bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noggin maintains pluripotency of human embryonic stem cells grown on Matrigel
Authors: Chaturvedi G. , Simone P. D. , Ain R. , Soares M. J. , Wolfe M. W. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjective:  Spontaneous differentiation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) cultures is a major concern in stem cell research. Physical removal of differentiated areas in a stem cell colony is the current approach used to keep the cultures in a pluripotent state for a prolonged period of time. All hESCs available for research require unidentified soluble factors secreted from feeder layers to maintain the undifferentiated state and pluripotency. Under experimental conditions, stem cells are grown on various matrices, the most commonly used being Matrigel.Materials and Methods:  We propose an alternative method to prevent spontaneous differentiation of hESCs grown on Matrigel that uses low amounts of recombinant noggin. We make use of the porosity of Matrigel to serve as a matrix that traps noggin and gradually releases it into the culture to antagonize bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP). BMPs are known to initiate differentiation of hESCs and are either present in the conditioned medium or are secreted by hESCs themselves.Results:  hESCs grown on Matrigel supplemented with noggin in conditioned medium from feeder layers (irradiated mouse embryonic fibroblasts) retained both normal karyotype and markers of hESC pluripotency for 14 days. In addition, these cultures were found to have increased cell proliferation of stem cells as compared to hESCs grown on Matrigel alone.Conclusion:  Noggin can be utilized for short term prevention of spontaneous differentiation of stem cells grown on Matrigel.
A change in pituitary magnetic resonance imaging protocol detects ACTH‐secreting tumours in patients with previously negative results
Authors: Chowdhury Iffat N. , Sinaii Ninet , Oldfield Edward H. , Patronas Nicholas , Nieman Lynnette K. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryObjective  While detection of pituitary tumours with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may reduce diagnostic costs and improve surgical outcomes for patients with Cushing’s disease, the optimal T1‐weighted spin‐echo (SE) MRI protocol remains unknown. We hypothesized that specific MR scanning parameters influence detection of corticotropinomas.Design and patients  Between December 1997 and November 2004, 21 of 84 consecutive patients with Cushing’s disease had a falsely negative initial pituitary MRI study and a lesion identified subsequently at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. This study retrospectively reviewed and compared technical parameters used for the two pituitary T1‐weighted SE MRIs in 18 patients with available scans.Measurements  Repetition time (TR)/echo times (TE), field of view (FOV), matrix size, magnetic field strength, slice thickness, use of gadolinium contrast and the time interval between studies were recorded.Results  The MRI interscan interval was 5·4 ± 1·1 months. All scans used gadolinium, matrix sizes were similar and nearly all had 3‐mm thick slices. Parameters that differed between the NIH‐ and externally performed scans were: TR (400 ms vs. 492 ± 19 ms, P = 0·0002); TE (10·3 ± 0·5 vs. 17·2 ± 1·2 ms, P = 0·0003); FOV (12 × 12 cm vs.17 ± 0·6 × 18 ± 0·7 cm, P < 0·0001). Immunohistochemistry of tumours resected at transsphenoidal surgery confirmed all to be corticotropinomas.Conclusions  Not all ‘T1‐weighted SE’ scans are equally accurate. MRI technique, particularly FOV and TR/TE value, influences results. We recommend that endocrinologists consider pituitary MRI parameters when interpreting the results.
Effects of marine reserve age on fish populations: a global meta‐analysis
Authors: Molloy Philip P. , McLean Ian B. , Côté Isabelle M. 
