bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Amniotic Fluid Cells are Able to Produce IL‐6 and IL‐8
Authors: Mazzucchelli Iolanda , Avanzini Maria Antonietta , Ciardelli Laura , Pagani Sara , Greco Rossella , Belloni Cesare , Castellazzi AnnaMaria , Marconi Massimo , Rondini Giorgio , Polatti Franco 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  In order to investigate the role of amniotic fluid cells (AFC) in the establishment of feto–maternal immune relationship, we evaluated their phenotype and capacity to produce cytokines.Methods of study:  CK 7–8, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐I, HLA‐DR, HLA‐G, CD1d, CD34, CD45, CD14 surface antigens expression and the intracellular production of IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12, interferon‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α were studied in cultured AFC and in eight samples immediately after amniocentesis using flow cytometry. IL‐6 and IL‐8 were detected by ELISA in all amniotic fluids and in all culture supernatants. Moreover, IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA were tested in nine samples.Results:  Cultured AFC express HLA‐I, HLA‐G and CK 7–8 and are able to produce IL‐6 and IL‐8, confirmed by presence of their mRNA. We quantified IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels in all amniotic fluids and in all supernatants.Conclusion:  Surface antigen expression of AFC are not specific of immune cells, but AFC are able to produce cytokines and we can postulate that they may participate in mechanisms involved in normal as well as pathological pregnancy.
Decrease in a Specific Killer Cell Immunoglobulin‐Like Receptor on Peripheral Natural Killer Cells in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion of Unexplained Etiology
Authors: Yamada Hideto , Shimada Shigeki , Kato Emi H. , Morikawa Mamoru , Iwabuchi Kazuya , Kishi Reiko , Onoé Kazunori , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  The aim of this study was to investigate immunophenotypic characteristics of natural killer (NK) cells by assessing specific molecules expressed in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) of unexplained etiology.Method of study:  Peripheral blood cells were obtained from 20 RSA women and 15 fertile controls. The expression of perforin, CD94, CD161, CD158a, CD158b, and CD244 on CD3− CD56+ NK cells was analyzed by flow cytometry.Results:  A significant decrease in CD158a expression was demonstrated in RSA women (mean ± SD, 22.9 ± 8.7%) as compared with that in controls (33.6 ± 15.7%) (P < 0.05). The percentage of NK cells showing dual expression of CD94 and CD161 was relatively higher in RSA women (55.1 ± 10.2%) than in the controls (47.1 ± 19.0%), but without statistically significant (P = 0.096). The expression of perforin, CD158b, or CD244 in RSA women did not differ from that in the controls.Conclusions:  A divergence of the specific NK cell repertoire might be related to the etiology of RSA.
Differential Expression and Localization of Decorin in Human Choriodecidual Membrane during Preterm and Term Pregnancy
Authors: Ogita Kazuhide , Kimura Tadashi , Nakamura Hitomi , Koyama Shinsuke , Tsujie Tomoko , Tomiie Mari , Tsutsui Tateki , Shimoya Koichiro , Wada Yoshinao , Koyama Masayasu , Nomura Shintaro , Murata Yuji 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  This study was aimed to isolate cDNAs for genes whose expression levels are dynamically regulated at the feto‐maternal interface around parturition.Method:  The suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) method was used to compare the gene expression patterns of human choriodecidual membranes from term elective Caesarian delivery before labor (BL) and term vaginal delivery (VD). Northern blotting, quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization were performed to determine temporal and spatial expression of candidate clones.Result:  After SSH procedure, we selected decorin from the cDNA library of BL for further investigation. The mean level of decorin transcription tended to be higher in BL samples than in VD or preterm samples. Decorin mRNA was mainly expressed in the decidual cells. Decorin gene expression was also upregulated in the term myometrium.Conclusion:  These results suggest that dynamically increased expression of decorin in the choriodecidual membrane during parturition may be a part of the uterine preparation for labor.
