bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and microbiology of cellulitis and bacterial soft tissue infection during HIV disease: a 10‐year survey
Authors: Manfredi Roberto , Calza Leonardo , Chiodo Francesco 
Published: March 2003

Background: Cellulitis and soft tissue infection are underestimated complications of HIV disease.Patients and methods:  Sixty‐seven bacteriologically proven consecutive episodes were identified among 2221 HIV‐infected patients hospitalized in a 10‐year period, and assessed according to several epidemiological, microbiological and clinical variables.Results:  Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently cultured pathogen (50% of 92 isolates), followed by Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes; a polymicrobial infection was present in 38.1% of episodes. Drug addiction (p < 0.003) and male gender (p < 0.04) were significantly associated with the occurrence of these complications, which were community‐acquired in 83.6% of cases. While a remarkable variation in the severity of underlying immunodeficiency was shown, hematogenous dissemination occurred in 25.4% of episodes, and proved significantly related to a low CD4+ lymphocyte count, and neutropenia. A 21.7% methicillin‐resistance rate was shown among S. aureus isolates. All episodes were favorably treated in 5–16 days, in over 60% of cases with associated β‐lactam‐aminglycoside antibiotics; a recurrence of staphylococcal cellulitis occurred in four patients only.Conclusion:  Skin and soft tissue infections are continuing causes of morbidity in HIV‐infected patients, even in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era.
Expression of syndecan‐1 is a sensitive marker for cutaneous plasmacytoma
Authors: Bayer‐Garner Ilene B. , Joseph Lija , Sanderson Ralph D. , Smoller Bruce R. 
Published: March 2003

Background:  Cutaneous plasmacytoma is a well‐recognized, yet infrequent, occurrence in multiple myeloma (MM). There are limitations in the morphologic assessment, and as such, the diagnosis presents some difficulty, particularly with the plasmablastic type.Methods:  Pathology reports of 2357 patients with a diagnosis of MM were reviewed. Twenty patients yielded a total of 25 plasmacytomas, 10 of which were analyzed for syndecan‐1 immunoreactivity. Bartl grade of bone marrow and cutaneous plasmacytoma was compared and immunoglobulin secretory status of the patients was assessed.Results:  The incidence of cutaneous plasmacytoma was found to be 1 in 118 patients with MM. Immunoglobulin secretion was found to be predominantly IgG. There was a trend for the plasmacytoma Bartl grade to be equal to or greater than that of the corresponding bone marrow Bartl grade, suggesting a more aggressive phenotype in the metastatic lesion.Conclusion:  Syndecan‐1 was found to be a sensitive marker for plasmacytomas, independent of cytologic differentiation.
Doxorubicin and a butyric acid derivative effectively reduce levels of BCL‐2 protein in the cells of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient
Authors: Rabizadeh E. , Bairey O. , Aviram A. , Ben‐Dror I. , Shaklai M. , Zimra Y. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: B‐chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL) is a disease caused primarily by defects in the apoptosis mechanism. AN‐9, a butyric acid (BA) derivative, is a potent differentiating and an anti‐cancer drug that induces apoptosis in HL‐60 cells. Herein we show the affect of AN‐9, alone and in combination with doxorubicin, on cell cultures from B‐CLL patients. Cells from 17 patients were cultured and tested for viability, apoptosis, bcl‐2 and bax protein expression. Exposure of B‐CLL cell cultures to AN‐9 was accompanied by apoptosis and a marked viability loss (up to 46%, p=0.0017). AN‐9 reduced up to 51% (p=0.0017) the levels of bcl‐2 in 57% of the cultures that express bcl‐2. The combination of low concentrations of AN‐9 and doxorubicin more than additively enhanced apoptosis and reduced bcl‐2 levels in B‐CLL cultures which were resistant to AN‐9. AN‐9 enhanced bax expression up to 58%(p=0.008) in cultures from 53% of the patients, but had no effect on bax levels when combined with doxorubicin.In conclusion, AN‐9 alone reduced bcl‐2 and enhanced bax expression in cultures from B‐CLL patients, and the reduction of bcl‐2 levels in combination with doxorubicin was greater than additive. These results may be beneficial in possible future combination therapy with AN‐9 in B‐CLL.
