bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease: A Likelihood Rationale
Authors: Ulvestad E. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractImmunoglobulins (Igs) and autoantibodies are commonly tested in sera from patients with suspected rheumatic disease. To evaluate the clinical utility of the tests in combination, we investigated sera from 351 patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and 96 patients with nonautoimmune rheumatic disease (NAD) (fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, etc.). Antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF), antibodies against DNA and extractable nuclear antigens (anti‐ENA), IgG, IgA and IgM were measured for all patients. Logistic regression analysis of test results was used to calculate each patient's probability for belonging to the ARD or NAD group as well as likelihood ratios for disease. Test accuracy was investigated using receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) plots and nonparametric ROC analysis. Neither concentrations of IgG, IgA, IgM, anti‐DNA nor anti‐ENA gave a significant effect on diagnostic outcome. Probabilities for disease and likelihood ratios calculated by combining RF and ANA performed significantly better at predicting ARD than utilization of the diagnostic tests in isolation (P < 0.001). At a cut‐off level of P = 0.73 and likelihood ratio = 1, the logistic model gave a specificity of 93% and a sensitivity of 75% for the differentiation between ARD and NAD. When compared at the same level of specificity, ANA gave a sensitivity of 37% and RF gave a sensitivity of 56.6%. Dichotomizing ANA and RF as positive or negative did not reduce the performance characteristics of the model. Combining results obtained from serological analysis of ANA and RF according to this model will increase the diagnostic utility of the tests in rheumatological practice.
Vaccination Induces Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Expression in the Atlantic Salmon Eye
Authors: Koppang E. O. , Bjerkås E. , Bjerkås I. , Sveier H. , Hordvik I. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the presence, distribution and density of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+ cells in the ocular tissues of the Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, prior to and following vaccination. Eyes were collected 14 days prior to and at 4, 11, 25 and 39 days and 4 months subsequent to vaccination with a commercial fish vaccine. A quantitative analysis was performed in sections on the number of immunopositive cells in the retinal layers. In all groups, MHC class II+ cells were detected in the area of the limbus but not in the central parts of the cornea. In the uvea, immunopositive cells were present in unvaccinated and vaccinated fish. Abundant immunopositive cells were identified in the choroid rete (or choroid gland) in all groups as well as in the ventral ciliary cleft, where macrophage‐like MHC class II+ cells were seen. Quantitative histology of the retina revealed a significant increase in MHC class II+ cells in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and the inner nuclear layer (INL) 4 days following vaccination. Positive cells were detected in all layers of the retina with the exception of the photoreceptor layer.
Analysis of Complement‐Bound Hepatitis B Virus Complexes by an Immuno‐Capture Polymerase Chain Reaction Method
Authors: Wang S. Y. , Liu R. , Zhang J. Y. , Lian Q. Z. , Peng X. X. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractHepatitis B Virus (HBV) can be present in the circulating blood either as a free virus or as a virion–immunoglobulin (Ig) complex with or without complement. However, information regarding the complement‐bound HBV circulating immune complexes (CIC) in HBV‐infected patients is currently not available. In the present study, we have combined immuno‐capture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and developed a quick method of high specificity for the detection of complement‐bound HBV CIC. We found that the frequency of HBV‐factor B was associated with clinical types of hepatitis B (HB) but not with that of HBV‐C1q. Moreover, increased frequency at P < 0.05 were found for HBV/C1q‐CIC in the group with normal total bilirubin (TBIL) and for HBV/factor B‐CIC in the group with positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). These findings suggest that the immuno‐capture PCR (iPCR) for the detection of HBV‐bound CIC is a valuable method for analysis of the composition of the immune complexes and for the understanding of host immune response and immune pathogenesis in HBV‐infected individuals. In summary, iPCR is a valuable method for analysis of the composition of the immune complexes, which may provide new and valuable insights into HBV pathogenesis.