Rat Strains Differ in Susceptibility to Maternal and Fetal Infection with Mycoplasma pulmonis
Authors: Reyes Leticia , Shelton Micheal , Riggs Margaret , Brown Mary B. 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  Vaginally infected Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats are more susceptible to adverse pregnancy outcomes than Wistar (WIS) rats. We postulated that SD rats have enhanced hematogenous spread of Mycoplasma pulmonis to fetal tissues.Method of study:  WIS and SD dams were infected intravenously with 107, 106, and 105 colony‐forming units of M. pulmonis at gestation day 14. Dams and six randomly selected fetuses were cultured at days 15, 16, 17, and 18 of gestation.Results:  In the high‐dose group, 100% of fetuses were colonized regardless of rat strain. Significantly higher numbers of M. pulmonis were isolated from placenta (low dose, P < 0.0001; medium dose, P < 0.024; high dose, P < 0.0001), amniotic fluid (low dose, P < 0.003; medium dose, P < 0.017), and fetuses (low dose, P < 0.0011) of SD rats. Spread of M. pulmonis to the amniotic fluid and fetus occurred 1 day earlier in SD rats.Conclusions:  The difference in susceptibility between the two rat strains cannot be explained by hematogenous spread alone. The relative resistance to adverse pregnancy outcomes in WIS rats may be a function of a more robust innate immune system. These rat strains may represent an animal model to address host resistance factors to intrauterine infection.
Elevated Interleukin‐8 in Cervical Mucus as an Indicator for Treatment to Prevent Premature Birth and Preterm, Pre‐labor Rupture of Membranes: a Prospective Study
Authors: Sakai Masatoshi , Sasaki Yasushi , Yoneda Satoshi , Kasahara Tadashi , Arai Takashi , Okada Masatoshi , Hosokawa Hitoshi , Kato Kiyoshi , Soeda Yoshikatsu , Saito Shigeru 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  We investigated whether cervical shortening and high interleukin (IL)‐8 in cervical mucus were valuable indications for treatment to prevent premature birth and preterm, pre‐labor rupture of membranes (pPROM).Method of study:  Pregnant women were divided into group A, in which neither cervical IL‐8 nor cervical length was measured in the middle trimester; and groups B and C, in which cervical length and cervical IL‐8 were measured, and bed rest or cerclage was performed when cervical shortening was detected. In group B, vaginal washing with povidone iodine and insertion of chloramphenicol vaginal tablets were carried out in women with IL‐8 elevations.Results:  In group B, duration of pregnancy was significantly prolonged compared with group A and C, and occurrence of pPROM was significantly lower. No significant differences were found in those rates between groups A and C.Conclusion:  Successful treatment for women with IL‐8 elevations in cervical mucus decreased rates of premature birth or pPROM.
Immunoprecipitation of Sperm and Somatic Antigens with Antibodies from Sera of Sperm‐Sensitized and Anti‐sperm Antibody‐ Free Individuals
Authors: Domagała Alina , Kurpisz Maciej 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  Immune infertility may result from the presence of anti‐sperm antibodies (ASA) in sera of sensitized individuals or in their genito‐urinary millieu. According to some authors, sera of pre‐pubertal boys with genital disorders may contain ASA, too. When identified and characterized, sperm antigenic components can be employed for diagnostic and/or for immunocontraceptive purposes.Method of Study:  Sperm auto‐ and isoimmune reactive surface antigens were identified by means of immunoprecipitation. Comparative immunoprecipitations of somatic antigens by using antibodies, contained in polyclonal sera of fertile and (immunologically) infertile adults as well as pre‐pubertal boys with gonadal failures were performed.Results and Conclusions:  Antibodies contained in sera of the all studied populations reacted with a number of sperm as well as somatic antigens. However, we distinguished a panel of antigens localized exclusively on the surface of sperm cells, reacting with ASA positive sera (in the range of molecular weight between 15 and 115 kDa), some of them seem to present novel entities as can be judged by the molecular weight.
The Effect of Valacyclovir Treatment on Natural Killer Cells of Infertile Women
Authors: Thomas Dimitrios , Michou Vassiliki , Tegos Vassilis , Patargias Theoharis , Moustakarias Theodoros , Kanakas Nikolaos , Mantzavinos Themis , Apostolidis Christophoros , Salamalekis Emmanouil , Kalofoutis Anastasios , Tsilivakos Vassilis 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of valacyclovir treatment on natural killer (NK) cell concentration in the peripheral blood of infertile women.Method of study:  Peripheral blood NK cell concentration of 104 non‐pregnant women with a history of infertility was determined by flow cytometry. The controls were 14 fertile non‐pregnant women. A cohort of 42 out of 104 women – whose NK cell levels were 175/μL or higher – was prospectively studied for the presence of HSV‐1, 2, VZV, cytomegalovirus, HHV‐6, HHV‐7 and HHV‐8 DNA in the peripheral blood and was orally administered valacyclovir (open label study).Results:  Herpes virus DNA was detected in 64.3% of the 42 women examined. Prior to valacyclovir treatment mean NK cell concentration in herpes‐negative group was statistically higher from control group but lower from herpes positive group (P = 0.0007, anova). Following valacyclovir treatment the mean NK cell concentration was statistically decreased in all studied women (P = 0.000453), in herpes‐negative (P = 0.01622) and in herpes positive group (P = 0.0056). Sufficient decrease was observed in 31 (73.8%) of 42 women who received the drug.Conclusions:  Valacyclovir treatment is associated with a decrease of NK cell levels in most of the women with a history of infertility.
