bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kosmochlor and chromian jadeite aggregates from the Myanmar jadeitite area
Authors: Shi G. H. , Stöckhert B. , Cui W. Y. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractFour distinct textures and related compositions of kosmochlor (Ko) and chromian jadeite in rocks from the Myanmar jadeitite area are described: (1) spheroidal or ellipsoidal aggregates with a corona texture surrounding relict chromite; (2) spheroidal or ellipsoidal aggregates with a core of jadeite; (3) granoblastic textures in undeformed coarse-grained clinopyroxene rocks; and (4) recrystallized fine-grained aggregates in deformed jadeitite. Nearly pure kosmochlor (97 mol.% NaCrSi2O6) was found in type 2 textures, closest to the end-member reported so far from a terrestrial rock. Sharp compositional boundaries between kosmochlor and chromian jadeite of variable composition are interpreted to be related to progressive crystallization or replacement at differing conditions. The compositions analysed plot along the kosmochlor-jadeite join. In contrast to conclusions of previous studies on the Myanmar clinopyroxenes there is no unequivocal evidence for miscibility gaps. The preservation of relict chromite in the centre of coronitic spheroidal or ellipsoidal aggregates of kosmochlor and jadeite indicates a metasomatic origin from a peridotite protolith at an inferred minimum pressure of 1.0 GPa and temperatures of 250—370°C. Recrystallization during later ductile deformation of the clinopyroxene rocks in the dislocation creep regime leads to fine-grained aggregates of chromian jadeite, which are of particular gemmological interest.
Protein-tyrosine kinase Syk is required for pathogen engulfment in complement-mediated phagocytosis
Authors: Shi Yuhong , Tohyama Yumi , Kadono Tomomi , He Jinsong , Shahjahan Miah S. M. , Hazama Ryoichi , Tanaka Chisato , Tohyama Kaoru , Yamamura Hirohei 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe protein tyrosine kinase Syk plays a central role in Fcγ receptor–mediated phagocytosis in the adaptive immune system. We show here that Syk also plays an essential role in complement-mediated phagocytosis in innate immunity. Macrophage-like differentiated HL60 cells and C3bi-opsonized zymosan comprised the pathogen-phagocyte system. C3bi-opsonized zymosan particles promptly attached to the cells and were subsequently engulfed via complement receptor 3. During this process, Syk became tyrosine phosphorylated and accumulated around the nascent phagosomes. The transfer of Syk-siRNA or dominant-negative Syk (DN-Syk) into HL60 cells resulted in impaired phagocytosis. Quenching assays using fluorescent zymosan revealed that most of the attached zymosan particles were located inside parental HL60 cells, whereas few were ingested by the mutant cells. These data indicated that Syk is required for the engulfment of C3bi-opsonized zymosan. During C3bi-zymosan–induced phagocytosis, actin accumulation occurred around phagosomes and was followed by depolymerization, and further RhoA was activated together with tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav. These responses including the actin remodeling were suppressed in Syk-siRNA– or DN-Syk–expressing cells. Our results demonstrated that Syk plays an indispensable role in complement-mediated phagocytosis by regulating both actin dynamics and the RhoA activation pathway and that these functions of Syk lead to phagosome formation and pathogen engulfment.
Clinical significance of minimal residual disease, as assessed by different techniques, after stem cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Moreno Carol , Villamor Neus , Colomer Dolors , Esteve Jordi , Giné Eva , Muntañola Ana , Campo Elias , Bosch Francesc , Montserrat Emili 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe analyzed minimal residual disease (MRD) by consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR), and flow cytometry in 40 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who underwent stem cell transplantation; 97.4%, 89%, and 100% of the patients could be studied by consensus PCR, qPCR, and flow cytometry, respectively. Overall, 164 of 248 samples were negative for MRD by consensus PCR. Among those, CLL cells were detected by qPCR and by flow cytometry in 77 (47%) and 39 (23%) of the 164 samples, respectively. All 84 samples positive on PCR had detectable CLL cells by qPCR and flow cytometry. A good correlation was seen between MRD levels by flow cytometry and by qPCR (n = 254; r = 0.826; P < .001). Fifteen of 25 patients receiving autografts suffered a relapse, with increasing levels of MRD being observed before relapse in all of them. MRD detection within the first 6 months after autologous transplantation identified patients with a high relapse risk. In contrast, in allografted patients (n = 15) MRD did not correlate with outcome. In conclusion, quantitative methods to assess MRD (flow cytometry and qPCR) are more accurate than consensus PCR to predict clinical evolution. These results might be useful to investigate treatments aimed at preventing relapse in patients with CLL who have received an autograft.
