bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of CTLA-4 (CD152) in peripheral blood T cells of children with influenza virus infection including encephalopathy in comparison with respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: AYUKAWA H , MATSUBARA T , KANEKO M , HASEGAWA M , ICHIYAMA T , FURUKAWA S 
Published: June 2004

SUMMARYInfluenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are the most common causes of acute severe respiratory infection in children during the winter. There have been few reports about peripheral blood T cell activation in vivo in influenza virus infection and conflicting results concerning peripheral blood T cells activation in RSV infection. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4, CD152) is a receptor present on T cells that plays a critical role in the down-regulation of antigen-activated immune responses. To clarify the status of peripheral blood T cells, we investigated intracellular CTLA-4 expression in T cells in patients with influenza virus and RSV infection. We collected blood samples from 15 patients with influenza virus infection, including three with complications of influenza virus-associated encephalopathy and 18 patients with RSV infection, as well as 44 healthy children. We determined the intracellular expression of CTLA-4 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells by flow cytometry. There were no significant differences in the percentages of intracellular CTLA-4-positive CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells by age. The percentages of intracellular CTLA-4-positive CD4+ T cells in the patients with influenza virus infection were significantly higher than those in healthy children (P &lt; 0·01). In particular, the patients with influenza virus-associated encephalopathy had sevenfold higher percentages of CTLA-4-positive CD4+ T cells than influenza patients without encephalopathy (P &lt; 0·05). The patients with influenza virus-associated encephalopathy had increased percentages of CTLA-4-positive CD8+ cells at the acute stage in comparison with the convalescent stage and in control subjects (P &lt; 0·01, respectively). RSV patients showed no increase in CTLA-4-positive CD4+ T cells or CD8+ T cells. The immunological status of peripheral T cell activation is substantially different in influenza virus infection and RSV infection. The patients with RSV infection did not show any increase in CTLA-4-positive peripheral blood T cells. There was a remarkable increase in intracellular CTLA-4 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in influenza virus-associated encephalopathy. Down-regulation of antigen-activated peripheral blood T cell activation might play an important role in the pathogenesis of influenza virus-associated encephalopathy and host defence against influenza virus infection.
Mast cells at the host–pathogen interface: host-protectionversusimmune evasion in leishmaniasis
Authors: SAHA B , TONKAL A M D J , CROFT S , ROY S 
Published: June 2004

SUMMARYInfection of a susceptible host with Leishmania, a protozoan parasite, causes the disease leishmaniasis, which is characterized by neutrophil, eosinophil, macrophage, lymphocyte and mast cell infiltration into the infected tissue followed by parasite growth. Although the roles played by other cells in leishmaniasis are known, the role of mast cells remains to be ascertained. Here, we demonstrate that Leishmania regulates mast cell infiltration to the site of infection, mast cell production and mast cell function resulting in differential growth of the parasite in resistant (C57BL/6 or CBA/T6T6) and susceptible (BALB/c) macrophages. An interleukin-3-dependent augmentation in mast cell committed progenitors is observed in BALB/c but not in C57BL/6 mice during Leishmania infection. The mast cell supernatants inhibit IFN-γ-dependent restriction of Leishmania growth in macrophages in BALB/c mice whereas the reverse phenomenon occurs in C57BL/6 mice. Our data reveals a different facet of host–pathogen interaction.
B and T cell responses elicited by monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody (Ab2β) mimicking gp43 fromParacoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: SOUZA E B , LOPES J D , ALMEIDA S R 
Published: June 2004

SUMMARYParacoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America, with a high prevalence in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela. The aetiological agent of disease is the thermal dimorphic fungus, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. A glycoprotein of 43 kD (gp43) is the major antigen of P. brasiliensis. Antibodies directed to this antigen are detected in the sera of all patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Recently, it has been shown that mice immunized with anti-gp43 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) (Ab1), induce the idiotypic cascade in the gp43 system, which produced both, anti-Id antibodies (Ab2) and anti-anti-Id antibodies (Ab3). To further characterize the idiotypic cascade modulation in mice immunized with anti-gp43 MAb 17c, hybridomas were produced. Ab2 MAbs named 7.B12 inhibited (&gt;95%) the binding of gp43 to MAb 17c (Ab1), suggesting that this anti-Id MAb bind to the idiotope, thus fulfilling the internal image criteria. To elucidate whether Ab2 MAb could act as antigen in serological assays, instead of gp43, sera from PCM patients were tested. Using an ELISA test, it was observed that antibodies from patients and not normal serum bound to Ab2. However, the ELISA test using Ab2 bound to the solid phase made possible to serologically monitor the patients after antifungal therapy, showing an equivalent curve when compared with ELISA test employing purified gp43. Our results also showed that, when mice were immunized with Ab2β and their cells were exposed to gp43 in vitro, a T cell proliferation response was observed.
Lymphocyte apoptosis in acute respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Authors: ROE M F E , BLOXHAM D M , WHITE D K , ROSS-RUSSELL R I , TASKER R T C , O'DONNELL D R 
Published: June 2004

SUMMARY
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection may have an effect on the development of T cell memory responses. RSV bronchiolitis in infants is associated with a transient decline in circulating lymphocytes. We hypothesized that the mechanism underlying this lymphopenia is apoptosis. Blood was taken from 32 infants during primary RSV bronchiolitis and three months later. Using flow cytometry, we found that absolute numbers of both CD3+/CD4+ T-helper lymphocytes (P = 0·029) and CD3+/CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) (P = 0·043) were significantly reduced during acute infection. Up-regulated expression both of Fas (P &lt; 0·001) and tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor (P &lt; 0·001) was found during acute illness on both CD3+/CD4+ and CD3+/CD8+ lymphocytes, when compared with convalescent samples. Expression of Fas on CD4+ lymphocytes was inversely related to CD4+ number (P = 0·03). Plasma levels of soluble Fas ligand (P = 0·028) and caspase-1 (P = 0·037), determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, were increased during bronchiolitis. Plasma interleukin-18, a product of caspase-1 activity, was not raised. Taken together, these data suggest that in acute RSV infection, CD4+ helper lymphocytes and CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes are primed to undergo apoptosis. This is a mechanism through which lymphopenia may occur and T cell memory may be altered.
Dendritic cells overexpressing Fas-ligand induce pulmonary vasculitis in mice
Authors: BUONOCORE S , FLAMAND V , CLAESSEN N , HEERINGA P , GOLDMAN M , FLORQUIN S 
Published: June 2004

SUMMARYDendritic cells (DC) genetically engineered to express Fas (CD95) ligand (FasL-DC) have been proposed as immunotherapeutic tools to induce tolerance to allografts. However, we and others recently showed that FasL-DC elicit a vigorous inflammatory response involving granulocytes and can promote Th1-type CD4+ and cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes. This prompted us to evaluate the pathology induced by intravenous injection of FasL-DC in mice. We observed that FasL-DC obtained after retroviral gene transfer of bone marrow precursors derived from Fas-deficient C57Bl/6 mice induce massive pulmonary inflammation and pleuritis one day after a single intravenous injection in C57Bl/6 mice. Two months later, all mice presented granulomatous vasculitis of small to medium sized vessels, alveolar haemorrhage and pleuritis. In these lesions, apoptotic bodies were found in large number. Anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic and anti-myeloperoxidase autoantibodies were not detected. This study documents that intravenous injection of FasL-DC causes severe lung granulomatous vasculitis. This new animal model for vasculitis is inducible, highly reproducible and shares many features with human Wegener granulomatosis. This model may be an appropriate tool to further investigate the pathogenesis of vasculitis and test new therapeutic strategies. Moreover, our findings highlight the potential severe complications of FasL-DC-based immunotherapy.
RecombinantMycobacterium bovisbacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) expressing mouse IL-18 augments Th1 immunity and macrophage cytotoxicity
Authors: LUO Y , YAMADA H , CHEN X , RYAN A A , EVANOFF D P , TRICCAS J A , O'DONNELL M A 
Published: June 2004

