bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Serological Responses to Pertussis
Authors: Watanabe Mineo , Connelly Beverly , Weiss Alison A. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTWe have compared the use of five nonvaccine antigens to the use of conventional vaccine antigens, pertussis toxin (PT), and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) for the serological diagnosis of pertussis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The nonvaccine antigens included the catalytic region of adenylate cyclase toxin (CatACT), the C-terminal region of FHA (C-FHA), lipooligosaccharide (LOS), the peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein (PAL), and the BrkA protein. The serological responses of individuals with culture-confirmed pertussis were compared to those of adults with no recent history of a coughing disease. An immunoglobulin G (IgG) ELISA for PT was the most sensitive (92.2%) test for the serodiagnosis of pertussis. Of the nonvaccine antigens, ELISA for IgG responses to CatACT (sensitivity, 62.8%), C-FHA (sensitivity, 39.2%), and LOS IgA (sensitivity, 29.4%) were less sensitive but could also distinguish culture-positive individuals from control individuals. The use of a combination of multiple ELISA targets improved the sensitivity of the assay for serological diagnosis. Elevated IgG and IgA antibody titers persisted for more than a year in the individuals with culture-confirmed pertussis.
Endogenous and Exogenous Glucocorticoids in Experimental Enterococcal Infection
Authors: Papasian Christopher J. , Qureshi Nilofer , Morrison David C. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThe potentially protective role of the host adrenal-glucocorticoid response to enterococcal infection was evaluated in an experimental model in which mice were infected intraperitoneally with two distinctEnterococcus faecalisstrains (K9 and CP-1). We demonstrated that corticosterone levels in serum and peritoneal-lavage fluid were elevated within 1 hour of infection with eitherE. faecalisstrain. We also demonstrated that adrenalectomized mice generated a more robust localized peritoneal tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) response to bothE. faecalisstrains than did sham-adrenalectomized mice but that neitherE. faecalisstrain induced a systemic TNF-α response. Further, peritoneal TNF-α production in adrenalectomized mice infected with eitherE. faecalisK9 or CP-1 was suppressed by prior treatment with an exogenous glucocorticoid (dexamethasone). The potential clinical significance of these results was suggested by our findings that adrenalectomy markedly increased susceptibility (a >100-fold decrease in the 50% lethal dose) to lethal infections withE. faecalisCP-1 and that prior dexamethasone treatment partially compensated for adrenalectomy. In marked contrast to these findings, however, adrenalectomy did not substantially increase susceptibility to lethalE. faecalisK9 infection. Further, preinfection withE. faecalisCP-1 1 hour before infection withE. faecalisK9 did not protect mice from lethalE. faecalisK9 infections. Collectively, these studies indicate that the host can generate a glucocorticoid response toE. faecalisinfection that suppresses TNF-α production. Further, this glucocorticoid response can protect the host from potentially lethalE. faecalisinfections, but different strains show heterogeneity with respect to the extent of protection afforded by the adrenal-glucocorticoid response.
Critical Differences between Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays with and without 22F Inhibition at Low Antibody Concentrations in Pediatric Sera
Authors: Henckaerts Isabelle , Goldblatt David , Ashton Lindsey , Poolman Jan 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTA comparative study was conducted between two laboratories in order to evaluate the differences between two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques for the detection of pneumococcal anti-capsular polysaccharide antibodies. One laboratory used an assay including heterologous 22F polysaccharide inhibition, and the other laboratory employed a non-22F reference assay. After conjugate immunization, 30 pediatric post-primary immunization sera with antipolysaccharide concentrations ranging from <0.05 to 15 μg/ml were analyzed. Aggregate reverse cumulative distribution curves combining concentrations of antibodies against serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F revealed similar results for both methods at antibody levels of >1 μg/ml. However, at antibody levels of <1 μg/ml, the distribution curve measured with the 22F inhibition ELISA shifted toward lower levels. This observation suggests that the 22F inhibition assay is more specific at low antibody concentrations, which was confirmed by heterologous polysaccharide inhibition experiments. Translation of low antibody levels suggested that the proposed threshold concentration of 0.35 μg/ml determined with the non-22F ELISA corresponded to a concentration of 0.20 μg/ml with the 22F inhibition ELISA. Pneumococcal antipolysaccharide ELISA including 22F inhibition can be recommended as a reference method.
