bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of three microtube column agglutination systems for antibody screening: DG Gel, DiaMed‐ID and Ortho BioVue
Authors: Cid J. , Nogués N. , Montero R. , Hurtado M. , Briega A. , Parra R. 
Published: March 2006

summary.  The aims of the present study were to evaluate the estimated diagnostic accuracy of a new microtube column agglutination system (DG Gel, Diagnostic Grifols, Barcelona, Spain), to analyse the antibody reactivity and to compare the data with the two well‐established DiaMed‐ID and Ortho BioVue systems.We collected 3024 consecutive samples from blood donors, transfusion recipients and pregnant women, and 100 samples containing antibodies of known specificity. All these samples were tested in parallel by the three microtube agglutination systems.The estimated sensitivity was 100% for DG Gel and Ortho BioVue and 97·58% for DiaMed‐ID. The estimated specificity was 99·93% for Ortho BioVue and 100% for DiaMed‐ID and DG Gel. The score mean and range of the antibody titration of DG Gel, DiaMed‐ID and Ortho BioVue were 34·31 (5–119), 30·3 (3–121) and 37·38 (3–112), respectively.All three column agglutination systems work well showing a high estimated diagnostic accuracy.
Promoter genetic variants of prostanoid DP receptor (PTGDR) gene in patients with asthma
Authors: Sanz C. , Isidoro‐García M. , Dávila I. , Moreno E. , Laffond E. , Ávila C. , Lorente F. 
Published: March 2006

Background:  PTGDR gene has been identified as an asthma‐susceptibility gene. Recently, functional genetic variants have been associated with asthma. The objective of this work was to study −549T>C, −441C>T and −197T>C PTGDR promoter polymorphisms in a Spanish population.Methods:  In this study, 197 Caucasian individuals were included. Asthma was specialist‐physician diagnosed according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria and classified following the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines. Skin prick tests were performed in all patients. The polymorphisms were analyzed by direct sequencing.Results:  −197T>C polymorphism was significantly associated with asthma [Fisher's P‐value = 0.007, Monte Carlo P‐value (104 simulations) = 0.004]. Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and sex confirmed this association with an increased risk of asthma (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.28–7.32; P‐value = 0.012). CCT CCC diplotype was associated with asthma (P‐value < 0.0001; OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.07–1.23), specifically with allergic asthma (P‐value < 0.0001). CCT CCC diplotype is unambiguous. All individuals carrying this diplotype had asthma.Conclusion:  We identified a specific promoter variant of PTGDR that could be associated with asthma. This diplotype is a combination of the two highest transcriptional efficiency haplotypes, recently described. Our in vivo results would support for the first time what was demonstrated in vitro about high‐transcriptional efficiency PTGDR haplotypes in asthma.
Trends in prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in 5–7‐year old Swiss children from 1992 to 2001
Authors: Grize L. , Gassner M. , Wüthrich B. , Bringolf‐Isler B. , Takken‐Sahli K. , Sennhauser F. H. , Stricker T. , Eigenmann P. A. , Braun‐Fahrländer C. ,   the Swiss Surveillance Programme on Childhood Allergy and Respiratory symptoms with respect to Air Pollution (SCARPOL) team
Published: March 2006

Background:  Changing occurrence rates of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are of public health concern and require surveillance. Changes in prevalence rates of these atopic diseases were monitored during 10 years and their trend with time was determined taking into account the influence of personal and environmental risk factors.Methods:  Four cross‐sectional surveys in 5–7‐year old children were performed in seven different communities in Switzerland between 1992 and 2001. Prevalence of respiratory and allergic symptoms and of affecting risk factors including parental environmental concern were assessed using a standardized parental questionnaire.Results:  A total of 988 (74.1%), 1778 (79.0%), 1406 (82.6%) and 1274 (78.9%) children participated, respectively, in the 1992, 1995, 1998 and 2001 surveys. Prevalence rates of asthma and hay fever symptoms remained quite stable over time (wheeze/past year: 8.8%, 7.8%, 6.4% and 7.4%, sneezing attack during pollen season: 5.0%, 5.6%, 5.4% and 4.6%). Rates of reported atopic dermatitis symptoms (specific skin rash/past year: 4.6%, 6.5%,7.4% and 7.6%) showed an increase over time, but those of diagnosis of eczema did not show a clear pattern (18.4%, 15.7%, 14.0% and 15.2%). Stratified analysis by parental environmental concern and by parental atopy showed similar trends. Rates of atopic dermatitis symptoms showed significant increase in girls but stayed stable in boys.Conclusion:  Results of these four consecutive surveys suggest that the increase in prevalence of asthma and hay fever in 5–7‐year old children living in Switzerland may have ceased. However, symptoms of atopic dermatitis may still be on the rise, especially among girls.
