bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired Kupffer Cells in Highly Susceptible Mice Infected withTrypanosoma congolense
Authors: Shi Meiqing , Wei Guojian , Pan Wanling , Tabel Henry 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTIn highly susceptible BALB/c mice infected withTrypanosoma congolense, the total number of Kupffer cells in the liver remains constant; however, their mean size increases fivefold towards the terminal stage. About 25% of Kupffer cells undergo apoptosis. We suggest that development of an impairment of the macrophage system might be a major mechanism for inefficient elimination of trypanosomes.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 Deficiency Delays Pneumococcal Phagocytosis and Impairs Oxidative Killing by Granulocytes
Authors: Letiembre Maryse , Echchannaoui Hakim , Bachmann Philipp , Ferracin Fabrizia , Nieto Concepción , Espinosa Manuel , Landmann Regine 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT

Phagocytosis and killing of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
was compared in blood-derived wild-type (WT) and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-deficient (TLR2
−/−
) polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Phagocytosis of green fluorescent protein-transformed pneumococci was delayed in TLR2
−/−
PMN. These cells exhibited also a lower oxidative bactericidal activity against
S. pneumoniae
than WT PMN, suggesting that TLR2 modulates bacterial clearance in PMN.
Characterization of Two Non-Locus of Enterocyte Effacement-Encoded Type III-Translocated Effectors, NleC and NleD, in Attaching and Effacing Pathogens
Authors: Marchés Olivier , Wiles Siouxsie , Dziva Francis , La Ragione Roberto M. , Schüller Stephanie , Best Angus , Phillips Alan D. , Hartland Elizabeth L. , Woodward Martin J. , Stevens Mark P. , Frankel Gad 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT

Intestinal colonization by enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
requires the locus of enterocyte effacement-encoded type III secretion system. We report that NleC and NleD are translocated into host cells via this system. Deletion mutants induced attaching and effacing lesions in vitro, while infection of calves or lambs showed that neither gene was required for colonization.
An Early Intestinal Mucosal Source of Gamma Interferon Is Associated with Resistance to and Control ofCryptosporidium parvumInfection in Mice
Authors: Leav Brett A. , Yoshida Masaru , Rogers Kathleen , Cohen Seth , Godiwala Nihal , Blumberg Richard S. , Ward Honorine 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTResistance to and control ofCryptosporidium parvuminfection in mice in the absence of adaptive immunity appears to be gamma interferon (IFN-γ) dependent. Using an IFN-γ-neutralizing antibody in a murine model, we demonstrated increased susceptibility to infection within 24 h. We correlated this early resistance and control with increased mucosal expression of IFN-γ and demonstrate that CD8+T-cell receptor αβ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes express and secrete this cytokine shortly after infection. The rapid kinetics of IFN-γ expression and secretion by naive CD8+T cells in response to a protozoan pathogen have not previously been demonstrated.
Receptor-Mediated Clearance ofCryptococcus neoformansCapsular Polysaccharide In Vivo
Authors: Yauch Lauren E. , Mansour Michael K. , Levitz Stuart M. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTCryptococcus neoformanscapsular glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) is shed during cryptococcosis and taken up by macrophages. The roles of the putative GXM receptors CD14, CD18, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), and TLR4 in GXM clearance from serum and deposition in the liver and spleen in receptor-deficient mice were studied. While alterations in the kinetics of GXM redistribution were seen in the mutant mice, none of the receptors was absolutely required for serum clearance or hepatosplenic accumulation.
Attenuation ofSalmonella entericaSerovar Typhimurium by Altering Biological Functions of Murein Lipoprotein and Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Fadl A. A. , Sha J. , Klimpel G. R. , Olano J. P. , Galindo C. L. , Chopra A. K. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTWe constructedSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium double-knockout mutants in which either the lipoprotein A (lppA) or the lipoprotein B (lppB) gene was deleted from anmsbB-negative background strain by marker exchange mutagenesis. These mutants were highly attenuated when tested with in vitro and in vivo models ofSalmonellapathogenesis.
Neutralization of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Suppresses Antigen-Specific Type 1 Cytokine Responses and Reverses the Inhibition of Mycobacterial Survival in Cocultures of Immune Guinea Pig T Lymphocytes and Infected Macrophages
Authors: Cho Hyosun , McMurray David N. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTNeutralization of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) significantly down-regulated antigen-induced lymphoproliferation and the expression of interleukin-12 p40 and gamma interferon mRNA and enhanced the viability of intracellular attenuated and virulent mycobacteria in cocultures of immune T cells and macrophages obtained fromMycobacterium bovisBCG-vaccinated guinea pigs. This suggests the crucial role of TNF-α in the activation of a type 1 T-cell response againstMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection.
Yersinia enterocoliticaInvasin-Dependent and Invasin-Independent Mechanisms of Systemic Dissemination
Authors: Handley Scott A. , Newberry Rodney D. , Miller Virginia L. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTWe report here invasin-dependent and invasin-independent mechanisms in which the enteropathogenYersinia enterocoliticais able to disseminate from the lumen of the small intestine to the spleen. The invasin-dependent route is clearly discernible in mice devoid of intestinal Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes.
Prognostic factors for duration of sick leave in patients sick listed with acute low back pain: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Steenstra I A , Verbeek J H , Heymans M W , Bongers P M 
Published: November 2005