Low levels of mannose‐binding lectin do not affect occurrence of severe infections or duration of fever in acute myeloid leukaemia during remission induction therapy
Authors: Bergmann Olav J. , Christiansen Michael , Laursen Inga , Bang Peter , Hansen Niels Ebbe , Ellegaard Jørgen , Koch Claus , Andersen Vagn 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Purpose: To estimate the clinical significance of low serum concentrations of mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) during initial cancer chemotherapy. Patients and methods: 80 consecutive, newly diagnosed, and unselected AML patients (age 18–77 yr) undergoing remission induction chemotherapy. The patients were examined for 28 d. Main findings: Low levels of serum MBL (<1000 μg/L) were found in 16/80 patients at diagnosis. This frequency is similar to what is found in the general population. In the remaining 64 patients, MBL concentrations were significantly higher than in controls and showed only a slight rise during the period of antineoplastic chemotherapy with its associated infectious complications. Low levels of MBL did not affect overall survival or morbidity in terms of incidence or duration of fever, or occurrence of septicaemia or pneumonia. Long‐term survival was likewise independent of MBL concentration. Conclusion: MBL levels have no discernible influence on the occurrence or course of infections in AML patients during the initial hospitalisation. The predominant immunodeficiency during this phase is the profound granulocytopenia, which also compromises important effector functions of MBL. The finding in most AML patients of elevated MBL concentrations on admission is most likely because of the role of MBL as an acute phase reactant.
Expression of genes regulating angiogenesis in human circulating hematopoietic cord blood CD34+/CD133+ cells
Authors: Pomyje Jiří , Živný Jan , Šefc Luděk , Plašilová Magdalena , Pytlík Robert , Nečas Emanuel 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Objectives: Human CD34+ cells represent a heterogeneous population of immature cells which may differentiate to various cell types. The aim of the study was to determine angiogenesis regulating genes expression in CD34+ cells, their subpopulations, and during their differentiation induced by hematopoietic growth factors.Material and methods: We have measured the expression of angiogenesis regulating genes angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1), angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐2) and their receptor Tie‐2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors VEGFR‐1 and VEGFR‐2 in sorted population of CD34+ and CD34+/CD133+ cells from human cord blood and bone marrow, and in their differentiating progeny, using real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The hematopoietic differentiation of CD34+ cells was induced in semisolid or liquid differentiation supporting media containing appropriate hematopoietic growth factors.Results: A higher expression of Ang‐1, Ang‐2, and Tie‐2 mRNAs was detected in CD34+/CD133+ cord blood cells as compared with CD34−/CD133− fraction, but no expression of these genes was detected in burst‐forming unit erythroid (BFU‐E) nor colony‐forming unit granulocyte macrophage (CFU‐GM) colonies. The level of Ang‐1 and Tie‐2 mRNAs, but not that of Ang‐2 mRNA gradually decreased during a 14‐d incubation of cord blood CD34+ cells in a liquid culture. A significantly higher expression of VEGF mRNA was in BFU‐E as compared with CFU‐GM cell colonies and CD34+/CD133+ cells. VEGFR‐1 mRNA was equally expressed in CD34+/CD133+ and CD34−/CD133− cells as well as in BFU‐E and CFU‐GM colonies. Expression of VEGFR‐2 mRNA was detected at the borderline of method sensitivity only in CD34+/CD133+ cells.Conclusion: CD34+/CD133+ cord blood cells express Ang‐1, Ang‐2 and VEGF as well as their receptor mRNAs, suggesting a role of these cells in regulation both angiopoiesis and hematopoiesis.
