bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term disease‐free survival of patients with advanced follicular lymphoma after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Toze Cynthia L. , Barnett Michael J. , Connors Joseph M. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Voss Nicholas J. , Nantel Stephen H. , Nevill Thomas J. , Shepherd John D. , Sutherland Heather J. , Lavoie Julye C. , Forrest Donna L. , Song Kevin W. , Hogge Donna E.
Published: October 2004

Myeloablative allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) may be curative in patients with follicular non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, however, the impact of this therapy on long‐term survival, disease progression and functional status is less clear. Twenty‐nine patients (median age 42 years, range: 20–53) with advanced stage follicular lymphoma proceeded to allogeneic BMT a median of 25 (range: 8–154) months postdiagnosis, between 1985 and 2001, and have been followed for a minimum of 2 years. Eleven of 29 (38%) had refractory disease (n = 5 induction failure, n = 6 resistant relapse). Most (27 of 29, 93%) received total body irradiation‐based conditioning; stem cell source was marrow from a related donor (n = 20) or unrelated donor (n = 9). Seventeen of 29 patients (59%) were alive a median of 5 years (range: 2–11) post‐BMT with a median Karnofsky Performance Score of 100%. Death occurred because of transplant complications in seven patients (cumulative incidence of non‐relapse mortality 24%), and progressive lymphoma in five patients (cumulative incidence of refractory/recurrent lymphoma 23%). The 5‐year probability of overall and event‐free survival was 58% and 53% respectively. Allogeneic BMT has resulted in long‐term disease‐free survival for approximately 50% of this cohort of patients with advanced follicular lymphoma and most of them now enjoy robust health.
Prognostic significance of hepatocyte growth factor and c‐MET expression in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Kawano R. , Ohshima K. , Karube K. , Yamaguchi T. , Kohno S. , Suzumiya J. , Kikuchi M. , Tamura K.
Published: October 2004

The expression and prognostic significance of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c‐MET (MET proto‐oncogene) was analysed in 96 cases of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Tissue sections were immunohistochemically stained for HGF and c‐Met. The prognosis of HGF‐positive and c‐Met‐positive cases was significantly worse than negative cases (HGF: P = 0·0036; c‐Met: P = 0·0002). In addition, in the low‐risk international prognostic index group, HGF‐negative and c‐Met‐negative cases had a significantly better prognosis than positive cases (HGF: P = 0·0009; c‐Met: P < 0·0001). Our results suggest that HGF/c‐MET is a useful clinical marker of prognosis for patients with DLBCL.
Human bone marrow adipocytes support complete myeloid and lymphoid differentiation from human CD34+ cells
Authors: Corre Jill , Planat‐Benard Valérie , Corberand Joël X. , Pénicaud Luc , Casteilla Louis , Laharrague Patrick
Published: October 2004

In humans, the role of bone marrow (BM) adipocytes in supporting haematopoiesis has been questioned. A co‐culture system of CD34+ cells seeded onto either BM undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells or differentiated adipocytes showed that BM adipocytes did not support the maintenance of immature progenitors but enabled their complete differentiation along the myeloid and lymphoid pathways. These properties appear to be opposite to those of osteoblasts, although both cell types share a common mesenchymal progenitor. These results suggest that stromal cells play a variety of roles in the haematopoietic microenvironment, which could be significant in situations such as osteoporosis or ageing.
Differential damage and recovery of human mesenchymal stem cells after exposure to chemotherapeutic agents
Authors: Li Jing , Law Helen K. W. , Lau Yu Lung , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung
Published: October 2004

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an important cellular component of the bone marrow microenvironment for supporting haemopoiesis. However, their response to high‐dose chemotherapy remains unknown. We assessed the acute direct effects of individual chemotherapeutic agents on human MSCs (hMSCs). Using an in vitro culture system, the chemosensitivity of hMSCs was determined by XTT (2,3‐bis(2‐methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulphophenyl)‐5‐[(phenylamino) carbonyl]‐2H‐tetrazolium hydroxide) assay in comparison with that of NB‐4 cells, a leukaemic cell line, and normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The recovery of cell numbers following exposure to chemotherapeutic agents and chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis of hMSCs were evaluated. Human MSCs were resistant to chemotherapeutic agents commonly used in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) (i.e. busulphan, cyclophosphamide and methotrexate). However, they were relatively sensitive to a panel of cytotoxic agents, such as paclitaxel, vincristine, etoposide and cytarabine. Furthermore, different recovery patterns were noted. There was sustained suppression in hMSCs following 3 d exposure to paclitaxel, cytarabine and etoposide. In contrast, significant recovery was seen in hMSCs treated with dexamethasone and vincristine respectively. Human MSCs have different patterns of response to a panel of chemotherapeutic agents commonly used in BMT or cancer therapy. Understanding this variation is important in optimizing conditioning regimens for BMT.
Myocardial iron clearance during reversal of siderotic cardiomyopathy with intravenous desferrioxamine: a prospective study using T2* cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Anderson Lisa J. , Westwood Mark A. , Holden Sally , Davis Bernard , Prescott Emma , Wonke Beatrix , Porter John B. , Malcolm Walker J. , Pennell Dudley J.
Published: October 2004

