bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Peripheral Blood Dendritic Cells and Monocyte Subsets Display Similar Chemokine Receptor Expression Profiles with Differential Migratory Responses
Authors: Cravens P. D. , Hayashida K. , Davis L. S. , Nanki T. , Lipsky P. E. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractHuman antigen presenting cells (APC) found in peripheral blood are considered to be precursors that have been released from the bone marrow and are in transit to the peripheral tissues. These APC populations include myeloid dendritic cells (mDC), plasmacytoid DC (pDC) and monocytes (Mo). To assign specialized functional roles and stages of development for APCs, CD33 expressing APC subsets were examined for their capacity to respond to chemokines. Three major CD33+ subsets including CD33brightCD14bright Mo, CD33brightCD14− CD11c+ mDC and CD33dimCD14− pDC were present. Dendritic cells subsets and Mo expressed low levels of CC and CXC receptors, but distinctive chemokine receptor expression profiles were not observed. The percentage of cells expressing a particular chemokine receptor varied from donor to donor and over time in the same donor. Myeloid DC and Mo but not pDC migrated toward CXCL12 in a concentration dependent manner. Monocytes and pDC, but not myeloid DC, were attracted by high concentrations of CXCL10. All CD33+ subsets migrated in a concentration dependent manner toward CCL19, but responded less robustly to CCL21. CCL20 was not chemoattractant for any population. Despite the finding that APC did not exhibit unique surface chemokine receptor expression patterns, they exhibited differential migration to CXCL12, CXCL10 and CCL21 but not to CCL20 or CCL19.
Generation of a Considerable Number of Functional Mast Cells with a High Basal Level of FcɛRI Expression from Cord Blood CD34+Cells by Co‐culturing Them with Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Line Under Serum‐free Conditions
Authors: Yamaguchi M. , Azuma H. , Fujihara M. , Hamada H. , Ikeda H. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe number of mast cells (MC) that can be obtained from tissue is limited, making it difficult to study the role of MC. Cultured MC derived from cord blood (CB)‐CD34+cells proliferate well compared with those derived from adult CD34+cells; however, they have been reported to be phenotypically or functionally immature regardless of culture system. For example, very few cells express FcɛRI. To resolve this problem, we addressed the effect of human bone marrow stromal cell line on the development of cultured MC. CB‐CD34+(1 × 104) cells were cultured for 8 weeks in a serum‐free medium containing rhIL‐6 and rhSCF with or without a human bone marrow stromal cell line, namely, co‐culture and liquid culture, and were compared in various regards. MC were basically determined by metachromatic staining of granules. The number of MC obtained (60.3 ± 15.8 × 105versus 2.0 ± 1.0 × 105), percentage of FcɛRI+cells (29.3 ± 9.4% versus 1.9 ± 0.8%), histamine content (9.7 ± 2.8 pg/cell versus 5.8 ± 2.3 pg/cell), and IgE‐mediated histamine release (46 ± 10% versus 17 ± 7%) were higher (P < 0.01 andP < 0.05) in the co‐culture than in the liquid culture. When CB‐CD34+cells were developed in liquid culture with the co‐culture supernatant (CM), a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the percentage of FcɛRI+cells and in cell number was observed but these values were lower than those of co‐cultured MC. We concluded that this co‐culture system was useful for obtaining a considerable number of mature MC with a high basal level of functional FcɛRI expression from CB‐CD34+cells. Yet unknown humoral factors in CM may partly mediate this effect.
Murine Trefoil Factor 3 Does not Directly Modulate LPS‐Mediated Dendritic Cell Function
Authors: Loos M. , De Creus A. , Thim L. , Remaut E. , Rottiers P. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPeptides of the trefoil factor family (TFF) are expressed along the gastro‐intestinal tract. They protect mucous epithelia from damage and contribute to mucosal repair, which is essential for preventing inflammation. Moreover, it has been suggested that TFF2 and TFF3, in particular, play a role in regulating immune responses. Depending on their activation status, dendritic cells (DC) can initiate either tolerance or immunity. This study, by comparing LPS‐induced maturation of mTFF3‐treated DC and non‐treated DC, investigated whether murine TFF3 directly regulated DC function. mTFF3‐treated DC and non‐treated DC did not differ phenotypically or functionally. Both populations expressed, both before and after LPS‐stimulation, similar levels of co‐stimulatory molecules and cytokines, and were both efficient stimulators of T‐cells. Our results suggest that mTFF3 does not govern immune responses on the level of DC function.
