bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulating Stress Relaxation Effects for Sequential Biaxial Stretching of Optical Films in a Tenter
Authors: Sato Takashi , Sugihara Genki , Arakawa Kouhei , Yamada Toshiro 
Published: August 2006

Control of the sequential orientation (tenter) process for optical films is one of the most important factors in developing the retardation films which are needed for large sized liquid crystal displays (LCD). Analysis to predict the thickness distributions and bowing phenomenon during the tentering process is performed by finite element analysis (FEA). In addition, this study provides a new calculation method to predict the optical axes of stretched films from elastoplastic FEA results. The optical axes have two components. One is a stress-dependent term and the other is a strain-dependent term. To predict the molecular orientation, time-dependent effects are concerned with both. Moreover, polymer relaxation processes are examined. The FEA and optical property calculation are independent in the methods. This method enables one to easily calculate optical axes of films during the tentering process without a change of the conventional FEA calculation process.
P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 and β2-integrins cooperate in the adhesion of leukocytes to von Willebrand factor
Authors: Pendu Ronan , Terraube Virginie , Christophe Olivier D. , Gahmberg Carl G. , de Groot Philip G. , Lenting Peter J. , Denis Cecile V. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractVon Willebrand factor (VWF) is an essential component of hemostasis. However, animal studies using VWF-deficient mice suggest that VWF may also contribute to inflammation. In the present study, we demonstrate that VWF was able to interact with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and monocytes under static and flow conditions. Adhesion under flow was dominated by short-lasting contact with resting PMNs, whereas adhesion of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)–stimulated PMNs was characterized by firm adhesion. Transient binding of PMNs to VWF appeared to be mediated by P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1). Moreover, recombinant PSGL-1 protein and cell surface–expressed PSGL-1 directly interacted with VWF. As for stable adhesion by PMA-stimulated PMNs, we observed that static adhesion and adhesion under flow were strongly inhibited (greater than 75%) by neutrophil-inhibitory factor, an inhibitor of β2-integrin function. In addition, the isolated I-domain of αMβ2 bound to VWF, and cell lines expressing αLβ2 or αXβ2 adhered efficiently to VWF. Taken together, our data showed that VWF can function as an adhesive surface for various leukocyte subsets (monocytes, PMNs). Analogous to VWF-platelet interaction, VWF provided binding sites for leukocyte receptors involved in rolling (PSGL-1) and stable (β2-integrins) adhesion. VWF is unique in its intrinsic capacity to combine the rolling and the stable adhesion step in the interaction with leukocytes.
Primitive erythropoiesis from mesodermal precursors expressing VE-cadherin, PECAM-1, Tie2, endoglin, and CD34 in the mouse embryo
Authors: Ema Masatsugu , Yokomizo Tomomasa , Wakamatsu Asami , Terunuma Tsumoru , Yamamoto Masayuki , Takahashi Satoru 
Published: August 2006

