bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasmodium falciparum Sec24 marks transitional ER that exports a model cargo via a diacidic motif
Authors: Lee Marcus C. S. , Moura Pedro A. , Miller Elizabeth A. , Fidock David A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryExit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) often occurs at distinct sites of vesicle formation known as transitional ER (tER) that are enriched for COPII vesicle coat proteins. We have characterized the organization of ER export in the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, by examining the localization of two components of the COPII machinery, PfSec12 and PfSec24a. PfSec12 was found throughout the ER, whereas the COPII cargo adaptor, PfSec24a, was concentrated at distinct foci that likely correspond to tER sites. These foci were closely apposed to cis‐Golgi sites marked by PfGRASP–GFP, and upon treatment with brefeldin A they accumulated a model cargo protein via a process dependent on the presence of an intact diacidic export motif. Our data suggest that the cargo‐binding function of PfSec24a is conserved and that accumulation of cargo in discrete tER sites depends upon positive sorting signals. Furthermore, the number and position of tER sites with respect to the cis‐Golgi suggests a co‐ordinated biogenesis of these domains.
LL‐37 regulates the overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and c‐IAP‐2 in human keratinocytes
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martínez Sandra , Cancino‐Diaz Juan Carlos , Vargas‐Zuñiga Luis Martin , Cancino‐Diaz Mario Eugenio 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  The antimicrobial peptide PR39 is a porcine cathelicidin with angiogenic and antiapoptotic activities, as it can regulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inhibitor apoptosis protein‐2 (c‐IAP‐2) in endothelial cells. The human homolog LL‐37 has been found to be highly expressed in human keratinocytes from psoriatic patients, but it is not known whether LL‐37 can modulate the expression of VEGF and c‐IAP‐2 in keratinocytes, as both molecules are involved in the overgrowth of psoriatic skin. Therefore, in this work, we studied the possible role of CAP18/LL‐37 in the modulation of VEGF and c‐IAP‐2 expression in human keratinocytes.Methods  The CAP18/LL‐37 gene was cloned into a plasmid that contained green fluorescent protein (GFP). This plasmid was called pGFP‐CAP18/LL‐37. The expression of LL‐37, VEGF, and c‐IAP‐2 was determined by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting in HaCaT cells transfected with pGFP‐CAP18/LL‐37. Specific DNAzymes were used to break the CAP18/LL‐37 mRNA (DNAz‐CAP18/LL‐37).Results  HaCaT cells transfected with pGFP‐CAP18/LL‐37 showed the upregulation of VEGF and c‐IAP‐2 mRNAs. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) mRNA expression did not change during the assays; however, its protein was increased, as well as the VEGF protein. HaCaT cells cotransfected with pGFP‐CAP18/LL‐37 and DNAz‐CAP18/LL‐37 showed depleted expression of LL‐37, VEGF, and c‐IAP‐2 mRNAs.Conclusions  These results suggest that LL‐37 may modulate the expression of VEGF and c‐IAP‐2 via HIF‐1α in human keratinocytes.
Cryosurgery during topical imiquimod: a successful combination modality for lentigo maligna
Authors: Bassukas I. D. , Gamvroulia C. , Zioga A. , Nomikos K. , Fotika C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  Either cryosurgery or topical imiquimod have been used to treat patients with lentigo maligna in cases where surgery is not feasible.Methods  We report a patient with lentigo maligna, who was treated with the combination of topical imiquimod and cryosurgery, and review the rationale, which led us to design the present combined cryo‐immunological treatment modality.Results  Sustained clearance of lentigo maligna to date (26 months after treatment). The successful treatment of this patient was based on the following rationale: A cryosurgery session during continuing imiquimod application may: (i) reinforce apoptosis of tumor cells; (ii) strengthen antiangiogenesis in the treated tumor; and (iii) build‐up a potent tumor‐destructive immune response by a cascade of events starting with imiquimod‐promoted attraction of immature dendritic antigen‐presenting cells (DCs) into the tumor. DCs further mature within the tumor‐antigen‐rich environment of subsequently cryo‐destructed tumor and upon imiquimod‐driven migration into the peripheral lymph nodes can stimulate a specific antineoplastic cell‐mediated immunity. Finally, continuing imiquimod application after cryosurgery may increase recruitment of activated effector cells into the tumor tissue leading to its destruction.Conclusion  Cryosurgery during continued topical imiquimod seems to be a promising treatment for lentigo maligna.