CD8+ T-cell–mediated killing of donor dendritic cells prevents alloreactive T helper type-2 responses in vivo
Authors: Laffont Sophie , Coudert Jérôme D. , Garidou Lucile , Delpy Laurent , Wiedemann Aurélie , Demur Cécile , Coureau Christiane , Guéry Jean-Charles 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAccumulating evidence indicates that, in absence of CD8+ T-cell activation, CD4+ T-cell–mediated allograft rejection is associated with a dominant Th2-cell response and eosinophil infiltrates. In this study, we analyzed the mechanisms by which CD8+ T cells regulate alloreactive CD4+ T-cell priming and differentiation into interleukin 4 (IL-4)–producing cells. We showed that interferon γ (IFN-γ) production by CD8+ T cells was dispensable for the inhibition of Th2-cell development, as well as tissue eosinophilia and type 2 cytokine production in the rejected grafts. Since we noticed that CD8+ T cells not only suppressed Th2 differentiation, but also down-modulated the overall priming of alloreactive CD4+ T cells, we evaluated whether CD8+ T cells act by limiting the accumulation of donor-derived dendritic cells (DCs) in lymph nodes. We found that indeed, alloreactive CD8+ T cells rapidly eliminated allogeneic DCs from T-cell areas of draining lymph nodes, through a perforin-dependent mechanism. Thus, our data demonstrate that cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)–mediated clearance of allogeneic DCs is a negative feedback mechanism that limits the duration of alloantigen presentation in draining lymph nodes, thereby modulating the amplitude and polarization of the primary alloreactive CD4+ T-cell responses.
Antigen receptor–mediated changes in glucose metabolism in B lymphocytes: role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling in the glycolytic control of growth
Authors: Doughty Cheryl A. , Bleiman Blair F. , Wagner Dean J. , Dufort Fay J. , Mataraza Jennifer M. , Roberts Mary F. , Chiles Thomas C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe bioenergetic response of B lymphocytes is subject to rapid changes following antigen encounter in order to provide ATP and anabolic precursors necessary to support growth. However, the pathways involved in glucose acquisition and metabolism are unknown. We find that B lymphocytes rapidly increase glucose uptake and glycolysis following B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) crosslinking. Inhibition of glycolysis blocks BCR-mediated growth. Prior to S-phase entry, glucose metabolism shifts from primarily glycolytic to include the pentose phosphate pathway. BCR-induced glucose utilization is dependent upon phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) activity as evidenced by inhibition of glucose uptake and glycolysis with LY294002 treatment of normal B cells and impaired glucose utilization in B cells deficient in the PI-3K regulatory subunit p85α. Activation of Akt is sufficient to increase glucose utilization in B cells. We find that glucose utilization is inhibited by coengagement of the BCR and FcγRIIB, suggesting that limiting glucose metabolism may represent an important mechanism underlying FcγRIIB-mediated growth arrest. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that both growth-promoting BCR signaling and growth-inhibitory FcγRIIB signaling modulate glucose energy metabolism. Manipulation of these pathways may prove to be useful in the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders, wherein clonal expansion of B lymphocytes plays a role.
Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurement in tracheotomised patients
Authors: Vitacca M. , Paneroni M. , Bianchi L. , Clini E. , Vianello A. , Ceriana P. , Barbano L. , Balbi B. , Nava S. 