Human airway and peripheral blood eosinophils enhance Th1 and Th2 cytokine secretion
Authors: Liu L.‐Y. , Mathur S. K. , Sedgwick J. B. , Jarjour N. N. , Busse W. W. , Kelly E. A. B. 
Published: March 2006

Background:  The effector function of eosinophils involves their release of toxic granule proteins, reactive oxygen species, cytokines, and lipid mediators. Murine studies have demonstrated that eosinophils can also enhance T cell function. Whether human eosinophils, in particular, airway eosinophils, have similar immunoregulatory activity has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to determine whether human blood and airway eosinophils can contribute to Th1 and Th2 cytokine generation from CD4+ T cells stimulated with superantigen.Methods:  Eosinophils were obtained from blood or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid 48 h after segmental allergen bronchoprovocation. Purified eosinophils were co‐cultured with autologous CD4+ blood T cells in the presence of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). Cytokine levels in the supernatant fluid were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Eosinophil expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and co‐stimulatory molecules was assessed by flow cytometry before culture, 24 h after granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) stimulation, and 24 h after co‐culture with CD4+ T cells and SEB.Results:  Interleukin (IL)‐5, IL‐13, and interferon (IFN)‐γ generation increased when CD4+ T cells were co‐cultured with either blood or airway eosinophils in the presence of SEB. The ability of eosinophils to enhance cytokine generation was independent of their source (blood vs airway), activation by GM‐CSF, or detectable expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR, CD80, or CD86.Conclusion:  Our data demonstrate that SEB‐induced generation of Th1 and Th2 cytokines is increased in the presence of human blood and airway eosinophils. Thus, eosinophils can have an immunoregulatory function in pathogen‐associated allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, chronic sinusitis, and asthma exacerbations.
Low prevalence of the intrinsic form of atopic dermatitis among adult patients
Authors: Fölster‐Holst R. , Pape M. , Buss Y. L. , Christophers E. , Weichenthal M. 
Published: March 2006

Background:  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease commonly associated with respiratory allergies such as rhinitis and asthma, and a high serum level of IgE. In contrast to the ‘classic’ IgE‐mediated allergic (extrinsic) form of AD, approximately 20% of the patients are reported to show normal IgE levels, lack of sensitizations towards environmental allergens, and absence of associated respiratory allergies. Accordingly, these patients are assigned to a nonallergic (intrinsic) form of the disease.Objectives:  In order to define these two forms of AD more closely, 259 adult patients with AD were investigated.Results:  After a thorough diagnostic workup there were 18 patients (6.9%), who fulfilled the criteria of intrinsic AD. After follow‐up, four additional patients had developed respiratory allergies or IgE‐mediated sensitizations resulting in an overall proportion for intrinsic AD of 5.4%.Conclusions:  Based on these figures the nature and relevance of the intrinsic form of AD deserves further evaluation.
