bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delaying Acute Graft‐Versus‐Host Disease in Mouse Bone Marrow Transplantation by Treating Donor Cells with Antibodies Directed at l‐Selectin and α4‐Integrin Prior to Infusion
Authors: Li B. , New J. Y. , Tay Y. K. , Goh E. , Yap E. H. , Chan S. H. , Hu H. Z. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractAcute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is still a major hurdle for successful bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Although many immunosuppressive drugs are available, none of them alone or in combination are able to completely abolish acute GVHD. The lifelong immunosuppression profoundly reduces the quality of life of BMT recipients. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are needed. We previously reported that, in an acute GVHD model using SCID mice as recipient, incubating donor spleen cells with antibodies directed at CD49d and CD62L could significantly delay the occurrence of acute GVHD. To test the potential usefulness of this treatment in BMT, we examined this therapeutic protocol in a mouse BMT model. The present mouse BMT study confirmed our previous results that incubation of donor cells with antibodies directed at CD49d and CD62L prior to infusion into the recipient can effectively delay acute GVHD, allowing the recipients to recover from the side effects of total body irradiation. This one‐time treatment is easy and simple and may be modified for clinical usage.
Mercuric Chloride Induces a Strong Immune Activation, but does not Accelerate the Development of Dermal Fibrosis in Tight Skin 1 Mice
Authors: Hansson M. , Abedi‐Valugerdi M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIn susceptible mice, mercuric chloride induces a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by increased serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 and IgE, production of anti‐nucleolar autoantibodies (ANolA) and formation of renal IgG deposits. We have previously hypothesized that mercury confers more adverse immunological effects on those mouse strains, which are genetically prone to develop spontaneous autoimmune diseases than on normal strains. In this study, we tested our hypothesis in tight skin 1 (Tsk1/+) mice, a murine model for human scleroderma. As a support for our hypothesis, we observed that in Tsk1/+ mice, B cells were spontaneously hyperactive and that treatment with mercury induced a strong immune/autoimmune response in these mice, but not in their non‐Tsk (+/+) littermates. This response was characterized by the formation of high numbers of splenic IgG1, IgG2b and IgG3 antibody‐secreting cells, increased serum levels of IgE, production of IgG1 antibodies against single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA), trinitrophenol (TNP) as well as thyroglobulin and the development of renal IgG1 deposits. Neither Tsk1/+ mice nor F1 hybrid crosses between this strain, and mercury susceptible B10.S (H‐2s) were able to produce IgG1‐ANolA in response to mercury. Moreover, mercury‐induced immune activation in Tsk1/+ was not able to potentiate the progression of skin fibrosis in this strain. Thus, exposure to mercury accelerates the immune dysregulation, but not the development of skin fibrosis in Tsk1/+ mice.
Effect of Different Cell Fractions of Mycobacterium avium and Vaccination Regimens on Mycobacterium avium Infection
Authors: Falkinham J. O. , Gross W. B. , Pierson F. W. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBecause of the availability of uniform genetic stocks and the ability to modulate stress levels, chickens were investigated as a host for the development of an antimycobacterial vaccine. The imposition and the timing of stress significantly influenced the outcome of Mycobacterium avium infection in chickens. Simple, whole cell or lysate vaccines and combinations of vaccine preparations were identified that led to high levels of protection. In addition, short‐term stress at the time of vaccination significantly increased the protective efficacy of M. avium vaccine preparations. Post‐infection vaccination of M. avium‐infected chickens was also shown to significantly reduce the number of lesions and colony counts.
