bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CD8α+βlow Effector T Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Werwitzke S. , Tiede A. , Jacobs R. , Zielinska‐Skowronek M. , Buyny S. , Schmidt R. E. , Witte T. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder characterized by the loss of self‐tolerance to nuclear antigens. Aberrant T‐cell function plays a central role in lupus pathogenesis. We and others previously demonstrated that peripheral TCRαβ+CD3+ T cells express CD8β either at a high (CD8βhigh) or low density (CD8βlow), thereby defining two functionally distinct subsets. CD8βlow T cells express predominantly CD8αα and less CD8αβ as a coreceptor, display a differentiated phenotype and exert effector function. CD8βhigh T cells appear to be the precursors expressing predominantly the heterodimeric efficient CD8αβ coreceptor, exhibiting a naïve phenotype and high proliferative capacity. In the present study, the distribution and functional properties of CD8βhigh and CD8βlow T cells of SLE patients were compared (n = 20) with those of healthy subjects (n = 16). It was found that expansion of CD8βlow T‐cell subset correlated with disease activity indicating chronic antigenic stimulation leading to a major lack of naïve CD8βhigh precursor T cells in SLE. Functional characteristics of CD8βlow T cells including production of cytokines and cytotoxic granules were not significantly different between patients with SLE and healthy individuals. We speculate that unbalanced CD8βhigh/CD8βlow T‐cell relation reflects a skewed homeostasis within the CD8+ T‐cell compartment towards fully differentiated effector T cells possibly due to persistent antigen stimulation in SLE.
Cerebral Gene Expression of Superantigen Encephalitis in the Lewis Rat Induced by Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A
Authors: Emmer A. , Gerlach K. , Staege M. S. , Kornhuber M. E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSuperantigens were suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of different autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS). Previously, it was demonstrated that local expression of the superantigen, staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) in the brain of rats may lead to encephalitis which was amplified by using intravenous injection of concanavalin A (ConA)‐activated splenocytes. In the present investigation, gene expression was studied in the rat brain 8 days after an injection of 50 μl of 1 mg/ml SEA or saline and 5 days after an intravenous injection of 1 × 107 ConA‐activated spleen cells. Of 8800 genes investigated (Affymetrix, rat genome U34A), the expression of 106 genes was significantly and at least threefold increased with SEA, while the expression of 29 genes was decreased at least threefold. Increased gene expression was compatible with an intracerebral inflammatory response mediated by antigen‐presenting cells and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Elevated chemokines comprised RANTES (CCL5), osteopontin, MCP‐1 (CCL2) and CXCL10. Further, genes with increased expression were assigned to the extracellular matrix, microglia/macrophage cell elements, astrocytes (GFAP) and phagocytosis. There was considerable conformity between previously reported gene expression profiles for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) or MS and the present findings. Our data are in line with the concept that T‐cell superantigen locally expressed in the central nervous system induces an inflammatory response. Therefore, the study of gene expression profiles does not seem to allow clear conclusions with respect to the aetiology of central nervous system autoimmune diseases.
CCR5 Δ32 Polymorphism: Associated with Gallbladder Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Srivastava A. , Pandey S. N. , Choudhuri G. , Mittal B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractInflammation of gallbladder is an established risk factor for gallbladder cancer (GBC) pathogenesis. Chemokine receptors play crucial role in antitumour immunity and are involved in inflammation and pathogenesis of cancers. Present study was aimed to examine the role of CCR5 Δ32 polymorphism in conferring genetic susceptibility to GBC. Present case–control study included 144 proven GBC patients and 210 healthy controls. Genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. Statistically significant difference was observed in distribution of CCR5+/Δ32 genotype (P = 0.028) [odds ratio (OR) = 2.850; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–7.2] and CCR5 Δ32 allele (P = 0.012) (OR = 3.145, 95% CI = 1.2–7.7) in GBC patients which was conferring high risk. Stratification of GBC patients showed significant association of CCR5+/Δ32 genotype and CCR5 Δ32 allele with GBC patients with and without gallstones. Analysis based on age of onset and gender suggested significant association of CCR5 Δ32 allele with early onset (<50 years) of the disease but only marginal influence of gender in CCR5 Δ32‐mediated risk of cancer. Risk was further modulated by tobacco usage and significantly increased risk was observed in tobacco users with CCR5+/Δ32 genotype. In conclusion, CCR5+/Δ32 genotype and CCR5 Δ32 allele confer significant risk for GBC particularly in patients with early onset and tobacco usage. Role of CCR5+/Δ32 polymorphism in GBC susceptibility is independent of gallstone formation.