SUMMARYInterleukin-18 (IL-18) has been demonstrated to synergize with BCG for induction of a T-helper-type 1 (Th1) immune response. Since successful treatment of superficial bladder cancer with BCG requires proper induction of Th1 immunity, we have developed a recombinant (r) BCG strain that functionally secretes mouse (m) IL-18. This rBCG-mIL-18 strain significantly increased production of the major Th1 cytokine IFN-γ in splenocyte cultures, at levels comparable to that elicited by control BCG plus exogenous rIL-18. IFN-γ production by splenocytes was eliminated by addition of neutralizing anti-IL-18 antibody. Endogenous IL-12 played a favourable role whereas IL-10 played an adverse role in rBCG-mIL-18-induced IFN-γ production. Enhanced host antimycobacterial immunity was observed in mice infected with rBCG-mIL-18 which showed less splenic enlargement and reduced bacterial load compared to control mice infected with BCG. Further, splenocytes from rBCG-mIL-18-infected mice, in response to BCG antigen, displayed increased production of IFN-γ and GMCSF, decreased production of IL-10, elevated cellular proliferation and higher differentiation of IFN-γ-secreting cells. rBCG-mIL-18 also enhanced BCG-induced macrophage cytotoxicity against bladder cancer MBT-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Neutralizing all endogenous macrophage-derived cytokines tested (IL-12, IL-18 and TNF-α) as well as IFN-γ severely diminished the rBCG-mIL-18-induced macrophage cytolytic activity, indicating a critical role for these cytokines in this process. Cytokine analysis for supernatants of macrophage-BCG mixture cultures manifested higher levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α in rBCG-mIL-18 cultures than in control BCG cultures. Taken together, this rBCG-mIL-18 strain augments BCG's immunostimulatory property and may serve as a better agent for bladder cancer immunotherapy and antimycobacterial immunization.
The candidate gene approach: have murine models informed the study of human SLE?
Authors: CUNNINGHAME GRAHAM D S , VYSE T J 
Published: June 2004

SUMMARYGenome wide linkage studies in human SLE have identified seven highly significant loci linked to SLE, and more than 20 other loci showing suggestive linkage to disease. However, pin-pointing the susceptibility alleles in candidate genes within these linkage regions is challenging, due the genetic heterogeneity, racial differences and environmental influences on disease aetiology. Utilization of murine models of spontaneous lupus nephritis provide a complementary approach, which may then identify candidate genes for analysis in human cases. This review highlights the utility of cross-species approach to identify and characterize the effect of given candidate genes in lupus. The examples described in this review demonstrate the importance of bringing together both genetic and functional information in human and mouse studies.
Nutritional quality of biofilms with respect to light regime in Lake Saint‐Pierre (Québec, Canada)
Authors: Huggins Kim , Frenette Jean‐Jacques , Arts Michael T. 
Published: June 2004

Summary1.In situexperiments were conducted using specialised incubation devices to grow biofilms under varying light regimes and grazing intensities (by excluding fish and large‐sized zooplankton, >2 mm) both within and between two sites in Lake Saint‐Pierre.2. Biofilms growing under greaterin situUVR and light exposures found in the south water mass were characterised by a greater biomass and nutrient content, but their total fatty acid (FA) contents and ratios of elemental nutrients were not significantly different from the north. There was a relatively greater abundance of chlorophytes and cyanobacteria in the south water mass, along with a greater proportion of low nutritional quality saturated fatty acids (SAFA). Conversely, biofilms growing in the north had a greater relative abundance of diatoms, as well as greater eicosapentaneoic acid (20:5ω3) and docosahexaneoic acid (22:6ω3) concentrations (two FAs implicated in the physiological competency of grazers).3. The prevailing community structures created differences in terms of nutritional status of the biofilms for benthic grazers and their predators at the two sites. The biofilms from the southern site were characterised by greater food quantity at the expense of quality, while biofilms from the northern site contained less food of a better quality. Despite this, the nutritional regime in the south supported a greater productivity at higher trophic levels. The secondary treatments (light and grazing by fish and macro‐invertebrates) had lesser effects on food quality.
Nurse Competence Scale: development and psychometric testing
Authors: Meretoja Riitta , Isoaho Hannu , Leino‐Kilpi Helena 
Published: June 2004