Published: June 2009

Summary1. Marine reserves are widely used for conservation and fisheries management. However, there is debate surrounding the speed of population recovery inside reserves and how recovery differs among species. Here, we determine how reserve effectiveness in enhancing fish density changes with reserve age. We also examine how the effects of protection vary between fished and non‐fished species and among species of different body sizes, which we use as a proxy for life history and ecology.2. We meta‐analysed over 1000 ratios of fish densities (inside : outside reserves) taken from reserves of 1–26 years old from around the world.3. Overall, older reserves were more effective than younger reserves, with fish densities increasing within reserves by ∼5% per annum relative to unprotected areas. Reserves older than 15 years consistently harboured more fish compared with unprotected areas; younger reserves were less reliably effective.4. Large, fished species responded strongly and positively to protection in old (>15 years) and, unexpectedly, in new and young (≤10 years) reserves. Small, fished species and non‐fished species of all sizes showed weaker responses to protection that did not vary predictably with reserve age.5. We expected large fish to respond more slowly to protection than smaller species. We also expected small species to decline after large fish had recovered (i.e. trophic cascades). Neither prediction was supported.6. Synthesis and applications. Our meta‐analyses demonstrate that, globally, old reserves are more effective than young reserves at increasing fish densities. Our results imply that reserves should be maintained for up to 15 years following establishment, even if they initially appear ineffective. If protection is maintained for long enough, fish densities within reserves will recover and such benefits will be particularly pronounced for large, locally fished species.
Correlations between Terasaki’s HLA class I epitopes and HLAMatchmaker‐defined eplets on HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C antigens
Authors: Duquesnoy R. J. , Marrari M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAlthough the determination of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody specificity has traditionally been directed toward HLA antigens, there is now increasing attention to structurally defined HLA epitopes. An understanding of the HLA epitope repertoire is important to acceptable mismatching for sensitized patients and to a new epitope‐based matching algorithm aimed to reduce antibody‐mediated rejection. There are two strategies to determine the HLA epitope repertoire. Terasaki’s group has used an empirical method to analyze the reactivity of single allele Luminex panels with mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and absorbed/eluted alloantibodies with a computer program based on shared residues in the amino acid sequences of reactive alleles. HLAMatchmaker is a theoretical algorithm that predicts HLA epitopes on the HLA molecular surface from stereochemical modeling of epitope–paratope interfaces of antigen–antibody complexes. Our epitope repertoire is based on so‐called ‘eplets’ representing 3‐Å patches of at least one polymorphic residue on the molecular surface. A comparative analysis has shown that 81/103 Terasaki’s HLA class I epitopes are equivalent to individual eplets (n = 50) or pairs of eplets (n = 31) separated far enough to serve as potential contact sites for two complementarity‐determining regions of antibody. An additional 12 Terasaki’s epitopes (TerEps) correspond to eplets with permissible residue combinations that do not seem to affect epitope specificity. We could not identify corresponding eplets for the remaining 10 TerEps, including 8 that might be considered xeno‐epitopes defined by mouse mAbs. Conversely, HLAMatchmaker has 38 additional eplets in well‐exposed surface positions that do not have equivalent TerEps, and for many of them, we have found specific antibodies. These findings strengthen the concept that eplets are essential basic units of HLA epitopes and that they provide a better understanding of HLA immunogenicity (i.e. ability to induce an antibody response) and antigenicity (i.e. reactivity with specific antibody).
Living donor liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Sasaki Kazunari , Kasahara Mureo , Fukuda Akinari , Shigeta Takanobu , Tanaka Hideaki , Nakagawa Satoshi , Mitsui Kazumasa , Harada Ryoko , Nakagawa Atsuko 
Published: June 2009

Sasaki K, Kasahara M, Fukuda A, Shigeta T, Tanaka H, Nakagawa S, Mitsui K, Harada R, Nakagawa A. Living donor liver transplantation for hepatoblastoma with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14:E89–E92. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  BWS is one of the most well‐known somatic overgrowth syndromes, which is characterized by macroglossia, organomegaly, abdominal wall defects, and predisposition to embryonal tumors, such as Wilms’ tumor, hepatoblastoma, and adrenocortical carcinoma. We report a case of BWS in a girl with unresectable hepatoblastoma, who received a planned LVDT following neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy. This is the first case report of liver transplantation for patients with BWS. Tumor surveillance after transplantation would be necessary to detect possible recurrence of the original disease and development of other malignancies.