A randomized investigator‐blind trial of different passes of microdermabrasion therapy and their effects on skin biophysical characteristics
Authors: Davari Parastoo , Gorouhi Farzam , Jafarian Sirous , Dowlati Yahya , Firooz Alireza 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  Microdermabrasion (MDA) is a safe, simple, and beneficial technique for superficial skin resurfacing. Despite its popular usage, few studies have assessed the efficacy of different MDA protocols applied at the present time.Objectives  To assess the effects of MDA generally, as well as to compare the effects of two vs. three passes of MDA in each session for a total number of six therapeutic sessions on skin biophysical characteristics.Methods  In this randomized, investigator‐blind, split‐face study, 10 patients underwent a series of six MDA treatments with an interval of 2 weeks. One side of the face was treated with two passes of MDA and the other side was treated with three passes, randomly. Stratum corneum hydration, sebum secretion, and skin pH measurements were obtained before and after the procedure on all sessions and also 1 and 4 weeks after the last treatment.Results  After six sessions of MDA, a decrease in sebum content compared to baseline was shown at the end of treatment sessions, but no statistical difference was observed between two vs. three passes groups (–30.0 [interquartile range, IQR = 50.0] vs. –27.5 [IQR = 125.3], respectively, P = 0.58). Comparison of two treatment groups showed significant higher values of sebum content in the first follow‐up after treatment with three passes of MDA. (64.0 [IQR = 52.0] for three passes vs. 45.0 [IQR = 46.0] for two passes, P = 0.04) A significant increase was observed in pH values at the end of treatment series, first and second follow‐up after treatment with two passes of MDA.Conclusions  MDA may have remarkable effects on skin barrier function changes resulting in skin clinical improvements (Cochrane Skin Group identifier: CSG No. 37).
Olmsted syndrome: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Tao Juan , Huang Chang‐zheng , Yu Nian‐wen , Wu Yan , Liu Ye‐qiang , Li Yan , Tian Jin , Yang Ling‐yun , Zhang Jing , Li Jia‐wen , Zhou You‐wen , Tu Ya‐ting 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe report a case of an 18‐month‐old boy with slightly whitened fingernails and toenails since birth. At the age of 100 days, he progressively developed bilateral palmoplantar keratoderma which resulted in painful walking and disabled grasping. Perianal keratotic plaques and perioral hyperkeratotic erythema could also be observed. Both fingernails and toenails were dystrophic. Scalp hairs were sparse, but total alopecia was no present. The histopathologic changes of the biopsy from the inner side of the right foot showed nonspecific changes, which mainly showed highly hyperkeratosis and acanthosis with slight superficial perivascular inflammatory infiltration. A clinical diagnosis of Olmsted syndrome was established according to the typical feature of the lesions, which is the presence of symmetrical palmoplantar keratoderma with periorificial keratotic plaques. We review the literature and present a summary of all reported cases to date.
Skin problems in amputees: a descriptive study
Authors: Koc Erol , Tunca Mustafa , Akar Ahmet , Erbil A. Hakan , Demiralp Bahtiyar , Arca Ercan 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground Skin problems are common in amputee patients. These problems may restrict the normal use of a prosthetic limb. We aimed to determine the range, incidence, causes and patterns of dermatological problems seen in a population of amputees.Materials and methods One hundred and forty two amputees, were enrolled to the study. Age, sex, age at the time of amputation, level of amputation, reason for amputation, and types of prosthesis were noted. Dermatological problems were recorded. Stumps were swabbed for bacteriological and mycological examination, and patch tests were performed in suspected patients.Results Of these 142 patients, 139 (97.9%) were males and 3 (2.1%) were females. The reasons for amputation in the majority of the cases were wounds due to mine explosion (n = 114, 80.3%) and gunshot wounds (n = 19, 13.4%). The other reasons were arterial diseases, traffic accidents, congenital absence of the tibia, and vascular complication of diabetes. At least one skin problem was detected in 105 (73.9%) of 142 cases. Positive reactions to allergens have been detected in 28 (43%) of 65 cases with dermatitis. Bacterial infection was detected in 12 patients and fungal infection was detected in 4 patients.Conclusion Our descriptive study shows that skin problems have a high prevalence, up to 73.9% in amputee patients. This high percentage indicates that dermatological problems are important in amputees. Early recognition and treatment of these problems can prevent the amputee's mental, social, and economic losses.