Heart failure from iron overload causes 71% of deaths in thalassaemia major, yet reversal of siderotic cardiomyopathy has been reported. In order to determine the changes in myocardial iron during treatment, we prospectively followed thalassaemia patients commencing intravenous desferrioxamine for iron‐induced cardiomyopathy during a 12‐month period. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessments were performed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment, and included left ventricular (LV) function and myocardial and liver T2*, which is inversely related to iron concentration. One patient died. The six survivors showed progressive improvements in myocardial T2* (5·1 ± 1·9 to 8·1 ± 2·8 ms, P = 0·003), liver iron (9·6 ± 4·3 to 2·1 ± 1·5 mg/g, P = 0·001), LV ejection fraction (52 ± 7·1% to 63 ± 6·4%, P = 0·03), LV volumes (end diastolic volume index 115 ± 17 to 96 ± 3 ml, P = 0·03; end systolic volume index 55 ± 16 to 36 ± 6 ml, P = 0·01) and LV mass index (106 ± 14 to 95 ± 13, P = 0·01). Iron cleared more slowly from myocardium than liver (5·0 ± 3·3% vs. 39 ± 23% per month, P = 0·02). These prospective data confirm that siderotic heart failure is often reversible with intravenous iron chelation with desferrioxamine. Myocardial T2* improves in concert with LV volumes and function during recovery, but iron clearance from the heart is considerably slower than from the liver.
Expression of protein gene product 9·5 (PGP9·5)/ubiquitin‐C‐terminal hydrolase 1 (UCHL‐1) in human myeloma cells
Authors: Otsuki T. , Yata K. , Takata‐Tomokuni A. , Hyodoh F. , Miura Y. , Sakaguchi H. , Hatayama T. , Hatada S. , Tsujioka T. , Sato Y. , Murakami H. , Sadahira Y. , Sugihara T.
Published: October 2004

The neuron cytoplasmic protein gene product 9·5 (PGP9·5)/ubiquitin‐C‐terminal hydrolase 1 (UCHL‐1) protein is a thiol protease that recognizes and hydrolyzes a peptide bond at the C‐terminal of ubiquitin, and is involved in the processing of ubiquitin precursors and ubiquinated proteins. Although this molecule is known as a specific tissue marker for the neuroendocrine system, many reports have indicated that PGP9·5 is a marker for certain tumour types, such as cancer of the lung, colon, and pancreas. The expression of PGP9·5 in myeloma cells was examined. PGP9·5 seemed to be expressed specifically in myeloma cells as compared with other haematological malignant cells. In addition, in myeloma cells subjected to growth‐factor starvation, the upregulation of PGP9·5 was observed in association with that of p27Kip1, a cyclin‐dependent‐kinase inhibitor, although the upregulation caused by irradiation was milder. In contrast, the hypoxic culture of myeloma cells induced down‐regulation of PGP9·5. These results suggested that PGP9·5 may be a good marker for myeloma among haematological malignancies. In addition, it may indicate certain cellular features of myeloma cells, such as sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors.
Development of Duffy transgenic mouse: in vivo expression of human Duffy gene with −33T→C promoter mutation in non‐erythroid tissues
Authors: Chaudhuri Asok , Yuen Genevieve , Fang Flora , Storry Jill
Published: October 2004

Blood group Duffy gene (FY) promoter in Duffy‐negative individuals contains a point mutation in the GATA1 protein‐binding motif, which was suggested to be responsible for erythroid suppression of FY. We developed two transgenic mouse lines with FY from both Duffy phenotypes. Transgenic mice with FY from Duffy‐positive phenotype expressed Duffy protein both in red blood cells (RBCs) and non‐erythroid tissues. Transgenic mice with FY from Duffy‐negative phenotype did not express Duffy protein in RBCs, but it was expressed in non‐erythroid tissues. This is the first in vivo experimental evidence showing the effect of −33T→C promoter mutation on FY expression.
Effects of PRIMA‐1 on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells with and without hemizygous p53 deletion
Authors: Nahi H. , Lehmann S. , Mollgard L. , Bengtzen S. , Selivanova G. , Wiman K. G. , Paul C. , Merup M.
Published: October 2004

The tumour suppressor gene p53 is the most commonly mutated gene in solid tumours. Although less common in haematological malignancies, 10–15% of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL) cases carry a p53 mutation. Recently, the compound P53‐dependent reactivation and induction of massive apoptosis (PRIMA‐1) has been shown to induce cytotoxic effects and apoptosis in human tumour cells by restoration of the transcriptional activity of mutated p53. This is believed to be mediated by a change in the conformation of mutated p53 protein, restoring DNA binding and activation of p53 target genes. We studied the effects of PRIMA‐1 and commonly used anti‐leukaemic drugs on B‐CLL cells from 14 patients with and without hemizygous p53 deletion. Cells obtained from peripheral blood or bone marrow were exposed to PRIMA‐1 and fludarabine alone or in combination. PRIMA‐1 showed cytotoxic effects on B‐CLL cells from samples with and without hemizygous p53 deletion. Furthermore, conventional B‐CLL drugs were less effective in cell samples with hemizygous p53 deletion and the response depended on the size of the p53 deleted clone. Finally, we found evidence for synergistic and additive effects of PRIMA‐1 in combination with fludarabine.
Coping with social stigma: people with intellectual disabilities moving from institutions and family home
Authors: Jahoda A. , Markova I.
Published: October 2004

Background  Social stigma and its impact on the life opportunities and emotional well‐being of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are a subject of both practical and theoretical importance. The disability movement and evolving theories of self, now point to individuals’ ability to develop positive identities and to challenge stigmatizing views and social norms.

