bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
2F3 Monoclonal Antibody Recognizes the O26 O-Antigen Moiety of the Lipopolysaccharide of EnterohemorrhagicEscherichia coliStrain 4276
Authors: Szalo I. M. , Taminiau B. , Goffaux F. , Pirson V. , McCappin J. , Ball H. J. , Mainil J. G. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTEnterohemorrhagicEscherichia coli(EHEC) and enteropathogenicE. coli(EPEC) organisms are groups of pathogenic strains whose infections are characterized by a typical lesion of enterocyte attachment and effacement. They are involved in enteric diseases both in humans and in animals, and EHEC strains can be responsible for hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans. Previously, it was shown that the 2F3 monoclonal antibody (MAb) is specific for the O26 EHEC and EPEC strains (P. Kerr, H. Ball, B. China, J. Mainil, D. Finlay, D. Pollock, I. Wilson, and D. Mackie, Clin. Diagn. Lab. Immunol.6:610-614, 1999). As these groups of bacteria play an important role in pathology, the aim of this paper was to characterize the antigen recognized by the 2F3 MAb and its genetic determinant. A genomic locus containing the entire O-antigen gene cluster and half of the colanic acid gene cluster from an O26 EHEC strain was shown to be sufficient for the production of the antigen recognized by the 2F3 MAb in anE. coliDH5α strain. By transposon mutagenesis performed on the recombinant plasmid, all 2F3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-negative mutants had their transposons inserted into the O-antigen gene cluster. The O-antigen gene cluster was also cloned from an O26 EHEC strain into theE. coliDH5α strain, which then produced a positive result with the 2F3 MAb. Further analysis of the type of lipopolysaccharides (smooth or rough) produced by the clones and mutants and of the O antigen of the 2F3-positive clones confirmed that the epitope recognized by the 2F3 MAb is located on the O antigen in the O26 EHEC and EPEC strains and that its genetic determinant is located inside the O-antigen gene cluster.
Interleukin-8 Response in an Intestinal HCT-8 Cell Line Infected with Enteroaggregative and Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Huang David B. , DuPont Herbert L. , Jiang Zhi-Dong , Carlin Lily , Okhuysen Pablo C. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

