bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Auto‐ and cross‐reactivity to thioredoxin allergens in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Glaser A. G. , Menz G. , Kirsch A. I. , Zeller S. , Crameri R. , Rhyner C. 
Published: November 2008

Background:  Thioredoxins are cross‐reactive allergens involved in the pathogenesis of atopic eczema and asthma. Cross‐reactivity to human thioredoxin can contribute to the exacerbation of severe atopic diseases.Methods:  Human thioredoxin, Asp f28 and Asp f29, two thioredoxins of Aspergillus fumigatus, and thioredoxin of Malassezia sympodialis were cloned and produced as recombinant proteins. Allergenicity and cross‐reactivity to thioredoxins in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis patients were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), inhibition ELISA, immunoblot analysis, proliferation assays and skin tests. Molecular homology modelling was used to identify conserved, surface‐exposed amino acids potentially involved in immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐binding.Results:  All thioredoxins, including the human enzyme, bind IgE from patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and induce allergen‐specific proliferation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and positive skin reactions in thioredoxin‐sensitized patients. Inhibition experiments showed that the thioredoxins are cross‐reactive indicating humoral immune responses based on molecular mimicry. To identify structural surface elements involved in cross‐reactivity, the three‐dimensional structures were modelled based on solved thioredoxin structures. Analysis of the molecular surfaces combined with sequence alignments allowed identification of conserved solvent exposed amino acids distantly located in the linear sequences which cluster to patches of continuous surface areas. The size of the surface areas conserved between human and fungal thioredoxins correlates well with the inhibitory potential of the molecules in inhibition ELISA indicating that the shared amino acids are involved in IgE‐binding.Conclusions:  Conserved, solvent exposed residues shared between different thioredoxins cluster to continuous surface regions potentially forming cross‐reactive conformational B‐cell epitopes responsible for IgE‐mediated cross‐reactivity and autoreactivity.
Specificities of human IgM and IgG anticarbohydrate xenoantibodies found in the sera of diabetic patients grafted with fetal pig islets
Authors: Rydberg Lennart , Cairns Thomas D.H. , Groth Carl‐Gustav , Gustavsson Mikael L. , Karlsson Eva C. , Mölier Erna , Satake Masahiro , Tibell Annika , Samuelsson B.E. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: Serum samples were collected from four diabetic patients who had received intraportal injections of pig fetal islet‐like cell clusters (ICC). The binding of IgM and IgG antibodies to glycosphingolipid antigens prepared from different pig organs and separated on thin layer plates was investigated in pre‐ and posttransplant serum samples. Both IgM and IgG antibodies in the pretransplant serum samples bind to several glycolipid fractions from the tri‐, tetra‐ and pentasaccharide regions but also to compounds with longer carbohydrate chains. In the posttransplant serum samples stronger binding, compared to the pretransplant samples, was noted for both Ig‐classes. Strong binding was seen in the pentasaccharide region known to contain the “linear blood group B” structure Galαl‐3Galβl‐4GlcNAcβl‐3Galβl‐4Glcβl‐lCer. There was no convincing evidence of the I recognition of new specificities. Adsorption of a patient serum to a Synsorbcolumn with Galαl‐3Gal specificity did not grossly change the binding pattern of the IgG antibodies in the effluate. However, the eluate from the column showed strong binding to the “linear B” compound but also to glycolipids with longer carbohydrate chains presumably with the same terminal epitope. Identification of these are in progress.The human natural anti‐pig antibodies against carbohydrate antigens expressed on pig cells seem to detect a rather limitted number of epitopes. The “linear B” structure appears to be one major target. However, other structures may also be targets for xenoreactive antibodies. Immunisation with pig cells does not seem to initiate antibody production against new carbohydrate epitopes but leads to an increased production against the existing ones.
