bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-responsiveness to hepatitis B surface antigen vaccines is not caused by defective antigen presentation or a lack of B7 co-stimulation
Authors: Desombere I , Cao T , Gijbels Y , Leroux-Roels G 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe mechanisms causing non-responsiveness to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) vaccines in man remain elusive. The increased incidence of non-responsiveness in subjects with HLA-DR3+ or -DR7+ haplotypes suggests that immune response mechanisms governed by genes of the MHC are involved. Homozygotes for these two haplotypes are found almost exclusively in the non-responder (NR) population. It is conceivable that antigen-presenting cells (APC) of NR are defective in the uptake of HBsAg and that they are unable to present this Ag adequately. Previously, we demonstrated that DR2+, DR7+ and DP4+ NR were able to present HBsAg. In the present paper we demonstrate that six DR0301+ NR, five of which are homozygous for this marker, were able to take up, process and present HBsAg to HBsAg-specific, DR0301-restricted T cell lines. Non-fractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the DR0301+ NR did not proliferate to HBsAg in vitro, whereas they proliferated vigorously upon stimulation with tetanus toxoid, thus ruling out the presence of a generalized immunodeficiency. We therefore conclude that HLA-DR0301+ NR vaccinees are not deficient in their HBsAg-presentation. Because it was demonstrated that recently activated T cells can apparently bypass the requirement for B7, we may have overlooked the role of the B7-co-stimulation in our set-up that used HBsAg-specific T cell lines. Therefore we examined the expression of B7 co-stimulatory molecules on NR-APC. CD86 was normally present on these cells and was not down-regulated after culturing the PBMC in the presence of HBsAg. We conclude that CD86 expression on CD14+ monocytes of DR0301- and DR07-homozygous poor responders is not deficient and cannot be the mechanism underlying the non-responsiveness of these subjects.
Activation antigens on colonic T cells in inflammatory bowel disease: effects of IL-10
Authors: Ebert E C , Mehta V , Das K M 
Published: March 2005

SummaryActivated T cells that express activation antigens are termed nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells (T-APCs). This study evaluates the ability of lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to become T-APCs. LPLs were stained by two-colour immunofluorescence to determine the expression of activation antigens on T cells. Those from actively inflamed IBD mucosa expressed greater amounts of MHC class II (DR) and CD86 than did LPL T cells from disease controls or normal individuals. After culture in IL-2 with or without IL-10, the ability of the T-APCs from IBD colon to stimulate allogeneic peripheral blood T cell proliferation was measured. The T-APCs from IBD stimulated an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction, particularly through their expression of DR and CD86, as demonstrated by antibody blocking. Normal LPLs acquired these properties only if repeatedly stimulated with allogeneic peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) used as cell lines in the presence of IL-2. Addition of IL-10 reduced expression of activation antigens and the stimulatory ability of LPLs from either IBD patients or from these cell lines. In summary, LPLs from active IBD, but not from disease controls, express activation antigens that stimulate naïve T cells, a process that is reduced by IL-10. This may contribute to perpetuation of the inflammation.
Aspirin down-regulates tryptophan degradation in stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro
Authors: Schroecksnadel K , Winkler C , Wirleitner B , Schennach H , Fuchs D 
Published: March 2005

Summary
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is one of the most widely used drugs worldwide, due mainly to its broad therapeutic spectrum with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antithrombotic and analgesic effects. However, the exact mechanisms by which aspirin influences inflammation, pain and immune system activation are only partly understood. Within activation of the cellular immune system, Th1-type cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ induces enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) which converts tryptophan to kynurenine. In parallel, IFN-γ induces enzyme GTP-cyclohydrolase I, which gives rise to neopterin production by activated human macrophages. Similarly, tryptophan degradation and neopterin formation increase during several disease states involving Th1-type immune activation. Using stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the effect of aspirin on tryptophan degradation and neopterin production was investigated. Stimulation of PBMC with mitogens concanavalin A, phytohaemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen induced significant tryptophan catabolism as was reflected by a decline in tryptophan levels and a parallel increase in kynurenine concentrations compared with unstimulated cells. In parallel, neopterin production was enhanced. Treatment of stimulated PBMC with increasing doses of 1–5 mM aspirin significantly decreased stimulation-induced tryptophan degradation and neopterin production as well. All the effects of aspirin were dose-dependent. The parallel influence of aspirin on both biochemical pathways implies that there was no direct inhibitory effect of aspirin on IDO; rather, it inhibits production of IFN-γ in mitogen-treated PBMC. The influence of aspirin on biochemical pathways induced by IFN-γ may represent an important part of its broad pharmacological effect.
Migrants in Neotropical bird communities: an assessment of the breeding currency hypothesis
Authors: JOHNSON MATTHEW D. , SHERRY THOMAS W. , STRONG ALLAN M. , MEDORI AMANDA 
Published: March 2005