Auto‐antibodies to Receptor Tyrosine Kinases TrkA, TrkB and TrkC in Patients with Chronic Chagas’ Disease
Authors: Lu B. , Petrola Z. , Luquetti A. O. , PereiraPerrin M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Chagas’ disease parasite Trypanosoma cruzi promotes survival and differentiation of neurones by binding and activating nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor TrkA. The functional mimic of NGF in T. cruzi is a surface‐bound and shed immunogenic protein [neurotrophic factor/trans‐sialidase (TS)], which raised the possibility that immune response to T. cruzi in general and to neurotrophic factor/TS in particular leads to loss of immunological tolerance to host NGF and/or the NGF‐binding partner TrkA. In testing this hypothesis, we found that sera of individuals with chronic Chagas’ disease bear unique IgG2 autoantibodies that bind TrkA and TrkA family members TrkB and TrkC (ATA). Binding of ATA to Trk receptors is specific because the autoantibodies did not cross‐react with five other growth factor receptors, NGF and other neurotrophins, and T. cruzi. Thus, individuals with chronic Chagas’ disease produce unique antibodies that react with pan‐Trk receptors, one of which (TrkA) T. cruzi exploits to inhibit host cell apoptosis and to promote cellular invasion.
Structural models of primary cell walls in flowering plants: consistency of molecular structure with the physical properties of the walls during growth
Authors: Carpita Nicholas C. , Gibeaut David M. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryAdvances in determination of polymer structure and in preservation of structure for electron microscopy provide the best view to date of how polysaccharides and structural proteins are organized into plant cell walls. The walls that form and partition dividing cells are modified chemically and structurally from the walls expanding to provide a cell with its functional form. In grasses, the chemical structure of the wall differs from that of all other flowering plant species that have been examined. Nevertheless, both types of wall must conform to the same physical laws. Cell expansion occurs via strictly regulated reorientation of each of the wall's components that first permits the wall to stretch in specific directions and then lock into final shape. This review integrates information on the chemical structure of individual polymers with data obtained from new techniques used to probe the arrangement of the polymers within the walls of individual cells. We provide structural models of two distinct types of walls in flowering plants consistent with the physical properties of the wall and its components.
Decreasing transfusion exposure risk during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Authors: Scott Bjerke H. , Kelly R. E. , Foglia R. P. , Barcliff L. , Petz L. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving therapy for neonatal pulmonary hypertension but carries a significant risk for transfusion‐related complications. Packed red blood cell (PRBC) and platelet exposure were quantified and reviewed in 17 ECMO survivors prior (Group I, n= 9) and subsequent to (Group II, n= 8) changes in transfusion protocols. Blood product requirements included ECMO circuit priming, maintenance of haematocrit >0.40 or platelet count > 50 times 109/1, and colloid volume expansion. Group I was exposed to 13.8±10.2 (x±SD) different PRBC units. In Group II, multiple transfusions from single donor units decreased exposure 71% to 3.9±0.7 units (P<0.05). Decreases in blood withdrawn (11%) and transfusion volume (7%) were coincident with a 15% reduction in mean bypass time. Platelet volume transfusion decreased from 159±213 to 93±64 ml using volume‐reduced platelet packs. Total transfusion exposure decreased 59% from 20.8±17.8 units to 8.6±2.4 donor units. No transfusion complications occurred during the aggregate 1,926 h on bypass.We conclude that neonates on ECMO have a significant transfusion exposure risk increasing with prolonged duration of ECMO therapy. In addition we noted that concentrated platelet packs decreased transfusion volume by 41%, and multiple PRBC transfusions from single donor units decreased donor exposure by 71% while both strategies decreased the overall transfusion exposure risk by 59%.