AbstractVascular endothelial (VE) cadherin, PECAM-1 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, CD31), Tie2, CD34, and endoglin are established markers for adult and embryonic endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we report that the expression of these EC markers is initiated in the extraembryonic region at the late-streak stage (nominal stage E6.75). Immunohistochemical analysis shows that EC marker–positive cells arise in a subset of Flk1 (VEGF-R2) mesodermal cells. In contrast, GATA1, a marker for primitive erythropoietic progenitors, is expressed in a more restricted subset of Flk1-positive cells. Using flow cytometry, we observed that the GATA1-positive cell population existed as a subset of the EC marker–positive cell. Consistent with this notion, we showed with the primitive hematopoietic colony assay that primitive erythropoietic progenitors are enriched in PECAM-1– and Tie2-positive cells. These results suggest that primitive hematopoietic cells arise from EC marker–positive cells. Thus, VE-cadherin, PECAM-1, CD34, endoglin, and Tie2 are expressed not only in adult and embryonic ECs but in extraembryonic Flk1-positive cells during gastrulation. The latter cell population includes progenitors that give rise to primitive hematopoietic cells, suggesting that primitive and definitive hematopoietic cells in the mouse embryo arise from EC marker–positive cells.
T lymphocytes redirected against the κ light chain of human immunoglobulin efficiently kill mature B lymphocyte-derived malignant cells
Authors: Vera Juan , Savoldo Barbara , Vigouroux Stephane , Biagi Ettore , Pule Martin , Rossig Claudia , Wu Jessie , Heslop Helen E. , Rooney Cliona M. , Brenner Malcolm K. , Dotti Gianpietro 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThere has been interest in generating T cells expressing chimeric artificial receptors (CARs) targeting CD19/CD20 antigens to treat B-cell lymphomas. If successful, however, this approach would likely impair humoral immunity because T cells may persist long-term. Most low-grade lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells express monoclonal immunoglobulins carrying either κ or λ light chains. We, therefore, explored whether T lymphocytes could be genetically modified to target the tumor-associated light chain, sparing B lymphocytes expressing the reciprocal light chain, and consequently reduce impairment of humoral immunity. We found that T lymphocytes expressing the anti-κ light chain CAR showed cytotoxic activity against Igκ+ tumor cell lines and B-CLL cells both in vitro and in vivo. We also found that the incorporation of the CD28 endodomain within the CAR enhanced the in vitro and in vivo expansion of transgenic T cells after tumor-associated antigen stimulation. Free Igκ+ did not compromise the ability of redirected T lymphocytes to eliminate Igκ+ tumors because these free immunoglobulins served to sustain proliferation of CAR-CD28 transgenic T cells. Thus, adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes targeting the appropriate light chain could be a useful immunotherapy approach to treat B-lymphocyte malignancies that clonally express immunoglobulin without entirely compromising humoral immunity.
Umbilical cord blood transplantation and cytomegalovirus: posttransplantation infection and donor screening
Authors: Albano Maria S. , Taylor Patricia , Pass Robert F. , Scaradavou Andromachi , Ciubotariu Rodica , Carrier Carmelita , Dobrila Ludy , Rubinstein Pablo , Stevens Cladd E. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis study assessed the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after transplantation of cord blood (CB) from unrelated donors and evaluated strategies for screening CB donors. Posttransplantation CMV infection, reported in 23% of 1221 CB recipients, was associated with patient pretransplantation CMV serology (P < .001), but not with CMV serology in CB donors or their mothers. A total of 26 988 infant CB donors were evaluated by viral culture of saliva. Subgroups were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction in CB (CB-PCR) in 2 case-control studies. In the first study, 33 of 47 saliva culture–positive CB donors were confirmed by CB-PCR. All mothers of the 33 infants with confirmed CMV infection were CMV–total antibody positive, but only 1 of 3 had CMV-IgM antibody. The second study evaluated infants born to mothers with CMV-IgM antibody. Of these, 5 of 170 saliva culture–negative infants were positive by CB-PCR. The incidence of congenital CMV infection in CB donors was low (0.12%). Maternal serology had poor predictive value for CMV infection in their infant CB donors and bore no detected relationship to CMV infection in CB recipients. Saliva culture for CMV had both false-positive and -negative results. CB-PCR was a useful alternative for detecting CMV in CB donors.
