bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autoantigen‐Specific Memory B Cells in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Aqrawi L. A. , Skarstein K. , Bredholt G. , Brun J. G. , Brokstad K. A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic rheumatic autoimmune disease affecting the exocrine glandular function and is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against the ribonucleoprotein particles, SS‐A/Ro and SS‐B/La, and mononuclear cell infiltration of exocrine tissues. Our aim is to characterize memory B cell pattern and function in relation to the progression of the disease, by analysing samples from a well‐defined cohort of patients with primary SS. We have measured the number of Ro/La‐specific plasma cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 23 patients and 20 healthy controls by direct enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. Furthermore, we quantified the Ro‐ and La‐specific memory B cells in these individuals by a 6‐day in vitro polyclonal stimulation of PBMC followed by an antigen‐specific ELISPOT assay for the detection of memory B cells. In addition to this, ELISA profiling of autoantibodies was carried out using patients’ plasma and supernatant, collected post‐mitogen stimulation of PBMC. The average Ro60‐, Ro52‐ and La48‐specific plasma cells in PB was 9, 17 and 13 cells in 105 PBMC, respectively. After in vitro stimulation, these numbers increased to 43, 50 and 26 for Ro60, Ro52 and La48, correspondingly. However, the fraction of memory B cells activated into antibody‐secreting cells was lower than the overall IgG B cell population. We conclude that these lower Ro/La‐specific memory B cell levels may indicate that a greater portion of the Ro‐ and La‐specific B cells are in an activated stage. This is in tune with previous reports.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Palifermin (Recombinant Human Keratinocyte Growth Factor) in an SLE‐Like Model of Chronic Graft‐Versus‐Host Disease
Authors: Ellison C. A. , Lissitsyn Y. V. , Gheorghiu I. , Gartner J. G. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractKeratinocyte growth factor (KGF) promotes epithelial cell proliferation and survival. Recombinant human KGF, also known as palifermin, protects epithelial cells from injury induced by chemicals, irradiation and acute murine graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). Findings from our studies and others have shown that palifermin also has immunomodulatory properties. In a model of acute GVHD, we showed that it shifts the immune response from one in which Th1 cytokines dominate to mixed Th1 and Th2 cytokine profile. Using the DBA/2→(C57BL/6 × DBA/2)F1‐hybrid model of chronic, systemic lupus erythematosus‐like GVHD, we showed that palifermin treatment is associated with higher levels of Th2 cytokines, the production of anti‐nuclear antibodies, cryoglobulinemia and the development of more severe pathological changes in the kidney. The aim of our current study was to gain a better understanding of the immunobiology of KGF by further characterizing the palifermin‐mediated effects in this model of chronic GVHD. Because the pathological changes we observed resemble those seen in thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) transgenic mice, we had originally hypothesized that palifermin might augment TSLP levels. Surprisingly, we did not observe an increase in thymic TSLP mRNA expression in palifermin‐treated recipients. We did, however, observe some differences in the percentages of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the spleen at some time points in palifermin‐treated recipients. Most importantly, we found that TGFβ levels were higher in palifermin‐treated recipients early in the GVH reaction, raising the possibility that KGF might indirectly induce the development of fibrosis and glomerulonephritis through a pathway involving TGFβ.
Subcutaneous Administration of Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Expressing an Ag85B‐ESAT6 Fusion Protein, but Not an Adenovirus‐Based Vaccine, Protects Mice Against Intravenous Challenge with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: You Q. , Jiang C. , Wu Y. , Yu X. , Chen Y. , Zhang X. , Wei W. , Wang Y. , Tang Z. , Jiang D. , Wu Y. , Wang C. , Meng X. , Zhao X. , Kong W. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractRecombinant virus‐based tuberculosis (TB) vaccines that are strongly immunogenic and elicit robust cellular immunity are considered ideal vaccine candidates. Here, we engineered a poxvirus‐based vaccine, MVA85B‐E6, and an adenovirus‐based vaccine, AD85B‐E6, both of which express the fusion protein Ag85B‐ESAT6. Subcutaneous vaccination of AD85B‐E6 generated strong interferon (IFN)‐γ production by both CD4 and CD8 T cells and CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity; these results indicate that strong T‐helper type 1 immune responses were elicited in mice, which is in contrast to the moderate responses induced by vaccination with MVA85B‐E6. However, MVA85B‐E6 given subcutaneously led to levels of protection comparable with that induced by the bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine in the lungs and spleens, whereas AD85B‐E6 given subcutaneously did not show any protective efficacy after intravenous challenge of BALB/c mice with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Our study emphasizes that more efficient biomarkers for vaccine efficacy and more appropriate routes of vaccine administration are necessary for the development of a successful TB vaccine.