Cytokine Profile in Children During the First 3 Months after the Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Karlsson Faresjö M. G. E. , Ernerudh J. , Ludvigsson J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractType 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease with an inflammatory process directed against the β cells in pancreas. This investigation aimed at studying the immune response during the first 3 months after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, with focus on the balance of T‐helper 1 (Th1)‐ and Th2‐like cytokines, produced spontaneously and in response to relevant autoantigens. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from type 1 diabetic children (10–17 years) at 5, 20, 35 and 90 days after diagnosis. Expression of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) mRNA were detected by real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and IL‐13 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in cell supernatant after stimulation with a glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65)‐peptide [amino acid (a.a.) 247–279], insulin, the ABBOS‐peptide (a.a. 152–169), phytohaemagglutinin and keyhole limpet haemocyanin. Spontaneous and antigen‐induced expression and secretion of cytokines were low at the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. During the first month, after diagnosis, the GAD65‐peptide caused an increased ratio of IFN‐γ/IL‐4 mRNA expression (P < 0.05) and increased secretion of IFN‐γ (P = 0.07). Expression of IFN‐γ mRNA did also increase from stimulation with insulin (P < 0.05), even though cytokine secretion remained low. Thus, duration after diagnosis as well as metabolic state should be carefully considered both in studies of the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes and in immune intervention studies at onset.
Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily Member 6 Gene Mutation Detection by Denaturing High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Etokebe G. E. , Abrahamsen T. G. , Bogen B. , Spurkland A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractDenaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) was evaluated as a tool for diagnostic screening of polymorphisms in the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6 (TNFRSF6) also known as CD95, Apo‐1 or Fas gene. Exons 1–9 of the TNFRSF6 gene were amplified from genomic DNA of 38 individuals, of which three were known to carry mutations in the TNFRSF6 gene. The TNFRSF6 gene amplicons were analysed for heterozygosity by DHPLC. Samples that displayed heterozygous variation by DHPLC were further analysed by sequencing. Comparison of DHPLC analysis with sequencing results showed an overall 100% concordance for samples in which heterozygosity was detected by DHPLC. Importantly, DHPLC was in all cases able to demonstrate the presence or absence of mutations in exon 9 encoding the death domain of the TNFRSF6 gene, which have been implied as the most frequent genetic cause of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome. Comparison of DHPLC analysis with sequencing results showed an overall 100% concordance for samples in which heterozygosity was detected by DHPLC. In conclusion, DHPLC is a suitable method for the detection of genetic variation in the TNFRSF6 gene.
Interaction of C1q with the Receptor Calreticulin Requires a Conformational Change in C1q
Authors: Steinø A. , Jørgensen C. S. , Laursen I. , Houen G. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe interaction between C1q and the chaperone calreticulin was studied under various conditions. When both proteins were present in equal amounts in solution, no interaction could be demonstrated. However, C1q immobilized on a hydrophobic surface, exposed to heat‐treatment or bound to immunoglobulins (Igs) showed a strong, rapid and specific binding of calreticulin. The interaction appeared to be a two‐step process, and the initial phase of interaction was sensitive to high concentrations of salt but not to a physiological salt concentration. The following strong binding was insensitive to salt and extremes of pH but sensitive to strongly denaturing agents (urea and guanidine). The sensitivity to salt during the initial phase of interaction was practically identical to that observed when calreticulin was bound to type V collagen. Binding between C1q and calreticulin could be inhibited by serum amyloid P component and by proteinase K‐digested ovalbumin, and the binding of calreticulin to proteinase K‐digested ovalbumin was shown to be inhibited by C1q. The data indicate that C1q binds stably to the peptide‐binding site of calreticulin and that the initial binding of calreticulin to C1q involves the collagen‐like domain of the C1q molecule. In conclusion, our results suggest calreticulin as a potential receptor for an altered conformation of C1q as occurs during binding to Igs. Thus, the chaperone and protein‐scavenging function of calreticulin may extend from the endoplasmic reticulum to the topologically equivalent cell surface, where it may contribute to the elimination of immune complexes and apoptotic cells.
