bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frontline autologous stem cell transplantation in high‐risk peripheral T‐cell lymphoma: a prospective study from The Gel‐Tamo Study Group
Authors: Rodríguez José , Conde Eulogio , Gutiérrez Antonio , Arranz Reyes , León Ángel , Marín Julián , Bendandi Maurizio , Albo Carmen , Caballero María Dolores ,   On behalf of the ‘Grupo Español de Linfomas/Trasplante Autólogo de Médula Ósea’ (GEL‐TAMO)
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective: Retrospective data shows that peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) patients sensitive to conventional chemotherapy for aggressive lymphomas may respond better if this treatment is consolidated with frontline autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Here, we present data from a prospective phase II trial of high‐dose chemotherapy and ASCT as a frontline consolidation therapy for aggressive nodal PTCL.Methods: This study involved 26 gallium‐scan‐positive patients with high‐risk nodal PTCL [excluding anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive]. Patients received three courses of MegaCHOP before they were evaluated, and those that were gallium‐scan‐negative at this stage then received another course of MegaCHOP and ASCT. Patients who remained gallium‐scan‐positive received two courses of an IFE regimen (ifosfamide 10 g/m2, etoposide 150 mg/m2/12 h on days 1‐3) and if they at least achieved PR, they then received the transplant.Results: Complete response (CR) was achieved by 12 patients (46%) after three courses of MegaCHOP and 12 patients received IFE as a salvage therapy. After the ASCT (n = 19), 89% of patients achieved CR. In contrast, six patients (23%) did not receive the transplant because of the progression of the disease (n = 5) or lethal toxicity (n = 1). One patient in first‐line CR refused ASCT. After a median follow‐up of 35 months, the overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) at 3 yr was 73% and 53%, respectively. Moreover, the OS, PFS and disease‐free survival (DFS) were 84%, 56% and 63%, respectively 2 yr after transplant in patients who received ASCT consolidation (n = 19).Conclusions: Early salvage therapy for patients with high‐risk aggressive nodal PTCL that do not achieve CR after three courses of chemotherapy and ASCT frontline consolidation for chemosensitive patients may improve treatment outcome.
Nephrotic syndrome in a patient with IgM myeloma with associated neutrophilia
Authors: Gnerre Paola , Ottonello Luciano , Montecucco Fabrizio , Boero Michela , Dallegri Franco 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAn unusual case having IgM monoclonal gammopathy with clinical and pathologic features of multiple myeloma (MM) in association with neutrophilia and nephrotic syndrome is reported. The patient showed lytic bone lesions, decreased IgG and IgA levels, Bence‐Jones proteinuria, nephrotic proteinuria with edema, and histological plasma cell infiltration typical of MM. Moreover, mature neutrophilic leukocytosis, hepatomegaly, high leukocyte alkaline phosphatase score (LAP), absence of Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome and bcr gene rearrangement were also evidenced, all these features representing findings typical of the recently described plasma cell dyscrasia‐associated neutrophilia. After the diagnosis, the patient was treated with melphalan and prednisone, with an excellent response to the treatment. Different from the 30 cases so far reported, this is the first case of plasma‐cell dyscrasia with associated neutrophilia due to IgM‐producing monoclonal gammopathy. At the same time, this is the first reported case of nephrotic syndrome secondary to IgM myeloma.
