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Walker RE, Bechtel CM, Natarajan V, Baseler M, Hege KM, Metcalf JA, Stevens R, Hazen A, Blaese RM, Chen CC, Leitman SF, Palensky J, Wittes J, Davey RT, Falloon J, Polis MA, Kovacs JA, Broad DF, Levine BL, Roberts MR, Masur H, Lane HC. Long-term in vivo survival of receptor-modified syngeneic T cells in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Blood 2000; 96:467-74. [PMID: 10887107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
To study human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific cellular immunity in vivo, we transferred syngeneic lymphocytes after ex vivo expansion and transduction with a chimeric receptor gene (CD4/CD3-zeta) between identical twins discordant for HIV infection. Single and multiple infusions of 10(10) genetically modified CD8(+) T cells resulted in peak fractions in the circulation of approximately 10(4) to 10(5) modified cells/10(6) mononuclear cells at 24 to 48 hours, followed by 2- to 3-log declines by 8 weeks. In an effort to provide longer high-level persistence of the transferred cells and possibly enhance anti-HIV activity, we administered a second series of infusions in which both CD4(+ )and CD8(+) T cells were engineered to express the chimeric receptor and were costimulated ex vivo with beads coated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28. Sustained fractions of approximately 10(3) to 10(4) modified cells/10(6) total CD4(+) or CD8(+) cells persisted for at least 1 year. Assessment of in vivo trafficking of the transferred cells by lymphoid tissue biopsies revealed the presence of modified cells in proportions equivalent to or below those in the circulation. The cell infusions were well tolerated and were not associated with substantive immunologic or virologic changes. Thus, adoptive transfer of genetically modified HIV-antigen-specific T cells was safe. Sustained survival in the circulation was achieved when modified CD4(+ )and CD8(+) T cells were infused together after ex vivo costimulation, indicating the important role played by antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells in providing "help" to cytotoxic effectors. (Blood. 2000;96:467-474)
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Gea-Banacloche JC, Migueles SA, Martino L, Shupert WL, McNeil AC, Sabbaghian MS, Ehler L, Prussin C, Stevens R, Lambert L, Altman J, Hallahan CW, de Quiros JC, Connors M. Maintenance of large numbers of virus-specific CD8+ T cells in HIV-infected progressors and long-term nonprogressors. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2000; 165:1082-92. [PMID: 10878387 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.165.2.1082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses of 21 HIV-infected patients were studied including a unique cohort of long-term nonprogressors with low levels of plasma viral RNA and strong proliferative responses to HIV Ags. HIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses were studied by a combination of standard cytotoxic T cell (CTL) assays, MHC tetramers, and TCR repertoire analysis. The frequencies of CD8+ T cells specific to the majority of HIV gene products were measured by flow cytometric detection of intracellular IFN-gamma in response to HIV-vaccinia recombinant-infected autologous B cells. Very high frequencies (0.8-18.0%) of circulating CD8+ T cells were found to be HIV specific. High frequencies of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells were not limited to long-term nonprogressors with restriction of plasma virus. No correlation was found between the frequency of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells and levels of plasma viremia. In each case, the vast majority of cells (up to 17.2%) responded to gag-pol. Repertoire analysis showed these large numbers of Ag-specific cells were scattered throughout the repertoire and in the majority of cases not contained within large monoclonal expansions. These data demonstrate that high numbers of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells exist even in patients with high-level viremia and progressive disease. Further, they suggest that other qualitative parameters of the CD8+ T cell response may differentiate some patients with very low levels of plasma virus and nonprogressive disease.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Disease Progression
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/analysis
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Female
- HIV Antigens/immunology
- HIV Infections/immunology
- HIV Infections/metabolism
- HIV Infections/pathology
- HIV Infections/virology
- Humans
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Count
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/analysis
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/virology
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Knekt P, Hakulinen T, Leino A, Heliövaara M, Reunanen A, Stevens R. Serum albumin and colorectal cancer risk. Eur J Clin Nutr 2000; 54:460-2. [PMID: 10878646 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1600997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between serum albumin and colorectal cancer occurrence. DESIGN A case-control study nested within a cohort followed from 1968 to 1991. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The albumin concentration was determined from serum samples stored at -20 degrees C at baseline in 177 incident colorectal cancer cases and 288 controls matched for sex, age and study region. RESULTS An elevated risk was present of cancer of the left, distal colon at high serum albumin concentrations. No significant association was observed for the right, proximal colon or the rectum. The relative risks of cancer of the distal and proximal colon among individuals in the highest and lowest quartiles of serum albumin were 17.03 (95% confidence interval 1.48-195) and 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0. 19-3.13), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The present study lends support to the hypothesis that some dietary factor associated with serum albumin may be a risk factor for distal colon cancer.