Effect of recombinant human deoxyribonuclease on the expression of cell adhesion molecules of thawed and processed cord blood hematopoietic progenitors
Authors: Beck C , Nguyen XD , Klüter H , Eichler H 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Background and objectives: The integrity of granulocytic cells and platelets is compromised within cryopreserved stem cell transplants, and consequent DNA release during the thawing procedure can therefore lead to clotting phenomena or microaggregate formation and that in turn may cause loss of progenitor cells. To circumvent this problem a new processing protocol was introduced using recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase) to prevent cell aggregate formation. In addition, the impact of this new processing protocol on CD34+ umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells was assessed.Materials and methods: Fifty samples derived from 7 buffy coat (BC) volume reduced UCB units were cryopreserved, thawed, and processed with washing solutions that were supplemented with rhDNase in various concentrations. Thereafter, clotting and microaggregate formation was scored microscopically. In addition, expression of the adhesion molecules leukocyte function‐associated antigen 1 (LFA‐1, n = 6), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1, n = 11), and L‐selectin (n = 11) on CD34+ UCB cells was analyzed by flow cytometry after incubating the samples with either dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 5.5%, rhDNase 10 or 50 U/mL, or a combination of DMSO 5.5% and rhDNase 50 U/mL.Results: At a minimal concentration of 10 U rhDNase/mL, clotting or microaggregate formation could be prevented for all tested samples, whereas cell clots could be observed for concentrations up to 8 U/mL. The expression of adhesion molecules on untreated CD34+ UCB cells (L‐selectin: 64.6 ± 18.8%; LFA‐1: 62.6 ± 7.5%; ICAM‐1: 14.8 ± 4.1%) did not show any significant difference compared with cells that were incubated with up to 50 U/mL rhDNase (L‐selectin: 62.2 ± 19.3%; LFA‐1: 63.1 ± 5.9%; ICAM‐1: 17.5 ± 6.7%). However, after a combined treatment with DMSO 5.5% and rhDNase 50 U/mL, a slight but significant decrease in L‐selectin expression could be observed (P < 0.03).Conclusion: The supplementation of rhDNase to a final concentration of 10 U/mL cell suspension proved to be effective in preventing clot formation under the conditions examined and did not lead to decreased expression levels of adhesion molecules. We therefore recommend the use of rhDNase for the prevention of clot formation and cell loss during the processing of thawed UCB transplants.
Deficiency of Decidual IL‐10 in First Trimester Missed Abortion: A Lack of Correlation with the Decidual Immune Cell Profile
Authors: PLEVYAK MICHAEL , HANNA NAZEEH , MAYER SANDRA , MURPHY SHAUN , PINAR HALIT , FAST LOREN , EKERFELT CHRISTINA , ERNERUDH JAN , BERG GORAN , MATTHIESEN LEIF , SHARMA SURENDRA 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: To determine if first trimester missed abortion decidua is characterized by an altered immune cell profile and/or a modified interleukin (IL)‐10 and interferon (IFN)‐γ production pattern compared with decidua from elective termination.METHOD OF STUDY: Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to determine the decidual immune cell phenotypic profile and production pattern of IL‐10 and IFN‐γ in cases of elective termination (n=14) and missed abortion (n=12).RESULTS: Both groups had a similar proportion of CD56+ CD16–, CD56+ CD16+, CD19+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, αβ T cells and γδ T cells. The majority of αβ and γδ positive T cells in both groups coexpressed the natural killer (NK) cell marker CD56, but lacked cell surface expression of CD3. Diminished decidual IL‐10 staining was noted in 7/10 missed abortion cases compared with none of the elective termination cases (n=12) (P=0.007). A uniform decidual IFN‐γ staining pattern was observed in both groups.CONCLUSION: Decreased IL‐10 production coupled with a sustained IFN‐γ presence noted in missed abortion compared with elective termination cases suggest that these cytokines may be important determinants in pregnancy outcome. In contrast, differences in the proportion of immune cells between both groups may not be a critical factor in early pregnancy loss. In normal pregnancy, decidual αβ and γδ positive T cells with reduced CD3 on their cell surface may be intrinsically restricted in T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐mediated activation.
Distinct Expression Pattern of Cytokines in Semen of Men with Genital Infection and Oligo‐Terato‐Asthenozoospermia
Authors: Matalliotakis Ioannis , Arici Aydin , Goumenou Anastasia , Koumantakis Georgios , Selam Belgin , Matalliotakis Georgios , Koumantakis Evgenios 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible relevance of cytokines in seminal plasma (SP) of patients with accessory gland infection and oligo‐terato‐asthenozoospermia.METHOD OF STUDY: Semen samples were obtained by masturbation from 90 men and were examined for the presence of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐11 and soluble CD23 (sCD23) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Five groups were included: (1) fertile men (n=20), (2) infertile men with varicocele and oligo‐terato‐asthenozoospermia (V‐OTA, n=20), (3) infertile men with genital infection and OTA (INF‐OTA, n=20), (4) infertile men with idiopathic testicular lesion and OTA (ITL‐OTA, n=20) and (5) infertile men with azoospermia (AZOO, n=10). RESULTS:  We found that the mean level of IL‐2 was higher in SP from infertile men compared with SP from fertile men (P < 0.05). Mean levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐11 in SP of INF‐OTA were higher than that of all other groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively). However, no significant differences could be detected between other groups. A significant increase was noted in sCD23 levels in SP from men with ITL‐OTA compared with all other groups (P < 0.01). We have not observed any correlations between IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐11 and sCD23 levels in SP and semen parameters. Spearman's correlation coefficient revealed that there was a significant association between IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐11 levels in men with INF‐OTA.CONCLUSION: The measurement of each cytokine separately in the SP of men with INF‐OTA, in spite of the existing significant differences, does not have a diagnostic value in male infertility. However, a combined determination of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐11 in the SP of men with genital infection and oligo‐terato‐asthenozoospermia may provide clinically useful information for the diagnosis of male accessory gland infection.
Transforming Growth Factors β1, β2 and β3 and their Receptors are Differentially Expressed in Human Peritoneal Fibroblasts in Response to Hypoxia
Authors: Saed Ghassan M. , Collins Karen L. , Diamond Michael P. 
Published: March 2003

Saed GM, Collins KL, Diamond MP. Transforming growth factors β1, β2, and β3 and their receptors are differentially expressed in human peritoneal fibroblasts in response to hypoxia. AJRI 2002; 48: 387–393 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002PROBLEM: Little is known about the role of peritoneal fibroblasts in adhesion formation. This study determines the effect of hypoxia and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 treatment on the expression of TGF‐β1–3 and TGF‐βI and βII receptors in human peritoneal fibroblasts (HPF). TGF‐β isoforms and their receptors have been implicated as mediators of the healing process and adhesion development.METHODS: HPF were cultured under normal and hypoxic condition, and treated with and without (1 ng/mL) TGF‐β1 for 24 hr. Total RNA from each group was subjected to multiplex reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) to quantitate TGF‐β1–3 and TGF‐βI and βII receptors messenger RNA (mRNA) levels.RESULTS: Hypoxia resulted in a significant increase in TGF‐β1 (26%; P < 0.05), TGF‐βIR (34%; P < 0.05) and TGF‐βIIR (29%; P < 0.05) mRNA levels, with no effect on TGF‐β2 or β3. TGF‐β1 treatment resulted in a significant increase in TGF‐β1 (35%; P < 0.05), but a decrease in TGF‐β2 (22%; P < 0.05) and no effect on TGF‐β3, TGF‐βIR or TGF‐βΙIR. Combined treatment of hypoxia and TGF‐β1 caused a significant increase in TGF‐β1 (37%; P < 0.05), TGF‐β2 (12%; P < 0.05), TGF‐βIR (32%; P < 0.05) and TGF‐βIIR (34%; P < 0.05). There is no significant change in the mRNA levels of TGF‐β3 in any of the treatments.CONCLUSION: Hypoxia and TGF‐β1 treatments of cultured HPF modulate the expression of TGF‐β1, β2 and β3 and their receptors βIR and βIIR by increasing the ratio of TGF‐β1 and β2 to β3, thus favoring the development of peritoneal adhesion.
