bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunological mechanisms elicited at the tumour site by lymphocyte activation gene‐3 (LAG‐3) versus IL‐12: sharing a common Th1 anti‐tumour immune pathway
Authors: Carlo Emma Di , Cappello Paola , Sorrentino Carlo , D'Antuono Tommaso , Pellicciotta Antonella , Giovarelli Mirella , Forni Guido , Musiani Piero , Triebel Fréderic 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe experimentally induced TS/A murine mammary carcinoma is poorly immunogenic and mainly infiltrated by antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), namely macrophages and immature dendritic cells (DCs). Human (h) and mouse (m) lymphocyte activation gene‐3 (LAG‐3 or CD233) is a physiological MHC class II ligand and powerful APC activator. A gene transfer approach has revealed its anti‐tumour activity in this model: hLAG‐3 was more effective than mLAG‐3. To obtain a clearer picture of the immunoregulatory mechanisms associated with the rejection dynamics of h‐ and m‐LAG‐3 transfectants, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy analyses of TS/A‐hLAG‐3, TS/A‐mLAG‐3, and control TS/A‐pc tumours were performed. The immune events elicited by mLAG‐3 and m‐interleukin (IL)‐12 were also compared, since their rejection kinetics were quite similar, and LAG‐3 enables IL‐12 production by macrophages and DCs. Both the TS/A‐h‐ and, to a lesser extent, the m‐LAG‐3 rejection areas were characterized by an impressive recruitment of APCs, granulocytes, NK cells, CD4+ T lymphocytes and CD8+ IFNγ‐expressing cells. In both cases, infiltration by APCs was accompanied by strong CD80 and CD86 expression and macrophage nitric oxide (NO) synthase up‐regulation. Distinct expression of IL‐12 and CXCL9 was also found, especially in the draining lymph nodes. T lymphocytes and CD86‐expressing APCs were significantly prevalent in both the TS/A‐h‐ and the m‐LAG‐3 compared with the TS/A‐mIL‐12 rejection area. Production of IFNγ, TNFα and IL1β, and chemokines, namely CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL5, and CCL2, by infiltrating leukocytes and signs of defective neovascularization were detected in tumours expressing h‐LAG‐3‐, m‐LAG‐3‐, and m‐IL‐12. However, IFNγ, CCL2, and CCL5 production prevailed in the TS/A‐hLAG‐3 rejection area. Taken together, these results indicate that LAG‐3 expression by engineered tumour cells efficiently promotes intra‐tumoural recruitment, activation, and Th1 commitment of APCs, and leads to a wide intra‐tumoural influx of non‐specific and specific reactive cells, and the release of immunoregulatory and cytotoxic mediators. Many of LAG‐3's anti‐tumour activities are shared with IL‐12. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primary extramedullary plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma: phenotypic differences revealed by immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Kremer Marcus , Ott German , Nathrath Michaela , Specht Katja , Stecker Katrin , Alexiou Christoph , Quintanilla‐Martinez Leticia , Fend Falko 
Published: December 2004

AbstractPrimary extramedullary plasmacytomas are infrequent, typically solitary, plasma cell neoplasms that generally pursue an indolent clinical course but may, rarely, convert to multiple myeloma. Phenotypic differences between these two entities are not well defined. Twenty‐eight cases of primary extramedullary plasmacytoma and 26 cases of both medullary (n = 17) and extramedullary (n = 9) multiple myeloma were analysed for the expression of proteins known to play a role in the biology of multiple myeloma. