bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms of innate immunity receptors in infection by parasites
Authors: VILLASEÑOR‐CARDOSO M. I. , ORTEGA E. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryThe innate immune system is the first line of defence against infection by pathogenic bacteria, virus and parasites and is also responsible for initiating an adaptive immune response. In contrast to the receptors of adaptive immunity (TCRs and antibodies) which are generated by gene recombination, receptors of the innate immune system are encoded in the germline and are thus inherited from generation to generation. Although evolutionarily selected, the genes encoding the innate recognition receptors show variations among individuals, and these polymorphisms may have an impact on the ability of an individual to deal with an infection. In recent years, several polymorphisms have been identified in innate recognition receptors, and efforts are being made to determine whether these polymorphisms are associated with a higher or lower susceptibility to infectious diseases. These studies will allow a better understanding of the role of innate receptors in specific diseases and are valuable in the design of preventive or therapeutic interventions to fight the disease. In this review, we summarize studies aimed at determining the influence of polymorphisms in innate recognition receptors on the susceptibility to diseases caused by parasites.
Sequence divergence and loss‐of‐function phenotypes of S locus F‐box brothers genes are consistent with non‐self recognition by multiple pollen determinants in self‐incompatibility of Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)
Authors: Kakui Hiroyuki , Kato Masaki , Ushijima Koichiro , Kitaguchi Miyoko , Kato Shu , Sassa Hidenori 
Published: August 2011

SummaryThe S‐RNase‐based gametophytic self‐incompatibility (SI) of Rosaceae, Solanaceae, and Plantaginaceae is controlled by at least two tightly linked genes located at the complex S locus; the highly polymorphic S‐RNase for pistil specificity and the F‐box gene (SFB/SLF) for pollen. Self‐incompatibility in Prunus (Rosaceae) is considered to represent a ‘self recognition by a single factor’ system, because loss‐of‐function of SFB is associated with self‐compatibility, and allelic divergence of SFB is high and comparable to that of S‐RNase. In contrast, Petunia (Solanaceae) exhibits ‘non‐self recognition by multiple factors’. However, the distribution of ‘self recognition’ and ‘non‐self recognition’ SI systems in different taxa is not clear. In addition, in ‘non‐self recognition’ systems, a loss‐of‐function phenotype of pollen S is unknown. Here we analyze the divergence of SFBB genes, the multiple pollen S candidates, of a rosaceous plant Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) and show that intrahaplotypic divergence is high and comparable to the allelic diversity of S‐RNase while interhaplotypic divergence is very low. Next, we analyzed loss‐of‐function of the SFBB1 type gene. Genetic analysis showed that pollen with the mutant haplotype S4sm lacking SFBB1‐S4 is rejected by pistils with an otherwise compatible S1 while it is accepted by other non‐self pistils. We found that the S5 haplotype encodes a truncated SFBB1 protein, even though S5 pollen is accepted normally by pistils with S1 and other non‐self haplotypes. These findings suggest that Japanese pear has a ‘non‐self recognition by multiple factors’ SI system, although it is a species of Rosaceae to which Prunus also belongs.
Gal/non‐Gal antigens in pig tissues and human non‐Gal antibodies in the GalT‐KO era1
Authors: Breimer Michael E. 
Published: August 2011

Breimer ME. Gal/non‐Gal antigens in pig tissues and human non‐Gal antibodies in the GalT‐KO era. Xenotransplantation 2011; 18: 215–228. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Our knowledge regarding Gal and non‐Gal antigens in GalT‐KO pig tissues can be summarized as α3Galactosyl‐tranferase gene knock out eliminates the Galα3Galβ4GlcNAc‐R antigen expression in pig tissues as well as anti‐Gal antibody binding. Other Galα‐terminating saccharides (e.g. iGb3 glycolipids and Galα2 determinants) may be present but have not been documented. α3Galactosyl‐tranferase gene knock out slightly changes the carbohydrate antigen expression but no “new” antigens recognized by the human immune system have been found. Non‐Gal antigens are both of protein and carbohydrate nature but their exact chemical structures are poorly defined. Regarding human non‐Gal antibodies our knowledge is as Non‐Gal antibodies exist naturally and increase in humans/non‐human primate (NHP) receiving WT or GalT‐KO pig grafts. Non‐Gal antibodies with new antigen epitope recognition can be induced in humans/NHP after challenge by WT or GalT‐KO pig grafts. Non‐Gal antibodies react with both carbohydrates and proteins. Part of the protein reactivity is directed to glycoprotein carbohydrates chains. Non‐Gal antibodies reacting with neuraminic acid terminated saccharides (both N‐Acetyl and N‐Glycoloyl variants) are present in humans/NHP. Anti‐neuraminic acid antibodies are increased, as well as induced, after grafting pig organs into humans/NHP. Non‐Gal antibodies does not cause hyperacute xenorejection but can be cytotoxic and cause xenoorgan damage. If humans sensitized to HLA antigens are at a higher risk of rejecting pig xenograft compared with non‐sensitized individuals is not fully clarified.Clinical trials are needed to evaluate the relevance of non‐Gal antigens/antibodies and for the xenofield to advance.
