bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B in transplantation
Authors: Bain V.G. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:Hepatitis B has been a major challenge within the field of transplantation over the past few decades. Due to aggressive recurrence post‐transplant, patients with hepatitis B have been excluded from the benefits of both solid organ and bone marrow transplants. Progress has been made, however, through an improved understanding of the biology of hepatitis B and the development of new antiviral strategies that can reliably suppress the virus. Patients with hepatitis B are now candidates for transplantation in an increasing number of circumstances. Careful pre‐transplant evaluation is mandatory, together with a tailored antiviral regimen depending on the replicative status of the virus and the organ being transplanted. Minimizing steroid dose following transplantation is an important part of the strategy to reduce the risk of viral reactivation. Lamivudine has been an important development and it has assumed an increasing role in the management of these patients. As additional antivirals are developed, increasingly effective drug combinations will prevent viral recurrence as well as the emergence of drug‐resistant mutants, which plagues the use of single agents. It is a rapidly evolving field and there is every reason for continued optimism.
Are anti‐endothelial cell antibodies a pre‐requisite for the acute vascular rejection of xenografts?
Authors: Dorling A. 
Published: March 2003

Dorling A. Are anti‐endothelial cell antibodies a pre‐requisite for the acute vascular rejection of xenografts? Xenotransplantation 2003; 10: 16–23. © Blackwell Munkgaard, 2003 Background: Vascular rejection occurring within the first few weeks after transplantation is still the major immunological barrier to the long term survival of xenografts. Currently there is no consensus about what to call this type of rejection (acute vascular rejection, delayed xenograft rejection or acute humoral xenograft rejection), nor about how to prevent or treat it. Methods: A review of published evidence to define the heterogeneity of this phase of rejection and examine the role of antibodies, complement and graft‐infiltrating inflammatory cells. Results: i) antibodies are always involved in acute vascular rejection; ii) this antibody‐mediated rejection may be complement‐dependent or ‐independent; iii) inflammatory cells may mediate an antibody‐ and complement‐independent phase of rejection in some small animal models (which, in its pure form cannot be called ‘vascular rejection’) iv) there remain significant questions about the relevance of ‘accommodation’ and the importance of coagulation abnormalities. Conclusions: Without doubt, future research would be helped by distinguishing between these different forms of delayed xenograft rejection, using terminology to reflect the involvement of specific pathophysiological mechanisms. An updated classification of the stages of xenograft rejection is proposed here.
Induced leukemia and antineoplastic agent carmustine cause permanent changes in craniofacial growth of immature rats
Authors: Karsila‐Tenovuo S , Jahnukainen K , Peltomäki T , Salmi TT , Rönning O 
Published: March 2003

Structured Abstract
Authors –
Karsila‐Tenovuo S, Jahnukainen K, Peltomäki T, Salmi TT, Rönning O
Objectives –
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible effects of untreated terminal leukemia on craniofacial growth (Study I), and also the effects of the antineoplastic agent carmustine on craniofacial growth in both leukemic and healthy rats (Study II).
Material –
A total of 367 inbred Piebald variegated rats was used.
Method –
Transmission of leukemic cells was carried out intraperitoneally at 30 days of age, and without treatment (Study I), the rats reached the terminal phase within 17 ± 1 days. Rats with induced leukemia was cured with 10 mg/kg carmustine (BCNU) given on days 6 and 13 following cell transmission (Study II), the rats remaining in remission until they were killed at 100 days of age. Final weight was recorded and 12 craniofacial dimensions and tibial length were measured with a digital sliding caliper.
Results –
The results showed that the effect of untreated terminal rat leukemia (Study I) on craniofacial growth differed between the genders. Male rats showed clearly reduced dimensions of facial structures and also retarded general body growth, whereas females showed differences mainly in general body growth. The effect of cured leukemia (Study II) as such was minor, while BCNU had a strong and permanent reducing effect on both craniofacial and general body growth in both genders.
Conclusion –
We suggest that the results in Study I came both from a direct effect of leukemia and an indirect effect of untreated terminal leukemia through malnutrition. The alkylating agent BCNU seemed to be the main cause of permanent craniofacial and general growth retardation in Study II.
Ligand interactions by activating and inhibitory Ly‐49 receptors
Authors: Nakamura Mary C. , Seaman William E. 
Published: March 2003