Interleukin Regulation of Asymmetric Antibody Synthesized by Isolated Placental B Cells
Authors: CANELLADA A. , FÄRBER A. , ZENCLUSSEN A.C. , GENTILE T. , DOKMETJIAN J. , KEIL A. , BLOIS S. , MIRANDA S. , BEROD L. , GUTIÉRREZ G. , MARKERT U.R. , MARGNI R.A. 
Published: March 2003

Canellada A, Färber A, Zenclussen AC, Gentile T, Dokmetjian J, Keil A, Blois S, Miranda S, Berod L, Gutiérrez G, Markert UR, Margni RA. Interleukin regulation of asymmetric antibody synthesized by isolated placental B cells. AJRI 2002; 48: 275–282 © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2002 PROBLEM: Protecting antibodies against trophoblast surface molecules were previously described. Here we analysed the synthesis of asymmetric IgG by placental B‐lymphocytes.METHOD OF STUDY: B cells were isolated from human term placenta and cord blood, stimulated with anti‐CD40 IgG and cocultured with transfected Fcγ R‐expressing mice Ltk‐fibroblast. Interleukin‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐11 and IL‐13 were added to cultures for 14 days. Asymmetric IgG were assessed in culture supernatants by concanavalin A (Con A) fixation and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: When IL‐6 was added to the cultures, the percentages of asymmetric IgG synthesized by placental B cells were: IL‐6: 29 ± 10; IL‐6 + IL‐10: 24 ± 7; IL‐4 + IL‐10 + IL‐6: 38 ± 9. The last combination induced the highest increase in the asymmetric IgG synthesis as compared with control (19 ± 10%, P < 0.05). Additionally, placental B cells synthesized more asymmetric IgG than umbilical cord blood B‐lymphocytes (P=0.0015).CONCLUSIONS: Isolated placental B‐lymphocytes synthesized asymmetric IgG in response to Th2 interleukins, more notably IL‐6 in combination with IL‐4 and IL‐10. The in vitro increase of protective asymmetric IgG synthesis in response to Th2‐cytokines support the hypothesis that a local Th2‐switch is beneficial for pregnancy outcome.
Dynamic Changes of the Immunoglobulins in Patients with Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: Efficacy of a Novel Treatment Using Peritoneo‐Venous Shunt
Authors: TAKAMIZAWA SATORU , SHIBAHARA HIROAKI , TANEICHI AKIYO , OBARA HIROMI , FUJIWARA HIROYUKI , OGAWA SYUICHI , KOIKE TOSHIMITSU , IDEI SADAYOSHI , SATO IKUO 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: To evaluate the efficacy of continuous auto‐transfusion system of ascites (CATSA) for the treatment of patients with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) at the risk of febrile morbidity, the dynamic changes of immunoglobulins in the sera and the peritoneal fluid from patients with severe OHSS treated by CATSA were estimated.METHOD OF STUDY: Ten patients with severe OHSS after superovulation for in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer (IVF‐ET) were treated by CATSA. Immunoglobulin concentrations were examined in the serum and in the peritoneal fluid before and after CATSA. As controls, serum samples from 15 infertile women, who did not develop OHSS after the same superovulation protocol, were obtained on the day of mid‐luteal period (Control‐1). Serum samples from 15 patients with OHSS, who were treated by albumin infusion without paracentesis, were also obtained before and after the treatment (Control‐2).RESULTS: Before the treatments, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in patients with severe OHSS treated with CATSA and those in patients of Control‐2 were significantly lower than those in patients of Control‐1 (P < 0.01). Following CATSA, the concentration of IgG increased in the sera, while it decreased in the peritoneal fluid.CONCLUSIONS: Serum IgG in patients with severe OHSS exuded into their peritoneal cavity, indicating that they might be at the status of immunodeficiency and at the risk of febrile morbidity. However, non‐infectious febrile morbidity attributed to endogenous pyrogenic mechanism might be considerable. It is also suggested that CATSA might be effective in improving hypoimmunoglobulinemia of the patients with severe OHSS by the peritoneo‐venous shunt.