Effects of collagenase concentration on the purity and viability of isolated porcine pancreatic islets for use in xenotransplantation studies
Authors: Zhou Daobiao , Yang Bing , Sun Yilu , Vacek Ivan , Sun Anthony M. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: The use of lower concentrations of collagenase (0.8 mg/ml as compared to 1.25 and 1.5 mg/ml) resulted in isolation of porcine pancreatic islets retaining their original compact, wholesome appearance. In in vitro experiments, 100% of islet batches isolated with the low collagenase concentration responded to glucose stimulation, while only 63.1% of islet batches isolated with the high concentration of the enzyme did. The response to high glucose challenge of islets isolated with the low enzyme concentration was considerably higher compared to high collagenase concentration islets.In in vivo experiments, intraperitoneal transplants of microencapsulated islets isolated using 0.8 mg/ml of collagenase reversed diabetes in diabetic BALB‐c mice in a significantly larger proportion of recipients (87.5%) as compared to 33.3% of recipients grafted with 1.5 mg/ml collagenase islets.The results of this study demonstrate that the use of a low collagenase concentration is conducive to isolation of islets of a superior morphology, purity, viability, and functioning ability.
Aorta transplantation as a model to study hyperacute, acute, and chronic rejection of xenografts
Authors: Scheringa M. , Alwayn I.P.J. , Bouwman E. , Ijzermans J.N.M. , van Bockel J.H. , Marquet R.L. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract: To explore the mechanism of rejection of vascularized xenografts, we performed discordant and concordant transplantation of aortic grafts. Forty‐one guinea pig‐to‐rat and 50 hamster‐to‐rat aortic transplantations were performed successfully. Recipient rats were either untreated or treated three times per week with 10 mg/kg of cyclosporine (CsA) starting the day before transplantation. Recipients were sacrificed at various timepoints after transplantation and the grafts were processed for histology and immunohistochemistry. Guinea pig aortic grafts were rejected hyperacutely in both the control and CsA treated group. Four hours after transplantation all endothelial cells and some of the medial smooth muscle cells had disappeared. Seven days after transplantation the media were totally acellular, whereas the adventitia was enlarged due to infiltrating cells, consisting mainly of macrophages. At day 56, only traces of the original graft could be identified.Hamster aortic grafts developed signs of chronic rejection. In control rats, the intimal lesions could already be demonstrated in 17% of the rats at day 14, and in all rats from day 28. CsA treatment inhibited the development of the intimal lesions. At days 56 and 84 the difference in intimal thickness between the control group and the CsA treated group was statistically significant. The cellularity of the media of the hamster grafts remained constant during the first 21 days in both groups but declined sharply thereafter as a consequence of migration or necrosis of myocytes. The thickness of the adventitia in both groups increased after transplantation, due to infiltrating macrophages and T cells, reaching a peak at day 14. In conclusion, the aorta transplantation model provides useful information with regard to the development of chronic rejection in concordant grafts. Discordant aortic grafts are rejected hyperacutely just like discordant heart grafts.
Prediction of failed labor induction in parous women at term: Role of previous obstetric history, digital examination and sonographic measurement of cervical length
Authors: Park Kyo Hoon , Hong Joon‐Seok , Shin Dong Myung , Kang Woong Sun 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim:  To examine the predictive value of previous obstetric history, Bishop score, and sonographic measurement of cervical length for predicting failed induction of labor in parous women at term.Methods:  This prospective observational study enrolled 110 consecutive parous women at term with singleton gestations scheduled for the induction of labor. Transvaginal ultrasound for measurement of cervical length was performed and the Bishop score was assessed using digital examination. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used for statistical analysis.Results:  Labor induction failed in 15 women (14%). In terms of previous obstetric history, women with only previous mid‐trimester loss or preterm delivery had a significantly higher risk of failed labor induction than those with at least one previous term delivery. Logistic regression demonstrated that previous obstetric history and the Bishop score, but not cervical length, were found to be significant and independent contributing factors for failed labor induction. In the receiver operating characteristic curves, the best cut‐off value of the Bishop score for the prediction of failed labor induction was 3, with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 44%.Conclusions:  The previous obstetric history (i.e. only previous mid‐trimester loss or preterm delivery) and the Bishop score independently predicted the failure of labor induction in parous women; however sonographic measurement of the cervical length appeared to have a poor predictive value for the risk of failed induction.