Summary: Natural killer (NK) cells express families of homologous receptors, members of which either activate or inhibit NK cells. We demonstrate that mouse Ly‐49D is an activating receptor for the MHC antigen H2‐Dd, which is also a ligand for the related inhibitory receptor Ly‐49A. To compare and contrast their interactions with class I MHC ligand, we studied each of these receptors expressed in a rat NK‐cell line, RNK‐16, for their capacity to recognize wild‐type or mutated H2‐Dd. Our studies with Ly‐49A reveal that functional interaction with H2‐Dd depends on residues in the floor of the H2‐Dd peptide‐binding groove. The recent co‐crystal of Ly‐49A with H2‐Dd indicates that these are not contact residues, thus they may contribute to allelic specificity through conformational changes in H2‐Dd. We found that structural requirements for functional recognition of H2‐Dd by Ly‐49D differ markedly from those for recognition by Ly‐49A. We note that H2‐Dd expression on certain target cells is not sufficient to activate lysis mediated by Ly‐49D, though the additional requirements for functional interaction are not yet identified. Here we review recent studies of Ly‐49 receptor ligand specificities and their molecular basis. The functions of these related receptors with opposing functions and shared allospecificity remains unclear.This work was supported by the Veterans Administration. M.C.N. is also supported by the Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society. W.E.S. received NIH grant RO1 CA69299. We thank J.C. Ryan for communication of unpublished results. We thank H. Houtkooper and T. Ferrin for the molecular graphics image in Fig. 3, which was created with the MidasPlus modeling system, supported by the NIH grant P41‐RR‐01081.
2B4 (CD244) and CS1: novel members of the CD2 subset of the immunoglobulin superfamily molecules expressed on natural killer cells and other leukocytes
Authors: Boles Kent S. , Stepp Susan E. , Bennett Michael , Kumar Vinay , Mathew Porunelloor A. 
Published: March 2003

Summary: 2B4 is a member of the CD2 subset of the immunoglobulin superfamily molecules expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and other leukocytes. It is the high affinity ligand for CD48. Engagement of 2B4 on NK‐cell surfaces with specific antibodies or CD48 can trigger cell‐mediated cytotoxicity, interferon‐γ secretion, phosphoinositol turnover and NK‐cell invasiveness. The function of 2B4 in CD8+ T cells and myeloid cells remains unknown. The cytoplasmic domain of 2B4 contains unique tyrosine motifs (TxYxxV/I) that associate with src homology 2 domain‐containing protein or signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM)‐associated protein, whose mutation is the underlying genetic defect in the X‐linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLPD). Impaired signaling via 2B4 and SLAM is implicated in the immunopathogenesis of XLPD. CS1 is a novel member of the CD2 subset that contains two of the unique tyrosine motifs present in 2B4 and SLAM. Signaling through 2B4, CS1 and other members of the CD2 subset may play a major role in the regulation of NK cells and other leukocyte functions.This research was supported in part by NIH grant AI38938 and AI25041. We are grateful to M. Kim, P. Kumaresan, and S. Chuang for manuscript review.
Mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils: distinct but overlapping pathways for recruitment
Authors: Bochner Bruce S. , Schleimer Robert P. 
Published: March 2003

