bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconsideration of the supposed naraoiid larva from the Early Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstätte, South China
Authors: Zhang Xing‐Liang , Han Jian , Zhang Zhi‐Fei , Liu Hu‐Qin , Shu De‐Gan 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe Chengjiang Lagerstätte in the Lower Cambrian of South China yields a small, larva‐like arthropod, which was considered to be a protaspis of naraoiids by many authors. The discovery of a large number of well‐preserved specimens from many new localities has allowed the original study to be revised. The relatively large size, stable morphology and unusual structure of the appendages indicate that these specimens represent adults of a new arthropod, Primicaris larvaformis. The larva‐like outline is considered to have arisen by the heterochronic process of progenesis. In addition, this animal displays primitive aspects of bodyplan and limb morphology that suggest a basal position within arachnomorphs, or perhaps even arthropods, and the similarities to the Vendian arthropod‐like animal Parvancorina probably provide an evolutionary link between Vendian forms and Cambrian arthropods.
Upper Silurian microplankton of the Leintwardine Group, Ludlow Series, in the type Ludlow area and adjacent regions
Authors: Richards Ruth E. , Mullins Gary L. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe acritarchs and prasinophyte algae from the Upper Bringewood, Lower Leintwardine, Upper Leintwardine and Lower Whitcliffe formations of the Ludlow type area and surrounding regions are described. The following new taxa are proposed: Cymatiosphaera pumila sp. nov., Melikeriopalla pustula sp. nov., Cheleutochroa beechenbankensis sp. nov., Cymbosphaeridium molyneuxii sp. nov., Flammulasphaera bella gen. et sp. nov., Percultisphaera incompta sp. nov., Salopidium aldridgei sp. nov. and Umbellasphaeridium? wicanderi sp. nov. A holotype is defined for Lophosphaeridium galeatum Hill and a further 34 new taxa are described under open nomenclature. Two biozones, identified by the first appearance of the zone taxon, are defined in the Sunnyhill section, Ludlow [Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Ludfordian Stage, Ludlow Series]. The base of the Leoniella vilis Biozone is identified at 4.52m below the top of the Upper Bringewood Formation at Beechenbank, Aymestrey. The base of the Triangulina sanpetrensis Biozone is identified at 15.49m above the base of the Lower Leintwardine Formation and Ludfordian Stage at the Sunnyhill section. These biozones allow correlation with sections in north–west Spain, Podolia and Gotland. The possibility of using Visbysphaera whitcliffense and U.? wicanderi as biozonal indicators is suggested.
Comparison of various dimethylsulphoxide‐containing solutions for cryopreservation of leucoreduced platelet concentrates
Authors: Dijkstra‐Tiekstra M. J. , De Korte D. , Pietersz R. N. I. , Reesink H. W. , Van Der Meer P. F. , Verhoeven A. J. 
Published: November 2003

Background and Objectives  Leucoreduced platelet concentrates (LR‐PCs) can be stored at 20–24 °C for 5–7 days. When LR‐PCs are cryopreserved they can be stored for several years. For cryopreservation to become applicable in blood‐bank practice, an off‐the‐shelf cryoprotectant is needed that can be added to the LR‐PC in a sterile manner. For this, we varied the composition of the cryopreservation medium and studied various parameters of cryopreserved LR‐PCs for up to 24 h after thawing at room temperature.Materials and Methods  LR‐PCs in plasma or Composol were concentrated and divided into 2 units. To each unit, an equal part of 10% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in plasma, Composol with or without 5% albumin, or GPO (pasteurized plasma‐protein solution) was added. Freezing occurred at 1 °C/min and LR‐PCs were placed in the vapour phase of nitrogen. LR‐PCs were thawed at 37 °C and stored at room temperature. LR‐PCs were tested for morphology, platelet recovery, swirling effect, and activation antigens at various time‐points thereafter.Results  LR‐PCs in 100%, 65% and 50% plasma supplemented with Composol showed good morphology scores (> 250), limited CD62P expression (< 35%), low CD63 expression (< 20%) and a swirling effect of about 2, at 24 h after thawing. At the same time‐point, platelet recovery was > 80% under all conditions and CD42b expression varied between 70 and 85%. Results of LR‐PCs in 15% plasma and Composol, with or without plasma substitutes, were not acceptable at 24 h after thawing, i.e. the morphology score was < 200 and the CD62P expression was > 40%.Conclusions  A minimum of 50% plasma in the cryopreserved LR‐PC is necessary to maintain an acceptable in vitro quality of platelets up to 24 h after thawing. Composol is a good candidate for using to prepare an off‐the‐shelf cryoprotectant.