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154
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Gray A, Raikou M, McGuire A, Fenn P, Stevens R, Cull C, Stratton I, Adler A, Holman R, Turner R. Cost effectiveness of an intensive blood glucose control policy in patients with type 2 diabetes: economic analysis alongside randomised controlled trial (UKPDS 41). United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study Group. BMJ (CLINICAL RESEARCH ED.) 2000; 320:1373-8. [PMID: 10818026 PMCID: PMC27380 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.320.7246.1373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the cost effectiveness of conventional versus intensive blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN Incremental cost effectiveness analysis alongside randomised controlled trial. SETTING 23 UK hospital clinic based study centres. PARTICIPANTS 3867 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (mean age 53 years). INTERVENTIONS Conventional (primarily diet) glucose control policy versus intensive control policy with a sulphonylurea or insulin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incremental cost per event-free year gained within the trial period. RESULTS Intensive glucose control increased trial treatment costs by pound 695 (95% confidence interval pound 555 to pound 836) per patient but reduced the cost of complications by pound 957 (pound 233 to pound 1681) compared with conventional management. If standard practice visit patterns were assumed rather than trial conditions, the incremental cost of intensive management was pound 478 (-pound 275 to pound 1232) per patient. The within trial event-free time gained in the intensive group was 0.60 (0.12 to 1.10) years and the lifetime gain 1.14 (0.69 to 1.61) years. The incremental cost per event-free year gained was pound 1166 (costs and effects discounted at 6% a year) and pound 563 (costs discounted at 6% a year and effects not discounted). CONCLUSIONS Intensive blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes significantly increased treatment costs but substantially reduced the cost of complications and increased the time free of complications.
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Nissan R, Makkar SR, Sela MN, Stevens R. Whole genomic DNA probe for detection of Porphyromonas endodontalis. J Endod 2000; 26:217-20. [PMID: 11199721 DOI: 10.1097/00004770-200004000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to develop a DNA probe for Porphyromonas endodontalis. Pure cultures of P. endodontalis were grown in TYP medium, in an anaerobic chamber. DNA was extracted from the P. endodontalis and labeled using the Genius System by Boehringer Mannheim. The labeled P. endodontalis DNA was used in dot-blot hybridization reactions with homologous (P. endodontalis) and unrelated bacterial samples. To determine specificity, strains of 40 other oral bacterial species (e.g. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Porphyromonas asaccharolytica, and Prevotella intermedia) were spotted and reacted with the P. endodontalis DNA probe. None of the panel of 40 oral bacteria hybridized with the P. endodontalis probe, whereas the blot of the homologous organism showed a strong positive reaction. To determine the sensitivity of the probe, dilutions of a P. endodontalis suspension of known concentration were blotted onto a nylon membrane and reacted with the probe. The results of our investigation indicate that the DNA probe that we have prepared specifically detects only P. endodontalis and can detect at least 3 x 10(4) cells.