Summary: Mast cells, basophils and eosinophils are bone marrow‐derived cells that contribute to a variety of allergic and other immune responses. For example, they are relatively abundant at mucosal sites where allergic inflammation is occurring, and their activation and release of preformed and newly‐generated mediators at these sites is considered central to the pathophysiology of allergic diseases. Given their involvement in allergic and other diseases, it is important to understand how these cells are selectively recruited into tissues. These cells share many phenotypic features, including those involved in adhesion and migration, yet their localization within a given tissue can be quite distinct. In addition, there are examples of selective recruitment of one cell type without the others. From studies with human cells, it is now clear that mast cells, basophils and eosinophils share a number of recruitment pathways with one another and with other cells, but that each possesses unique adhesion and migration responses that can contribute to their preferential accumulation. This review will focus on cell surface structures implicated in adhesion and migration responses of human mast cells, basophils and eosinophils. Both shared and selective expression of these molecules will be highlighted, as well as differences in their relative levels of expression. Cell type‐specific stimuli that alter adhesion and migration responses will also be considered.The authors thank Bonnie Hebden for assistance in the preparation of this manuscript.
Role of mast cells in intestinal mucosal function: studies in models of hypersensitivity and stress
Authors: Yu Linda C. H. , Perdue Mary H. 
Published: March 2003

Summary: A single layer of epithelial cells lines the gastrointestinal tract, forming a critical barrier between the luminal contents, which includes antigens and other noxious substances, and the body proper. It has become clear in recent years that the role of mast cells in the gastrointestinal mucosa is not only to react to antigens, but also to actively regulate the barrier and transport properties of the intestinal epithelium. Mucosal mast cells respond to both IgE/antigen‐dependent and non‐IgE‐dependent stimulation, releasing bioactive mediators into adjacent tissues where they induce physiological responses. Studies in models of hypersensitivity and stress have provided evidence that changes in mucosal function are due to either direct action of mast cell mediators on epithelial receptors and/or indirect action via nerves/neurotransmitters.Studies conducted in the authors' laboratories were funded by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada.
Ubiquitin and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shirahashi Hitoshi , Sakaida Isao , Terai Shuji , Hironaka Koji , Kusano Noriyoshi , Okita Kiwamu 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: Background/Aim: Ubiquitin (Ub)‐dependent degradation of regulatory proteins controls many cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, morphogenesis and signal transduction. In this study, we evaluated the meaning of ubiquitination in chronic liver diseases, especially human hepatocellular carcinoma, with regard to recurrence.Methods: A total 74 of liver tissues (8 of chronic hepatitis [CH], 9 of liver cirrhosis [LC], 7 of dysplastic nodule low grade (DSL), or dysplastic nodule high grade (DSH) and 50 of hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) were analyzed for ubiquitination by immunohistochemisty. Cell proliferation was also analyzed using Ki‐67 staining. As a comparative marker for progression of HCC, PIVKA‐II (protein induced by vitamin K absence‐II) was employed to examine the recurrence rate of HCC.Results: Ubiquitin (Ub) was positive in nuclei and cytoplasm of HCC in immunohistochemistry. The labeling index (L.I.) of ubiquitination was significantly higher with HCC than with other chronic liver diseases and tended to correlate with the lack of poorly‐ differentiated of HCC. The L.I. of Ki‐67 staining was also correlated (P < 0.0001) with that of ubiquitination. The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples from potentially curatively operated patients having a ubiquitination L.I. of more than 20% suffered significantly higher recurrence of HCC than did patients with an L.I. of less than 20%. On the other hand, PIVA‐II did not show such a difference.Conclusion: Ubiquitin (Ub) may reflect the growth activity of neoplasms and will be a possible new predictive marker for the recurrence of human hepatocellular carcinoma after potentially curative operation.
Investigation of the kinetics of ferrous oxide reduction in the slurries of metallurgical processes
Authors: Paunova R. , Todorov K. , Damgaliev D. 
Published: March 2003