No Beneficial Effect of Low‐Dose Fetal Intravenous Gammaglobulin Administration in Combination with Intravascular Transfusions in Severe Rh D Haemolytic Disease
Authors: Dooren Marion C. , van Kamp Inge L. , Scherpenisse Jan W. , Brand Ronald , Ouwchand Willem H. , Kanhai Humphrey H. H. , Engelfriet C. Paul , Gravenhorst Jack Bennebroek 
Published: June 2009

AbstractRecent observations have shown that treatment with high‐dose intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIgG) given to the mother may improve fetal outcome in cases of severe Rh D alloimmunization. Unfortunately, the costs of this new method of treatment are too high for routine use. Therefore, we decided to apply this treatment to the fetus and to investigate whether the effect of IVIgG might be attributable to blockade of the fetal mononuclear phagocyte system. We have performed a randomized study in which 20 fetuses with severe Rh D‐haemolytic disease (HDN) were treated with intrauterine intravascular red cell transfusions (IUT). In 10 of these 20 cases transfusions were followed by administration to the fetus of low‐dose IVIgG (85.7 ± 11.6 mg/kg by ultrasound‐estimated fetal weight because of fetal vascular volume considerations). We compared the number of IUTs, postnatal exchange transfusions, haematocrit (Ht) and haemoglobulin (Hb) values before and after transfusion (s) needed by the newborns of the two groups. No significant differences in the transfusion requirements of the fetuses and in the clinical outcome could be demonstrated. However, the 95% confidence interval for the difference in the improvement of cord blood Ht was too wide for any conclusions. The 95% confidence interval for the difference in the improvement of Hb levels suggests that any clinically relevant advantage of IVIgG on Hb is unlikely.
Electrical Impedance Alterations of Red Blood Cells during Storage
Authors: Zhao Tian‐Xian , Shanwell Agneta 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe electrical impedance of blood is determined mainly by the resistance of the plasma (Rp), resistance of the red cell interior fluid (Ri), and capacitance of the cell membranes (Cm). These parameters were measured on 10 stored blood samples consecutively during 4 or 5 weeks of storage at 4°C, once every week. Compared to the values of fresh samples, a statistically significant decrease in Rp was found mainly during the first week of storage, Ri did not decrease significantly until after 3 weeks, whereas Cm decreased progressively with time. These alterations can be explained by known red cell lesions during storage. The results indicate that electrical impedance measurements might be useful for monitoring red cell ageing and assessing the quality of stored red blood cells.
Quantitative Analysis of Lea and Leb Antigens in Human Saliva
Authors: Wang Baojie , Akiyama Kazuko , Kimura Hiroshi 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe have measured the H type 1, Lea and Leb antigens in the saliva from 129 Japanese individuals by a time‐resolved europium ion fluorometric immunoassay using artificial antigen‐albumin complexes as the reference substances. We confirmed that the amount of Leb was larger than that of Lea in the saliva from secretors (Lea–b+) and vice versa in the saliva from nonsecretors (Lea+b–). Unexpectedly, we discovered appreciable amounts of Leb with small amounts of H type 1 in the saliva from the nonsecretors. The concentration of Leb was about 10, 6 and 35% of the concentration of the Lea in the saliva from the nonsecretors of the A, B and O groups, respectively. The possible formation of Leb from Lea, in addition to the formation of Leb from H type 1, in the salivary glands is discussed.
