bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
μ‐Opiate receptor agonist loperamide blocks bethanechol‐induced gallbladder contraction, despite higher cholecystokinin plasma levels in man
Authors: Otto B. , Mawe G. M. , Riepl R. L. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract  μ‐Opiate receptor agonists, such as loperamide, influence biliary excretion and suppress cholecystokinin (CCK)‐induced gallbladder contraction. Loperamide decreases cholinergic mechanisms, like pancreatic polypeptide (PP) release, while muscarinic agonist (bethanechol)‐induced PP release remains unaffected. The effects of loperamide on gallbladder contraction and peptide release were performed to resolve this discrepancy.Methods:  Six subjects (27.6 ± 2.0 years) received bethanechol (12.5, 25 and 50 μg kg−1 h−1 continuously over 40 min) after oral 16 mg loperamide (vs placebo) in a crossover design. Gallbladder volume and plasma levels of CCK, PP, motilin, gastrin, neurotensin, cholylglycine were measured regularly.Results:  Bethanechol significantly reduced gallbladder volume (26.7 ± 1.9 to a nadir of 15.3 ± 2.2 mL, P ≤ 0.05), and this action was inhibited by loperamide. Basal CCK levels increased significantly after loperamide. Incremental integrated CCK release after bethanechol was higher under loperamide (P ≤ 0.05), as placebo CCK release was significantly decreased under bethanechol (2.0 ± 0.4–0.8 ± 0.3 pmol L−1). In both settings, PP levels were significantly increased after bethanechol, while release of neurotensin, motilin, gastrin and cholylglycine was unaffected.Conclusion:  The μ‐opiate receptor agonist loperamide inhibits bethanechol‐induced gallbladder contraction. This effect is not mediated by inhibition of CCK release, as loperamide even enhances basal CCK plasma levels. As cholinergic mechanisms, like bethanechol‐induced incremental PP release, were unaffected, μ‐opiate agonists might influence gallbladder contraction via vagal–cholinergic pathways.
A randomized controlled trial of a probiotic combination VSL# 3 and placebo in irritable bowel syndrome with bloating
Authors: Kim H. J. , Vazquez Roque M. I. , Camilleri M. , Stephens D. , Burton D. D. , Baxter K. , Thomforde G. , Zinsmeister A. R. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract  Aim:  To evaluate the effects of a combination probiotic on symptoms and colonic transit in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and significant bloating.Methods:  Forty‐eight patients with Rome II IBS were randomized in a parallel group, double‐blind design to placebo or VSL# 3 twice daily (31 patients received 4 weeks and 17 patients 8 weeks of treatment). Pre‐ and post‐treatment colonic transit measurements were performed using scintigraphy with 111In charcoal. Symptoms were summarized as an average daily score for the entire period of treatment and separately for the first 4 weeks of treatment. Weekly satisfactory relief of abdominal bloating was assessed.Results:  Treatment with VSL# 3 was associated with reduced flatulence over the entire treatment period (placebo 39.5 ± 2.6 vs VSL# 3 29.7 ± 2.6, P = 0.011); similarly, during the first 4 weeks of treatment, flatulence scores were reduced (placebo 40.1 ± 2.5 vs VSL# 3 30.8 ± 2.5, P = 0.014). Proportions of responders for satisfactory relief of bloating, stool‐related symptoms, abdominal pain and bloating scores were not different. Colonic transit was retarded with VSL# 3 relative to placebo (colon geometric center 2.27 ± 0.20 vs 2.83 ± 0.19, P = 0.05 respectively).Conclusion:  VSL# 3 reduces flatulence scores and retards colonic transit without altering bowel function in patients with IBS and bloating.