The present paper is devoted to investigations of the reduction kinetics of ferrous oxides contained in the slurry mixtures of metallurgical products at the Kremikovtzi‐AD firm. The mixtures are selected to permit pellets and agglomerates to be obtained which are suitable for blast furnace pig iron production. As a reducing agent in the laboratory investigations, a small fraction of coke with 88% carbon is used. The experimental results are recorded within the temperature range 293–1183 K. The kinetic curves can be described by the following function: where α is the degree of reduction (%), x is the temperature (K), and b0–b6 are model coefficients. The degree of ferrous oxide reduction is found (α = 43.14%) for a mixture containing 40% converter slurry, 40% blast furnace slurry and 8% electric steelmaking slurry The highest degree of reduction (α = 46.88%) is possessed by ferrous oxides in the mixtures containing 68% converter slurry and 22% blast furnace slurry. When the kinetic dependencies of industrial slurries are compared with those of synthetic slurries, they are seen to be very similar. This should be taken into account when choosing an effective technology for utilizing the slurry.
Variability of intra‐ and interspecific competitions of bamboo stump mosquito larvae over small and large spatial scales
Authors: Sunahara Toshihiko , Mogi Motoyoshi 
Published: March 2003

We carried out field experiments to examine the variability of interspecific competition of mosquito larvae among microcosms in a bamboo grove (small spatial scale) and between bamboo groves at two sites, with single and multiple mosquito species (large spatial scale). Four types of microcosms that differed in capacity and litter input were set. In the hillside bamboo grove, where multiple species occurred, succession of the predominant species from Aedes albopictus to Tripteroides bambusa was observed in control microcosms from which no mosquito larvae were removed. Weekly removal of competitive species resulted in increased pupation of A. albopictus and adult body weight under both rich and poor resource conditions. In the late period of the experiments, the effect of competitor removal on pupation of A. albopictus was greater in deep containers that never dried than in shallow containers that were dried in the laboratory. The number of eggs showed a slight difference between competitor‐excluded and deep control microcosms. These results indicate that interspecific competition limits pupation of A. albopictus more strongly in deep containers than in shallow and drought‐prone containers.

Compared with the hillside site, the larval density of A. albopictus attained a higher density in the bamboo grove in the plain where no competitive species occurred, due to a higher oviposition rate. Lower rate of pupation and lower adult weight at the plain site than at the hillside site indicated that resource limitation was more severe at the plain site. Populations of A. albopictus at hillside and plain sites appeared to suffer from strong inter‐ and intraspecific competition, respectively. At the hillside site, the intensity of interspecific competition appeared to increase later in the breeding season, with a high larval density of T. bambusa. In contrast, at the plain site, intensity of intraspecific competition appeared to be reduced later in the breeding season with decreasing larval density of A. albopictus.
Distribution of basement membrane type IV collagen α chains in ameloblastoma: an immunofluorescence study
Authors: Nakano Keisuke , Siar Chong Huat , Nagai Noriyuki , Naito Ichiro , Sado Yoshikazu , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Hoh Choufuku , Kurada Katsuhiro , Tsujigiwa Hidetsugu , Gunduz Mehmet 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:  Type IV collagen, a heterotrimeric molecule that exists in six genetically distinct forms, α1(IV)–α6(IV) is a major structural component of basement membrane (BM) and acts as a scaffold for other BM constituents.Methods:  Indirect immunofluorescence using α chain‐specific monoclonal antibodies was employed to clarify basement membrane (BM) collagen IV distribution in two ameloblastoma, and for comparison, on oral mucosa and tooth germ.Results:  Ameloblastoma BM expressed five of six genetically distinct forms of collagen IV: α1(IV), α2(IV), α5(IV) and α6(IV) chains occurred as intense linear stainings without disruption around neoplastic epithelium, and this expression pattern was fundamentally similar to oral mucosa BM; α4(IV) expression was rare and occurred around nests of primitive tumor cells or potentially invasive sites. The tooth germ demonstrated a stage‐ and position‐specific collagen IV distribution: the inner enamel epithelium BM expressed α1(IV), α2(IV), and α4(IV) except in the cuspal predentine region; and the outer enamel epithelium BM expressed α1(IV), α2(IV), α5(IV), and α6(IV) chains.Conclusions:  Results suggest that collagen IV α chain distribution in ameloblastoma BM plays an important role in tumor cytodifferentiation and progression.
The development and initial validation of the Liverpool sicca index to assess symptoms and dysfunction in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Field E. Anne , Rostron Jocelyne L. , Longman Lesley P. , Bowman Simon J. , Lowe Derek , Rogers Simon N. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground:  A validated measure to assess sicca‐related symptoms in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (1°SS) is required for clinical studies.Methods:  A self‐administered questionnaire was developed to assess sicca‐related symptoms and dysfunction in 1°SS. This was administered to three groups of 40 respondents to measure construct validity: 1°SS patients, non‐SS patients reporting xerostomia and a non‐patient group. The frequency of scores and the mean score for each question were calculated for each group. Reliability was assessed by test/retest.Results:  The measure consisted of 28 items divided into five domains. Scores for questions in domains were generally worse (higher) for 1°SS patients than for patients with xerostomia. The non‐patient group reported the best (lowest) scores for all questions. The Kappa statistic for all but four questions was greater than 0.6, suggesting good reliability.Conclusion:  Questionnaire showed good construct validity and reliability. The Liverpool sicca index needs to be further validated in larger, multicentre studies.
Monoclonal Antibody‐Mediated Manipulation as a Tool for Dissecting Genetic Pathways Underlying Specific Embryonic Processes
Authors: Nishikawa Shin‐Ichi , Nishikawa Satomi 
Published: March 2003