Surface properties of stabilizing coastal dunes: combining spectral and field analyses
Authors: LEVIN NOAM , KIDRON GIORA J. , BEN‐DOR EYAL 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe coastal dunes of Israel have been undergoing a process of stabilization since 1948. One of the major features of this process is a change in the surface properties of the dunes – the development of a biological soil crust (BSC), and a change in the properties of the sand grains themselves. In Ashdod, at the southern coastal plain of Israel, sand properties that include the BSC, their fines (silt and clay) content and free iron‐oxide (indicating their degree of rubification) have been analysed in detail using field and lab spectroscopy methods. In addition, sand erosion and deposition were measured using erosion pins to determine their effect on the presence of the above‐mentioned factors. It was found that the BSC over these dunes is comprised of green algae that differs in its reflectance spectra from cyanobacterial crust, especially in the blue band. The crust was found to be particularly developed in the stable areas (mainly the interdunes) and on the north‐facing slopes rather than on the south‐facing slopes. A positive correlation was found between the crust fines and chlorophyll content, with stable areas showing more developed BSC. The stable areas showed also a lower albedo and slightly more developed reddish colour, indicating a slightly higher rate of rubification. This study demonstrates that the intensity of sand erosion/deposition rates affects soil properties, with the BSC being the fastest to react to the stabilization process (months to several years), followed by the content of fine particles (several years to a decade), whereas the rubification process is a much weaker marker and may need much longer time periods to develop (decades to centuries).
Symmetrical alopecia, scaling and hepatitis in a rabbit
Authors: Florizoone Koenraad , Van Der Luer René , Van Den Ingh Ted 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA 5‐year‐old rabbit with inappetence, symmetrical alopecia and skin lesions was examined. No mites or Malassezia were found in skin scrapings and tape impressions and dermatophyte culture was negative. Trial therapy with ivermectin did not reduce skin lesion severity, and euthanasia was performed because of anorexia after 1 month. Histopathology of the skin showed hyperkeratosis, lymphocytic exocytosis, cell‐poor interface dermatitis (lymphocytic infiltration and apoptotic cells in basal layer of epidermis), absence of sebaceous glands and lymphocytic mural folliculitis comparable to sebaceous adenitis and thymoma‐associated exfoliative dermatitis previously described in rabbits. The liver exhibited an interface hepatitis, comparable to autoimmune hepatitis in man. The occurrence of morphological similarities to exfoliative dermatitis and sebaceous adenitis in rabbits, in association with an autoimmune hepatitis, has not been described before.
Suspected polymyxin B‐induced pemphigus vulgaris in a dog
Authors: Rybníček Jan , Hill Peter B. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA case of pemphigus vulgaris (PV), putatively induced by topical application of polymyxin B ear drops, is described. A 3‐year‐old, female Tosa Inu, presented with acute onset swelling, blistering and ulceration of the pinnae, nostrils, lips and oral mucous membranes. The dog was depressed, febrile and anorexic. For 7 days prior to the onset of the acute ulcerative disease, polymyxin B ear drops had been applied to both ears to treat an ear infection. Skin and mucosal biopsies showed suprabasilar cleft formation and acantholysis, indicative of PV. The polymyxin B ear drops were discontinued and the dog was treated with intravenous fluids, systemic and topical antibacterial therapy, and immunosuppressive therapy comprising prednisone and azathioprine. Complete remission was noted after 2 weeks, and the immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued one month later. No clinical signs of PV recurred over a 1 year follow‐up period. As PV does not usually resolve spontaneously, or enter long‐term remission, it was considered that the condition was most likely drug induced due to the aural application of polymyxin B.
Prevalence of acne keloidalis nuchae in Nigerians
Authors: Salami Taofik , Omeife Henry , Samuel Samuel 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground  The prevalence of acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN), a chronic inflammatory process of the hair follicles resulting in keloidal papules and plaques at the nape of the neck, is increasing in our environment.Methods  A prospective hospital‐based observational study was conducted at the adult medical dermatologic outpatient department of Irrua specialist teaching hospital, Edo State, Nigeria. All patients referred to the dermatology clinic with symptoms and signs of AKN were recruited.Results  Thirty patients presented to the adult dermatologic unit with AKN over a period of 22 months, giving a gross incidence of 9.4% of dermatologic consultations. The common etiologic factor was secondary to trauma from an electric razor whilst having a haircut, followed by spread of keloid from the beard area.Conclusions  Minimization of trauma during hair cutting or shaving and personalization of haircare instruments may reduce the recently increased incidence of this condition in our environment.