DC‐SIGN‐Specific Liposomal Targeting and Selective Intracellular Compound Delivery to Human Myeloid Dendritic Cells: Implications for HIV Disease
Authors: Gieseler R. K. , Marquitan G. , Hahn M. J. , Perdon L. A. , Driessen W. H. P. , Sullivan S. M. , Scolaro M. J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractMyeloid dendritic cells (MyDCs), prime stimulators of antigen‐specific immunity, can serve as one of the major reservoirs for human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1). Utilizing mature monocyte‐derived MyDCs generated with granulocyte/macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, interleukin‐4, and tumour necrosis factor‐α as an in vitro model, we here present the first proof of concept for liposomal compound delivery to these cells by specifically addressing CD209, i.e. DC‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3‐grabbing nonintegrin (DC‐SIGN), a MyDC‐associated C‐type lectin implicated in the transmission of HIV‐1 to T helper cells. By employing a liposomally entrapped tracer, calcein, we demonstrate by flow cytometry and mathematics a superior targeting efficacy for DC‐SIGN, as compared with select other MyDC markers (CD1a, CD4, CD45R0, and CD83). Fluorescence microscopy reveals time‐dependent surface binding and intracellular uptake of DC‐SIGN‐specific liposomes by both immature and mature MyDCs. This pilot study implies that liposomal targeting to CD209 and related C‐type lectins may afford therapeutic intracellular drug delivery to MyDCs and other reservoir and nonreservoir cells susceptible to infection with HIV‐1.
A new test for immunological infertility: an ELISA based on prostasomes
Authors: Carlsson L. , Nilsson B. O. , Ronquist G. , Lundquist M. , Larsson A. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryAntisperm antibodies (ASA) are present in patients with immunological infertility, but the antigens are poorly characterized. Prostasomes adhere to sperm cells and are recognized as antigens for ASA. This investigation aimed to study the prevalence of antiprostasome antibodies in ASA‐classified sera. We studied the reactivity of ASA‐positive sera from 116 immunoinfertile patients. Ninety‐seven per cent (113 of 116) of the patients’ sera contained IgG antibodies against seminal prostasomes. Accordingly, prostasomes are one of the major targets for ASA. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay based on prostasomes is simpler to perform than ASA tests presently in use. It is also easier to achieve reproducible and standardized results.
Outpatient penile implantation with the patient under a novel method of crural block
Authors: Hsu Geng‐Long , Hsieh Cheng‐Hsing , Wen Hsien‐Sheng , Chen Shyh‐Chyan , Chen Yi‐Chang , Liu Li‐Jen , Mok Martin S. , Wu Chih‐Hsiung 
Published: May 2004

SummaryAlthough local anaesthesia for penile implants has been substantially reported, its methodology, simplicity and reliability left room for improvement. We would like to report on an innovative penile crural block using local anaesthesia in patients who underwent penile implantation as outpatient surgery. From March 1987 to March 1991, a total of 21 organically impotent men, aged from 27 to 77 years, received penile prosthesis implantation. All these were performed under pudendal nerve block as an outpatient procedure. From August 1992 to January 2003 a proximal dorsal nerve block with peripenile infiltration and penile crural block was developed to replace the anaesthesia method of pudendal nerve blocks in 137 consecutive patients (aged from 35 to 83 years) undergoing penile implants. The anaesthetic effects and postoperative results with the crural block were very satisfactory. Common immediate side‐effects included puncture of the vessels, subcutaneous ecchymosis, transient palpitations and dilation pain, but there were no significant late complications. In the group of pudendal nerve blockage, 42.9% patients (nine of 21) experienced severe aching pain over the perineum for 1–2 weeks postoperatively, whereas the newly developed method of crural block markedly reduced these adverse effects. This new anaesthetic method proved to be reliable, simple, and safe with fewer complications. It offers the advantages of less morbidity, preservation of patient's privacy, reduced adverse effects of anaesthesia, and a more‐rapid return to activity with minimal complications.
