bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shape control of near‐field probes using dynamic meniscus etching
Authors: Haber L. H. , Schaller R. D. , Johnson J. C. , Saykally R. J. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryDynamic etching methods for fabricating fibre optic tips are explored and modelled. By vertically translating the fibre during etching by an HF solution under an organic protective layer, a variety of tip shapes were created. The probe taper lengths, cone angles and geometrical probe shapes were measured in order to evaluate the dynamic meniscus etching process. Fibre motion, etching rate, meniscus distortion and etching time were all found to be important variables that can be used to control the final probe shape.
Cross‐talk between CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis: CD8+ T cells are required for optimal IFN‐γ production by CD4+ T cells
Authors: Herath Shanthi , Kropf Pascale , Müller Ingrid 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARY Although the importance of CD8+ T cells for vaccination and immunity to reinfection with Leishmania parasites is well established, their role in primary infections is disputed. In the present study we further characterized the role of CD8+ T cells in primary L. major infections. We used two groups of L. major infected BALB/c mice: both groups were immunomanipulated to heal and in one group CD8+ T cells were depleted throughout the course of infection. Our results show that the reversal of healing caused by the absence of CD8+ T cells did not alter the proliferation of CD4+ T cells, however, the frequency of CD4+ T cells expressing IFN‐γ as well as the levels of this cytokine were clearly reduced. These lower levels of IFN‐γ correlated with a higher parasite load. Our results show that transient depletion of CD4+ T cells allows the establishment of an equilibrium between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and allows CD8+ T cell activation and effector functions to develop. In addition, our results suggest that cross‐talk between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is crucial for the host defence against L. major.
Inter‐digestive and post‐prandial antro‐pyloro‐duodenal motor activity in humans: effect of 5‐hydroxytryptamine 1 receptor agonism
Authors: Calvert E. L. , Whorwell P. J. , Houghton L. A. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryBackground : Little is known about the effect of 5‐hydroxytryptamine 1 (5‐HT1) receptor agonism on the co‐ordinated motor activity of the gastric antrum, pylorus and duodenum under fasting and fed conditions.Aim : To evaluate the effect of sumatriptan, a 5‐HT1 agonist, on fasting and fed antro‐pyloro‐duodenal motility.Methods : In study 1, antro‐pyloro‐duodenal motility was recorded for two phase IIIs of the migrating motor complex and then, following either a subcutaneous injection of sumatriptan 6 mg or saline control, for at least one additional phase III in 11 healthy volunteers (21–36 years). In study 2, the post‐prandial motility was recorded for 3 h after either a subcutaneous injection of sumatriptan 6 mg or saline control in 10 healthy volunteers (18–36 years).Results : Sumatriptan prolonged the migrating motor complex cycle (P = 0.009) by increasing the duration of phase II (P = 0.02) but not phases I and III. Post‐prandially, sumatriptan reduced the activity index (P = 0.017) by reducing the frequency of co‐ordinated motor activity involving the antrum and/or the duodenum (P < 0.05).Conclusion : 5‐HT1 receptor agonism increases the periodicity of the migrating motor complex and reduces the occurrence of post‐prandial co‐ordinated motor activity involving the gastric antrum, pylorus and duodenum.