Published: February 2006

The present study compared four different sites and conditions for the measurement of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) in 38 spontaneous breathing tracheotomised patients. Of the patients, 28 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).The four different conditions were: 1) through a cuff inflated cannula (condition A); 2) through the mouth with a deflated cannula (condition B); 3) through the mouth with a phonetic uncuffed cannula (condition C); and 4) through the mouth after stoma closure (condition D). Five trials in each condition were performed using a standardised method.The measurement of both MIP and MEP differed significantly depending on the condition of measurement. MIP taken in condition A was significantly higher when compared with conditions B, C and D. MEP in condition A was significantly higher when compared with condition B and D. In condition A the highest frequency of the best measurement of MIP and MEP was observed at the fourth and fifth effort, respectively. The same results were obtained after the selection of only COPD patients.In conclusion, respiratory muscle assessment differs significantly depending on measurement condition. Measurement through inflated cannula tracheotomy yields higher values of both maximal inspiratory and maximal expiratory pressure.
Montelukast improves regional air-trapping due to small airways obstruction in asthma
Authors: Zeidler M. R. , Kleerup E. C. , Goldin J. G. , Kim H. J. , Truong D. A. , Simmons M. D. , Sayre J. W. , Liu W. , Elashoff R. , Tashkin D. P. 
Published: February 2006

Quantitative image analysis of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) performed at residual volume, before and after methacholine, is a sensitive method of detecting small airways involvement in asthma and response to therapy targeted to the small airways. Since an oral anti-leukotriene reaches the small airwaysviathe circulation, the present authors hypothesised that treatment with montelukast would lead to improved small airway patency.A double-blind crossover study compared the effect of montelukastversusplacebo for 4 weeks in 16 mild-to-moderate steroid-naïve asthmatics. Small airways function was evaluated by HRCT at residual volume before and after methacholine to assess regional air-trapping and airways hyperresponsiveness, as well as by physiological studies of small airways.Montelukast treatment resulted in significantly less regional air-trapping on HRCT on the pre-methacholine images when compared with placebo, as well as improvement in total quality of life scores and symptom sub-scores. However, montelukast treatment had no effect on increases in regional air-trapping on HRCT in response to methacholine. No differences were noted in global measures of small airways physiology between placebo and montelukast.In conclusion, distal airways disease improves in asthmatic subjects treated with montelukast. This improvement can be detected with high-resolution computed tomography, but not with conventional physiological studies.
Pre-eclampsia is associated with sleep-disordered breathing and endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Yinon D. , Lowenstein L. , Suraya S. , Beloosesky R. , Zmora O. , Malhotra A. , Pillar G. 
Published: February 2006

Pre-eclamptic toxaemia (PET) may be associated with both endothelial dysfunction (ED) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). It was hypothesised that females with PET would demonstrate both SDB and ED, and that a correlation between these two would suggest a potential causative association.A total of 17 females with PET and 25 matched females with uncomplicated pregnancy were studied. They underwent a nocturnal ambulatory sleep study (using Watch_PAT100) and noninvasive evaluation of endothelial function utilising the reactive hyperaemia test (using Endo_PAT 2000). A higher ratio of post- to pre-occlusion pulse-wave amplitude (endothelial function index (EFI)) indicated better endothelial function.Females with PET had a significantly higher respiratory disturbance index (RDI) and lower EFI than controls (18.4±8.4versus8.3±1.3·h−1, and 1.5±0.1versus1.8±0.1, respectively). Blood pressure significantly correlated with RDI and with EFI. EFI tended to correlate with RDI.In conclusion, these results suggest that both sleep-disordered breathing and endothelial dysfunction are more likely to occur in females with pre-eclamptic toxaemia than in females with uncomplicated pregnancies. The current authors speculate that respiratory disturbances contribute to the functional abnormality of the blood vessels seen in females with pre-eclamptic toxaemia, although causality cannot be determined based on this study.
Variability of bronchial inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: implications for study design
Authors: Gamble E. , Qiu Y. , Wang D. , Zhu J. , Vignola† A. M. , Kroegel C. , Morell F. , Hansel T. T. , Pavord I. D. , Rabe K. F. , Barnes N. C. , Jeffery P. K. 