Method  This paper presents findings from a phenomenological study of 10 individuals making the transition from their family home to live more independently and 18 individuals moving from a long‐stay hospital to live in community housing. It builds on an earlier data set obtained from people living at home with their families and examines: (1) people's awareness of stigma, and (2) their modes of adaptation to stigma.

Results  The participants all believed that they faced stigmatized treatment and were aware of the stigma associated with ID. They presented a range of views about self in relation to disability and stigma. These views included regarding themselves as part of a minority group who reject prejudice, and attempts to distance themselves from stigmatizing services and from other individuals with IDs.

Conclusions  The findings are discussed in relation to theories of self and the importance of considering psychosocial factors is stressed in clinical work with people who have IDs.
Vision in athletes with intellectual disabilities: the need for improved eyecare
Authors: Woodhouse J. M. , Adler P. , Duignan A.
Published: October 2004

Background  Special Olympics provides sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities (ID), and Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes GB offers vision screening for athletes at Special Olympics Games.

Methods  Opening Eyes GB screened the vision of 505 UK athletes at its inaugural event in 2001. The results were analysed and are presented here.

Results  Results showed that athletes do not differ from other people with ID in being at high risk of ocular and visual defects and many are not accessing eyecare. 15% reported never having an optometric eye examination, and yet 19% of these athletes had a significant refractive error, 32% had ocular anomalies and 6% were visually impaired. Overall, findings confirmed the high prevalence of refractive errors and strabismus amongst people with ID. 40% of athletes had ocular abnormalities, including 15.6% with blepharitis, a readily treatable condition that causes discomfort. 9% had lens opacities, of which half were probably impairing sight. An important finding was that many athletes have reduced vision and 14% could be classified as visually impaired (WHO definition) even when refractive errors were fully corrected.

Conclusions  Special Olympics athletes should be encouraged to have regular eye examinations (as indeed, should all people with ID), and educators, carers and coaches need appropriate information about the visual status of their charges.
AUTHORITY, POLITY, AND TENUOUS ELITES IN IRON AGE EDOM (JORDAN)
Authors: PORTER BENJAMIN W.
Published: October 2004

Summary. The strategies political elites implement to garner political authority and legitimacy in emergent polities are scrutinized in a case study from Iron Age Edom, located in modern southern Jordan and the south‐east corner of the State of Israel. Edom provides a productive context in which to conduct this investigation as local elites managed a fractious polity consisting of unstable segmentary identities, while at the same time, remaining loyal to the successive Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian empires that dominated them. This tenuous position required elites to maintain a flexible elite identity while promoting broader metaphors of attachment (e.g. Edomite) among their disparate constituents. This case study ultimately moves toward an understanding of political polities, not as disembodied entities (e.g. States), but as embedded phenomena within the societies they comprise.
ANCIENT WORKSHOPS AND ANCIENT ‘ART’
Authors: HEILMEYER WOLF‐DIETER
Published: October 2004

Summary.  There is a tension between the understanding of the term ‘workshop’ in art historical scholarship and the actual locations of production unearthed by archaeology. Yet countless ancient works of art bear traces of their own production, and many working sites have produced unfinished products. The differing approaches can be combined, to a greater extent than they have been, to attain a more comprehensive understanding of ancient art production. A first step is an exhaustive analysis of the interactions between the provenance, processing, inherent quality, logistics, presentation and preservation of any material used in art production. But the products themselves also have much to reveal about their conditions of production.
POTTED HISTORIES – CREMATION, CERAMICS AND SOCIAL MEMORY IN EARLY ROMAN BRITAIN
Authors: WILLIAMS HOWARD
Published: October 2004

Summary. Archaeologists have identified the adoption of new forms of cremation ritual during the early Roman period in south‐east Britain. Cremation may have been widely used by communities in the Iron Age, but the distinctive nature of these new rites was their frequent placing of the dead within, and associated with, ceramic vessels. This paper suggests an interpretation for the social meaning of these cremation burial rites that involved the burial of ashes with and within pots as a means of commemoration. In this light, the link between cremation and pottery in early Roman Britain can be seen as a means of promoting the selective remembering and forgetting of the dead.
A comparison of cup‐to‐disc ratio measurement in normal subjects using optical coherence tomography image analysis of the optic nerve head and stereo fundus biomicroscopy
Authors: Hrynchak Patricia , Hutchings Natalie , Jones Deborah , Simpson Trefford
Published: October 2004

Purpose:  To determine the relationships between morphometric optic nerve head (ONH) characteristics defined using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and clinical judgments of cup‐to‐disc (CD) ratios.

