bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural killer T cells are required for the development of a superantigen‐driven T helper type 2 immune response in mice
Authors: Nomizo Auro , Postol Edilberto , De Alencar Raquel , Cardillo Fabíola , Mengel José 
Published: September 2005

SummaryWe show, here, that one single injection or weekly injections of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), starting in 1‐day‐old newborn mice, induced a powerful immune response with a T helper type 2 (Th2) pattern, as judged by the isotype and cytokine profile, with the production of large amounts of SEB‐specific immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), detectable levels of SEB‐specific IgE and increased production of interleukin‐4 by spleen cells. These protocols also induced an increase in the levels of total IgE in the serum. Memory of SEB was transferred to secondary recipients by using total spleen cells from primed animals. The secondary humoral response in transferred mice was diminished if spleen cells from SEB‐treated mice were previously depleted of CD3+ or Vβ8+ T cells or NK1.1+ cells. In vivo depletion of NK1.1+ cells in adult mice resulted in a marked reduction in the SEB‐specific antibody response in both the primary and secondary immune responses. Additionally, purified NK1.1+ T cells were able to perform SEB‐specific helper B‐cell actions in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that NK1.1+ T cells are required for the full development of humoral immunological memory, whilst making neonatal tolerance to SEB unachievable.
In ovo vitelline duct ligation results in transient changes of bursal microenvironments
Authors: Felföldi Balázs , Imre Gergely , Igyártó Botond , Iván Judit , Mihalik Rudolf , Lackó Erzsébet , Oláh Imre , Magyar Attila 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe avian bursa of Fabricius has a direct connection to the cloaca via the bursal duct. Using the bursal duct ligation technique, it has been clearly shown that the B cells of the bursal follicles develop under the influence of cloacal antigens. These antigens have been suggested to be present on the bursal secretory dendritic cells in immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐containing complexes. We studied the effect of maternal (yolk) antigens on the early development of B cells and the appearance of IgG‐containing complexes of the bursal dendritic cells with a novel embryo manipulation technique, in ovo vitelline duct ligation. This operation blocked the direct (intestinal) transport of yolk substances into the intestine, but left the vitelline circulation intact. Vitelline duct ligation performed on embryonic day 17 resulted in serious but transient bursal underdevelopment during the first week of life: (1) IgG and the follicular dendritic cell marker 74·3 were not detectable on the bursal secretory dendritic cells, in spite of a normal serum IgG level and free communication with the cloacal lumen; (2) the number of B cells in the follicles was greatly reduced and they showed an altered phenotype, resembling that of the prebursal B cells. The intracloacal administration of different proteins effectively restored the bursal phenotype. These data suggest that maternal antigens indirectly help the maturation of bursal secretory dendritic cells and concomitantly that of B cells during the first week of life.
Numeracy for adults with Down syndrome: it's a matter of quality of life
Authors: Faragher R. , Brown R. I. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground  Numeracy development is widely accepted as critical for adults in the general community which is equally the case for adults with Down syndrome. This paper reports some of the findings of a study including the research question: What is the justification for numeracy development for adults with Down syndrome? Investigating this question led to the search for a framework to support the ongoing development of numeracy.Method  The research used a case study methodology. Five adults were observed and interviewed in two contexts each. The data were analyzed to identify links to the quality of life model.Results  The research illustrates how a quality of life approach can be used to justify and guide the lifelong development of numeracy. Data from the case studies linked numeracy to quality of life under the principles of personal contexts, variability, life‐span perspective, values, choices and personal control, perceptions and self‐image.Conclusions  The principles of quality of life can provide a framework for the development of numeracy in the context of adulthood and Down syndrome. Preparation for the numeracy needs of a long and satisfying adulthood should begin in early childhood, continue in schools with the teaching of underlying mathematics concepts and skills, and be modified and refined throughout adulthood by the use of a numeracy development plan. Carers and professionals interacting in the contexts need to adopt a teaching role for numeracy.