Interaction Between Borrelia burgdorferi and Immature Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Suhonen J. , Komi J. , Soukka J. , Lassila O. , Viljanen M. K. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAntigen uptake and the following maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) are pivotal to the initiation of specific antimicrobial immune responses. DCs also play an important role in the recruitment and activation of the cells of the innate immune system. We have examined the interactions of DCs with Borrelia burgdorferi to find explanations for the difficulties the human immune system has in dealing with the bacterium. Phagocytosis of B. burgdorferi by immature DCs and the effect of the bacterium on the maturation and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) secretion of DCs were studied. Borreliae were phagocytized and processed into fragments by DCs; narrow tube‐like pseudopods and broad pseudopods were used for the engulfment. The immature DC population gained a heterogeneous appearance within 2 h of incubation with the borreliae. A 24 h coculture with borreliae induced maturation and IL‐8 secretion in the DCs in a manner comparable with the effect of lipopolysaccharides. All strains studied, including a mutant strain lacking outer surface proteins A and B, were capable of inducing these responses. Thus, our results did not show any clear inadequacy concerning the way DCs are dealing with B. burgdorferi. However, further studies on the subject are required.
Molecular characterization of glutathione reductase cDNAs from pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Creissen Gary , Edwards E. Anne , Enard Corine , Wellburn Alan , Mullineaux Phil 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA cDNA for pea glutathione reductase has been cloned and sequenced. The derived amino acid sequence of 562 residues shows a high degree of homology to the previously published GR sequences from human erythrocytes and from two prokaryotes: Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The pea enzyme differs from other GRs in having an M‐terminal leader sequence of about 60–70 residues which may be a chloroplast transit peptide and a 20 amino acid C‐terminal extension of unknown function.
Internal telomeric repeats and ‘TCP domain’ protein‐binding sites co‐operate to regulate gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana cycling cells
Authors: Trémousaygue Dominique , Garnier Lionel , Bardet Claude , Dabos Patrick , Hervé Christine , Lescure Bernard 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe have focused our interest on two cis‐regulatory elements, named site II motif and telo box, identified within the promoter of plant proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) and putatively involved in meristematic expression of the gene. A conserved topological association between site II motifs and telo boxes is observed in the promoter of numerous genes expressed in cycling cells, including several cell cycle‐related genes and 153 Arabidopsis genes encoding ribosomal proteins. Meristematic expression of a GUS reporter gene was observed in plants under the control of Arabidopsis site II motif within a minimal promoter. This expression is strongly enhanced by addition of a telo box within this chimaeric promoter. We showed by gel retardation experiments that the site II motif is a target for several DNA‐binding activities present in Arabidopsis crude cell extract and can bind a transcription factor, At‐TCP20, from the Teosinte branched 1, Cycloidea, PCF (TCP)‐domain protein family. In yeast two‐hybrid experiments, At‐TCP20 appears to be a potential partner of AtPurα, which was previously shown to bind telo boxes. An important consequence of this analysis is to reveal new and conserved regulatory processes concerning the regulation of plant ribosomal gene expression in cycling cells. The implication of these observations in plant‐specific developmental pathways is discussed.
Characterization of a tomato protein that inhibits a xyloglucan‐specific endoglucanase
Authors: Qin Qiang , Bergmann Carl W. , Rose Jocelyn K. C. , Saladie Montserrat , Kolli V. S. Kumar , Albersheim Peter , Darvill Alan G. , York William S. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA basic, 51 kDa protein was purified from suspension‐cultured tomato and shown to inhibit the hydrolytic activity of a xyloglucan‐specific endoglucanase (XEG) from the fungus Aspergillus aculeatus. The tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) protein, termed XEG inhibitor protein (XEGIP), inhibits XEG activity by forming a 1 : 1 protein:protein complex with a Ki ≈ 0.5 nm. To our knowledge, XEGIP is the first reported proteinaceous inhibitor of any endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase, including the cellulases. The cDNA encoding XEGIP was cloned and sequenced. Database analysis revealed homology with carrot extracellular dermal glycoprotein (EDGP), which has a putative role in plant defense. XEGIP also has sequence similarity to ESTs from a broad range of plant species, suggesting that XEGIP‐like genes are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Although Southern analysis detected only a single XEGIP gene in tomato, at least five other XEGIP‐like tomato sequences have been identified. Similar small families of XEGIP‐like sequences are present in other plants, including Arabidopsis. XEGIP also has some sequence similarity to two previously characterized proteins, basic globulin 7S protein from soybean and conglutin γ from lupin. Several amino acids in the XEGIP sequence, notably 8 of the 12 cysteines, are generally conserved in all the XEGIP‐like proteins we have encountered, suggesting a fundamental structural similarity. Northern analysis revealed that XEGIP is widely expressed in tomato vegetative tissues and is present in expanding and maturing fruit, but is downregulated during ripening.
