bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rising incidence and persistently high mortality of hospitalized pneumonia: a 10‐year population‐based study in Denmark
Authors: THOMSEN R. W. , RIIS A. , NØRGAARD M. , JACOBSEN J. , CHRISTENSEN S. , MCDONALD C. J. , SØRENSEN H. T. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract.Background.  Little is known about temporal trends in the incidence and mortality of pneumonia in the general population.Methods.  We conducted a population‐based cohort study in three Danish counties (population 1.4 million) to examine changes in the incidence and 30‐ and 90‐day mortality associated with hospitalized pneumonia between 1994 and 2004. All adults hospitalized with a first‐time diagnosis of pneumonia (n = 41 793) were identified in hospital discharge registries and followed for mortality through the Danish Civil Registry System. We determined age‐standardized incidence rates and adjusted mortality rates associated with calendar year, gender, age and comorbidity.Results.  Between 1994 and 2003, the incidence of hospitalized pneumonia amongst adults increased from 288 per 100 000 person‐years to 442 per 100 000 person‐years, equivalent to an age‐standardized incidence rate ratio of 1.50. The cumulative mortality within 30 and 90 days of admission was 15.2% and 21.9%, respectively, ranging from a 90‐day mortality of 2.5% in patients aged 15–39 years to 34.7% in those aged 80 and over. Advanced age was the most important poor prognostic factor, followed by a high comorbidity score and male gender. The adjusted mortality rate ratios amongst patients with hospitalized pneumonia in 1999–2004, when compared with 1994–1998, were 0.89 (95% CI 0.85–0.94) after 30 days and 0.91 (95% CI 0.88–0.95) after 90 days.Conclusions.  The incidence of hospitalized pneumonia in Denmark has increased considerably during the last 10 years and, combined with persistently high mortality rates, is of clinical and public health concern.
Expression and Regulation of Human CD275 on Endothelial Cells in Healthy and Inflamed Mucosal Tissues
Authors: Youngnak‐Piboonratanakit P. , Tsushima F. , Otsuki N. , Igarashi H. , Omura K. , Azuma M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe CD275‐CD278 costimulatory pathway is a new pathway for CD28‐B7 family molecules involved in the effector phase of T‐cell‐mediated immune responses. Expression of CD275 in oral mucosa at healthy and disease states has not been examined. We generated monoclonal antibodies against human CD275 and investigated its expression and regulation in cultured tissue cell lines and oral mucosal tissues. CD275 on monocytes was efficiently upregulated by interleukin‐4, while interferon‐γ abrogated this effect. CD275 on cultured endothelial cells (EC) was rapidly enhanced by tumour necrosis factor‐α. In healthy oral mucosa, CD275 was not detected on keratinocytes, Langerhans cells or intraepithelial lymphocytes within the epithelium or on interstitial dendritic cells or lymphocytes in the subepithelium. Constitutive expression of CD275 on EC in the connective tissues was observed in healthy mucosa, but CD275 expression on EC in oral lichen planus was either upregulated or downregulated. Approximately 20% of the T cells found within infiltrating mononuclear cells in the subepithelium expressed high levels of the CD278 receptor. CD275 on lymphoid and nonlymphoid cells is positively or negatively regulated by various cytokines. Our results suggest that CD275 on EC is involved in the recruitment or extravasation of receptor‐positive effector T cells into inflamed tissues.
Characterization of Monocyte‐Derived Dendritic Cells Maturated With IFN‐α
Authors: Svane I. M. , Nikolajsen K. , Walter M. R. , Buus S. , Gad M. , Claesson M. H. , Pedersen A. E. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractDendritic cells (DC) are promising candidates for cancer immunotherapy. These cells can be generated from peripheral blood monocytes cultured with granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4). In order to obtain full functional capacity, maturation is required, but the most potent reagents such as LPS or polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (Poly I:C) are not approved for clinical use. We tested the ability of type I interferon (IFN) to induce such maturation. We found that 24‐h IFN‐α co‐culture of day 7 monocyte‐derived DC generated with GM‐CSF and IL‐4 induces increased numbers of DC positive for CD54 and CD40 together with the co‐stimulatory molecule CD80 but not the activation marker CD83. Also, IFN‐α maturation leads to an increase in IP‐10 and MCP‐1 chemokine secretion, but only a minor increase in IL‐12p40 secretion. In line with this, maturation with IFN‐α has only a small effect on induction of autologous T‐cell stimulatory capacity of the DC. However, an increase in DC allogeneic T‐cell stimulatory capacity was observed. These data suggest that IFN‐α has a potential as a maturation agent used in DC‐based cancer vaccine trials, but not as a single reagent.
Clinical Aspects and Molecular Basis of Primary Deficiencies of Complement Component C3 and its Regulatory Proteins Factor I and Factor H
Authors: S. Reis E. , Falcão D. A. , Isaac L. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe complement system participates in both innate and acquired immune responses. Deficiencies in any of the protein components of this system are generally uncommon and require specialized services for diagnosis. Consequently, complement deficiencies are clinically underscored and may be more common than is normally estimated. As C3 is the major complement component and participates in all three pathways of activation, it is fundamental to understand all the clinical consequences observed in patients for which this protein is below normal concentration or absent in the serum. C3 deficiencies are generally associated with higher susceptibility to severe infections and in some cases with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Here, we review the main clinical aspects and the molecular basis of primary C3 deficiency as well as the mutations in the regulatory proteins factor I and factor H that result in secondary C3 deficiencies. We also discuss the use of animal models to study these deficiencies.
Elevated Serum CCL2 Concomitant with a Reduced Mycobacterium‐Induced Response Leads to Disease Dissemination in Leprosy
Authors: Hasan Z. , Jamil B. , Zaidi I. , Zafar S. , Khan A. A. , Hussain R. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are successful intracellular pathogens which downregulate host immune responses. T‐cell interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and macrophage tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) activate chemokines such as, C‐C chemokine ligand‐2 (CCL2) and CCL5, which play a role in granuloma formation. Lepromatous leprosy is characterized by defective granulomas with lowered T‐cell‐ and macrophage‐mediated responses. Tuberculosis (TB) can be localized to the lung, whereby discreet granulomas are formed. The role of chemokines in leprosy infections is as yet unclear. We compared chemokine responses in lepromatous leprosy and pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Circulating serum CCL2 was raised while CCL5 was lowered in leprosy, as compared with TB patients and healthy controls. However, both Mycobacterium bovis BCG‐ (P = 0.08) and M. leprae‐induced (P = 0.05) CCL2 secretion was reduced in leprosy. In leprosy, BCG induced greater CCL2 (P = 0.01), TNFα (P = 0.02) and somewhat greater CCL5 (P = 0.08) than M. leprae, while CXCL8 induction was comparable. Overall levels of Mycobacterium‐induced CCL2, TNFα and CXCL8 were two to threefold lower, and CCL5 was 10‐fold lower in leprosy as compared with TB. Reduced inducible CCL2 combined with a lowered TNFα response in lepromatous leprosy may contribute to the unrestricted growth and dissemination of mycobacteria found in the disease.
Coexisting subacute and systemic lupus erythematosus after terbinafine administration: successful treatment with mycophenolate mofetil
Authors: Cetkovská Petra , Pizinger Karel 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA 39‐year‐old female patient with systemic lupus erythematosus was treated with terbinafine for onychomycosis. After only 7 days of treatment with 250 mg terbinafine, a widespread severe erythematous eruption developed. The results of clinical, histological and immunofluorescent examinations confirmed the diagnosis of coexisting subacute and systemic lupus erythematosus. The patient was treated with drug withdrawal and administration of cyclosporine and methylprednisolone. One year later, mycophenolate mofetil was successfully used. Exacerbation or induction of lupus erythematosus is an extremely rare cutaneous side‐effect of terbinafine. Patients with lupus erythematosus should be advised about the risk of some drugs that might exacerbate their disease.
A new recombinant mosquito salivary allergen, rAed a 2: allergenicity, clinical relevance, and cross‐reactivity
Authors: Peng Z. , Xu W. , Lam H. , Cheng L. , James A. A. , Simons F. E. R. 
Published: February 2006