Climbing‐ripple successions in turbidite systems: depositional environments, sedimentation rates and accumulation times
Authors: JOBE ZANE R. , LOWE DONALD R. , MORRIS WILLIAM R. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractClimbing‐ripple cross‐lamination is most commonly deposited by turbidity currents when suspended load fallout and bedload transport occur contemporaneously. The angle of ripple climb reflects the ratio of suspended load fallout and bedload sedimentation rates, allowing for the calculation of the flow properties and durations of turbidity currents. Three areas exhibiting thick (>50 m) sections of deep‐water climbing‐ripple cross‐lamination deposits are the focus of this study: (i) the Miocene upper Mount Messenger Formation in the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand; (ii) the Permian Skoorsteenberg Formation in the Tanqua depocentre of the Karoo Basin, South Africa; and (iii) the lower Pleistocene Magnolia Field in the Titan Basin, Gulf of Mexico. Facies distributions and local contextual information indicate that climbing‐ripple cross‐lamination in each area was deposited in an ‘off‐axis’ setting where flows were expanding due to loss of confinement or a decrease in slope gradient. The resultant reduction in flow thickness, Reynolds number, shear stress and capacity promoted suspension fallout and thus climbing‐ripple cross‐lamination formation. Climbing‐ripple cross‐lamination in the New Zealand study area was deposited both outside of and within channels at an inferred break in slope, where flows were decelerating and expanding. In the South Africa study area, climbing‐ripple cross‐lamination was deposited due to a loss of flow confinement. In the Magnolia study area, an abrupt decrease in gradient near a basin sill caused flow deceleration and climbing‐ripple cross‐lamination deposition in off‐axis settings. Sedimentation rate and accumulation time were calculated for 44 climbing‐ripple cross‐lamination sedimentation units from the three areas using TDURE, a mathematical model developed by Baas et al. (2000). For Tc divisions and Tbc beds averaging 26 cm and 37 cm thick, respectively, average climbing‐ripple cross‐lamination and whole bed sedimentation rates were 0·15 mm sec−1 and 0·26 mm sec−1 and average accumulation times were 27 min and 35 min, respectively. In some instances, distinct stratigraphic trends of sedimentation rate give insight into the evolution of the depositional environment. Climbing‐ripple cross‐lamination in the three study areas is developed in very fine‐grained to fine‐grained sand, suggesting a grain size dependence on turbidite climbing‐ripple cross‐lamination formation. Indeed, the calculated sedimentation rates correlate well with the rate of sedimentation due to hindered settling of very fine‐grained and fine‐grained sand–water suspensions at concentrations of up to 20% and 2·5%, respectively. For coarser grains, hindered settling rates at all concentrations are much too high to form climbing‐ripple cross‐lamination, resulting in the formation of massive/structureless S3 or Ta divisions.
Corumbella and in situ Cloudina in association with thrombolites in the Ediacaran Itapucumi Group, Paraguay
Authors: Warren Lucas V. , Fairchild Thomas R. , Gaucher Claudio , Boggiani Paulo C. , Poiré Daniel G. , Anelli Luís E. , Inchausti Julio C. G. 
Published: September 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 382–389, 2011AbstractAn in situ assemblage of Cloudina, thrombolites and an ichnofossil (cf. Archaeonassa), together with fragments of Corumbella werneri, is reported here, from a tidally influenced, shallow, lagoonal setting on a carbonate ramp within the Itapucumi Group, Paraguay. The association of Cloudina with thrombolites is comparable to other terminal Neoproterozoic occurrences, but the coexistence of shelly fossils in situ with trace fossils and microbially induced sedimentary structures is apparently unique. This discovery extends the record of Cloudina and Corumbella in South America and further elucidates the diversity, distribution and palaeoecology of shelled organisms in late Ediacaran time.