Health issues and quality of life in women with intellectual disability
Authors: Kyrkou M. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground  Although there is anecdotal evidence of an increase in both period pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women with intellectual disabilities (ID), there are only brief mentions of it in the literature.Method  Questionnaires were distributed to parents of women with Down syndrome (DS) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), resulting in 24 respondents from Australia and New Zealand. The purpose of the study was to ascertain how period pain and PMS presents in women with ID.Results  Results were analyzed by disability group, and communication ability. Women with DS were more often able to state that they had pain, or point to the location of the pain than women with either autism or Asperger Syndrome (AS). Additionally, women with DS or ASD appeared to have a higher rate of period pain than women in the general population, but the presence of pain more often had to be deduced from behavioural changes.Conclusion  Further research with a larger number of women with disability, and across a wider range of disabilities is required to determine generalizability of these findings.
Factor structure of the Schalock and Keith Quality of Life Questionnaire (QOL‐Q): validation on Mexican and Spanish samples
Authors: Caballo C. , Crespo M. , Jenaro C. , Verdugo M. A. , Martinez J. L. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground  The Quality of Life Questionnaire (QOL‐Q) is used widely to evaluate the quality of life of persons with intellectual disability (ID). Its validity for use with Spanish‐speaking cultures has been demonstrated for individuals with visual disabilities, but not for those with physical or intellectual disabilities. Such was the purpose of the present study.Method  Two samples were administered the QOL‐Q under standardized procedures. The first sample was composed of 209 Mexican participants with physical disabilities; the second was composed of 424 Spanish participants with ID. The hypothesis tested was: the applicability (i.e. etic properties) of the measure across countries and respondents would be demonstrated if reliability data and if factor composition were similar to the original measure. Cronbach's alpha was used to test reliability and exploratory factor analyses were used to test validity (i.e. factor structure).Results  Data indicated that the reliability and factor structure was similar to that reported in the questionnaire's standardization manual and consistent with that reported in a number of Anglo‐Saxon countries.Conclusion  The present study offers additional support for the valid use of the QOL‐Q with Spanish‐speaking populations.
Spanish adaptation and validation of the Family Quality of Life Survey
Authors: Verdugo M. A. , Córdoba L. , Gómez J. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground Assessing the quality of life (QOL) for families that include a person with a disability have recently become a major emphasis in cross‐cultural QOL studies. The present study examined the reliability and validity of the Family Quality of Life Survey (FQOL) on a Spanish sample.Method and results The sample comprised 385 families who were administered the FQOL in Cali, Columbia. The FQOL showed adequate temporal stability (r = 0.68 on Importance andr = 0.78 on Satisfaction) and excellent internal consistency: Cronbach's alpha of 0.96 for Importance and 0.95 for Satisfaction. The confirmatory factor analysis yielded high fit indices, thus confirming that the factor structure of the FQOL as adapted for Spanish people fitted the five‐factor model proposed by the survey's authors.Conclusions The study provides a valid instrument for the research of the QOL of those families that have a child with a disability within Spanish‐speaking community.
Quality of life is not only for people served – it is also for staff: the Multi‐Focal Approach
Authors: Baum N. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground  To date, little attention has been given to the concept of quality of life around human resources employment programmes for staff working with persons with a dual diagnosis.Method  This article describes the implementation of quality of life principles to service provision for people with dual diagnosis and its application to staff training.Results  This type of experiential training facilitated change in staff's attitude to, and treatment of, the people served.Conclusion  Human resources development programmes should be based on the same core quality of life principles and domains that guide service delivery on the individual level.