Arsenic trioxide: a promising novel therapeutic agent for lymphoproliferative and autoimmune syndromes in MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Bobé Pierre , Bonardelle Danielle , Benihoud Karim , Opolon Paule , Chelbi-Alix Mounira K. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractMRL/lpr mice develop a human lupuslike syndrome and, as in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), massive lymphoproliferation due to inactivation of Fas-mediated apoptosis. Presently, no effective therapy exists for ALPS, and long term, therapies for lupus are hazardous. We show herein that arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is able to achieve quasi-total regression of antibody- and cell-mediated manifestations in MRL/lpr mice. As2O3 activated caspases and eliminated the activated T lymphocytes responsible for lymphoproliferation and skin, lung, and kidney lesions, leading to significantly prolonged survival rates. This treatment also markedly reduced anti-DNA autoantibody, rheumatoid factor, IL-18, IFN-γ, nitric oxide metabolite, TNF-α, Fas ligand, and IL-10 levels and immune-complex deposits in glomeruli. As2O3 restored cellular reduced glutathione levels, thereby limiting the toxic effect of nitric oxide, which is overproduced in MRL/lpr mice. Furthermore, As2O3 protected young animals against developing the syndrome and induced almost total disease disappearance in older affected mice, thereby demonstrating that it is a novel promising therapeutic agent for autoimmune diseases.
Proteomic approaches to dissect platelet function: half the story
Authors: Gnatenko Dmitri V. , Perrotta Peter L. , Bahou Wadie F. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPlatelets play critical roles in diverse hemostatic and pathologic disorders and are broadly implicated in various biological processes that include inflammation, wound healing, and thrombosis. Recent progress in high-throughput mRNA and protein profiling techniques has advanced our understanding of the biological functions of platelets. Platelet proteomics has been adopted to decode the complex processes that underlie platelet function by identifying novel platelet-expressed proteins, dissecting mechanisms of signal or metabolic pathways, and analyzing functional changes of the platelet proteome in normal and pathologic states. The integration of transcriptomics and proteomics, coupled with progress in bioinformatics, provides novel tools for dissecting platelet biology. In this review, we focus on current advances in platelet proteomic studies, with emphasis on the importance of parallel transcriptomic studies to optimally dissect platelet function. Applications of these global profiling approaches to investigate platelet genetic diseases and platelet-related disorders are also addressed.
Successful treatment of AL amyloidosis with high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation in patients over age 65
Authors: Seldin David C. , Anderson Jennifer J. , Skinner Martha , Malek Karim , Wright Daniel G. , Quillen Karen , Finn Kathleen , Oran Betul , Sanchorawala Vaishali 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Recently, protocols using high-dose melphalan chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (HDM/SCT) have been developed for the treatment of patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Although peritransplantation mortality is greater than for other hematologic diseases, treatment leads to durable hematologic complete responses, improvements in organ function and quality of life, and extended survival in a substantial proportion of patients. To determine whether this treatment can be applied to older patients, we have analyzed HDM/SCT treatment outcomes for 65 patients (aged 65 years or older) with AL amyloidosis compared with outcomes for 280 younger patients. For patients over age 65 years who meet the same eligibility criteria as younger patients, toxicity, hematologic remission rate, and survival were not significantly different from those observed in younger patients, indicating that older patients should not be excluded a priori from consideration for HDM/SCT treatment.
Female genital schistosomiasis as an evidence of a neglected cause for reproductive ill-health: a retrospective histopathological study from Tanzania
Authors: Swai Britta , Poggensee Gabriele , Mtweve Sabina , Krantz Ingela 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Schistosomiasis affects the reproductive health of women. Described sequelae are ectopic pregnancy, infertility, abortion, and cervical lesions and symptoms mimicking cervical cancer and STIs. There are indications that cervical schistosomiasis lesions could become co-factors for viral infection such as HIV and HPV.

