bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proinflammatory mediators elicit secretion of the intracellular B-lymphocyte stimulator pool (BLyS) that is stored in activated neutrophils: implications for inflammatory diseases
Authors: Scapini Patrizia , Carletto Antonio , Nardelli Bernardetta , Calzetti Federica , Roschke Viktor , Merigo Flavia , Tamassia Nicola , Pieropan Sara , Biasi Domenico , Sbarbati Andrea , Sozzani Silvano , Bambara Lisa , Cassatella Marco A. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractWe have recently shown that granulocyte–colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)– and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)–activated human neutrophils accumulate and release remarkable amounts of soluble B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) in vitro. In this study, we provide evidence that neutrophils migrating into skin window exudates (SWEs) developed in healthy volunteers and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), synthesized, and released BLyS in response to locally produced G-CSF. Accordingly, the concentrations of soluble BLyS in SWEs were significantly more elevated than in serum. Because the levels of SWE BLyS, but not SWE G-CSF, were higher in patients with RA than in healthy subjects, we examined the effect of CXCL8/IL-8, C5a, and other proinflammatory mediators that dramatically accumulate in RA SWEs and in inflamed synovial fluids. We show that CXCL1/GROα, CXCL8/IL-8, C5a, immune complexes, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), leukotriene B4, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which by themselves do not induce BLyS de novo synthesis, act as potent secretagogues for BLyS, which is mainly stored in Golgi-related compartments within G-CSF–treated neutrophils, as determined by immunogold electron microscopy. This action is pivotal in greatly amplifying neutrophil-dependent BLyS release in SWEs of patients with RA compared with healthy subjects. Collectively, our data uncover a novel mechanism that might dramatically exacerbate the release of BLyS by neutrophils during pathologic inflammatory responses.
Different steroids co-regulate long-term expansion versus terminal differentiation in primary human erythroid progenitors
Authors: Leberbauer Cornelia , Boulmé Florence , Unfried Gertrud , Huber Johannes , Beug Hartmut , Müllner Ernst W. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractOutgrowth, long-term self-renewal, and terminal maturation of human erythroid progenitors derived from umbilical cord blood in serum-free medium can be modulated by steroid hormones. Homogeneous erythroid cultures, as characterized by flow cytometry and dependence on a specific mixture of physiologic proliferation factors, were obtained within 8 days from a starting population of mature and immature mononuclear cells. Due to previous results in mouse and chicken erythroblasts, the proliferation-promoting effect of glucocorticoids was not unexpected. Surprisingly, however, androgen had a positive effect on the sustained expansion of human female but not male erythroid progenitors. Under optimal conditions, sustained proliferation of erythroid progenitors resulted in a more than 109-fold expansion within 60 days. Terminal erythroid maturation was significantly improved by adding human serum and thyroid hormone (3,5,3′-triiodothyronine [T3]) to the differentiation medium. This resulted in highly synchronous differentiation of the cells toward enucleated erythrocytes within 6 days, accompanied by massive size decrease and hemoglobin accumulation to levels comparable to those in peripheral blood erythrocytes. Thus, obviously, different ligand-activated nuclear hormone receptors massively influence the decision between self-renewal and terminal maturation in the human erythroid compartment.
Prediction of T-cell reconstitution by assessment of T-cell receptor excision circle before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients
Authors: Chen Xiaohua , Barfield Raymond , Benaim Ely , Leung Wing , Knowles James , Lawrence Dawn , Otto Mario , Shurtleff Sheila A. , Neale Geoffrey A. M. , Behm Frederick G. , Turner Victoria , Handgretinger Rupert 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe extent and rapidity with which T cells are regenerated from graft-derived precursor cells directly influences the incidence of infection and the T-cell–based graft-versus-tumor effect. Measurement of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) in peripheral blood is a means of quantifying recent thymic T-cell production and has been used after transplantation in many studies to estimate thymus-dependent T-cell reconstitution. We hypothesized that the quality of thymic function before transplantation affects thymus-dependent T-cell reconstitution after transplantation. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to quantify signal-joint TRECs (sjTRECs) before and after transplantation. T-cell reconstitution was evaluated by T-cell receptor β (TCRβ) CDR3 size spectratyping. We tested 77 healthy sibling donors and 244 samples from 26 pediatric recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). Blood from the healthy donors contained 1200 to 155 000 sjTREC copies/mL blood. Patients who had greater than 1200 copies/mL blood before transplantation showed early recovery of sjTREC numbers and TCRβ repertoire diversity. In contrast, patients who had fewer than 1200 copies/mL blood before transplantation demonstrated significantly slower restoration of thymus-dependent T cells. We conclude that the rate of reconstitution of thymus-dependent T cells is dependent on the competence of thymic function in the recipients before transplantation. Therefore, pretransplantation measurement of sjTREC may provide an important tool for predicting thymus-dependent T-cell reconstitution after transplantation.
High incidence of occult leptomeningeal disease detected by flow cytometry in newly diagnosed aggressive B-cell lymphomas at risk for central nervous system involvement: the role of flow cytometry versus cytology
Authors: Hegde Upendra , Filie Armando , Little Richard F. , Janik John E. , Grant Nicole , Steinberg Seth M. , Dunleavy Kieron , Jaffe Elaine S. , Abati Andrea , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , Wilson Wyndham H. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
We assessed the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by flow cytometry and cytology in 51 newly diagnosed and 9 treated aggressive B-cell lymphomas at risk for central nervous system (CNS) involvement to examine the utility of flow cytometry, incidence of CSF disease, and clinical surrogates of CNS spread. Multicolor flow cytometry using multiple antibody panels for light chains and B- and T-cell antigens identified neoplastic clones that constituted as little as 0.2% of total CSF lymphocytes. Among 51 newly diagnosed patients, 11 (22%) had occult CSF involvement. All 11 were detected by flow cytometry but only 1 by cytology (P = .002). Among 9 treated patients, CSF involvement was detected by flow cytometry alone in 2 and also by cytology in 1 case. CSF chemistry and cell counts were similar in patients with and without CSF lymphoma. Only the number of extranodal sites was associated with occult CSF lymphoma in newly diagnosed patients by univariate (P = .006) or logistic regression analysis (P = .012). We hypothesize that the biologic phenotype associated with colonization of extranodal sites leads to CNS spread, possibly related to the microenvironment. Patients at risk for CNS spread should undergo staging CSF evaluation by flow cytometry.
A polymorphism in the VKORC1 gene is associated with an interindividual variability in the dose-anticoagulant effect of warfarin
Authors: D'Andrea Giovanna , D'Ambrosio Rosa Lucia , Di Perna Pasquale , Chetta Massimiliano , Santacroce Rosa , Brancaccio Vincenzo , Grandone Elvira , Margaglione Maurizio 
Published: September 2004