Tuberculosis treatment in complex emergencies: are risks outweighing benefits?
Authors: Biot M. , Chandramohan D. , Porter J. D. H. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryTuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in complex emergencies. Humanitarian agencies usually postpone the decision to offer TB treatment and opportunities to treat TB patients are often missed. This paper looks at the problem of tuberculosis treatment in these emergencies and questions whether treatment guidelines could be more flexible than international recommendations. A mathematical model is used to calculate the risks and benefits of different treatment scenarios with increasing default rates. Model outcomes are compared to a situation without treatment. An economic analysis further discusses the findings in a trade‐off between the extra costs of treating relapses and failures and the savings in future treatment costs. In complex emergencies, if a TB programme could offer 4‐month treatment for 75% of its patients, it could still be considered beneficial in terms of public health. In addition, the proportion of patients following at least 4 months of treatment can be used as an indicator to help evaluate the public health harm and benefit of the TB programme.
Inland valley rice production systems and malaria infection and disease in the savannah of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Henry M.‐C. , Rogier C. , Nzeyimana I. , Assi S. B. , Dossou‐Yovo J. , Audibert M. , Mathonnat J. , Keundjian A. , Akodo E. , Teuscher T. , Carnevale P. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIn sub‐Saharan Africa, lowlands developed for rice cultivation favour the development of Anopheles gambiae s. l. populations. However, the epidemiological impact is not clearly determined. The importance of malaria was compared in terms of prevalence and parasite density of infections as well as in terms of disease incidence between three agroecosystems: (i) uncultivated lowlands, ‘R0’, (ii) lowlands with one annual rice cultivation in the rainy season, ‘R1’ and (iii) developed lowlands with two annual rice cultivation cycles, ‘R2’. We clinically monitored 2000 people of all age groups, selected randomly in each agroecosystem, for 40 days (in eight periods of five consecutive days scheduled every 6 weeks for 1 year). During each survey, a systematic blood sample was taken from every sick and asymptomatic person. The three agroecosystems presented a high endemic situation with a malaria transmission rate of 139–158 infective bites per person per year. The age‐standardized annual malaria incidence reached 0.9 malaria episodes per person in R0, 0.6 in R1 and 0.8 in R2. Children from 0 to 9‐year‐old in R0 and R2 had two malarial attacks annually, but this was less in R1 (1.4 malaria episodes per child per year). Malaria incidence varied with season and agroecosystem. In parallel with transmission, a high malaria risk occurs temporarily at the beginning of the dry season in R2, but not in R0 and R1. Development of areas for rice cultivation does not modify the annual incidence of malarial attacks despite their seasonal influence on malaria risk. However, the lower malaria morbidity rate in R1 could be explained by socio‐economic and cultural factors.
The relationship between Anopheles gambiae density and rice cultivation in the savannah zone and forest zone of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Briët Olivier J. T. , Dossou‐Yovo Joel , Akodo Elena , Van De Giesen Nick , Teuscher Thomas M. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIn 13 villages in the savannah zone and 21 villages in the forest zone of Côte d'Ivoire, the biting density of the principal malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, was studied as a function of rice cultivation in the inland valleys in a 2‐km radius around each village. In the savannah villages, during the main season cropping period, surface water on rice‐cultivated and to a lesser extent on uncultivated inland valleys seems to contribute strongly to the A. gambiae population density. For the off‐season cropping period (which starts after the first light rains in the savannah zone), correlations were weaker. Breeding sites other than in inland valleys may play an important role in the savannah zone. In the forest zone, however, the A. gambiae population density was strongly correlated with the surface water availability (SWA) in the rice‐cultivated inland valleys, whereas the correlation with the SWA in other (uncultivated) inland valleys was weak. The requirement of sunlit breeding sites for A. gambiae might explain this difference between zones. In the forest zone, only inland valleys cleared for rice cultivation meet this requirement, whereas all other inland valleys are covered with dense vegetation. In the savannah zone, however, most undergrowth is burnt during the dry season, which permits sunlight to reach puddles resulting from the first rains.