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156
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Critchley P, Jadad AR, Taniguchi A, Woods A, Stevens R, Reyno L, Whelan TJ. Are some palliative care delivery systems more effective and efficient than others? A systematic review of comparative studies. J Palliat Care 2000; 15:40-7. [PMID: 10693305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
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157
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Lawson SE, Harrison G, Richards S, Oakhill A, Stevens R, Eden OB, Darbyshire PJ. The UK experience in treating relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a report on the medical research council UKALLR1 study. Br J Haematol 2000; 108:531-43. [PMID: 10759711 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2000.01891.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have examined the toxicity and overall outcome of the Medical Research Council UKALL R1 protocol for 256 patients with relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Second remission was achieved in over 95% of patients. Two patients died during induction and seven patients died of resistant disease. The overall actuarial event-free survival (EFS) at 5 years for all patients experiencing a first relapse was 46% (95% CI 40-52). Duration of first remission, site of relapse, age at diagnosis and sex emerged as factors of prognostic significance. Five-year EFS was only 7% for children relapsing in the bone marrow within 2 years of diagnosis, but was 77% for those relapsing without bone marrow involvement > 2.5 years from diagnosis. All analyses in this report are by treatment received. For those receiving chemotherapy alone, the 5-year EFS was 48%; for autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT), the 5-year EFS was 47%; for unrelated donor BMT, it was 52%; and for related donor BMT, the 5-year EFS was 45%. The groups, however, were not comparable with respect to risk factor profile, and therefore direct comparison of EFS is misleading. Adjustment for time to transplant and prognostic factors was used to reduce the effects of biases between treatment groups, but did not suggest benefit for any particular treatment. There was failure of our planned randomization scheme in this trial with only 9% of those eligible being randomized, which highlights the difficulties in running randomized trials especially in patients who have relapsed from a previous trial. The optimal treatment for relapsed ALL therefore remains uncertain. Alternative approaches are clearly needed for those with early bone marrow relapse if outcome is to improve.
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158
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Rosner R, Calder A, Dursi J, Fryxell B, Lamb D, Niemeyer J, Olson K, Ricker P, Timmes F, Truran J, Tueo H, Yuan-Nan Young, Zingale M, Lusk E, Stevens R. Flash code: studying astrophysical thermonuclear flashes. Comput Sci Eng 2000. [DOI: 10.1109/5992.825747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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159
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Jadad AR, Moher M, Browman GP, Booker L, Sigouin C, Fuentes M, Stevens R. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on treatment of asthma: critical evaluation. BMJ (CLINICAL RESEARCH ED.) 2000; 320:537-40. [PMID: 10688558 PMCID: PMC27295 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.320.7234.537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/1999] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical, methodological, and reporting aspects of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the treatment of asthma and to compare those published by the Cochrane Collaboration with those published in paper based journals. DESIGN Analysis of studies identified from Medline, CINAHL, HealthSTAR, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, personal collections, and reference lists. STUDIES Articles describing a systematic review or a meta-analysis of the treatment of asthma that were published as a full report, in any language or format, in a peer reviewed journal or the Cochrane Library. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES General characteristics of studies reviewed and methodological characteristics (sources of articles; language restrictions; format, design, and publication status of studies included; type of data synthesis; and methodological quality). RESULTS 50 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included. More than half were published in the past two years. Twelve reviews were published in the Cochrane Library and 38 were published in 22 peer reviewed journals. Forced expiratory volume in one second was the most frequently used outcome, but few reviews evaluated the effect of treatment on costs or patient preferences. Forty reviews were judged to have serious or extensive flaws. All six reviews associated with industry were in this group. Seven of the 10 most rigorous reviews were published in the Cochrane Library. CONCLUSIONS Most reviews published in peer reviewed journals or funded by industry have serious methodological flaws that limit their value to guide decisions. Cochrane reviews are more rigorous and better reported than those published in peer reviewed journals.
