bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Childhood adversity in alcohol‐ and drug‐dependent women presenting to out‐patient treatment
Authors: BERRY RAINE , SELLMAN J. DOUGLAS 
Published: November 2003

AbstractEighty alcohol‐ and/or drug‐dependent women who were consecutive admissions to a representative out‐patient alcohol and drug service in Christchurch were interviewed with the aim of establishing the extent of exposure to childhood adversity including childhood sexual, physical and emotional abuse and parental problems. The results show that a sizeable percentage of the women came from backgrounds characterized by parental conflict and alcohol and drug problems. Within their first 15 years 51% were subjected to sexual abuse involving attempted or completed oral, anal or vaginal intercourse and 39% were exposed regularly to physical abuse perpetrated by their parents or main parental figures. Over half reported experiencing emotional abuse rated as being ‘very distressing’ and two‐thirds had been exposed to ‘very distressing’ parental problems. The main implication for clinical practice arising from the results of this study is the need for the development of a broader approach to alcohol and drug service provision. In order to achieve positive treatment outcomes, alcohol and drug services may need to routinely screen and plan treatment for childhood adversity and associated problems in all clients presenting for alcohol and drug treatment.
Myeloperoxidase and adenosine‐deaminase levels in the pleural fluid leakage induced by carrageenan in the mouse model of pleurisy
Authors: Fröde Tânia Silvia , Medeiros Y. S. 
Published: November 2003

Background: Although myeloperoxidase (MPO) and adenosine‐deaminase (ADA) levels are markers of activated leukocytes, both enzymes have not been currently addressed in inflammation models.Aims: This study evaluates whether the concentrations of these enzymes are significantly correlated with the content of leukocytes in a pleurisy model.Methods: The pleurisy was induced by carrageenan (1%) in mice, and the parameters analyzed 4 and 48 h after.Results: After the induction of inflammation (4 h), MPO and ADA levels peaked in parallel to neutrophils
(p < 0.01). Regarding the second phase of pleurisy (48 h), the highest concentrations of ADA were detected in parallel to the highest levels of mononuclears (p < 0.01). At this time, MPO levels and neutrophils remained elevated, although at lower levels than those found at 4 h. A significant positive correlation was found among neutrophils and MPO, and mononuclears and ADA
(p < 0.01).Conclusions: These findings support the evidence that both enzymes are markers of the inflammatory process, and provide new tools for a better understanding of the immunoregulatory pathways that occur in inflammation.
In-vitro activation of complement system by lactic acidosis in newborn and adults
Authors: Hecke Friederike , Hoehn Thomas , Strauss Evelyn , Obladen Michael , Sonntag Josef 
Published: November 2003

Introduction: Complement activation occurs secondary to a variety of external stimuli. Lactic acidosis has been previously shown to activate the complement factors C3a and C5a. In the present investigation we examined the differential effect of lactic acidosis on anaphylatoxin levels in cord and adult blood. Furthermore we aimed to determine if the entire complement cascade could be activated by lactic acidosis.Methods: Cord and adult blood samples (n = 20 each) were collected and incubated for one hour in either untreated condition or with the addition of lactate in two concentrations (5.5 mmol/l vs 22 mmol/l). Following incubation, levels of C3a, C5a and sC5b‐9, and blood gas parameters were determined.Results: Anaphylatoxin (C3a and C5a) and sC5b‐9 levels increased with the addition of lactate in a dosedependent manner in cord and adult blood (C3a: 1 h, 5.5 mmol/l, 22 mmol/l: 418/498/622 μg/l in cord blood; 1010/1056/1381 μg/l in adult blood, p < 0.05 similar results were found for C5a and sC5b‐9).Conclusion: Lactic acidosis leads to an activation of the entire complement system in neonates and in adults. This activation is dose‐dependent and more pronounced in adults as compared to neonates.
Serum IL‐1β, sIL‐2R, IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐α in schizophrenic patients, relation with symptomatology and responsiveness to risperidone treatment
Authors: Erbağci Ayşe Binnur , Herken Hasan , Köylüoglu Oya , Yilmaz Necat , Tarakçioglu Mehmet 
Published: November 2003