Bv: a distinct category of B sub‐group among Chinese blood donors in Hong Kong
Authors: Mak K. H. , Voak D. , Chu R. W. , Leong S. , Chua K. M. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. During the period 1984–1989, a total of 46 examples of Bv phenotype were encountered out of a total of 567,210 donors, giving an incidence of 1 in 12,330 among the Chinese in Hong Kong.The Bv determinant corresponds to the portion of the B antigen that is present on rabbit red cells, and gives a negative reaction with polyclonal anti‐B reagents absorbed with rabbit red cells that still react with B3. Some potent monoclonal anti‐B reagents confirm the absence of a B epitope from Bv red cells even by adsorption and elution techniques. The failure of some monoclonal anti‐B reagents to detect Bv demonstrates the need to select or blend monoclonal anti‐B reagents for use in typing Oriental bloods. Cell‐conversion techniques failed to convert O cells to B cells using Bv serum with the appropriate substrate, whereas sera from most of the other B variants were capable of doing so. The Bv phenotype, therefore, represents a distinct category of B subgroups that is easily distinguishable from B3 and other B variants.
Immunomodulatory activity of different blood products on the mitogen‐induced human lymphocyte transformation
Authors: Sibrowski W. , Wegner W. , Kühnl P. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. Blood transfusions have an immunosuppressive effect on the recipient and induce changes in several immunological parameters. We studied the effect of homologous and autologous fresh plasma (FP), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), heparinized plasma, as well as the influence of red blood cells (RBC), CPDA‐1, CPD, heparin, PAGGS‐mannitol, SAG‐mannitol and ADSOL on mitogen‐induced lymphocyte transformation.Both homologous and autologous FP and FFP decreased the PHA and ConA response of human lympocytes (P<0.05). The PWM response was reduced by FP (P<0.05). The mean t1/2 of plasma‐induced suppression was approximately 38 h. Dose‐dependent suppression rates were observed with pure CPDA‐1 and CPD solutions. In contrast, heparinized plasma showed an elevated PHA‐ and ConA‐induced transformation rate (P<0.025), whereas PWM induction was unaffected. In addition, washed RBC, pure PAGGS‐M, SAG‐M and ADSOL solutions revealed no effect on the PHA response. Freezing, heating or recalcification of plasma resulted in an increase in the PHA response. Adenine was not immunosuppressive in vitro.We conclude that, in addition to unspecific mechanisms by CPDA‐1 or CPD, an unknown plasma factor, which is susceptible to changes in temperature or storage conditions, suppresses the PHA‐, PWM‐ or ConA‐induced T‐cell immune response. Further clinical studies are needed to correlate these observations with clinical phenomena.
ISBT Code 128 and code changes as part of the implementation of a national IT system for the English National Blood Service
Authors: DOUGHTY R. , FLANAGAN P. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe implementation of PULSE within the NBS will bring considerable advantages to the Service and to hospitals. A system of dual labelling has been developed to overcome intrinsic constraints identified with the ABC Codabar system. This should not, however, impact directly on hospitals which will be able to continue to utilize the ABC Codabar system.The dual labelling system incorporates the use of the ISBT Code 128 barcode system for transfusion centre use. This must be clearly differentiated from the implementation of ISBT code 128 within the UK. This latter development would bring considerable benefit to transfusion practice, increasing the overall safety of blood transfusion. It is, however, recognized that extensive discussion with appropriate stakeholders will be necessary before any implementation date can be determined for this initiative, particularly so given the significant logistical and financial implications inherent in such a change.