Autoantibody Panel Screening in Recurrent Miscarriages
Authors: Marai I , Carp H , Shai S , Shabo R , Fishman G , Shoenfeld Y 
Published: March 2004

Problem:  Antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPL), antithyroid antibodies and anti‐extractable nuclear antigens (anti‐ENA) have all been reported to be associated with recurrent miscarriages (RM) and infertility. However, this association remained controversial.Materials and Methods:  Fifty‐eight women with impaired fertility (38 women with RM and 20 women with infertility, but no miscarriages) and 28 control parous women were screened for seven autoantibodies [antithyroglobulin (aTG), antithyroid peroxidase (aTPO), anticardiolipin (aCL), antiphosphatidyl‐serine (aPS), antiprothrombin antibodies (aPT), anti‐beta 2 glycoprotein 1 (aβ2GP1), and anti‐ENA]. There was no evidence for autoimmune diseases in the patients or the control. The analysis was also performed with several panels of autoantibodies, each of which contained two or more autoantibodies.Results:  Anti‐TPO was the only antibody to be associated with RM (P = 0.01). A significant association was found between RM, and autoantibodies in the ‘aTG + aTPO + anti‐ENA’ or ‘aTG + aTPO’ panels. The ‘aTG + aTPO + anti‐ENA’ panel was also associated with RM when the analysis was performed only on 17 women who had secondary infertility: 10 from the 38 women with RM, and seven from the 20 women with infertility and no miscarriages. A significant association (P < 0.001) was also apparent between anti‐CL and anti‐PS and infertility compared with the 28 control women.Conclusions:  RM was associated with autoantibodies to aTPO and the combined panel of aTPO, aTG and anti‐ENA, but not with aPL. aPL were associated with infertility.
Stimulation of Interleukin-10 Production by Acidic β-Lactoglobulin-Derived Peptides Hydrolyzed withLactobacillus paracaseiNCC2461 Peptidases
Authors: Prioult Guénolée , Pecquet Sophie , Fliss Ismail 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTWe have previously demonstrated thatLactobacillus paracaseiNCC2461 may help to prevent cow's milk allergy in mice by inducing oral tolerance to β-lactoglobulin (BLG). To investigate the mechanisms involved in this beneficial effect, we examined the possibility thatL. paracaseiinduces tolerance by hydrolyzing BLG-derived peptides and liberating peptides that stimulate interleukin-10 (IL-10) production.L. paracaseipeptidases have been shown to hydrolyze tryptic-chymotryptic peptides from BLG, releasing numerous small peptides with immunomodulating properties. We have now shown that acidic tryptic-chymotryptic peptides stimulate splenocyte proliferation and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production in vitro. Hydrolysis of these peptides withL. paracaseipeptidases repressed the lymphocyte stimulation, up-regulated IL-10 production, and down-regulated IFN-γ and IL-4 secretion.L. paracaseiNCC2461 may therefore induce oral tolerance to BLG in vivo by degrading acidic peptides and releasing immunomodulatory peptides stimulating regulatory T cells, which function as major immunosuppressive agents by secreting IL-10.
Development and Evaluation of a Tetraplex Flow Cytometric Assay for Quantitation of Serum Antibodies to
Neisseria meningitidis
Serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135
Authors: Lal Gouri , Balmer Paul , Joseph Helen , Dawson Maureen , Borrow Ray 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACT

A rapid and simple method for the simultaneous quantitation of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies specific for
Neisseria meningitidis
serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135 was developed and evaluated. Four bead sets were generated, each conjugated with one of the meningococcal capsular polysaccharides (A, C, Y, or W-135) and serologically assessed by the use of antimeningococcal international reference sera. Cross-reactivity studies demonstrated no inhibition between monoplex and multiplex assays, and the assay was linear over a 24-fold serum dilution range. Inhibition studies demonstrated that the assay is specific, with <25% heterologous inhibition occurring. The assay was also found to have low intra- and interassay variations and limits of detection ≤650 pg/ml. A comparison of the meningococcal bead assay with the standardized meningococcal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed a good correlation between the IgG concentrations obtained by each assay. The tetraplex assay has the potential to be an important addition to the serologic evaluation of meningococcal capsular polysaccharide conjugate vaccines.