Disseminated cutaneous Fusarium moniliforme infections in a leukemic child
Authors: Chi Ching‐Chi , Wang Shu‐Hui 
Published: May 2007

A 5‐year‐old boy had a 10‐month remission of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) after chemotherapy. Re‐induction chemotherapy was performed for relapse of ALL. Thereafter, he suffered from an episode of neutropenic fever with pneumonia. One week following control of the condition with antibiotics, a 1 × 1‐cm, red, painful nodule appeared on the left thigh, which was initially suspected to be Pseudomonas infection. Parenteral ceftazidime and amikacin were administered, but persistent high fever, mild cough, and a few painful erythematous papulonodules on the face and lower extremities appeared several days later (Fig. 1). These lesions increased insidiously in diameter up to 2–5 cm with central necrosis. Hemogram showed neutropenia with a shift to the left [white blood cell (WBC) count, 2.1 × 109/L; neutrophil count, 0.21 × 109/L]. A skin biopsy showed heavy growth of hyaline branching septate hyphae in the deep dermis and subcutis, together with fat necrosis (Fig. 2). Invasion of molds into vessels and sweat glands was also seen. A culture from a lesion yielded Fusarium moniliforme, but no fungi were isolated from blood specimens. Only mild infiltrations on bilateral lower lung fields were detected by chest roentgenography. The skin lesions gradually healed and the fever subsided 2 weeks after the initiation of therapy with amphotericin B 30 mg and itraconazole 200 mg daily.A few painful erythematous papulonodules appeared on the face and lower extremitiesimageSkin biopsy showed heavy growth of hyaline branching septate hyphae in the deep dermis and subcutis along with fat necrosis (hematoxylin and eosin, ×400)imageMeanwhile, relapse of leukemia was detected by hemogram showing atypical leukocytosis (WBC count of 24,400 × 109/L, with blast cells representing 78%). A course of chemotherapy with cytarabine, mitoxantrone, and VP‐16 was prescribed, subsequently resulting in neutropenia (WBC count, < 0.1 × 109/L; neutrophil count, 0/L) and spiking fever. Although the aforementioned antifungal therapy was continued, the centers of the originally healed lesions turned dusky red, swollen, necrotic, and ulcerative. There were more than 10 such ecthymiform lesions. After administration for 22 days, itraconazole was discontinued because of no appreciable effects. Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) salvage was used, and the neutropenia gradually subsided 20 days later. In addition, the ecthymiform lesions gradually resolved. Amphotericin B was discontinued 1 week following neutrophil recovery. The patient died of Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia sepsis 8 months later.
Tungiasis: high prevalence, parasite load, and morbidity in a rural community in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Ugbomoiko Uade Samuel , Ofoezie Ifeanyi Emmanuel , Heukelbach Jorg 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground  Tungiasis is common in resource‐poor populations throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub‐Saharan Africa, but epidemiologic data from Africa on this ectoparasitosis are scarce.Methods  A cross‐sectional study was carried out in a representative sample of a rural community in Lagos State, 54 km west of Lagos (Nigeria). In the dry season, 142 households of the community were randomly selected and visited. Family members were examined for the presence of tungiasis. The localization, number, and stage of penetrated fleas, as well as the associated morbidity, were documented.Results  Five hundred and fifty‐seven individuals were examined, 299 (53.7%) males and 258 (46.3%) females. In total, 252 (45.2%; 95% confidence interval, 41.1–49.5) were infested with Tunga penetrans. The prevalence was highest between the ages of 5 and 14 years, decreased in adults, and increased again in the elderly. There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence in males and females (47.2% vs. 43.0%; P = 0.3). Almost 95% of lesions were localized on the feet. Ten per cent of individuals presented with sand fleas on the hands and elbows. The median parasite load was six (interquartile range, 3–16). Individuals aged 60 years or over had significantly more lesions (median of 41 lesions; P < 0.01). About one‐third of the study participants found it difficult to walk; in 10% of cases, fissures were present. Superinfection was common.Conclusions  The prevalence of tungiasis and the parasite load were high, and the severity of the disease was considerable. The prevalence and parasite burden showed a characteristic distribution. In western Nigeria, tungiasis needs to be regarded as an important public health problem.