Methods:  CD ratios were estimated in 20 subjects by two experienced clinicians using stereo fundus biomicroscopy. Sagittal OCT images were obtained in positions defined by clinicians corresponding to the location of their horizontal and vertical CD ratio estimates. To estimate CD ratios using the OCT images, disc width was defined as the separation of the terminations of the retinal pigment epithelium on each side of the image. OCT cup widths were determined using two criteria: the first measured the separation of cup walls halfway down each side and the second estimated the separation 1/3 down each side. Cups that were less than 150 μm deep were defined as flat for the OCT images. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation of the differences between clinical estimates and imaging techniques as well as using intraclass correlations (ICC).

Results:  Between techniques, the range of ICCs for the 1/2 depth criterion was 0.74–0.90 and for the 1/3 criterion was 0.59–0.81. The limits of agreement for the 1/2 criterion were also better than the 1/3 criterion.

Conclusion:  Accurate measures of CD ratio may be derived from OCT ONH images. Estimates of clinical CD ratios in normal subjects appear to be made using depth judgments closer to 1/2 of the way down the cup than 1/3.
Impact of manufacturing technology and material composition on the mechanical properties of hydrogel contact lenses
Authors: Maldonado‐Codina Carole , Efron Nathan
Published: October 2004

Hydrogel materials are not only different as a result of different co‐monomer compositions but also as a result of the manufacturing method used to produce them. Hydrogel contact lenses fabricated by different methods are subjected to markedly different processing steps, which are likely to affect the resultant material network structure of a lens. The mechanical performance of five soft contact lens types was investigated using one conventional technique (tensile test) and three novel techniques (probe, tear and ball milling tests). The five lens groups consisted of three polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA) lenses which were each manufactured by a different technique: lathing, spin‐casting and cast‐moulding, a HEMA/methacrylic acid (HEMA/MAA) cast‐moulded lens and a HEMA/glycerol methacrylate (HEMA/GMA) cast‐moulded lens. Overall, the results show that the best mechanical performance is obtained for the pHEMA lenses, with some differences occurring between the lenses. The HEMA/GMA lens showed the worst performance.
The average eye
Authors: Harris W. F.
Published: October 2004

For statistical and other purposes one needs to be able to determine an average eye. An average of refractive errors is readily calculated as an average of dioptric power matrices. A refractive error, however, is not so much a property of the eye as a property of the compensating lens in front of the eye. As such, it ignores other aspects of the optical character of the eye. This paper discusses the difficulties of finding a suitable average that fully accounts for the first‐order optics of a set of optical systems. It proposes an average based on ray transferences and logarithms and exponentials of matrices. Application to eyes in particular is discussed.
Normative contrast sensitivity values for the back‐lit Melbourne Edge Test and the effect of visual impairment
Authors: Eperjesi Frank , Wolffsohn James , Bowden Jason , Napper Genevieve , Rubinstein Martin
Published: October 2004

Background:  The Melbourne Edge Test (MET) is a portable forced‐choice edge detection contrast sensitivity (CS) test. The original externally illuminated paper test has been superseded by a backlit version. The aim of this study was to establish normative values for age and to assess change with visual impairment.

Method:  The MET was administered to 168 people with normal vision (18–93 years old) and 93 patients with visual impairment (39–97 years old). Distance visual acuity (VA) was measured with a log MAR chart.

Results:  In those eyes without disease, MET CS was stable until the age of 50 years (23.8 ± 0.7 dB) after which it decreased at a rate of ≈1.5 dB per decade. Compared with normative values, people with low vision were found to have significantly reduced CS, which could not be totally accounted for by reduced VA.

Conclusions:  The MET provides a quick and easy measure of CS, which highlights a reduction in visual function that may not be detectable using VA measurements.
FINANCIAL CONTRACTING BETWEEN MANAGERS AND VENTURE CAPITALISTS: THE ROLE OF VALUE‐ADDED SERVICES, REPUTATION SEEKING, AND BARGAINING POWER
Authors: Fairchild Richard
Published: October 2004

I analyze manager and venture capitalist bargaining over the financial contract in the face of double‐sided moral hazard problems. The allocation of cash flows depends on the combined effects of value‐added services, reputation seeking, and bargaining power. Welfare is maximized when the venture capitalist has high value‐adding capabilities, the market for reputation is informationally efficient, and the manager has bargaining power. Furthermore, I consider the effect of exit strategies on the financial agreement. I also consider bidding between venture capitalists of differing abilities. Generally, the superior venture capitalist wins with a lower bid, but in some cases the inferior venture capitalist can win.
THE PRICING OF EQUITY CARVE‐OUTS DURING THE 1990s
Authors: Hogan Karen M. , Olson Gerard T.
Published: October 2004

We examine the level of underpricing and characteristics of equity carveouts (ECOs) from 1990 to 1998 (the 1990s) and from 1999 to 2000 (the bubble period). For a sample of 458 ECOs, we find a mean initial return of 8.75% for the 1990s and 47.76% for the bubble period. The results suggest that, similar to other initial public offerings (IPOs), ECOs have been more willing to accept underpricing through time because of an increased importance in analyst coverage and the increased use of spinning, the practice where investment bankers allocate IPOs to high‐profile customers to garner potential future business.
UNDERWRITER REPUTATION AND AFTERMARKET PERFORMANCE OF CLOSED‐END FUNDS
Authors: Booth Lena Chua
Published: October 2004