Lactic Acid Bacteria Inducing a Weak Interleukin-12 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Response in Human Dendritic Cells Inhibit Strongly Stimulating Lactic Acid Bacteria but Act Synergistically with Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Zeuthen Louise Hjerrild , Christensen Hanne Risager , Frøkiær Hanne 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThe development and maintenance of immune homeostasis indispensably depend on signals from the gut flora. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are gram-positive (G+) organisms, are plausible significant players and have received much attention. Gram-negative (G−) commensals, such as members of the familyEnterobacteriaceae, may, however, be immunomodulators that are as important as G+organisms but tend to be overlooked. Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial immune regulators, and therefore, the present study aimed at investigating differences among human gut flora-derived LAB and G−bacteria in their patterns of DC polarization. Human monocyte-derived DCs were exposed to UV-killed bacteria, and cytokine secretion and surface marker expression were analyzed. Profound differences in the DC polarization patterns were found among the strains. While strains of LAB varied greatly in their capacity to induce interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), G−strains were consistently weak IL-12 and TNF-α inducers. All strains induced significant amounts of IL-10, but G−bacteria were far more potent IL-10 inducers than LAB. Interestingly, we found that when weakly IL-12- and TNF-α-inducing LAB and strong IL-12- and TNF-α-inducing LAB were mixed, the weakly IL-12- and TNF-α-inducing LAB efficiently inhibited otherwise strong IL-12- and TNF-α-inducing LAB, yet when weakly IL-12- and TNF-α-inducing LAB were mixed with G−bacteria, they synergistically induced IL-12 and TNF-α. Furthermore, strong IL-12- and TNF-α-inducing LAB efficiently up-regulated surface markers (CD40, CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR), which were inhibited by weakly IL-12- and TNF-α-inducing LAB. All G−bacteria potently up-regulated surface markers; however, these markers were not inhibited by weakly IL-12- and TNF-α-inducing LAB. These much divergent DC stimulation patterns among intestinal bacteria, which encompass both antagonistic and synergistic relationships, support the growing evidence that the composition of the gut flora affects immune regulation and that compositional imbalances may be involved in disease etiology.
Characterization of Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Subsets in Patients with AcutePlasmodium falciparumandP. vivaxMalaria Infections at Wonji Sugar Estate, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Desta , Petros Beyene , Mesele Tsehaynesh , Hailu Ermias , Wolday Dawit 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTWe investigated the absolute counts of CD4+, CD8+, B, NK, and CD3+cells and total lymphocytes in patients with acutePlasmodium falciparumandPlasmodium vivaxmalaria. Three-color flow cytometry was used for enumerating the immune cells. After slide smears were stained with 3% Giemsa stain, parasite species were detected using light microscopy. Data were analyzed using STATA and SPSS software. A total of 204 adults of both sexes (age, >15 years) were included in the study. One hundred fifty-eight were acute malaria patients, of whom 79 (50%) were infected withP. falciparum, 76 (48.1%) were infected withP. vivax, and 3 (1.9%) were infected with both malaria parasites. The remaining 46 subjects were healthy controls. The leukocyte count inP. falciparumpatients was lower than that in controls (P= 0.015). Absolute counts of CD4+, CD8+, B, and CD3+cells and total lymphocytes were decreased very significantly during bothP. falciparum(P< 0.0001) andP. vivax(P< 0.0001) infections. However, the NK cell count was an exception in that it was not affected by eitherP. falciparumorP. vivaxmalaria. No difference was found in the percentages of CD4, CD8, and CD3 cells inP. falciparumorP. vivaxpatients compared to controls. In summary, acute malaria infection causes a depletion of lymphocyte populations in the peripheral blood. Thus, special steps should be taken in dealing with malaria patients, including enumeration of peripheral lymphocyte cells for diagnostic purposes and research on peripheral blood to evaluate the immune status of patients.
