bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The lymphoid cell surface receptor NTB‐A: a novel monoclonal antibody target for leukaemia and lymphoma therapeutics
Authors: Korver Wouter , Singh Shweta , Liu Shouchun , Zhao Xiaoxian , Yonkovich Shirlee , Sweeney Allison , Anton Kristin , Lomas Woodrow E. , Greenwood Rachel , Smith Ashley , Tran Denise Hoang , Shinkawa Pauline , Jimenez Mark , Yeung Patricia , Aguilar Gerard , Palencia Servando , Vatta Paolo , Mueller Matthew , Zhan Xiaoming , Newton Elizabeth M. , Liu Yi , Zhao Jingsong , Emtage Peter , Levy Michael D. , Hsi Eric D. , Funk Walter D. , Abo Arie 
Published: May 2007

SummaryNTB‐A is a CD2‐related cell surface protein expressed primarily on lymphoid cells including B‐lymphocytes from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and lymphoma patients. We have generated a series of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against NTB‐A and assessed their therapeutic potential for CLL. Selective mAbs to NTB‐A were further tested in functional complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicty (ADCC) assays in cell lines and B lymphocytes freshly isolated from CLL patients. While lower levels of NTB‐A were detected in T and natural killer (NK) cells, CDC activity was demonstrated primarily in B cells isolated from CLL patients and B lymphoma cell lines. Knockdown of NTB‐A by small interfering RNA in target cells results in lower cytotoxicity, demonstrating the specificity of the mAbs. Furthermore, anti NTB‐A mAbs demonstrated anti‐tumour activity against CA46 human lymphoma xenografts in nude mice and against systemically disseminated Raji human lymphoma cells in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate NTB‐A as a potential new target for immunotherapy of leukaemia and lymphomas.
Improving the clinical usefulness of a behavioural pain scale for older people with dementia
Authors: Zwakhalen Sandra M.G. , Hamers Jan P.H. , Berger Martijn P.F. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTitle.  Improving the clinical usefulness of a behavioural pain scale for older people with dementia Aim.  This paper is a description of the process of item reduction as part of the construction of the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate to assess pain in Dutch older nursing home residents with dementia.Background.  A valid and reliable clinically useful tool is important for assessing pain in people with dementia. The Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate has demonstrated good inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability and evidence of construct validity. However, nurses found the scale too long for clinical use.Methods.  In an observational study in 2005, nursing home patients (n = 128) were observed while receiving an influenza injection, and a selection of patients were also assessed at a patient‐specific pain moment. Internal consistency and Principal Component Analysis were used to refine the scale, to examine the psychometric quality and underlying factor structure of the scale.Results.  A brief and manageable version of the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate in Dutch was developed, with a three‐component solution including 24 items. This version had high levels of internal consistency for the complete scale (Cronbach's alpha range 0·82–0·86) and for all subscales (alpha range 0·72–0·82). Social–emotional items played a significant role in detecting pain.Conclusion.  It is important to have a valid, reliable, brief and manageable pain scale available for the nursing home setting. Further research is needed to examine the adequacy and effectiveness of the scale in daily clinical practice.
General practitioners’ perceptions and attitudes to infertility management in primary care: focus group study
Authors: Wilkes Scott , Hall Nicola , Crosland Ann , Murdoch Alison , Rubin Greg 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground  Infertility management in primary care is variable. National Institute of Clinical Excellence have recommended hysterosalpingography (HSG) as a first‐line investigation for tubal assessment.Aim  To explore general practitioners’ (GPs) perceptions of, and attitudes to, the initial management of the infertile couple and their views on open access to HSG.Method  Design: Qualitative study using three focus groups. Setting: Seven general practices in Newcastle upon Tyne and Northumberland. Subjects: We purposively selected the three focus groups to provide a range of GPs’ views. In total 13 practitioners participated: 11 GPs, one GP registrar and one nurse practitioner.Results  The key themes to emerge were: (1) perceived professional responsibilities, (2) uncertainty and lack of knowledge, (3) consistency of approach to the initial management of infertility, and (4) access to infertility services. Some GPs felt that they should do all they possibly could, while others felt it was the responsibility of the infertility specialist. Uncertainty and lack of knowledge was linked to the relative infrequency of primary care infertility consultations and the difficulty ‘keeping up to date’ with rapidly advancing reproductive technologies in tertiary care. Some GPs subscribed to the notion of one suitably trained clinician delivering the service on behalf of a group of GPs. Some were unsure where HSG fitted into the overall management plan, but they were comfortable with following recommended guidelines.Conclusions  GPs recognize an advocacy role and many take on a significant degree of clinical responsibility welcoming the introduction of a new technology in primary care. Nevertheless, GPs feel that they lack proficiency and have little opportunity to rehearse the necessary skills. These findings contribute to an understanding of the management of infertility, an infrequently presenting problem in primary care.