Methods
In a retrospective descriptive histopathological study clinical specimens sent between 1999 and 2005 to the pathology department of a consultant hospital in Tanzania were reviewed to analyse the occurrence and features of schistosomiasis in female genital organs.

Results
During the study period, schistosomiasis was histopathologically diagnosed in 423 specimens from different organs (0.7% of all specimens examined in the study period), out of those 40% were specimens from female and male organs. The specimens were sent from 24 hospitals in 13 regions of mainland Tanzania. Female genital schistosomiasis was diagnosed in 125 specimens from 111 patients. The main symptoms reported were bleeding disorders (48%), ulcer (17%), tumor (20%), lower abdominal pain (11%) and infertility (7%). The majority of cases with genital schistosomiasis were diagnosed in cervical tissue (71 cases). The confirmation of cervical cancer was specifically requested for 53 women, but the diagnosis could only be verified for 13 patients (25%), in 40 cases only severe cervical schistosomiasis was diagnosed. Vulval/labial schistosomiasis was seen in specimens from young women. Infertility was reported in four patients with schistosomiasis of the Fallopian tubes.

Conclusion
Genital schistosomiasis adds to the disease burden of women in all age groups. Pathological consequences due to the involvement of different genital organs can be damaging for the affected women. Clinical unawareness of genital schistosomiasis can lead to misdiagnosis and therefore false and ineffective therapy. In endemic areas cervical schistosomiasis should be considered as differential diagnosis of cancer.
Bcl-XL is qualitatively different from and ten times more effective than Bcl-2 when expressed in a breast cancer cell line
Authors: Fiebig Aline A , Zhu Weijia , Hollerbach Catherine , Leber Brian , Andrews David W 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL are anti-apoptotic paralogues that inhibit apoptosis elicited by a wide variety of stimuli, and play critical roles in cancer development and resistance to treatment. Many clinical studies have indicated that expression of these anti-apoptotic proteins in tumours is associated with poor prognosis. It has therefore been assumed that in cells the essential difference between Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL involves regulation of expression and that they are otherwise functionally similar. To examine this issue, we have compared the function of the proteins and of mutants of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL specifically targeted to different subcellular sites.

Methods
We generated clones of the human breast cancer line MCF-7 stably expressing known amounts of Bcl-2, or Bcl-XL as determined by quantitative immunoblotting. Clones expressing equivalent amounts of wild-type and mutants of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL with subcellular localization restricted to the cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum or outer mitochondrial membrane were studied in both MCF-7 and Rat-1 fibroblasts. In MCF-7 cells we measured the functional activities of these proteins in preventing apoptosis induced by four different agents (doxorubicin, ceramide, thapsigargin, TNF-α). Etoposide and low serum were used to compare the effect of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL and mutants located at the endoplasmic reticulum on induction of apoptosis in fibroblasts.

Results
We noted both qualitative and quantitative differences in the functional activity of these two anti-apoptotic proteins in cells: Bcl-2 localized to the endoplasmic reticulum inhibits apoptosis induced by ceramide and thapsigargin but not by doxorubicin or TNFα, while Bcl-XL at the endoplasmic reticulum is active against all four drugs. In fibroblasts Bcl-2 localized to the ER did not prevent cell death due to etoposide whereas Bcl-XL in the same location did. Finally in MCF-7 cells, Bcl-XL is approximately ten times more active than Bcl-2 in repressing apoptosis induced by doxorubicin. This difference can be manifest as a large difference in clonal survival.

Conclusion
When examined in the same cellular context, Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL differ substantially in the potency with which they inhibit apoptosis, mediated in part by differences in the inhibition of specific subcellular pathways.
Patients in long-term maintenance therapy for drug use in Italy: analysis of some parameters of social integration and serological status for infectious diseases in a cohort of 1091 patients
Authors: Quaglio Gianluca , Lugoboni Fabio , Pattaro Cristian , GICS  , Montanari Linda , Lechi Alessandro , Mezzelani Paolo , Des Jarlais Don C 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
Heroin addiction often severely disrupts normal social functioning. The aims of this multi-centre study of heroin users in long-term replacement treatment were: i) to provide information on aspects of social condition such as employment, educational background, living status, partner status and any history of drug addiction for partners, comparing these data with that of the general population; ii) to assess the prevalence of hepatitis, syphilis and HIV, because serological status could be a reflection of the social conditions of patients undergoing replacement treatment for drug addiction; iii) to analyse possible relationships between social conditions and serological status.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out in sixteen National Health Service Drug Addiction Units in northern Italy. The data were collected from February 1, 2002 to August 31, 2002. Recruitment eligibility was: maintenance treatment with methadone or buprenorphine, treatment for the previous six months, and at least 18 years of age. In the centres involved in the study no specific criteria or regulations were established concerning the duration of replacement therapy. Participants underwent a face-to-face interview.

