bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semen activates the female immune response during early pregnancy in mice
Authors: Johansson Martina , Bromfield John J. , Jasper Melinda J. , Robertson Sarah A. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryInsemination elicits inflammatory changes in female reproductive tissues, but whether this results in immunological priming to paternal antigens or influences pregnancy outcome is not clear. We have evaluated indices of lymphocyte activation in lymph nodes draining the uterus following allogeneic mating in mice and have investigated the significance of sperm and plasma constituents of semen in the response. At 4 days after mating, there was a 1ḃ7‐fold increase in the cellularity of the para‐aortic lymph node (PALN) compared with virgin controls. PALN lymphocytes were principally T and B lymphocytes, with smaller populations of CD3+ B220lo, NK1.1+ CD3– (NK) and NK1.1+ CD3+ (NKT) cells. CD69 expression indicative of activation was increased after mating and was most evident in CD3+ and NK1.1+ cells. Synthesis of cytokines including interleukin‐2, interleukin‐4 and interferon‐γ was elevated in CD3+ PALN cells after exposure to semen, as assessed by intracellular cytokine fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Matings with vasectomized males indicated that the lymphocyte activation occurs independently of sperm. However, in contrast, males from which seminal vesicle glands were surgically removed failed to stimulate PALN cell proliferation or cytokine synthesis. Adoptive transfer experiments using radiolabelled lymphocytes from mated mice showed that lymphocytes activated at insemination home to embryo implantation sites in the uterus as well as other mucosal tissues and lymph nodes. These findings indicate that activation and expansion of female lymphocyte populations occurs after mating, and is triggered by constituents of seminal plasma derived from the seminal vesicle glands. Moreover, lymphocytes activated at insemination may help mediate maternal tolerance of the conceptus in the implantation site.
Contribution of αβ and γδ T cells to the generation of primary immunoglobulin G‐driven autoimmune response in immunoglobulin‐µ‐deficient/lpr mice
Authors: Seagal Jane , Melamed Doron 
Published: May 2004

SummaryClass switch recombination (CSR) is a T‐cell‐dependent mechanism regulating isotype switching in activated mature B cells. Recently we showed that T‐cell‐independent CSRs occur spontaneously during B lymphopoiesis, but such cells are negatively selected by Fas signalling. In immunoglobulin µ‐deficient mice, lack of Fas rescues isotype‐switched B cells, resulting in generation of an autoimmune primary immunoglobulin G (IgG) repertoire in µMT/lpr mice. In the present study, we studied the role of αβ and γδ T cells in regulating this primary γH‐driven repertoire. We found that a lack of αβ T cells significantly inhibited IgG production and autoimmunity in µMT/lpr mice, whereas a lack of γδ T cells resulted in augmented IgG production and autoimmunity. Also, a lack of T cells in µMT mice rescued isotype‐switched B cells and serum IgG, probably owing to the lack of available FasL. We suggest that although CSRs in B‐cell lymphopoiesis are T‐cell independent, αβ T cells are important in the expansion of isotype‐switched B‐cell precursors and in promoting γH‐driven autoimmunity, whereas γδ T cells regulate these cells.
Interleukin‐21 is a T‐helper cytokine that regulates humoral immunity and cell‐mediated anti‐tumour responses
Authors: Sivakumar Pallavur V. , Foster Donald C. , Clegg Christopher H. 
Published: May 2004

