bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of putrescine accumulation in tobacco transgenic plants with different expression levels of oat arginine decarboxylase
Authors: Panicot Mireia , Masgrau Carles , Borrell Antonio , Cordeiro Alexandra , Tiburcio Antonio Fernández , Altabella Teresa 
Published: March 2003

Arginine decarboxylase (ADC; EC 4.1.1.19) is a key enzyme in one of the two possible ways to synthesize putrescine (Put) in plants. In previous work (Masgrau et al. 1997), we observed an altered phenotype (growth inhibition, leaf chlorosis and necrosis) in tobacco transgenic plants (Nicotiana tabacum L. var. Wisconsin‐38) containing the oat ADC cDNA under the control of a tetracycline inducible promoter, the severity of which was correlated with Put content. Now we have analysed the T2 generation of a selected transgenic line (line 52), which in previous generations was characterized by presenting a moderate increase in ADC activity and polyamine levels, but no phenotype alterations. Studying two selected individuals, one with a high expression level of the transgene and the other with a moderate expression level, we demonstrate that only the one with increased polyamine content displays the altered (toxic) phenotype. The possible causes of toxicity have been analysed. The results suggest that either Put or its oxidation products, via diamine oxidase (DAO; EC 1.4.3.6), are the responsible factors for the deleterious effects observed in the transgenic plants.
Neutrophil respiratory burst following liver transplantation: in vitro effects of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor
Authors: Jaeger K. , Ruschulte H. , Heine J. , Scheinichen D. , Leuwer M. , Winkler M. , Kuse E.R. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Early postoperative infections and septic complications are predominant causes of morbidity and mortality in patients following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx). Prophylactic granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) administration after OLTx was found to decrease the number of sepsis episodes and sepsis‐related mortality. Since polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are one of the major determinants of antimicrobial defense, alteration of their functions may influence the development of sepsis in these patients. Therefore, we investigated in vitro whether or not priming with G‐CSF affects the neutrophils’ respiratory burst (RB) in immunosuppressed liver‐transplanted patients. Venous blood was drawn from liver allograft recipients (n=12) between the 5th and 15th day postoperatively. Patients without clinical signs of infection or rejection were included in this study. Leukocytes were obtained as supernatant following sedimentation and incubated with 1000 IE ml−1 G‐CSF. The RB was measured by the intracellular oxidation of non‐fluorescent dihydrorhodamine to the fluorescent rhodamine by flow cytometry. The results were expressed as a percentage of increasing stimulation compared to the control responses, which are made up of the percentage of cells with RB reaction after stimulation with phorbol ester (PMA), bacteria (E. coli), or the combination of a cytokine (TNF‐α) and a bacterial peptide (FMLP) in the absence of G‐CSF. In vitro priming with G‐CSF resulted in significantly increased activity of the RB after PMA (from 71.7% to 85.6%) and TNF‐α/FMLP (from 58.4% to 72.7%) stimulation. These data demonstrate that G‐CSF in vitro augments the RB of PMNs, thereby suggesting a possible therapeutic role for G‐CSF as immunomodulating agent during bacterial and fungal infections following OLTx.
Cerebral toxoplasmosis and Guillain‐Barré syndrome after allogeneic peripheral stem cell transplantation
Authors: González M.I. , Caballero D. , López C. , Alburquerque T. , Hernández R. , De La Loma A. , Cañizo C. , Vázquez L. , San Miguel J.F. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:We report an unusual case of cerebral toxoplasmosis associated with Guillain‐Barré syndrome ( GBS) in a 25‐year‐old patient diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukaemia ( CML), who underwent a mismatched allogeneic peripheral stem cell transplantation ( PSCT). On day +83 he started with fever, and 7 days later tremor, muscular weakness, diplopia, dysarthria, respiratory difficulty, and universal arreflexia appeared, compatible with GBS. As the patient had a positive cytomegalovirus ( CMV) antigenemia, this was the aetiology suspected for his neurologic findings, but specific treatment failed to improve his clinical situation, and he died on day +123. Necropsy demonstrated cerebral toxoplasmosis and axonal degeneration of nerve roots compatible with the axonal form of GBS. Interestingly, the polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) signal for Toxoplasma gondii in two different cerebrospinal fluid (
CSF) samples had been negative. In addition, this case showed unique magnetic resonance imaging (
MRI) abnormalities. We conclude that a negative
PCR on
CSF cannot exclude toxoplasmosis in a transplant patient, and we emphasise the importance of considering Toxoplasma as an aetiology of fever and neurological symptoms in the transplant setting.