Background:The percentages of patients with acute low back pain (LBP) that go on to a chronic state varies between studies from 2% to 34%. In some of these cases low back pain leads to great costs.Aims:To evaluate the evidence for prognostic factors for return to work among workers sick listed with acute LBP.Methods:Systematic literature search with a quality assessment of studies, assessment of levels of evidence for all factors, and pooling of effect sizes.Results:Inclusion of studies in the review was restricted to inception cohort studies of workers with LBP on sick leave for less than six weeks, with the outcome measured in absolute terms, relative terms, survival curve, or duration of sick leave. Of the studies, 18 publications (14 cohorts) fulfilled all inclusion criteria. One low quality study, four moderate quality studies, and nine high quality studies were identified; 79 prognostic factors were studied and grouped in eight categories for which the evidence was assessed.Conclusions:Specific LBP, higher disability levels, older age, female gender, more social dysfunction and more social isolation, heavier work, and receiving higher compensation were identified as predictors for a longer duration of sick leave. A history of LBP, job satisfaction, educational level, marital status, number of dependants, smoking, working more than 8 hour shifts, occupation, and size of industry or company do not influence duration of sick leave due to LBP. Many different constructs were measured to identify psychosocial predictors of long term sick leave, which made it impossible to determine the role of these factors.
Does long term residency near industry have an impact on the body burden of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls in older women?
Authors: Pless-Mulloli T , Edwards R , Howel D , Wood R , Paepke O , Herrmann T 
Published: November 2005

Background:For the retrospective study of environment and health linkages biomarkers of exposure are required. Polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins and furans (PCDD/F) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been useful markers in some settings. This is the first study of PCDD/F body burden in a population based sample from the UK.Aims and Methods:The authors aimed to investigate whether long term residents close to a heavy chemical industrial complex (Teesside, UK) had a higher body burden and distinct pattern of PCDD/F and PCBs. We measured current levels of PCDD/F and PCBs in a population based sample of older women (mean 64 years, range 42–79 years). Forty women were recruited, 20 living near (zone A: 0.1–2.7 km) and 20 distant (zone C: 5–40 km) from industry during 2000–03. The authors ascertained occupational exposure to lung carcinogens, residential history, consumption of local produce, breast feeding, diet, and height and weight.Results:The mean body burden measured on lipid basis in ng/kg for the whole sample was: WHO-TEQ (PCDD/Fs): 29.9, 2378TCDD: 4.0, PCB 118:16200, PCB156: 13100. Body burdens were similar to others reported from industrialised countries, except that mean 2378TCDD was slightly higher. Mean ages, body mass index, and lifelong dietary patterns were similar in both zones. The authors found no significant difference in mean body burden levels between zones A and C before or after adjustment for covariates. All congener patterns were consistent with an urban background pattern, and there was no significant difference between congener compositions in the two zones. The TCDD body burden increased with age with accelerated increments above age 70.Conclusion:Long term residency near heavy and chemical industry did not have an effect on women’s body burden of PCDD/Fs and PCBs on Teesside, UK. The body burden of PCDD/F and PCBs was not a suitable biomarker for chronic, non-occupational exposure to industrial air pollution.
Serum DDT, age at menarche, and abnormal menstrual cycle length
Authors: Ouyang F , Perry M J , Venners S A , Chen C , Wang B , Yang F , Fang Z , Zang T , Wang L , Xu X , Wang X 
Published: November 2005