Background.  Self‐assessment assists nurses to maintain and improve their practice by identifying their strengths and areas that may need to be further developed. Professional competence profiles encourage them to take an active part in the learning process of continuing education. Although competence recognition offers a way to motivate practising nurses to produce quality care, few measuring tools are available for this purpose.Aim.  This paper describes the development and testing of the Nurse Competence Scale, an instrument with which the level of nurse competence can be assessed in different hospital work environments.Methods.  The categories of the Nurse Competence Scale were derived from Benner's From Novice to Expert competency framework. A seven‐step approach, including literature review and six expert groups, was used to identify and validate the indicators of nurse competence. After a pilot test, psychometric testing of the Nurse Competence Scale (content, construct and concurrent validity, and internal consistency) was undertaken with 498 nurses. The 73‐item scale consists of seven categories, with responses on a visual analogy scale format. The frequency of using competencies was additionally tested with a four‐point scale.Results.  Self‐assessed overall scores indicated a high level of competence across categories. The Nurse Competence Scale data were normally distributed. The higher the frequency of using competencies, the higher was the self‐assessed level of competence. Age and length of work experience had a positive but not very strong correlation with level of competence. According to the item analysis, the categories of the Nurse Competence Scale showed good internal consistency.Conclusion.  The results provide strong evidence of the reliability and validity of the Nurse Competence Scale.
Knowledge acquisition, synthesis, and validation: a model for decision support systems
Authors: O'Neill Eileen S. , Dluhy Nancy M. , Fortier Paul J. , Michel Howard E. 
Published: June 2004

Background. Decision tools such as clinical decision support systems must be built on a solid foundation of nursing knowledge. However, current methods to determine the best evidence do not include a broad range of knowledge sources. As clinical decision support systems will be designed to assist nurses when making critical decisions, methods need to be devised to glean the best possible knowledge.Aims. This paper presents a comprehensive knowledge development process to develop a nursing clinical decision support system.Discussion. The Nurse Computer Decision Support Project (N‐CODES) is developing a prototype for a prospective decision support system. The prototype is being constructed on rules and cases generated by the best available evidence. To accommodate the range of decisions made in practice, different types of evidence are necessary. The process incorporates procedures to uncover, evaluate, and assimilate information to develop the knowledge domain for a clinical decision support systems. Both formal and practice‐based knowledge are included. The model contains several innovative approaches including the use of clinical experts and a network of practicing clinicians.Conclusion. These strategies will assist scientists and practitioners interested in determining the best evidence to support clinical decision support systems.
Nurse practitioner education: a research‐based curriculum structure
Authors: Gardner Glenn , Gardner Anne , Proctor Margaret 
Published: June 2004

Background.  The process and content of nurse practitioner educational preparation has received scant research attention, despite increasing interest in and investigations into nurse practitioner services in Australia and internationally.Aims.  The aim of this paper is to report a study investigating the educational process and content required for nurse practitioner preparation.Methods.  A trial of practice was conducted with four nurse practitioner candidates over a 12‐month period. The candidates practised in different specialities, giving rise to four models of the nurse practitioner role. The trial had multiple aims related to the role and scope of practice of the nurse practitioner. An action learning model was used, in which participating nurse practitioner candidates ‘worked‐into‐the‐role’ of extended practice and learned from experience through clinical mentoring, reflection and action. Data collection methods centred on transcripts from group work activities related to a collaborative engagement with and reflections on clinical practice. This resulted in the collaborative production of data to inform a research‐based nurse practitioner curriculum structure.Findings.  The findings relate to the content and learning process required for nurse practitioner education and are described in terms of three broad areas of study: clinical practice, clinical sciences and nursing studies.Conclusions.  A curriculum structure that describes content and process for nurse practitioner education was developed from the findings. A further outcome of this trial was confirmation of importance of the clinical environment for nurse practitioner education. Inherent in this aspect of clinical learning is the role of a committed clinical mentor who can facilitate purposeful learning.
Developing Lecturer Practitioner roles using action research
Authors: Williamson Graham R. , Webb Christine , Abelson‐Mitchell Nadine 
Published: June 2004