I find a positive relation between underwriter reputation and the initial and long‐run aftermarket performance of closed‐end funds. This relation persists even after controlling for fund characteristics, types, and investment strategies. The positive relation between underwriter reputation and initial returns supports the notion that prestigious investment bankers tend to promote a price run‐up in the immediate aftermarket to enhance their reputation with the issuers and the investors. The better long‐run performance for funds underwritten by prestigious underwriters suggests that prestigious underwriters protect their reputation by underwriting only high‐quality issues that will perform well in the long run.
THE WEALTH EFFECTS OF TRACKING STOCK RESTRUCTURINGS
Authors: Billett Matthew T. , Vijh Anand M.
Published: October 2004

We provide a comprehensive examination of the post‐issue wealth effects of 29 completed tracking stock restructurings. We document that for the parent stock and for the combined firm, tracking stock restructurings lead to insignificant long‐term excess returns. However, we find that shareholders of tracking stocks realize significant post‐issue wealth losses. Unlike spin‐offs and carve‐outs, announcements of tracking stock restructurings are preceded by negative one‐year excess returns, and unlike the positive post‐issue long‐term excess returns to spin‐off stocks and the insignificant long‐term excess returns to carve‐out stocks, tracking stocks experience negative long‐term excess returns.
Daddies, Devotion, and Dollars
Authors: Painter Gary , Levine David I.
Published: October 2004

Abstract.  Growing up in a family that lacks a biological father is correlated with a number of poor outcomes for youths. This study uses the National Educational Longitudinal Survey of 1988 to examine the extent to which differences in income or parental involvement can explain the effects of family structure on youth outcomes. We find that measurement error in income from single‐parent homes has a large effect on the results because of the variability in income earned over a youth's teen years. Overall, we find that lower income explains most of the disadvantages of youths in single‐parent homes, but neither gaps in income nor in parental involvement explain the disadvantages of families with stepfathers.
Income Inequality, the Income Cost of Housing, and the Myth of Market Efficiency
Authors: Whiting Cathleen
Published: October 2004

Abstract.  A housing cost figure that incorporates income identifies demographic groups excluded from effective participation in the housing market. The goal of home ownership is an elusive one for many American families.
There's No Place Like Home
Authors: Wiens‐Tuers Barbara A.
Published: October 2004

Abstract.  Employment stability for many nonstandard workers is tenuous and early research shows some types of nonstandard employment carry long‐term consequences in the form of lower wages and fewer benefits over time. This paper seeks to add to the literature by considering another long‐term consequence for nonstandard workers: the inability of some nonstandard workers to accumulate assets. The particular asset this paper focuses on is home ownership. Logistic regression results using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 suggest that current and past employment in some nonstandard jobs, especially as a temporary worker, is associated with a lower probability of owning a home. This may have repercussions not only for households with temporary workers but for their community as well, since home ownership has been tied to positive spillovers such as increased social capital and community involvement.
Introduction
Authors: Elmslie Bruce
Published: October 2004

Abstract.  This symposium was first presented at a session entitled “Noneconomic Objectives in the History of Economic Thought” that was held at the Allied Social Science Association Meetings in January 2002.
Adam Smith's Analysis of Bounties as an Early Example of the Concept of Noneconomic Objectives
Authors: Elmslie Bruce
Published: October 2004

Abstract.  Smith uses his analysis of bounties to form one aspect of his overall critique of the mercantile system. He stresses the fact that the system of bounties has not promoted the development of the English economy. However, Smith also stresses that, as destructive as the system of export bounties is to public welfare, these bounties are not significant enough to greatly retard the growth of the English economy, which has more to do with secure property rights and securing investors their return on their investments.
Same‐Day Discharge After Coronary Stenting:
Authors: YEE KOK‐MENG , LAZZAM CHARLES , RICHARDS JAN , ROSS JOHN , SEIDELIN PETER H
Published: October 2004

A major limiting factor for percutaneous coronary interventions carried out via the femoral route is the time it takes to achieve femoral artery hemostasis and subsequent mobilization. Discharge from hospital usually occurs the following day. In this pilot study, we assessed the feasibility of mobilization at 4 hours and same‐day discharge from hospital of selected elective patients undergoing intracoronary stenting using the Angio‐Seal Vascular Closure device. Seventy‐five patients (56 ± 10 years) with stable single‐vessel coronary disease scheduled for elective coronary stenting were enrolled. All patients were mobilized at 4 hours and assessed at 10 hours postprocedure as to their suitability for hospital discharge. The first 50 patients remained in hospital overnight. The next 25 patients followed the same procedures but were discharged at 10 hours. The subjects were followed up at 48 hours and 30 days. Hemostasis was achieved in all patients following sheath removal and deployment of the Angio‐Seal device. Twenty patients (27%) had minor groin oozing and two developed small hematoma. There were no major bleeding complications, pseudoaneurysm, vascular surgery, or groin infection. Groin oozing resulted in the delay of ambulation for 13 subjects but discharge was not delayed in any patient. All patients were reported to be suitable for hospital discharge at 10 hours postprocedure. There were no further complications at 30 days. The present study demonstrated that early mobilization and same‐day discharge after coronary stenting using the Angio‐Seal device is feasible in selected patients. Further studies are needed to determine the patient selection criteria and the potential cost‐saving implications of this strategy.
Restenosis after Successful Ostial Stent Implantation:
Authors: HORLITZ MARC , AMIN FOUAD R. , BOERRIGTER GUIDO , SIGWART ULRICH , CLAGUE JONATHAN R.
Published: October 2004