Prenatal genotyping ofRHDandSRYusing maternal blood
Authors: Randen I. , Hauge R. , Kjeldsen‐Kragh J. , Fagerhol M. K. 
Published: November 2003

Background and Objectives The aim of the study was to perform fetalRHDgenotyping in maternal plasma using a fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Duplex PCR, amplifyingRHDandSRYin the same tube, was undertaken. The effect of varying storage temperatures on the concentration of fetal DNA was investigated in a separate study involving 10 RhD‐negative pregnant women.Materials and Methods Primers and probes for theRHDgene's exon 7 and the sex‐determining region, Y, were designed, and monoplex and duplex PCR were performed. Blood samples from 10 RhD‐negative women were split into four and treated in four different ways before measuring the concentration of fetal DNA by quantitative PCR.Results DNA extracted from the plasma of 114 RhD‐negative pregnant women was tested for the presence of fetalRHD. The discrepancy between genotyping and serological RhD typing of the babies postpartum was 8% when counting one positive replicate as a positive result. Duplex PCR, amplifyingRHDandSRYin the same tube, showed a reduced sensitivity for amplification of theSRYgene segment. There was a statistically significant reduction of fetal DNA in blood samples stored at room temperature for 48 h compared with the same sample stored at a temperature of < 10 °C for the same length of time.Conclusions This method is not suitable for routine analysis because of the lack of a positive control forRHD‐negative female fetuses and a decrease in PCR sensitivity when performing duplex PCR. Fetal DNA in maternal plasma is better preserved when the blood sample is kept cool.
Tolerance of granulocyte donors towards granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor stimulation and of patients towards granulocyte transfusions: results of a multicentre study
Authors: Bux J. , Cassens U. , Dielschneider T. , Duchscherer M. , Edel E. , Eichler H. , Haas C. , Moog R. , Peschke H. , Peters C. , Ryzenkov I. , Schlenke P. , Ullrich H. , Wiesneth M. 
Published: November 2003

Data of 507 granulocyte donations from 183 donors were evaluated. No severe granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐related side‐effects were observed. Three donors complained of severe itching following infusion of hydroxyethyl starch (HES). A high proportion (85%) of the donors stated that they would donate granulocytes again. The mean granulocyte yield was 4·3 × 1010. High‐molecular‐weight HES resulted in a significantly higher yield compared with low‐molecular‐weight HES. Mild, but no severe, adverse transfusion reactions were observed in 16% of the recipients. A leucocyte alloimmunization rate of 24% was found. G‐CSF stimulation and transfusion of G‐CSF‐mobilized granulocytes were well tolerated by donors and recipients, respectively.
Inverse regulation of the ADAM‐family members, decysin and MADDAM/ADAM19 during monocyte differentiation
Authors: Fritsche Jana , Müller Alexandra , Hausmann Martin , Rogler Gerhard , Andreesen Reinhard , Kreutz Marina 
Published: November 2003

SummaryTwo members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease)‐family, MADDAM and decysin, were described as dendritic cell (DC) maturation markers. We are interested in monocyte differentiation and investigated in particular the expression pattern of both genes during the differentiation of human monocytes into DC and macrophages (MAC). Both genes are weakly expressed in freshly isolated monocytes. In immature DC decysin mRNA was absent, even after induction of the terminal differentiation of DC by CD40L or tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Only in DC maturated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) strong signals of decysin mRNA were detected. However, MADDAM mRNA was expressed in immature DC and the expression was markedly increased after induction of the terminal DC differentiation by various stimuli. In contrast, MAC showed a high constitutive decysin mRNA expression, but expressed no MADDAM mRNA. On protein level similar results of MADDAM expression were obtained. Stimulation of MAC by LPS did not induce MADDAM mRNA expression, while decysin mRNA expression was strongly increased. Further investigations revealed that the well‐known inducer of MAC differentiation, 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 up‐regulated decysin mRNA expression during the differentiation of primary monocytes and myelomonocytic THP‐1 cells into MAC. In vivo decysin mRNA expression was only detected in human colon, but not in other tissues we examined. Accordingly, isolated intestinal MAC expressed decysin mRNA. In conclusion, decysin and MADDAM mRNA expression were regulated in an opposite way during monocyte differentiation: MADDAM mRNA and protein was mainly detected in DC, whereas decysin mRNA expression was mainly found in MAC. Therefore only MADDAM, but not decysin is a suitable marker for human monocyte‐derived DC.