Results
The conditions of 1091 drug treatment patients were evaluated. The mean duration of drug use was 14.5 years. Duration was shorter in females, in subjects with a higher educational background, and in stable relationships. Most (68%) had completed middle school (11–14 years of age). Seventy-nine percent were employed and 16% were unemployed. Fifty percent lived with their parents, 34% with a partner and 14% alone. Males lived more frequently with their parents (55%), and females more frequently with a partner (60%). Sixty-seven percent of male patients with a stable relationship had a partner who had never used heroin. HCV prevalence was 72%, HBV antibodies were detected in 42% of patients, while 30% had been vaccinated; 12.5% of subjects were HIV positive and 1.5% were positive for TPHA.

Conclusion
A significant percentage of heroin users in treatment for opiate addiction in the cohort study have characteristics which indicate reasonable integration within broader society. We posit that the combination of effective treatment and a setting of economic prosperity may enhance the social integration of patients with a history of heroin use.
Cross-diagnostic validity in a generic instrument: an example from the Functional Independence Measure in Scandinavia
Authors: Lundgren-Nilsson Å , Tennant A , Grimby G , Sunnerhagen KS 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackgroundTo analyse the cross-diagnostic validity of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM™) motor items in patients with spinal cord injury, stroke and traumatic brain injury and the comparability of summed scores between these diagnoses.MethodsData from 471 patients on FIM™ motor items at admission (stroke 157, spinal cord injury 157 and traumatic brain injury 157), age range 11–90 years and 70 % male in nine rehabilitation facilities in Scandinavia, were fitted to the Rasch model. A detailed analysis of scoring functions of the seven categories of the FIM™ motor items was made prior to testing fit to the model. Categories were re-scored where necessary. Fit to the model was assessed initially within diagnosis and then in the pooled data. Analysis of Differential Item Functioning (DIF) was undertaken in the pooled data for the FIM™ motor scale. Comparability of sum scores between diagnoses was tested by Test Equating.ResultsThe present seven category scoring system for the FIM™ motor items was found to be invalid, necessitating extensive rescoring. Despite rescoring, the item-trait interaction fit statistic was significant and two individual items showed misfit to the model, Eating and Bladder management. DIF was also found for Spinal Cord Injury, compared with the other two diagnoses. After adjustment, it was possible to make appropriate comparisons of sum scores between the three diagnoses.ConclusionThe seven-category response function is a problem for the FIM™ instrument, and a reduction of responses might increase the validity of the instrument. Likewise, the removal of items that do not fit the underlying trait would improve the validity of the scale in these groups. Cross-diagnostic DIF is also a problem but for clinical use sum scores on group data in a generic instrument such as the FIM™ can be compared with appropriate adjustments. Thus, when planning interventions (group or individual), developing rehabilitation programs or comparing patient achievements in individual items, cross-diagnostic DIF must be taken into account.
Differences in perception of the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes between pediatricians and obstetricians in Japan
Authors: Mizuno Katsumi , Miura Fumihiro , Itabashi Kazuo , Macnab Iona , Mizuno Noriko 
Published: August 2006

Abstract

Background
The World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes (WHO Code) aims to protect and promote breastfeeding. Japan ratified the WHO Code in 1994, but most hospitals in Japan continue to receive free supplies of infant formula and distribute discharge packs to new mothers provided by infant formula companies. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of pediatricians and obstetricians in Japan to the WHO Code.

Methods
A self-completion questionnaire was sent to 132 pediatricians in the 131 NICUs which belonged to the Neonatal Network of Japan, and to 96 chief obstetricians in the general hospitals in the Kanto area of Japan, in 2004.

Results
Responses were received from 68% of pediatricians and 64% of obstetricians. Sixty-six percent of pediatricians agreed that "Breastmilk is the best", compared to only 13% of obstetricians. Likewise, pediatricians were more likely to be familiar with the WHO Code (51%) than obstetricians (18%).

Conclusion
In Japan, pediatricians and obstetricians, in general, have low levels of support for breastfeeding and low levels of familiarity with the WHO Code. To increase the breastfeeding rates in Japan, both pediatricians and obstetricians need increased knowledge about current infant feeding practices and increased awareness of international policies to promote breastfeeding.