘plateau’ is observed. In that situation, very effective interventions are required to reduce obesity, because it is extremely difficult to reverse the trend. Some positive experiences are being implemented in Chile, but government priorities are not focused in health promotion. A comprehensive State Policy in health promotion, that includes the public and private sectors related with obesity, is needed to reverse this trend.
Study of human epithelial cell detachment and damage: Effects of proteases and oxidants
Authors: Mendis A. H. W. , Venaille T. J. , Robinson B. W. S. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryPolymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) accumulation is associated with damage to airways epithelial cells in bronchitis. bronchiectasis and some forms of asthma. PMNs release several molecules which may mediate this damage, particularly proteases and oxidants. Using an in vitro model of intact human amnionic epithelial ells (EC) attached to native basement membrane (BM). we evaluated the capacity of several proteases and oxidants to induce detachment of EC from the BM. Maximum desquamation was observed with collagenase, elastase and trypsin, with minimum effective concentrations required to produce 50% EC‐desquamation (MEC50) for highly purified collagenase, pancreatic elastase, human leucocyte elastase, human leucocyte cathepsin‐G (Cath‐G), trypsin, and kallikrein being 1616 ± 989 U/mL, 32·3± 14·7 U/mL, 85·8±26·7 U/mL, 360±20 U/mL, 340±49 BAEE U/mL and 300±23 U/mL, respectively. Urokinasc (20 U/mL) and plasmin (500 U/mL) produced no desquamation in this system. Relatively high concentrations of oxidants also produced detachment (MEC50. for H2O2 and HOCl being 0·59±0·006 mol/L and 0·009 ml/L, respectively and pretreatment of EC membranes with non‐detaching concentrations of H2O2 rendered them 10 fold more susceptible to protease‐induced desquamation, suggesting synergism. Reduced glutathione (GSH), N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC), ethylenediamine tetra‐acetic acid (EDTA) and 1,10 phenanthroline ablated collagenase induced EC‐detachment. Elastase induced detachment was sensitive to inhibition by phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and α1‐anti‐proteinase (α1‐AP) and. to a lesser extent by aprotinin; trypsin‐induced detachment was ablated by PMSF. α1‐AP and soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) but not by 1,10 phenanthroline or EDTA. Cath‐G induced detachment was profoundly inhibited by SBTI GSH and NAC. These data demonstrate that human EC can be detached from intact BM by several PMN products, including collagenase, Cath‐G and elastase, and that PMN‐mediated detachment tan be prevented by Cath‐G and collagenase, inhibitors. The data suggest a role for proteases, particularly Cath‐G and collagenase, plus oxidants in synergism with proteases, in mediating PMN‐induced EC detachment.
Response of monkeys to vaccination with recombinant vaccinia virus which coexpress HIV gpl60 and human interleukin‐2
Authors: Ruby J. , Brinkman C. , Jones S. , Ramshaw I. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryImmunization of two macaque monkeys with recombinant vaccinia viruses encoding the en v gene of HIV‐1 (VV‐gp l60) resulted in demonstrable levels of gpl60, gpl20 and gp41‐specific immunoglobulins in both animals. The virus used to immunize one of the monkeys additionally expressed the human IL‐2 gene, which encoded human IL‐2 (VV‐gp l60‐IL‐2). No toxic side‐effects of vaccine‐delivered IL‐2 were observed. Despite marked attenuation of virulence by the coexpressed lymphokine, the levels of vector‐specific antibodies in both animals were similar. Some differences in the HIV‐specific reactivity patterns were detected. Serum reactivity of monkey #A56(VV‐gp 160) was directed against gp41, whereas monkey #B58 (VV‐gpl60‐IL‐2) showed a wider range of recognition, with higher antibody titres against the HIV lysate preparation. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the capacity to boost antibody responses to the vector and coexpressed HIV antigens in primates which are already immune.
Murine candidiasis: Cell‐mediated immune responses correlate directly with susceptibility and resistance to infection
Authors: Ashman R. B. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryCell‐mediated immune responses were evaluated after immunization in two inbred mouse strains, CBA/H and BALB/c, that are respectively susceptible and resistant to infection with the yeast Candida albicans. Local immune responses, as measured by leucocytic infiltration into the draining lymph node, were similar; however, both delayed‐type hypersensitivity responses and candida‐specific lymphocyte proliferation in vitro were significantly stronger in the resistant strain. The response was controlled by genes mapping outside the major histocompatibility complex. A possible explanation for the down regulation of the immune response in CBA/H mice is discussed.