A new type of plasma prekallikrein deficiency associated with homozygosity for Gly104Arg and Asn124Ser in apple domain 2 of the heavy‐chain region
Authors: Katsuda Itsuro , Maruyama Fumio , Ezaki Kohji , Sawamura Toru , Ichihara Yoshikazu 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThree Japanese patients demonstrated plasma prekallikrein (PK) deficiency (PKD) after an examination of the proband family line named ‘PKD Seki’. A molecular genetic analysis of these PK genes showed homozygous amino acid substitutions Gly104Arg and Asn124Ser in exon 5, which encodes part of the apple domain 2 (A2) of the heavy chain. This is the first case involving substitutions in the heavy chain of the PK gene which affected blood coagulation. Because the apple domains of PK bind to the C‐terminal domain (D6H) of high‐molecular weight kininogen (HMWK), the two substitutions in A2 may therefore be the main cause of PKD Seki. We subsequently investigated the effects of amino acid substitutions in A2 to elucidate the binding activity of PK to HMWK using mutant A2 proteins produced in Escherichia coli. We clearly demonstrated that the Gly104Arg‐substitution with the Asn124Ser‐substitution in A2 reduce the binding activity of A2 to HMWK. PKD Seki is the first significant case to show the amino acid substitutions in the A2 affecting the binding capacity of PK with HMWK. Our findings therefore suggest that the binding of PK to HMWK may play a crucial role in the first step of blood coagulation.
Prognostic factors for classifying extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type, as lymphoid neoplasia
Authors: Na Im I. , Kang Hye J. , Park Yeon H. , Lee Seung‐Sook , Yoo Hyung J. , Choe Du H. , Ryoo Baek‐Yeol , Yang Sung H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study evaluated the applicability of prognostic factors commonly used for diagnosis of classical lymphoma outcomes to extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (NTCL). Clinical features and their associations with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated in 70 patients. RLDH was defined as the ratio of LDH to the upper normal limit. RLDH was associated with stage (I–II vs. III–IV), lymph node involvement (LNI), and International Prognostic Index score (<2 vs. ≥2). Poor performance status and advanced stage were common in patients with local tumor invasiveness (LTI). LDH level, classified into three levels (low, high, and very high) was associated with survival (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the predictive values of LDH level, B symptom, performance status, and stage remained significant whereas those of LTI and LNI did not. Scoring was performed by weighting each factor with 0.5 or 1.0 according to its hazard ratio. Scores were classified into four groups. Groups with high scores were associated with unfavorable outcomes (P < 0.001). Current study suggests that prognostic factors for NHL may be useful to predict the outcome of NTCL but the model should take LDH level and the prognostic weight of each factor into account.
Inhibition of erythroid and granulocyte‐macrophage colony formation by non‐transferrin‐bound iron in vitro: protective effect of apotransferrin
Authors: Juvonen Eeva , Sahlstedt Leila , Parkkinen Jaakko , Ruutu Tapani 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives:  The aim of the study was to investigate in vitro the effect of free iron on erythroid and granulocyte‐macrophage colony formation and the effect of binding free iron with apotransferrin.Methods:  Normal haematopoietic progenitors were cultured in vitro with different concentrations of free iron in the form of ferric nitrilotriacetic acid (FeNTA). Parallel cultures were performed after the preincubation of FeNTA with apotransferrin.Results:  Free iron inhibited colony formation by erythroid and granulocyte‐macrophage progenitors and reduced the size of the colonies in a dose‐dependent manner. Preincubation of FeNTA with apotransferrin diminished the inhibitory effect of FeNTA on colony formation increasing both the number and the size of colonies.Conclusions:  Free iron was toxic to haematopoietic progenitors in in vitro cultures; the toxic effect could be reduced with apotransferrin.
Clinical‐scale generation of strongly CD83‐expressing dendritic cells using extracorporeal photopheresis
Authors: Bredberg Anders , Jonsson Svante , Lindblom Anders , Björk Peter 
Published: June 2007

Background: Many strategies are currently being pursued in order to generate mature dendritic cells (DC) to be used for immunotherapy. A potent anti‐tumour influence by extracorporeal photopheresis has been documented for cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, and a major mechanism of action has been suggested to be generation of DC presenting tumour antigens.Purpose: To determine the potential of a simple clinical photopheresis protocol for large‐scale development of mature DC.Methods: A standard monocyte‐enriched leukapheresis preparation of 109–1010 cells was derived during each of five consecutive treatment sessions of a patient with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. The cells were incubated overnight in autologous plasma with no addition of growth medium. Cell surface lymphocyte, monocyte and DC markers were determined using multi‐colour flow cytometry.Results: We find signs of activation of the CD14+ monocytes, as well as the appearance of a minor population of mature DC negative for CD14 but with strong CD83 expression.Conclusions: With a procedure appropriate for routine clinical use, a total number of 106–107 DC ready for patient reinfusion can be prepared within 24 h. Our findings indicate the need to further explore the capacity of photopheresis to stimulate cancer patients' anti‐tumour defence reaction.