Two Doses of Parenterally Administered Split Influenza Virus Vaccine Elicited High Serum IgG Concentrations which Effectively Limited Viral Shedding upon Challenge in Mice
Authors: Hovden A.‐O. , Cox R. J. , Madhun A. , Haaheim L. R. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractWe have previously found that whole influenza virus vaccine induced a more rapid and stronger humoral response, particularly after the first dose of vaccine, than split virus vaccine in mice. In this study, we have evaluated the protective efficacy of whole and split influenza virus vaccines in mice using a nonlethal upper respiratory tract challenge model. We have also investigated the immunological correlates associated with no or very little viral shedding after viral challenge. Vaccination resulted in reduced viral shedding and shortened the duration of infection by at least 2 days. After one dose of vaccine, whole virus vaccine generally resulted in less viral shedding than split virus vaccine. In contrast, two doses of split virus vaccine, particularly the highest vaccine strengths of 15 and 30 µg HA, most effectively limited viral replication and these mice had high concentrations of prechallenge influenza‐specific serum IgG. The vaccine formulation influenced the IgG2a/IgG1 ratio, and this IgG subclass profile was maintained upon challenge to some extent, although it did not influence the level of viral shedding. The concentration of postvaccination serum IgG showed an inverse relationship with the level of viral shedding after viral challenge. Therefore, serum IgG is an important factor in limiting viral replication in the upper respiratory tract upon challenge of an antigenically similar virus.
Tissue Localization of Toll‐Like Receptors in Biopsy Specimens of Liver from Children Infected with Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Mozer‐Lisewska I. , Sluzewski W. , Kaczmarek M. , Jenek R. , Szczepanski M. , Figlerowicz M. , Kowala‐Piaskowska A. , Zeromski J. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractToll‐like receptors (TLR) are important tools of innate immunity, localized mainly on cells of the immune system, but also have been shown on cells of other origin. In the current study, they have been searched in biopsy specimens of liver from children bearing chronic viral hepatitis of C type (HCV). TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4 were traced by means of polyclonal antibodies and avidin‐biotin complex (ABC) immunohistochemistry. Besides, mRNA for TLR was looked for using specific primers and polymerase chain reaction. Several controls, including neutralization of primary antibody with respective blocking peptide, confirmed the specificity of the immunohistochemical reaction. All TLR tested could be visualized in a focal distribution in single hepatocytes and some cells of inflammatory infiltrates. There was no reaction whatsoever in liver samples not infected with hepatotropic virus. In molecular studies, mRNA for TLR2 and TLR4 was detected in both noninfected and hepatitis B virus‐infected established cell lines of human hepatoma as well as in HCV+ biopsy samples. These data indicate that TLR can be traced in liver cells, both at the protein and at the mRNA level. Their irregular and focal distribution in HCV+, but not in HCV–, liver suggests some role of TLR in the pathogenesis of chronic viral hepatitis, at least in children.
The Immunogenicity of a Conformationally Restricted Peptide Mimetic of Meningococcal Lipooligosaccharide
Authors: Tiwana H. , Clow K. J. , Hall C. , Feavers I. M. , Charalambous B. M. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractLife‐threatening meningitis and septicaemia caused by Neisseria meningitidis are a public health priority, and their prevention by vaccination is a major objective. Meningococcal capsular polysaccharide‐based vaccines are effective against the major invasive serogroups, except for serogroup B, the capsule of which mimics human polysaccharides and is poorly immunogenic. An alternative vaccine candidate that has the potential to offer cross‐protection against antigenically diverse meningococci is the lipooligosaccharide (LOS). The structurally constrained peptide mimetic, C22, of a bactericidal antibody epitope within LOS was previously shown to elicit cross‐reactive antibodies to meningococcal LOS when complexed to NeutrAvidin™ as a carrier protein. The immunogenicity of this antigen in H‐2d (BALB/c) and H‐2k (C3H/HeN) haplotype mice was further investigated. Anti‐LOS immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titres increased with the vaccine dose and correlated with the anti‐C22 peptide antibody titres in both haplotypes. Antigen‐stimulated Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion by splenocytes and antibody isotypes indicated a Th2‐type immune response with IgG1 antibodies and a low titre of IgG2b. There was no serum bactericidal activity observed against the meningococcus.