Humoral Immune Response to Primary Rubella Virus Infection
Authors: Wilson Kim M. , Di Camillo Carlie , Doughty Larissa , Dax Elizabeth M. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

An assay capable of distinguishing between the immune response generated by recent exposure to rubella virus and the immune response existing as a result of past exposure or immunization is required for the diagnosis of primary rubella virus infection, especially in pregnant women. Avidity assays, which are based on the premise that chaotropic agents can be used to selectively dissociate the low-avidity antibodies generated early in the course of infection, have become routinely used in an effort to accomplish this. We have thoroughly investigated the immunological basis of an avidity assay using a viral lysate-based assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on a peptide analogue of the putative immunodominant region of the E1 glycoprotein (E1
208-239
). The relative affinities of the antibodies directed against E1
208-239
were measured by surface plasmon resonance and were found to correlate well with the avidity index calculated from the ELISA results. We found that the immune response generated during primary rubella virus infection consists of an initial low-affinity peak of immunoglobulin M (IgM) reactivity followed by transient peaks of low-avidity IgG3 and IgA reactivity. The predominant response is an IgG1 response which increases in concentration and affinity progressively over the course of infection. Incubation with the chaotropic agent used in the avidity assay abolished the detection of the early low-affinity peaks of IgM, IgA, and IgG3 reactivity while leaving the high-affinity IgG1 response relatively unaffected. The present study supported the premise that avidity assays based on appropriate antigens can be useful to confirm primary rubella virus infection.
Effects of Different Tuberculin Skin-Testing Regimens on Gamma Interferon and Antibody Responses in Cattle Experimentally Infected withMycobacterium bovis
Authors: Palmer M. V. , Waters W. R. , Thacker T. C. , Greenwald R. , Esfandiari J. , Lyashchenko K. P. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTAlthough tuberculin skin testing has been a hallmark of bovine tuberculosis eradication campaigns, it lacks sensitivity, can be confounded by exposure to nontuberculous mycobacteria, and cannot be repeated for 60 days due to desensitization. To overcome these difficulties, an effective whole-blood cellular immunoassay for bovine gamma interferon (IFN-γ) has been developed. The IFN-γ test is commonly used in conjunction with tuberculin skin testing as a confirmatory test following a positive response to the caudal fold test (CFT). The present study was conducted to determine the effect of different tuberculin skin-testing regimens on IFN-γ and antibody production by using calves that were experimentally infected withMycobacterium bovis. Holstein calves were CFT tested 60 days after inoculation and the comparative cervical test (CCT) was conducted 7 (7-day CCT) or 55 (55-day CCT) days after the CFT. In both the 7-day CCT and 55-day CCT groups, IFN-γ responses increased 3 days after the CFT; this was immediately followed by a decrease to pre-skin test levels 7 days after the CFT. In both groups, the application of the CCT at 7 or 55 days after the CFT resulted in no significant increase in IFN-γ production. The administration of the CFT and the CCT toM. bovis-inoculated cattle boosted antibody responses toM. bovisPPD, rMPB83, ESAT-6, and the fusion protein Acr1-MPB83. The boosting effect was more pronounced in the 55-day CCT group. Increases in either IFN-γ or antibody production were not seen in noninoculated cattle. Measurement of both IFN-γ and antibody responses after skin testing may be useful in identifyingM. bovis-infected cattle; however, the timing of collection of such samples may influence interpretation.