AbstractPatients require different warfarin dosages to achieve the target therapeutic anticoagulation. The variability is largely genetically determined, and it can be only partly explained by genetic variability in the cytochrome CYP2C9 locus. In 147 patients followed from the start of anticoagulation with warfarin, we have investigated whether VKORC1 gene mutations have affected doses of drug prescribed to acquire the target anticoagulation intensity. Two synonymous mutations, 129C&gt;T at Cys43 and 3462C&gt;T at Leu120, and 2 missense mutations, Asp38Tyr and Arg151Gln, were identified. None of these mutations was found to affect the interindividual variability of warfarin prescribed. Finally, 2 common polymorphisms were found, 1173C&gt;T in the intron 1 and 3730G&gt;A transition in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR). Regardless of the presence of confounding variables, the mean adjusted dose required of warfarin was higher (6.2 mg) among patients with the VKORC1 1173CC genotype than those of patients carrying the CT (4.8 mg; P = .002) or the TT genotype (3.5 mg; P &lt; .001). In the present setting, VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genetic variants investigated accounted for about a third (r2, 0.353) of the interindividual variability. Genetic variants of the VKORC1 gene locus modulate the mean daily dose of drug prescribed to acquire the target anticoagulation intensity.
Combination immunotherapy with a CpG oligonucleotide (1018 ISS) and rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: increased interferon-α/β–inducible gene expression, without significant toxicity
Authors: Friedberg Jonathan W. , Kim Helen , McCauley Mary , Hessel Edith M. , Sims Paul , Fisher David C. , Nadler Lee M. , Coffman Robert L. , Freedman Arnold S. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractCpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) affect innate and adaptive immune responses, including antigen presentation, costimulatory molecule expression, dendritic cell maturation, and induction of cytokines enhancing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). We conducted a phase 1 study evaluating 4 dose levels of a CpG-ODN (1018 ISS) with rituximab in 20 patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Patients received CpG once a week for 4 weeks beginning after the second of 4 rituximab infusions. Adverse events were minimal. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) measurements of a panel of genes inducible by CpG-ODN and interferons were performed on blood samples collected before and 24 hours after CpG. A dose-related increase was measured in the expression of several interferon–inducible genes after CpG and correlated with serum levels of 2′-5′ oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS), a validated interferon response marker. Genes induced selectively by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were not significantly induced by CpG. In conclusion, we have defined a set of gene expression markers that provide a sensitive measure of biologic responses of patients to CpG therapy in a dose-related manner. Moreover, all the genes significantly induced by this CpG are regulated by type 1 interferons, providing insight into the dominant immune mechanisms in humans. CpG treatment resulted in no significant toxicity, providing rationale for further testing of this exciting combination immunotherapy approach to NHL.
Murine embryonic stem cell differentiation is promoted by SOCS-3 and inhibited by the zinc finger transcription factor Klf4
Authors: Li Yanjun , McClintick Jeanette , Zhong Li , Edenberg Howard J. , Yoder Mervin C. , Chan Rebecca J. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractEmbryonic stem (ES) cells homozygous for a Shp-2 mutation (Shp-2Δ46-110) demonstrate leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) hypersensitivity and increased LIF-stimulated phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3). We hypothesized that LIF-responsive genes in Shp-2Δ46-110 cells would represent potential candidates for molecules vital for ES cell self-renewal. Using microarray analysis, we detected 41 genes whose expression was modified by LIF in Shp-2Δ46-110 ES cells. Induction of 2 significantly up-regulated genes, suppressor of cytokine signaling–3 (SOCS-3) and Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4), was verified using Northern blotting. ES cells overexpressing SOCS-3 had an increased capacity to differentiate to hematopoietic progenitors, rather than to self-renew. In contrast, ES cells overexpressing Klf4 had a greater capacity to self-renew based on secondary embryoid body (EB) formation. Klf4-transduced d6 EBs expressed higher levels of Oct-4, consistent with the notion that Klf4 promotes ES cell self-renewal. These findings verify the negative role of SOCS-3 on LIF signaling and provide a novel role for Klf4 in ES cell function.
Acquired α-thalassemia in association with myelodysplastic syndrome and other hematologic malignancies
Authors: Steensma David P. , Gibbons Richard J. , Higgs Douglas R. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractAbnormalities of hemoglobin synthesis are usually inherited but may also arise as a secondary manifestation of another disease, most commonly hematologic neoplasia. Acquired hemoglobin disorders can be seen in any population and are not restricted to areas of the world with high incidences of inherited hemoglobinopathies. In fact, the acquired hemoglobinopathies may be more readily recognized where inherited hemoglobin abnormalities are rare and less likely to cause diagnostic confusion. Acquired α-thalassemia is the best characterized of the acquired red blood cell disorders in patients with hematologic malignancy, and it is almost always associated with a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). At least 2 molecular mechanisms for acquired α-thalassemia are now recognized: acquired deletion of the α-globin gene cluster limited to the neoplastic clone and, more commonly, inactivating somatic mutations of the trans-acting chromatin-associated factor ATRX, which cause dramatic down-regulation of α-globin gene expression. Here we review the clinical, hematologic, and molecular genetic features of α-thalassemia arising in a clonal myeloid disorder, and we discuss howATRX might affect gene expression in normal and abnormal hematopoiesis through epigenetic mechanisms.
Antroduodenal motility in neurologically handicapped children with feeding intolerance
Authors: Werlin Steven L 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
Dysphagia and feeding intolerance are common in neurologically handicapped children. The aim is to determine the etiologies of feeding intolerance in neurologically handicapped children who are intolerant of tube feedings.