DNA Vaccination Using Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin‐DNA as an Adjuvant to Enhance Immune Response to Three Kinds of Swine Diseases
Authors: Zhang S. , Guo Y.‐J. , Sun S.‐H. , Wang K.‐Y. , Wang K.‐H. , Zhang Y. , Zhu W.‐J , Chen Z.‐H. , Jiang L. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractIn order to enhance the immune efficacy of DNA vaccination, experiments were conducted to investigate the regulating effects of Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG)‐DNA as an adjuvant on immune responses of mice against foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD), Aujeszky's disease (AjD) and classical swine fever (CSF). BCG‐DNA was purified from BCG by ion‐exchange chromatography. Three DNA vaccines (pVSG, pVgD and pVE2) against the respective infection were constructed, and BCG‐DNA was coimmunized to mice by muscle injection. The results showed that titres of specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G to the vaccines mounted remarkably in the sera of the adjuvant covaccinated mice (P < 0.01). Antibody isotype IgG2a and IgG1 also increased, respectively, in mice coimmunized with BCG‐DNA compared with those of the control groups (P < 0.01). Cellular immune cytokine interferon‐γ and cytotoxic T lymphocytes were detected in coimmunized BCG‐DNA groups (P < 0.05). Whereas interleukin‐4, humoral immune cytokine, was not significant (P > 0.05). These results suggest that codelivery of BCG‐DNA with DNA vaccines against FMD, AjD and CSF can enhance the induction of antigen‐specific, especially, cell‐mediated immunity.
The downregulation of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) expression in plants with low levels of DNA methylation and by vernalization occurs by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Jean Finnegan E. , Kovac Kathryn A. , Jaligot Estelle , Sheldon Candice C. , James Peacock W. , Dennis Elizabeth S. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryFLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), a repressor of flowering, is a major determinant of flowering time in Arabidopsis. FLC expression is repressed by vernalization and in plants with low levels of DNA methylation, resulting in early flowering. This repression is not associated with changes of DNA methylation within the FLC locus in either vernalized plants or plants with low levels of DNA methylation. In both cases, there is a reduction of histone H3 trimethyl‐lysine 4 (K4) and acetylation of both histones H3 and H4 around the promoter‐translation start of FLC. The expression of the two genes flanking FLC is also repressed in both conditions and repression is associated with decreased histone H3 acetylation. The changes in histone modifications at the FLC gene cluster, which are similar in vernalized plants and in plants with reduced DNA methylation, must arise by different mechanisms. VERNALIZATION 1, VERNALIZATION 2 and VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE 3 modulate FLC expression in vernalized plants; these proteins play no role in the downregulation of FLC in plants with low levels of DNA methylation. Chimeric FLC::GUS transgenes respond to vernalization but these same transgenes show a position‐dependent response to low levels of DNA methylation. In plants with reduced DNA methylation, expression of the five MADS AFFECTING FLOWERING (MAF) genes is repressed, suggesting that DNA methylation alters the expression of a trans‐acting regulator common to FLC and members of the related MAF gene family. Our observations suggest that DNA methylation is not part of the vernalization pathway.
Is malaria a disease of poverty? A review of the literature
Authors: Worrall Eve , Basu Suprotik , Hanson Kara 
Published: September 2005

SummaryObjective  To review the evidence on the link between malaria and poverty.Methods  Review of the published and grey literature to identify (i) the data available on the socio‐economic distribution of malaria incidence and vulnerability, and (ii) the uptake of malaria control interventions.Results  We found mixed evidence on malaria incidence, with a number of studies identifying no relationship between socio‐economic status and incidence, although a larger number of studies do find a link. There is strong evidence that uptake of preventive and treatment interventions is closely related to proxies for socio‐economic status. More generally, the quality of the literature examining this issue is highly variable, with many different measures of socio‐economic status and often inadequate descriptions of methods of data collection and analysis in relation to socio‐economic status.Conclusions  Important socio‐economic differentials exist in access to malaria interventions, increasing the vulnerability of the poorest. More information is needed about how other methods of delivering malaria treatment and prevention can redress these inequalities.