A Suitable Duplex PCR for Ovine Embryo Sex and Genotype of PrnP Gene Determination for MOET‐Based Selection Programmes
Authors: Dervishi E , Sánchez P , Alabart JL , Cocero MJ , Folch J , Calvo JH 
Published: August 2011

ContentsThe objective of this study was to test the suitability of a duplex PCR assay for sex and scrapie resistance genotype determination in fresh embryos. Duplex PCR amplified a repetitive and specific fragment of Y chromosome, used for sex diagnosis, and a PrnP fragment. PrnP codons 134 and 156, and codon 171 were genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphisms and allele‐specific PCR, respectively, after re‐amplification of PrnP fragment. The specificity of the method was first assessed by testing 359 blood samples from Rasa Aragonesa sheep breed (161 males and 198 females). No amplification failures and total agreement between genotypic and phenotypic sex were found. In the same way, PrnP genotype determination by duplex PCR assay was in agreement with the PrnP animal’s genotype established by sequencing. Finally, 73 samples of 1–10 cells from compact morulae were aspirated through the zona pellucida and genotyped for sex and PrnP. The efficiency was 96% when three or more cells were sampled. These results confirm that the duplex PCR assay reported in this work can be used for rapid sex determination in ovine embryos, with a high efficiency and accuracy (96%) when three or more cells are sampled, allowing sexed fresh embryos of known PrnP genotype to be transferred in multiple ovulation and embryo transfer programmes.
Predictive factors for difficult intravenous cannulation in pediatric patients at a tertiary pediatric hospital
Authors: Cuper Natascha J. , de Graaff Jurgen C. , van Dijk Atty T. H. , Verdaasdonk Rudolf M. , van der Werff Desirée B. M. , Kalkman Cor J. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryBackground:  It is generally believed that certain patient characteristics (e.g., Body Mass Index and age) predict difficulty of intravenous cannulation in children, but there is not much literature evaluating these risk factors. In this study, we investigated predictive factors for success rate at first attempt and time needed for intravenous cannulation.Methods/Materials:  In a prospective cohort study, we observed characteristics of intravenous cannulations in pediatric patients at the operating room (n = 1083) and the outpatient care unit (n = 178) of a tertiary referral pediatric hospital. Time to successful intravenous cannulation, success at first attempt, and potential predictors for difficult cannulation (age, gender, skin color, BMI or weight‐to‐age z‐score, the child being awake or anesthetized, operator profession and surgical specialty) were recorded. Regression models were constructed to find significant predictors.Results:  Success at first attempt was 73% and 81%, respectively. In the operating room age, operator and surgical specialty were predictive for a successful first attempt and time to successful cannulation. No significant predictive factors were found for the outpatient care unit. BMI or weight‐to‐age was not related to difficult intravenous cannulation.Conclusions:  This study shows that in one‐fifth to one‐third of the patients, intravenous cannulation required more than one attempt. It is difficult to predict with accuracy the difficulty of intravenous cannulation solely with easily obtainable patient characteristics.
Decision curve analysis assessing the clinical benefit of NMP22 in the detection of bladder cancer: secondary analysis of a prospective trial
Authors: Barbieri Christopher E. , Cha Eugene K. , Chromecki Thomas F. , Dunning Allison , Lotan Yair , Svatek Robert S. , Scherr Douglas S. , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Sun Maxine , Mazumdar Madhu , Shariat Shahrokh F. 
Published: August 2011

Study Type – Decision analysis (based on alternative scenarios)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Several studies have shown that abnormal levels of nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) are associated with bladder cancer, and NMP22 has been approved by the FDA as a urinary biomarker for bladder cancer detection and surveillance. However, the benefit of adding NMP22 to the clinical care of patients remains unclear.Decision curve analysis incorporates the consequences of clinical decisions, such as an increased number of unnecessary cystoscopies or missed cancers.OBJECTIVE
To employ decision curve analysis to determine the impact of nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) on clinical decision making in the detection of bladder cancer using data from a prospective trial.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The study included 1303 patients at risk for bladder cancer who underwent cystoscopy, urine cytology and measurement of urinary NMP22 levels.
We constructed several prediction models to estimate risk of bladder cancer. The base model was generated using patient characteristics (age, gender, race, smoking and haematuria); cytology and NMP22 were added to the base model to determine effects on predictive accuracy.