SummaryCytokines and their receptors represent key targets for therapeutic intervention. Ligands are being used to supplement cell numbers that become depleted as a result of disease (organ failure, infection) or subsequent disease treatments (i.e. chemotherapy). Conversely, the inhibition of target cell binding by cytokines is an established strategy for abrogating pathologic cellular activities common to many immunological diseases. Considerable effort in biomedical research is being focused on the cytokine families that play a dominant role in regulating immunity and then prioritizing each member for its therapeutic potential. Currently, the interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) family of cytokines is widely recognized for its central involvement in controlling lymphocyte function and is the most explored for medical utility. Collectively, these proteins (or their antagonists) are either marketed drugs or have received advanced testing for an impressive array of indications including cancer, infectious disease, transplantation, inflammation and allergic asthma. Here we review the current understanding of IL‐21, the most recent member of this cytokine family to be discovered. As will be discussed, IL‐21 shares many of the same attributes as its relatives in that it has broad immunoregulatory activity and can modulate both humoral and cell‐mediated responses. Its ability to stimulate durable anti‐tumour responses in mice defines one therapeutic indication that merits clinical development.
Prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis with pharmacological therapy: practice and possibilities
Authors: Reginster J.‐Y. 
Published: May 2004

Abstract.Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is a common disease that will become more prevalent in the future, with costly implications for public health. Prevention of the disease and its consequences, namely fractures, is therefore, important for both the individual and society. This review discusses: the goals of PMO prevention; the identification of women at risk, including the use of bone mineral density and bone turnover markers; the relevance in the prevention setting of various current guidelines for PMO management; recent data on therapeutic options for the treatment and prevention of PMO, in particular bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy and several other new pharmacological agents. It concludes that it is crucial for PMO prevention to start before disease onset and that, in the light of recent evidence, the existing guidelines need updating if they are to continue to be relevant.
Coffee consumption, type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in Swedish men and women
Authors: Agardh E. E. , Carlsson S. , Ahlbom A. , Efendic S. , Grill V. , Hammar N. , Hilding A. , Östenson C.‐G. 
Published: May 2004

Abstract.Objectives.  The association between coffee consumption, type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance was examined. In addition, indicators of insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function according to homeostasis model assessment were studied in relation to coffee consumption.Design.  Population‐based cross‐sectional study.Setting and subjects.  The study comprised 7949 healthy Swedish subjects aged 35–56 years residing within five municipalities of Stockholm. An oral glucose tolerance test identified 55 men and 52 women with previously undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and 172 men and 167 women with impaired glucose tolerance. Information about coffee consumption and other factors was obtained by questionnaire.Results.  The relative risks (adjusted for potential confounders) of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance when drinking ≥5 cups of coffee per day compared with ≤2 cups per day in men were 0.45 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.22–0.92] and 0.63 (CI: 0.41–0.97), respectively, and in women 0.27 (CI: 0.11–0.66) and 0.47 (CI: 0.29–0.76) respectively. In subjects with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, high coffee consumption (≥5 cups day−1) was inversely associated with insulin resistance. In addition, in those with type 2 diabetes and in women (not in men) with impaired glucose tolerance high coffee consumption was inversely associated with low β‐cell function. In women, but not obviously in men, with normal glucose tolerance, coffee consumption was associated with a reduced risk of insulin resistance.Conclusions.  The results of this study indicated that high consumers of coffee have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. The beneficial effects may involve both improved insulin sensitivity and enhanced insulin response.
IgE antibodies of fish allergic patients cross‐react with frog parvalbumin
Authors: Hilger C. , Thill L. , Grigioni F. , Lehners C. , Falagiani P. , Ferrara A. , Romano C. , Stevens W. , Hentges F. 
Published: May 2004