Hereditary nasal parakeratosis in Labrador Retrievers
Authors: Pagé Nadia , Paradis Manon , Lapointe Jean‐Martin , Dunstan Robert W. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractHereditary nasal dermatitis is reported in 14 Labrador Retrievers and 4 Labrador Retriever crosses. This appears to be a newly described inherited disorder for which an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance is suspected. The lesions were first noted between 6 and 12 months of age. Histopathological analysis revealed parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, often with marked multifocal accumulation of proteinaceous fluid between keratinocytes within the stratum corneum and superficial stratum spinosum. There was also a sub‐basal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration within the superficial dermis. Immunohistochemistry staining for IgG (n = 4), distemper and papillomaviruses (n = 4) were negative, as were serum antinuclear antibody serology (n = 4) and fungal culture (n = 7). Electron microscopy revealed an altered cornification process: retention of nuclear chromatin, absence of lamellar bodies and marked intercellular oedema. Dogs did not respond to oral administration of zinc methionin (n = 3), cephalexin (n = 4), vitamin A alcohol (n = 1) or topical tretinoin (n = 1). Improvement of the lesions was obtained with topical vitamin E (n = 2), petroleum jelly (n = 2), and propylene glycol (n = 5).
Photosensitized Inactivation of Plasmodium falciparum‐ and Babesia divergens‐Infected Erythrocytes in Whole Blood by Lipophilic Pheophorbide Derivatives
Authors: Grellier Philippe , Santus René , Mouray Elisabeth , Agmon Vered , Mazière Jean‐Claude , Rigomier Daniel , Dagan Arie , Gatt Shimon , Schrével Joseph 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and objectives: Blood transfusions can transmit parasitic infections, such as those caused by Plasmodium (malaria), Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas' disease), and Babesia (babesiosis). A higher degree of blood transfusion safety would be reached if methods were available for inactivating such parasites. Materials and methods: We evaluated the effectiveness of photosensitization using lipophilic pheophorbide and red light illumination to eradicate red blood cells infected with Plasmodium falciparum, and with Babesia divergens, in whole blood. Fluorescence microscopy and conventional fluorometry showed the specific accumulation of pheophorbide derivatives in the RBC infected with either parasite, compared with uninfected RBC. The effectiveness of different derivatives in eradicating infected RBC was first estimated in parasite cultures. Results: The best photosensitizer was the N‐(4‐butanol) phrophorbide derivative (Ph4‐OH) at 0.2 μM concentration and 5‐min illumination. In whole blood, the eradication of RBC infected with B. divergens and P. falciparum was obtained with 2 μM Ph4‐OH and 10 and 20 min illumination, respectively. Under these conditions of photosensitization, low levels of RBC hemolysis were noted even after 2 weeks of storage at 4 °C and a subsequent 48‐hour incubation at 37 °C. No reduction of negative charges on treated RBC was noted and no increase in methemoglobin content. Conclusion: In plasma, Ph4‐OH is mainly transported by high‐density lipoproteins (HDL). This high affinity for HDL may explain the selective accumulation of lipophilic pheophorbide derivatives in the intracellular parasites. Photosensitization with pheophorbide derivatives may be a promising approach to inactivation of transfusion‐transmissible parasites and viruses in blood bank units.