MAR, a Novel High‐Incidence Rh Antigen Revealing the Existence of an Allelic Sub‐System Including Cw (Rh8) and Cx (Rh9) with Exceptional Distribution in the Finnish Population
Authors: Sistonen Pertti , Sareneva Hannele , Pirkola Anna , Eklund Jarl 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe present new genetic evidence obtained from population studies on Finns and from the studies on Finnish blood donors as well as their selected families using an antibody that defines a novel high‐incidence Rh antigen MAR. Anti‐MAR antibody shows an antithetical relationship to both anti‐Cw and anti‐Cx. The Rh antigens Cw (RH8) and, more strikingly, Cx (RH9) have each an exceptionally high frequency in Finns. Our studies on their genetic relationship indicate that the three antigens Cw, Cx and MAR behave as if being determined by alleles of the same Rh sub‐system. Furthermore, we conclude that this sub‐system manifests an inheritance pattern that is distinct from but analogous to that of the two well‐known allelic sub‐systems of C/c and E/e antigens.
Genetic diversity and population structure of wild and cultivated barley from West Asia and North Africa
Authors: Orabi J. , Jahoor A. , Backes G. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPopulation structure and relationships within and among 185 accessions of wild (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) and cultivated barley (H. v. ssp. vulgare) from five countries in the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region were studied using 36 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The accessions were divided into subspecies/origin (S/O)‐groups and marker results were analysed in relation to genetic diversity and genetic structure. Wild barley from WANA was found to be highly diverse. The landraces from different countries of the Near East showed genetic diversity that was nearly as high as the wild barley from the same country. Further analyses showed that wild barley from Palestine/Israel represented the group with the highest diversity and the most complex structure. However, this group was distantly related to the cultivated barley in WANA, while the wild barley from the rest of the WANA region was closely related to the cultivated WANA barley. The high diversity and the close relationship to the wild barley make the WANA landraces an interesting genetic resource for both conservation and exploitation.
Angiomyolipomata: challenges, solutions, and future prospects based on over 100 cases treated
Authors: Sooriakumaran Prasanna , Gibbs Philippa , Coughlin Geoffrey , Attard Virginia , Elmslie Frances , Kingswood Christopher , Taylor Jeremy , Corbishley Cathy , Patel Uday , Anderson Christopher 
Published: June 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo examine the presentation, management and outcomes of patients with renal angiomyolipoma (AML) over a period of 10 years, at St George’s Hospital, London, UK.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe assessed retrospectively 102 patients (median follow‐up 4 years) at our centre; 70 had tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC; median tumour size 3.5 cm) and the other 32 were sporadic (median tumour size 1.2 cm). Data were gathered from several sources, including radiology and clinical genetics databases. The 77 patients with stable disease were followed up with surveillance imaging, and 25 received interventions, some more than one. Indications for intervention included spontaneous life‐threatening haemorrhage, large AML (10–20 cm), pain and visceral compressive symptoms.RESULTSSelective arterial embolization (SAE) was performed in 19 patients; 10 received operative management and four had a radiofrequency ablation (RFA). SAE was effective in controlling haemorrhage from AMLs in the acute setting (six) but some patients required further intervention (four) and there was a significant complication rate. The reduction in tumour volume was only modest (28%). No complications occurred after surgery (median follow‐up 5.5 years) or RFA (median follow‐up 9 months). One patient was entered into a trial and treated with sirolimus (rapamycin).CONCLUSIONSThe management of AML is both complex and challenging, especially in those with TSC, where tumours are usually larger and multiple. Although SAE was effective at controlling haemorrhage in the acute setting it was deemed to be of limited value in the longer term management of these tumours. Thus novel techniques such as focused ablation and pharmacological therapies including the use of anti‐angiogenic molecules and mTOR inhibitors, which might prove to be safer and equally effective, should be further explored.