Summary

Explanations for the integration of migratory and non‐migratory (resident) birds in the Neotropics have been complicated by the paradox that arthropod abundances are low when bird abundances reach their annual peak. The breeding currency hypothesis offers an explanation for this paradox by postulating that resident birds are limited in the breeding season by the availability of large arthropods suitable for reproduction, whereas the carrying capacity of all birds in the non‐breeding season is limited by the availability of arthropods suitable for self‐maintenance of adults.
Field data from Jamaica supported this hypothesis. Among 19 sites, the ratio of migrant to resident bird abundance was correlated negatively with the ratio of large arthropod biomass in the breeding season to total arthropod biomass in the non‐breeding season.
However, after controlling for effects of arthropod seasonality, migrant to resident bird abundance ratios were higher in human‐disturbed than undisturbed sites.
Other factors may interact with the availability of food for nestlings to limit the populations of resident birds below carrying capacities set by non‐breeding season arthropod abundance, thereby creating a set of resources available to non‐breeding migrants.
Use of mental health and primary care services by caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder: a preliminary study
Authors: Perlick Deborah A , Hohenstein Jill M , Clarkin John F , Kaczynski Richard , Rosenheck Robert A 
Published: March 2005

Objectives:  Caring for a relative with schizophrenia or dementia has been associated with reports of caregiver burden, symptoms of anxiety, depression, poor self‐rated health, and elevated health service use; however, comparable data for caregivers of relatives with bipolar disorder are lacking. This study reports preliminary data on the health, psychological distress and health service use of caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder. It additionally evaluates the relationship of the level of burden caregivers report experiencing to their use of health services, controlling for level of psychological distress and health status.Methods:  Subjects were primary caregivers of 264 patients with Research Diagnostic Criteria‐diagnosed bipolar disorder and their bipolar relatives. Caregiver mental health and primary care service use were assessed retrospectively for the 7‐month period prior to inpatient or outpatient admission of the bipolar patient. Caregiver depression, anxiety, medical conditions and patient symptomatology were assessed as well.Results:  Hierarchical logistic regression analysis demonstrated that caregiver burden significantly increased the likelihood of mental health service use (OR = 13.53, p < 0.001) even after controlling for caregiver psychological distress and medical conditions, while anxiety and depression level, but not burden, significantly increased the likelihood of primary care service use, controlling for other variables (OR = 1.72, p = 0.02).Conclusions:  Burdens experienced by family caregivers appear to increase use of health services, and presumably cost, and may be reduced by psychosocial intervention.
Quality of life and its correlates in patients with dual diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder and substance dependence
Authors: Singh Jaspreet , Mattoo Surendra K , Sharan Pratap , Basu Debasish 
Published: March 2005

Objectives:  To compare the quality of life (QOL) of patients having dual diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder and substance dependence with those having either diagnosis alone and with healthy controls.Methods:  Cross‐sectional assessment of the four groups of subjects was made. Euthymic bipolar patients and those substance dependent patients not in active withdrawal or intoxication were included. QOL assessment was made with the World Health Organization (WHO)‐QOL – Bref Hindi version.Results:  Total QOL score and scores on all the four domains of WHO‐QOL‐Bref were significantly lower for the dual‐diagnosis (DD) patients when compared with all the other groups. Significant negative correlations were found between (i) the number of days the drug was consumed and the score on the ‘general well‐being’ items of WHO‐QOL‐Bref (r = −0.31, p < 0.05); and (ii) between severity of alcohol dependence and WHO‐QOL total score (r = −0.44, p < 0.01) as well as its ‘psychological’ domain (r = −0.52, p < 0.05).Conclusions:  The study indicates that bipolar DD patients experience a lower QOL when compared with the other groups studied. Their QOL is affected by the severity of alcohol dependence.
A GIS‐Based Approach for Delineating Market Areas for Park and Ride Facilities
Authors: Farhan Bilal , Murray Alan T. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractPark‐and‐ride services are an integral component of many public transit systems in the United States. A necessary step when analyzing and planning for such services is to delineate catchment areas for park‐and‐ride facilities. Previous approaches for delineating catchment/market areas are either problematic or have unrealistic data requirements. This paper develops a Geographic Information System (GIS)‐based approach for delineating market areas. The detailed approach simultaneously accounts for park‐and‐ride facility accessibility and user travel direction. It is shown that the developed approach performs better than existing approaches. Further, this paper provides a detailed and formal description of these approaches, which should facilitate interpretation and implementation in a GIS environment.
How Far Is Too Far? – A Statistical Approach to Context‐contingent Proximity Modeling
Authors: Yao Xiaobai , Thill Jean‐Claude 
Published: March 2005