Distracting communications in the operating theatre
Authors: Sevdalis Nick , Healey Andrew N. , Vincent Charles A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractRationale and aims  Research suggests that there are problems of communication effectiveness in surgery. Here we describe the content, initiators and recipients of communications that intrude or interfere with individual surgical cases. We also consider the level at which the surgical team and its team members are distracted by these case‐irrelevant communications (CICs).Methods  Two psychologist observers sampled 48 general surgery procedures and they recorded the initiator and the recipient of CIC events, their content and the level of observable distraction that they caused.Results  Irrelevant comments and queries (i.e. ‘small‐talk’) accounted for half of the observed CICs. From the remaining CICs that we observed, most were related to the organization and administration of the case‐list, to operating theatre provisions and to teaching junior staff. Surgeons initiated a third of the observed CICs, while receiving two thirds of them. External staff visiting the operating theatre initiated the most distracting communications. The CICs addressed to surgeons introduced significantly less distraction to the operating theatre than those addressed to anaesthetists and nurses.Conclusions  Some of the observed CICs contributed to the administration of the operating theatre case‐list. Nonetheless, this communication can interfere with highly sensitive work. More effectively co‐ordinated communication could reduce this interference. More research should assess the communication effectiveness and the impact of CICs on task performance in the operating theatre.
Adapting a diet from sugar to meat: double‐dealing genes of Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Rosch Jason W. , Tuomanen Elaine 
Published: May 2007

SummaryIntuitively, paralogues created by gene duplication should retain related functions. However, a study of the two lactose metabolic operons of Streptococcus pyogenes, reported in this issue of Molecular Microbiology, indicates that paralogues might evolve very different functions, in this case changing from a metabolic enzyme to a regulator of virulence. Divergence of paralogues could be a newly recognized theme in the metamorphosis of a bacteria from innocuous to pathogenic.
Identification of mutations that alter the gating of the Escherichia coli mechanosensitive channel protein, MscK
Authors: Li Chan , Edwards Michelle D. , Jeong Hochterl , Roth John , Booth Ian R. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryMechanosensitive channels allow bacteria to survive rapid increases in turgor pressure. Substantial questions remain as to how these channels sense and respond to mechanical stress. Here we describe a set of mutants with alterations in their MscK channel protein. The mutants were detected fortuitously by their enhanced ability to modify the accumulation of quinolinic acid. Some amino acid changes lie in the putative pore region of MscK, but others affect sequences that lie amino‐terminal to the domain aligning with MscS. We demonstrate that the alterations in MscK cause the channel to open more frequently in the absence of excessive mechanical stress. This is manifested in changes in sensitivity to external K+ by cells expressing the mutant proteins. Single‐channel analysis highlighted a range of gating behaviours: activation at lower pressures than the wild type, inability to achieve the fully open state or a modified requirement for K+. Thus, the dominant uptake phenotype of these mutants may result from a defect in their ability to regulate the gating of MscK. The locations of the substituted residues suggest that the overall gating mechanism of MscK is comparable to that of MscS, but with subtleties introduced by the additional protein sequences in MscK.