Heterophile Antibody Interference in a Multiplexed Fluorescent Microsphere Immunoassay for Quantitation of Cytokines in Human Serum
Authors: Martins Thomas B. , Pasi Brian M. , Litwin Christine M. , Hill Harry R. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACT
While modern immunoassays provide sensitive and specific means for the quantitation of cytokines in biological fluids, heterophile antibodies are still a well-recognized cause of interference in the measurement of cytokines in these assays. We have developed a multiplexed fluorescent microsphere immunoassay for the simultaneous quantification of 10 cytokines in only 75 μl of serum. During the development of this multiplexed assay, the amount of assay interference due to heterophile antibodies was also determined, and methods for detecting heterophile interference and minimizing its effect were incorporated into the assay. Heterophile antibodies resulted in significantly elevated cytokine values compared to those of normal blood bank samples. These falsely elevated values, and thus the components of the assay the heterophile antibodies were binding to, were identified through the use of internal controls. This information was then used to design assay-specific blockers and absorbents that were shown to significantly reduce falsely elevated cytokine values while not affecting the standard and control values. The fluorescent multiplexed microsphere-based immunoassay can be used to quantitate multiple cytokines from a single sample and should be a useful tool in furthering our understanding of the role of cytokines in disease processes.
Circulating β (1-3) Glucan and Immunoglobulin G Subclass Antibodies toCandida albicansCell Wall Antigens in Patients with Systemic Candidiasis
Authors: Kondori N. , Edebo L. , Mattsby-Baltzer I. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTInvasive candidiasis in patients who are immunocompromised or in intensive care units (ICUs) presents both diagnostic and therapeutic problems. We previously described antibodies that were directed againstCandida albicanscell wall fragments (CW), periodate-treated CW (CWIO4), phosphopeptidomannan (PPM), and β(1-3) glucan. In this study, circulating fungal antigens [mannan and β(1-3) glucan] and immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass antibodies to these cell wall antigens (anti-CW) were analyzed in patients with systemic candidiasis. Sera were collected from 14 patients on two or three consecutive occasions, starting on the day when candidiasis was culture proven. The sera were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The control groups consisted of lactating mothers (n= 9) (group I) who had breast milk that was positive forC. albicansand also had acute inflammation of the nipples, and age-matched blood donors (n= 10) (group II). Within the first 3 weeks ofCandidainfection all of the patients were positive for β(1-3) glucan by the Gluspecy test, but no patients were positive for mannan in the less-sensitive PastorexCandidatest. The controls were negative for both β(1-3) glucan (<20 pg/ml) and mannan (<2.5 ng/ml). IgG1 anti-CW and IgG2 anti-PPM antibodies were the most discriminatory antibodies. The ratio of IgG1 anti-CW to IgG2 anti-PPM was significantly lower in nonsurviving patients than in the other patients within the first week of candidiasis (P= 0.019). The IgG2 levels of anti-CWIO4and antiglucan antibodies correlated strongly (r= 0.681;P< 0.0001), and the absence of these antibodies was associated with increased levels of β(1-3) glucan. Increased levels of IgG1 anti-CW or IgG2 anti-PPM antibodies (titer of ≥3 logs) or of a combination of the two antibodies (log sum, ≥5) showed 92% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and positive predictive values. In conclusion, β(1-3) glucan and the two subclass antibodies appear to be early specific markers for the laboratory diagnosis of candidiasis. Furthermore, the kinetics of β(1-3) glucan appearance in serum may assist in evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of antifungal treatments.