Background:  The major allergens in fish are parvalbumins. Important immunoglobulin (Ig)E cross‐recognition of parvalbumins from different fish species has been shown. Recently frog parvalbumin α has been found to be responsible for a case of IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis triggered by the ingestion of frog meat. The aim of this study was to investigate whether IgE antibodies of fish allergic persons cross‐react with frog parvalbumin and to appreciate its clinical relevance.Methods:  The sera of 15 fish allergic patients and one fish and frog allergic patient were tested by IgE‐immunoblotting against frog muscle extract. Sera were tested against recombinant parvalbumin α and β from Rana esculenta. Skin prick tests were performed in selected patients with recombinant frog parvalbumin. Ca2+ depletion experiments and inhibition studies with purified cod and frog recombinant parvalbumin were done to characterize the cross‐reactive pattern.Results:  Fourteen of the sera tested had IgE antibodies recognizing low molecular weight components in frog muscle extract. Calcium depletion experiments or inhibition of patient sera with purified cod parvalbumin led to a significant or complete decrease in IgE binding. When tested against recombinant parvalbumins, three of 13 sera reacted with α parvalbumin and 11 of 12 reacted with β parvalbumin from R. esculenta. Skin prick tests performed with recombinant frog parvalbumin were positive in fish allergic patients. Inhibition studies showed that a fish and frog allergic patient was primarily sensitized to fish parvalbumin.Conclusion:  Cod parvalbumin, a major cross‐reactive allergen among different fish species, shares IgE binding epitopes with frog parvalbumin. This in vitro cross‐reactivity seems to be also clinically relevant. Parvalbumins probably represent a new family of cross‐reactive allergens.
Concentrations of domestic mite and pet allergens and endotoxin in Palestine
Authors: El Sharif N. , Douwes J. , Hoet P. H. M. , Doekes G. , Nemery B. 
Published: May 2004

Background:  A few studies have compared indoor allergens and endotoxin levels between urban and rural settings as important determinants for asthma and atopy in children. However, no study was done in the Middle East or investigated refugee camps.Methods:  As part of a nested case–control study in Ramallah in 2001, we measured house dust mite and pet allergens, as well as endotoxin in dust collected from 110 children's mattresses and living room floors.Results:  Geometric mean (GM) concentrations of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p1) antigen were 4.48 μg/g in mattress dust and 1.23 μg/g floor dust. The highest Der p1 levels were seen in refugee camps. Concentrations of Dermatophagoides farinae antigen (Der f1) were much lower (<0.08 μg/g dust). Concentrations of cat allergen (Fel d1) were highest in villages, and those of dog allergen (Can f1) were highest in mattresses from cities and in floor dust from refugee camps. GM of endotoxin levels were 25.7 EU/mg in mattress dust and 49 EU/mg dust in floor dust.Conclusions:  Concentrations of Der p1 were high compared to Western European countries, but were lower compared to UK and Australia. Levels of pet allergens were lower than in Western Europe. Endotoxin levels were higher compared to developed countries. Indoor environmental factors such as dampness seemed to be important determinants for allergen and endotoxin, but living habits such as lack of mattress cover appeared unimportant.
Cytotoxic mechanisms in different forms of T‐cell‐mediated drug allergies
Authors: Kuechler P. C. , Britschgi M. , Schmid S. , Hari Y. , Grabscheid B. , Pichler W. J. 
Published: May 2004

Background:  Cytotoxic mechanisms are involved in different forms of drug induced exanthems.Methods:  Here we compare the killing pathways of CD4+, CD8+ and CD4/CD8+ T‐cell lines (TCL) and clones derived from patients suffering from maculopapular, bullous and pustular drug eruptions. In vitro, perforin and Fas‐mediated killing was analysed in cytotoxicity assays against autologous Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐transformed B‐cell lines, Fas‐transfected mouse lymphoblasts and natural killer (NK)‐target cells. In addition, affected skin lesions and the TCL and clones were stained for perforin and FasL‐expression.Results:  We detected perforin and some FasL‐mediated killing in all three types of exanthems. Some of the drug‐specific T‐cell clones analysed exerted mainly perforin‐, other more FasL‐mediated killing showing no strict relationship between their perforin‐ and Fas‐mediated cytotoxic capacity. Using a cell culture method focusing on the generation of cytotoxic T cells, we detected drug‐specific CD8+, TCRαβ+ T cells, which failed to proliferate to drug presentation by antigen presenting cells but killed in a drug dependent way. Interestingly, these cells had substantial natural killer‐like T cell(s) like features as they were CD56+ and CD94+ and had the ability to kill the NK‐sensitive cell line K562.Conclusion:  Our data underline the important role of cytotoxic mechanisms in different forms of drug induced exanthems and suggest that even some T cells with NK‐like characteristics may be involved in drug hypersensitivity.
The influence of air conditioning, humidity, temperature and other household characteristics on mite allergen concentrations in the northeastern United States
Authors: Van Strien R. T. , Gehring U. , Belanger K. , Triche E. , Gent J. , Bracken M. B. , Leaderer B. P. 
Published: May 2004