Bone Marrow Dendritic Cells Internalize Live RF‐81 Bovine Rotavirus and Rotavirus‐like Particles (RF 2/6‐GFP‐VLP and RF 8*2/6/7‐VLP) But are Only Activated by Live Bovine Rotavirus
Authors: Istrate C. , Douagi I. , Charpilienne A. , McInerney G. M. , Hidmark Å. , Johansen K. , Larsson M. , Magnusson K.‐E. , Poncet D. , Svensson L. , Hinkula J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractDendritic cells (DC) represent the link between innate and adaptive immunity. They are classified as antigen‐presenting cells (APC) and can initiate and modulate the immune response. To investigate the interaction with DCs, live RF‐81 bovine rotavirus strain (RFV) and rotavirus‐like particles (rota‐VLP), RF 2/6‐GFP‐VLP and rota RF 8*2/6/7‐VLP, were added in vitro to murine bone marrow‐derived DCs (bmDCs). Live RFV, RF 2/6‐GFP‐VLP and RF 8*2/6/7‐VLP all bound to bmDC and were internalized but only live RFV stimulated phenotypic maturation of the bmDCs as shown by the upregulation of the co‐stimulatory molecule CD86. Even though bmDCs internalized RF 2/6‐GFP‐VLP and RF 8*2/6/7‐VLP as efficiently as live RFV, these rota‐VLP were not able to activate the cells. Supernatants derived from bmDC cultures treated with live RFV, RF 2/6‐GFP‐VLP or RF 8*2/6/7‐VLP were examined for TNF‐α production. At 6, 18 and 24 h post‐infection, TNF‐α concentrations were significantly increased in cultures treated with live RFV and rota‐VLP compared with untreated cultures. In conclusion, this study showed that live RF‐81 bovine rotavirus strain was internalized and induced bmDCs activation, whereas both RF 2/6‐GFP‐VLP and RF 8*2/6/7‐VLP were internalized by bmDCs without triggering their activation.
The Double Role of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone Tapasin in Peptide Optimization of HLA Class I Molecules
Authors: Cabrera C. M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractDuring the assembly of the HLA class I molecules with peptides in the peptide‐loading complex, a series of transient interactions are made with ER‐resident chaperones. These interactions culminate in the trafficking of the HLA class I molecules to the cell surface and presentation of peptides to CD8+ T lymphocytes. Within the peptide‐loading complex, the glycoprotein tapasin exhibits a relevant function. This immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily member in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane tethers empty HLA class I molecules to the transporter associated with antigen‐processing (TAP) proteins. This review will address the current concepts regarding the double role that tapasin plays in the peptide optimization and surface expression of the HLA class I molecules.
ORIGINAL INVESTIGATIONS ON CPP: Development, extinction and reinstatement of morphine withdrawal‐induced conditioned place aversion in rats
Authors: Li Yi , Liu Xuebing , Chen Hongxian , Deng Huiqiong , Xiang Xiaojun , Chen Hanhui , Hao Wei 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe motivational component of drug withdrawal may contribute to drug seeking and relapse through the negative reinforcement‐based process. Here, we used conditioned place aversion (CPA) induced by naloxone‐precipitated morphine withdrawal to measure the aversive effects. Using an unbiased conditioning paradigm, we treated rats with morphine hydrochloride [(10 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)] twice per day (at 08:00 and 20:00) for 6.5 days (from day 1 to day 7 morning), while gave them naloxone (0.3 mg/kg i.p.) on day 6, a precipitated withdrawal paired with a compartment that caused CPA to the side. Then, the rats exhibited CPA were received 12 extinction trials from days 7 to 13, by daily exposed to the two compartments for free exploration. On day 13, the rats with extinguished CPA were treated with a priming injection of morphine (10 mg/kg i.p.) followed by naloxone (0.3 mg/kg i.p.) that reliably reinstated CPA. These results demonstrated that repeatedly morphine‐treated rats showed the formation, extinction and reinstatement of CPA. The present CPA model induced by these procedures may be useful for studying the biological mechanisms underlying the aversive motivational component of opiate withdrawal.