Porcine peripheral blood dendritic cells and natural interferon‐producing cells
Authors: Summerfield Artur , Guzylack‐Piriou Laurence , Schaub Alexander , Carrasco Carlos P. , Tâche Valerie , Charley Bernard , McCullough Kenneth C. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryPeripheral blood contains two major particular infrequent dendritic cells (DC) subsets linking the innate and specific immune system, the myeloid DC and plasmacytoid DC equivalent to the natural interferon‐producing cells (NIPC). The functional characterization of these cells demands large volumes of blood, making a large animal model more appropriate and beneficial for certain studies. Here, two subsets of porcine blood mononuclear cells expressing swine workshop cluster 3 (SWC3, a SIRP family member), are described and compared to monocytes. The blood DC specialized in T‐cell stimulation were major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+, CD80/86+, CD1+/–, CD4−, and in contrast to monocytes CD14−. A CD16− and a CD16+ subset could be discriminated. Granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and interleukin‐3 were survival factors for this DC subset, and culture induced an up‐regulation of MHC class II and CD80/86. The second subset described, are porcine NIPC, typically CD4++, MHC class IIlow, CD80/86low, CD1−, CD8−/low, CD16−/low and CD45RA−/low. Porcine NIPC had high interleukin‐3 binding capacity, and survived in response to this cytokine. Their unique function was strong interferon type I secretion after virus stimulation. Both subsets were endocytically active when freshly isolated, and down‐regulated this activity after in vitro maturation. Taken together, the present report has delineated porcine blood DC and NIPC, permitting a more detailed understanding of innate immune defences, particularly in response to infections.
B‐cell antigen‐receptor signalling in lymphocyte development
Authors: Wang Leo D. , Clark Marcus R. 
Published: November 2003

SummarySignalling through the B‐cell antigen receptor (BCR) is required throughout B‐cell development and peripheral maturation. Targeted disruption of BCR components or downstream effectors indicates that specific signalling mechanisms are preferentially required for central B‐cell development, peripheral maturation and repertoire selection. Additionally, the avidity and the context in which antigen is encountered determine both cell fate and differentiation in the periphery. Although the signalling and receptor components required at each stage have been largely elucidated, the molecular mechanisms through which specific signalling are evoked at each stage are still obscure. In particular, it is not known how the pre‐BCR initiates the signals required for normal development or how immature B cells regulate the signalling pathways that determine cell fate. In this review, we will summarize the recent studies that have defined the molecules required for B‐cell development and maturation as well as the theories on how signals may be regulated at each stage.
Parental allergic status influences the risk of developing allergic sensitization and an asthmatic‐like phenotype in canine offspring
Authors: Barrett Edward G. , Rudolph Karin , Bowen Larry E. , Bice David E. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryIncreasing evidence suggests that parental allergic status, especially that of the mother, may play a unique and important role in influencing the development of fetal infant immune responses to inhaled allergens, independently of genetic predisposition. We have developed an experimental model in dogs where the offspring from allergic parents, when exposed to inhaled allergen, develop allergic sensitization and an asthmatic phenotype, whereas the offspring from non‐allergic parents do not. Offspring from ragweed‐sensitized (two litters, n = 10) or non‐sensitized (two litters, n = 11) Beagle dogs were exposed repeatedly, by inhalation, to ragweed or filtered air (negative control) beginning within 1 week after birth. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin (Ig)E, and ragweed‐specific IgE and IgG, were measured at specific time‐points up to 40 weeks after birth. Cell differentials in the bronchoalveolar lavage were determined on days 1 and 4 following ragweed instillation into the offspring's lungs at 26 weeks of age. Changes in pulmonary resistance following challenge with histamine and ragweed (five breaths) were measured at 40 weeks after birth. Offspring from sensitized parents exposed to ragweed developed elevated serum total IgE and ragweed‐specific IgE and IgG, and showed an increased pulmonary resistance to histamine and ragweed, and increased numbers of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage. In contrast, offspring from non‐sensitized parents did not exhibit this immune response. These results suggest that parental allergic sensitivity is important in the development of allergic sensitization and an asthmatic phenotype in the offspring.