Procleix Ultrio transcription‐mediated amplification vs. serological blood screening in south‐western Greece
Authors: Sgourou A. , Karakantza M. , Theodori E. , Papadimitriou C. , Theodorou G. L. , Davanos N. , Thymianou S. , Zoumbos N. C. , Mouzaki A. 
Published: April 2008

summary We present here our overall experience after 27 months of performance of the Procleix Ultrio [HIV‐1, hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV)] transcription‐mediated amplification (TMA) assay.The aim of this report is to assess the impact of nucleic acid testing (NAT) implementation in blood screening of south‐western Greek blood donors.We processed 38 264 units of blood as neat samples with the Procleix Ultrio TMA assay (Chiron/GenProbe, Emeryville/San Diego, CA, USA) between 1 January 2005 and 31 March 2007. NAT results were compared to those obtained from routine serology tests and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.Overall, 52 units of blood tested positive for HBV (1·4‰), 8 for HCV (0·2‰) and none for HIV or multiple infections. The yield of TMA was 0·183‰ for HBV (7/38 264) and 0 for HCV. The TMA HBV‐positive donations were tested for HBV DNA by a quantitative PCR assay and were found negative (below the detection limit of the method, 200 copies/mL). Follow‐up testing showed that the TMA HBV‐positive donations were positive for anti‐hepatitis B core antigen immunoglobulin G antibodies.Implementation of the TMA assay in the individual donation configuration increased HBV detection compared to serological screening or a commonly used quantitative PCR assay. Follow‐up studies will determine the impact of NAT implementation in HBV transmission in countries with an intermediate HBV incidence.
Microbial complexes in supragingival plaque
Authors: Haffajee A. D. , Socransky S. S. , Patel M. R. , Song X. 
Published: April 2008

Background/aims:  To examine microbial communities in supragingival biofilm samples.Methods:  Supragingival plaque samples were taken from 187 subjects at baseline (n = 4745). Fifty‐five subjects provided supragingival plaque samples at 1–7 days after professional tooth cleaning (n = 1456); 93 subjects provided 8044 samples between 3 and 24 months post‐therapy. All samples were individually analyzed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization. Microbial associations among species were sought using cluster analysis and community ordination techniques for the three groups separately.Results:  Six complexes were formed for the baseline samples. Similar complexes were formed for the samples taken 3–24 months post‐therapy. However, distinct changes were observed in microbial communities in samples taken during the 7 days of plaque redevelopment. The complexes related to clinical parameters of periodontal disease.Conclusion:  There were specific microbial complexes in supragingival plaque that were similar to those found in subgingival plaque samples with a few minor differences. The relation of previously unclustered taxa to the complexes was also described.
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide stimulates collagen phagocytosis by human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Takahashi N. , Kobayashi M. , Takaki T. , Takano K. , Miyata M. , Okamatsu Y. , Hasegawa K. , Nishihara T. , Yamamoto M. 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Collagen phagocytosis by fibroblasts is involved in the intracellular pathway related to collagen breakdown in soft connective tissues. The possible role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in regulating this fibroblast function has not been elucidated so we investigated the effect of LPS from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, a periodontopathic bacterium, on collagen phagocytic activity in human gingival fibroblasts and associated regulatory mechanisms.Methods:  LPS pretreatment stimulated binding of collagen‐coated beads to cells and, subsequently, their internalization.Results:  The LPS‐activated collagen phagocytic process was enhanced in the presence of the soluble form of CD14 (sCD14) or LPS‐binding protein (LBP), while the LPS/LBP treatment activated Akt and induced actin reorganization. Furthermore, these LPS/LBP‐induced effects were partially suppressed by adding phosphatidyl‐inositol‐3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors.Conclusion:  These results suggest that A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS disturbs the homeostasis of collagen metabolism within gingival tissue by facilitating collagen phagocytosis by gingival fibroblasts, and serum sCD14 and LBP positively regulate the action of LPS. In addition, the PI3K/Akt signaling is thought to partially mediate the LPS/LBP‐stimulated collagen phagocytic pathway, which may be dependent on actin cytoskeletal rearrangement.
