julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Characterization of granular metal oxide semiconductor gas sensitive layers by using Hall effect based approaches
2007-11-16

The paper provides a critical assessment of the progress made in the field of gas sensing metal oxide semiconductors (MOX) based on the Hall effect measurement as the main experimental data source. At the beginning, the focus is on the morphologic and the functional peculiarities of this type of material that differentiate them among the larger class of polycrystalline, granular and porous semiconductors. On this basis the complications in defining and extracting the electrical parameters of MOX, especially under operating conditions, are discussed. Different experimental solutions addressing the Hall effect measurements on gas sensing MOX reported in the literature are then briefly presented as the foundation of the discussions about the most utilized modelling procedures. Two main trends are identified: the solid-state and the chemo-physical ones. The solid-state methods focus on the crystallite energy structure, introducing the external influences as model parameters describing the interface trap distribution. The chemo-physical models firstly give a physical picture of the chemical interaction of the ambient with the solid-state surface by connecting the target gases partial pressures with the surface trap concentration and energy and, afterwards, follow the formalism used by the solid-state models. For each type of approach, representative examples and applicative illustrations are considered. An extended overview of the accessible data is included at the end of the paper in a tabulated form.
Neutralization of a negative charge in the S1–S2 region of the KV7.2 (KCNQ2) channel affects voltage‐dependent activation in neonatal epilepsy
2007-11-16

The voltage‐gated potassium channels K V 7.2 and K V 7.3 (genes KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 ) constitute a major component of the M‐current controlling the firing rate in many neurons. Mutations within these two channel subunits cause benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNC). Here we identified a novel BFNC‐causing mutation (E119G) in the S1–S2 region of K V 7.2. Electrophysiological investigations in Xenopus oocytes using two‐microelectrode voltage clamping revealed that the steady‐state activation curves for E119G alone and its coexpressions with K V 7.2 and/or K V 7.3 wild‐type (WT) channels were significantly shifted in the depolarizing direction compared to K V 7.2 or K V 7.2/K V 7.3. These shifts reduced the relative current amplitudes for mutant channels particularly in the subthreshold range of an action potential (about 45% reduction at −50 mV for E119G compared to K V 7.2, and 33% for E119G/K V 7.3 compared to K V 7.2/K V 7.3 channels). Activation kinetics were significantly slowed for mutant channels. Our results indicate that small changes in channel gating at subthreshold voltages are sufficient to cause neonatal seizures and demonstrate the importance of the M‐current for this voltage range. This was confirmed by a computer model predicting an increased burst duration for the mutation. On a molecular level, these results reveal a critical role in voltage sensing of the negatively charged E119 in S1–S2 of K V 7.2, a region that – according to molecular modelling – might interact with a positive charge in the S4 segment.
Dose-Reduced Conditioning Followed by Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Myelofibrosis. Results from a Multicenter Prospective Trial of the Chronic Leukemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT).
2007-11-16

Abstract The major limitation of allogeneic stem cell transplantatiopn (SCT) in patients (pts) with myelofibrosis is the high treatment related mortality. We performed a prospective multicenter trial of a dose-reduced conditioning regimen, consisting of busulfan (10 mg/kg orally or 8mg/kg i.v), fludarabine (180 mg/m2) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG Fresenius: 30–60 mg/kg) followed by allogeneic SCT in pts with myelofibrosis. From 2002 to 2006, 104 pts with a median age of 55 years (range: 32–68) andlow risk with constitutional symptoms (18%) or intermediate risk (n= 58%) and high risk (n=19%) were included. Cytogenetic abnormalities and JAK2 mutation were noted in 22% and 48%, respectively. Bone marrow histology showed advanced fibrosis (MF 2 and 3) in all pts. All but 3 pts received peripheral blood stem cells as graft source either from related (n=33) or unrelated donor (n=71). All but one (1%) pts showed leukocyte and platelet engraftment after a median of 18 and 21 days, respectively. The median duration of leukocyte aplasia was 9 days (range: 3–21). Acute GvHD grade II to IV occurred in 19% and severe aGvHD III/IV in 7%, while chronic GvHD was seen in 32% of the pts. Non-relapse mortality at 1 year was 19% (95% CI: 11–27%) and significantly lower for pts younger than 50 years of age (0% vs 27%, p=0.004) and for pts with low risk vs intermediate/high risk disease (0% vs 27%, p= 0.02). The cumulative incidence of relapse at 3 years was 29% (95%CI: 15–43%). The 3 year overall (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) was 70% (95% CI 60–80%) and 55% (95% CI 42–68%). Significant factors for improved 3 year OS and EFS were age less than 50 years (92% vs 62%, p=0.003 and 79% vs 46%, p= 0,004) and low vs intermediate/high risk (100% vs 62%, p=0.01 and 72% vs 48%, p= 0.02), while no impact on survival was seen for cytogenetic abnormalities, JAK2 mutation status and donor (related vs unrelated). These prospective multicenter study show excellent outcome of an busulafan/fludarabine based reduced conditioning regimen followed by allogeneic SCT in pts with myelofibrosis.
Direct and Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Anti-Tumor Effects of Low-Dose Bortezomib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
2007-11-16