The quality of information about kidney transplantation on the World Wide Web
Authors: Hanif Faisal , Abayasekara Kumar , Willcocks Lisa , Jolly Elaine C , Jamieson Neville V , Praseedom Raaj K , Goodacre John A , Read Janet C , Chaudhry Afzal , Gibbs Paul 
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Websites on the Internet are used increasingly by patients and those caring for them as a source of medical information. This study investigated the nature and quality of the kidney transplant‐related information currently available on the World Wide Web (WWW).Methods:  Four common search engines were used to explore the Internet using the keywords “kidney transplantation.” Each website was assessed on the following categories: source, language, accessibility, presence of kitemarks, and quality/depth of information. Websites were scored independently by four transplant clinicians (two surgeons and two physicians), and a weighted Information Score (IS) was created to assess the overall clinical and educational value of the site.Results:  A total of 200 potential websites were identified of which 94 websites were suitable for scoring. The remaining 106 were repetitions or non‐accessible links. The overall median weighted IS for the sites assessed was 21 (IQR 0–61). Median weighted IS of sites originating from Europe and USA were 47 (IQR = 21–61) and 45 (IQR = 15–61) respectively (p = 0.27). Websites belonging to academic institutions scored higher with a median weighted IS of 49 (IQR = 20–61) when compared with kitemarked websites (median 21, IQR = 5–45, p = 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant difference in weighted IS of kitemarked, professional (median 22, IQR = 2–53), commercial (median 20, IQR = 0–45), and individual websites (median 9, IQR 3–12). There was a good agreement between the observers who scored the websites with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.79 and an associated 95% CI (0.73–0.90) for the four observers on the 94 websites.Conclusion:  The educational material currently available on the WWW about kidney transplantation is often of poor quality and more input is required from transplant clinicians. Quality seals in the form of kitemarks may give a false sense of security. The gaps in validity and accuracy of the information available on complex topics such as kidney transplantation should be filled; otherwise poor quality information will continue to be the norm rather than the exception.
Effectiveness of Sulphuric Acid and Gypsum for the Reclamation of a Calcareous Saline‐Sodic Soil Under Four Crop Rotations
Authors: Zia M. H. , Saifullah  , Sabir M. , Ghafoor A. , Murtaza G. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAs a low‐cost strategy, the cultivation of certain salt‐tolerant crop species on calcareous saline‐sodic soils, i.e. phytoreclamation, has enjoyed great attention in recent years. A lysimeter study was carried out to evaluate whether a phytoreclamation approach alone, or in combination with some booster dose of either gypsum or sulphuric acid, is sufficient to reclaim a calcareous, moderately saline‐sodic soil. Four crop rotations, rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–sesbania (Sesbania aculeata L.); rice–berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.); Kallar grass (Leptochloa fusca L.)–alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and sesbania–berseem were tested against three treatments: (T1) control, (T2) sulphuric acid application 25 % of soil gypsum requirement (SGR), and (T3) application of gypsum 25 % SGR. To decrease the sodium adsorption ratio of the saline‐sodic soil well below the threshold level, especially from deeper depth, a booster dose of gypsum or sulphuric acid 25 % SGR was quite effective. Rice–berseem and Kallar grass–alfalfa rotations were more promising in combination with inorganic amendments than the rest of the rotations. The study also suggests that better yields of wheat and rice crops can be obtained with the application of inorganic amendments like gypsum or sulphuric acid. However, Kallar grass yield was somewhat suppressed with these amendments.