Methods
Eighteen neurologically handicapped children, followed in the Tube Feeding Clinic at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin who were intolerant of gastrostomy feedings. The charts of these 18 patients were reviewed. Past medical history, diagnoses, history of fundoplication and results of various tests of gastrointestinal function including barium contrast radiography, endoscopy and antroduodenal manometry were documented.

Results
Five of 11 children had abnormal barium upper gastrointestinal series. Seven of 14 had abnormal liquid phase gastric emptying tests. Two of 16 had esophagitis on endoscopy. All 18 children had abnormal antroduodenal motility.

Conclusions
In neurologically handicapped children foregut dysmotility may be more common than is generally recognized and can explain many of the upper gastrointestinal symptoms in neurologically handicapped children.
Glutamine-enriched enteral nutrition in very low birth weight infants. Design of a double-blind randomised controlled trial [ISRCTN73254583]
Authors: van den Berg Anemone , van Elburg Ruurd M , Twisk Jos WR , Fetter Willem PF 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
Enteral feeding of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is a challenge, since metabolic demands are high and administration of enteral nutrition is limited by immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract. The amino acid glutamine plays an important role in maintaining functional integrity of the gut. In addition, glutamine is utilised at a high rate by cells of the immune system. In critically ill patients, glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid. VLBW infants may be especially susceptible to glutamine depletion as nutritional supply of glutamine is limited in the first weeks after birth. Glutamine depletion has negative effects on functional integrity of the gut and leads to immunosuppression. This double-blind randomised controlled trial is designed to investigate the effect of glutamine-enriched enteral nutrition on feeding tolerance, infectious morbidity and short-term outcome in VLBW infants. Furthermore, an attempt is made to elucidate the role of glutamine in postnatal adaptation of the gut and modulation of the immune response.