Despite the introduction of coronary stents and effective anticoagulation regimens, the treatment of ostial lesions is limited by high restenosis rates. Initial results have been published asserting that statin therapy is associated with a significant reduction in restenosis after stent deployment. However, no information is available about the effect of statins after ostial stenting. Between 1993 and 2000, 122 patients required ostial placement of coronary stents at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, United Kingdom. Statin treatment was continued or begun in 52 patients with a documentated hypercholesterolemia. Follow‐up was feasible in 97 patients undergoing successful stent implantation. Restenosis rate was lower in patients receiving statins, but did not differ significantly from the nonstatin group (34.6% as against 42.2%, P = 0.531).
The EchoMap System:
Authors: DAGRES NIKOLAOS , HAUDE MICHAEL , KURRECK SANDRA , BAUMGART DIETRICH , ERBEL RAIMUND
Published: October 2004

The EchoMap system allows online integration of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and intracoronary Doppler (ICD) images into angiographic images during catheterization, providing exact localization of the IVUS transducer and the ICD wire tip position. Although this is a major advance, the use of the system could lead to more angiographic documentation sequences and enhanced radiation exposure. We investigated the influence of system use on radiation and procedure parameters. During a 22‐month period, 794 patients underwent coronary angiography with simultaneous performance of IVUS and/or ICD. The EchoMap system was applied in 392 patients (“EchoMap group”), the remaining 402 patients formed the “No‐EchoMap group.” Multivariate regression analysis showed no independent association between the use of EchoMap and fluoroscopy time (14.7 ± 8.5 minutes in the EchoMap group vs 14.5 ± 10 minutes in the No‐EchoMap group, P = NS) or dose area product (7589 ± 4916 in the EchoMap group vs 7031 ± 5434 cGy x cm2, P = NS). EchoMap use was significantly associated with a moderate increase in contrast media amount (392 ± 162 in the EchoMap vs 356 ± 155 mL in the No‐EchoMap group, P = 0.001). In conclusion, the use of the EchoMap system had no significant influence on radiation exposure during cardiac catheterization, whereas it was associated with a moderate increase in contrast media amount.
Hydrocortisone Reduces Restenosis After Stenting of Small Coronary Arteries
Authors: KAKIO TADASHI , MATSUMORI AKIRA , OHASHI NAOHIRO , YAMADA TAKEHIKO , SAITO TAKEJI , KAWAMOTO AKIRA , TAGUCHI ATSUSHI , MORITA YASUHIRO , TAKAHASHI MASAAKI , SASAYAMA SHIGETAKE
Published: October 2004

Stenting of small coronary arteries has been limited by high rates of restenosis, and restenosis after stenting has chiefly been attributed to inflammatory reactions resulting in cell proliferation and intimal hyperplasia. In order to suppress this inflammatory process, we examined the effects of hydrocortisone, an antiinflammatory agent, on restenosis after stenting in a nonrandomized retrospective registry. The study population consisted of 193 patients treated at two hospitals, who underwent stent implantations in coronary arteries of reference diameter <3 mm between February 1999 and September 2001. Target lesions included complex, restenotic, diabetic, or chronic total lesions and types of implanted stents were Multi‐Link, S‐series, and gfx stents. Effect of intravenous administration of hydrocortisone (200 mg) before stenting was compared to control patients who did not receive this treatment. There was no significant difference of early outcomes between the hydrocortisone group and the control group. On angiographic follow‐up at 6 months after stenting, the rate of restenosis was significantly lower in patients treated with hydrocortisone as compared with control group (22.8% vs 37%, respectively; P < 0.05). The revascularization rate of target lesion at 6 months was also significantly lower in the treated group (16.5% vs 29%, respectively; P < 0.05). These results suggest that preprocedural intravenous administration of hydrocortisone reduces restenosis after stenting of small coronary arteries. Prospectively controlled trials will be necessary to confirm this preventive effect of hydrocortisone on coronary in‐stent restenosis.
The Immune Environment in Human Endometrium during the Window of Implantation
Authors: Lobo Shalini C. , Huang S.‐T. Joseph , Germeyer Ariane , Dosiou Chrysoula , Vo Kim Chi , Tulac Suzana , Nayak Nihar R. , Giudice Linda C.
Published: October 2004

Problem:  Changes in the immune environment in the endometrium are believed to be important for successful implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. We have previously investigated global gene profiling in human endometrium during the window of implantation by oligonucleotide microarray technology, and analysis of these data underscore the regulation of a group of immune‐related genes. The present study was therefore conducted to examine the pattern of expression and regulation of these genes including decay accelerating factor (DAF), indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO), interleukin‐15 (IL‐15), IL‐15 receptor alpha subunit (IL‐15Rα), interferon regulatory factor‐1 (IRF‐1), lymphotactin (Lpn), natural killer‐associated transcript 2 (NKAT2) and NKG5 in secretory and proliferative human endometrium.