Long‐term results of mycophenolate mofetil as part of immunosuppressive induction therapy after liver transplantation
Authors: Langrehr Jan M. , Klupp Jochen , Glanemann Matthias , Junge Guido , Pfitzmann Robert , Bahra Marcus , Radtke Cornelia , Neumann Ulf , Neuhaus Ruth , Neuhaus Peter 
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Background: The addition of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) to the induction protocol resulted in a lower incidence of rejection episodes. However, the question whether MMF should be administered in combination with tacrolimus or cyclosporine has not been answered yet. In our study, we report on the long‐term results of triple induction therapy after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), consisting of MMF and low‐dose corticosteroids, in combination with either tacrolimus or cyclosporine.Methods: Between March 1996 and April 1997, 120 consecutive patients, who underwent OLT at our institution, were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 80 received triple induction therapy consisting of cyclosporine and MMF (40) or tacrolimus and MMF (40), in combination with low‐dose corticosteroids, whereas the remaining 40 patients served as ‘MMF‐free’ control group receiving dual induction therapy with tacrolimus and corticosteroids. Besides the eight‐yr follow‐up of patient and graft survival, clinical data were also reviewed for episodes of rejection and infection. Additionally, the early post‐operative pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid (MPA, immunological active metabolite of MMF) were evaluated.Results: Long‐term results provided higher patient and graft survival after tacrolimus/MMF‐based induction therapy than after cyclosporine/MMF‐based induction therapy. However, the tacrolimus‐based control protocol yielded similar results and, therefore, no significantly superior effect was observed when MMF was added. The same observation was made for incidence of rejection and infection episodes. AUC andCmaxof MPA increased in combination with tacrolimus compared with cyclosporine.Conclusions: Although pharmacological synergy between tacrolimus and MMF was observed, MMF showed no significant beneficial effects in the immunosuppressive induction protocol, neither in combination with tacrolimus nor with cyclosporine.
Pinpoint targeted immunosuppression: anti‐CD20/MMF desensitization with anti‐CD25 in successful ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation without splenectomy
Authors: Saito Kazuhide , Nakagawa Yuki , Suwa Michihiro , Kumagai Naoki , Tanikawa Toshiki , Nishiyama Tsutomu , Ueno Mitsuhiro , Gejyo Fumitake , Nishi Shin‐ichi , Takahashi Kota 
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Background: In Japan, ABO‐incompatible (ABO‐I) kidney transplantation began in 1989; these transplantations have flourished because of the lack of cadaveric donors, and more than 600 cases were performed up to 2004. Splenectomy has been considered to be necessary for successful ABO‐I kidney transplantation, and the majority of pre‐conditioning protocols include splenectomy in Japan. However, we have lost some grafts due to antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) accompanying explosive elevation of anti‐A/B antibody (Ab) titer even though the patients had a low pre‐operative Ab titer.Patients and methods: We utilized two doses of anti‐CD20, rituximab, simply combined with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)/low‐dose steroid desensitization started 1 month before surgery in ABO‐I kidney transplantation. Two sessions of pre‐operative Ab removal by double filtration plasmapheresis or plasma exchange were carried out. We performed six ABO‐I kidney transplantations without splenectomy. Anti‐A/B Ab titers were more than 16 to 32 times before treatment. We did not plan any post‐operative repeated Ab removal or intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG).Results: Pre‐operative anti‐A/B Ab titers were successfully reduced to less than eight times in all cases. Except for one case in which we had to remove the graft due to aspiration pneumonia and methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) sepsis, the other five cases did not experience antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR). An additional session of post‐operative Ab removal and/or IVIG was not necessary. In all patients, B cells (CD19+, CD20+, CD21+) and activated T cells (CD25+) were selectively suppressed, although CD3+, CD4+and CD8+ cell populations remained stable, thus we call our protocol “pinpoint targeted immunosuppression.” Plasma immunoglobulin level was also successfully suppressed, especially after 6 weeks of surgery.Conclusion: Anti‐CD20/MMF desensitization is safe and allows successful ABO‐I kidney transplantation without splenectomy.