COX‐2‐selective inhibitors and the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in high‐risk patients with previous gastrointestinal diseases: a population‐based case–control study
Authors: Nørgård B. , Pedersen L. , Johnsen S. P. , Tarone R. E. , McLaughlin J. K. , Friis S. , Sørensen H. T. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryBackground : Clinical trials have suggested that cyclo‐oxygenase‐2‐selective inhibitors are associated with a lower risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding than are non‐selective, non‐aspirin, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. This has not yet been confirmed in studies of patients with an increased susceptibility to upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Aim : To examine the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in high‐risk patients who filled prescriptions for cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors or other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.Methods : A population‐based case–control study was performed in the Danish county of North Jutland from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2002. From the County Hospital Discharge Registry and the Civil Registration System, we identified incident cases with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 780) and randomly selected controls (n = 2906), respectively. All cases and controls had previous gastrointestinal diseases. Data on drug exposure were obtained from the countywide Prescription Database.Results : Thirty‐five cases (4.5%) filled prescriptionss for cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors within 30 days of the date of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, compared with 79 controls (2.7%). Adjusted odds ratios for upper gastrointestinal bleeding according to prescription for celecoxib, rofecoxib and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were 1.3 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.7–2.8], 2.1 (95% CI, 1.2–3.5) and 3.3 (95% CI, 2.4–4.4), respectively.Conclusions : In patients with increased susceptibility to gastrointestinal adverse events, a lower risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding was observed in users of cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors compared with users of other non‐aspirin, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Aetiology of anorexia nervosa in Hong Kong: a social work qualitative inquiry
Authors: Chan Zenobia C. Y. , Ma Joyce L. C. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTThis paper reports the results of a qualitative inquiry into the aetiology of anorexia nervosa in Hong Kong. These results are part of our main research project about family treatment and families with a daughter suffering from anorexia nervosa. This present qualitative study adopts a multiple case study approach (n = 8) and employs a multiple‐source data collection method, involving pre‐ and post‐family treatment interviews, clinical observations of the participants during the treatment sessions and home visits, as well as detailed field notes. The findings indicate that there are biological, psychological, socio‐cultural and familial interpretations of the aetiology of anorexia nervosa. This study challenges the dominant discourse on anorexia nervosa in Hong Kong, which states that the root of the disease lies in a desire for slenderness and beauty, and suggests instead that the aetiology of anorexia nervosa can be discovered only if approached from the systems level. Implications for social work practice are highlighted.
Prognostic value of admission plasma glucose and HbA1c in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hadjadj S. , Coisne D. , Mauco G. , Ragot S. , Duengler F. , Sosner P. , Torremocha F. , Herpin D. , Marechaud R. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjective  Stress hyperglycaemia increases the risk of mortality after acute myocardial infarction in diabetic and in non‐diabetic patients. We aimed to determine the contribution of admission plasma glucose and HbA1c on post‐acute myocardial infarction prognosis.Patients and methods  Admission plasma glucose and HbA1c were simultaneously measured in all patients consecutively hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction. Patient survival was measured on 5 and 28 days after admission. Patients were defined as having ‘previously diagnosed diabetes’ (personal history of diabetes defined using ADA 1997 criteria), ‘no diabetes’, those without previously diagnosed diabetes and HbA1c below 6.5%, or ‘possible diabetes’, i.e. those without previously diagnosed diabetes and HbA1c above 6.5%.Results  Of the 146 patients included, four had died by day 5 and 14 by day 28. Admission plasma glucose was higher in patients who had died by day 28 (11.7 ± 5.8 vs. 8.0 ± 3.3 mmol/l, P = 0.002), whereas HbA1c was not (6.4 ± 1.9 vs. 6.1 ± 0.8%, NS). Admission plasma glucose was significantly higher in those who had died by day 28 after adjustment on HbA1c. A multivariate analysis, including sex, age and heart failure prior to acute myocardial infarction, showed that admission plasma glucose concentration was an independent predictor of survival after acute myocardial infarction. Twenty‐seven of the patients had previously diagnosed diabetes and 119 had no history of diabetes. Eleven were found to have possible diabetes. Admission plasma glucose was significantly higher in previously diagnosed diabetes (11.1 ± 5.6) than in the other groups: 7.7 ± 2.9 in non‐diabetes, 8.2 ± 2.1 in possible diabetes (P < 0.0001). The relationship between HbA1c‐adjusted admission plasma glucose and mortality after acute myocardial infarction was also found in the non‐diabetes group.Conclusions  Admission plasma glucose, even after adjustment on HbA1c, is a prognostic factor associated with mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Acute rather than the chronic pre‐existing glycometabolic state accounts for the prognosis after acute myocardial infarction.