Method of Study:  Endometrial biopsies were obtained from normally cycling women in the late proliferative and mid‐secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Northern blot analysis were used to determine the expression and regulation of these genes in secretory and proliferative human endometrium. Cellular localization of NKG5, Lpn and IDO by in situ hybridization in secretory‐phase endometrium was also examined.

Results:  Semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and Northern blot results demonstrate that there is a coordinated upregulation of this group of genes during the window of implantation.

Conclusions:  We demonstrate the upregulation of immune‐related genes IL‐15Rα, Lpn and NKG5 in secretory versus proliferative human endometrium. We also demonstrate a similar upregulation in secretory endometrium of other immune‐related genes, viz, DAF, IDO, IL‐15, IRF‐1 and NKAT2. The functions of these genes include stimulation of proliferation of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, inhibition of cytolytic activity of uNK cells, inhibition of cell growth of T cells and other pathogens and inhibition of the classical complement pathway. Upregulation of these immune‐related genes in the window of implantation suggests their role during the process of implantation and in immune tolerance of the implanting conceptus.
Face‐Offs in Reproductive Immunology: The Montreal Forum Meeting Report
Authors: Anne Croy B. , Baines Malcolm G.
Published: October 2004

The combined 12th International Congress of Immunology (ICI) and the 4th Annual Conference of the Federation of Clinical Immunological Societies (FOCIS) was held in Montreal, Canada July 18–23, 2004 and attracted over 6000 immunologists and almost 4000 abstracts. The host society, the Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI) spent many years in preparation for this large meeting and encouraged its members to propose topics for symposia and mini‐symposia and to sponsor satellite meetings. With sponsorship of CSI; the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; the University of Guelph, Guelph, ON; Queen's University, Kingston, ON; McGill University, Montreal, QU, Canada; and the American Society for Reproductive Immunology, a focused, highly successful, one day satellite meeting on human uterine immunology was held. The highlights of the presentations and discussions are reported.
Incidence and Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Indian Pregnant Women: a Prospective Study
Authors: Singh Sarman , Pandit Amol J.
Published: October 2004

Problem:  Toxoplasmosis is a major cause of congenitally acquired infections causing high degree of morbidity and mortality in the newborns.

Methods of Study:  IgG avidity method was used to distinguish the recent and more than 4 months old infection in a prospective cohort study for the first time in India. One hundred and eighty pregnant women presented in their first 4 months of pregnancy were included in this study. Their sera were tested for anti‐Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using direct agglutination test, immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, IgM‐immunosorbent agglutination assay and VIDAS‐IgG avidity.

Results:  Overall IgG seroprevalence rate of toxoplasmosis was 45%. Only seven women (3.3%) were found to have IgM antibodies and only two of these showed low IgG avidity indicating recent infection of ≤4 months duration. One woman aborted spontaneously at her fourth month of gestation. In remaining five women the recent infection could successfully be excluded by IgG avidity testing. All these women had uneventful pregnancy.

Conclusions:  This study indicated that all IgM antibody positive pregnant must be tested for IgG avidity to rule out recent primary infection.
Increased Numbers of Activated Mast Cells in Endometriosis Lesions Positive for Corticotropin‐Releasing Hormone and Urocortin
Authors: Kempuraj Duraisamy , Papadopoulou Nikoletta , Stanford Edward J. , Christodoulou Spyridon , Madhappan Bhuvaneshwari , Sant Grannum R. , Solage Kathleen , Adams Tayrickia , Theoharides Theoharis C.
Published: October 2004

Problem:  Mast cells are critical in allergic and inflammatory diseases such as interstitial cystitis, which is often clinically associated with or mistaken as endometriosis. Mast cells had previously been reported to be increased at sites of endometriosis, and tryptase may contribute to the fibrosis and inflammation characterizing endometriosis.

Method of study:  This is a pilot study of mast cell numbers and its activation in endometriosis biopsies (n = 10) by immunostaining for mast cell tryptase, corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortin (Ucn).

Results:  This is the first report that tryptase positive mast cells were not only increased (64–157 mast cells/mm2) in human endometriosis, but also highly activated (89%) in areas strongly stained positive for CRH/Ucn. Normal endometrium was weakly positive for both CRH/Ucn.

Conclusion:  High numbers of activated mast cells are present in endometriosis sites that were strongly positive for CRH/Ucn. CRH and Ucn may activate mast cells and contribute to the fibrosis and inflammation in endometriosis.
The Imbalanced Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction Between Maternal and Fetal Lymphocytes As Well As Between the Lymphocytes of Adult Children and Their Parents is Mediated by Activated CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Brune T. , Masjoshusmann K. , Reinhold D. , Steinhardt J. , Exeler R. , Volleth M. , Louwen F.
Published: October 2004

Problem:  The mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) between maternal and fetal lymphocytes as well as between adult children and their parents is imbalanced in bidirectional mixed lymphocyte cultures. The present investigation was aimed at examining which type of T cells has primary responsibility for this phenomenon.

Methods:  Two‐way mixed lymphocyte cultures between lymphocytes of five female and five male adults and five male and five female newborns against lymphocytes of their parents were performed. Unrelated adults served as the controls. Before and after 72 hr incubation the mixed leukocytes cultures (MLCs) were sorted by flow cytometry according to the surface markers CD4 and CD69 or CD8 and CD69. The single cell populations within the four resulting fractions were discriminated by fluoresence in situ hybridization (FiSH) using xy‐DNA probes.