Adherence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans via serotype‐specific polysaccharide antigens in lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Fujise O. , Wang Y. , Chen W. , Chen C. 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Gram‐negative Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is recognized as an important periodontal pathogen. A striking property of this bacterium is its ability to form a tenacious biofilm adhering to abiotic surfaces. Both fimbrial and non‐fimbrial adhesins are believed to be responsible for this ability. In our study, specific markerless mutants in the biosynthesis genes of cell surface polysaccharides were constructed with the Cre‐loxP recombination system to identify non‐fimbrial adhesin(s).Methods:  Non‐fimbriated A. actinomycetemcomitans strain ATCC29523 (serotype a) was used to construct a deletion mutant of serotype‐a specific polysaccharide antigen (SPA‐a) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The LPS was purified through a polymyxin B column following phenol extraction, and verified by silver staining following sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by immunoblot analysis using rabbit antisera raised against SPA‐a. Strains were grown in broth for 2 days and examined for the adherence of bacterial cells on the glass surface.Results:  Strain ATCC29523 formed a thin film of bacterial growth on the glass surface. The deletion of SPA‐a affected its ability to form this thin film. When this mutant was rescued with the wild‐type SPA‐a gene cluster, its adherence‐positive phenotype was restored.Conclusion:  SPA‐a in the LPS molecule appears to promote the adherence of A. actinomycetemcomitans cells to abiotic surfaces.
Adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire for the detection of bipolar disorder
Authors: Sanchez‐Moreno J , Villagran JM , Gutierrez JR , Camacho M , Ocio S , Palao D , Querejeta I , Gascon J , Sanchez G , Vieta E ,   for the EDHIPO (Hypomania Detection Study) Group
Published: April 2008

Objective:  The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is an instrument for the detection of patients with bipolar disorder (BD). The original English version is validated in both the psychiatric and the general population, but a validated Spanish version is not yet available. Psychometric properties of the Spanish adaptation of the MDQ in psychiatry are described.Methods:  The MDQ is a self‐administered questionnaire comprising a list of 13 hypomanic symptoms and two questions about concurrence of symptoms and functional impairment caused by the symptoms. We selected patients from 15 psychiatric outpatient departments, diagnosed with BD type I and II (BDI and BDII) and major depression (MD) according to DSM‐IV‐TR criteria (concurrent validity instrument). A control group of healthy subjects (HS) was selected. The patient‐selection criteria included stability of the disorder and pharmacological treatment. The MDQ was administered to 236 subjects, distributed among the four groups, on two occasions, four weeks apart. We analysed the internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and discriminative capacity of the MDQ for the detection of patients with BD.Results:  Concurrent validity based on diagnosis according to DSM‐IV‐TR was 0.83. The internal consistency, evaluated by Cronbach’s α, was 0.90. The mean (SD) number of affirmative responses by group was: 9.8 (2.4) for BDI, 8.5 (2.8) for BDII, 2.7 (2.2) for MD, and 1.02 (1.9) for HS. Statistically significant differences between all the groups were found (Kruskal–Wallis test, p < 0.001). Concurrent validity using the diagnostic variable was 0.83. Test–retest reliability was 0.92. We analysed the scale’s discriminative capacity, revealing a sensitivity value of 0.60 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.51–0.69] and a specificity value of 0.98 (95% CI = 0.94–0.99) in the detection of BD. The positive and negative probability ratios were 35.5 and 2.4, respectively. If we consider only seven positive responses as the discriminative criterion, sensitivity increases to 0.81 (95% CI = 0.73–0.88), the specificity value is 0.95 (95% CI = 0.89–0.98) and the positive and negative probability quotients are 16 and 5.3.Conclusions:  The psychometric characteristics of the Spanish version are similar to those of the original version. In the Spanish adaptation of the MDQ, seven positive responses to hypomanic symptoms show a good discriminative capacity for BD in patients attending psychiatric outpatient facilities; therefore, this cut‐off score is proposed for the detection of BD in psychiatric outpatients.