This study examined the interleukin-8 (IL-8) response of the intestinal adenocarcinoma HCT-8 cell line to infection with enteroaggregative and enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
pathotypes isolated from patients with travelers' diarrhea. Individual diarrheagenic
E. coli
strains (enteroaggregative
E. coli
[EAEC];
n
= 30), heat-stable enterotoxin (ST)-producing enterotoxigenic
E. coli
(ETEC ST;
n
= 11), heat-labile enterotoxin (LT)-producing enterotoxigenic
E. coli
(ETEC LT;
n
= 10), and ST- and LT-producing enterotoxigenic
E. coli
(ETEC ST:LT;
n
= 8) were coincubated with HCT-8 cells for 3 h. Tissue culture supernatants were assayed for IL-8 content by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fifty percent of EAEC (72% of those EAEC carrying the virulence factors
aggR
,
aggA
, and
aspU
and 40% of those EAEC not carrying virulence factors) and 64% of ETEC ST elicited IL-8 production. In contrast, 10% of ETEC LT elicited the production of IL-8 above baseline. These results suggest that (i) the HCT-8 cell line infection model can be used as a tool to differentiate proinflammatory
E. coli
from noninflammatory isolates; (ii) EAEC has a heterogeneous ability to induce the production of IL-8, and this may be associated with the presence of virulence factors; and (iii) ETEC ST can elicit an inflammatory response and helps explain our earlier findings of increased fecal IL-8 in patients with ETEC diarrhea.
Use of a Synthetic Peptide Epitope of Asp f 1, a Major Allergen or Antigen ofAspergillus fumigatus, for Improved Immunodiagnosis of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Madan Taruna , Priyadarsiny Priyanka , Vaid Mudit , Kamal Neel , Shah Ashok , Haq Wahajul , Katti Seturam Bandacharya , Sarma P. Usha 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTAllergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immunologically complex allergic disorder caused by the fungal pathogenAspergillus fumigatus. Elevated levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), specific IgE, and IgG antibodies in sera are important immunodiagnostic criteria for ABPA. International reference standards or standardized immunodiagnostic assays are not available due to a lack of well-defined diagnostic antigens. The present study was carried out to identify and evaluate the immunodiagnostic relevance of synthetic epitopic peptides of Asp f 1, a major allergen, antigen, or cytotoxin ofA. fumigatus. Five overlapping peptides were synthesized from the N terminus of Asp f 1, one of the potential immunodominant regions predicted by algorithmic programs. The 11-amino-acid synthetic peptide (P1) significantly inhibited both IgG binding (89.10% ± 4.45%) and IgE binding (77.32% ± 3.38%) of the standardized diagnostic antigen (SDA) (a well-defined pool of diagnostically relevant allergens and antigens ofA. fumigatus). With a panel of sera of ABPA patients, allergic patients with skin test negativity toA. fumigatus, and healthy individuals, P1 showed a higher diagnostic efficiency than SDA (specific IgG, 100%; specific IgE, 98.3%). The diagnostic efficiency of P1 could be attributed to the presence of homologous epitopes in various immunodominant allergens or antigens ofA. fumigatus. The ability of P1 to induce histamine release from sensitized mast cells and a Th2 type of cytokine profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of ABPA patients suggests its potential for use in intradermal testing. P1 could be further explored for development of a standardized, specific, and sensitive immunodiagnostic test for aspergillosis.
Immunosuppressive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Nicotine Administered by Patch in an Animal Model
Authors: Kalra Roma , Singh Shashi P. , Pena-Philippides Juan C. , Langley Raymond J. , Razani-Boroujerdi Seddigheh , Sopori Mohan L. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTTo study the immunological effects of nicotine, there are several rodent models for chronic nicotine administration. These models include subcutaneously implanted miniosmotic pumps, nicotine-spiked drinking water, and self-administration via jugular cannulae. Administration of nicotine via these routes affects the immune system. Smokers frequently use nicotine patches to quit smoking, and the immunological effects of nicotine patches are largely unknown. To determine whether the nicotine patch affects the immune system, nicotine patches were affixed daily onto the backs of Lewis rats for 3 to 4 weeks. The patches efficiently raised the levels of nicotine and cotinine in serum and strongly inhibited the antibody-forming cell response of spleen cells to sheep red blood cells. The nicotine patch also suppressed the concanavalin A-induced T-cell proliferation and mobilization of intracellular Ca2+by spleen cells, as well as the fever response of animals to subcutaneous administration of turpentine. Moreover, immunosuppression was associated with chronic activation of protein tyrosine kinase and phospholipase C-γ1 activities. Thus, in this animal model of nicotine administration, the nicotine patch efficiently raises the levels of nicotine and cotinine in serum and impairs both the immune and inflammatory responses.
Effects of Feeding a Probiotic Preparation (SIM) Containing Inulin on the Severity of Colitis and on the Composition of the Intestinal Microflora in HLA-B27 Transgenic Rats
Authors: Schultz M. , Munro K. , Tannock G. W. , Melchner I. , Göttl C. , Schwietz H. , Schölmerich J. , Rath H. C. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