Biochemical manifestations of a rat mammary adenocarcinoma producing cachexia: In vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Coyle P. , Rofe A. M. , Bourgeois C. S. , Conyers R. A. J. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe physical and metabolic characteristics of a Dark Agouti rat mammary adenocarcinoma and its effects on host metabolism arc described. The tumour was characterized by a lack of glandular differentiation, tetraploidy, a rapid mitotic index and a high rate of glycolysis. The adenocarcinoma was readily maintained in tissue culture and could be passaged through the host by inoculating either cell suspensions or tissue explants. In the rat, tumour growth resulted in a loss of adipose tissue at a tumour mass of less than 5% body weight indicating that increased energy expenditure was already present at that stage. In addition the tumour caused anaemia, hypercalcaemia and hypoglycaemia. Hyperketonaemia was also observed in fasted tumour‐bearing rats. Methotrexate arrested tumour growth in vivo. These aspects of the tumour model make it useful for investigations into host‐tumour competition and mechanisms of cachexia.
Production of a monoclonal allo‐antibody to murine natural cytotoxic cells
Authors: Smart Y. C. , Stevenson K. L. , Farrelly M. L. , Brien J. H. , Burton R. C. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryA mouse IgG1 monoclonal antibody (1C4), which recognizes a cell surface molecule on murine natural cytotoxic (NC) cells was produced. By flow cytometry, IC4 preferentially reacted with less than 5% of fresh CBA spleen cells and 20–50% of CBA‐interleukin‐3 (IL‐3) cells, an in vitro derived NC‐like cell line. In vitro treatment of spleen cells from a number of inbred mouse strains either with 1C4 alone or 1C4 coupled to dynabeads markedly decreased or abolished NC activity of the cells against 51Cr‐labelled WEHl‐164 targets. Splenic NC activity of these same mouse strains was also reduced or abolished by in vivo administration of IC4. The effect was evident within 2 h of treatment and persisted for at least I week. In contrast 1C4 had little or no effect on splenic NK activity against 51Cr‐labelled YAC‐1 targets over the same range of experiments in vitro and in vivo. Results of strain surveys for both in vitro and in vivo reduction of splenic NC activity by 1C4 treatment showed that CBA, C57BL/6, BALB/c and NZB mice were positive and CE and DBA/2 mice were negative, indicating that 1C4 recognizes an allo‐antigen on mouse NC cells. This allo‐antibody has been designated NC‐1·1, and thus 1C4 is an anti‐NC‐1·1 monoclonal antibody.
Identification of antigens which stimulate T lymphocytes of Salmonella enteritidis 11RX immunized mice
Authors: Vordermeier Hans‐Martin , Kotlarski Ieva 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe technique of using Sodium dodecylsulfate—polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis fractionated antigens (Ag) transferred to nitrocellulose filters was adopted to analyse T cell responses to Salmonella enteritidis 11RX Ag. Employing in vitro proliferation assays with T cells from S. enteritidis 11RX‐primed (BALB/c × C57BL/6J) F1 mice as the measure of T cell stimulation, we have identified Ag able to stimulate T cells in the regions containing 16, 24, 34 and 50–60 kDa proteins, with dominant Ag activity at about 16kDa. These results were confirmed with long‐term. Ag‐specific L3T4+ T cell lines which responded to molecules in the same four Mr regions, suggesting that no selection by a single antigenic determinant had occurred during more than 3 months of in vitro culture, or that all the molecules which were stimulatory shared at least one antigenic determinant. Because the seven clones we examined responded only to 16 kDa molecules, the former alternative is the more likely. Standard immunoblot analysis indicated that these Ag also act as major B cell stimulating determinants. T cells of BALB/c mice, which are 5–10 times more resistant to S. enteritidis 11RX than C57BL/6J mice, showed the same pattern of reactivity as F1 mice whereas the major antigenic region for T cells of C57BL/6J mice was located between 50 and 60 kDa.
Mapping of the T and B cell epitopes of the Mycobacterium bovis protein, MPB70
Authors: Billman‐Jacobe H. , Radford A. J. , Rothel J. S. , Wood P. R. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryA clone coding for the entire gene for the Mycobacterium bovis protein antigen MPB70 was used to produce a series of overlapping subclones by making a series of deletions from the 3′ end of the gene. The subclones expressed incomplete MPB70 proteins as fusions with glutathione‐S‐transferase. The insert DNA was sequenced to determine the extent of the deletion and the proteins expressed by the clones were examined for the presence of T cell and B cell epitopes. T cell epitopes were mapped by measuring the ability of recombinant antigens to stimulate gamma interferon (γ‐IFN) production in a whole blood culture system. γ‐IFN production was measured using a sandwich enzyme immunoasssay specific for bovine γ‐IFN. B cell epitopes were mapped with a series of anti‐MPB70 monoclonal antibodies using an indirect enzyme immunoassay.