AbstractProximity is a fundamental concept in any comprehensive ontology of space (Worboys 2001). The provision of a context‐contingent translation mechanism between linguistic proximity measures (e.g. “near”, “far”) and metric distance measures is an important topic in current GIS research. After a discussion of context factors that mediate the relationship between linguistic and metric distance measures, we present a statistical approach, Ordered Logit Regression, to the context‐contingent proximity modeling. The approach can predict proximity given the corresponding metric distance and context variables. An empirical case study with human subjects is carried out using this statistical approach. Interpretation and predictive accuracy of the empirical case study are discussed.
GIS Tools for Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation Planning
Authors: FitzHugh Thomas W. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe Nature Conservancy (TNC) has developed a set of customized GIS tools to help ensure that freshwater biodiversity is adequately incorporated into its regional conservation planning efforts. The tools generate GIS data and attributes that support a regional‐scale classification of freshwater systems and analysis of the potential integrity of these same systems. They have been implemented by TNC in more than 30 ecoregions across the U.S., and work is expanding to include other parts of the Americas. The tools are now in their second iteration. While the first version of the tools worked only with the RF3 hydrography dataset available in the U.S., the second version is more flexible and will function with a variety of datasets. Future improvements in the tools could include an improved interface and improved algorithms to reduce data pre‐processing needs. The GIS tools, documentation, and data from completed ecoregions are now publicly available on the Internet.
American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology Section Editor: Stephen Ash: Does Catheter Insertion by Nephrologists Improve Peritoneal Dialysis Utilization? A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Asif Arif , Pflederer Timothy A. , Vieira Cristovao F. , Diego Jorge , Roth David , Agarwal Anil 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTIn contrast to hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains an underutilized form of renal replacement therapy in the United States. Although a variety of factors have been deemed responsible, timely insertion of a PD catheter may also be a contributory factor. We conducted a multicenter analysis to examine whether the establishment of a program for PD catheter insertion by nephrologists has a positive impact on the growth in the number of patients using PD. Data for catheter insertion performed by nephrologists were collected from three centers. Any change in the prevalent PD population at each respective center was compared to the number of PD patients during the period having the traditional surgical approach. Nephrologists at the three centers used the peritoneoscopic technique and performed catheter insertion under local anesthesia. In center 1, the PD population remained stable at between 38 and 45 patients (approximately 16% of the total end‐stage renal disease [ESRD] population) from 1993 to 2001. Nephrologists initiated a program for PD catheter insertion in 2001. The number of PD patients has increased to 101 (32% of the ESRD population). In center 2, the PD population remained stable at between 70 and 78 patients (approximately 17%) between 1988 and 1990. Catheter insertion by interventional nephrologists began in 1991. The number of PD patients has increased to 125 (22%). In center 3, the PD population remained at 20–30 patients (approximately 18%) between 1988 and 1991. Catheter placement by nephrologists was initiated in 1991. The number of PD patients increased to 97 (27%). Catheter insertion by interventional nephrologists was suspended in 2001. The number of PD patients has gradually declined to 25 (6%). This study suggests that catheter insertion by the nephrologist can have a positive impact on the utilization of PD.
PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Palliative Care in End‐Stage Renal Disease: Focus on Advance Care Planning, Hospice Referral, and Bereavement
Authors: Holley Jean L. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTThe components of palliative care in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) include pain and symptom management, advance care planning, psychosocial and spiritual support, and ethical issues in dialysis. End‐of‐life care is not synonymous with, but rather a subset of palliative care. Advance care planning occurs within the patient‐family relationship and is a dynamic process that prepares for death, strengthens interpersonal relationships, and allows a patient to achieve control over his or her life. It is incumbent upon dialysis care providers to include advance care planning in overall care plans for their patients. Factors contributing to the failure of advance care planning in ESRD patients will be discussed, as will hospice and ESRD, and opportunities for bereavement programs.
PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: The Identification and Treatment of Depression in Patients Maintained on Dialysis
Authors: Wuerth Diane , Finkelstein Susan H. , Finkelstein Fredric O. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTThe high incidence of depression in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is well documented. Our group and others have estimated that 20–30% of ESRD patients experience major depression. Several recent studies have emphasized the relationship between depressive symptoms and mortality and morbidity in both hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. We screened 380 PD patients for depression using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The mean patient age was 59.9 ± 14.1 (SD) years, 55% were Caucasian, 51% were male, and 39% had diabetes. The mean BDI score was 12.1 ± 7.7; 49% had a score of 11 or greater. Fifty‐five percent refused further assessment to confirm the diagnosis of major depression, while 45% of patients eligible for treatment agreed to further assessment. Their mean BDI was 18.8 ± 6.2. Eighty‐four percent were diagnosed with major depression on direct interviews and offered pharmacologic treatment, 16% did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of depression, and 50% successfully completed 12 weeks of pharmacologic treatment. The BDI score of these patients at the start of treatment was 17.4 ± 6.6, and at completion of treatment it was 8.4 ± 3.0. Thirty‐eight percent of treatment failures were in those who were also diagnosed with a DSM‐IV personality disorder. Major depression is common in PD patients, and is potentially treatable with pharmacologic therapy. However, there are major problems providing a depression assessment and treatment program to such patients. Problems include refusal to complete depression assessment and patients with axis 2 personality disorders who have difficulty complying with treatment. Although depression treatment can improve depressive symptoms, it is unclear whether such therapy will improve medical outcomes.
PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Life After Transplantation: New Transitions in Quality of Life and Psychological Distress
Authors: Muehrer Rebecca J. , Becker Bryan N. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTIndividuals with kidney failure often elect to undergo kidney transplantation because they believe that they will be more active and return a sense of normality to their lives with a functioning transplant. Therefore it is important to assess whether these objectives are being met. To do so, we can examine health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in transplant recipients. A number of tools have been used for this purpose, including general HRQOL instruments such as the 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36) and transplant‐specific surveys such as the Kidney Transplant Questionnaire. In general, HRQOL assessments improve with transplantation in functional and physical domains. However, many factors actually influence HRQOL in a negative way, including comorbid conditions, kidney function per se, rejection episodes and hospitalizations, employment status, and adverse effects of medications. Perceived physical appearance, issues related to sexuality, stress, anxiety, and even guilt complicate the emotional and psychological landscape after transplantation. This constellation of factors may be predictive of posttransplant life events, such as resumption of employment. Posttransplant HRQOL may be exceedingly important in understanding the issues related to adherence with treatment regimens, especially in the pediatric and adolescent transplant populations. HRQOL is now established as an important issue after transplantation. Nonetheless, shortcomings still exist in our ability to address HRQOL after transplantation. In particular, more study of patient‐centered interventions is needed. The use of standardized methodologies for patient assessment could improve our ability to identify if such patient‐centered interventions actually succeed across populations, and help us further address the panoply of factors encompassed within posttransplant HRQOL.
The Classics of Immunology
Authors: Smith Kendall A 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Medical Immunology will be publishing invited Reviews and Commentaries from investigators who are at the forefront of their fields, to up-date our readers as to the current state of their art. These Reviews and Commentaries will be accompanied by Editorials that place the current work into the perspective of the first contribution in an area, which resulted in a "Classic" paper. Where possible, links will be provided to the original publication, so that the modern student of immunology can read the original and draw their own conclusions as to the value of the "Classic" contribution, and its relationship to our contemporary views as to how the immune system functions. To begin this process at the very dawn of immunology, we highlight Sir Edward Jenner's first descriptions of the use of cowpox to immunize individuals against the dread disease smallpox.
Human Thyrotropin (TSH) Variants Designed by Site-Directed Mutagenesis Block TSH Activity in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Azzam Naiel , Bar-Shalom Rinat , Kraiem Zaki , Fares Fuad 
Published: March 2005