Development and Application of Reference Antisera against 15 Hemagglutinin Subtypes of Influenza Virus by DNA Vaccination of Chickens
Authors: Lee Chang-Won , Senne Dennis A. , Suarez David L. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT
Reference antisera were produced against 15 influenza hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes using DNA vaccination to produce a high-quality polyclonal serum to the HA protein without antibodies to other influenza viral proteins. The HA gene from each of 15 different HA subtypes of influenza virus was cloned into a eukaryotic expression vector and injected intramuscularly, together with a cationic lipid, into 3- to 4-week-old specific-pathogen-free chickens. Birds were boostered twice at 4-week intervals after the initial injection, and in general, antibody titers increased after each boost. The antisera were successfully applied in the hemagglutination inhibition test, which is the standard method for the classification of the HA subtypes of influenza virus. We also demonstrated the HA specificity of the antisera by Western blot and immunodot blot analysis. DNA vaccination also provides a safer alternative for the production of HA-specific antibodies, since it is produced without the use of live virus.
Role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Hepatitis B Virus-Specific Cytotoxic-T-Lymphocyte-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Kimura Kiminori , Nagaki Masahito , Nishihira Jun , Satake Shinichi , Kuwata Kazuo , Moriwaki Hisataka 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a pivotal role in the development of various inflammatory diseases. Here, we found that anti-mouse MIF antibody treatment reduced liver injury and inflammatory cell infiltration into the liver after injection of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes into hepatitis B virus transgenic mice.
Unreliable Measurement of Basophil Maximum Leukotriene Release with the Bühlmann CAST 2000 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kit
Authors: Burastero S. E. , Paolucci C. , Breda D. , Monasterolo G. , Rossi R. E. , Vangelista L. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT
The Bühlmann CAST 2000 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is a potentially useful assay for measuring sulfidoleukotrienes released in vitro by allergen-challenged basophils. However, we observed that the positive-control reagent yielded positive signals in cell-free systems. These false-positive results depended on using a mouse anti-FcεRI monoclonal antibody and were prevented by degranulation-inducing reagents other than mouse monoclonal antibodies.
Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain 2 (Nod2) Is Not Involved in the Pattern Recognition of
Candida albicans
Authors: van der Graaf Chantal A. A. , Netea Mihai G. , Franke Barbara , Girardin Stephen E. , van der Meer Jos W. M. , Kullberg Bart Jan 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (Nod2) pathways are known to interact with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4, which are pattern recognition receptors for
Candida albicans
. We observed that the prevalence of Nod2 polymorphisms was not increased in patients with
Candida
infections.
Candida
-induced cytokine production in individuals with Nod2 polymorphisms was unaffected. We conclude that Nod2 is unlikely to play an important role in the recognition of
Candida albicans
.
FoxA2 Involvement in Suppression of Protein C, an Outcome Predictor in Experimental Sepsis
Authors: Berg David T. , Gerlitz Bruce , Sharma Ganesh R. , Richardson Mark A. , Stephens Eddie J. , Grubbs Renee L. , Holmes Kimberly C. , Fynboe Kelly , Montani Dominick , Cramer Martin S. , Engle Steven D. , Jakubowski Joseph A. , Heuer Josef G. , Grinnell Brian W. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT
Low levels of protein C (PC) predict outcome as early as 10 h after insult in a rat polymicrobial sepsis model and were associated with suppression of PC mRNA, upstream transcription factor FoxA2, and cofactor hepatocyte nuclear factor 6 (HNF6). Small interfering RNA suppression of FoxA2 in isolated hepatocytes demonstrated regulation of both its cofactor HNF6 and PC. Our data suggest that reduced FoxA2 may be important in the suppression of PC and resulting poor outcome in sepsis.
FIXED GRID FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS FOR 3D STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS
Authors: GARCÍA MANUEL J. , HENAO MIGUEL A. , RUIZ OSCAR E. 