An overly aggressive immune response to the intestinal microflora in a genetically susceptible host background has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. We measured the impact of a probiotic preparation (SIM) containing inulin on the severity of colitis and on intestinal microflora profiles of HLA-B27-β
2
-microglobulin transgenic (TG) rats. SIM is a mixture of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and inulin. Two-month-old TG rats received either SIM or water. Control TG rats received metronidazole, alone or in combination with SIM, for 8 weeks. Nontransgenic rats received SIM or water. The cecal content was removed for analysis of the intestinal microflora by PCR combined with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The colon was scored for histological evidence of inflammation, colonic myeloperoxidase activity and interleukin-1β RNA levels were measured photometrically or by real-time quantitative PCR. At 4 months, the colonic inflammation of TG rats treated with SIM was histologically diminished compared to that in untreated TG rats (2.2 ± 0.2 versus 2.9 ± 0.1;
P
≤ 0.03). The administration of SIM altered the microflora profiles of TG rats by increasing the diversity and stimulating specifically the growth of
Bifidobacterium animalis
. The probiotic bacteria added to SIM were below the detection level in cecal stool samples at the end of the study period. The administration of SIM resulted in a measurable impact on the cecal microflora profiles of TG rats with attenuation of colitis. The lack of detection of any added probiotic bacteria in the cecal content suggests that prebiotic inulin is the major effective compound.
Transgenic Mice Showing Inflammation-Inducible Overexpression of Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
Authors: Burke B. , Pridmore A. , Harraghy N. , Collick A. , Brown J. , Mitchell T. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTWe used the promoter of the human C-reactive protein (CRP) gene to drive inflammation-inducible overexpression of the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in transgenic mice. Transgenic mice carrying a CRP/GM-CSF fusion gene show a >150-fold increases in circulating levels of GM-CSF within 6 h of intraperitoneal inoculation with 25 μg of lipopolysaccharide. However, some of the transgenic mice also display relatively high basal levels of GM-CSF in the absence of any obvious inflammatory stimulus. Raised basal levels of GM-CSF are associated with a number of pathological changes, including enlarged and histologically abnormal livers and spleens and with increases in the number and activation state of macrophages and granulocytes in the peripheral blood. Despite problems associated with the expression of such a potent pleiotropic cytokine as GM-CSF, the principle of inflammation-inducible expression of chimeric constructs has been shown to be feasible. Inducible expression systems such as that described here could be of potential use in the study of the role of cytokines in health and disease and in the development of disease-resistant strains of livestock.
Interlaboratory Reliability of Microimmunofluorescence Test for Measurement ofChlamydia pneumoniae-Specific Immunoglobulin A and G Antibody Titers
Authors: Littman Alyson J. , Jackson Lisa A. , White Emily , Thornquist Mark D. , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Vaughan Thomas L. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTTo evaluate the reliability ofChlamydia pneumoniae-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA antibody titers as measured by the microimmunofluorescence (MIF) test, we compared results from 392 individuals using a standard MIF protocol at two academic laboratories. The kappas for dichotomous titers (≥16 versus <16) were 0.39 for IgA and 0.53 for IgG. Measurement error likely attenuatesC. pneumoniae-disease associations; the magnitude of attenuation can be estimated from results of studies such as this one.
Evaluation of Commercial Immunoassays for Detection of Antibody against
Helicobacter pylori
in Thai Dyspeptic Patients
Authors: Hanvivatvong Orrawadee , Pongpanich Atinop , Thong-Ngam Duangporn , Thammacharoenrach Niramol , Kullavanijaya Pinit 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACT

The performance of five immunoassays for detection of immunoglobulin G antibody against
Helicobacter pylori
in 191 dyspeptic patients was evaluated. The sensitivities, specificities, accuracies, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values ranged from 86.32 to 97.89%, 57.95 to 72.22%, 77.02 to 83.76%, 71.54 to 77.42%, and 83.33 to 96.23%, respectively. The immunoglobulin A test kit also gave a high sensitivity and negative predictive value (95.79 and 91.40%, respectively), while the specificity was relatively low (51.14%).
Gender-Related Cytokine Patterns in Sera of Schistosomiasis Patients with Symmers' Fibrosis
Authors: Silva-Teixeira David Nascimento , Contigli Cristiane , Lambertucci José Roberto , Serufo José Carlos , Rodrigues Virmondes 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTCytokine levels were compared between schistosomiasis patients affected by intense fibrosis defined by ultrasound examination and graded from F-0 to F-3. The concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, gamma interferon, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of serum samples. Levels of IL-4, IL-5, and TNF-α in the sera of F-3 patients were significantly higher than those found in F-0 individuals, while levels of IL-13 were lower. Levels of IL-4, IL-5, and TNF-α in serum were significantly higher in F-3 males than in F-0 males or F-3 females. Conversely, levels of IL-13 were significantly lower in F-3 females than in F-0 females and males.
Hyperglycaemic crises and lactic acidosis in diabetes mellitus
Authors: English P , Williams G 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar state, and lactic acidosis represent three of the most serious acute complications of diabetes. There have been some advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of these conditions over the last three decades, together with more uniform agreement on their treatment and innovations in technology. Accordingly their incidence, morbidity, and mortality are decreasing, but at rates that fall short of our aspirations. Hyperglycaemic crises in particular remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic populations around the world. In this article, understanding of these conditions and advances in their management, and the available guidelines for their treatment, are reviewed. As far as is possible, the recommendations are based on clear published evidence; failing that, what is considered to be a common sense synthesis of consensus guidelines and recommendations is provided.
Tropical pyomyositis (myositis tropicans): current perspective
Authors: Chauhan S , Jain S , Varma S , Chauhan S S 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Tropical pyomyositis, a disease often seen in tropical countries, is characterised by suppuration within skeletal muscles, manifesting as single or multiple abscesses. The most common organism implicated is Staphylococcus aureus. In 20%–50% of cases there is a history of trauma to the affected muscles. Commonly involved muscles are quadriceps, glutei, pectoralis major, serratus anterior, biceps, iliopsoas, gastrocnemius, abdominal and spinal muscles. Early diagnosis is often missed because of lack of specific signs, unfamiliarity with the disease, atypical manifestations, and a wide range of differential diagnosis. Diagnostic techniques like ultrasound and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging are very useful in diagnosis. The diagnosis is confirmed either by biopsy or aspiration of pus from the affected muscles. The initial antibiotic of choice is cloxacillin. Incision and drainage are important components of management. Treatment for Gram negative or anaerobic organisms should be instituted, whenever indicated. Physicians should become more familiar with this potentially life threatening but curable infective disease entity.
Barriers to physical activity in patients with diabetes
Authors: Thomas N , Alder E , Leese G P 
Published: May 2004

Abstract

Purpose
Two questions were addressed: (1) How much physical activity do patients with diabetes perform? (2) What are the perceived factors that prevent patients from doing more physical activity?

Research design and methods
Interview based questionnaires were distributed to consecutive patients attending the Diabetes Clinic, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee over a period of five months. Exclusion criteria were age below 20 years and inadequate understanding of English; 428 questionnaires were given out with 406 completed.

Results
Physical activity was undertaken by 34% of patients with diabetes and only 9% of these patients exercised sufficiently to achieve a large change in heart rate or breathing. The main reasons for inactivity included perceived difficulty taking part in exercise, feelings of tiredness, and being distracted by something good on television. Lack of time and lack of local facilities also contributed.

Conclusions
Few patients with diabetes participate in physical activity, and in those who do the level of intensity is low. There are many modifiable factors distracting patients from exercise.
Use of diuretics in cardiovascular disease: (2) hypertension
Authors: Shah S U , Anjum S , Littler W A 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
Hypertension is a common condition associated with increased mortality and multiple morbidities. Evidence based management of hypertension is known to improve both the short term and the long term outcomes in patients with this condition. There are several general measures and pharmacological agents that are known to treat hypertension adequately. Diuretics, in particular low dose thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics, are widely used in the treatment of hypertension. They have excellent outcome data and high safety and low side effects profiles. In this article, the physiology, pharmacological actions, side effects, and outcome data of the use of diuretics in hypertension are reviewed. In addition, the effective use of diuretics in the management of hypertension is discussed.
Acute ischaemic colitis due to hypotension and amoxicillin allergy
Authors: Pérez-Carral C , Carreira J , Vidal C 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
A case of acute ischaemic colitis, confirmed by colonoscopy and colon biopsy, caused by IgE mediated allergy to amoxicillin is presented. The damage to the gut seemed to occur as a result of the hypotension suffered during the anaphylactic episode.
Massive pleural effusion and marked increase of CA-125
Authors: Hussain S F , Grayez J , Grigorian A , Green J T 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The tumour associated CA-125 antigen is widely used in monitoring ovarian carcinoma. In women with a massive pleural effusion and ascites, markedly increased CA-125 levels may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Very high levels of tumour markers may be present in patients with benign pleural effusion, ascites, and chronic liver disease. Raised levels of tumour markers in serum or pleural fluid, in the absence of positive cytology, should be interpreted with caution.
Professional-patient relationships and informed consent
Authors: Messer N G 
Published: May 2004