HLA‐DRB1 alleles influence clinical phenotypes in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Matsumura Y. , Kinouchi Y. , Nomura E. , Negoro K. , Kakuta Y. , Endo K. , Aizawa H. , Takagi S. , Takahashi S. , Shimosegawa T. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region has been implicated in the disease susceptibility of inflammatory bowel disease by several linkage and association studies. In Caucasians, HLA‐DRB1 has been reported to determine the clinical phenotypes of ulcerative colitis (UC). Others and we previously reported that HLA‐DRB1*1502 was strongly associated with UC in the Japanese population. However, the contribution of HLA‐DRB1 to the clinical phenotypes in Japanese UC has not been elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to determine whether HLA‐DRB1 alleles were associated with the clinical phenotypes in Japanese patients with UC. A total of 353 patients with UC were recruited. Patients were classified into subgroups by sex, age at diagnosis, disease extent, need for steroid therapy or need for surgical treatment. The allele frequency of HLA‐DRB1*08 was significantly higher in patients whose disease extended beyond the rectum (left‐sided and extensive UC) than in those with proctitis [odds ratio (OR) = 2.20, Pc = 0.043). The allele frequency of HLA‐DRB1*09 was significantly higher in patients with UC diagnosed at the age of 40 years or older than in those with UC diagnosed before the age of 40 years (OR = 2.31, Pc = 0.022). Besides these positive associations, no significant differences were found in the allele frequencies between the other subgroups. We conclude that HLA‐DRB1*09 is associated with the age at diagnosis and HLA‐DRB1*08 is associated with the disease extent of UC in Japanese. These results indicate that HLA‐DRB1 is not only associated with the overall UC susceptibility but also associated with the clinical phenotypes in Japanese.
HNA‐1a, HNA‐1b and HNA‐1c gene frequencies in Argentineans
Authors: La Vega Elena C. D. de , Nogués N. , Fernández Montoya A. , Oyonarte S. , Solis E. , Muñiz‐Díaz E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractHuman neutrophil antigens (HNA) are polymorphic structures located in the neutrophil membrane. The neutrophil‐specific antigens HNA‐1a (NA1), 1b (NA2) and 1c (SH) are well‐recognized allotypic forms of FcγRIIIb and the most frequent targets of neutrophil alloantibodies. The aim of this study was to determine the gene frequencies of the neutrophil‐specific antigens belonging to the HNA‐1 system in blood donors and Toba Amerindians from Rosario, Argentina. Two hundred and eighteen unrelated healthy Argentinean blood donors and Toba Amerindians from Rosario were typed for HNA‐1a, HNA‐1b and HNA‐1c using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers. For the Argentinean blood donors, the HNA‐1a and HNA‐1b gene frequencies were 0.44 and 0.56 and for the Amerindians Toba were 0.77 and 0.23, respectively. The HNA‐1c antigen is present in 4.7% (gene frequency = 0.023) of the blood donors but in none of the Amerindian individuals. The present data showed that the HNA‐1 allele frequencies in the major population and the Toba Amerindians from Rosario are similar to those described in European and others distant Amerindians populations, respectively.
Determining post‐thaw CD34+ cell dose of cryopreserved haematopoietic progenitor cells demonstrates high recovery and confirms their integrity
Authors: Reich‐Slotky R. , Colovai A. I. , Semidei‐Pomales M. , Patel N. , Cairo M. , Jhang J. , Schwartz J. 