Abstract Background &amp; Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) displays a particular resistance to conventional cytostatic agents. Therefore, alternative treatment strategies focus on novel substances exhibiting anti-neoplastic and/or immunomodulatory activity enhancing for example Natural Killer (NK) cell anti-tumor reactivity. However, the tumor-associated ligands engaging activating NK cell receptors are largely unknown. Exceptions are the NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) of the MIC and ULBP protein families, which potently stimulate NK cell responses. We studied the consequences of proteasome inhibition with regard to direct and NK cell-mediated effects against HCC. Methods: Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) from different donors, hepatoma cell lines and NK cells were exposed to Bortezomib. Growth and viability of hepatoma cells and PHH as well as immunomodulatory effects including alterations of NKG2DL expression on hepatoma cells, specific induction of NK cell cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production were investigated. Results: Bortezomib treatment inhibited hepatoma cell growth with IC50 values between 2.4 and 7.7 nanomol/liter. These low doses increased MICA/B mRNA levels and total and cell surface protein expression in hepatoma cells, which stimulated cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production of cocultured NK cells. Importantly, while IFN-γ production of NK cells was concentration-dependently reduced, low-dose Bortezomib neither induced NKG2DL expression or cell death in PHH nor altered NK cell cytotoxicity. Conclusions: Low-dose Bortezomib mediates a specific dual anti-tumor effect in HCC by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and by priming hepatoma cells for NK cell anti-tumor reactivity. Our data suggest the clinical evaluation of Bortezomib treatment in HCC, especially in combination with immunotherapeutic approaches like adoptive NK cell transfer.
A Randomized Comparison of Total-Marrow Irradiation, Busulfan and Cyclophosphamide with Tandem High-Dose Melphalan in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.
2007-11-16