Sheep and rabbit genital tracts and abdominal wall as an implantation model for the study of surgical mesh
Authors: Krause Hannah , Goh Judith 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim:  In order to evaluate the biocompatible and biomechanical properties of surgical mesh, suitable animal models are required. This paper assesses the sheep and rabbit genital tracts as potential models for direct vaginal implantation of mesh for use in pelvic floor surgery.Methods:  Sheep and rabbits were implanted with surgical mesh in the abdominal wall and genital tract. After 12 weeks, the implantation sites were assessed and the mesh was explanted for histological review.Results:  Technical aspects of vaginal surgery on the sheep and rabbits are described. Implantation of mesh was achievable in both the sheep and rabbit genital tracts. Following 12 weeks of mesh implantation, there was a high rate of mesh erosion through both the sheep and rabbit vaginal epithelium.Conclusions:  Vaginal mesh erosion was present in both the sheep and rabbit genital tract model. The properties of sheep and rabbit vaginal epithelium require further evaluation to determine their comparability to human vaginal epithelium.
16S rRNA gene‐based phylogenetic microarray for simultaneous identification of members of the genus Burkholderia
Authors: Schönmann Susan , Loy Alexander , Wimmersberger Céline , Sobek Jens , Aquino Catharine , Vandamme Peter , Frey Beat , Rehrauer Hubert , Eberl Leo 
Published: November 2008

SummaryFor cultivation‐independent and highly parallel analysis of members of the genus Burkholderia, an oligonucleotide microarray (phylochip) consisting of 131 hierarchically nested 16S rRNA gene‐targeted oligonucleotide probes was developed. A novel primer pair was designed for selective amplification of a 1.3 kb 16S rRNA gene fragment of Burkholderia species prior to microarray analysis. The diagnostic performance of the microarray for identification and differentiation of Burkholderia species was tested with 44 reference strains of the genera Burkholderia, Pandoraea, Ralstonia and Limnobacter. Hybridization patterns based on presence/absence of probe signals were interpreted semi‐automatically using the novel likelihood‐based strategy of the web‐tool PhyloDetect. Eighty‐eight per cent of the reference strains were correctly identified at the species level. The evaluated microarray was applied to investigate shifts in the Burkholderia community structure in acidic forest soil upon addition of cadmium, a condition that selected for Burkholderia species. The microarray results were in agreement with those obtained from phylogenetic analysis of Burkholderia 16S rRNA gene sequences recovered from the same cadmium‐contaminated soil, demonstrating the value of the Burkholderia phylochip for determinative and environmental studies.
Understanding the metabolome – challenges for metabolomics
Authors: Walsh M. C. , Nugent A. , Brennan L. , Gibney M. J. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryMetabolomics is a comprehensive method for metabolite assessment, measuring the overall metabolic signature of biological samples. This approach opens up many possibilities in areas such as new biomarker discovery and hypothesis generation. The application of metabolomics is growing rapidly but many challenges must first be addressed before it can reach its true potential. Metabolomics organisations are currently working towards guidelines for commonality in metabolomics experiments as development of optimal methodologies and study designs are needed. Blood and urine appear to be the most useful biofluids for nutrition research, but an array of biofluids, cells and tissues can be used. The key steps required for the successful understanding of metabolomics data are compound identification and biological interpretation. Many databases of compounds are available but are still under construction with much information remaining to be populated. An understanding of the effects of normal physiological variation on metabolic profiles is essential for accurate interpretation of profile changes, particularly in human studies, because of diversity in lifestyle and environmental factors. The effects of factors such as ethnicity, gender, age, body composition, health, dietary intake, physical activity, gut microflora and stress need to be further explored in order to advance the understanding of the human metabolome and therefore improve data interpretation.