AbstractTSH is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone synthesized in the pituitary and composed of a specific β-subunit and a common α-subunit shared with FSH, LH, and human chorionic gonadotropin. The heterodimer was previously converted into a biologically active single chain protein by genetic fusion of the genes coding to both subunits in the presence of the carboxy-terminal sequence of human (h) chorionic gonadotropin-β subunit as a linker [hTSHβ-carboxyl-terminal peptide (CTP)-α]. N-linked carbohydrate-free single-chain TSH variants were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and overlapping PCR: one devoid of both N-linked oligosaccharide chains on the α-subunit (hTSHβ-CTP-αdeg) and the other lacking also the oligosaccharides on the β-subunit (hTSHβdeg-CTP-αdeg). These variants were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and secreted into the culture media. We have previously reported that the variants block the activities of hTSH and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins in cultured human thyroid follicles. In the present study, binding affinity of hTSH variants to hTSH receptor and the localization of the antagonistic effect were examined. Moreover, the effect of these variants on TSH activity was tested in vivo. The results of the present study indicate that the hTSH variants bind to the hTSH receptor with high affinity. Experiments using forskolin also indicated that the N-linked carbohydrate-free TSH single-chain variants inhibit TSH activity at the receptor-binding site and not at a postreceptor level. Moreover, the variants significantly inhibited (about 50%) TSH activity with respect to thyroid hormone secretion in vivo in mice. These variants may offer a novel therapeutic strategy in treating hyperthyroidism.