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin wax sections using antibodies against cyclin D1, Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL, p27, p21, p53, MIB1, CD20, and CD56. Twenty‐three extramedullary plasmacytomas were localized in the upper aerodigestive tract, four in the lymph nodes, and one in the testis. There was a strong male predominance (M : F = 6 : 1). None of the patients died from the disease or progressed to multiple myeloma (mean follow‐up 50 months). Nine patients developed local relapse and one patient's tumour evolved into a B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. In contrast to both intra‐ and extra‐medullary multiple myeloma, extramedullary plasmacytoma showed absence of cyclin D1 (p < 0.001) and infrequent expression of CD56 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, extramedullary plasmacytomas were characterized by weaker staining for Bcl‐2 protein and rare overexpression of p21 and p53. In comparison to extramedullary multiple myeloma, extramedullary plasmacytoma showed a more mature morphology and lower proliferation indices (p = 0.008). There was no association between the phenotypic parameters investigated and clinical outcome in extramedullary plasmacytoma. In summary, extramedullary plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma show significant immunophenotypic differences, some of which may be of both diagnostic utility and biological relevance. Copyright © 2004 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of the biodegradability and physical properties of stereocomplexes between poly(L‐lactide) and poly(D‐lactide) copolymers
Authors: Shirahama Hiroyuki , Ichimaru Akiko , Tsutsumi Chikara , Nakayama Yuushou , Yasuda Hajime 
Published: December 2004

AbstractRandom and block copolymerizations of L‐ or D‐lactide with ε‐caprolactone (CL) were performed with a novel anionic initiator, (C5Me5)2SmMe(THF), and they resulted in partial epimerization, generating D,L‐ or meso‐lactide polymers with enhanced biodegradability. A blend of PLLA‐r‐PCL [82/18; PLLA = poly(L‐LA) and PCL = poly(ε‐caprolactone)] and PDLA‐r‐PCL [79/21; PDLA = poly(D‐LA)] prepared by the solution‐casting method generated a stereocomplex, the melting temperature of which was about 40 °C higher than that of the nonblended copolymers. A blend of PLLA‐b‐PCL (85/15) and PDLA‐b‐PCL (82/18) showed a lower elongation at break and a remarkably higher tensile modulus than stereocomplexes of PLLA‐r‐PCL/PDLA‐r‐PCL and PLLA/PDLA. The biodegradability of a blend of PLLA‐r‐PCL (65/35) and PDLA‐r‐PCL (66/34) with proteinase K was higher than that of PLLA‐b‐PCL (47/53) and PDLA‐b‐PCL (45/55), the degradability of which was higher than that of a PLLA/PDLA blend. A blend film of PLLA‐r‐PDLLA (69/31)/PDLA‐r‐PDLLA (68/32) exhibited higher degradability than a film of PLLA/PDLLA [PDLLA = poly(D,L‐LA)]. A stereocomplex of PLLA‐r‐PCL‐r‐PDMO [80/18/2; PDMO = poly(L‐3,D,L‐6‐dimethyl‐2,5‐morpholinedion)] with PDLA‐r‐PCL‐r‐PDMO (81/17/2) showed higher degradability than PLLA‐r‐PDMO (98/2)/PDLA‐r‐PDMO (98/2) and PLLA‐r‐PCL (82/18)/PDLA‐r‐PCL (79/21) blends. The tensile modulus of a blend of PLLA‐r‐PCL‐r‐PDMO and PDLA‐r‐PCL‐r‐PDMO was much higher than that of a blend of PLLA‐r‐PDMO and PDLA‐r‐PDMO. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 438–454, 2005
Individualized growth assessment of fetal soft tissue using fractional thigh volume
Authors: Lee W. , Deter R. L. , McNie B. , Gonçalves L. F. , Espinoza J. , Chaiworapongsa T. , Romero R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjectivesThe main goals of this study were to introduce fractional thigh volume (TVol) as a new soft tissue parameter for fetal growth evaluation, define its relationship to menstrual age, and develop individualized fetal growth standards based on Rossavik growth models.MethodsA prospective, longitudinal study of 22 fetuses was conducted with conventional biometry and TVol measurements by three‐dimensional ultrasonography. Infant growth outcomes were determined from modified neonatal growth assessment scores. Rossavik functions (P = c(t)k+s(t)) were used to fit complete datasets to examine relationships between TVol and model coefficients. Second‐trimester models were subsequently specified from the linear slopes of growth curves before 28.0 menstrual weeks with each fetus acting as its own control. Third‐trimester trajectories and birth measurements were predicted for standard growth parameters and TVol. Observed and predicted measurements were