Twice‐ vs. thrice‐weekly MPD PUVA in psoriasis: a randomized‐controlled efficacy study
Authors: Valbuena Martha Cecilia , Hernández Olga , Rey Maritza , Sánchez Guillermo , De Quintana Luisa Porras 
Published: June 2007

Background: Oral psoralen‐ultraviolet A (PUVA) has been the treatment of choice of moderate to severe forms of psoriasis, however there is no standardized worldwide protocol. Twice‐ and thrice‐weekly regimens had been used. In this study we compare the efficacy of these regimens.Methods: Two PUVA regimens in 28 patients with clinical diagnosis of psoriasis, with symmetric and no less than 20% of body surface area involvement, using a half‐body study, were compared. Each patient body half was randomized to receive either twice‐ or thrice‐weekly PUVA. A blinded trained dermatologist assessed the PASI score in each body half at the beginning of the study and at clearance or after 25 sessions.Results: Twenty‐three patients completed the study. There were no significant differences in the efficacy of both treatments considering the median percentage of PASI decrease (92.9% for the body half with the twice‐weekly regimen and 94.8% for the thrice‐weekly treatment, P=0.179). There were significant differences comparing the median number of sessions needed for clearance and the median cumulative doses, favouring the twice‐weekly regimen (15 vs. 22, P=0.000, and 142.5 vs. 241.4 J/cm2, P=0.001, respectively).Conclusion: The treatment of psoriasis patients with twice‐ or thrice‐weekly PUVA in this study was equally effective, the number of sessions required and the cumulative doses of UVA were lower with the twice‐weekly regimen.
Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α)‐converting enzyme (TACE) and soluble TNF‐α receptor type 1 in psoriasis patients treated with narrowband ultraviolet B
Authors: Serwin Agnieszka Beata , Sokolowska Marianna , Chodynicka Bozena 
Published: June 2007

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α)‐converting enzyme (TACE) concentration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and its relationship with plasma concentration of soluble TNF‐α receptor type 1 (sTNF‐R1) and with the disease severity in psoriasis patients treated with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB).Methods: The study has been conducted among 40 patients with plaque‐type psoriasis vulgaris: 23 had only skin lesions (PV) and 17 had co‐existing, inactive, psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Control blood samples were obtained from 20 healthy subjects. The assessment of the severity of skin lesions (using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index – PASI), TACE and sTNF‐R1 concentrations (using quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassays) have been performed at baseline (T 0) and after 20 NB‐UVB irradiations (T 20).Results: The baseline sTNF‐R1 and TACE concentrations in all patients was higher than that in controls (2.55 ± 1.67 vs. 1.70 ± 0.15 ng/ml, P<0.001, respectively, and 2.62 ± 0.32 vs. 1.31 ± 0.30 ng/ml, P<0.001, respectively). The sTNF‐R1 and TACE concentrations were lower in PV than in PsA patients (2.47 ± 0.16 vs. 2.65 ± 0.13 ng/ml, and 2.52 ± 0.22 vs. 2.76 ± 0.39 ng/ml, P<0.05, respectively). The baseline PASI correlated with sTNF‐R1 and to TACE concentrations (R=0.48 and 0.39, P<0.05, respectively). The sTNF‐R1 correlated to TACE concentration (R=0.52, P<0.05). The significant decline in sTNF‐R1 and TACE concentrations at T 20 was noticed, TACE reached control values (1.20 ± 0.44 ng/ml in PV patients and 1.16 ± 0.48 ng/ml in PsA patients, respectively).Conclusion: TACE from PBMC can contribute to up‐regulation of sTNF‐R1 in patients with active psoriasis vulgaris and with psoriatic arthritis. It also can serve as a sensitive marker of the disease severity.