CMV retinitis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: a report of five cases
Authors: Larsson K. , Lönnqvist B , Ringdén O , Hedquist B , Ljungman P , Larsson K. , Lönnqvist B. , Ringdén O. , Hedquist B. , Ljungman P. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Four cases of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis (CMVR) after allogeneic blood stem cell transplant (SCT) were documented in Huddinge University Hospital between 1994 and 1999. Prior to 1994, only one case was documented. All five patients were transplanted due to malignant disease, two with sibling donors and three with matched unrelated donors. Despite adequate antiviral treatment against CMV retinitis, the result has been almost total unilateral blindness in three patients. However rare, the complication seems to have become more common since we began doing more matched unrelated donor transplants, which leads to a more pronounced T‐cell defect and to a delayed immune reconstitution compared to sibling transplants. We conclude that CMV retinitis is a rare but important complication to allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation.
Persistent lack of human herpesvirus‐6 specific T‐helper cell response in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Singh N. , Bentlejewski C. , Carrigan D.R. , Gayowski T. , Knox K.K. , Zeevi A. , Singh N. , Bentlejewski C. , Carrigan D.R. , Gayowski T. , Zeevi A. , Knox K.K. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Background. Specific immunologic defects predisposing to human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6), e.g. the role of HHV‐6 specific T‐helper cell memory response in liver transplant recipients, have not been assessed.Methods. T‐helper function (mitogen ConA response) as a marker of overall immunocompetence and T‐helper response (memory response) specific to HHV‐6 and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were assessed in 15 liver transplant recipients and compared with 25 healthy subjects. Samples were tested pretransplant, at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2–3 months, and 1 year posttransplantation. Stimulation index (SI) >3 was considered a positive response.Results. Seven percent (1/15) of the transplant recipients at any time posttransplantation, as compared to 64% (16/25) of the healthy subjects, had a positive HHV‐6 memory response (P = 0.00065). HHV‐6‐specific memory response in transplant recipients at 2 weeks (SI 1.43), 1 month (SI 1.1), and 2–3 months (SI 1.3) was significantly more suppressed than in healthy subjects (SI 17.5, P = 0.0001). Although transplant recipients as compared to healthy subjects also had a lower CMV‐specific memory response posttransplant (P = 0.0439), CMV‐specific memory response recovered significantly at 1 month (P = 0.03) and at 2–3 months (P = 0.027) as compared to that at 2 weeks. However, HHV‐6 memory response was persistently absent up to 2–3 months with partial recovery at 1 year; 7% of the patients at 2–3 months, but 25% at 1 year had a positive HHV‐6 specific memory response. Forty percent (6/15) of the patients developed HHV‐6 viremia a mean of 4 weeks posttransplant. Patients with HHV‐6 viremia had greater suppression of HHV‐6 memory response at 1 month than those without viremia (mean SI, 0.96 vs. 1.3, P = 0.08). All but one of the patients had a positive ConA response.Conclusion. Prolonged suppression of HHV‐6 memory response, but not overall T‐helper cell function was documented and may play a role in the pathogenesis of HHV‐6 infection in liver transplant recipients. Memory response to CMV after liver transplantation was significantly more robust than to HHV‐6.
Hyperacute lung rejection in the pig‐to‐human model. 2. Synergy between soluble and membrane complement inhibition
Authors: Azimzadeh A. , Zorn G. L. , Blair K. S. A. , Zhang J. P. , Pfeiffer S. , Harrison R. A. , Cozzi E. , White D. J. G. , Pierson R. N. 