Background:  Mosquito salivary proteins cause allergic reactions in humans. The allergenicity, clinical relevance, and species cross‐reactivity of a new 37‐kDa recombinant mosquito (Aedes aegypti) salivary allergen, rAed a 2, were evaluated.Methods:  rAed a 2 was expressed using a baculovirus/insect cell system and purified. Its allergenicity was examined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), ELISA inhibition tests, immunoblots, and skin tests. Epicutaneous tests with the allergen, mosquito whole body extracts, and mosquito bite tests were performed on 48 volunteers. Serum rAed a 2‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) was measured in individuals with positive mosquito saliva‐specific IgE and negative controls.Results:  Both immunoblots and ELISAs demonstrated that rAed a 2 bound to the IgE of mosquito‐allergic individuals. The binding could be inhibited by the addition of a natural mosquito preparation. Furthermore, rAed a 2 induced immediate and delayed skin reactions. Ten per cent of 31 participants with a positive mosquito bite test had positive skin reactions to rAed a 2, compared with 32% for mosquito whole body extract. None of the participants with a negative bite test showed positive reactions to either of the two extracts. Forty‐three per cent of individuals with positive saliva‐IgE had positive rAed a 2‐IgE. rAed a 2 was a species‐shared allergen, being present in the saliva of the 11 species studied.Conclusions:  rAed a 2 has identical antigenicity and biologic activity to its native form. It can be used in the diagnosis of mosquito allergy, and is an important species‐shared antigen.
Transplantation of Normal Boar Testicular Cells Resulted in Complete Focal Spermatogenesis in a Boar Affected by the Immotile Short‐tail Sperm Defect
Authors: Mikkola M , Sironen A , Kopp C , Taponen J , Sukura A , Vilkki J , Katila T , Andersson M 
Published: February 2006