Simultaneous resetting of the muscovite K‐Ar and monazite U‐Pb geochronometers: a story of fluids
Authors: Tartèse Romain , Ruffet Gilles , Poujol Marc , Boulvais Philippe , Ireland Trevor R. 
Published: September 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 390–398, 2011AbstractAlthough water is ubiquitous in the continental crust, its effect on geochronometers through mineral reequilibration is rarely taken into account. Herein, we present 40Ar/39Ar analyses on muscovite and U‐Pb isotopic data on zircon and monazite from a Variscan syn‐tectonic granite from western France. Both the K‐Ar in the muscovite and U‐Pb in the monazite isotopic systems were hydrothermally reset, whereas the U‐Pb radiogenic system in most of the zircons was unaffected and dates the granite emplacement age. Titanium chemical maps obtained on muscovites from various dated samples display a spectacular overprinting of their magmatic zoning resulting from increasing fluid‐rock interaction. These results reiterate the need to combine geochronological data with petrological, mineralogical and geochemical studies to accurately interpret ages obtained in this type of geodynamical settings.
Increased expression of IRF4 and ETS1 in CD4+ cells from patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis
Authors: Bruhn S. , Barrenäs F. , Mobini R. , Andersson B. A. , Chavali S. , Egan B. S. , Hovig E. , Sandve G. K. , Langston M. A. , Rogers G. , Wang H. , Benson M. 
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Bruhn S, Barrenäs F, Mobini R, Andersson BA, Chavali S, Egan BS, Hovig E, Sandve GK, Langston MA, Rogers G, Wang H, Benson M. Increased expression of IRF4 and ETS1 in CD4+ cells from patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2012; 67: 33–40.AbstractBackground:  The transcription factor (TF) IRF4 is involved in the regulation of Th1, Th2, Th9, and Th17 cells, and animal studies have indicated an important role in allergy. However, IRF4 and its target genes have not been examined in human allergy.Methods:  IRF4 and its target genes were examined in allergen‐challenged CD4+ cells from patients with IAR, using combined gene expression microarrays and chromatin immunoprecipitation chips (ChIP‐chips), computational target prediction, and RNAi knockdowns.Results:  IRF4 increased in allergen‐challenged CD4+ cells from patients with IAR, and functional studies supported its role in Th2 cell activation. IRF4 ChIP‐chip showed that IRF4 regulated a large number of genes relevant to Th cell differentiation. However, neither Th1 nor Th2 cytokines were the direct targets of IRF4. To examine whether IRF4 induced Th2 cytokines via one or more downstream TFs, we combined gene expression microarrays, ChIP‐chips, and computational target prediction and found a putative intermediary TF, namely ETS1 in allergen‐challenged CD4+ cells from allergic patients. ETS1 increased significantly in allergen‐challenged CD4+ cells from patients compared to controls. Gene expression microarrays before and after ETS1 RNAi knockdown showed that ETS1 induced Th2 cytokines as well as disease‐related pathways.Conclusions:  Increased expression of IRF4 in allergen‐challenged CD4+ cells from patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis leads to activation of a complex transcriptional program, including Th2 cytokines.
Hyperbilirubinemia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: comparison of clinical and pathologic findings in 41 autopsied cases
Authors: Kagoya Yuki , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Nannya Yasuhito , Shinozaki Aya , Ota Satoshi , Fukayama Masashi , Kurokawa Mineo 
Published: September 2011

Kagoya Y, Takahashi T, Nannya Y, Shinozaki A, Ota S, Fukayama M, Kurokawa M. Hyperbilirubinemia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: comparison of clinical and pathologic findings in 41 autopsied cases. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E552–E557. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Hyperbilirubinemia is often associated with morbidity and mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Diagnosis of its etiology is usually made clinically among various possible causes, and analysis of histological findings as compared with the clinical diagnosis has not been performed sufficiently. We retrospectively analyzed clinical and pathological findings in 41 autopsied patients who died with hyperbilirubinemia (>2 mg/dL). Overall, liver graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) showed the most prominent discordance between clinical and pathological diagnoses. Only 11 of the 22 patients, considered to have liver GVHD clinically, had GVHD findings at autopsy. Serum gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), GGT/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ratio, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)/AST ratio in GVHD patients were significantly higher compared with those without GVHD (p = 0.02, <0.01, and 0.03, respectively), which was useful in clinical diagnosis of liver GVHD. Other major findings include liver invasion of the primary malignancies in 8 patients, post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder of the liver in two patients, and disseminated liver invasion by fungus or varicella‐zoster virus in one patient, respectively. Although analysis of clinical data is useful for narrowing diagnosis, histological analysis by liver biopsy is crucially important, especially in cases suspected of having GVHD.