Multifocal manifestation does not affect vascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for patient selection in liver transplantation
Authors: Löhe Florian , Angele Martin K , Rentsch Markus , Graeb Christian , Gerbes Alexander , Löhrs Udo , Beuers Ulrich , Jauch Karl‐Walter 
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Background and aims:  Liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) improves patient survival when tumor size and number are limited according to the Milan criteria. However, the impact of tumor size vs. the number of lesions for tumor recurrence after OLT is unclear. Microvascular invasion appears to be a significant risk factor for tumor recurrence. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to investigate tumor differentiation and microvascular invasion in relation to tumor number and size and their impact on survival after transplantation.Patients and Methods:  In 97 adult HCC patients who underwent OLT between June 1985 and December 2005 the incidence of microvascular invasion, tumor differentiation, and the number and size of tumor lesions were analyzed retrospectively. Their impact on survival was studied by multivariate analysis.Results:  Microvascular invasion was the only independent negative predictor of survival after OLT for HCC (p = 0.025). Tumor size > 5 cm was predictive for microvascular invasion (p = 0.007). In contrast, tumor number did not affect the incidence of microvascular invasion or cumulative survival.Conclusion:  The size of the largest HCC lesion, but not the number of tumors, determined microvascular invasion, a predictor of the outcome following OLT for HCC. Thus, the number of HCC lesions should not be applied to patient selection prior to OLT. These data support the extension of the Milan criteria for the selection of HCC patients for OLT with regard to tumor number, but not tumor size.
Interleukin‐10 gene promoter polymorphisms and the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wei Y.‐S. , Kuang X.‐H. , Zhu Y.‐H. , Liang W.‐B. , Yang Z.‐H. , Tai S.‐H. , Zhao Y. , Zhang L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractGenetic factors are known to be important in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is an immunosuppressive cytokine which may facilitate development of cancer by supporting tumor escape from the immune response. Interindividual variations in IL‐10 production were genetically contributed to polymorphisms within IL‐10 promoter region. The aim of this study was to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions −1082 (A/G), −819 (T/C) and −592 (A/C) in the IL‐10 gene promoter were involved in predisposing an individual to NPC. One hundred and ninety‐eight patients with NPC and 210 age‐ and sex‐matched controls, genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. There were significantly differences in the genotype and allele distribution of −1082 A/G polymorphism of the IL‐10 gene among cases and controls. The −1082 AG and GG genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk of NPC as compared with the −1082 AA genotypes. Haplotype analysis showed that the homozygosity of the GCC haplotype (defined by SNPs at positions −1082, −819 and −592) of IL‐10 gene conveys the highest risk for NPC compared with the homozygosity for the ATA haplotype. This study shows for the first time an association between IL‐10 gene promoter −1082 A/G polymorphism and its haplotype may contribute to genetic susceptibility to NPC in a Chinese population.
An improved method for dog leukocyte antigen 88 typing and two new major histocompatibility complex class I alleles, DLA‐88*01101 and DLA‐88*01201
Authors: Venkataraman G. M. , Stroup P. , Graves S. S. , Storb R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractDevelopment of preclinical dog models of solid organ and hematopoietic transplantation is critically dependent upon characterization of the polymorphic major histocompatibility complex class I and class II loci. While the class II alleles are easily typed as the polymorphic positions reside on a single exon, typing the class I locus is tedious. We have improved the class I typing method by designing improved primers and adopting alternative DNA amplification and cloning reagents that circumvent the use of radioactivity and the need for the single‐stranded conformation polymorphism gels. The method is reliable in typing dogs for the class I dog leukocyte antigen (DLA)‐88 locus, and through its use, we describe here two new alleles DLA‐88*01101 and DLA‐88*01201.
Comparison of relaxation responses to multiple vasodilators in TxA2‐analog and endothelin‐1‐precontracted pulmonary arteries
Authors: Piamsomboon C. , Tanaka K. A. , Szlam F. , Makita T. , Huraux C. , Levy J. H. 