Background:  Information about the influence of housing and occupant characteristics on mite allergen concentrations is crucial to determine which methods could be used to decrease exposure of susceptible subjects.Objectives:  To identify housing and occupant characteristics that are associated with mite allergen concentrations in house dust collected from living rooms and mattresses.Methods:  We collected dust samples from 750 homes in the northeastern US. The influence of various characteristics on concentrations of mite allergens (Der p 1 and Der f 1) was studied using multiple linear regression analysis.Results:  Some characteristics, like absence of air conditioners, the presence of mold or mildew, and a lower temperature were consistently associated with higher concentrations of both mite allergens in dust from all sampling locations. However, none of these factors changed Der p 1 or Der f 1 concentrations by more than a factor of 2. People of white ethnic background had roughly two times higher mite allergen concentrations, while family income, family size, and education level only marginally influenced mite allergen concentrations.Conclusions:  Various housing characteristics have some influence on mite allergen concentrations, and could possibly be used to decrease exposure of susceptible subjects. However, only a limited percentage of the variation in mite allergen concentrations was explained by these characteristics.
Specific immunotherapy in honeybee venom allergy: a comparative study using aqueous and aluminium hydroxide adsorbed preparations
Authors: Ruëff F. , Wolf H. , Schnitker J. , Ring J. , Przybilla B. 
Published: May 2004