Published: February 2006

There is variability in the distribution of inflammatory cells in bronchial tissue in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Better strategies for biopsy sampling of the airway mucosa may improve the capacity to show a difference between study populations where variability in distribution exists.The current authors have examined sources of biological variability in the quantification of inflammatory cells in endobronchial biopsies using immunostained samples taken from 51 subjects with COPD, with a mean forced expiratory volume in one second of 1.71 L, 55% predicted.The distribution of variance contributed by different sources was similar for different inflammatory cell types. For CD8+ cells, a key inflammatory cell in COPD, the largest contribution to intra-subject variability (39%) was time (i.e.10 weeks between biopsies of placebo-treated subjects), followed by airway generation (23%), biopsy (2.5%), zone (within section; 1.4%) and section (0.4%).Power calculations demonstrated that examining one section from one biopsy, from each of two airway generations, would require a sample size of 32 subjects per group to show a difference of one doubling or halving in CD8+ cells, compared with 47 subjects per group if only one airway generation was sampled.Therefore, biopsies from more than one airway generation should be examined in order to maximise statistical power to detect a difference between study groups.
Diaphragm electromyograms recorded from multiple surface electrodes following magnetic stimulation
Authors: Glerant J. C. , Mustfa N. , Man W. D. , Luo Y. M. , Rafferty G. , Polkey M. I. , Moxham J. 
Published: February 2006

The diaphragm compound-muscle action potential (CMAPdi), elicited by unilateral magnetic stimulation (UMS) of the phrenic nerve can be recorded using surface electrodes. However, there is no consensus on the best positioning of surface electrodes and there are no data on the reproducibility of the signal.Using 36 surface electrode pairs, in five healthy subjects, the CMAPdi elicited by UMS and electrical stimulation (ES) were compared and 12 pairs were identified as providing acceptable signals. The latency and amplitude were measured for each CMAPdi, following UMS at 60–100% of maximal stimulator output, in 12 healthy subjects, on two occasions.Latencies obtained using UMS and ES ranged between 6.1–7.33 and 6.25–7.17 ms, respectively. Optimum CMAPdi were not recorded from the same electrode pair in all subjects, or for both hemidiaphragms in each subject. However, the optimal recording site for a particular individual remained unchanged on subsequent testing. When recorded from the optimal site, latencies and amplitudes of CMAPdi elicited on the two occasions were not significantly different.The current study suggests that the use of multiple chest wall electrodes can identify an optimal electrode pair, from which it is possible to obtain reproducible compound-muscle action potential signals.
Laryngeal ultrasound: a useful method in predicting post-extubation stridor. A pilot study
Authors: Ding L-W. , Wang H-C. , Wu H-D. , Chang C-J. , Yang P-C. 
Published: February 2006

The cuff-leak test was widely used for the prediction of post-extubation stridor, but controversial results limit its clinical application. The current study used real-time ultrasonography to evaluate the air-leak and hypothesised that the air-column width, measured by ultrasonography, may be correlated to the development of post-extubation stridor.From June 1, 2001 to March 1, 2002, a total of 51 planned extubations in 51 consecutively intubated patients were included. All of the patients received ultrasonographical examinations of their vocal cords and larynx in addition to an air-column width measurement within 24 h prior to extubation.The overall post-extubation stridor rate was 7.8%. The air-leak volume presented as median (interquartile range) were 300 (350) mL and 25 (20) mL, respectively, for the nonstridor and stridor groups. The air-column width during cuff deflation was 6.4 (2) mm and 4.5 (0.8) mm, respectively. They were found to be statistically significant.In conclusion, the authors demonstrated that laryngeal ultrasonography could be a reliable, noninvasive method, in the evaluation of vocal cords, laryngeal morphology and the ease of airflow, which passed through vocal cords or subglottic area due to laryngeal oedema. The air-column width during cuff deflation was a potential predictor of post-extubation stridor.
Antioxidant intake, GSTM1 polymorphism and pulmonary function in healthy young adults
Authors: Tujague J. , Bastaki M. , Holland N. , Balmes J. R. , Tager I. B. 