Background:Although dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) exposure is known to affect human endocrine function, few previous studies have investigated the effects of DDT exposure on age at menarche or menstrual cycle length.Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted to study the effects of DDT exposure on age at menarche and menstrual cycle length among 466 newly married, nulliparous female Chinese textile workers aged 20–34 years enrolled between 1996 and 1998. Serum was analysed for DDT and its major metabolites. Multivariate linear regression was used to estimate DDT exposure effects on age at menarche and multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate DDT exposure effects on odds of experiencing short or long cycles.Results:Relative to those in the lowest DDT quartile, the adjusted mean age at menarche was younger in those in the fourth quartile (−1.11 years). Modeled as a continuous variable, a 10 ng/g increase in serum DDT concentration was associated with an adjusted reduction in age at menarche of 0.20 years. Relative to those in the lowest DDT quartile, odds of any short cycle (<21 days) in the previous year were higher for those in the fourth quartile (odds ratio = 2.78; 95% CI 1.07 to 7.14). There were no associations between serum DDT concentrations and odds of experiencing a long cycle (>40 days).Conclusion:Results suggest that DDT exposure was associated with earlier age at menarche and increased risk of experiencing a shortened menstrual cycle.
Prolonged standing at work and hospitalisation due to varicose veins: a 12 year prospective study of the Danish population: Table 1
Authors: Tüchsen F , Hannerz H , Burr H , Krause N 
Published: November 2005

Background:Recent studies suggest that prolonged standing at work is associated with the development of diseases of varicose veins (VV).Aims:To assess the risk of hospitalisation due to VV in the lower extremities prospectively in workers standing or walking at least 75% of their time at work.Methods:A representative random sample of 9653 working age adults was drawn from the Central Population Register of Denmark in 1991. Of these, 8664 accepted to be interviewed by telephone (response rate 90%). Respondents (2939 men and 2708 women) were 20–59 years old and employed in 1990. Risk ratios for VV were estimated by log-linear Poisson regression models separately for men and women with adjustment for smoking status, body mass index (BMI), heavy lifting, and, for females only, number of children at baseline.Results:During 12 years of follow up, 40 hospitalisations due to VV were observed among the men and 71 among the women. For employees with jobs that require prolonged standing or walking compared to all other employees, the relative risk was 1.75 (95% CI 0.92 to 3.34) for men and 1.82 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.95) for women. The pooled estimate of the relative risk was 1.78 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.68). The aetiological fraction of prolonged standing or walking at work was estimated as 22.5% for men and 22.6% for women.Conclusions:This prospective study confirms that prolonged standing at work constitutes an excess risk of hospital treatment due to varicose veins and accounts for more than one fifth of all cases of working age.
Incidence of haematopoietic malignancies in US radiologic technologists
Authors: Linet M S , Freedman D M , Mohan A K , Doody M M , Ron E , Mabuchi K , Alexander B H , Sigurdson A , Hauptmann M 
Published: November 2005

Background:There are limited data on risks of haematopoietic malignancies associated with protracted low-to-moderate dose radiation.Aims:To contribute the first incidence risk estimates for haematopoietic malignancies in relation to work history, procedures, practices, and protective measures in a large population of mostly female medical radiation workers.Methods:The investigators followed up 71 894 (77.9% female) US radiologic technologists, first certified during 1926–80, from completion of a baseline questionnaire (1983–89) to return of a second questionnaire (1994–98), diagnosis of a first cancer, death, or 31 August 1998 (731 306 person-years), whichever occurred first. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compute risks.Results:Relative risks (RR) for leukaemias other than chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (non-CLL, 41 cases) were increased among technologists working five or more years before 1950 (RR = 6.6, 95% CI 1.0 to 41.9, based on seven cases) or holding patients 50 or more times forxray examination (RR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.4). Risks of non-CLL leukaemias were not significantly related to the number of years subjects worked in more recent periods, the year or age first worked, the total years worked, specific procedures or equipment used, or personal radiotherapy. Working as a radiologic technologist was not significantly linked with risk of multiple myeloma (28 cases), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (118 cases), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (31 cases), or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (23 cases).Conclusion:Similar to results for single acute dose and fractionated high dose radiation exposures, there was increased risk for non-CLL leukaemias decades after initial protracted radiation exposure that likely cumulated to low-to-moderate doses.
The effect of asbestosis on lung cancer risk beyond the dose related effect of asbestos alone
Authors: Reid A , de Klerk N , Ambrosini G L , Olsen N , Pang S C , Berry G , Musk A W 
Published: November 2005