Peri‐partum Changes in the Intraepithelial Lymphocyte Population of Sheep Interplacentomal Endometrium
Authors: NASAR MD. ABU , RAHMAN AMINOOR , MEEUSEN ELS N.T. , LEE CHEE SEONG 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: Previous studies have shown that the proportion of γδTCR+ large granulated lymphocytes (LGLs) increased markedly during pregnancy and declined dramatically by 2 days after parturition in sheep interplacentomal uterine epithelium. In the present study, the distribution, dynamics and fate of these cells, just before, during and immediately after parturition are described.METHODS OF STUDY: Interplacentomal tissues were collected at 140 days post‐coitus (dpc), 148 dpc, during parturition, 1–2 hr postpartum, 1 day postpartum (dpp) and 3 dpp, and were studied using light and electron microscopy, and immuno histochemistry. Uterine washings were collected at 148 dpc and examined for the presence of LGLs. Semi‐thin Araldite sections taken at different stages were used to quantify the intraepithelial LGLs, non‐granulated lymphocytes (NGLs) and apoptotic cells, whereas frozen sections were used to quantify CD45R+, CD8+ and γδTCR+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs).RESULTS: A dramatic decline in the proportion of IELs in the luminal epithelium during parturition was observed, mainly because of the decline in CD45R+, CD8+ and γδTCR+ IELs. There was also a significant decline in the number of granules/LGL at parturition. This was accompanied by the presence of apoptotic cells of which some were LGLs. The proportions of IELs, LGLs and apoptotic cells markedly increased at 3 dpp. LGLs were found both in uterine washings at 148 dpc and in the uterine lumen at 3 dpp. Apoptosis of glandular epithelial cells was also evident at parturition and markedly increased at 1 dpp.CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that the dramatic decline in the proportion of γδTCR+ LGLs at parturition was because of de‐granulation, apoptosis and migration of these cells into the uterine lumen.
Effect of Active Immunization with the C‐terminal 67–94 (R‐28) Region of Human Seminal Plasma Inhibin on the Fecundity of Adult Male Rabbits
Authors: Mehta Monica N. , Mahale Smita D. , Iyer K.S. , Vanage Geeta R. , Raghavan Vijaya P. , Moodbidri Sudhir B. 
Published: March 2003

PROBLEM: To characterize the specificity of antibodies to the synthetic C‐terminal 67–94 (R‐28) peptide of human seminal plasma inhibin (hSPI), and to examine the effect of active immunization on the fecundity of adult male animals.METHOD OF STUDY: The specificity of R‐28‐DT antibodies was tested using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting. For fertility studies, adult male rats and rabbits were immunized and mated with females of the same strain.RESULTS: Rabbit antibodies to R‐28‐DT recognized native hSPI, as demonstrated by sperm agglutination in vivo and in vitro, on the sperm head by immunofluorescence staining, and in the columnar epithelial cells of the prostate by immunohistochemical staining. Immunization with the R‐28‐DT conjugate elicited a poor antibody response in male rats and their fecundity remained unaffected, while in male rabbits it elicited a good immune response with reduction in their fertility.CONCLUSION: R‐28‐DT antibodies recognized the native hSPI in the prostatic epithelium and agglutinated washed rat, rabbit, monkey, and human spermatozoa in vitro. Immunization of rabbits caused agglutination of spermatozoa resulting in a decrease in their fecundity. The conjugated R‐28 peptide of hSPI offers promise as a male contraceptive.