Establishment of an Animal Model Using Recombinant NOD.B10.D2Mice To Study Initial Adhesion of Oral Streptococci
Authors: Salam Mohammad Abdus , Matsumoto Naoko , Matin Khairul , Tsuha Yuzo , Nakao Ryoma , Hanada Nobuhiro , Senpuku Hidenobu 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTAn oral biofilm is a community of surface-attached microorganisms that coats the oral cavity, including the teeth, and provides a protective reservoir for oral microbial pathogens, which are the primary cause of persistent and chronic infectious diseases in patients with dry mouth or Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The purpose of this study was to establish an animal model for studying the initial adhesion of oral streptococci that cause biofilm formation in patients with dry mouth and SS in an attempt to decrease the influence of cariogenic organisms and their substrates. In nonobese diabetogenic (NOD) mice that spontaneously develop insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and SS, we replaced major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (Ag7Eg7) and class IDbwith MHC class II (AdEd) and class IDdfrom nondiabetic B10.D2 mice to produce an animal model that inhibited IDDM without affecting SS. The adhesion of oral streptococci, includingStreptococcus mutans, onto tooth surfaces was then investigated and quantified in homologous recombinant N5 (NOD.B10.D2) and N9 (NOD.B10.D2) mice. We found that a higher number of oral streptococci adhered to the tooth surfaces of N5 (NOD.B10.D2) and N9 (NOD.B10.D2) mice than to those of the control C57BL/6 and B10.D2 mice. On the basis of our observation, we concluded that these mouse models might be useful as animal models of dry mouth and SS for in vivo biological studies of oral biofilm formation on the tooth surfaces.
Molecular Expression of a Cysteine Proteinase of
Clonorchis sinensis
and Its Application to an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Immunodiagnosis of Clonorchiasis
Authors: Nagano Isao , Pei Fuquan , Wu Zhiliang , Wu Jun , Cui Huier , Boonmars Thidarut , Takahashi Yuzo 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACT

We produced a recombinant cysteine proteinase of
Clonorchis sinensis
and tested its value as an antigen for serologic diagnosis of
C. sinensis
infections. The predicted amino acid sequence of the cysteine proteinase of
C. sinensis
was 58, 48, and 40% identical to those of cathepsin L cysteine proteinases from
Paragonimus westermani
,
Schistosoma japonicum
, and
Fasciola hepatica
, respectively. Western blotting analysis showed that sera from patients infected with
C. sinensis
strongly reacted with the recombinant protein and that sera from patients infected with
S. japonicum
weakly reacted with the recombinant protein. Antibody against the recombinant protein stained proteins migrating at about 37 and 28 kDa in
C. sinensis
adult worm crude extracts. Immunostaining revealed that the cysteine proteinase of
C. sinensis
was located in the intestinal epithelial cells of the adult parasite and in intrauterine eggs. The specificity and sensitivity of the recombinant antigen or
C. sinensis
adult worm crude extracts were assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using serum samples from humans infected with different parasites, including 50 patients with clonorchiasis, and negative controls. The sensitivities of the ELISA with the recombinant antigen and
C. sinensis
adult worm crude extracts were 96 and 88%, respectively. The specificities of the ELISA with the recombinant antigen and
C. sinensis
adult worm crude extracts were 96.2 and 100%, respectively. The results suggested that the recombinant cysteine proteinase-based ELISA could provide a highly sensitive and specific assay for diagnosis of clonorchiasis.
Development of a Western Blot Assay for Detection of Antibodies against Coronavirus Causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Authors: He Qigai , Chong Kooi Hoong , Chng Hiok Hee , Leung Bernard , Ling Ai Ee , Wei Ting , Chan Shzu-Wei , Ooi Eng Eong , Kwang Jimmy 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACT

To identify a major antigenic determinant for use in the development of a rapid serological diagnostic test for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus infection and to study the immune response during SARS coronavirus infection in humans, we cloned the full length and six truncated fragments of the nucleocapsid gene, expressed them, and purified them as glutathione
S
-transferase-tagged recombinant proteins. The reactivities of the recombinant proteins to a panel of antibodies containing 33 SARS coronavirus-positive sera and 66 negative sera and to antibodies against other animal coronaviruses were screened. A truncated 195-amino-acid fragment from the C terminus of the nucleocapsid protein (N195) was identified that had a strong ability to detect antibodies against SARS coronavirus. No cross-reaction was found between the N195 protein and antibodies against chicken, pig, and canine coronaviruses. The N195 protein was used to develop a Western blot assay to detect antibodies against SARS coronavirus in 274 clinically blinded samples. The specificity and sensitivity of this test were 98.3 and 90.9%, respectively. The correlation between our Western blotting assay and an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was also analyzed. The results of our Western blot assay and IFA for the detection of SARS coronavirus-positive sera were the same. Thus, the N195 protein was identified as a suitable protein to be used as an antigen in Western blot and other possible assays for the detection of SARS coronavirus infection.