AbstractFour theoretical ethical perspectives on professional-patient relationships—autonomy, justice, virtue ethics, and the ethic of care—are surveyed, and some of their implications for the informed consent requirement in health care are sketched out. The practical issues of competence to consent, adequate information, and voluntariness are reviewed, and examples are given of the ways in which the theoretical perspectives outlined earlier might inform practice in areas such as these. Finally, the situation of patients not competent to consent is considered in the light of the same theoretical perspectives.
Idiopathic perianal pruritus: washing compared with topical corticosteroids
Authors: Öztaş M O , Öztaş P , Önder M 
Published: May 2004

Abstract

Background
Idiopathic perianal pruritus is a poorly managed condition. Topical corticosteroids are effective in idiopathic perianal pruritus, but they may cause some side effects. In this study, the effectiveness of topical steroids were compared with perianal cleansers in the treatment of idiopathic perianal pruritus.

Patients and methods
Seventy two patients with the complaint of perianal pruritus were evaluated; 60 of the 72 patients were found to be idiopathic. Twenty eight patients were treated with topical steroids and 32 patients were treated only with a liquid cleanser.

Results
At the end of this two week period, cleansers were found to be as effective as topical corticosteroids.

Conclusion
This study shows that perianal cleansers can be used as a safe first step treatment in idiopathic perianal pruritus.
Diagnosis of tuberculous aetiology in pericardial effusions
Authors: Cherian G 
Published: May 2004

Abstract
The diagnosis of tuberculous aetiology in pericardial effusions is important since the prognosis is excellent with specific treatment. The clinical features may not be distinctive and the diagnosis could be missed particularly with tamponade. With the spread of HIV infection the incidence has increased. The diagnosis largely depends on histopathology of the pericardial tissue or culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from this tissue or fluid, but patients without haemodynamic compromise do not require pericardiocentesis. Histopathology may, however, show non-specific findings in a significant number. This review is an update on the diagnostic difficulties, current research, and criteria for diagnosis.
DC Electric Fields Induce Distinct Preangiogenic Responses in Microvascular and Macrovascular Cells
Authors: Bai Huai , McCaig Colin D. , Forrester John V. , Zhao Min 
Published: May 2004

Objective—Electrical stimulation induces significant angiogenesis in vivo. We have shown recently that electrical stimulation induces directional migration, reorientation, and elongation of macrovascular endothelial cells. Because angiogenesis occurs mainly in the microvasculature, we have extended this observation to include human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1s) and compared the responses with that of vascular fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells.Methods and Results—Four types of vascular cells were cultured in electric fields (EFs). Dynamic cell behaviors were recorded and analyzed with an image analyzer. EFs of 150 to 400 mV/mm induced directed migration, reorientation, and elongation of all the vascular cells. HMEC-1s showed the greatest directional migration (migration rate of 11 μm/h and directedness of 0.35 at 200 mV/mm). Most intriguingly, HMEC-1s migrated toward the cathode, whereas the other cell types migrated toward the anode.Conclusions—Endothelial cells derived from angiogenic microvascular as opposed to nonangiogenic macrovascular tissues were more responsive to electrical stimulation. This intriguing directional selectivity indicates that a DC electrical signal as a directional cue may be able to play a role in the spatial organization of vascular structure.
The Changed Circumstances for the Performance of Religious Authority in a Cape Muslim Community
Authors: Bangstad Sindre 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIn the Muslim communities of Cape Town, South Africa, religious authority is based on processes of designation in local communities. Increased access to higher religious education, and increased exposure to the diversity of local and global Islamic discourses as a result of general societal democratisation and processes of globalisation, leads to increased contestation over religious authority in Cape Muslim communities. As the rights to Muslim discourse are democratised, religious authority becomes more unstable. This article, based on fieldwork in a coloured township south of Cape Town, argues that there has been a shift in the symbolic capital required of Muslim religious leaders from mastery of form to mastery of content, and suggests that the democratisation of Muslim discourse has opened avenues to religious authority for Muslim females.