Clinical net benefit was calculated by summing the benefits and subtracting the harms and weighting these by the threshold probability at which a patient or clinician would opt for cystoscopy.
RESULTS
In all, 72 patients were found to have bladder cancer (5.5%). In univariate analyses, NMP22 was the strongest predictor of bladder cancer presence (predictive accuracy 71.3%), followed by age (67.5%) and cytology (64.3%).
In multivariable prediction models, NMP22 improved the predictive accuracy of the base model by 8.2% (area under the curve 70.2–78.4%) and of the base model plus cytology by 4.2% (area under the curve 75.9–80.1%).
Decision curve analysis revealed that adding NMP22 to other models increased clinical benefit, particularly at higher threshold probabilities.
CONCLUSIONS
NMP22 is a strong, independent predictor of bladder cancer.
Addition of NMP22 improves the accuracy of standard predictors by a statistically and clinically significant margin.
Decision curve analysis suggests that integration of NMP22 into clinical decision making helps avoid unnecessary cystoscopies, with minimal increased risk of missing a cancer.
Analysis of regional lymph nodes in periprostatic fat following robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Yuh Bertram , Wu Huiqing , Ruel Nora , Wilson Timothy 
Published: August 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?A few publications have reported on the presence of lymph nodes in the anterior prostate lymphofatty tissue. This is important as increasing emphasis is placed on extending the overall limits of lymph node dissection in prostate cancer.For a large group of patients treated with robotic prostatectomy we continue to routinely remove and examine this tissue in order to provide additional staging information for patients. In a comprehensive cancer centre, the long‐term oncologic ramifications of excising tumour containing lymph nodes will continue to be studied.OBJECTIVE• To determine the incidence and significance of lymph nodes in the anterior prostatovesicular lymphofatty tissue.PATIENTS AND METHODS• One hundred and twenty patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with excision of anterior prostatovesicular tissue at a single institution over a 6‐month period.• Tissue was sent for pathological analysis.• Separate pelvic lymph node dissection was carried out in moderate‐risk and high‐risk patients.RESULTS• A total of 20 out of 120 patients (16.7%) had lymph nodes in the anterior lymphofatty tissue.• Average lymph node number when present was 1.5 (one to three).• Pathological assessment of the lymph nodes revealed metastatic prostate cancer in 3 out of 120 (2.5%) patients, each of whom had adverse pathological features.• Patients with metastatic lymph nodes in the anterior tissue did not have cancer involvement of the pelvic lymph nodes.• Patients with lymph nodes found in the anterior lymphofatty tissue were slightly younger but were otherwise similar with respect to other demographics, prostate‐specific antigen, biopsy Gleason score, clinical stage, pathological stage, pathological Gleason score, seminal vesicle invasion, and margin status.CONCLUSIONS• Anterior lymphofatty tissue overlying the prostate occasionally contains lymph nodes that can harbour malignant disease and routine excision may eradicate regional tumour burden.• Of patients with nodes, 15% were found to have malignant involvement.• The long‐term impact on progression‐free and overall survival requires further study.
Evaluation of different lymph node (LN) variables as prognostic markers in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and extended LN dissection to the level of the inferior mesenteric artery
Authors: Jensen Jørgen B. , Ulhøi Benedicte P. , Jensen Klaus M.‐E. 
Published: August 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Different lymph node variables have been suggested as prognostic factors to improve substratification of lymph node positive patients undergoing cystectomy.In this uniform surgery only series the classical TNM classification still provided the most relevant stratification, whereas several other tested variables proved to have little or no relevant influence regarding prognosis.OBJECTIVE• To evaluate the prognostic impact of lymph node (LN) variables in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) and extended LN dissection.PATIENTS AND METHODS• From January 2004 to January 2009, 167 patients with bladder cancer underwent RC and extended LN dissection to the level of the inferior mesenteric artery in a surgery‐only series with no neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy.• Correlation to prognosis of different LN variables according to presence of LN metastasis, number, localization, extracapsular extension (ECE), size, volume, LN density and N‐stage according to two different Tumour‐Node‐Metastasis (TNM) classifications were analysed.RESULTS• In all, 43 patients (26%) had LN metastases.• In univariate analysis, gender, T‐stage and several different LN variables stratified by presence of LN metastasis, number of positive LNs, anatomical localisation, ECE, LN density, size and volume of positive LNs, were significant prognostic predictors.• Female gender, advanced T‐stage, presence of LN metastasis, non‐regional LN metastases (M‐positive) and number of positive LNs (1 vs >1) were significant adverse prognostic predictors in multivariate analysis, whereas the other LN variables were not.• Inclusion of the common iliac LNs in the regional LNs as suggested in the seventh edition of the TNM classification was relevant regarding prognosis. However, subclassification based on location was not correlated to prognosis. The new N3 category therefore seems superfluous.CONCLUSIONS• LN‐positive patients have a poor prognosis, especially if >1 positive LN is present.• Despite several different suggestions of new LN‐dependent prognostic factors, none of the tested variables were independently significant in the present series.