Abstract Background Myeloablative chemotherapy with support of autologous peripheral blood stem cells (APBSC) has widely been accepted as a standard of care in patients (pts) with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). High-dose (HD) melphalan (Mel) 200 mg/m2 was considered superior to total-body irradiaton (TBI) plus Mel 140 mg/m2 for toxicity reasons. Since MM plasma cells are inherently responsive to irradiation, our group evaluated TBI aimed at reduced organ toxicity by shielding lungs and liver (total-marrow irradiation [TMI], 9 Gy) combined with busulfan (Bu, 12 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (Cy, 120 mg/kg) in a previous phase I/II trial (Einsele et al, Bone Marrow Transplant, 2003). Patients and methods In the current study (DSMM I), subjects with previously untreated MM in Durie-Salmon stages II/III were randomly assigned to either receive one course of TMI/Bu/Cy versus two cycles of HD Mel 200 mg/m2 each with APBSC transplantation if having had an adequate number of stem cells collected and at least stable disease. Primary end point was event-free survival (EFS), secondary end points overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results A total of 294 pts (median age, 54 years), 246 of whom completed stem cell harvest were enrolled between 8/1998 and 1/2002 by 46 centres. Eventually, 198 (n=100 TMI/Bu/Cy and n=98 HD Mel) pts were randomized and included into the ITT population. The safety population (n=80 TMI and n=118 HD Mel, due to 18 pts switching to Mel) was analyzed for toxicity and response. CR rate before HD therapy was 7.0% (7/100) in the TMI and 6.1% (6/98) in the Mel arm respectively. Significantly more pts receiving TMI/Bu/Cy experienced WHO grades 3 and 4 pulmonary and gastrointestinal toxicity and pain. Following HDT, CR rate increased to 17.5% (14/80, TMI) and 32.2% (38/118, HD Mel; p=.022) respectively. After a median follow-up of 1447 days, median EFS in the TMI group was 1161 days versus 1090 days for HD Mel (p=.812). Probability of 4-year OS was 72.7% (95%-CI: 62.1–80.7) with TMI and also 72.7% (95%-CI: 61.7–81.1) after HD Mel (p=.754). For pts in CR following HD therapy, probability of 4 year DFS was 62.4% (95%-CI: 33.6–81.6) for TMI vs. 50.4% (95%-CI: 30.6–67.3) for HD-Mel (p=.138). Conclusion In this randomized trial on pts with newly diagnosed MM, the irradiation-based regimen was associated with more pulmonary and GI toxicity when compared to HD Mel. Incidences of other toxicities including hepatotoxicity, however, were not different between the two treatment arms. CR rate was superior for HD-Mel, while there was no difference in OS and EFS between the two treatment arms. Subjects achieving CR may be more likely to enjoy prolonged DFS after TMI/Bu/Cy.
The Kinase Inhibitors Sunitinib (Sutent®) and Sorafenib (Nexavar®) Differentially Affect Reactivity of NK Cells Against Renal Cell Cancer.
2007-11-16

Abstract Sunitinib (Sutent®) and Sorafenib (Nexavar®) are multikinase inhibitors licensed for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell cancer (RCC) because of their direct and indirect anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects. Sunitinib and Sorafenib target, among others, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR), the stem cell factor receptor (cKIT) and Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (Flt3). Beyond that, Sorafenib additionally inhibits c-RAF and B-RAF. NK cells play an important role in the immune surveillance of tumors. Their reactivity is governed by different surface receptors leading to activation of various kinases, phosphatases and transcription factors. Up to now, nothing is known regarding the influence of Sunitinib and Sorafenib on NK cells. Here we report that Sunitinib and Sorafenib differentially affect NK cell cytotoxicity. Analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 independent donors revealed that Sorafenib but not Sunitinib significantly (p&lt;0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test) reduced cell surface CD107a expression (about 50%) on NK cells as a surrogate marker for degranulation in response to tumor targets. In line, pharmacological levels of Sorafenib significantly (p&lt;0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test) diminished cytotoxicity of primary NK cells against the RCC cell lines A498, ACHN and CAKI-2 (from 46% to 14%, from 52% to 22% and from 63% to 42%, respectively) in chromium release assays. Again, no inhibition of cytotoxicity was observed in the presence of pharmacological concentrations of Sunitinib. Since activation of MAP kinases leading to ERK phosphorylation regulates the movement of lytic granula towards target cells, which is responsible for NK cell cytotoxicity we investigated the influence of Sunitinib and Sorafenib on ERK phosphorylation. While Sunitinib had no effect, Sorafenib, alike the specific c-RAF inhibitor ZM336372 or the specific MEK inhibitor PD98059, markedly reduced ERK phosphorylation as determined by Western Blot. Our results indicate that NK cell anti-tumor reactivity is impaired by Sorafenib but not by Sunitinib due to the additional inhibitory effect of Sorafenib on the ERK pathway, which has been demonstrated to dictate NK cell cytotoxicity. We therefore conclude that Sunitinib is exquisitely suitable for combination with immunotherapeutic approaches in RCC patients.
Dose Definition for Intravenous Cyclophosphamide in Combination with Bortezomib/Dexamethasone for Remission Induction in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma.
2007-11-16