Virological and Immunological Data of AIDS Patients Treated by Passive Immunotherapy (Transfusions of Plasma Rich in HIV‐1 Antibodies)
Authors: Morand‐Joubert Laurence , Vittecoq Daniel , Roudot‐Thoraval Françoise , Mariotti Martine , Lefrère François , Heshmati Farad , Audat Françoise , Lambin Patrick , Barré‐Sinoussi Françoise , Lefrère Jean‐Jacques 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and objectives: In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, passive immunotherapy can be carried out through infusions of virus‐inactivated plasma from symptomless HIV‐infected persons with abundant HIV antibodies. Materials and methods: We carried out a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, controlled, passive immunotherapy study, which compared two groups. One received plasma rich in HIV antibodies, the other a standard seronegative plasma. Results: Measurement of the plasma HIV RNA load showed in both groups a significant decrease in the mean viral copy number at the end of the first month, followed by an increase at the third month. Beyond the third month, a significant decrease in viral load was observed only in the treatment group. A significant difference in favor of the treatment group was observed for plasma viremia by HIV culture. For the cytokines involved in the viral replication and for the immune activation markers such as neopterin and β2‐microglobulin, the biological analysis in plasma failed to show a significant difference in either group. Clinically, the treatment group benefited by delay in the appearance of the first AIDS‐defining event and reduction in the cumulative incidence of such events. Conclusion: One possible interpretation is that passive immunotherapy affects plasma viral load, but there is no evidence that HIV‐specific antibodies are exclusively responsible for the observed effects.
Demonstration by Flow Cytometry of the Numbers of Residual White Blood Cells and Platelets in Filtered Red Blood Cell Concentrates and Plasma Preparations
Authors: Neumüller J. , Schwartz D.W. M. , Mayr W. R. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Background and objectives: New‐generation polyester filters provide significant depletion of white blood cells (WBC) and platelets (PLT) in filtered red blood cell concentrates (FRCC) and in filtered plasma preparations (FP). The aim of this study was to elaborate a sensitive flow cytometric method for monitoring residual WBC and PLT in FRCC and FP. Materials and methods: We determined the number of WBC in 500 μl FRCC of FP using 50 μl of a combination of monoclonal antibodies (MAB) against CD45 (FITC labeled) and CD19 (PE labeled). After lysis of red blood cells, we mixed a specific number of reference beads with the remaining WBC. The number of residual WBC related to the acquisition volume was defined by the acquired reference beads. Using this method, the detection limit (DL) was 3 WBC/μl. Alternative methods used MAB against CD45 (FITC and PerCP labeled) and CD14 (PE labeled) or lymphocyte subsets such as CD3 (FITC labeled) and CD19, CD4, CD8, CD16 and CD56 (PE labeled) in combination with CD45 (PerCP labeled). The DL values were 10 WBC/μl for the CD45/CD14 staining and 0.1 WBC/μl for the determination of both CD3+ and CD19+ lymphocytes. For residual PLT in FRCC or FP, we used an FITC‐conjugated MAB against CD41, with reference beads to determine the acquisition volume. PLT were demonstrated in a green‐fluorescence (FL1) single histogram after gating in the forward light scatter × 90° light scatter signal dot plot. PLT counting was as described for WBC. The DL value was about 2 PLT/μl. Results: Filtration with Pall WBF‐1 filters reduces WBC by 4 log and PLT by 3–4 log, resulting in cell counts which are below the critical limit for causing adverse transfusion reactions. Conclusions: Flow cytometry techniques provide a reproducible and objective tool for counting residual WBC and PLT in blood preparations compared with the Nageotte hemocytometer. Absolute numbers of leukocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations are obtainable.
Histamine Synthesis by White Cells during Storage of Platelet Concentrates
Authors: Muylle L. , Beert J. F. , Mertens G. , Bult H. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Objectives: To resolve the question whether histamine, like some cytokines, is actively synthesized during storage of platelet concentrates. Methods: We prepared conventional buffy coat platelet concentrates and stored them in the usual way at 22°C. Disodium cromoglycate was added to one series, saline to the controls. Samples were taken at intervals, to be tested for histamine and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Results: The plasma histamine level increased from a median of 1.02 ng/ml (range 0.11–3.27) to 12.9 ng/ml (range 4.30–32.9) whereas the total histamine content of the platelet concentrates remained unchanged during the 5‐day storage period. In contrast, the total content of IL‐6 increased rapidly. Conclusion: Histamine is not synthesized during storage of platelets, whereas IL‐6 is. The addition of disodium cromoglycate, a substance that inhibits granulocyte activation, had no effect on the release of histamine or on the total histamine content at various storage times.