Results:  Before incubation the share of CD8+ CD69+ cells in the MLCs between mothers and their newborn infants was significantly shifted toward the newborn cells (P < 0.01). After 72 hr incubation the CD8+ CD69+ ratio in the MLCs between mother and newborn cells and between adult children (male as well female) and their parents showed a significant shift of the CD8+ CD69+ cells toward the children's direction. All other MLCs showed a balanced cell population for all investigated cell types, both before and after incubation.

Conclusion:  The imbalanced MLR between maternal and fetal lymphocytes and lymphocytes of adult children against their parents is mediated by a specific imbalance of the activation of CD8+ but not of CD4+ T cells.
The feasibility of measuring three‐dimensional facial morphology in children
Authors: Kau CH , Zhurov A , Scheer R , Bouwman S , Richmond S
Published: October 2004

Structured Abstract

Authors – Kau CH, Zhurov A, Scheer R, Bouwman S,Richmond S

Objective – An investigation to determine the feasibility of measuring soft tissue morphology in children using a three‐dimensional laser‐scanning device.

Design – Prospective clinical trial.

Setting and Sample Population – University of Wales, College of Medicine and one secondary school in the South Wales region. Sixty live subjects (30 adults, 30 children) were recruited in the study.

Experimental Variables – Laser scanned images of the subjects were obtained under a reproducible and controlled environment with two Minolta Vivid 900 (Osaka, Japan) optical laser‐scanning devices assembled as a stereo‐pair. A set of left and right scanned images was taken for each subject and each scan took an average of 2.5 s. These scanned images were processed and merged to form a composite three‐dimensional soft tissue reproduction of the subjects using commercially available reverse modelling software.

Outcome Measure – The shell deviations between left and right scan of each patient were recorded and analysed for differences. These differences determined whether the subjects could remain still during the time of the scans.

Results – The results showed that the mean differences between shell deviations for the adult scans and children scans were 0.25 ± 0.09 and 0.30 ± 0.09 mm, respectively. Paired t‐tests showed that the mean error between subject groups was 0.05 ± 0.15 mm indicating that there was no difference between the two subject groups (p = 0.18).

Conclusion – The technique as described is clinically reproducible for children and adults and can be used for studies assessing facial changes due to growth or clinical intervention.
Effects of maxillary distraction osteogenesis on the upper‐airway size and nasal resistance in subjects with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Mochida M , Ono T , Saito K , Tsuiki S , Ohyama K
Published: October 2004

Structured Abstract

Authors – Mochida M, Ono T, Saito K, Tsuiki S, Ohyama K

Objectives – To investigate the short‐ and long‐term effects of maxillary distraction osteogenesis (DOG) on the upper‐airway size and nasal resistance in nine patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP).

Study design – Changes in the upper‐airway size were measured by using lateral cephalometric radiographs taken immediately before and after DOG, and 1 year later. Nasal resistance was measured with a rhinomanometer. An analysis of variance was used to establish statistical significance. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between changes in the cross‐sectional area of the upper airway and nasal resistance in association with DOG.

Results – Immediately after DOG, the anteroposterior dimension of the superior part of the upper airway was significantly increased (p < 0.01) and nasal resistance was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Moreover, the cross‐sectional area of the total upper airway was significantly increased (p < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between the increase in the upper‐airway cross‐sectional area and the reduction in nasal resistance (p < 0.05). The upper‐airway size was significantly augmented (p < 0.05) and nasal resistance was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) at 1 year after DOG compared with immediately before DOG.

Conclusion – An increase in the upper‐airway size and a reduction in nasal resistance occurred after maxillary DOG in patients with CLP, and these changes were stable after 1 year.
The influence of jaw innervation on the dental maturation pattern in the mandible
Authors: Andersen E , Skovgaard LT , Poulsen S , Kjær I
Published: October 2004

Structured Abstract

Authors – Andersen E, Skovgaard LT, Poulsen S, Kjær I

Objectives – To explore the relationship between mandibular dental maturation and the pattern of jaw innervation.

Setting and Sample Population – The sample included 365 panoramic radiographs taken in the period 1965–1969 in a Danish municipality.

Design – For assessing dental maturity, the seven left mandibular teeth (M2, M1, P2, P1, C, I2, I1) were given a dental maturity score according to a method introduced by Demirjian. Spearman correlation coefficients between the maturity score of an index tooth (one of each teeth) and the maturity score of the 6 other teeth was calculated and illustrated.

Results – All the correlation coefficients were larger than 0.5 indicating a rather high level of association between the development of mandibular teeth in the same individual. Thus, associations between the pattern of dental maturation and jaw innervation were not obvious.

Conclusion – When the correlation between the dental maturity stages was analysed, no significant relation was found between dental maturation and jaw innervation in the mandible. This is interesting considering the results presented in a recent study, which showed that the clinical observed tooth eruption was closely related to the pattern of jaw innervation. Those authors suggested that the factors influencing the eruption might be associated with jaw innervation. In our study, the stepwise dental maturation process, however, is not equally associated with jaw innervation.