Variations in quality of frozen–thawed semen from Swedish Red and White AI sires at 1 and 4 years of age
Authors: Hallap Triin , Håård Margareta , Jaakma Ülle , Larsson Birgitta , Rodriguez‐Martinez Heriberto 
Published: May 2004

SummaryThe predictability of semen quality of mature sires from measurements at an early age is not well established. The aim of the present study was to determine age‐dependent changes in the quality of bull semen for artificial insemination (AI). Semen was collected and frozen from each of six Swedish Red and White (SRB) dairy AI bulls when they were 1 and 4 years old. Three batches were randomly selected from each bull and age group. From each batch, semen was analysed immediately after thawing [post‐thaw (PT), control] as well as after washing/resuspension (W) and after a swim‐up procedure (SU). The analyses comprised subjective and computerized (computer‐aided sperm analysis, CASA) measurements of motility as well as sperm concentration, morphology and membrane integrity. When semen was analysed, PT, overall sperm motility (CASA), concentration of motile spermatozoa and membrane integrity improved when sires were older. After SU, there was a similar improvement in membrane integrity and concentration of motile spermatozoa, but linear motility decreased. No significant differences between ages were recorded after W‐treatment. The above findings indicate that SU is not only superior to W‐treatment in differentiating semen quality among bulls but also reveals age‐dependent changes. Improved motility and membrane integrity suggest increased viability of spermatozoa at 4 years of age in the SRB sires examined here.
Ketone bodies could support the motility but not the acrosome reaction of mouse sperm
Authors: Tanaka Hiromitsu , Takahashi Tohru , Iguchi Naoko , Kitamura Kouichi , Miyagawa Yasushi , Tsujimura Akira , Matsumiya Kiyomi , Okuyama Akihiko , Nishimune Yoshitake 
Published: May 2004

SummaryKetone bodies, D‐β‐hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate, produced by the metabolism of fatty acids, are an important energy source for many organs, especially the heart, kidney and brain. They are utilized by the body with the help of succinyl CoA transferase (SCOT), which is ubiquitously expressed in various organs. Previously, we identified a novel SCOT‐t specifically expressed in testicular germ cells and sperm, substituting somatic cell‐type SCOT, however the physiological role of SCOT‐t had not then been clarified. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ketone bodies, the substrate of SCOT‐t, on the motility and acrosome reaction of mouse sperm. D‐β‐hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate both stimulated the motility of sperm as glucose or pyruvate. The glycolysis inhibitor stopped the motility of sperm mediated by glucose but not by D‐β‐hydroxybutyrate. In contrast, ketone bodies did not stimulate the activation of the acrosome reaction of sperm, different from the effect of glucose. These results indicate that ketone bodies could be involved in sperm movement but not the acrosome reaction and the SCOT‐t enzyme we have identified in sperm mitochondria may have important roles in the activity of sperm, resulting in male infertility when its function is disabled.
Increased nitric oxide is accompanied by lipid oxidation in adolescent varicocele
Authors: Türkyilmaz Zafer , Gülen Şebnem , Sönmez Kaan , Karabulut Ramazan , Dinçer Sibel , Can Başaklar A. , Kale Nuri 
Published: May 2004

SummaryOne of the mechanisms of injury in varicocele has been proposed to be elevated nitric oxide (NO). We aimed to determine the association between the elevation of NO and lipid oxidation in varicocele compared with peripheral venous levels of these two substances as it has not been studied before. The study group consisted of 13 adolescents with left idiopathic varicocele of grades II–III. Blood specimens were obtained from dilated spermatic and peripheral veins simultaneously. Peripheral samples were also collected from 13 healthy children as controls. Nitrite/nitrate levels (NOx) and levels of malonedialdehyde (MDA) were determined using Griess reaction and thiobarbituric acid test, respectively. Results were compared with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Peripheral NOx and MDA were the same in the study and control groups (p = 0.069 and p = 0.27, respectively). Spermatic vein NOx and MDA levels were elevated significantly compared with the peripheral levels in the study group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.048, respectively). Increased NOx levels with lipid oxidation occur locally in adolescent varicocele, implying that these events could be reversed by early treatment.
Is an expanded nurse role economically viable?