Diagnostic values of IgG4 in human gnathostomiasis
Authors: Anantaphruti Malinee T. , Nuamtanong S. , Dekumyoy P. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThe diagnostic values of immunoglobulin G subclass antibodies from patients with gnathostomiasis were assessed by immunoblot technique. Antigen was prepared from crude extracts of Gnathostoma spinigerum advanced third‐stage larvae obtained from naturally infected eels. The sera were obtained from 14 parasite‐confirmed gnathostomiasis cases, 63 patients with other helminthic infections and 13 healthy controls. Nine prominent IgG4 reactive bands appeared with molecular weights of 94, 51, 47, 43, 38, 24, 21, 20 and 15 kDa. The diagnostic sensitivity of each of the nine reactive bands ranged from 100% to 64.3% in 14 parasite‐confirmed gnathostomiasis cases. All (100%) confirmed cases recognized the 21 kDa antigenic band, but not other helminthic infections or parasite‐free control. Recognition of 21 kDa antigen in G. spinigerum advanced third‐stage larvae crude extracts is the most specific diagnostic marker for human gnathostomiasis, with 100% sensitivity and specificity. The 20 and 24 kDa protein bands were additional diagnostic bands for confirming diagnosis of infection where the 21 kDa band was faint. No specific binding of IgG1, IgG2, or IgG3 antibodies was observed in any sera from confirmed gnathostomiasis cases.
Non‐specific effects of vaccination on child survival? A prospective study in Senegal
Authors: Elguero Eric , Simondon Kirsten B. , Vaugelade Jacques , Marra Adama , Simondon François 
Published: September 2005

SummaryObjectives  Several studies have shown an association between vaccination and child mortality in developing countries. The present paper examines this issue using data from a Senegalese rural area which has been monitored from 1983 to the present.Methods  We analysed two birth cohorts, comprising 7796 and 3573 persons who had received either BCG and DTP (diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis) simultaneously or neither of these vaccines, and who had been followed from birth to 2 years of age. The association between vaccinations and mortality was assessed by Cox proportional hazards model.Results  Mortality ratios for recipients of the BCG/DTP combination were 0.59 (95% CI: 0.46–0.74) for the first cohort and 0.70 (0.50–0.97) for the second cohort. Mortality ratios for measles vaccine recipients were 0.98 (0.75–1.27) for the first cohort and 0.87 (0.57–1.30) for the second cohort.Conclusions  The BCG/DTP combination was associated with a reduction in mortality whereas measles vaccination was not associated with mortality.
Developing an evidence‐based, preventive care package for persons with HIV in Africa
Authors: Mermin Jonathan , Bunnell Rebecca , Lule John , Opio Alex , Gibbons Amanda , Dybul Mark , Kaplan Jonathan 
Published: September 2005

SummaryCurrently, 95% of the 40 million persons with HIV live in low and middle income countries; 27 million in sub‐Saharan Africa. HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death in the region, yet access to care and treatment considered standard‐of‐care in the industrialized world is extremely limited. There is a need for standardized, evidence‐based recommendations on preventive measures. We developed a list of potential interventions based, when possible, on documented efficacy in reducing morbidity or mortality among persons with HIV in Africa. We considered the accessibility, affordability, and potential for implementation using existing health care infrastructure. Potential components included cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, safe drinking water, isoniazid prophylaxis, insecticide‐treated bed nets, micronutrients, and provision of HIV counseling and testing and condoms to family members of persons with HIV. There are several additional interventions for which further evaluation would be useful before inclusion in a standard package of care, including acyclovir prophylaxis, food supplementation, hand washing, and fluconazole prophylaxis. The provision of a basic care package could be an important step toward reducing health care disparities and gaining more control of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Refraction, axial length and age‐related maculopathy
Authors: Ulvik Solveig Otteren , Seland Johan H. , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore 
Published: September 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To study the relationship between age‐related maculopathy (ARM)/age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and phakic refraction and between ARM/AMD and axial length. Methods:  The study was a point prevalence study that included 663 randomly selected persons aged over 65 years. We measured axial length and refraction. Fundus images were graded for ARM according to a modified Wisconsin Age‐related Maculopathy Grading System standard. Data from both eyes were available from most participants. We analysed the results for both individual eyes and pairs. Results:  The mean axial length was 23.22 mm for right eyes and 23.21 mm for left eyes. Women had a 0.57‐mm shorter mean axial length than men. The mean refraction was +1.0 dioptres (D) for right eyes and +0.9 D for left eyes. At 70 years of age women were more hypermetropic than men by 0.66 D. There was no significant difference in refraction or axial length among the groups with different ARM stages. Conclusion:  We found no statistically significant relationship between axial length/refraction and AMD/ARM. There was a statistically significant sex difference in axial length and refraction, where women had shorter axial lengths and were more hypermetropic than men.