Activation of the inflammatory response system and varied levels of cytokines in acute schizophrenia have been suggested by recent studies. Psychopharmacologic agents can differentially effect cytokine production, which suggests that therapeutic function of neuroleptics may involve immunomodulation.The present study was carried out to examine: (i) serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β , soluble interleukin‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R), IL‐6, IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐ α in schizophrenic patients; (ii) their relation with psychopathological assessment; and (iii) the relation of the initial cytokine levels with responsiveness to risperidone therapy.Thirty‐four drug‐free schizophrenic patients with acute exacerbation and 23 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were recruited for this study. Psychopathological assessments at admission and throughout risperidone treatment for 60 days were recorded. Serum cytokine concentrations were determined with chemilumunescence assays.According to our results, serum IL‐1β , sIL‐2R, IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐α concentrations adjusted for age, gender, body mass index and smoking were no different in patients with schizophrenia and controls and among subtypes of schizophrenia. However, the initial TNF‐α concentrations had a significant effect on Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Scale Assessment of Positive Symptoms scores. The initial cytokine concentrations of the patients responsive to risperidone were not significantly different from those of non‐responsive patients.The present study demonstrates that plasma levels of IL‐1β , sIL‐2R, IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐α adjusted for confounding factors are not altered in drug‐free schizophrenic patients at acute exacerbation. We suggest that, if cytokine production is altered in schizophrenia, these alterations may not be detectable in systemic circulation. According to our results, the therapeutic effect of risperidone is not related to basal levels of the aforementioned cytokines. However, serum TNF‐α may contribute to symptomatology in schizophrenia.
Blood histamine levels (BHL) in infants and children with respiratory and non‐respiratory diseases
Authors: Ponvert C. , Galoppin L. , Paupe J. , de Blic J. , Le Bourgeois M. , Scheinmann P. 
Published: November 2003

Background: Blood histamine levels are decreased after severe allergic reactions and in various chronic diseases.Aims: To study blood histamine levels in infants and children with acute infectious and non‐infectious,
non‐allergic, disease.Methods: Blood histamine levels were investigated by a fluorometric method in infants and children admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis, non‐wheezing bronchitis, acute infections of the urinary tract, skin and ear‐nose‐throat, gastroenteritis, or hyperthermia of unknown aetiology. Results of blood histamine levels and white blood cell counts were compared with those obtained for children recovering from benign non‐infectious, non‐allergic illnesses.Results: As compared with control children, white blood cell numbers were significantly increased in children with acute infections of the urinary tract, skin and ear‐nose‐throat, and were significantly decreased in children with gastroenteritis. Blood histamine levels were significantly lower in children with gastroenteritis and hyperthermia than in children with other diseases and control children. It was not possible to correlate blood histamine levels and the number of blood basophils.Conclusions: BHL are significantly decreased in infants and children with acute gastroenteritis and hyperthermia of unknown aetiology. The mechanisms responsible for the decrease in blood histamine levels in children with gastroenteritis and hyperthermia are discussed.
Lymphocytes Tγδ in clinically normal skin and peripheral blood of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and their correlation with disease activity
Authors: Robak Ewa , Niewiadomska Hanna , Robak Tadeusz , Bartkowiak Jacek , Bloński Jerzy Z. , Woźniacka Anna , Pomorski Lech , Sysa-Jędrzejowska Anna 
Published: November 2003

Human Tγσ lymphocytes constitute from 1 to 15% of all peripheral blood lymphocytes. Recent work has demonstrated that this population plays a major role in the pathogenesis of infectious and immune diseases. Increased numbers of γσ T cells have been found in affected skin from systemic sclerosis and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus patients.In our study, we have determined the numbers of Tγσ lymphocytes and their subpopulations in peripheral blood from 29 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in 19 healthy volunteers using flow cytometry and specific monoclonal antibodies. The same cells in uninvolved skin from SLE patients and human controls using immunohistochemical analysis were estimated. T‐Cell receptor (TCR) delta chain gene rearrangement was identified with primers for Vσ1, Vσ2 and Vσ3 by the polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis showed a significantly decreased number of γσ T cells in SLE patients (26.4 Ī 16.9/μl) compared with the control group (55.3 Ī 20.6/μl) (p < 0.001). The number of Vσ2 TCR+ and Vγ9 TCR+ subpopulations was also lower in SLE patients than in healthy persons. No statistical correlation between disease activity and the number of γσ T cells was demonstrated. The percentage of T γσ lymphocytes in clinically normal skin from SLE patients was twice (22.0 Ī 9.4%) that found in the skin from healthy persons (11.1 Ī 5.5%) (p < 0.002). Higher percentages of the Vσ2 TCR+ and Vγ9 TCR+ subpopulation of lymphocytes were found in the skin from SLE patients. We have also found positive correlation between the percentage of Tγσ lymphocytes in skin and the activity of SLE (r = 0.594,  p < 0.001), and between subpopulation Vσ3 TCR+ and disease activity
(r = 0.659,  p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results of our studies demonstrate that, in patients with SLE, accumulation of Tγσ lymphocytes can be seen in clinically normal skin, and the percentage of these cells correlates with the activity of the disease.
Role of crotoxin, a phospholipase A2 isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom, on inflammatory and immune reactions
Authors: Cardoso Diva F. , Lopes-Ferreira Monica , Faquim-Mauro Eliana L. , Macedo Mahasti S. , Farsky Sandra H. P. 
Published: November 2003