Published: April 2008

Background  The acceptable dose of haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for transplantation is generally based on the number of CD34+ cells determined prior to cryopreservation. Commonly, cryopreservation is associated with total nucleated cell viability loss. Because HPCs have been shown to be more resistant to cryopreservation damage than nucleated cells overall, low viability may not reflect the quality and integrity of the thawed product.Methods  Peripheral blood HPC products from 45 mobilized allogeneic and autologous donors were harvested by continuous flow blood separation and cryopreserved in 7·5% dimethyl sulfoxide. The number of viable CD34+ cells was determined by flow cytometry. Viability was measured by trypan blue (TB) uptake and 7‐aminoactinomycin D (7‐AAD) flow cytometry.Results  Post‐thaw HPC products were analysed for viability, CD34+ cell recovery and engraftment capability. The average post‐thaw viable CD34+ cell recovery was 86·4%, while the average post‐thaw viability, measured by TB or 7‐AAD, was 74·0% and 57·0%, respectively. Most of the cells that did not survive cryopreservation were of the granulocyte series. All of the donors who underwent transplantation engrafted, mostly within 14 days.Conclusions  Our data show that most CD34+ cells survive cryopreservation, regardless of the overall post‐thaw total nucleated cell viability. Measuring the number of viable CD34 cells post‐thaw might be of importance, and in cases of low viability can confirm the quality of the product issued.
Comparison of a novel viscous platelet additive solution and plasma: preparation and in vitro storage parameters of buffy‐coat‐derived platelet concentrates
Authors: Zhang J. G. , Carter C. J. , Devine D. V. , Scammell K. , Weiss S. , Gyongyossy‐Issa M. I. C. 
Published: April 2008

Background and Objectives  We developed a viscous platelet additive solution (PAS) based on MacoPharma's SSP+ but containing hydroxyethyl starch to address the poor osmotic balance and low yield associated with conventional PAS for the storage of buffy‐coat platelet concentrates (PC).Materials and Methods  Pools of four buffy‐coats were made into leucoreduced PCs (n = 5) suspended either in plasma or viscous PAS. After determination of platelet recoveries, the PCs were stored under standard conditions. On days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9, PCs were tested for mean platelet volume, platelet concentration, soluble protein concentration, CD62 expression, platelet morphology, partial pressure of oxygen and partial pressure of carbon dioxide, glucose and lactate concentration, pH, extent of shape change, and hypotonic shock response (HSR).Results  Platelets were prepared with greater ease using the viscous PAS and had improved platelet yield. PCs stored in either plasma or viscous PAS displayed similar storage characteristics to day 9. On days 7 and 9 of storage, platelets stored in viscous PAS displayed significantly lower (P < 0·05) CD62 expression and higher HSR scores than those stored in plasma.Conclusion  Alteration of the viscosity of PAS improves platelet recovery during processing and may prolong platelet quality at the later stages of storage.
Human neutrophil alloantigens
Authors: Bux J. 
Published: April 2008

Objective  This review describes alloantigens currently listed in the human neutrophil alloantigen (HNA) system.Material and Methods  Review of the literature.Results  Neutrophil antigens are implicated in a variety of clinical conditions including neonatal immune neutropenia, transfusion‐related acute lung injury, refractoriness to granulocyte transfusions, febrile transfusion reactions, immune neutropenia after bone marrow transplantation, autoimmune neutropenia and drug‐induced immune neutropenia. Seven antigens have been listed in the HNA system that are assigned to five antigen groups. Six antigens have been characterized biochemically and molecularly so that their primary structure is now known. As shown by regularly performed international granulocyte immunology workshops, a combination of granulocyte agglutination and immunofluorescence tests together with a panel of typed cells is currently the best means of detection.Conclusions  Most of the HNA antigens have been well‐characterized so that HNA typing as well as the detection of the corresponding antibodies are now reliably possible. This will improve diagnostics of neutrophil antibody‐mediated clinical conditions as well as the prevention of transfusion‐related acute lung injury.
Improved leucoreduction of red blood cell units prepared after a 24‐h hold with the platelet‐rich plasma method using newly developed filters
Authors: Thibault L. , Beauséjour A. , Jacques A. , De Grandmont M. J. , Lemieux R. , Grégoire Y. , Ducas É. , Boucher G. 