Evaluating the performance of the Framingham risk equations in a population with diabetes
Authors: McEwan P. , Williams J. E. , Griffiths J. D. , Bagust A. , Peters J. R. , Hopkinson P. , Currie C. J. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAims  The Framingham risk equations are widely used to estimate risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of these equations in predicting CHD risk in people with diabetes and the reliability of using imputed mean HDL‐cholesterol values.Methods  Data describing the baseline characteristics of recognized CHD risk factors for 938 people aged 30–74 years were extracted from the Cardiff Diabetes Database. Data describing CHD events were available for up to 4 years following the baseline year (1996). Several mathematical techniques were used to assess the reliability of predictions provided by the Framingham equations in this population.Results  Thirty‐four percent of males and 25% of females who experienced CHD events had a predicted 10‐year CHD risk ≥ 30%. Seventy‐five percent of males and 58% of females had a predicted 10‐year CHD risk ≥ 20%. Using imputed HDL‐cholesterol values, 26% of males and 6% of females who later developed CHD events had a 10‐year CHD risk ≥ 30%. Using imputed HDL‐cholesterol values, the CHD risk predicted by the Framingham equations consistently underestimated the actual risk of CHD events. However, refitting the Framingham risk equations to the Cardiff data resulted in only marginal improvements in discriminatory capabilities.Conclusions  The Framingham risk equations can be unreliable when applied to the diabetic population, tending to underestimate an individual's probability of progressing to CHD; the equations perform marginally better in women than in men. The use of imputed mean HDL‐cholesterol values improved the reliability of the estimates of risk.
Analysis of Genes That Encode DtxR-Like Transcriptional Regulators in Pathogenic and Saprophytic Corynebacterial Species
Authors: Oram Diana Marra , Avdalovic Ana , Holmes Randall K. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTMetal-dependent transcriptional regulators of the diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR) family have been identified in a wide variety of bacterial genera, where they control gene expression in response to one of two metal ions, Fe2+or Mn2+. DtxR ofCorynebacterium diphtheriaeis the best characterized of these important metal-dependent regulators. The genusCorynebacteriumincludes many phenotypically diverse species, and the prevalence of DtxR-like regulators within the genus is unknown. We assayed chromosomal DNA from 42 different corynebacterial isolates, representing 33 different species, for the presence of a highly conserved region of thedtxRgene that encodes the DNA-binding helix-turn-helix motif and metal-binding site 1 within domains 1 and 2 of DtxR. The chromosome of all of the isolates contained this conserved region ofdtxR, and DNA sequencing revealed a high level of nucleotide sequence conservation within this region in all of the corynebacterial species (ranging from 62 to 100% identity and averaging 70% identity with thedtxRprototype). The level of identity was even greater for the predicted protein sequences encoded by thedtxR-like genes, ranging from 81 to 100% identity and averaging 91% identity with DtxR. Using a DtxR-specific antiserum we confirmed the presence of a DtxR-like protein in extracts of most of the corynebacterial isolates and determined the precise amount of DtxR per cell inC. diphtheriae. The high level of identity at both DNA and protein levels suggests that all of the isolates tested encode a functional DtxR-like Fe2+-activated regulatory protein that can bind homologs of the DtxR operator and regulate gene expression in response to iron.
Bovine Ileal Intraepithelial Lymphocytes Represent Target Cells for Shiga Toxin 1 fromEscherichia coli
Authors: Menge Christian , Blessenohl Maike , Eisenberg Tobias , Stamm Ivonne , Baljer Georg 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTThe discovery that bovine peripheral lymphocytes are sensitive to Stx1 identified a possible mechanism for the persistence of infections with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) in the bovine reservoir host. If intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are also sensitive to Stx1, the idea that Stx1 affects inflammation in the bovine intestine is highly attractive. To prove this hypothesis, ileal IEL (iIEL) were prepared from adult cattle, characterized by flow cytometry, and subjected to functional assays in the presence and absence of purified Stx1. We found that 14.9% of all iIEL expressed Gb3/CD77, the Stx1 receptor on bovine lymphocytes, and 7.9% were able to bind the recombinant B subunit of Stx1. The majority of Gb3/CD77+cells were activated CD3+CD6+CD8α+T cells, whereas only some CD4+T cells and B cells expressed Gb3/CD77. However, Stx1 blocked the mitogen-induced transformation to enlarged blast cells within all subpopulations to a similar extent and significantly reduced the percentage of Gb3/CD77+cells. Although Stx1 did not affect the natural killer cell activity of iIEL, the toxin accelerated the synthesis of interleukin-4 (IL-4) mRNA and reduced the amount of IL-8 mRNA in bovine iIEL cultures. Because the intestinal system comprises a rich network of interactions between different types of cells and any dysfunction may influence the course of intestinal infections, this demonstration that Stx1 can target bovine IEL may be highly relevant for our understanding of the interplay between STEC and its reservoir host.