ContentsTransplantation of testicular cells, also known as spermatogonial stem cell transplantation, is a relatively new approach in the field of male infertility. We used this technique to determine whether donor‐derived sperm production in unrelated porcine recipients is possible following ultrasound‐guided transfer of testicular cells. This study was undertaken because we had a strain of Finnish Yorkshire boars with a hereditary recessive gene defect rendering all spermatozoa immotile and anatomically abnormal in homozygous boars. Thus, monitoring of the focal success of colonization of donor spermatogonia with subsequent production of progressively motile spermatozoa was extremely sensitive. Testicular cells from young normal crossbred boars were transplanted into the testes of two boars affected with the immotile short‐tail sperm (ISTS) defect. Prior to the transplantations, busulfan was used to suppress recipients’ endogenous spermatogenesis. The ejaculates were collected and analysed for the presence of motile spermatozoa. In one of the two recipient boars transplanted with testicular cells from normal donors, motile spermatozoa appeared in the ejaculates 12 weeks after the transplantation. Spermatozoa manually selected under a microscope from a frozen aliquot of ejaculate collected 27 weeks after transplantation were genotyped. In two of the 20 vials the donor‐derived genotype was visible. The genotyping results substantiated the success – as indicated by the appearance of motile spermatozoa after the spermatogonial transfer. Thus, donor‐derived sperm production in unrelated recipients is possible. In addition, the production after transplantation of progressively motile spermatozoa with normal tail lengths shows that the ISTS defect in Finnish Yorkshire boars apparently results from defective transcription of an essential gene for sperm motility in germline cells. To conclude, the transplantation of donor testicular cells can, at least in boars with the ISTS defect, result in complete focal spermatogenesis.
Gene Expression and Developmental Competence of Bovine Embryos Produced In Vitro with Different Serum Concentrations
Authors: de Oliveira ATD , Lopes RFF , Rodrigues JL 
Published: February 2006