Published: April 2008

Background and Objectives  A previous study indicated that the extension of whole blood (WB) storage from 8 to 24 h at 20–24 °C before the processing of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP)‐depleted red blood cell (RBC) units had a negative effect on the efficacy of leucoreduction filters. In this study, we further characterized the phenomenon and tested the leucoreduction capacity of two newly developed filters.Materials and Methods  Whole blood was stored at 20–24 °C and processed at 4‐h intervals between 8 and 24 h postcollection. Components were leucoreduced before storage. Efficacy of novel filters to leucoreduce 24‐h‐hold PRP‐depleted RBC units was also evaluated.Results  Using a conventional filter, the mean residual white blood cell (WBC) counts in leucoreduced PRP‐depleted RBCs were comparable in units prepared within 12 h from collection but gradually increased upon extended preprocessing storage from 0·36 ± 0·03 at 12 h to 0·46 ± 0·21, 0·76 ± 0·54 and 1·72 ± 1·76 × 106 per unit at 16, 20 and 24 h, respectively. However, the mean residual WBC content in 24‐h‐hold RBCs was reduced to 0·60 ± 0·39 × 106 and 0·46 ± 0·13 × 106 per units using RC2D and the prototypes B‐1582 rev B filters, respectively.Conclusion  For PRP‐depleted RBC units, the extension of the WB room temperature storage from 8 to 24 h before processing is likely to require the introduction of newly developed filters having an increased leucoreduction capacity in order to meet the maximal residual WBC guideline in the RBCs.
The effects of short intensive exercise on plasma free amino acids in standardbred trotters
Authors: Hackl S. , Van Den Hoven R. , Zickl M. , Spona J. , Zentek J. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short intense exercise on plasma amino acid concentrations in trotters and to test the repeatability of plasma amino acids concentration in samples obtained on two independent days under field conditions. Plasma amino acid concentrations were analysed in blood samples of 36 standardbred trotters before and after intense exercise over a distance of 2000 m. Sampling was repeated in 20 horses after 35 days. Exercise intensity was estimated from post‐exercise lactate levels. Horses were divided in two groups according to a cut‐off lactate concentration at 15 mmol/l. The plasma concentrations of alanine, aspartate, glutamate, isoleucine, leucine, lysine and taurine increased and arginine, asparagine, citrulline, glutamine, glycine, histidine, methionine, serine, tryptophan and 3‐methylhistidine decreased after exercise. Ornithine, threonine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and valine concentrations remained constant. Higher intensity of exercise significantly decreased tryptophan and increased taurine concentrations. Sampling day had a significant effect on the absolute pre‐ and post‐exercise amino acid concentrations. Exercise had a significant influence on the concentrations of most plasma amino acids in trotters. These changes could reflect shifts between the free amino acid compartments, but there were also some indications for muscle catabolism. The amino acid supply of sporting horses could be of specific significance for maintaining muscle integrity and for the improvement of post‐exercise recovery of competition horses.
Performance of growing lambs fed processed karanj (Pongamia glabra) oil seed cake as partial protein supplement to soybean meal
Authors: Soren N. M. , Sastry V. R. B , Saha S. K. , Wankhade U. D. , Lade M. H. , Kumar A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine whether processed karanj (Pongamia glabra) oil seed cake can be used as a supplement to partially replace soybean meal (SBM). Male lambs (n = 24) of uniform body weight (12.88 ± 0.15 kg) were equally allotted at random to a SBM‐based control (CON) and three test concentrate mixtures, containing detoxified solvent extracted karanj cake (SKC) using three processing methods: water washing (WW), 2.5% lime (LM) and 0.4% binder (BN) treatment. The processed SKC replaced 50% nitrogen of SBM of CON. The respective concentrate mixtures were fed along with ad libitum chaffed oat (Avena sativa) straw for 196 days. Dry matter intake was significantly (p < 0.01) lower on WW, LM and BN. Apparent digestibility coefficient of nutrients was comparable, except for total carbohydrates, which was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in LM and BN. Total gain, average daily gain and feed: gain ratio was comparable (p > 0.05) between the CON and WW diets but significantly lower in LM and BN groups. Yield of greasy wool was lower (p < 0.05) in BN group. Comparable dry matter and nutrient (crude protein and total digestible nutrients) conversion efficiency was observed on CON and WW diet but the lambs on the LM and BN diets exhibited lower (p < 0.01) conversion efficiency. It is concluded that SKC after water washing could replace 50% of SBM nitrogen in protein supplementation.