Effects of sex pheromone in electrostatic powder on mating behaviour by Lobesia botrana males
Authors: Nansen C. , MacDonald K. M. , Rogers C. D. , Thomas M. , Poppy G. M. , Baxter I. H. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  In laboratory trials, mating behaviour of males of Lobesia botrana Den. and Schiff. (Lep., Tortricidae) was investigated after treatment with an electrostatically chargeable powder, EntostatTM. Male moths were powdered with either blank Entostat or Entostat containing sex pheromone. Significantly more Entostat adhered to L. botrana males when sex pheromone was added to the powder compared with blank Entostat. Powdering male moths with Entostat, with or without sex pheromone, caused a significant reduction in antennal response when antennae were placed 2 cm away in downwind direction, while there was little effect when antennae were placed 25–100 cm from the EAG in downwind direction. In a flight study, powdering males of L. botrana caused significant increase in time before flight initiation and reduction in proportion of males making contact with calling females compared with untreated males. In a mating experiment in Petri dishes (to minimize required search time to locate female), significantly fewer females mated successfully (based on dissection of bursa copulatrix) when males had been treated with pheromone‐loaded powder. Overall, powdering males of L. botrana caused considerable suppression of mating behaviour on various levels, and these suppressing effects were increased after adding sex pheromone to Entostat.
Severe Necrotizing Encephalitis in a Yorkshire Terrier: Topographic and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Lezmi S. , Toussaint Y. , Prata D. , Lejeune T. , Ferreira‐Neves P. , Rakotovao F. , Fontaine J. J. , Marchal T. , Cordonnier N. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryNecrotizing encephalitis of the Yorkshire terrier is a chronic non‐suppurative encephalitis that was reported in approximately 15 cases worldwide. We report the case of a 10‐year‐old female Yorkshire terrier with gross evidence of severe cortical degeneration and necrosis. Microscopically, affected areas were mainly located in the cortical white matter and in the mesencephalon without implication of the cerebellum. Cavitation necrosis, demyelination, gemistocytic astrocytosis, marked perivascular lymphocytic cuffing with a diffuse lymphocytic/histiocytic/gitter cell infiltration characterized the lesions. Immunohistochemical analysis identified the major infiltration of T lymphocytes and macrophages with implication of some cytotoxic lymphocytes and IgG‐producing plasma cells; depositions of IgG in the affected white matter were also observed. Specific stains did not reveal fungal, protozoal or bacterial organisms and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis for distemper virus was also negative. The lympho‐histiocytic inflammation suggests a T‐cell‐mediated and a delayed‐type immune reaction as a possible pathogenic mechanism for this brain disorder.
Cardiac arrhythmias following anesthesia induction in infantile‐onset Pompe disease: a case series
Authors: WANG LUKE Y.‐J. , ROSS ALLISON K. , LI JENNIFER S. , DEARMEY STEPHANIE M. , MACKEY JOANNE F. , WORDEN MARYALICE , CORZO DEYANIRA , MORGAN CLAIRE , KISHNANI PRIYA S. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground:  Patients with infantile‐onset Pompe disease suffer from marked hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and an increased risk of arrhythmia. A noncompliant left ventricle predisposes these infants to diastolic heart failure with elevated left ventricular enddiastolic pressure (LVEDP); these patients also commonly develop systolic heart failure. Given this baseline cardiac physiology, coronary perfusion pressure becomes highly sensitive to abrupt changes in diastolic blood pressure (DBP).Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the experiences of 139 patients enrolled in clinical trials investigating the treatment of infantile‐onset Pompe disease with recombinant human acid α‐glucosidase (rhGAA). Adverse events were screened for those involving anesthesia.Results:  Nine patients (6%) with infantile‐onset Pompe disease experienced an arrhythmia or cardiopulmonary arrest soon after the induction of general anesthesia. Of these events, propofol was involved in four arrhythmias; sevoflurane without propofol was associated with an additional two. Deaths resulting from arrhythmia appeared to correlate with left ventricular mass indices >350 g·m−2.Conclusions:  With the advent of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) using rhGAA, and increased survivability, more infantile Pompe patients will likely present for surgical procedures. Additional care in maximizing coronary perfusion pressure and minimizing arrhythmia risk must be given. For these reasons, it is recommended that anesthesia for infantile Pompe patients specifically avoid propofol or high concentrations of sevoflurane and, instead, use an agent such as ketamine as the cornerstone for induction in order to better support coronary perfusion pressure and to avoid decreasing DBP with vasodilatory agents.