Background.  Lecturer Practitioner roles are well established in the United Kingdom. The national literature demonstrates that these staff are valuable to National Health Service trusts and universities however, their roles are busy and demanding, with conflicting expectations from the two employers. In addition, their role in addressing the theory–practice gap – a major reason for their establishment – is at best unclear. Although a number of qualitative studies have explored the topic, there have been no systematic attempts to develop the role or to quantify the effects on postholders.Aim.  This paper reports a study that aimed to develop aspects of Lecturer Practitioners’ work roles, examine the effects of this on individuals at one English university, and to quantify Lecturer Practitioners’ occupational stress and burnout.Methods.  A flexible, ‘spiral’ action research framework and ‘collaborative group approach’ were used, with mixed methods of data collection. Data were collected through focus groups, meetings and participant feedback, and participants’ reflective diaries. A questionnaire using previously validated psychological attitude rating scales was also used to measure occupational stress and burnout, the extent to which the project influenced these, and the influence of Lecturer Practitioners’ experience and qualifications. Six null hypotheses were constructed to measure these ideas. Findings from qualitative and quantitative perspectives were triangulated to give depth to the analysis.Findings.  Five themes emerged from the focus groups: personal motivation, workload pressures, role clarity, preparation and support, and gains from the role. Specific policies and documentation were developed as a result of this initial project planning work. The findings from the questionnaire indicated that Lecturer Practitioners were no more stressed or burnt out than comparable workers. Synthesis of findings indicated, broadly speaking, that these LPs were ‘thriving rather than just surviving’.Conclusion.  Action research was an effective methodology for uncovering new knowledge, and bringing about organizational change in this project.
Parents’ experiences of having a child with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Johansson Barbro , Ringsberg Karin C. 
Published: June 2004

Background.  Giving birth to a child with cleft lip and palate (CLP) can be emotionally traumatic for parents. The facial appearance awakens feelings and reactions in the family and other people. Feeding these children in the neonatal period is known to be difficult. Previous research has mainly dealt with visual defects, feeding and speech problems. There is a lack of studies about parents’ experiences of having a child with CLP.Aims.  This study was performed to investigate parents’ experiences of having a child born with a cleft lip or CLP, and how they perceive encouragement and social and mental support from professionals, family and friends.Method.  A phenomenographic approach was used. The study was performed at a university hospital in central Sweden. Twenty families (20 mothers and 12 fathers) were interviewed using guided interviews.Findings.  Two categories, consisting of three and two subcategories, emerged. Informants described their experiences of having a child with CLP, how they slowly adapted to this situation, the first meeting with their child, support from professionals, and reactions from family and other people. Parents commented on the craniofacial team with satisfaction. Due to a low level of knowledge, other professionals often had difficulty in handling the situation and a poor quality of advice on feeding was reported. Family and friends commented on the child positively or by being neutral, which was seen as a lack of interest. A visible scar on the face was seen as a problem, especially for girls. Most informants expressed anxiety about possible problems with speech.Conclusions.  Parents did not look upon their child as handicapped but as having a congenital defect or ‘flaw’. The findings of this study could be used in staff education to promote understanding of parents’ experiences and how best to help them. They could also be used in the general media to improve public understanding. Future research could explore staff perceptions of this sensitive clinical area.