Hepatic lipase polymorphism and increased risk of peripheral arterial disease
Authors: ELLER P. , SCHGOER W. , MUELLER T. , TANCEVSKI I. , WEHINGER A. , ULMER H. , FOEGER B. , HALTMAYER M. , RITSCH A. , PATSCH J. R. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract.Background.  Hepatic lipase plays a key role in the metabolism of pro‐atherogenic and anti‐atherogenic lipoproteins affecting their plasma level as well as their physico‐chemical properties. We hypothesized single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of the hepatic lipase gene to be associated with an increased risk for peripheral arterial disease (PAD).Methods.  A total of 241 patients with PAD and 241 controls matched for sex and age (±2 years) were genotyped cross‐sectionally for the −250 single nucleotide polymorphism in the hepatic lipase promoter.Results.  The frequency for the −250A allele in patients with PAD was 0.203, whereas it was 0.147 in the controls (P = 0.022). Hepatic lipase promoter polymorphism distribution remained significantly different between cases and controls after multivariate logistic regression analysis (P = 0.021). The odds ratio of the −250A hepatic lipase allele for the PAD was 1.69 (95% confidence interval of 1.08–2.64), when adjusted for current smoking, arterial hypertension, cholesterol, triglycerides, HbA1C, total homocysteine and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein.Conclusion.  Previous data in patients with ischaemic heart disease have suggested a pro‐atherogenic role of low hepatic lipase levels. Our results extend these data to the vascular territory of the lower limbs, such that hepatic lipase promoter variation represents a genetic risk factor of PAD.
The paraoxonase‐2‐310 polymorphism is associated with the presence of microvascular complications in diabetes mellitus
Authors: MACKNESS B. , Mcelduff P. , MACKNESS M. I. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract.Objective.  To investigate the paraoxonase‐2 (PON2)‐C/S310 polymorphism and its relationship to the presence of diabetic complications and glycaemic control.Design.  Case–control study.Setting.  One study centre at University hospital.Materials and methods.  The subjects were people with type 2 diabetes (n = 252), type 1 diabetes (n = 152) and healthy controls (n = 282). The PON2‐C/S310 polymorphism was measured by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Lipids and lipoproteins were measured by standard clinical chemistry methods. Diabetes and diabetic complications were defined by World Health Organization criteria.Results.  There was an over‐representation of the C/C310 genotype in those with diabetes and microvascular complications (type 2 diabetes P = 0.043, type 1 diabetes P = 0.052, both populations combined P = 0.014). The PON2‐C/S310 polymorphism was also associated with glycaemic control. C310/C310 homozygotes had the highest HbA1c concentration (P = 0.020 type 2 diabetes, P = 0.065 type 1 diabetes, P = 0.035 both populations combined). There was no association between the PON2‐310 polymorphism and lipid and lipoprotein concentrations.Conclusions.  PON2 could be directly involved in protecting critical enzymes or organelles against oxidative damage; PON2 may thus predispose to the development of microvascular complications.
Mitochondrial phylogeography of the Eurasian beaverCastor fiberL.
Authors: DURKA WALTER , BABIK WIESLAW , DUCROZ JEAN‐FRANCOIS , HEIDECKE DIETRICH , ROSELL FRANK , SAMJAA RAVČIGIJN , P. SAVELJEV ALEXANDER , STUBBE ANNEGRET , ULEVIČIUS ALIUS , STUBBE MICHAEL 
Published: September 2005

AbstractNucleotide variation in an approximately 490 bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region (mtDNA CR) was used to describe the genetic variation and phylogeographical pattern in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) over its entire range. The sampling effort was focused on the relict populations that survived a drastic population bottleneck, caused by overhunting, at the end of the 19th century. A total of 152 individuals grouped into eight populations representing all currently recognized subspecies were studied. Sixteen haplotypes were detected, none of them shared among populations. Intrapopulation sequence variation was very low, most likely a result of the severe bottleneck. Extreme genetic structure could result from human‐mediated extinction of intermediate populations, but it could also be an effect of prior substantial structuring of the beaver populations with watersheds of major Eurasian rivers acting as barriers to gene flow. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two mtDNA lineages: eastern (Poland, Lithuania, Russia and Mongolia) and western (Germany, Norway and France), the former comprising more divergent haplotypes. The low level of sequence divergence of the entire cytochromebgene among six individuals representing six subspecies suggests differentiation during the last glacial period and existence of multiple glacial refugia. At least two evolutionary significant units (ESU) can be identified, the western and the eastern haplogroup. The individual relict populations should be regarded as management units, the eastern subspecies possibly also as ESUs. Guidelines for future translocations and reintroductions are proposed.