External validation of a nomogram predicting mortality in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Zini Laurent , Capitanio Umberto , Jeldres Claudio , Lughezzani Giovanni , Sun Maxine , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Isbarn Hendrik , Arjane Philippe , Widmer Hugues , Perrotte Paul , Graefen Markus , Montorsi Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVETo develop nomograms predicting cancer‐specific and all‐cause mortality in patients managed with either surgery or no surgery for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC).PATIENTS AND METHODSThe models were developed in 205 patients with ACC and externally validated using 207 other patients with ACC, identified in the 1973–2004 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. The predictors comprised age, gender, race, stage and surgery status. Nomograms based on Cox regression model‐derived coefficients were used for predicting the cancer‐specific and all‐cause mortality, and were tested using area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve.RESULTSIn cancer‐specific analyses, the median survival of patients within the development cohort was 26 months, vs 71 months in the external validation cohort (P < 0.001). In overall survival analyses, the median values were 21 vs 32 months for, respectively, the development and the external validation cohort (P < 0.001). Three variables (age, stage and surgical status) were included in the nomograms predicting cancer‐specific and all‐cause mortality. In the external validation cohort, the nomograms achieved between 72 and 80% accuracy for prediction of cancer‐specific or all‐cause mortality at 1–5 years after either surgery or diagnosis of ACC for non‐surgical patients.CONCLUSIONOur models are the first standardized and individualized prognostic tools for patients with ACC. Their accuracy was confirmed within a large external population‐based cohort of patients with ACC.
The discrimination of dyslipidaemia using anthropometric measures in ethnically diverse populations of the Asia–Pacific Region: The Obesity in Asia Collaboration
Authors: Barzi F. , Woodward M. , Czernichow S. , Lee C. M. Y. , Kang J. H. , Janus E. , Lear S. , Patel A. , Caterson I. , Patel J. , Lam T. H. , Suriyawongpaisal P. , Huxley R. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryDyslipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is only detectable through blood testing, which may not be feasible in resource‐poor settings. As dyslipidaemia is commonly associated with excess weight, it may be possible to identify individuals with adverse lipid profiles using simple anthropometric measures. A total of 222 975 individuals from 18 studies were included as part of the Obesity in Asia Collaboration. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between measures of body size and dyslipidaemia. Body mass index, waist circumference, waist : hip ratio (WHR) and waist : height ratio were continuously associated with the lipid variables studied, but the relationships were consistently stronger for triglycerides and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. The associations were similar between Asians and non‐Asians, and no single anthropometric measure was superior at discriminating those individuals at increased risk of dyslipidaemia. WHR cut‐points of 0.8 in women and 0.9 in men were applicable across both Asians and non‐Asians for the discrimination of individuals with any form of dyslipidaemia. Measurement of central obesity may help to identify those individuals at increased risk of dyslipidaemia. WHR cut‐points of 0.8 for women and 0.9 for men are optimal for discriminating those individuals likely to have adverse lipid profiles and in need of further clinical assessment.
Mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis of blood mononuclear cells in untreated HIV‐1 infected patients
Authors: Sternfeld T , Tischleder A , Schuster M , Bogner JR 
Published: June 2009

ObjectivesInfection with HIV leads to progressive CD4 T‐cell loss, resulting in AIDS. Apoptosis is the main mechanism for the loss of infected and bystander cells, but the complex interacting factors inducing and inhibiting apoptosis are not fully understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a pivotal step of the apoptotic cascade and can result in reduced mitochondrial membrane potential.MethodsThe mitochondrial membrane potential of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was measured by flow cytometry using the dye JC‐1 (Molecular Probes Inc). Apoptotic cells were identified using the Annexin V assay (Becton Dickinson GmbH).ResultsThe mitochondrial membrane potential of PBMC was significantly decreased and apoptotic cell rate was increased in HIV‐infected therapy‐naïve patients compared with HIV‐negative controls. There was a highly significant correlation between the mitochondrial membrane potential and the rate of apoptosis. CD4 cell count was correlated negatively to the apoptotic rate and positively to the mitochondrial membrane potential.ConclusionsThe JC‐1 assay is a sensitive tool to detect changes of mitochondrial membrane potential associated with apoptosis in HIV‐infected therapy‐naïve patients. We could show in vivo that a reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential is correlated to apoptosis of PBMC, CD4 cell count and HIV viral load during HIV infection.