Aims:To determine if the presence of asbestosis is a prerequisite for lung cancer in subjects with known exposure to blue asbestos (crocidolite).Methods:Former workers and residents of Wittenoom with known amounts of asbestos exposure (duration, intensity, and time since first exposure), current chestxray and smoking information, participating in a cancer prevention programme (n = 1988) were studied. The first plain chest radiograph taken at the time of recruitment into the cancer prevention programme was examined for radiographic evidence of asbestosis according to the UICC (ILO) classification. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to relate asbestosis, asbestos exposure, and lung cancer.Results:Between 1990 and 2002 there were 58 cases of lung cancer. Thirty six per cent of cases had radiographic evidence of asbestosis compared to 12% of study participants. Smoking status was the strongest predictor of lung cancer, with current smokers (OR = 26.5, 95% CI 3.5 to 198) having the greatest risk. Radiographic asbestosis (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.46) and asbestos exposure (OR = 1.21 per f/ml-year, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.42) were significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. There was an increased risk of lung cancer with increasing exposure in those without asbestosis.Conclusion:In this cohort of former workers and residents of Wittenoom, asbestosis is not a mandatory precursor for asbestos related lung cancer. These findings support the hypothesis that it is the asbestos fibres per se that cause lung cancer, which can develop with or without the presence of asbestosis.
The effect of long term, low-dose tranexamic acid treatment on platelet dysfunction and haemoglobin levels in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Zupan Irena Preložnik , Salobir Barbara , Zupan Igor , Černelã Peter , Lavre Janez , Vujkovac Bojan , Šaboviã Mišo 
Published: November 2005

SummarySome previous studies suggest that activation of the fibrinolytic system may induce platelet dysfunction in haemodialysis patients. Accordingly, inhibition of fibrinolysis may improve platelet dysfunction, and speculatively increase haemoglobin levels. We tested this hypothesis. The study group comprised 22 patients (14 male, 8 female, median age 62), who had been on maintenance haemodialysis for more than one year. Patients were treated for three months with low-dose tranexamic acid (TXA), a potent anti-fibrinolytic agent. The dosages of erythropoietin and the haemodialysis procedure were not changed significantly during the study. We primarily followed platelet function (by in vitro closure time test) and haemoglobin values. Patients were divided into those with substantially prolonged (N=9) and those with slightly delayed or normal (N=13) in vitro closure time. Treatment with TXA resulted in a significant improvement of platelet function and increased levels of haemoglobin in the first group, and no changes in either platelet function or haemoglobin values in the second group. TXA in the dosage used was biologically active, since a significant decrease in plasminogen and D-dimer were found in both groups. No significant changes in other fibrinolytic parameters or von Willebrand factor were found. No complications in terms of arterial or venous thrombosis were observed. Our pilot study suggests that long term, low-dose TXA treatment of haemodialysis patients with substantially prolonged in vitro closure time results in a significant improvement of platelet dysfunction and a significant increase in haemoglobin values. These new, promising results merit further investigation in larger studies.
Chorioamnionitis is associated with increased CD40L expression on cord blood platelets
Authors: Sitaru Ana-Gabriela , Speer Christian P. , Holzhauer Susanne , Obergfell Achim , Walter Ulrich , Grossmann Ralf 
Published: November 2005