Colonization and dispersal in a social species, the Bechstein's bat (Myotis bechsteinii)
Authors: KERTH GERALD , PETIT ERIC 
Published: September 2005

AbstractMetapopulation genetic models consider that colonization and dispersal are distinct behaviours. However, whether colonization and dispersal indeed reflect different biological processes in nature is unclear. One possibility to test this assumption is to assess patterns of autosomal and mitochondrial genetic structure in species with strict female philopatry, such as the communally breeding Bechstein's bat. In this species, mitochondrial DNA can spread only when females establish new colonies, and autosomal DNA is transmitted among colonies only when females mate with solitary males born in foreign colonies. Investigating the genetic structure among 37 colonies, we found that autosomal genes followed an island model on a regional scale and a model of isolation by distance on a larger geographical scale. In contrast, mitochondrial genetic structure revealed no pattern of isolation by distance at a large scale but exhibited an effect of ecological barriers on a regional scale. Our results provide strong empirical evidence that colonization and dispersal do not follow the same behavioural rules in this bat, supporting the assumption of metapopulation genetic models.
Gap, a mycobacterial specific integral membrane protein, is required for glycolipid transport to the cell surface
Authors: Sondén Berit , Kocíncová Dana , Deshayes Caroline , Euphrasie Daniel , Rhayat Lamya , Laval Françoise , Frehel Claude , Daffé Mamadou , Etienne Gilles , Reyrat Jean‐Marc 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe cell envelope of mycobacteria is a complex multilaminar structure that protects the cell from stresses encountered in the environment, and plays an important role against the bactericidal activity of immune system cells. The outermost layer of the mycobacterial envelope typically contains species‐specific glycolipids. Depending on the mycobacterial species, the major glycolipid localized at the surface can be either a phenolglycolipid or a peptidoglycolipid (GPL). Currently, the mechanism of how these glycolipids are addressed to the cell surface is not understood. In this study, by using a transposon library of Mycobacterium smegmatis and a simple dye assay, six genes involved in GPLs synthesis have been characterized. All of these genes are clustered in a single genomic region of approximately 60 kb. We show by biochemical analyses that two non‐ribosomal peptide synthetases, a polyketide synthase, a methyltransferase and a member of the MmpL family are required for the biosynthesis of the GPLs backbone. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a small integral membrane protein of 272 amino acids named Gap (gap: GPL addressing protein) is specifically required for the transport of the GPLs to the cell surface. This protein is predicted to contain six transmembrane segments and possesses homologues across the mycobacterial genus, thus delineating a new protein family. This Gap family represents a new paradigm for the transport of small molecules across the mycobacterial envelope, a critical determinant of mycobacterial virulence.
K+ current regulates calcium‐activated chloride current‐induced afterdepolarization in axotomized sensory neurons
Authors: Hilaire Cécile , Campo Brice , André Sylvain , Valmier Jean , Scamps Frédérique 
Published: September 2005

AbstractOne of the major electrophysiological effects of axotomy is a hyperexcitability of injured afferents that is thought to be involved in peripheral neuropathic pain. The molecular determinants of injured sensory neuron excitability are complex and not all have been identified. We have previously shown that sciatic nerve section upregulates the Ca2+‐activated Cl– current in subsets of medium and large sensory neurons. In the peripheral nervous system, the Ca2+‐activated Cl– current can promote afterdepolarization (ADP) and may therefore be involved in excitability. In this study, we set the conditions for Ca2+‐activated Cl– current activation during the electrical activity of axotomized sensory neurons. We used the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique and Ca2+ fluorescence measurements to record electrical activity or ionic currents associated with intracellular Ca2+ transients. An analysis of Ca2+ fluorescence variation under Ca2+‐activated Cl– current activation showed that the Ca2+ sensitivity of the Ca2+‐activated Cl– current did not allow activation upon one action potential (AP) but instead necessitated intracellular Ca2+ loading under high‐frequency electrical activity or AP lengthening. Nevertheless, ADP was exclusively recorded under AP lengthening following K+ current inhibition with either extracellular tetraethylammonium or intracellular Cs+. The measurement of APs and ionic currents associated with the use of niflumic acid to inhibit Cl– currents showed that the Ca2+‐activated Cl– current was responsible for the ADP observed during K+ current inhibition. Thus, the Ca2+‐activated Cl– current‐induced ADP in axotomized sensory neurons is regulated by K+ current density.