Background: Crotoxin (CTX) is a potent neurotoxin from
Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom (CdtV) composed of two subunits: one without catalytic activity (crotapotin), and a basic phospolipase A2. Recent data have demonstrated that CdtV or CTX inhibit some immune and inflammatory reactions.Aim: The aim of this paper was to investigate the mechanisms involved in these impaired responses.Materials and methods: Male Swiss mice were bled before and at different intervals of time after subcutaneous injection of CTX or bovine serum albumin (BSA) (control animals). The effect of treatments on circulating leukocyte mobilisation and on serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, interferon (IFN)‐γ and corticosterone were investigated. Spleen cells from treated animals were also stimulated in vitro with concanavalin A to evaluate the profile of IL‐4, IL6, IL‐10 or IFN‐γ secretion. Cytokine levels were determined by immunoenzymatic assay and corticosterone levels by radioimmunoassay. To investigate the participation of endogenous corticosteroid on the effects evoked by CTX, animals were treated with metyrapone, an inhibitor of glucocorticoid synthesis, previous to CTX treatment.Results: Marked alterations on peripheral leukocyte distribution, characterised by a drop in the number of lymphocytes and monocytes and an increase in the number of neutrophils, were observed after CTX injection. No such alteration was observed in BSAtreated animals. Increased levels of IL‐6, IL‐10 and corticosterone were also detected in CTX‐injected animals. IFN‐ γ levels were not modified after treatments. In contrast, spleen cells obtained from CTX‐treated animals and stimulated with concanavalin A secreted less IL‐10 and IL‐4 in comparison with cells obtained from control animals. Metyrapone pretreatment was effective only to reverse the neutrophilia observed after CTX administration.Conclusions: Our results suggest that CTX may contribute to the deficient inflammatory and immune responses induced by crude CdtV.CTX induces endogenous mechanisms that are responsible, at least in part, for these impaired responses.
Evidence for local inflammation in complex regional pain syndrome type 1
Authors: Huygen Frank J. P. M. , de Bruijn Anke G. J. , de Bruin Martha T. , Groeneweg J. George , Klein Jan , Zijlstra Freek J. 
Published: November 2003

Background: The pathophysiology of complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS 1) is still a matter of debate. Peripheral afferent, efferent and central mechanisms are supposed. Based on clinical signs and symptoms (e.g. oedema, local temperature changes and chronic pain) local inflammation is suspected.Aim: To determine the involvement of neuropetides, cytokines and eicosanoids as locally formed mediators of inflammation.Methods: In this study, nine patients with proven CRPS 1 were included. Disease activity and impairment was determined by means of a Visual Analogue Scale, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the difference in volume and temperature between involved and uninvolved extremities, and the reduction in active range of motion of the involved extremity. Venous blood was sampled from and suction blisters made on the involved and uninvolved extremities for measurement of cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), the neuropetides NPY and CRGP, and prostaglandin E2.Results: The patients included in this study did have a moderate to serious disease activity and impairment. In plasma, no changes of mediators of inflammation were observed. In blister fluid, however, significantly higher levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α in the involved extremity were observed in comparison with the uninvolved extremity.Conclusions: This is the first time that involvement of mediators of inflammation in CRPS 1 has been so clearly and directly demonstrated. This observation opens new approaches for the succesful use and development of immunosuppressives in CRPS 1.
Cytokine profile after rubella vaccine inoculation: evidence of the immunosuppressive effect of vaccination
Authors: Pukhalsky Alexander L. , Shmarina Galina V. , Bliacher Maria S. , Fedorova Irina M. , Toptygina Anna P. , Fisenko Julia J. , Alioshkin Vladimir A. 
Published: November 2003