compared using percent deviations and growth potential realization index values. Four additional infants, with serial prenatal scans and postnatal evidence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), were also evaluated.ResultsAll 22 fetuses had no evidence of growth abnormalities after delivery. Accelerated soft tissue deposition occurred in the fetal thigh by 28 menstrual weeks. A mean TVol start point of 9.0 ± 1.4 menstrual weeks was consistent with embryological studies of thigh development. Rossavik functions fitted all TVol trajectories well (mean R2 = 0.998 ± 0.002). By fixing the coefficient k at its mean value (2.976), the fit did not change and the variabilities of coefficients c and s were reduced. The mean percent deviation between observed and predicted third‐trimester TVol measurements was −0.048 ± 7.5%. Relatively early pathological deviations were observed for TVol in all four fetuses with IUGR; in these cases the abdominal circumference was abnormal in only one fetus and thigh circumference in none.ConclusionsIndividualized growth assessment can be used to accurately predict TVol during the third trimester of pregnancy and at birth. Expected growth trajectories, from second‐trimester data, do not rely on population‐based standards because each fetus serves as its own control. This new parameter may allow earlier detection and improved monitoring of fetal soft tissue abnormalities such as IUGR. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of gene therapy for haematological disorders
Authors: Nathwani Amit C. , Davidoff Andrew M. , Linch David C. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryGene therapy aims to correct the disease process by restoring, modifying or enhancing cellular functions through the introduction of a functional gene into a target cell. Whilst the concept of gene therapy is simple, the practical reality of translating this new technology to the clinic has proven to be more difficult than first imagined. Recent progress in gene transfer technology has shown impressive clinical success in infants with immunodeficiency. However, two of these children have subsequently developed leukaemia as a result of insertional mutagenesis, thus, raising important questions about the safety of genetic therapeutics. This article reviews the current status of gene therapy and outlines the challenges faced by this emerging technology that holds so much promise for many suffering from catastrophic disorders.
Relationship between ABO and Secretor genotype with plasma levels of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor in thrombosis patients and control individuals
Authors: Schleef Michael , Strobel Erwin , Dick Andrea , Frank Josef , Schramm Wolfgang , Spannagl Michael 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIn contrast to earlier reports, this study examined the relationship between plasma levels of factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) and ABO blood group and secretor status at the genetic level in 355 patients with venous thrombosis as well as in 236 controls. ABO glycosyl transferase allelesA1andBwere more frequent in the thrombosis collective and allelesO1,O2andA2were more frequent in the controls. A low‐risk group for venous thrombosis of individuals with genotypesO1O1,O1O2andO1A2(H‐antigen rich) could be distinguished from a high‐risk group with genotypesA1A1,A1B,O1A1andO1B(H‐antigen poor). In both the thrombosis and control groups, the H‐antigen rich group showed significantly lower levels of FVIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) and VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) than the H‐antigen poor group. The frequency of the different secretor genotypes in the thrombosis group was not different from that in the control group. No significant differences of FVIII:C and VWF:Ag levels were seen betweenSeSe,Seseandseseindividuals in the thrombosis and in the control group. Thus the risk of venous thrombosis is associated with the ABO blood group genotype but not with secretor status.