Methods
VLBW infants (gestational age <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1500 g) are randomly allocated to receive enteral glutamine supplementation (0.3 g/kg/day) or isonitrogenous placebo supplementation between day 3 and 30 of life. Primary outcome is time to full enteral feeding (defined as a feeding volume ≥ 120 mL/kg/day). Furthermore, incidence of serious infections and short-term outcome are evaluated. The effect of glutamine on postnatal adaptation of the gut is investigated by measuring intestinal permeability and determining faecal microflora. The role of glutamine in modulation of the immune response is investigated by determining plasma Th1/Th2 cytokine concentrations following in vitro whole blood stimulation.
The Internet and HIV study: design and methods
Authors: Elford Jonathan , Bolding Graham , Davis Mark , Sherr Lorraine , Hart Graham 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
The Internet provides a new meeting ground, especially for gay men, that did not exist in the early 1990s. Several studies have found increased levels of high risk sexual behaviour and sexually transmissible infections (STI) among gay men who seek sex on the Internet, although the underlying processes are not fully understood. Research funded by the UK Medical Research Council (2002–2004) provided the opportunity to consider whether the Internet represents a new sexual risk environment for gay and bisexual men living in London.

Methods
The objectives of the Internet and HIV study are to: (i) measure the extent to which gay men living in London seek sexual partners on the Internet; (ii) compare the characteristics of London gay men who do and do not seek sex on the Internet; (iii) examine whether sex with Internet-partners is less safe than with other sexual partners; (iv) compare use of the Internet with other venues where men meet sexual partners; (v) establish whether gay men use the Internet to actively seek partners for unprotected anal intercourse; (vi) determine the potential for using the Internet for HIV prevention. These objectives have been explored using quantitative and qualitative research methods in four samples of London gay men recruited and interviewed both online and offline. The four samples were: (i) gay men recruited through Internet chat rooms and profiles; (ii) HIV positive gay men attending an NHS hospital outpatients clinic; (iii) gay men seeking an HIV test in an NHS HIV testing or sexual health clinic; (iv) gay men recruited in the community.

Results
Quantitative data were collected by means of confidential, anonymous self-administered questionnaires (n>4000) completed on-line by the Internet sample. Qualitative data were collected by means of one-to-one interviews (n = 128) conducted either face-to-face or on-line.

Conclusion
The strength of the Internet and HIV study is its methodological plurality, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative research among online and offline samples, as well as taking advantage of recent advances in web survey design. The study's findings will help us better understand the role of the Internet in relation to gay men's sexual practice
Multi-line split DNA synthesis: a novel combinatorial method to make high quality peptide libraries
Authors: Tabuchi Ichiro , Soramoto Sayaka , Ueno Shingo , Husimi Yuzuru 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
We developed a method to make a various high quality random peptide libraries for evolutionary protein engineering based on a combinatorial DNA synthesis.

Results
A split synthesis in codon units was performed with mixtures of bases optimally designed by using a Genetic Algorithm program. It required only standard DNA synthetic reagents and standard DNA synthesizers in three lines. This multi-line split DNA synthesis (MLSDS) is simply realized by adding a mix-and-split process to normal DNA synthesis protocol. Superiority of MLSDS method over other methods was shown. We demonstrated the synthesis of oligonucleotide libraries with 1016 diversity, and the construction of a library with random sequence coding 120 amino acids containing few stop codons.

Conclusions
Owing to the flexibility of the MLSDS method, it will be able to design various "rational" libraries by using bioinformatics databases.
Rapid and reliable extraction of genomic DNA from various wild-type and transgenic plants
Authors: Kang Tae-Jin , Yang Moon-Sik 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Background
DNA extraction methods for PCR-quality DNA from calluses and plants are not time efficient, since they require that the tissues be ground in liquid nitrogen, followed by precipitation of the DNA pellet in ethanol, washing and drying the pellet, etc. The need for a rapid and simple procedure is urgent, especially when hundreds of samples need to be analyzed. Here, we describe a simple and efficient method of isolating high-quality genomic DNA for PCR amplification and enzyme digestion from calluses, various wild-type and transgenic plants.

Results
We developed new rapid and reliable genomic DNA extraction method. With our developed method, plant genomic DNA extraction could be performed within 30 min. The method was as follows. Plant tissue was homogenized with salt DNA extraction buffer using hand-operated homogenizer and extracted by phenol:chloroform:isoamyl alcohol (25:24:1). After centrifugation, the supernatant was directly used for DNA template for PCR, resulting in successful amplification for RAPD from various sources of plants and specific foreign genes from transgenic plants. After precipitating the supernatant, the DNA was completely digested by restriction enzymes.

Conclusion
This DNA extraction procedure promises simplicity, speed, and efficiency, both in terms of time and the amount of plant sample required. In addition, this method does not require expensive facilities for plant genomic DNA extraction.