ContentsThe objective of this study was to determine the developmental rates and relative abundance of Hsp 70.1 and Glut‐1 transcripts in in vivo‐ and in vitro‐produced (IVP) bovine embryos in media supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or different oestrous cow serum concentrations. In experiment 1, in vitro maturation and culture media were supplemented with 0.4% BSA or 1, 5, 10 or 20% of oestrous cow serum (ECS). The analysis of the expression of Hsp 70.1 and Glut‐1 was carried out in individual days 7 and 8 embryos by a semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay. In experiment 2, in vivo‐produced morulae were collected on day 7 of the oestrous cycle and employed for the comparison of the relative abundances of Hsp 70.1 and Glut‐1 transcripts with IVP morulae produced using two protein sources (10% ECS or 0.4% BSA). No differences were observed in cleavage rate among groups, but blastocyst formation (27%) and hatching rates (78%) were significantly higher in IVP embryos produced with 20% ECS than the other groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the relative abundances of Hsp 70.1 and Glut‐1 mRNA in days 7 and 8 blastocysts expanded blastocysts between groups. The abundances of mRNA for those genes were similar between IVP and in vivo‐produced morulae. In spite of the alterations observed in embryonic development, the presence of serum at distinct concentrations did not appear to alter the relative abundance profiles of Hsp 70.1 and Glut‐1 compared with controls or the BSA supplementation to the IVP media.
Reproductive Performance of Ewes after 5‐Day Treatment with Intravaginal Inserts Containing Progesterone in Combination with Injection of Prostaglandin F2α
Authors: Dixon AB , Knights M , Pate JL , Lewis PE , Inskeep EK 
Published: February 2006

ContentsThree experiments were conducted with a total of 1579 ewes to examine reproductive performance in response to synchronization of oestrus during the breeding season, using controlled internal drug releasing (CIDR‐G) inserts in regimens designed to provide high concentrations of circulating progesterone. In experiment 1, treatment with two CIDR‐G inserts for 12 days produced conception rate (79%) and prolificacy (1.9) to first service equivalent to breeding at natural oestrus (56% and 2.0, respectively). Pregnancy rates to two service periods were 90 and 79%, respectively. In experiments 2 and 3, progesterone was delivered by a single CIDR‐G insert for 5 days in combination with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α; 5 mg i.m., twice, 3 h apart) the day before (experiment 2), or at insert removal (experiment 3). The combined treatments improved rates of synchronization of oestrus (p < 0.01) by 23 and 20% points, respectively, and pregnancy rates to the first service period by 19 (p < 0.05) and 13 (p < 0.01) percentage points, respectively, compared to treatment with PGF2α alone. It is concluded that the combination of treatment for 5 days with a CIDR‐G insert and two injections of 5 mg PGF2α, the day before, or the day of insert removal, were effective treatments to obtain high fertility at synchronized oestrus in ewes during the breeding season.
Superselective coil embolization in gastrointestinal haemorrhage: Early experience
Authors: Nawawi O , Young N , So S 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThis is a retrospective study to evaluate our early experience of using selective microcoil embolization in patients who had gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage. From December 2002 to December 2003, six patients with GI haemorrhage (upper GI, n = 1; lower GI, n = 5) underwent superselective microcoil embolization. Microcatheters were used to carry out embolizations in branches of the superior mesenteric artery. Microcoils were used in five patients and a combination of microcoils and embolospheres was used in one patient. Technical success (bleeding target devascularization) was achieved in all patients who showed active bleeding at the time of angiography. Two patients had recurrent bleeding within 24 h of embolization, of which one (16.7%) died. The other patient did not require active intervention as bleeding was minimal and resolved with conservative management. Satisfactory clinical success (no rebleeding after 30 days) was achieved in five patients. No clinical signs and symptoms of bowel ischaemia occurred in these patients. Follow‐up colonoscopy carried out in two patients did not show any signs of ischaemia in the affected bowel segments. Superselective microcoil embolization is an effective and safe method of controlling and arresting bleeding in GI haemorrhage.
Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma: Multidisciplinary treatment experience
Authors: Forstner D , Borg M , Saxon B 
Published: February 2006