Long‐term efficacy and tolerability of once‐yearly histrelin acetate subcutaneous implant in patients with advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Shore Neal , Cookson Michael S. , Gittelman Marc C. 
Published: August 2011

Study Type – Therapy (individual cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Androgen deprivation therapy with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist is an effective option for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer.This study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the histrelin acetate implant over successive one year treatment cycles for up to four years in an open‐label extension trial.OBJECTIVE• To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a once‐yearly histrelin implant during an open‐label extension of a pivotal study.PATIENTS AND METHODS• Men with advanced prostate cancer and a clinical response to 52 weeks of treatment with the histrelin implant.• Implants were placed annually. The primary efficacy variable was achievement of serum testosterone levels of ≤50 ng/dL. Secondary efficacy variables were disease progression, analgesia use, performance status and tolerability of therapy.RESULTS• Of 104 patients enrolled, over 70% received three consecutive histrelin implants, and the longest, single treatment period was greater than 4 years. Serum testosterone was consistently suppressed below 50 ng/dL in all patients and mean testosterone levels were 13.1, 14.8 and 10.8 ng/dL after 104 weeks (year 2), 156 weeks (year 3) and 208 weeks (year 4) of treatment, respectively.• Most patients showed no clinical worsening of their disease, were able to continue normal daily activities, and did not require analgesic medication during the extension period.• Mean (sd) time to place the histrelin implant was 4.5 (6.2) min, with only three patients having insertions that were considered difficult.• Adverse events were reported in 100 (96.2%) patients. The eight deaths and 28 (26.9%) serious adverse events were judged as unrelated to the study drug. The most commonly reported drug‐related adverse events was hot flashes in 67 (64.4%) patients. Most of these cases was judged as mild or moderate.CONCLUSIONS• The once‐yearly histrelin implant maintained testosterone suppression for repeated treatment cycles and was generally well tolerated.• The histrelin implant provides a clinically attractive option for long‐term androgen deprivation therapy in patients with advanced prostate cancer seeking fewer office visits and repeated injections.
Renoprotective effect of pulsatile perfusion machine RM3: pathophysiological and kidney injury biomarker characterization in a preclinical model of autotransplanted pig
Authors: Codas Ricardo , Thuillier Raphael , Hauet Thierry , Badet Lionel 
Published: August 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Machine perfusion of kidney graft improves short term outcome. However, the technique still requires optimization, as the rate of delayed graft function remains high.Machine perfusion of kidney graft has significant benefits on chronic outcome in terms of interstitial fibrosis and kidney function. Improvement of the technique is possible using alternative perfusion fluids, such as fourth generation preservation solutions containing polyethylene glycol.OBJECTIVES
To assess the effect of machine perfusion (MP) on renal function recovery vs kidney preservation in static cold storage (CS), in a large animal preclinical model.
To assess whether MP benefits are dependent on the preservation solution used.
METHODS
Using an established autotransplantation pig kidney model associated with a contralateral nephrectomy we studied the impact of MP against the deleterious effects of warm ischaemia (WI; 60 min), then 22 h of cold ischaemia using MP or static CS, followed by autotransplantation.
We used Berzer MP solution (MPS), recommended for MP, and Institut Georges Lopez preservation solution (IGL‐1), designed for CS.
The pigs were divided into four study groups: MPS‐CS: static CS with MPS (n = 7); MPS‐MP: renal perfusion with MPS using the Waters Medical Systems (Rochester, MN, USA) RM3 pulsatile machine (n = 7); IGL‐CS: static CS with IGL‐1 solution (n = 7); IGL‐MP: renal perfusion with IGL‐1 solution (n = 7).
The effect of ischaemia was determined using different variables: pig survival; plasma creatinine; proteinuria; oxidative stress; tubular sodium reabsorption rate; and tissue damage at 1 month.
RESULTS
Pig survival was higher in MP and IGL groups compared to MPS‐CS.
Plasma creatinine levels did not differ among the groups, but proteinuria assay showed significant benefits for the MP vs static CS groups.
Histological evaluation of kidney grafts showed more injury in the CS groups than in the MP groups.
Urinary measurement of tubular enzyme activity differed substantially among the groups, highlighting the benefits of MP in maintaining brush border integrity.
CONCLUSIONS
In our model reproducing the conditions of deceased after cardiac arrest donors we show that MP decreases the risk of renal dysfunction and preserves kidney parenchyma.
A non‐invasive urinary enzyme assay can provide valuable information on graft integrity.
The preservation solution used is important as the wrong solution can decrease the benefits of MP.