Published: March 2003

Azimzadeh A, Zorn GL III, Blair KSA, Zhang JP, Pfeiffer S, Harrison RA, Cozzi E, White DJG, Pierson RN III. Hyperacute lung rejection in the pig‐to‐human model. 2. Synergy between soluble and membrane complement inhibition. Xenotransplantation 2003; 10: 120–131. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2003 Background. The role of complement in hyperacute lung xenograft rejection has not been elucidated. The present study evaluates the effect of complement (C) C3/C5 convertase inhibition on hyperacute rejection of pig lung by human blood. Methods. In an established ex‐vivo model, lungs from pigs heterozygous for human decay accelerating factor (hDAF), non‐transgenic littermate control pigs, or farm‐bred pigs were perfused with fresh human blood that was either unmodified or treated with soluble complement receptor type 1 (sCR1: TP10, 100 μg/ml). Results. Non‐transgenic lungs from littermate controls had a median survival time of 35 min (range 5 to 210; P=0.25 vs. farm‐bred piglets: median 5 min, range 5 to 10). Lungs expressing hDAF survived for a median of 90 min (range 10 to 161; P=0.5 and 0.01 vs. littermate and farm‐bred controls, respectively), with sCR1, whereas hDAF (–) lungs failed by 35 min (range 6 to 307), hDAF (+) lungs survived for 330 min (range 39 to 577) [P=0.002 vs. farm‐bred; P=0.08 vs. hDAF (–); P=0.17 vs. sCR1/hDAF (–)]. The rise in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) at 5 min was blunted only by hDAF (+) with sCR1 (0.26 ± 0.2 vs. 0.5 to 0.7 mmHg/ml/min for other groups). Plasma C3a and sC5b‐9 and tissue deposition of C5b‐9 were dramatically diminished using sCR1, and further decreased in association with hDAF. Histamine and thromboxane were produced rapidly in all groups. Conclusion. Complement plays an important role in lung HAR. However, even potent inhibition of C3/C5 convertase, both membrane bound in lung and by a soluble‐phase inhibitor in the blood, does not prevent activation of inflammatory responses known to be particularly injurious to the lung. Our findings implicate a role for innate immune pathways resistant to efficient complement regulation. The role of anti‐species antibody, coagulation pathway dysregulation, and additional environmental or genetic influences remain to be defined.
Targeting complement in therapy
Authors: Kirschfink Michael 
Published: March 2003

Summary:With increasing evidence that complement activation significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of a large number of inflammatory diseases, strategies that interfere with its deleterious action have become a major focus in pharmacological research. Endogenous soluble complement inhibitors (C1 inhibitor, recombinant soluble complement receptor 1, antibodies) blocking key proteins of the cascade reaction, neutralizing the action of the complement‐derived anaphylatoxin C5a, or interfering with complement receptor 3 (CR3, CD18/11b)‐mediated adhesion of inflammatory cells to the vascular endothelium have successfully been tested in various animal models over the past years. Promising results consequently led to clinical trials. Furthermore, incorporation of membrane‐bound complement regulators (decay‐accelerating factor (CD55), membrane co‐factor protein (CD46), CD59) in transgenic animals has provided a major step forward in protecting xenografts from hyperacute rejection. At the same time, the poor contribution of complement to the antitumor response, which is caused by multiple resistance mechanisms that hamper the efficacy of antibody‐based tumor therapy, is increasingly recognized and requires pharmacologic intervention. First attempts have now been made to interfere with the resistance mechanisms, thereby improving complement‐mediated tumor cell destruction.
Human natural killer cell receptors and co‐receptors
Authors: Biassoni Roberto , Cantoni Claudia , Pende Daniela , Sivori Simona , Parolini Silvia , Vitale Massimo , Bottino Cristina , Moretta Alessandro 
Published: March 2003

Summary: In the absence of sufficient signaling by their HLA class I‐specific inhibitory receptors, human natural killer (NK) cells become activated and display potent cytotoxicity against cells that are either HLA class I negative or deficient. This indicates that the NK receptors responsible for the induction of cytotoxicity recognize ligands on target cells different from HLA class I molecules. On this basis, the process of NK‐cell triggering can be considered as a mainly non‐MHC‐restricted mechanism. The recent identification of a group of NK‐specific triggering surface molecules has allowed a first series of pioneering studies on the functional/molecular characteristics of such receptors. The first three members of a receptor family that has been termed natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCR) are represented by NKp46, NKp44 and NKp30. These receptors are strictly confined to NK cells, and their engagement induces a strong activation of NK‐mediated cytolysis. A direct correlation exists between the surface density of NCR and the ability of NK cells to kill various target cells. Importantly, mAb‐mediated blocking of these receptors has been shown to suppress cytotoxicity against most NK‐susceptible target cells. However, the process of NK‐cell triggering during target cell lysis may also depend on the concerted action of NCR and other triggering receptors, such as NKG2D, or surface molecules, including 2B4 and NKp80, that appear to function as co‐receptors rather than as true receptors. Notably, a dysfunction of 2B4 has been associated with a severe form of immunodeficiency termed X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease. Future studies will clarify whether also the altered expression and/or function of other NK‐triggering molecules may represent a possible cause of immunological disorders.This work was supported by grants awarded by Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (A.I.R.C.), Istituto Superiore di Sanità (I.S.S.), Ministero della Sanità, and Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica (M.U.R.S.T.) and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Progetto Finalizzato Biotecnologie. The financial support of Telethon‐Italy (grant no. E.0892) is gratefully acknowledged.