TheMoraxella catarrhalisPorin-Like Outer Membrane Protein CD Is an Adhesin for Human Lung Cells
Authors: Holm Melissa M. , Vanlerberg Serena L. , Foley Ian M. , Sledjeski Darren D. , Lafontaine Eric R. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTThe outer membrane protein CD (OMPCD) ofMoraxella catarrhalisis an outer membrane protein with several attributes of a potential vaccine antigen. We isolated four transposon mutants of strain O35E on the basis of their reduced binding to A549 human lung cells in microcolony formation assays, and we determined that they contain a transposon inompCD. We also found that these transposon insertions had pleiotropic effects: mutants grew slower, became serum sensitive, bound ∼10-fold less to A549 cells, and appeared transparent when grown on solid medium. We confirmed that these various phenotypes could be attributed solely to disruption ofompCDby constructing the isogenic strain O35E.CD1. O35E-ompCDwas cloned, and recombinantEscherichia colibacteria expressing the gene product exhibited a 10-fold increase in adherence to A549 cells. This is the first report ofM. catarrhalis ompCDmutants, and our findings demonstrate that this gene product is an adhesin for human lung cells.
Role for Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Protein in a Glutathione Response to Bronchopulmonary
Pseudomonas
Infection
Authors: Day Brian J. , van Heeckeren Anna M. , Min Elysia , Velsor Leonard W. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACT

The lung maintains an elevated level of glutathione (GSH) in epithelial lining fluid (ELF) compared to serum. The mechanism(s) by which the lung maintains high levels of ELF GSH and factors that modulate them are largely unexplored. We hypothesized that lung cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein (CFTR) modulates GSH efflux in response to extracellular stress, which occurs with lung infections. Mice were challenged intratracheally with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and on the third day of infection bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained and analyzed for cytokines and antioxidants. Lung tissue antioxidants and enzyme activities were also assessed.
P. aeruginosa
lung infection increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and neutrophils in the ELF. This corresponded with a marked threefold increase in GSH and a twofold increase in urate levels in the ELF of
P. aeruginosa
-infected wild-type mice. A twofold increase in urate levels was also observed among lung tissue antioxidants of
P. aeruginosa
-infected wild-type mice. There were no changes in markers of lung oxidative stress associated with the
P. aeruginosa
lung infection. In contrast with wild-type mice, the CFTR knockout mice lacked a significant increase in ELF GSH when challenged with
P. aeruginosa
, and this correlated with a decrease in the ratio of reduced to oxidized GSH in the ELF, a marker of oxidative stress. These data would suggest that the lung adapts to infectious agents with elevated ELF GSH and urate. Individuals with lung diseases associated with altered antioxidant transport, such as cystic fibrosis, might lack the ability to adapt to the infection and present with a more severe inflammatory response.
Flea-Borne Transmission Model To Evaluate Vaccine Efficacy against Naturally Acquired Bubonic Plague
Authors: Jarrett Clayton O. , Sebbane Florent , Adamovicz Jeffrey J. , Andrews Gerard P. , Hinnebusch B. Joseph 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACT

A flea-to-mouse transmission model was developed for use in testing new candidate vaccines for the ability to protect against flea-borne plague. The model was used to evaluate a recombinant fusion protein vaccine consisting of the
Yersinia pestis
F1 and V antigens. After one to three challenges with
Y. pestis
-infected fleas, 14 of 15 unvaccinated control mice developed plague, with an average septicemia level of 9.2 × 10
8
Y. pestis
CFU/ml. None of 15 vaccinated mice developed the disease after similar challenges, and serological testing indicated that transmitted bacteria were eliminated by the immune system before extensive replication and systemic infection could occur. The transmission and development of disease in control mice correlated with the number of bites by blocked fleas but not with the total number of fleabites. The model provides a means to directly assess the efficacy of new vaccines to prevent naturally acquired bubonic plague and to study events at the vector-host interface that lead to dissemination and disease.