Immunomodulatory effects of ultraviolet B irradiation on atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice
Authors: Mutou Yasuko , Ibuki Yuko , Kojima Shuji 
Published: June 2007

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common pruritic inflammatory skin disease, which occurs primarily in childhood. Recently, narrow‐band ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy has been used to treat AD, but the mechanism involved is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether UVB irradiation influences AD in the NC/Nga mouse.Methods: The mice were separated into three groups: control, AD‐control (immunized with mite antigens), and AD+UVB‐irradiated (immunized with mite antigens and UVB irradiation) groups. The mice in the irradiation group were exposed to 1 kJ/m2/day twice a week from 6 to 12 weeks of age. Animals in the control and AD‐control groups were shaved, but not irradiated.Results: In the AD+UVB‐irradiated group, the atopy score, ear thickness, and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) were increased in comparison with the AD‐control group. On day 40, the levels of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐10 in the spleen lymphocytes were significantly increased compared with the AD‐control group, resulting in a marked decrease of the interferon (IFN)‐γ/IL‐4 ratio compared with the AD‐control group. In addition, the levels of IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and NOx production by peritoneal macrophages were significantly elevated.Conclusion: These results indicate that UVB irradiation promotes the development of AD‐like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.
Handover in the emergency department: Deficiencies and adverse effects
Authors: Ye Ken , McD Taylor David , Knott Jonathan C , Dent Andrew , MacBean Catherine E 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective:  To determine problems resulting from ED handover, deficiencies in current procedures and whether patient care or ED processes are adversely affected.Methods:  A prospective observational study at three large metropolitan ED comprising three components: observation of handover sessions, 2 h post‐handover surveys of the receiving doctors and a general survey of ED doctors.Results:  The handovers of 914 patients were observed during 60 handover sessions in a 3‐month period. Medical information, including presenting complaints, was handed over better than communication and disposition information. Seven hundred and seven (77.4%) of 914 potential post‐handover interviews were undertaken. Most (88.3%) doctors thought the handover was ‘adequate/good’. However, information was perceived as lacking in 109 (15.4%) handovers, especially details of management (35, 5.0%), investigations (33, 4.7%) and disposition (33, 4.7%). There was a significant difference in the perceived quality of handovers (1–5 scale where 5 = excellent) when all required information was handed over and when it was not (median scores 4.0 vs 3.0, respectively, P < 0.001). As a result of perceived inadequate handovers, the doctor/ED and patient were affected adversely in 62 (8.8%) and 33 (4.7%) cases, respectively, for example, repetition of assessment, delays in disposition and care. Fifty doctors completed the general survey. Most believed communications made to inpatient units, inaccurate/incomplete information and disorganization were problematic.Conclusion:  Deficiencies in handover processes exist, especially in communication and disposition information. These affect doctors, the ED and patients adversely. Recommendations for improvement include guideline development to standardize handover processes, the greater use of information technology facilities, ongoing feedback to staff, and quality assurance and education activities.
Localization of Per a 3 allergen in the gut and faecal pellets of the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
Authors: Wu H.‐Q. , Liu Z.‐G. , Gao B. , Li M. , Ran P.‐X. , Xing M. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryCockroach‐derived materials are known to be a major source of potent aeroallergens, causing allergic respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study was to determine the localization of the major allergen, Per a 3 (Cr‐PI), within the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), which might reveal the relative importance of excreted materials and nonexcreted cockroach components as allergen sources.American cockroaches (P. americana) and their faecal pellets were embedded in paraffin, and serial sections were cut and collected on glass slides. After being stained with mouse polyclonal antiserum against Per a 3, the sections were incubated sequentially with biotin‐labelled sheep antimouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) and a preformed fluorescent isothiocyanate (FITC)‐avidin complex. Finally, the sections were mounted and examined under a fluorescent microscope.Examination of Per a 3 immunoreactivity on the sections of the American cockroaches (P. americana) revealed that the midgut mucosa, gut contents and faecal pellets were all strongly labelled. Per a 3 immunoreactive products were not detected in any other internal organs of the American cockroaches. These results suggest that Per a 3 allergen might be synthesized in and secreted from the epithelia of the midgut mucosa and excreted from the body in the faecal pellets.