Present status of ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Kota , Saito Kazuhide 
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Background: We have been making continuous efforts in ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation since 1989 to expand the opportunities for kidney transplantation from living donors in Japan.Patients and method: From the Japanese registry, we reviewed the long‐term patient and graft survival of ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation. This survey focused on 564 patients who received ABO‐incompatible kidney grafts from January 1989 to December 2003 in whom monitoring follow‐up could be achieved in 60 institutions all over Japan. The mean age of 367 (65%) male and 197 (35%) female patients at surgery was 34.5 yr. Pre‐operative anti‐A/B antibody (Ab) removal and splenectomy (n=553, 98%) were routinely performed combined with triple or quadruple immunosuppression using calcinurine inhibitor (CNI), anti‐metabolites and steroids with or without deoxyspurgualin (DSG) or anti‐lymphocyte Abs.Results: The overall patient survival rate at 1, 3, 5 and 10 yr after transplantation was 94, 91, 88 and 81%, with overall graft survival rates of 86, 82, 74 and 53%, respectively. The graft survival rate was significantly higher in patients aged 29 and younger compared with those aged 30 and older. Children aged 15 or younger in particular have shown excellent graft survival rates at 1, 3, 5 and 10 yr of 90, 90, 86 and 76%, respectively. Patients with anticoagulation therapy (n=285) showed a significantly higher graft survival rate than those without anticoagulation (n=213), with 10‐yr graft survival rates of 59 vs. 48%. There were no significant differences between A and B incompatibility with respect to clinical outcomes. There were also no significant difference in numbers of human leukocyte antigen mismatches, induction and maintenance CNI (cyclosporin A (CYA) vs. tacrolimus) and donor/recipient relationships with respect to the outcomes. We divided the patients into five groups according to the transplanted year periods. The outcome of the most recent 124 cases since 2001 had dramatically improved, with 2‐yr graft survival of 94%, and there is a significant difference between the groups in 2001 onwards and the other four groups.Conclusion: This study confirms that the long‐term outcome of ABO‐incompatible living kidney transplantation is excellent and is similar to that of ABO‐compatible cases. Recent data show that short‐term graft survival has also improved. ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation is a radical, but safe and effective, treatment choice for end‐stage renal disease.
ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation of an 8‐yr‐old girl with donor/recipient‐constellation A1B/B
Authors: Ahlenstiel Thurid , Offner Gisela , Strehlau Jürgen , Pape Lars , Froede Kerstin , Ehrich Jochen H. H. , Schwarz Anke , Heuft Hans‐Gert , Klempnauer Jürgen 
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Background: Antigen‐specific immunoadsorption combined with rituximab offers the possibility for ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation without splenectomy.Patient and method: An 8‐year‐old mentally retarded girl with steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis due to mitochondriopathy poorly tolerated hemodialysis. Paternal blood group A1B was incompatible with blood group B of the child. Therefore, we decided to perform the first ABO‐incompatible renal transplantation in a child in Germany using antigen‐specific immunoadsorption.Rituximab (1 × 375 mg/m2) was administered 2 weeks before the first immunoadsorption (Glycosorb® ABO A‐column). Triple‐drug immunosuppression (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone) was simultaneously started with immunoadsorption. Initial tacrolimus levels were targeted between 15 and 20 ng/ml. Before transplantation, six immunoadsorptions were applied on days −9, −7, −4, −3, −2 and −1. Intravenous immunoglobulin (0.5 g/kg) was administered preoperatively. After transplantation, three immunoadsorptions were performed on days +4, +6 and +8.Results: Before transplantation, antibody (Ab) titers against paternal erythrocytes (20°C) were reduced from 1 : 64 to 1 : 4 by six antigen‐specific immunoadsorptions. After transplantation, we performed three more immunoadsorptions and the Ab titers were stable between 1 : 1 and 1 : 8. One, 2 and 8 months later we observed increases in the Ab titer up to 1 : 32 requiring no change in immunosuppressive therapy. No side effects of immunoadsorption were observed. The girl had excellent initial graft function with a serum creatinine of 55 to 70 μmol/l. Two weeks after transplantation, graft biopsy showed no signs of rejection; there was focal positivity for C4d only. Twelve months after transplantation, renal function was stable, with a serum creatinine of 117 μmol/l. Episodes of rejection or severe infections were absent.Conclusion: ABO‐incompatible transplantation using antigen‐specific immunoadsorption and rituximab may serve as a suitable alternative for children urgently needing renal transplantation and missing a blood group‐compatible donor.