Published: March 2006

Fixed Grid (FG) methodology was first introduced by García and Steven as an engine for numerical estimation of two-dimensional elasticity problems. The advantages of using FG are simplicity and speed at a permissible level of accuracy. Two-dimensional FG has been proved effective in approximating the strain and stress field with low requirements of time and computational resources. Moreover, FG has been used as the analytical kernel for different structural optimization methods as Evolutionary Structural Optimization, Genetic Algorithms (GA), and Evolutionary Strategies. FG consists of dividing the bounding box of the topology of an object into a set of equally sized cubic elements. Elements are assessed to be inside (I), outside (O) or neither inside nor outside (NIO) of the object. Different material properties assigned to the inside and outside medium transform the problem into a multi-material elasticity problem. As a result of the subdivision NIO elements have non-continuous properties. They can be approximated in different ways which range from simple setting of NIO elements as O to complex non-continuous domain integration. If homogeneously averaged material properties are used to approximate the NIO element, the element stiffness matrix can be computed as a factor of a standard stiffness matrix thus reducing the computational cost of creating the global stiffness matrix. An additional advantage of FG is found when accomplishing re-analysis, since there is no need to recompute the whole stiffness matrix when the geometry changes. This article presents CAD to FG conversion and the stiffness matrix computation based on non-continuous elements. In addition inclusion/exclusion of O elements in the global stiffness matrix is studied. Preliminary results shown that non-continuous NIO elements improve the accuracy of the results with considerable savings in time. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the possibilities of the method.
Foxes, Hounds, and Horses: Who or Which?
Authors: Gupta Anthea Fraser 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWriters of English can choose whether to mark a high level of sentience in a nonhuman animal by selecting the word who rather than which. An examination of texts relating to foxhunting on the world wide web showed that, in reference to the nonhuman animals involved in foxhunting, writers were most likely to use who in reference to foxes, and least likely to use it in reference to horses. Those who support foxhunting are more likely to recognize the sentience of the fox than those who oppose foxhunting. This may be because those who enjoy foxhunting present the fox as an active creator of the hunt, and as a worthy opponent.
Animals and the Discourse of Farming in Southern Africa
Authors: Mitchell Les 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis paper looks at discourses related to animal farming in a popular South African farming magazine. The paper analyzes four ar ticles using a form of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). Despite varying widely in content and style, all articles draw from the discourses of production and science; two also show a minor discourse of achievement. With further work, it is possible to discern a fourth, deeply embedded discourse: that of enslavement. This also was present in all the articles. These discourses objectify nonhuman animals and support a world-view of teleological anthropocentrism that fits well with present capitalist practices.
Humans, Animals, and Metaphors
Authors: Goatly Andrew 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis article examines the ideological implications of different interpretations of the statement "Humans are animals." It contrasts theories that regard humans as literally sophisticated animals with those who interpret the statement metaphorically. Sociobiological theories, bolstered by metaphors in the dictionary of English emphasize competitiveness and aggression as features shared by humans and nonhuman animals. Other theories emphasize symbiosis and cooperation. Some of these theories are prescriptive—metaphor patterns in English reflect the strong tendency to regard animal behavior as something for humans to avoid. Conversely, sociobiologists suggest it is natural and right to behave like animals, the naturalistic fallacy. Other cultural theories suggest that the statement is only metaphorical; our differences from animals are what make us most human. The article notes the tendency to metaphorically project the values and structures of current human society onto the animals being studied, serving the interest of those who, in power, benefit from the status quo.
Deep Ecology and Language: The Curtailed Journey of the Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Stibbe Arran 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis article explores the representation of fish in ecological discourse through analysis of the recently published Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA, 2005) synthesis report. The analysis utilizes an ecological framework based on "deep ecology" (Naess, 1990), examining how the discourse of the MA asserts or denies the intrinsic worth of fish. The discursive construction of fish is particularly relevant given the massive expansion of the aquaculture industry, which is having a negative impact on ecosystems and the fish themselves, particularly the Atlantic salmon. There are alternatives to traditional ecological discourses, such as the lyrical discourse drawn on by Rachel Carson (1962) in her description of salmon. The article concludes with a discussion of the potential of such discourses to represent reality in ways that are more comparable with the welfare of the fish and the protection of ecosystems.
Verbal Activism: "Anymal"
Authors: Kemmerer Lisa 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis paper is an exploration of verbal activism and animal liberation, starting with a brief explanation of Wittgenstein's (1953) views on the nature and role of language. A discussion of lexical gaps, linguistic change, and verbal activism follows: The paper introduces the word, "anymal," to fill a lexical gap and to provide a form of verbal activism.