6‐Hydroxydopamine‐induced alterations in blood–brain barrier permeability
Authors: Carvey P. M. , Zhao C. H. , Hendey B. , Lum H. , Trachtenberg J. , Desai B. S. , Snyder J. , Zhu Y. G. , Ling Z. D. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractVascular inflammation is well known for its ability to compromise the function of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Whether inflammation on the parenchymal side of the barrier, such as that associated with Parkinson's‐like dopamine (DA) neuron lesions, similarly disrupts BBB function, is unknown. We assessed BBB integrity by examining the leakage of FITC‐labeled albumin or horseradish peroxidase from the vasculature into parenchyma in animals exposed to the DA neurotoxin 6‐hydroxydopamine (6OHDA). Unilateral injections of 6OHDA into the striatum or the medial forebrain bundle produced increased leakage in the ipsilateral substantia nigra and striatum 10 and 34 days following 6OHDA. Microglia were markedly activated and DA neurons were reduced by the lesions. The areas of BBB leakage were associated with increased expression of P‐glycoprotein and β3‐integrin expression suggesting, respectively, a compensatory response to inflammation and possible angiogenesis. Behavioural studies revealed that domperidone, a DA antagonist that normally does not cross the BBB, attenuated apomorphine‐induced stereotypic behaviour in animals with 6OHDA lesions. This suggests that drugs which normally have no effect in brain can enter following Parkinson‐like lesions. These data suggest that the events associated with DA neuron loss compromise BBB function.
Aerophagia and anesthesia: an unusual cause of ventilatory insufficiency in a neonate
Authors: LALWANI KIRK 
Published: September 2005

SummaryWe describe a healthy neonate with abdominal distention, inadequate ventilation, and delayed extubation during anesthesia for minor surgery. Following rectal decompression and successful extubation, extreme abdominal distention recurred postoperatively after ingestion of clear fluids. We elicited a history of frequent and excessive flatus from the parents, and abdominal radiography revealed distended loops of small bowel with small lung volumes suggestive of aerophagia. The differential diagnosis of aerophagia is reviewed, the anesthetic implications discussed, and relevant literature pertaining to this condition summarized.
Three cases of PICU sedation with isoflurane delivered by the ‘AnaConDa®’
Authors: SACKEY PETER V. , MARTLING CLAES‐ROLAND , RADELL PETER J. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryProlonged sedation in the pediatric intensive care unit may be difficult because of tolerance, drug dependence and withdrawal, drug interactions and unwanted drug effects. We present three patients sedated with isoflurane via the Anesthetic Conserving Device, AnaConDa®. AnaConDa® is a modified heat and moisture exchanger that allows evaporation and delivery of inhalational anesthetics without an anesthesia machine, vaporizer or adapted ventilator. Two patients with abdominal complications and prolonged sedation for mechanical ventilation were converted to isoflurane sedation for several days. The third patient with refractory status epilepticus received isoflurane to treat epileptiform electroencephalogram activity. Patients weighing 40 and 30 kg were treated with AnaConDa® placed at the Y‐piece, while the patient weighing 20 kg was treated with AnaConDa® in the inspiratory limb of the respiratory circuit. Adequate sedation was achieved with endtidal isoflurane concentration of 0.3–0.4%, while antiepileptic effect was achieved at a higher dose, 0.9%. Intravenous sedatives could be reduced or discontinued during isoflurane sedation. Inhaled sedation of isoflurane with AnaConDa® was effective in these patients. It may provide an alternative in difficult cases needing prolonged sedation and should be evaluated further.