Validation of genetic variants associated with early acute rejection in kidney allograft transplantation
Authors: Oetting William S. , Zhu Yanni , Brott Marcia J. , Matas Arthur J. , Cordner Gretchen K. , Pan Wei 
Published: September 2011

Oetting WS, Zhu Y, Brott MJ, Matas AJ, Cordner GK, Pan W. Validation of genetic variants associated with early acute rejection in kidney allograft transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01522.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Numerous reports have identified genetic variants associated with kidney transplant outcome, but only a few have been validated in subsequent studies. We analyzed the association of 21 previously reported genetic variants associated with acute rejection (AR), in an effort to validate these associations in our kidney transplant population. All recipients (n = 585) received Ab induction, rapid discontinuation of prednisone, and calcineurin inhibitors with either mycophenolate mofetil or sirolimus. Both univariate analysis and logistic regression were used for determining the association between the genotypes and AR. Univariate analysis detected one significant single‐nucleotide polymorphism (p = 0.03), rs1801133, within the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene associated with AR. Logistic regression analysis identified two variants associated with AR, the 32‐bp deletion within chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor 5 gene (rs333) and the p.222A/V variant (rs1801133) within the MTHFR gene. Although our analysis utilized a much larger cohort than used in previous reports, we were only able to detect an association with two of these variants. The lack of validation for the other 19 variants may be due to the small effect size, or that, they are not associated with AR. These results stress the need for larger cohorts for both future studies as well as for validation studies.
Sublingual immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis: quality of systematic reviews
Authors: de Bot Cindy M. A. , Moed Heleen , Berger Marjolein Y. , Röder Esther , van Wijk Roy G. , van der Wouden Johannes C. 
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: de Bot CMA, Moed H, Berger MY, Röder E, van Wijk RG, van der Wouden JC. Sublingual immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis: quality of systematic reviews. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 548–558.AbstractSystematic reviews have gained popularity as a way to combine the increasing amount of research information. This study assessed the quality of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for allergic rhinitis in children, published since 2000. Eligible reviews were identified by searching Medline/Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, from 2000 through 2008. Methodological quality was assessed using the assessment of multiple systematic reviews instrument. Ten systematic reviews were included, one of which was published in the Cochrane Library. Eight reviews gave some details about the search strategy. None of the reviews included measures to avoid selection bias. In 60% of the reviews, the methodological quality of the included studies was (partly) assessed. Four reviews pooled the results of individual studies, neglecting clinical heterogeneity. Three of the 10 reviews provided information about sources of funding or grants from industry. Of the 10 reviews, the six reviews with the highest overall score scored 5–8 points, indicating moderate quality. Systematic reviews are useful to evaluate the efficacy of SLIT in children. Although more reviews have become available, the methodological quality could be improved. SLIT for children could be promising, but methodological flaws in the reviews and individual studies are too serious to draw definite conclusions.
Development of Collagen Fibres and Lysyl Oxidase Expression in the Presumptive Dermis of Chick Limb Bud
Authors: Yamazaki Y. , Mikami Y. , Yuguchi M. , Namba Y. , Isokawa K. 
Published: September 2011

With 4 figures and 1 tableSummaryLysyl oxidase (LOX) plays a critical role in the formation of cross‐linkages in extracellular matrix molecules. Thus, it is essential for the biogenesis and homeostasis of the connective tissue matrix. During development, collagen fibres and elastic system fibres emerge and accumulate in a temporospatial manner in the presumptive dermis of chicks. In this study, we investigated LOX mRNA expression by laser capture microdissection and RT‐qPCR and LOX protein localization by immunohistochemistry. The picrosirius polarization method was used to investigate a relation between collagen accumulation and LOX expression. PCR analysis showed that the expression of LOX mRNA in the presumptive dermis became apparent at embryonic day 13 and increased considerably by ED17. Immunohistochemical staining for LOX in the dermis was very low at all stages of development. Accumulation of collagen fibres was seen in the dermis on ED10, and higher wavelengths of birefringence became evident by ED13. Our findings suggest that the temporal pattern of LOX mRNA expression correlates with collagen fibre accumulation in the dermis of the developing chick limb bud, whereas LOX expression was relatively constant at the protein level.
Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Korea and associated health‐care utilization: A national population‐based study
Authors: Kim Kyoung‐Min , Cho Yu Kyung , Bae Seung Jin , Kim Dong‐Sook , Shim Ki‐Nam , Kim Jie‐Hyun , Jung Sung Woo , Kim Nayoung 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Few studies have reported temporal trends in the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and associated health‐care utilization in Asia. The aim of this study was to investigate temporal changes in the prevalence of GERD and associated health‐care utilization.Methods:  Patients with a primary or secondary disease code for GERD, according to the Korean Standard Classification of Diseases, were defined as having “doctor‐diagnosed GERD”. The prevalence of GERD from 2005 to 2008 was evaluated using Korean National Health Insurance claim data. Claims for proton pump inhibitors (PPI) over this period were also evaluated. Complications of GERD and health‐care utilization characteristics, such as the use of diagnostic tests and prescriptions, were investigated.Results:  The prevalence of doctor‐diagnosed GERD increased rapidly from 4.6% to 7.3% between 2005 and 2008. Over the same period, the amount of PPI claims increased by 56%. People aged 30–39 years and females had a high frequency of GERD‐related visits. Esophageal stricture was rare, and 23% of patients with GERD had peptic ulcers. Endoscopy was used as a diagnostic test in 34% of cases. Seventy‐seven percent of patients with GERD were treated with PPI or H2 receptor antagonists.Conclusions:  The prevalence of GERD increased rapidly from 2005 to 2008. The rapid increase of PPI use reflects the real increase in the prevalence of GERD and demand for health care. Middle‐aged people and women had a high frequency of GERD visits. Therefore, GERD might be a significant disease burden in Korea.
Newly‐developed, forward‐viewing echoendoscope: A comparative pilot study to the standard echoendoscope in the imaging of abdominal organs and feasibility of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided interventions
Authors: Iwashita Takuji , Nakai Yousuke , Lee John G , Park Do Hyun , Muthusamy V Raman , Chang Kenneth J 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Multiple diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures have been widely performed using a standard oblique‐viewing (OV) curvilinear array (CLA) echoendoscope. Recently, a new, forward‐viewing (FV) CLA was developed, with the advantages of improved endoscopic viewing and manipulation of devices. However, the FV–CLA echoendoscope has a narrower ultrasound scanning field, and lacks an elevator, which might represent obstacles for clinical use. The aim of this study was to compare the FV–CLA echoendoscope to the OV–CLA echoendoscope for EUS imaging of abdominal organs, and to assess the feasibility of EUS‐guided interventions using the FV–CLA echoendoscope.Methods:  EUS examinations were first performed and recorded using the OV–CLA echoendoscope, followed immediately by the FV–CLA echoendoscope. Video recordings were then assessed by two independent endosonographers in a blinded fashion. The EUS visualization and image quality of specific abdominal organs/structures were scored. Any indicated fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) or intervention was performed using the FV–CLA echoendoscope, with the OV–CLA echoendoscope as salvage upon failure.Results:  A total of 21 patients were examined in the study. Both echoendoscopes had similar visualization and image quality for all organs/structures, except the common hepatic duct (CHD), which was seen significantly better with the FV–CLA echoendoscope. EUS interventions were conducted in eight patients, including FNA of pancreatic mass (3), pancreatic cyst (3), and cystgastrostomy (2). The FV–CLA echoendoscope was successful in seven patients. One failed FNA of the pancreatic head cyst was salvaged using the OV–CLA echoendoscope.Conclusions:  There were no differences between the FV–CLA echoendoscope and the OV–CLA echoendoscope in visualization or image quality on upper EUS, except for the superior image quality of CHD using the FV–CLA echoendoscope. Therefore, the disadvantages of the FV–CLA echoendoscope appear minimal in light of the potential advantages.