Published: May 2007

Background:  Peri‐operative pulmonary hypertension can lead to right ventricular dysfunction and to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Altered function of the pulmonary vascular endothelium and vasoconstriction play a crucial role in the development of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. Because pulmonary artery vasoreactivity is dependent on many factors including the constricting agent that precipitated the event therefore the aim of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of different classes of vasodilator agents to reverse endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) or thromboxane A2 (TxA2)‐induced vasoconstriction in porcine pulmonary artery (PA) in vitro.Methods:  Relaxation responses to vasodilatory drugs were studied in PA precontracted with ET‐1 (1 × 10–8 M) or TxA2 analog (U46619, 1 × 10–8 M). All vasodilating drugs were added in a cumulative fashion and isometric tension measurements were obtained using an organ chamber technique.Results:  In both groups relaxation responses to the vasodilators were dose dependent. When ET‐1 was used as a constrictor nitroglycerin and milrinone caused nearly complete (80–100%) relaxation, whereas other agents were of limited effectiveness (40–50%). On the other hand, in the vessels constricted with U46619, olprinone, indomethacin, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), nitroglycerin, milrinone and clevidipine induced complete (90–110%) vasodilatation but brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), l‐arginine, and isoproterenol relaxed the vessels maximally by 45–60%.Conclusions:  Nitroglycerin and milrinone are very effective in reversing ET‐1 and U46619‐induced pulmonary vasoconstriction in vitro. The effectiveness of other drugs studied was dependent on the type of constrictor used. BNP, l‐arginine and isoproterenol were shown to have minimal vasodilatory effects in porcine PA.
The Effect of Preceding Crop and Pre‐Sprouting on Crop Growth, N Use and Tuber Yield of Maincrop Potatoes for Processing Under Conditions of N Stress
Authors: Haase T. , Schüler C. , Piepho H.‐P. , Thöni H. , Heß J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractFactorial field trials were carried out on an experimental farm near Kassel, Germany, in two consecutive seasons (2003 and 2004) in order to examine the impact of leguminous and cereal preceding crops (i) on soil N availability under subsequent potatoes and (ii) the effect of preceding crop and pre‐sprouting of seed tubers on crop development, N uptake, N utilization efficiency and total and size‐graded tuber yields relevant for processing into either crisps or French fries. In addition, an approach to analyse complex field experiments using mixed models is discussed. Soil mineralized nitrate‐N at emergence of the potato crop was affected by the preceding crop and was highest when potatoes followed peas, while the short‐term alfalfa/grass/clover ley appeared too sensitive to environmental conditions in the preceding cropping season, and its efficiency in terms of N supply may be hard to predict. Pre‐sprouting advanced crop development and dry matter accumulation of the canopy, translocation of assimilates and N from canopy into tubers and allowed an increased N utilization efficiency. The positive effect of pre‐sprouting on total tuber yield was compensated up to the final harvest, but a higher percentage of marketable tuber yield for French fries (>50 mm) was found independently of the date of harvest. An increasing N supply (after peas and a following catch crop) may be efficient in terms of higher yields of the marketable size‐grades (40–65 mm) for crisps, but increase oversized tuber yields in seasons not affected by Phytophthora infestans. Average tuber fresh weight responded consistently and positively to seed‐tuber preparation (pre‐sprouting), cultivar (cv. Agria) and an increased N supply (after peas).
Poor efficacy of amphotericin B‐based therapy in CNS aspergillosis
Authors: Schwartz Stefan , Ruhnke Markus , Ribaud Patricia , Reed Elizabeth , Troke Peter , Thiel Eckhard 
Published: May 2007

SummaryRecently, improved response and survival rates in patients treated with voriconazole and neurosurgery for central nervous system (CNS) aspergillosis have been reported. We assessed retrospectively the outcome in 17 patients with definite or probable CNS aspergillosis treated with amphotericin B alone (n = 15) or in combination with 5‐fluorocytosine (n = 3) or itraconazole (n = 2). Four patients underwent neurosurgery. The mortality rate was 100% with a median survival of only 10 days (range: 3–60) after onset of first symptoms or first radiological evidence of CNS aspergillosis. In conclusion, treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole has negligible efficacy in CNS aspergillosis.