Determinants of augmentation index in young men: The ARYA study
Authors: Van Trijp M. J. C. A. , Bos W. J. W. , Uiterwaal C. S. P. M. , Oren A. , Vos L. E. , Grobbee D. E. , Bots M. L. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground  There is an increasing interest in the augmentation index (AIx), the proportion of the central pulse pressure resulting from peripheral arterial wave reflection, which has been related to cardiovascular disease risk and mortality. Most of the data on the AIx have been collected in patients with established cardiovascular disease. In contrast, data in the young are scarce. However, as AIx might be used to evaluate cardiovascular disease risk already at an early age, we aimed to study determinants of AIx in a population of healthy young men.Materials and methods  Three hundred and thirty males (mean age of 28 years) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Young Adults study (ARYA‐study) were studied in this cross sectional, population‐based study. Anthropometrics and risk factors for cardiovascular disease were determined and AIx was estimated by radial applanation tonometry. The data were analysed using linear regression models.Results  Augmentation index was associated with age, height (inverse), heart rate (inverse) and mean arterial pressure (positive). After adjustment for these determinants, smoking (β = 0·31%/pack years, 95% CI [0·06; 0·55]) and LDL‐cholesterol (β = 1·28%/(mmol L−1), 95% CI [0·04; 2·51]) were statistically significant related to AIx.Conclusions  This study among young adult males shows that smoking and LDL‐cholesterol are positively related to AIx. These findings support the view that AIx may be used as a marker for early vascular damage and cardiovascular disease risk.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia – Introduction
Authors: MARX S. J. , STRATAKIS C. A. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Each multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome expresses striking features of hormone oversecretion from its own characteristic group of tissues. Additional expressions include non‐hormonal tumours in each MEN syndrome and selected cancers in some syndromes. The complexity of its stereotyped features results in difficult management issues that often justify cooperation across multiple specialties. MEN syndromes, though rare, have long received intense study as models for more common diseases. The syndromal nature often with a large pedigree has promoted recent discovery of the main gene that differs for each of the six MEN syndromes. Each mutant gene has been introduced into clinical decision‐making and into further clarification of tumorigenesis. This mini‐symposium is related to the 9th International Workshop on Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia in June 2004; it consists of six manuscripts. They report new developments in clinical practices and in basic understandings about this rapidly advancing field.
Seed germination responses of Monochoria korsakowii Regel et Maack, a threatened paddy weed, to temperature and soil moisture
Authors: WAN XIAO‐CHUN , WANG GUANG‐XI , WASHITANI IZUMI 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTo better understand how to conserve Monochoria korsakowii Regel et Maack, a threatened plant species that was once a common annual paddy weed, the germination responses of M. korsakowii seeds to two ecological factors, temperature and soil moisture, were analyzed under laboratory conditions. Fully imbibed seeds that had been cold stratified were able to germinate over a wide temperature range with a required thermal temperature of 13–39°C. Germination was highly dependent on water table depth. Regeneration failure at the germination stage under the dry soil conditions of the fallow fields during the germination season of this species may be one of the reasons for the decline in M. korsakowii. Monochoria korsakowii had adapted to the traditional farming system, but does not persist under today’s farming systems, which include laying rice fields fallow and the use of herbicides. These are the main factors that have led to its decline over the years and to its status as a threatened plant.
RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY OF CHRONOLOGICAL CHANGE OF SHORT‐SEGMENT BARRETT's ESOPHAGUS
Authors: Asayama Masako , Shibata Minoru , Kondo Yasuyuki , Tauchi Masaru , Yanagawa Tatsuro , Sato Shinji , Itoh Tomohiro , Isozaki Tetsuo , Hisatomi Kantaro , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki , Sakurai Yukihiro 
Published: December 2004

Background:  The natural history of short‐segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE) is not fully understood. We, thereby, conducted a retrospective cohort study to provide further information about chronological change of SSBE.Materials and methods:  A total of 174 cases undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from April 1980 to October 2002 were diagnosed to have SSBE based on the definition of Barrett's esophagus proposed by the Japanese Society for Esophageal Diseases. A cohort of 100 patients with SSBE less than 3 cm was enrolled in the present study. The mean follow‐up period was 76.2 ± 59.9 months and 4.27 ± 2.66 endoscopic examinations were performed on each patient. The cumulative probability of elongation of SSBE to 3 cm or longer was estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method. Then, independent contributing factors to its elongation were determined using Cox's proportional hazard model.Results:  Elongation of SSBE to 3 cm or longer occurred in 30 patients (30%) during the follow‐up period. The cumulative 5‐year probability of elongation of SSBE to 3 cm or longer was 18.4%. Hiatal hernia, severe reflux esophagitis and SSBE 1 cm or longer at initial diagnosis were proven to be independent contributing factors to its elongation.Conclusions:  The present study demonstrated that SSBE has a tendency to increase its length over time especially when it is accompanied by hiatal hernia or by severe reflux esophagitis.