The technology to produce monoclonal antibody (mAb) is one of mainstays supporting current biology. Identification and isolation of a specific molecule in situations where many other molecules coexist is the most popular way of using this technology. Some mAb can trigger or suppress the function of a given molecule, thus having a potential for use in manipulating developmental processes. A decade ago, we demonstrated that embryonic components of pigment cell development could be manipulated by injection of a mAb that inhibits the function of the c‐Kit tyrosine kinase receptor (RTK) into pregnant mice. While we believe that no other methods were available at that time to freely trigger or suppress the function of such molecules as c‐Kit, molecular genetic technologies enabling the same task have been developed recently.In this article, we want to give a general overview of our previous experience of using mAb for manipulating embryonic processes, and discuss the potential of this technology in the age of new molecular genetics.
Effects of low dose ultraviolet A‐1 phototherapy on morphea
Authors: Gruss Claus J. , Von Kobyletzki Gregor , Behrens‐Williams Stefanie C. , Lininger John , Reuther Tilmann , Kerscher Martina , Altmeyer Peter 
Published: March 2003

Aim:The effects of low dose ultraviolet A‐1 (UVA‐1) phototherapy on different clinical stages of morphea (localized scleroderma) were analyzed in this case study. Based on these data, the different types of phototherapy described in the literature and currently used for treatment of morphea are compared.Methods: Three patients with severe plaque type morphea in different stages were studied: one patient with late‐stage lesions having stable sclerotic plaques; another patient with active inflammatory lesions; and a third patient with late‐stage lesions associated with overlying lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA). The treatment given was low dose UVA‐1 phototherapy with single doses of 20 J/cm2 administered four times a week for 6 weeks, and once a week for another 6 weeks.Results: Following UVA‐1 phototherapy, the sclerotic plaques resolved, leaving smooth and soft tanned skin with normal structure, consistency and folding capability. In morphea with overlying LSA the elastic fibers did not completely return to the superficial papillary dermis despite the clinical clearance of both morphea and LSA. These data suggest that low dose UVA‐1 phototherapy may improve, but not completely reverse, the histopathological changes of LSA. No side effects were observed during or after treatment.Conclusion: Our observations show in three patients that low‐dose UVA‐1 phototherapy is highly effective for treatment of all stages of morphea, including early inflammatory and late sclerotic lesions, and morphea with overlying lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. Because of its safety and efficacy, low dose UVA‐1 phototherapy appears to be the treatment modality of choice.