SummaryOrbital rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) accounts for 10% of childhood RMS and has a relatively good prognosis of up to 85% 5‐year survival. Improved survival has led to increased interest in late effects of treatment. The objective of this study was to review the results of treating orbital RMS with multidisciplinary treatment at Women's and Children's Hospital and Royal Adelaide Hospital with emphasis on late effects of treatment. A retrospective review was carried out of all patients with orbital RMS treated with multidisciplinary treatment including radiation therapy and chemotherapy in the two institutions between 1982 and 2002. A total of five patients (age range 5.5‐12 years) satisfied the eligibility requirements. Late effects were significant and included facial bone hypoplasia, cataract formation and growth hormone deficiency. Overall survival was 80% (4/5) with mean follow up of 8 years (range 3‐13 years). Given the high cure rates achieved, future treatments must aim to maintain the good results but to reduce the high incidence of late effects of treatment. Standardised rating of late toxicity, long‐term follow‐up clinics, and implementation of modern radiation techniques (3‐D conformal radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiotherapy, proton therapy) for patients with orbital RMS are important to improving outcome.
High‐resolution computed tomography of ‘hot tub’ pneumonitis
Authors: O'Neil RA , Bennett G , Kapoor C 
Published: February 2006

SummaryA case of pneumonitis following exposure to Mycobacterium avium intracellulare in an indoor home spa (hot tub) is presented. The patient complained of recurrent dyspnoea and wheezing. High‐resolution CT showed centrilobular ground‐glass nodules. Pathological correlation showed interstitial and bronchiolocentric granulomata. Biopsy cultures grew M. avium intracellulare. The patient condition improved following cessation of hot tub use.
Mucocele of the appendix with magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Puvaneswary M , Proietto A 
Published: February 2006

SummaryMucocele of the appendix is a rare lesion caused by abnormal accumulation of mucus. Although preoperative diagnosis is important to avoid rupture of a mucocele, the diagnosis is often made at surgery. We report a case of an appendiceal mucocele that mimicked a hydrosalpinx on CT and MRI.
Tungsten particles mimicking the microcalcifications seen in ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Bessell‐Browne R , Beer T , Wylie E 
Published: February 2006

SummaryMammographic detection and characterization of breast microcalcifications is important in the early diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ. A case is presented where tungsten microparticles simulated microcalcifications and prompted a full diagnostic assessment. The likely origin of the particles is discussed and the published work on metallic particles in the breast is reviewed. Awareness of possible alternative causes for apparent microcalcifications at mammography is important for the breast radiologist and pathologist.
Primary osteosarcoma of the skull
Authors: Haque F , Fazal ST , Ahmad SA , Abbas SZ , Naseem S 
Published: February 2006

SummaryPrimary osteogenic sarcoma of the skull is an exceedingly rare condition. An adult male patient is described, who had a painless swelling in the right forehead that had rapidly enlarged in the previous 6 months. Radiological investigations showed a large destructive mass lesion involving the right side of the frontal bone with extension into the frontal sinus, causing marked extradural compression of brain parenchyma. Histopathological examination confirmed the lesion to be primary osteogenic sarcoma.
The bottom line: Outcomes after conservation treatment in anal cancer
Authors: Dwyer MK , Gebski VJ , Jayamohan J 
Published: February 2006

SummaryAt the Department of Radiation Oncology, Westmead Hospital, between 1980 and 2000, 60 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of anal canal or margin (including 15 with Stage IIIA or IIIB) were treated radically; 55 received chemoradiation (89% were prescribed mitomycin C and 5‐fluorouracil). Five‐year overall survival was 64% (95% confidence interval (CI): 48–79%), with a median survival of 9.75 years (median follow up 5.6 years, range 5 months to 22.5 years). Ten patients have died of disease. At 2 years the local control rate was 86%, and colostomy‐free survival was 83%. Relapse after 2 years was uncommon. Tumour size was the main factor driving outcomes, especially survival. Patients with larger tumours (T > 4 cm) had a hazard ratio for survival of 5.7 (95% CI: 1.8–17). Fourteen (24%) patients experienced treatment interruptions as a result of acute toxicity, including one death from neutropoenic sepsis. Seven (12%) patients, in total, experienced one or more late toxicities, grade 3 or above, including four women (all postmenopausal) who developed a radiation‐induced bone injury. Most patients with anal cancer can expect to retain a functional sphincter after chemoradiation/radiation. Further studies are in progress to determine the optimal chemoradiation protocol.