Using public procurement to achieve social outcomes
Authors: McCrudden Christopher 
Published: December 2004

Abstract The use of public procurement to achieve social outcomes is widespread, but detailed information about how it operates is often sketchy and difficult to find. This article is essentially a mapping exercise, describing the history and current use of government contracting as a tool of social regulation, what the author calls the issue of ‘linkage’. The article considers the popularity of linkage in the 19th century in Europe and North America, particularly in dealing with issues of labour standards and unemployment. The use of linkage expanded during the 20th century, initially to include the provision of employment opportunities to disabled workers. During and after World War II, the use of linkage became particularly important in the United States in addressing racial equality, in the requirements for non‐discrimination in contracts, and in affirmative action and set‐asides for minority businesses. Subsequently, the role of procurement spread both in its geographical coverage and in the subject areas of social policy that it was used to promote. The article considers examples of the use of procurement to promote equality on the basis of ethnicity and gender drawn from Malaysia, South Africa, Canada, and the European Community. More recently, procurement has been used as an instrument to promote human rights transnationally, also by international organizations such as the International Labour Organisation. The article includes some reflections on the relationship between ‘green’ procurement, ‘social’ procurement, and sustainable development, and recent attempts to develop the concept of ‘sustainable procurement.’
Damage to Cauliflower Coral by Monofilament Fishing Lines in Hawaii
Authors: ASOH KAZUE , YOSHIKAWA TOMOKO , KOSAKI RANDALL , MARSCHALL ELIZABETH A. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:
Many fishing methods and gear types used in coral reefs cause physical damage to the reef substratum. Only recently have monofilament fishing lines been recognized as a cause of coral damage and death. We assessed the extent of damage caused by monofilament fishing lines to the cauliflower coral ( Pocillopora meandrina) colonies in fished and adjacent unfished zones at seven sites in the main Hawaiian islands. We examined coral colonies for the presence or absence of fishing line and for the degree of damage (dead, no live coral surface; damaged, some dead coral surface; or intact, no dead coral surface) in nine 25‐m2 grids. The mean proportion of colonies entangled with fishing lines in fished zones ranged from 0.18 to 0.44. The mean proportion of dead or damaged colonies was higher in fished than adjacent unfished zones, and there was a positive linear relationship between the proportion of colonies entangled with fishing lines and the proportion of dead or damaged colonies. These results indicate that monofilament fishing lines have a negative impact on the health and survival of P. meandrina colonies. Because tourism and related recreational fishing activities are expanding rapidly in many tropical states and nations, we recommend that the degrading effects of fishing lines on corals be considered in the design and management of tourism development.
Conservation Threat of Increasing Fire Frequencies in the Western Ghats, India
Authors: KODANDAPANI NARENDRAN , COCHRANE MARK A. , SUKUMAR R. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:
The acceleration of processes such as forest fragmentation and forest fires in landscapes under intense human pressures makes it imperative to quantify and understand the effects of these processes on the conservation of biodiversity in these landscapes. We combined information from remote‐sensing imagery and ground maps of all fires in the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (MWLS) in the Western Ghats of India over 14 years (1989–2002). These spatial data on fire occurrence were integrated with maps of vegetation types found in the MWLS to examine fire conditions in each. We calculated the average fire‐return interval for each of the vegetation types individually and for the MWLS as a whole. Using vegetation data from the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the entire Western Ghats region, we conservatively estimated fire‐frequency information for these larger regions. Because the MWLS does not contain tropical evergreen or montane forests, we were unable to estimate fire conditions in these forest types, which represent 31% of all Western Ghats vegetation cover. For the MWLS, all vegetation types had average fire‐return intervals of <7 years, and the sanctuary as a whole had a fire‐return interval of 3.3 years. Compared with a 13‐year MWLS fire data set from 1909–1921, this represents a threefold increase in fire frequency over the last 80 years. We estimated average fire‐return intervals of roughly 5 years for both the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the entire Western Ghats region. Given other recent reports, the estimated fire frequencies for the Western Ghats forests outside protected reserves are conservative. We conclude that the current fire regime of the Western Ghats poses a severe and persistent conservation threat to forests both within and outside protected reserves.