Abstract This study was designed to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), safety, and efficacy of intravenous cyclophosphamide (CY) in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and high-dose dexamethasone (DEX) for remission induction in younger patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). Patients ≤ 60 years were enrolled to receive three 3-week treatment cycles with bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2/dose on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 in combination with DEX 40 mg/day orally on the day of bortezomib injection and the day thereafter. In addition, patients received CY intravenously on day 1 at either 600, 900, 1200, or 1500 mg/m2 - the optimal dose had to be defined. Recommended concomitant medication included bisphosphonates, antacids, prophylactic antiviral treatment, prophylaxis against pneumocystis pneumonia, and oral non-absorbable antifungal medication. In addition, antiemetics, cytokines, and intravenous immunoglobulins were allowed. DLT was defined using the National Cancer Institute common terminology criteria for adverse events, version 3.0 as grade 4 hematologic toxicity, ≥ grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity (except emesis, vomiting, and alopecia), ≥ grade 3 peripheral neuropathy, and ≥ grade 2 peripheral neuropathy with pain. MTD was defined as the highest dose studied for which the incidence of DLT was ≤ 33%. Thirty patients completed 78 treatment cycles. Twenty seven patients were evaluable for CY dose definition. Start dose level for CY was 1200 mg/m2. Since no patient experienced a DLT the dose level was increased to 1500 mg/m2. On this dose level a DLT occurred in 2/3 patients (67%). Therefore the dose level was decreased again to 1200 mg/m2 with 4/12 (33%) of patients experiencing DLT. On the next lower dose level a DLT was observed in 8% (1/12). Thus, the MTD for CY in combination with bortezomib and DEX based on cycle 1 was defined as 900mg/m2. Dose-limiting toxicities included leukopenia (n=5), neutropenia (n=1), and pneumonia (n=1). No patient died. Other adverse events not reaching dose-limiting intensity included thrombocytopenia, gastrointestinal irritations, fatigue, neuropathy and one patient with herpes zoster. Median time to best response was 63 days. The overall response rate (EBMT criteria) to up to three cycles of this combination was 87%, with 3 complete responses, 20 partial responses and 3 minor responses. No patient experienced progressive disease. Bortezomib combined with DEX and CY is a highly effective treatment for newly diagnosed MM. Recommended phase II/III dose of CY in this combination is 900 mg/m2. This schedule is currently being evaluated as pretransplant induction in newly diagnosed MM in a prospective trial of the Deutsche Studiengruppe Multiples Myelom (DSMM).
Neutralization of Tumor-Derived Soluble Glucocorticoid-Induced TNF-Related Protein (GITR) Ligand Present in Cancer Patient Sera Increases Anti-Tumor Reactivity of NK Cells.
2007-11-16

Abstract Glucocorticoid-induced TNF-related protein (GITR) and its ligand (GITRL) are members of the TNF/TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamily, which mediates multiple cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. Recently we reported that NK cells express GITR while tumor cells express GITRL, and GITR-GITRL interaction downregulates NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity (Baltz et al., FASEB J 2007). Many TNF family members are released as soluble forms, which affects cell-cell interactions by reduction of ligand density and distally modulates effector cells bearing the respective receptor. Here we report that human tumor cells spontaneously release a soluble form of GITRL (sGITRL), which can be detected in tumor cell culture supernatants by ELISA (detection limit 0.01ng/ml). We demonstrated that NK cell cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production in cocultures with the tumor cell lines SK-Mel (Melanoma), PC-3 (prostate), HCT116 (colon), and LX-1 (lung) were significantly (both p&lt;0.01, Mann-Whitney U-test) and concentration dependently reduced (up to 50%) by tumor-derived sGITRL, and NK cell effector functions could be restored by neutralization of sGITRL using a GITR-Fc fusion protein. While tumor-derived GITRL did not induce apoptosis in NK cells, it diminished nuclear localized RelB indicating that sGITRL negatively modulates NK cell NF-κB activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that significantly elevated sGITRL levels (mean 0.4ng/ml, range from 0.01 to 3.5ng/ml) were contained in 40 out of 50 sera of patients with various cancers (colon, lung and germ line), while sera of healthy volunteers (n=8) contained no detectable levels of sGITRL. Addition of sGITRL containing patient sera to cocultures of NK cells and GITRL-negative tumor cells significantly reduced NK cell cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production about 30% and 45%, respectively (both p&lt;0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). Again the inhibitory effects of sGITRL on NK cell effector functions could be completely restored by neutralization of sGITRL with GITR-Fc. The strong correlation of tumor incidence and elevated sGITRL levels clearly suggests that sGITRL is released at significant amounts from malignant cells in vivo and may reduce immune surveillance of human tumors. Our data indicate that determination of sGITRL levels may be implemented as an immunological diagnostic marker in tumor patients, and GITRL-neutralization may be employed in therapeutic strategies like adoptive NK cell transfer.
Pneumonia in Trauma Patients
2007-11-16