Development of human anti‐murine antibody (HAMA) response in patients
Authors: Tjandra Joe J. , Ramadi Lanny , McKenzie Ian F. C. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryHuman anti‐mouse antibody (HAMA) response was determined in the scrum of 67 patients who received subcutaneously administered radiolabelled murine monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) (50 μg‐3 mg) for immunolymphoseintigraphy and of 10 patients with advanced colorectal cancer who received murine MoAb‐N‐acetyl melphalan (MoAb‐N‐AcMEL) conjugates (amount of MoAb ranged from 120 mg/m2 body surface area to 1000 mg/m2 body surfaee area) as therapy. A pre‐existing low level of apparent human anti‐mouse antibody reactivity could be detected in the serum of normal subjects and patients prior to administration of murine MoAb. Subcutaneous administration of low doses of murine MoAb, as used in immunolymphoscintigraphy, was associated with a low incidence (4/67 or 6%) of elevated HAMA response; the use of F(ab′)2 fragments was associated with the development of elevated HAMA response in one of three patients. By contrast, therapy with hepatic artery infusion of murine MoAb‐N‐AcMEL conjugates in three repetitive daily doses (each infusion lasting 2 h) elicited elevated HAMA responses in 10/10 (100%) patients, usually 1–3 weeks after the start of therapy. The HAMA response of patients in the therapy group was higher than those in the immunolymphoscintigraphy study and the use of steroids did not prevent the development of the HAMA response. Further administration of MoAb‐N‐AcMEL conjugates to a patient, who had already developed HAMA, led to ‘serum sickness’‐type symptoms and a transient reduction in the HAMA titres. The elevated HAMA response was polyclonal, containing increased levels of both immunoglobulin M and G (IgM and IgG) and was directed against mouse‐specific determinants, the isotype (presumed to be the Fc portion), the F(ab′)2 and the ‘idiotype’ of mouse immunoglobuiins.
Attempts to induce resistance in mice to Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma mansoni by exposure to crude schistosome antigens plus cloned glutathione‐S‐transferases
Authors: Mitchell G. F. , Davern K. M. , Wood S. M. , Wright M. D. , Argyropoulos V. P. , McLeod K. S. , Tiu W. U. , Garcia E. G. 
Published: July 2007

SummarySeveral attempts have been made to induce resistance in mice to Schistosoma japonicum (Philippines) or Schistosoma mansoni by exposure to living male and/or female adult worms, their antigens or irradiated cercariae. No resistance was demonstrated in the following cases: re‐exposure of mice to cercariae following praziquantel (PZQ) treatment of existing infection; re‐exposure of mice following cyclosporin A (CsA) treatment at the time of first cerearial exposure; subcutaneous or intraperitoneal deposition of living male or female worms; repeated intranasal administration of crude worm homogenates plus Bordetella pertussis vaccine (BPV) as adjuvant. Homologous 60Co‐irradiated cercariae were very effective at inducing resistance to infection with S. mansoni but not to infection with S. japonicum (Philippines) in a limited series of experiments. A regime of infection, immunization with homologous Escherichia coli‐derived glutathione‐S‐transferases (GST), then PZQ treatment followed by homologous re‐exposure did not result in significant resistance in either the S. mansoni or the S. japonicum (Philippines) systems. Mice given irradiated cercariae plus GST were not more resistant to subsequent S. mansoni infection than mice given irradiated cercariae alone. The results generally confirm and extend those reported by others with the conclusion that resistance to schistosomes in mice is difficult to achieve by exposure to adult worm antigens alone. Moreover, additional immunization with the GST available to date as cloned gene products, and injected in Freund's complete adjuvant, does not influence the outcome of exposure to crude worm antigens including any additive effects of protective irradiated cercariae.
Calmodulin‐dependent activation of calcineurin by chlorogenic acid
Authors: Tong Li , Song Yan , Jia Zhiguang , Zhang Wen , Wei Qun 
Published: July 2007

AbstractChlorogenic acid (CGA) has been proved to be an activator of calcineurin (CN) in our previous research. In this study, the activation mechanism of CN by CGA was further explored. The results showed that although the purified CN was inactive in vitro if only Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) existed without Mn2+/Ni2+, CGA activated the inactive CN potently. It was found that CN's activity increased as the concentration of CGA increased and reached a plateau of 4‐ to 6‐fold higher activity using p‐nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) or phosphopeptide 32P‐RII as substrate. And the activation was CaM‐dependent. Moreover, the fluorescent emission of CN had a 17 nm red shift in the presence of 128 μM CGA, and the quenching constant was 1.21×1012 M‐1 · s‐1, which indicated that CGA bound to CN statically and changed its conformation. According to the kinetic analysis, CGA preferred to activate CN in a substrate noncompetitive manner. When Mn2+ or Ni2+ presented, CGA also activated CN with CaM‐dependency by improving CN's affinity for Mn2+ or Ni2+. In addition, the inhibition of CN by Zn2+ was partially eliminated by CGA chelation. Our findings suggested the activation of CN by CGA was in a CaM‐dependent and substrate noncompetitive manner. This might provide the basis for the further study of CN‐targeted activators.
iubmb Life, 59: 1‐6, 2007