Cell Envelope Protein PPE68 Contributes toMycobacterium tuberculosisRD1 Immunogenicity Independently of a 10-Kilodalton Culture Filtrate Protein and ESAT-6
Authors: Demangel Caroline , Brodin Priscille , Cockle Paul J. , Brosch Roland , Majlessi Laleh , Leclerc Claude , Cole Stewart T. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTThe protective efficacy ofMycobacterium bovisBCG can be markedly augmented by stable integration ofMycobacterium tuberculosisgenomic region RD1. BCG complemented with RD1 (BCG::RD1) encodes nine additional proteins. Among them, 10-kDa culture filtrate protein (CFP-10) and ESAT-6 (6-kDa early secreted antigenic target) are low-molecular-weight proteins that induce potent Th1 responses. Using pools of synthetic peptides, we have examined the potential immunogenicity of four other RD1 products (PE35, PPE68, Rv3878, and Rv3879c). PPE68, the protein encoded byrv3873, was the only one to elicit gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing cells in C57BL/6 mice infected withM. tuberculosis. Anti-PPE68 T cells were predominantly raised against an epitope mapped in the N-terminal end of the protein. Importantly, inactivation ofrv3873in BCG::RD1 did not modify CFP-10 and ESAT-6 secretion. Moreover, the generation of IFN-γ responses to these antigens following immunization with BCG::RD1 was independent of PPE68 expression. Taken together, these results show that PPE68 is an immunogenic product of the RD1 region, which does not interfere with the secretion and immunogenicity of CFP-10 and ESAT-6.
Fc-Dependent Polyclonal Antibodies and Antibodies to Outer Membrane Proteins A and B, but Not to Lipopolysaccharide, Protect SCID Mice against FatalRickettsia conoriiInfection
Authors: Feng Hui-Min , Whitworth Ted , Olano Juan P. , Popov Vsevolod L. , Walker David H. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTAn emphasis on cellular immunity againstRickettsiahas led to neglect of analysis of the role of antibody. The availability of an excellent mouse model of spotted fever rickettsiosis enabled investigation of a potential role of antibody in immunity toRickettsia conorii. C3H severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice were passively transfused with monoclonal antibodies against rickettsial outer membrane protein A (OmpA), OmpB, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), polyclonal anti-R. conoriiserum, Fab fragments of polyclonal antiserum, or no antibodies and then challenged 48 h later with 10 50% lethal doses (LD50) ofR. conorii. All mice that received monoclonal antibodies against OmpA and two of four mice that received monoclonal antibodies against OmpB or polyclonal antisera were completely protected, but the recipients of anti-LPS antibodies or the Fab fragments were not protected. Polyclonal antibody treatment of C3H SCID mice that had been infected with 10 LD50ofR. conorii4 or 5 days earlier prolonged the life of the infected mice from 10.4 to 22.5 days and resulted in decreased levels of infectious rickettsiae in the spleen and liver 24 and 48 h later. Treatment with protective antibodies resulted in the development of large aggregates ofR. conoriiantigens in splenic macrophages and intraphagolysosomal rickettsial death and digestion. The kinetics of development of antibodies toR. conoriidetermined by immunoblotting revealed antibodies to LPS on day 6 and antibodies to OmpA and OmpB on day 12, when recovery from the infection had already occurred. Antibodies to particular epitopes of OmpA and OmpB may protect against reinfection, but they may not play a key role in immunity against primary infection. Antibodies might be useful for treating infections with antibiotic-resistant organisms, and some B-cell epitopes should be included in a subunit vaccine.