Background: Immunization with live virus vaccines may cause an immunosuppression with lymphopaenia, impaired cytokine production and defective lymphocyte response to mitogenes. These abnormalities were described in subjects vaccinated against measles. This study was performed to analyse the host immune response related to immunosuppression in subjects vaccinated with live attenuated rubella vaccine.Methods: Eighteen schoolgirls, aged 11‐13 years, were vaccinated with live attenuated rubella vaccine Rudivax®. Before immunization, and 7 and 30 days after, peripheral blood was collected. Cellular fractions were subjected to flow cytometric analysis, and the lymphocyte response to phytohaemagglutinin was investigated. Plasma samples were analysed for cytokines (interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10, tumour necrosis factor‐α, and interferon‐γ) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay techniques.Results: On day 7 after vaccination, the number of each lymphocyte subset was decreased; however, only for CD3 and CD4 lymphocytes has a significant reduction been shown. On the contrary, tumour necrosis factor‐α and IL‐10 levels markedly increased and amounted to its maximum on day 30. Simultaneously, a significant reduction in plasma interferon‐γ and a profound decrease of the lymphocyte response to phytohaemagglutinin were shown. The changes were accompanied with marked elevation of plasma IL‐4.Conclusions: Our data indicate that the vaccination with live attenuated rubella vaccine results in moderate but sustained immune disturbance. The signs of immunosuppression, including defective lymphocyte response to mitogene and impaired cytokine production, may persist for at least 1 month after vaccination.
DSCR1(Adapt78)‐‐A Janus Gene Providing Stress Protection but Causing Alzheimer's Disease?
Authors: Ermak Gennady , Davies Kelvin 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAlzheimer's disease is associated with the formation of paired helical filaments composed of hyperphospharylated tau protein. Phosphatase 2B, calcineurin can dephosphorylate the tau protein and, therefore, might prevent the assembly of paired helical filaments and even Alzheimer's disease. Calcipressin 1, the DSCR1(Adapt78) gene product, can bind and inactivate calcineurin. Here we hypothesize that while short‐term induction of calcipressin1 can provide stress protection, its long‐term or chronic induction may cause gradual accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, eventually leading to Alzheimer's disease. IUBMB Life, 55: 29‐31, 2003
Herpes Virus Replication
Authors: Boehmer Paul , Nimonkar Amitabh 
Published: November 2003

AbstractHerpesviruses are large double stranded DNA animal viruses with the distinguishing ability to establish latent, life‐long infections. To date, eight human herpesviruses that exhibit distinct biological and corresponding pathological/clinical properties have been identified. During their life cycles, herpesviruses execute an intricate chain of events geared towards optimizing their replication. This sets an interesting paradigm to study fundamental biological processes. This review summarizes recent developments in herpesvirus research with emphasis on genome transactions, particularly with respect to the prototypic herpes simplex virus type‐1. IUBMB Life, 55: 13‐22, 2003
Does Palmitoylation Target Estrogen Receptors to Plasma Membrane Caveolae?
Authors: Acconcia Filippo , Bocedi Alessio , Ascenzi Paolo , Marino Maria 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe human nuclear estrogen receptors (i.e., ERα and ERβ), as other transcriptional factors, regulate cellular processes inducing genomic events. In addition, the binding of 17β‐estradiol to ERs induces different membrane initiating non‐genomic signaling. The non‐genomic effects of ER are independent of transcriptional activity of the receptor and have been attributed to membrane ERs belonging to a signaling complex localized in caveolae. Here, we postulate that S‐acylation of cysteine residue(s) present in the ligand binding domain of ERα and ERβ may play a critical role in the membrane caveolar localization of the receptor and in the formation of the 'steroid signalosome'. IUBMB Life, 55: 33‐35, 2003
Biphasic Role of Platelet‐Activating Factor in Oral Mucosal Ulcer Healing
Authors: Slomiany Bronislaw , Slomiany Amalia 
Published: November 2003