Autofluorescence spectroscopy for in vivo diagnosis of DMBA‐induced hamster buccal pouch pre‐cancers and cancers
Authors: Wang Chih‐Yu , Tsai Tsuimin , Chen Hui‐Chun , Chang Shu‐Chen , Chen Chin‐Tin , Chiang Chun‐Pin 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:  Our previous ex vivo study has shown that autofluorescence spectroscopy at 330‐nm excitation can discriminate specimens of normal buccal pouch mucosa (normal), epithelial hyperkeratosis (hyperkeratosis), epithelial dysplasia (dysplasia), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) taken from DMBA‐treated hamsters by using the method of partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA).Methods:  This study used a fiber optics‐based fluorescence spectroscopy system to measure the autofluorescence spectra of 23 normal, 14 hyperkeratosis, 28 dysplasia, and 10 SCC samples in vivo. PLSDA with cross‐validation was used to analyze the autofluorescence spectral data of all samples.Results:  We found that at 330‐nm excitation, the autofluorescence spectra of all samples had two main peaks: one at 380 nm and the other at 460 nm. The hyperkeratosis samples had a higher 380‐nm emission peak (EP) and a lower 460‐nm EP than normal samples. On the contrary, the dysplasia samples had a lower 380‐nm EP and a higher 460‐nm EP than normal samples. Furthermore, the SCC samples had a much lower 380‐nm EP and a much higher 460‐nm EP than all other samples. To quantify the spectral changes during the progression of oral carcinogenesis, ratios of the area under the spectrum of 380 ± 15 nm to that under the spectrum of 460 ± 15 nm (denoted as A380 ± 15 nm/A460 ± 15 nm) for all samples were calculated. The mean ratio values of A380 ± 15 nm/A460 ± 15 nm decreased gradually from hyperkeratosis to normal, to dysplasia, and to SCC samples. Significant differences in this mean ratio were found between any two groups of normal, hyperkeratosis, dysplasia, and SCC samples. By choosing proper thresholds, PLSDA with cross‐validation could provide an accurate identification rate of 86% for hyperkeratosis, of 87% for normal, and of 89% for dysplasia samples. In addition, by choosing a proper threshold, we could separate benign (normal and hyperkeratosis) from dysplasia or SCC tissues with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 95%.Conclusion:  Our results indicate that the autofluorescence spectroscopy technique is a useful diagnostic tool for in vivo diagnosis of oral pre‐cancers and cancers in DMBA‐induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis model.
Paludes and the Subversion of the moral Subject
Authors: Due Reidar A. 
Published: March 2003

This article is a reading of André Gide's early text Paludes. I try to show how the text, by staging a series of thought experiments, carries out a reflection on the concept of subjectivity. The text subverts a conception of the subject based on the puritan morality of Gide's family. As an alternative to this moral subject the text imagines a purely aesthetic subject detached from moral and social obligations. This movement towards an aesthetic concept of subjectivity mirrors Gide's development as a writer during the 1890s.Je m'inquiète de ne savoir qui je serai; je ne sais même pas celui que je veux être; mais je sais bien qu'il faut choisir. Je voudrais cheminer sur des routes sûres, qui mènent seulement où j'aurais résolu d'aller; mais je ne sais pas; je ne sais pas ce qu'il faut que je veuille.1The self becomes an abstract possibility which tries itself out with floundering in the possible, but does not budge from the spot, nor get to any spot, for precisely the necessary is the spot; to become oneself is precisely a movement at the spot.2
Differential Expression of Tissue Factor and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor in Metastatic Melanoma Lesions
Authors: Kageshita Toshiro , Funasaka Yoko , Ichihashi Masamitsu , Ishihara Tsuyoshi , Tokuo Hiroshi , Ono Tomomichi 
Published: March 2003

Tissue factor (TF) is involved in tumor progression and metastatic potency in some malignant tumors and its function is regulated by tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) therefore the interaction of both molecules is crucial for their functional role. We evaluated the clinical relevance of TF and TFPI expression in benign and malignant melanocytic lesions. Expression of both was examined by immunoperoxidase staining using serial tissue sections in 16 nevi, 34 primary and 15 metastatic melanoma lesions. TF and TFPI were ubiquitously expressed in benign and malignant melanocytic lesions. This finding was confirmed by Western blot analysis using cultured human melanocytes, nevi cells (NCN) and melanoma cell lines.Although TF expression was not associated with malignant transformation and disease progression, TFPI expression in primary and metastatic melanoma lesions was significantly lower and weaker than that in nevi lesions in terms of intensity and percentage of stained cells. In addition, TFPI expression in metastatic lesions was significantly lower and weaker than that of TF. These results suggest that the relative expression of TF to TFPI may play a crucial role in the malignant transformation and metastatic potency in melanocytic cells.