Authors: Lee Taewha , Ko Il‐Sun , Jeong Seok Hee 
Published: May 2004

Rationale. Community health practitioners (CHPs) in Korea are Registered Nurses with a 6‐month special training who have responsibility for delivering primary health care to remote or isolated communities. Research has indicated that these practitioners’ contribution to improving the health of rural and remote populations has been effective. Despite this, CHP programmes have been fundamentally re‐examined by the Korean government, as a consequence of the national economic crisis of 1998 and restructuring of the health care delivery system.Aim. The aim of this paper is to analyse CHP services in primary health care, and evaluate some of the economic impacts of these services through a cost‐minimization analysis.Methods. A retrospective, descriptive‐correlational design was used. A self‐administered questionnaire was sent to 600 CHPs who were randomly selected from the target population, and 272 returned the questionnaire after one reminder letter, a response rate of 45·3%.Results. There was a significant difference in average cost of care between a model based on CHP services and one including no CHP services, in which equivalent care was provided by physicians (t = −6·833, P < 0·001). The average costs ratio was 2·16 (sd = 1·24), with a range of 0·09–9·63, indicating that CHP services were almost half the price of the ‘no CHP services’ model.Conclusions. The results provide evidence of the economic validity of the CHP's role in the public sector, where there is no net income to serve as a policy guideline. The conclusion can be drawn that CHP services are more effective than physician services (or ‘no CHP services’).
New understandings of parental grief: literature review
Authors: Davies Ruth 
Published: May 2004

Background.  Health professionals have a critical role in supporting bereaved parents and rely on models of grief to inform and guide their practice. However, different models, based on fundamentally different theoretical perspectives and research paradigms, do not necessarily reflect the experiences, or particular needs, of bereaved parents.Aim.  The aim of this paper is to report a literature review exploring changing theoretical perspectives in relation to parental grief in the United Kingdom and United States of America.Methods.  A literature search was conducted of nursing, medical and social science data bases using the key words bereaved parents, models of grief and theories of grief. This revealed 266 publications, of which 32 were relevant. Contemporary literature has formed the focus of this review but older material has been included to trace how theoretical perspectives on parental grief have evolved over time.Findings.  Theoretical perspectives, on which models of grief are based, have evolved continuously over the last century. Also, traditional and new models differ because in that they are rooted in positivistic and non‐positivistic research paradigms respectively. The main implications for health professionals are that new models can be applied in practice to support parents in their grief. The literature reflects an Anglo‐American cultural perspective and further research is needed to reflect the multicultural diversity of today's multicultural societies.Conclusions.  This review highlights fundamental differences between traditional and new models of grief. Traditional models, place emphasis on bereaved people letting go of their emotional relationships with those who have died. In contrast, new models, place emphasis on parents holding on to their relationship with their dead children, and identify therapeutic interventions that support parents in their grief.
Psychological distress and quality of life in hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Andenæs Randi , Kalfoss Mary H. , Wahl Astrid 
Published: May 2004

Background.  Knowledge of what may influence patients’ perceptions of quality of life is essential for improving nursing interventions, but there has been little research on the influence of psychological distress on health status and quality of life among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Aim.  This paper reports a study whose aim was to examine how disease factors and health status affect psychological distress and subjectively perceived quality of life in patients admitted for an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Method.  A convenience sample of 92 inpatients (mean age 69 years) were interviewed using the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, Hopkins Symptoms Check List (23 item version), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment. Disease variables (disease duration and pulmonary function) and health status were entered in blockwise multivariate regression analyses to examine the relationships between disease variables, psychological distress, and a single item assessment of overall quality of life.Results.  The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire Total and Impact subscores showed statistically significant associations with psychological distress. Pulmonary function showed a moderately significant association with subjective perceived quality of life. Pulmonary function and disease duration explained a minor part of the variance in quality of life. Psychological distress had a statistically significant association with quality of life and accounted for 34% of the total 39% variance explained by our model.Conclusions.  The influence of psychological distress on quality of life implies that bringing about change in psychological distress factors may have important consequences for quality of life. The findings should be taken seriously in developing future nursing interventions for this group of patients.