SummaryChorioamnionitis (CA) is a severe infection responsible not only for premature birth but also for many severe neonatal diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of CD40L and P-selectin on platelets and the plasma levels of their soluble forms in the umbilical cord blood in infants with documented chorioamnionitis. Umbilical cord blood samples were obtained from 10 healthy term newborns,10 noninfected preterm infants, 10 preterm infants with premature rupture of membranes and 9 preterm infants with clinical and histological CA. The expression of CD40L and P-selectin on platelets was analyzed by flow cytometry. Soluble P-selectin (sCD62P), soluble CD40L (sCD40L) and interleukine-6 (IL-6) were measured in plasma by ELISA assays. Neonates with CA had significantly higher percentages of platelets expressing CD40L in basal conditions (5.3 ± 2.9% vs. 1.6 ± 0.7% in non- infected preterm infants p < 0.05), while the percentages of Pselectin positive platelets were similar among all groups. In contrast, the level of sP-selectin was higher in infants with CA (222 ± 128 ng/ml vs. 104 ± 71 ng/ml in non-infected preterm infants, p < 0.05) but no differences were found in the levels of sCD40L. As expected, the levels of IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine were significantly higher in samples obtained from preterm neonates whose mothers had also elevated inflammatory parameters. Our observations suggest that platelets are involved in the complex inflammatory pathogenesis of CA. Neither P-selectin expression on cord blood platelets nor plasma sP-selectin or sCD40L were suitable platelet markers in CA, whereas CD40L was significantly elevated in histologically proven CA.
Homocysteine rapidly increases matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and activity in cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Doronzo Gabriella , Russo Isabella , Mattiello Luigi , Trovati Mariella , Anfossi Giovanni 
Published: November 2005

SummaryIn this study we aimed to test the hypothesis that in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) homocysteine influences synthesis and release of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), which is deeply involved in vascular remodeling and atherosclerotic plaque instabilization. Experiments were carried out in cultured human VSMC exposed to 50–500 μmol/l homocysteine after a 24-hour culture with MEM containing 0.1% BSA. Both in supernatants and cell lysates we evaluated MMP-2 activity (gelatin zimography), MMP-2 and TIMP-2 protein synthesis (Western immunoblotting). Homocysteine effects were investigated also after cell exposure to i) specific MEK inhibitor PD98059 (30 μmol/l) to evaluate the involvement of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and ii) specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor LY294002 (100 μmol/l) to evaluate the involvement of PI3-K pathway. Gelatin zimography evidenced that MMP-2 activity is increased both in conditioned media and in cell lysates starting from 8-hour incubation with 100 μmol/l homocysteine. Western blot analysis evidenced increased MMP-2 levels in both conditioned media and cell lysates. Cell exposure to PD98059 and LY294002 prevented homocysteine effects on MMP-2 synthesis. Homocysteine, at concentrations associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, increases MMP-2 activity, synthesis and secretion in VSMC through a mechanism involving the activation of MAPK and PI3-K pathways. These data suggest that homocysteine is directly involved in mechanisms leading to remodelling and instabilization of atherosclerotic plaques.
Intermittent pneumatic compression and deep vein thrombosis prevention
Authors: Urbankova Jana , Quiroz Rene , Kucher Nils , Goldhaber Samuel Z. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryOur objective was to overview the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in postoperative patients, using meta-analysis methodology. We searched the Medline, metaRegister of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane database for studies published between 1970 and October 2004. Our inclusion criteria were: 1) randomized controlled trial of IPC versus no prophylaxis, 2) at least 20 patients per group, 3) at least one diagnostic DVT imaging test in all patients, and 4) clinical follow-up for at least the duration of hospitalization. A total of 2,270 patients were included in 15 eligible studies: 1,125 and 1,145 in the IPC and no prophylaxis group, respectively. The included studies formed a total of 16 treatment groups and were conducted in orthopedic (5), general surgical (4), oncologic (3), neurosurgical (3) and urologic (1) patient populations. In comparison to no prophylaxis, IPC devices reduced the risk of DVT by 60% (relative risk 0.40, 95% CI 0.29 – 0.56; p< 0.001). Contemporary randomized trials should be undertaken to test the utility of IPC in hospitalized medical patients as well as combined pharmacological plus IPC prophylaxis in both medical and surgical patients.