Influenza virus‐like particles produced by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana induce a protective immune response against a lethal viral challenge in mice
Authors: D’Aoust Marc‐André , Lavoie Pierre‐Olivier , Couture Manon M.‐J. , Trépanier Sonia , Guay Jean‐Martin , Dargis Michèle , Mongrand Sébastien , Landry Nathalie , Ward Brian J. , Vézina Louis‐P. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryA strain‐specific vaccine represents the best possible response to the threat of an influenza pandemic. Rapid delivery of such a vaccine to the world's population before the peak of the first infection wave seems to be an unattainable goal with the current influenza vaccine manufacturing capacity. Plant‐based transient expression is one of the few production systems that can meet the anticipated surge requirement. To assess the capability of plant agroinfiltration to produce an influenza vaccine, we expressed haemagglutinin (HA) from strains A/Indonesia/5/05 (H5N1) and A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) by agroinfiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Size distribution analysis of protein content in infiltrated leaves revealed that HA was predominantly assembled into high‐molecular‐weight structures. H5‐containing structures were purified and examination by transmission electron microscopy confirmed virus‐like particle (VLP) assembly. High‐performance thin layer chromatography analysis of VLP lipid composition highlighted polar and neutral lipid contents comparable with those of purified plasma membranes from tobacco plants. Electron microscopy of VLP‐producing cells in N. benthamiana leaves confirmed that VLPs accumulated in apoplastic indentations of the plasma membrane. Finally, immunization of mice with two doses of as little as 0.1 µg of purified influenza H5‐VLPs triggered a strong immune response against the homologous virus, whereas two doses of 0.5 µg of H5‐VLPs conferred complete protection against a lethal challenge with the heterologous A/Vietnam/1194/04 (H5N1) strain. These results show, for the first time, that plants are capable of producing enveloped influenza VLPs budding from the plasma membrane; such VLPs represent very promising candidates for vaccination against influenza pandemic strains.
An all‐Ireland epidemiological study of MND, 2004–2005
Authors: Donaghy C. , O’Toole O. , Sheehan C. , Kee F. , Hardiman O. , Patterson V. 
Published: November 2008

Background and methods:  We conducted an all‐Ireland population‐based prospective epidemiological survey of motor neurone disease (MND) using the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland MND registers to examine the incidence and prevalence of the disease over the period 2004–2005.Results and conclusions:  Incidence of MND was 1.9 per 100 000 person‐years and rates were comparable in both the north and south of Ireland. Prevalence of MND was 5.0 per 100 000 population. When compared with previous published surveys of MND performed in the Republic of Ireland over the last 10 years, rates of disease have remained relatively constant. When standardized to the 1990 US population, the incidence of MND in Ireland was found to be consistent with other European prospective surveys of MND.
A Methodological Overview of Network Vulnerability Analysis
Authors: MURRAY ALAN T. , MATISZIW TIMOTHY C. , GRUBESIC TONY H. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTEvaluating network infrastructures for potential vulnerabilities is an important component of strategic planning, particularly in the context of managing and mitigating service disruptions. Many methods have been proposed to facilitate such analysis, providing different interpretations of infrastructure vulnerability. The primary approaches that have been employed for network vulnerability analysis can be broadly classified as scenario‐specific, strategy‐specific, simulation, and mathematical modeling methodologies. Research on network vulnerability assessment has traditionally focused on one of these methodologies without consideration of the others. This article highlights the important implications of methodology for both infrastructure planning and policy development. To better understand the theoretical and practical trade‐offs associated with methodology selection, this article provides a review of these categories of analysis, examining benefits and shortcomings with regard to practical planning issues and policy interpretation.
Spatial and temporal projected distribution of four crop plants in Egypt
Authors: Hegazy Ahmad K. , Medany Mahmoud A. , Kabiel Hanan F. , Maez Mona M. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract This study focuses on the management of the local agroecosystems in order to adapt planting or sowing practices for the projected climate change scenarios. It is projected that there will be increased air temperature throughout all four seasons in the coming 100 years, from the southern towards the northern parts of Egypt. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of that increased air temperature on the spatial and temporal distribution of four of the major economic crops in Egypt. The study species are cotton (Gossypium barbadense L., cv. Giza 89), wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Gemiza 9), rice (Oryza stiva L., cv. Sakha 101) and maize (Zea mays L., cv. Hybrid 10). Optimum air temperature allowing maximum growth for each of the study crop cultivars and the current and projected air temperature patterns in the future years were used for projection of the seasonal and crop distribution maps in the years 2005, 2025, 2050, 2075 and 2100. Results showed that sowing dates of a target crop may be managed in order to allow maximum predicted planting area in the same region. The current maximum area suitable for planting the Cotton crop in Egypt (104 thousand Fadden/year; one Fadden = 0.96 hectare or 0.42 acre) showed few variations over the coming hundred years. In this case, the sowing dates should be changed from the hotter months (February to April) to the cooler months (January to February). Alternatively, a great reduction in the area planted by Wheat crop was predicted in the coming 100 years. Despite the early planting, a reduction of about 147 thousand Fadden/year was projected by the year 2075. On the other hand, with earlier sowing dates, the maximum areas that are planted by Rice and Maize may not be greatly affected by the projected increase in air temperature.