Periodontal conditions among adults in Southern Thailand
Authors: Baelum V. , Pisuithanakan S. , Teanpaisan R. , Pithpornchaiyakul W. , Pongpaisal S. , Papapanou P. N. , Dahlén G. , Fejerskov O. 
Published: March 2003

Objective:  To describe the periodontal conditions among 30–39‐ and 50–59‐year‐old rural Thais from the Province of Songkhla, Southern Thailand.Methods:  A total of 359 dentate persons were given a clinical examination comprising recordings of plaque and calculus in six teeth, and bleeding on probing, attachment level and pocket depth in six sites of all teeth present, except third molars. The same examiner carried out all examinations. Information on religious faith, smoking habits and use of betel was obtained by interview. A subset consisting of 60 persons was reexamined for attachment level 6 months later by another examiner.Results:  The oral hygiene conditions were poor with abundant amounts of both plaque and calculus. Gingival bleeding was essentially ubiquitous. The prevalence of attachment loss ≥ 4 mm was 92% among 30–39‐year‐olds and 100% among 50–59‐year‐olds. The average percentage of sites affected in the two age groups was 23.9% and 63.9%. Pockets ≥ 4 mm were seen in 84% of the 30–39‐year‐olds and in 93% of the 50–59‐year‐olds. Older age, Thai Buddhist faith and a high percentage of sites with calculus were significant positive predictors of a high percentage of sites with attachment loss ≥ 4 mm, whereas older age and Thai Buddhist faith were the only statistically significant predictors of a high percentage of sites with attachment loss ≥ 7 mm.Conclusion:  The results indicate that this Thai population may have more widespread and severe periodontal destruction than other Asian populations, but failed to confirm the contention that Muslim faith is associated with more severe periodontal destruction.
Cumulative UV radiation dose and outcome in clinical practice: effectiveness of trioxsalen bath PUVA with minimal UVA exposure
Authors: Snellman E. , Rantanen T. , Sundell J. 
Published: March 2003

Background: The cumulative artificial ultraviolet (UV) exposure dose of dermatological patients was prospectively monitored in clinical conditions for a total of 2 years (August 1997 – July 1999). We focused on whole body UV treatments, i.e. the trioxsalen (TMP) bath PUVA, the broad‐band UVB, and the UVA plus UVB phototherapy.Methods: Irradiance of the UV devices was calibrated with a spectroradiometer. The cumulative UV doses received by the patients were recorded. A visual analog scale scoring system (VAS) was employed to assess the improvement of various skin conditions at the end of the treatment course.Results: The analysis included 265 patients (141 females and 124 males) and a total of 311 UV treatment courses. Treatments consisted of 86 courses of TMP bath PUVA for psoriasis with a mean cumulative UVA dose of 3.54 J/cm2 and an improvement rate of 89%. For other conditions, 30 courses were needed, with a cumulative UVA dose of 1.47 J/cm2 and an improvement rate of 76%. Altogether, 47 UVB courses were undertaken for psoriasis, and the mean cumulative unweighted UV dose was 2.20 J/cm2, equivalent to 85 standard erythema doses (SED), and an improvement rate of 85%. A total of 25 UVB courses was used for other skin conditions with a mean UV dose of 1.05 J/cm2, equivalent to 40 SED, and an improvement rate of 71%. A total of 123 courses of UVA plus UVB phototherapy were completed, resulting in a mean cumulative dose of 73.01 J/cm2 for UVA and 0.75 J/cm2 for the unweighted UVB, equivalent to 29 SED. The VAS improvement rate was 85%.Conclusion: The exceptionally low mean cumulative UVA dose in the TMP bath PUVA, taken together with the previous report showing no increase in the risk of squamous cell carcinoma or cutaneous malignant melanoma after TMP bath PUVA, suggests that TMP bath PUVA is an effective and safe therapeutic option.