Published: February 2006

Dietary antioxidants may protect lung tissue against reactive oxygen species-induced injury, adverse respiratory effects and reduced pulmonary function. Genetic variability in antioxidant enzymes also determines response to oxidative stress in the lung. The current authors evaluated whether lung function levels are associated with dietary intake of antioxidants and the glutathioneS-transferase M1 (GSTM1) polymorphism.The current study cohort consisted of healthy, nonsmoking freshmen students who were lifetime residents in the Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay areas (CA, USA). Participants completed comprehensive residential history, health history and food frequency questionnaires. Blood for genotyping was collected and forced expiratory volume measurements were obtained.Dietary vitamin C, magnesium and daily fruit servings were associated positively with forced expiratory volume in one second in males and with maximum mid-expiratory flow, forced expiratory flow after 75% of expelled volume, and the ratio of maximum mid-expiratory flow to forced vital capacity in females. In multivariable regression, vitamin C (or fruit for male students) and magnesium showed a consistent, positive association with lung function.Among healthy female adolescents, dietary intake of vitamin C is associated with increased levels of lung function. The current study does not support a role for the glutathioneS-transferase M1-null genotype as an independent risk factor for decrements in lung function.
Obstructive and restrictive spirometric patterns: fixed cut-offs for FEV1/FEV6and FEV6
Authors: Vandevoorde J. , Verbanck S. , Schuermans D. , Kartounian J. , Vincken W. 
Published: February 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine fixed cut-off points for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/FEV6and FEV6as an alternative for FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) and FVC in the detection of obstructive and restrictive spirometric patterns, respectively.For the study, a total of 11,676 spirometric examinations, which took place on Caucasian subjects aged between 20–80 yrs, were analysed. Receiver–operator characteristic curves were used to determine the FEV1/FEV6ratio and FEV6value that corresponded to the optimal combination of sensitivity and specificity, compared with the commonly used fixed cut-off term for FEV1/FVC and FVC.The data from the current study indicate that FEV1/ FEV6<73% and FEV6<82% predicted can be used as a valid alternative for the FEV1/FVC <70% and FVC <80% pred cut-off points for the detection of obstruction and restriction, respectively. The statistical analysis demonstrated very good, overall, agreement between the two categorisation schemes. For the spirometric diagnosis of airway obstruction (prevalence of 45.9%), FEV1/FEV6sensitivity and specificity were 94.4 and 93.3%, respectively; the positive and negative predictive values were 92.2 and 95.2%, respectively. For the spirometric detection of a restrictive pattern (prevalence of 14.9%), FEV6sensitivity and specificity were 95.9 and 98.6%, respectively; the positive and negative predictive values were 92.2 and 99.3%, respectively.This study demonstrates that forced expiratory volume in one second/forced expiratory volume in six seconds <73% and forced expiratory volume in six seconds <82% predicted, can be used as valid alternatives to forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity <70% and forced vital capacity <80% predicted, as fixed cut-off terms for the detection of an obstructive or restrictive spirometric pattern in adults.
Inflammatory responses to the occupational inhalation of metal fume
Authors: Palmer K. T. , McNeill-Love R. , Poole J. R. , Coggon D. , Frew A. J. , Linaker C. H. , Shute J. K. 
Published: February 2006

Occupational exposure to metal fume promotes a reversible increase in the risk of pneumonia, but by mechanisms which are unclear. To investigate, the current authors measured various markers of host defence function in welders and nonwelders.Induced sputum and venous blood samples were collected from 27 welders with regular long-term exposure to ferrous metal fume and 31 unexposed matched controls. In sputum, the present authors measured cell counts, the soluble and cellular iron concentration, and levels of interleukin-8, tumour necrosis factor-α, myeloperoxidase, matrix metalloproteinase-9, immunoglobulin (Ig)A, α2-macroglobulin and unsaturated iron-binding capacity. Blood samples were assayed for evidence of neutrophil activation and pneumococcal IgG antibodies.Welders had significantly higher iron levels and a substantially lower unsaturated iron-binding capacity in their sputum, but, despite a high iron challenge, there was a noteworthy absence of an inflammatory response. Only blood counts of eosinophils and basophils were significantly related to the extent of welding. Weak nonsignificant trends were observed for several other measures, consistent with low-grade priming of neutrophils.In conclusion, these data suggest that chronic exposure to metal fume blunts responsiveness to inhaled particulate matter. However, the mechanism behind the lack of detectable local inflammatory response requires further investigation.