Background:  For the immunotherapy of Hymenoptera venom allergy various preparations and treatment protocols are in use. However, controlled studies making direct comparisons of the efficacy and safety of different regimens are rare.Objective:  To assess prospectively different venom immunotherapy (VIT) protocols using an aqueous or an aluminium hydroxide adsorbed allergen preparation for the treatment of honeybee venom (HBV) allergy.Methods:  Sixty‐five HBV allergic patients (42 males, 23 females; aged 17–75 years) with a history of systemic anaphylactic reactions (SARs) to honeybee stings were treated according to three different regimens. During the incremental phase, patients in group A (n = 21) or B (n = 21) received an aqueous preparation according to a rush protocol. Patients in group C (n = 23) were treated with conventional (‘slow’) VIT using an aluminium hydroxide adsorbed depot preparation. The maintenance dose was 100 μg venom in all groups. Maintenance treatment in group A was performed with the aqueous preparation administered every 4 weeks, whereas in groups B and C the depot preparation was administered every 8 weeks (group B) or every 4 weeks (group C). A sting challenge test with a living honeybee was performed in 49 patients, 6–12 months after reaching the maintenance dose. Another seven patients were stung accidentally by a honeybee (‘field sting’).Results:  Treatment with the aqueous preparation evoked large local reactions more frequently than the depot preparation in the dose increase phase [53/693 (7.6%) vs 8/206 (3.9%); P = 0.059] and also in the course of maintenance therapy [85/172 (49.4%) vs 58/478 (12.1%); P < 0.001]. During the dose increase phase, systemic side‐effects seemed to occur more frequently in patients on rush VIT with the aqueous preparation compared to patients initially treated with the conventional schedule using the depot preparation [13/42 (31.0%) vs 3/23 (13.0%); not significant). When re‐stung by the culprit insect, SARs were observed in 3/20 patients (15.0%) in group A, 2/18 (11.1%) in group B and 3/18 (16.7%) in group C (not significant).Conclusions:  The aluminium hydroxide adsorbed HBV preparation caused fewer large local reactions than the aqueous preparation. The therapeutic efficacy of the three treatment protocols did not differ.
Shade Effects on Phaseolus vulgaris L. Intercropped with Zea mays L. under Well‐Watered Conditions
Authors: Tsubo M. , Walker S. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractField experiments were carried out under unstressed conditions of soil water during two summer crop growing seasons (1998–99 and 1999–2000 seasons) in a South African semi‐arid region (Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa). The aim of this study was to investigate shade effects on beans intercropped with maize in terms of plant mass and radiation use. The experimental treatments were two cropping systems (no shading/sole cropping and shading/intercropping) and two row orientations (north–south and east–west). At the top of bean canopies shaded by maize, incident radiation was reduced by up to 90 %. Shading reduced total dry matter of beans by 67 % at the end of the growing season, resulting in yield losses. The dry matter partitioning into leaf and stem (the ratios of leaf and stem to total biomass) was about 50 % higher in intercropping than sole cropping. In contrast, intercropped beans had 40 % lower dry matter partitioning into pod (the ratio of pod to total biomass). Fraction of radiation intercepted by sole‐cropped beans steeply increased until canopy closure (0.9) and then slowly decreased, while fraction of radiation intercepted by intercropped beans remained constant between 0.0 and 0.2 throughout the growing seasons. However, intercropped beans had 77 % higher radiation use efficiency (RUE) than sole‐cropped beans. In contrast, for maize, no effect of intercropping (shading) was found on growth, partitioning, yield, radiation interception or RUE. Consequently, lower bean yield losses can be attained in association with late shading rather than early shading. This can be controlled by growing crops with different temporal and spatial treatments. As regards row treatment, no effect of row direction was found on growth, partitioning, yield, radiation interception or RUE.
Estimation of Leaf Area Index ofBeta vulgarisL. Based on Optical Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Hoffmann C. M. , Blomberg M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractRemote sensing and vegetation indices can be used to characterize the canopy of crops with a non‐destructive method on a large scale. Leaf area formation of sugar beet in early summer is the most important variable for crop growth models. This study aimed at estimating whether differences in leaf area development of sugar beet resulting from different agronomic practices can be determined with remote sensing. The relationship between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and leaf area index (LAI) during the season and yield of the storage root in autumn was studied in six field trials in 2001 and nine field trials in 2002. The vegetation index NDVI gave a good impression of differences in leaf development of sugar beet in early summer. LAI increased with increasing NDVI up to an NDVI of 0.65. Above that the NDVI did not respond as distinctly to treatments as the LAI. An exponential function was developed to calculate sugar beet LAI from NDVI, so that remote sensing data can be used as input variable for crop growth models. The yield of the storage root in autumn did not show any relationship to LAI or NDVI during the season, regardless of whether it was measured in June or September. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to combine NDVI data with crop growth models to forecast a potential sugar beet yield in autumn. For this purpose the formula presented is a valuable tool.
Questioning the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation strategy: the case of Crete
Authors: Dimitrakopoulos Panayiotis G. , Memtsas Dimitris , Troumbis Andreas Y. 
Published: May 2004

ABSTRACTAim This study examines the effectiveness of the selected ‘network’ of Natura 2000 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) at a regional scale in Greece, in terms of its representativeness of plant biodiversity.Location The island of Crete is used as a case study because it is considered to be one of the 10 hotspots for biodiversity in the Mediterranean Basin.Methods Hotspot analysis and complementarity algorithms are used to define priority areas for conservation and calculate their spatial overlap with the Natura 2000 SACs in Crete.Results The various categories of hotspots contain subsamples of plant categories, used for their definition. Spatial overlap among different categories of hotspots, areas of complementary diversity and Natura 2000 SCAs is low.Main conclusions The results show that the Natura 2000 SACs ‘network’ in Crete seems insufficient to ensure satisfactory representation of the regional plant biodiversity elements.