This chapter contains sections titled: Risk Factors Pathogenesis Causative Pathogens Prevention Strategies Selective Digestive Decontamination (SDD) for Trauma Patients Diagnosis Therapy Case Reports References
CTL Responses Against Tumor Associated Antigens Are Part of the Graft Versus Leukemia-Effect and Protect from Relapse after Allogeneic Hematopoetic Stem Cell Transplantation.
2007-11-16

Abstract The Graft-versus-Leukemia (GVL) effect following allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is one of the most prominent examples showing the ability of the immune system to eliminate malignant diseases. This effect was a strictly clinically described phenomenon, but in the last years T-cell responses against tumor-associated antigens (TAA) could partly be set in correlation with clinical benefit. Previously, TAA such as WT1 and proteinase-3 have been proposed as the targets for T-cells to establish a GVL effect. Now, we examined in addition other TAA (MUC1 and HM1.24) as possible T-cell targets of GVL related immune responses. We have defined new peptide epitopes from the MUC1 and HM1.24 antigens by the reverse immunology approach to increase the number of patients who can be screened and to expand the repertoire of immunologic monitoring as well as therapeutic approaches. A total of 25 patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation have been screened and we are able to detect T-cell responses to both the MUC1 and HM1.24 antigens on top of the WT1 and the proteinase-3 antigen. Interestingly, we could detect a significant relationship between relapse and the absence of a T-cell response to TAA: Only 1/10 patients (10%) with TAA-specific CTL relapsed in contrast to 8/15 patients (53.3%) without TAA-specific CTL responses (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, we demonstrated MUC1 peptides presented by HLA A*6801, B*0702 and B*4402 to be specifically recognized by CD3+/CD8+ T-cells. In conclusion, CD8+ T-cell responses directed to TAA might contribute to the GVL effect and are not limited to WT1 and proteinase-3. These observations clearly highlight both the importance and the potential of immunotherapeutic approaches in allogeneic stem cell recipients. Figure 1: New defined HLA class I epitopes predicted by computer analysis are recognized by specific CTL in patients post allogeneic HSCT. IFN-γ staining of PBMC from, patient No. 17 (AML, CR), 672 days post transplantation (A), patient No. 8 (AML, CR), 1035 days post transplantation (B) Cells were stimulated with 10μg/ml of the indicated peptides. Gates were set on lymphocytes by forward/side scattering (R1) and on CD3+/CD8+ cells (R2). Percentage numbers show peptide-specific CD3+/CD8+ T-cells from all CD3+/CD8+ T-cells. Figure 1:. New defined HLA class I epitopes predicted by computer analysis are recognized by specific CTL in patients post allogeneic HSCT. . / IFN-γ staining of PBMC from, patient No. 17 (AML, CR), 672 days post transplantation (A), patient No. 8 (AML, CR), 1035 days post transplantation (B) Cells were stimulated with 10μg/ml of the indicated peptides. Gates were set on lymphocytes by forward/side scattering (R1) and on CD3+/CD8+ cells (R2). Percentage numbers show peptide-specific CD3+/CD8+ T-cells from all CD3+/CD8+ T-cells.