DEC‐205lo Langerinlo neonatal Langerhans' cells preferentially utilize a wortmannin‐sensitive, fluid‐phase pathway to internalize exogenous antigen
Authors: Bellette Bernadette M. , Woods Gregory M. , Wozniak Teresa , Doherty Kathleen V. , Muller H. Konrad 
Published: November 2003

SummaryAntigen treatment of neonatal epidermis results in antigen‐specific immune suppression. Compared with adult counterparts, neonatal Langerhans' cells (LC) demonstrate an impaired ability to transport antigen to the lymph node (LN). As it is possible that neonatal LC have a reduced ability to endocytose antigen, we evaluated the acquisition of endocytic function, the expression of uptake receptors and the internalization of soluble and small particulate antigens in neonatal, juvenile and adult mice. Although LC from 4‐day‐old mice were weakly positive for the mannose‐type receptor, Langerin, they were capable of internalizing fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐dextran, but to a lesser extent than LC from 6‐week‐old mice. However, when ratio data were calculated to account for variations in fluorescence intensity at 4°, it was demonstrated that neonatal LC continued to internalize antigen over a longer period of time than adult mice and, as the ratios were much higher, that neonatal cells were also relatively more efficient in antigen uptake. When receptors for mannan and mannose were competitively blocked, LC from neonatal mice, but not adult mice, could still efficiently internalize FITC–dextran. Consequently, the uptake of FITC–dextran, in part, occurred via alternative receptors or a receptor‐independent fluid‐phase pathway. A feasible pathway is macropinocytosis, as LC from 4‐day‐old mice demonstrated a reduction in FITC–dextran internalization by the macropinocytosis inhibitor, wortmannin. Evidence of a functional macropinocytosis pathway in neonatal LC was further supported by internalization of the soluble tracer Lucifer Yellow (LY). We conclude that neonatal LC preferentially utilize a wortmannin‐sensitive, fluid‐phase pathway, rather than receptor‐mediated endocytosis, to internalize antigen. As neonatal LC are capable of sampling their environment without inducing immunity, this may serve to avoid inappropriate immune responses during the neonatal period.
Up‐regulation of granulomatous inflammation in interleukin‐6 knockout mice infected with Rhodococcus aurantiacus
Authors:   Yimin, Kohanawa Masashi , Minagawa Tomonori 
Published: November 2003

SummaryAfter intravenous injection of Rhodococcus aurantiacus normal mice develop non‐necrotic granulomas, the formation of which is dependent on endogenous interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). In the early phase of R. aurantiacus infection a high level of endogenous interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is detected in the spleen extracts, though its importance is unknown. Using IL‐6 knockout (IL‐6−/−) mice, we studied the role of IL‐6 in granulomatous inflammation induced by R. aurantiacus. The size of granulomas generated in IL‐6−/− mice was significantly larger than that of wild‐type (IL‐6+/+) mice at 2 weeks postinjection (p.i). Moreover, central necrosis of the granuloma was observed in IL‐6−/− mice but not in IL‐6+/+ controls. Titres of endogenous IFN‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were markedly increased in the spleens and livers of IL‐6−/− mice in comparison with IL‐6+/+ mice at days 1 through 3 p.i. In vivo administration of either an anti‐IFN‐γ monoclonal antibody (mAb) or anti‐TNF‐α mAb to IL‐6−/− mice reduced the number and size of granulomas, and prevented formation of necrotic granulomas. In addition, the production of endogenous IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in the early phase of R. aurantiacus infection by IL‐6−/− mice was suppressed by treatment with recombinant IL‐6 (rIL‐6). This suppression of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α production was followed by a reduction in the number and size of central necrotic granulomas at 2 weeks p.i. These findings suggest that overproduction of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α induces central necrotic granuloma formation in IL‐6−/− mice, and that IL‐6 down‐regulates granulomatous inflammation reaction in response to R. aurantiacus infection by modulating production of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α.