Haplotyping of TNFα gene promoter using melting temperature analysis: detection of a novel –856(G/A) mutation
Authors: Song Y. , Araki J. , Zhang L. , Froehlich T. , Sawabe M. , Arai T. , Shirasawa T. , Muramatsu M. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractTumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is a potent cytokine with a wide range of pro‐inflammatory activities and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of a number of infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. We determined four single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), −1031(C/T), −863(C/A), −857(C/T), and −308(G/A) in the TNFα promoter region using melting temperature analysis, among 1451 geriatric autopsy samples. Two adjacent SNPs, −863(C/A) and −857(C/T), were directly assayed by a single probe reaction, which correctly determined three of four expected haplotypes. Sequence confirmation related that the most rare haplotype (8/2902 chromosomes, frequency: 0.26%) contains a novel mutation of −856(G/A), instead of the predicted haplotype. These results indicate that melting temperature analysis provides a robust method to determine the polymorphisms in the TNFα promoter.
Genetic diversity of KIR natural killer cell markers in populations from France, Guadeloupe, Finland, Senegal and Réunion
Authors: Denis L. , Sivula J. , Gourraud P.‐A. , Kerdudou N. , Chout R. , Ricard C. , Moisan J.‐P. , Gagne K. , Partanen J. , Bignon J.‐D. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractKiller cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) belong to a diverse family of natural killer (NK) cell receptors recognizing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. Due to this functional link, KIR molecules are expected to display a high polymorphism, such as their HLA ligands. Moreover, many studies conducted in mouse and human models have shown that NK‐KIR receptors play an important role in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). A beneficial impact of peculiar KIR ligand (HLA) mismatching has been reported suggesting a role to this combinatory HLA‐KIR polymorphism. It is thus important to investigate KIR diversity in various human populations. To this end, we used polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primers to evaluate KIR gene in five selected populations (France, Guadeloupe, Senegal, Finland and Réunion). Genotypic and haplotypic frequencies were computed, as well as genetic distances and dendrogram (phylip package). These data illustrate the genetic relationship of these five populations through the KIR polymorphism. Results revealed a wide diversity in KIR gene frequencies in Guadeloupe and Réunion, and a high specificity in Senegal. The obtained dendrogram indicated small genetic distances between France, Guadeloupe and Réunion as well as between France and Finland. Senegal showed a distant genetic relationship with the other countries and, interestingly, an inverted ratio of coding/non‐coding (KIR2DS4/1D) alleles compared with Caucasians. These data expose the broad diversity in KIR genes worldwide and show that KIR genes are pertinent tools in human population genetics. If the role of KIR donor–recipient incompatibilities is confirmed, KIR diversity according to ethnicity should be taken into account during the selection of HSCT donors.
Distributions of HLA class I alleles and haplotypes in Northern Han Chinese
Authors: Hong W. , Fu Y. , Chen S. , Wang F. , Ren X. , Xu A. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractHuman leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I allelic genotypes were determined in 105 unrelated Han ethnic individuals inhabiting the northern China area. A total of 19 HLA‐A alleles, 49 HLA‐B alleles and 24 HLA‐Cw alleles were detected. Through the analyses of two and three loci haplotypes of HLA‐A, HLA‐B, and HLA‐C loci, 11 HLA‐A‐B‐Cw haplotypes, 19 HLA‐A‐B haplotypes, 18 HLA‐A‐Cw haplotypes, and 24 HLA‐B‐Cw haplotypes with the frequencies of higher than 0.01 were revealed. The Nei's genetic distance (GD) was estimated, and the NJ dendrogram showed that Northern Han had a higher GD to Southern Han (0.233) than those to the Korean (0.138) or other Northern ethnic groups, suggesting that Northern Han had more mixed blood with the ethnic groups originally in Northeast Asia. Our results provide useful information on the further study of evolution and relationships of Chinese ethnic groups and disease association in terms of HLA class I genes.