Quantitative Indices of Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) Dependence During Post‐Infarction Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Sturm James T. , Fuhrman Thomas M. , Igo Stephen R. , Holub Daniel A. , McGee Michael G. , Fuqua John M. , Norman John C. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTIn an attempt to quantitate intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) dependence and differentiate retrievable post‐infarction cardiogenic shock situations, thirty‐five patients were analyzed in regard to age, duration of IABP support, and hemodynamic performance. Survivors were younger than non‐survivors (P<0.01) and the duration of IABP support in survivors was greater than that of non‐survivors (P<0.05). When duration of IABP support was plotted against age, three zones of increasing dependence and mortality were apparent. In Zone 1 (ages 32–40), there was no dependence or mortality; in Zone 2 (ages 40–65, IABP durations < 250 hours), there were several instances of dependence and a 63% mortality; in Zone 3 (ages gt; 65 or IABP durations > 250 hours), there was a 100% mortality. IABP dependence was best recognized by time‐course trajectory plots of cardiac index versus systemic vascular resistance. Three trends were observed. All patients who improved to Class A (CIgt; 2.1 L/min/m2, SVR< 2100 dynes sec cm‐5) survived unless they succumbed to sudden ventricular dysrhythmias. Patients who remained in Class B (1.2 L/min/m2 < CI< 2.1 L/min/m2, with SVR's < 2100 dynes sec cm‐5) for 7–14 days were IABP‐dependent and eventually expired. Patients who deteriorated to or remained in Class C (CI< 1.2 L/min/m2 or SVR> 2100 dynes sec cm‐5) expired early despite IABP support and were considered irretrievable.This study suggests that post‐infarction cardiogenic shock IABP‐dependence can be quantitated to a certain degree. Post‐infarction IABP‐dependent patients are relatively young (40–55), do not expire during the first 50 hours of IABP support, neither improve nor deteriorate during the second 50 hours of support, and remain in Class B for 7–10 days without the occurrence of life‐threatening ventricular dysrhythmias. In such situations, sufficient time may be available for cardiac catheterization to determine the appropriateness of subsequent operative interventions.
Effects of Ticlopidine on Thrombotic Obstruction of A‐V Shunts and on Dialysance of Artificial Kidneys
Authors: Maeda Kenji , Usuda Masatsune , Kawaguchi Shunsuke , Shinzato Tohru , Saito Akira , Ohta Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Kaizo , Ohbayashi Shogo , Narita Masayasu 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTAdministration of ticlopidine, a new inhibitor of platelet aggregation, during hemodialysis to two patients with thrombotic occlusion of external A‐V shunts markedly suppressed the obstruction of the shunt and improved anemia. Consequently, it was concluded that this drug may be useful for maintaining good blood flow and good patency of shunts in patients undergoing dialysis.In order to determine the dialyzer efficiency during dialysis, the reduction rate of the dialyzer was determined in vitro. The dialyzer reduction rates for urea, creatinine, uric acid, and phosphoric acid were all lowered after dialysis, and the administration of ticlopidine resulted in a suppression of the drop in the reduction rate.Based on the inhibitory effect of ticlopidine on platelet aggregation, it was assumed that a close correlation may exist between adhesion and aggregation of platelets and the drop in the efficiency of the dialyzer during dialysis as well as thrombotic obstruction of shunts.