HCV‐specific CD27− CD28− memory T cells are depleted in hepatitis C virus and Schistosoma mansoni co‐infection
Authors: Elrefaei Mohamed , El‐sheikh Nabila , Kamal Karim , Cao Huyen 
Published: November 2003

SummaryFactors that influence the generation and maintenance of memory CD8+ T cells are not fully understood. The homeostasis of memory T cells is highly dynamic and tightly regulated by various stimuli, including cytokines and antigen–major histocompatibility complex ligands. We characterized the hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses in a cohort of HCV‐infected individuals with or without Schistosoma mansoni co‐infection from Egypt. We observed a significantly decreased CD27− CD28− (late differentiated) memory T‐cell population in the HCV co‐infected individuals compared to those with HCV infection alone. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the CD27+ CD28+ (early differentiated) memory T cells between the two groups. Analysis of human cytomegalovirus‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses in the same individuals failed to reveal a similar pattern of altered memory T‐cell differentiation. Thus, S. mansoni co‐infection targets a specific subset of memory CD8+ T cells in HCV infection.
Innate immune response to encephalomyocarditis virus infection mediated by CD1d
Authors: Exley Mark A. , Bigley Nancy J. , Cheng Olivia , Shaulov Angela , Tahir Syed Muhammad Ali , Carter Quincy L. , Garcia Jorge , Wang Carren , Patten Kurt , Stills Harold F. , Alt Frederick W. , Snapper Scott B. , Balk Steven P. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryCD1d‐reactive natural killer T (NKT) cells can rapidly produce T helper type 1 (Th1) and/or Th2 cytokines, can activate antigen‐presenting cell (APC) interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) production, and are implicated in the regulation of adaptive immune responses. The role of the CD1d system was assessed during infection with encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV‐D), a picornavirus that causes acute diabetes, paralysis and myocarditis. EMCV‐D resistance depends on IL‐12‐mediated interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production. CD1d‐deficient mice, which also lack CD1d‐reactive NKT cells, were substantially more sensitive to infection with EMCV‐D. Infected CD1d knockout mice had decreased IL‐12 levels in vitro and in vivo, and indeed were protected by treatment with exogenous IL‐12. IFN‐γ production in CD1d knockout mice was decreased compared with that in wild‐type (WT) mice in response to EMCV‐D in vitro, although differences were not detected in vivo. Treatment with anti‐asialo‐GM1 antibody, to deplete NK cells, caused a marked increase in susceptibility of WT mice to EMCV‐D infection, whereas CD1d knockout mice were little affected, suggesting that NK‐cell‐mediated protection is CD1d‐dependent. Therefore, these data indicate that CD1d is essential for optimal responses to acute picornaviral infection. We propose that CD1d‐reactive T cells respond to early immune signals and function in the innate immune response to a physiological viral infection by rapidly augmenting APC IL‐12 production and activating NK cells.
Insights into the regulation of transcription by scanning force microscopy
Authors: Dame R. T. , Wyman C. , Goosen N. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryThe scanning force microscope (SFM) is a valuable tool for the structural analysis of complexes between protein(s) and DNA. In recent years the application of scanning force microscopy to the field of transcription regulation has been reported in numerous studies. Using this technique, novel insights could be obtained into the architecture and dynamics of complexes, which are relevant to the transcription process and the mechanisms by which this process is regulated. In this article an overview is given of SFM studies addressing, in particular, topics in the field of transcription in prokaryotic organisms.
Encapsulated yeast cells inside Paramecium primaurelia: a model system for protection capability of polyelectrolyte shells
Authors: Krol S. , Cavalleri O. , Ramoino P. , Gliozzi A. , Diaspro A. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryOne of the most promising applications of encapsulated living cells is their use as protected transplanted tissue into the human body. A suitable system for the protection of living cells is the use of nano‐ or microcapsules of polyelectrolytes. These shells can be deposited easily on top of the cells by means of a layer‐by‐layer technique. An interesting feature of the capsules is the possibility to control their properties on a nanometre level, tuning their wall texture via the preparation conditions. Here we introduce a model system to test the protection ability of polyelectrolyte capsules. Common bakery yeast cells were encapsulated. They were coated with a fluorescently labelled shell at conditions known to guarantee cell survival, and the cell interior was stained with DAPI. The protozoan Paramecium primaurelia was incubated with this double‐stained living yeast and visualized by means of two‐photon excitation fluorescence microscopy. Cross‐sections of the dye‐stained material as well as autofluorescence of the fixed protozoan allowed us to follow the digestion of the coated yeast with time. Our investigation reveals that capsules prepared under these deposition conditions are permeable to lysosomal enzymes, leading to degradation of the yeast inside the intact capsules. Our preliminary results indicate the suitability of the introduced model as a test system of this permeability.