ABO‐incompatible live donor renal transplantation using blood group A/B carbohydrate antigen immunoadsorption and anti‐CD20 antibody treatment
Authors: Nordén Gunnela , Briggs David , Cockwell Paul , Lipkin Graham , Mjörnstedt Lars , Mölne Johan , Ready Andrew , Rydberg Lennart , Samuelsson Ola , Svalander Christian T , Breimer Michael E 
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Background: Blood group ABO‐incompatible live donor (LD) renal transplantation may provide a significant source of organs. We report the results of our first 14 cases of ABO‐incompatible LD renal transplantation using specific anti‐A/B antibody (Ab) immunoadsorption (IA) and anti‐CD20 monoclonal Ab (mAb) treatment.Patients and treatment protocol: Recipients were blood group O (n=12), A (n=1) and B (n=1). Donors were A1 (n=2), A2 (n=3), A2B (n=1) and B (n=8), and all were secretor positive. Anti‐human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Ab panel reactivity was negative in all recipients except one. All recipients were pre‐treated with 3 to 6 IA sessions, using A or B carbohydrate antigen columns, until their anti‐A1/B RBC panel indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) titers were ≤8. CDC crossmatch was negative in all cases. Recipients received preoperative mycophenolic acid, and steroids/tacrolimus were started at transplantation. No splenectomy was performed. Eight recipients received one dose of anti‐CD20 mAb (rituximab, 375 mg/m2) pre‐operatively and 11 recipients had postoperative protocol IA.Results:
In the initial protocol, anti‐CD20 mAbs were used only for recipients receiving A1 grafts. One B graft (HLA‐identical donor, 84% panel reactivity) was lost in a severe anti‐B Ab‐mediated acute rejection. Subsequently, the protocol included anti‐CD20 for recipients of both A1 and B grafts and postoperative protocol IA to all recipients. The subsequent 10 grafts had excellent function, giving a total graft survival of 13/14 (observation range 2 to 41 months). At 1 yr, mean serum creatinine was 113 μmol/l (n=8) and mean glomerular filtration rate was 55 ml/min/1.73 m2 (range 24 to 77). In the remaining five cases, with less than 1 yr follow up, mean serum creatinine was 145 μmol/l at 2 to 9 months follow up. Pre‐IA anti‐A/B titers were in the range of 2 to 32 (NaCl technique) and 16 to 512 (IAT). More than 90 IA sessions were performed in 14 recipients without any significant side effects. Recipient anti‐A/B titers returned after transplantation to pre‐IA levels or slightly lower. Postoperative renal biopsies were performed in 10 patients. In the 13 patients with long‐term function, one patient experienced cellular rejection (Banff IIB) at 3 months without anti‐B titer rise. This rejection was concomitant with low tacrolimus plasma levels and was easily reversed by steroids. In 8 of 10 cases, C4d staining was positive in peritubular capillaries.Conclusion: Blood group ABO‐incompatible LD renal transplantation using A and B carbohydrate‐specific IA and anti‐CD20 mAbs has excellent graft survival and function.
Major ABO‐incompatible hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: study of post‐transplant pure red cell aplasia and endothelial cell chimerism
Authors: Mueller Regula J. , Stussi Georg , Odermatt Bernhard , Halter Jörg , Schanz Urs , Seebach Jörg D. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Background: In contrast to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching, ABO‐blood group incompatibility plays a minor role in the success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Incompatible ABH histo‐blood group antigens, expressed on recipient endothelial cells (EC) and donor erythroid progenitor cells, may represent targets for graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and host‐versus‐graft reactions, respectively. The aims of the current study were to investigate: (1) red blood cell (RBC) engraftment and (2) EC chimerism as a potential result of replacement of recipient EC by donor bone marrow (BM)‐derived EC in a patient following major ABO‐incompatible (A to O) and gender‐mismatched HSCT, who died at day 350 of severe acute GVHD.Methods: Blood counts and anti‐A/B isoagglutinin titers were analyzed repeatedly. Heart and BM specimens were obtained at autopsy. The expression of ABH histo‐blood group antigens was examined by immunhistochemistry, X/Y chromosomes were detected by chromogen in situ hybridization (CISH).Results: RBC engraftment defined as appearance of 1% reticulocytes in the peripheral blood was delayed and correlated with anti‐donor isoagglutinin titers. Circulating hematopoietic cells were exclusively of donor origin demonstrating full donor hematopoietic chimerism, whereas EC in heart and BM blood vessels were exclusively of the recipient type.Conclusions: Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) after major ABO‐incompatible HSCT was caused by anti‐A/B isoagglutinins produced by recipient‐type plasma cells. Using ABO and gender mismatch for discrimination, heart and BM blood vessels demonstrated no evidence for EC chimerism 11 months after ABO‐incompatible HSCT. These findings suggest that EC replacement and chimerism do not represent major mechanisms responsible for tolerance induction after HSCT.