AbstractPlatelet‐activating factor (PAF) is a potent phospholipid‐derived messenger molecule involved in a number of pathological conditions, including mediation of inflammatory cascades associated with wound healing. We investigated prophylactic and therapeutic effects of a specific PAF antagonist, BN52020, on the course of experimentally induced oral mucosal ulcer healing. The prophylactic BN52020 administration produced an accelerated ulcer healing that was characterized by a marked induction in COX‐2 enzyme protein expression and the substantial decline in apoptosis, TNF‐ α, and NOS‐2 activity. A delay in ulcer healing, however, occurred with the therapeutic BN52020 administration, and this effect of the agent was reflected in a decreased expression of COX‐2 protein, higher rate of apoptosis, and the elevated level of TNF‐ αand NOS‐2. Our findings implicate PAF requirement in orderly progression of the events involved in oral tissue repair, and suggest that the interference with its actions during healing process results in the suppression of COX‐2‐derived anti‐inflammatory prostaglandins that delay the mucosal repair. IUBMB Life, 55: 483‐490, 2003
Rotary Movements within the ATP Synthase do not Constitute an Obligatory Element of the Catalytic Mechanism
Authors: Berden Jan 
Published: November 2003

AbstractAfter a brief history of the proposals for the mechanism of the ATP synthase, the main experimental arguments for a rotational mechanism of catalysis are analyzed and on the basis of this analysis it is concluded that no evidence has been provided for rotation as an obligatory element of the catalytic mechanism. On the other hand, the experimental evidence in favor of a two‐sites catalytic mechanism, derived from various approaches and not compatible with a three‐sites rotary mechanism, appear to be very solid. Finally a brief characterization of the various nucleotide binding sites is provided and a suggestion is made how the enzyme has evolutionarily developed from a rotating machine into an asymmetrical device for energy conservation. IUBMB Life, 55: 473‐481, 2003
Oxygen Regulates Invasiveness and Virulence of Group B
Streptococcus
Authors: Johri Atul K. , Padilla Joahnna , Malin Gennady , Paoletti Lawrence C. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACT

The facultative anaerobe group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) is an opportunistic pathogen of pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly. Although several virulence factors have been identified, environmental factors that regulate the pathogenicity of GBS have not been well characterized. Using the dynamic in vitro attachment and invasion system (DIVAS), we examined the effect of oxygen on the ability of GBS to invade immortalized human epithelial cells. GBS type III strain M781 invaded human epithelial cells of primitive neurons, the cervix, the vagina, and the endometrium in 5- to 400-fold higher numbers when cultured at a cell mass doubling time (

t
d

) of 1.8 h than at a slower

t
d

of 11 h. Invasion was optimal when GBS was cultured at a

t
d

of 1.8 h in the presence of ≥5% oxygen and was significantly reduced without oxygen. Moreover, GBS grown in a chemostat under highly invasive conditions (

t
d

of 1.8 h, with oxygen) was more virulent in neonatal mice than was GBS grown under suboptimal invasion conditions (

t
d

of 1.8 h, without oxygen), suggesting a positive association between in vitro invasiveness with DIVAS and virulence.
TheListeria monocytogenes lemAGene Product Is Not Required forIntracellular Infection or To Activate fMIGWII-Specific TCells
Authors: D'Orazio Sarah E. F. , Velasquez Marisela , Roan Nadia R. , Naveiras-Torres Olaia , Starnbach Michael N. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTClearance of the intracellular bacterial pathogenListeria monocytogenesrequires antigen-specific CD8+T cells. Recently it was shown that activation of class Ib major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted CD8+T cells alone is sufficient for immune protection against listeriae. A major component of the class Ib MHC-restricted T-cell response is T cells that recognize formylated peptide antigens presented by M3 molecules. Although threeN-formylated peptides derived fromL. monocytogenesare known to bind to M3 molecules, fMIGWII is the immunodominant epitope presented by M3 during infection of mice. The source of fMIGWII peptide is theL. monocytogenes lemAgene, which encodes a 30-kDa protein of unknown function. In this report, we describe the generation of twoL. monocytogenes lemAdeletion mutants. We show thatlemAis not required for growth of listeriae in tissue culture cells or for virulence during infection of mice. Surprisingly, we found that fMIGWII-specific T cells were still primed following infection withlemAmutant listeriae, suggesting thatL. monocytogenescontains at least one additional antigen that is cross-reactive with the fMIGWII epitope. This cross-reactive antigen appears to be a small protease-resistant molecule that is secreted byL. monocytogenes.