Determination of HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 haplotypes based on allelic homozygosity data in selected bone marrow donors of the Taiwanese marrow donor registry
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lin P. Y. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryFrom 120 unrelated Taiwanese marrow stem cell donors with allelic homozygosities at human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 loci, we determined 85 distinguishable haplotypes. Using the predetermined haplotype data, we deduced 418 haplotypes from 1903 unrelated individual stem cell donors selected for HLA confirmatory test. Eighteen of the 20 (90%) most frequently observed haplotypes determined in Asian Americans using computer prediction were found in this study. In comparison with haplotypes determined by maximum likelihood algorithm in Korean population, 18 of the 29 (62.07%) Korean haplotypes with a frequency over 0.5% were also among the haplotypes determined in this investigation. Randomized family studies confirmed that over 50% of the haplotypes observed in the families were among the haplotypes deduced based on allelic homozygosity, suggesting that proportionally additional haplotypes can be determined as the number of donors being studied is increased. Haplotypes carrying low incidence allele characteristics of Taiwanese were also observed in this study. This established haplotype information will be beneficial for patients searching for stem cell donors in our registry domestically and internationally.
Attention Problems in Very Low Birth Weight Preschoolers: Are New Screening Measures Needed for This Special Population?
Authors: Davis Deborah Winders , Burns Barbara , Snyder Elizabeth , Robinson Julia 
Published: June 2007

PROBLEM:  Children born prematurely have been shown to have a range of problems that often result in delayed academic achievement. METHODS:  The current study assessed both attention problem scores (Child Behavior Checklist) and actual performance on tasks tapping three attention networks in a sample of children (n = 94) born with very low birth weights (VLBW; ≤ 1500 grams).FINDINGS:  Attention problem scores were extremely low and did not predict children's actual attention performance. CONCLUSIONS:  A body of research is developing that suggests VLBW children may have specific, yet subtle, attention problems that may differ from those of other children.
Patterns of Depressive Symptoms in Children
Authors: Bailey Mary K. , Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Heinzer Marjorie M. , Hemstrom‐Krainess And Marion 
Published: June 2007

PROBLEM:  Depressive symptoms in children have been linked to recurrent problems with depression, school problems, and risky health behaviors. Adolescent girls report depressive symptoms three to four times more frequently than adolescent boys. Few studies, however, have examined gender‐related depressive symptoms in younger, school‐aged children. METHODS:  In the present study, gender differences in depressive symptoms in children ages 10–12 years were explored using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) with a convenience sample of 122 suburban middle‐class public school fifth and sixth graders. FINDINGS:  A distinct pattern of depressive symptom expression was found with girls reporting more internalizing and more negative self‐esteem, and boys reporting more externalizing and more school problems. CONCLUSION:  These findings suggest that despite similarities on a total depressive symptom score, there are distinct gender differences in depressive symptom expression that are identifiable before adolescence and may be associated with normative development.
Sources of Stress and Support and Maternal Resources of Homeless Teenage Mothers
Authors: Meadows‐Oliver Mikki , Sadler Lois S. , Swartz Martha K. , Ryan‐Krause Patricia 
Published: June 2007

PROBLEM:  Homeless families headed by young mothers are increasing. This preliminary study describes the characteristics of 17 homeless teenage mothers (HTM). METHODS:  HTMs completed questionnaires researching depression, self‐esteem, maternal competence, and sources of stress and support. FINDINGS:  HTMs had positive maternal competence and self‐esteem scores. When compared to housed mothers, HTMs were younger, had more depressive symptoms and negative life events, and fewer social supports. CONCLUSIONS:  HTMs represent a high‐risk group with fewer available supports and many complex life stressors. School‐based programs can benefit HTMs by offering support, helping them continue their education, and assisting with on‐site school‐based childcare.