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160
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Stevens R, Miller C. Wrapping and interoperating bioinformatics resources using CORBA. Brief Bioinform 2000; 1:9-21. [PMID: 11466976 DOI: 10.1093/bib/1.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioinformaticians seeking to provide services to working biologists are faced with the twin problems of distribution and diversity of resources. Bioinformatics databases are distributed around the world and exist in many kinds of storage forms, platforms and access paradigms. To provide adequate services to biologists, these distributed and diverse resources have to interoperate seamlessly within single applications. The Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) offers one technical solution to these problems. The key component of CORBA is its use of object orientation as an intermediate form to translate between different representations. This paper concentrates on an explanation of object orientation and how it can be used to overcome the problems of distribution and diversity by describing the interfaces between objects.
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161
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Stevens R, Baker P, Bechhofer S, Ng G, Jacoby A, Paton NW, Goble CA, Brass A. TAMBIS: transparent access to multiple bioinformatics information sources. Bioinformatics 2000; 16:184-5. [PMID: 10842744 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/16.2.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED TAMBIS (Transparent Access to Multiple Bioinformatics Information Sources) is an application that allows biologists to ask rich and complex questions over a range of bioinformatics resources. It is based on a model of the knowledge of the concepts and their relationships in molecular biology and bioinformatics. AVAILABILITY TAMBIS is available as an applet from http://img.cs.man.ac.uk/tambis SUPPLEMENTARY: A full manual, tutorial and videos can be found at http://img.cs.man.ac.uk/tambis. CONTACT tambis@cs.man.ac.uk
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de Quiros JC, Shupert WL, McNeil AC, Gea-Banacloche JC, Flanigan M, Savage A, Martino L, Weiskopf EE, Imamichi H, Zhang YM, Adelsburger J, Stevens R, Murphy PM, Zimmerman PA, Hallahan CW, Davey RT, Connors M. Resistance to replication of human immunodeficiency virus challenge in SCID-Hu mice engrafted with peripheral blood mononuclear cells of nonprogressors is mediated by CD8(+) T cells and associated with a proliferative response to p24 antigen. J Virol 2000; 74:2023-8. [PMID: 10644376 PMCID: PMC111681 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.74.4.2023-2028.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of resistance to challenge with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 SF162 were observed in animals engrafted with peripheral blood mononuclear cells of four long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs). Resistance was abrogated by depletion of CD8(+) T cells in vivo and was observed only in LTNPs with proliferative responses to p24. In a subgroup of nonprogressors, CD8(+) T cells mediated restriction of challenge viruses, and this response was associated with strong proliferative responses to p24 antigen.
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163
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Roper WL, Stevens R. The North Carolina Institute for Public Health: science into service. Public Health Rep 2000; 115:102-4. [PMID: 10968590 PMCID: PMC1308562 DOI: 10.1093/phr/115.1.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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165
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Stevens R. Do we need a new word for patients? Patients should obviously now be called "Neubergers". BMJ (CLINICAL RESEARCH ED.) 1999; 319:1436-7. [PMID: 10610170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
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166
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Abahussain NA, Musaiger AO, Nicholls PJ, Stevens R. Nutritional status of adolescent girls in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Nutr Health 1999; 13:171-7. [PMID: 10561866 DOI: 10.1177/026010609901300305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional status of Saudi adolescent girls using weight and height measurements. A cross-sectional sample of 676 girls aged 12 to 19 years were selected from Al-Khober city, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. At all ages median (50th percentiles) heights of Saudi girls are below the 50th percentiles of the international standards. However, the median weight falls between the 75th and 50th of the standards, which may indicate a trend toward obesity. Using the body mass index for determining the nutritional status of the girls, it was found that 11% of girls were underweight, 61% were normal and 28% were overweight or obese. The findings revealed that adolescent girls in Saudi Arabia face two contrasting nutrition situations, underweight and overweight. Similar findings were reported in other Arabian Gulf countries, indicating the need for intervention programmes to promote better nutrition among school children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia.
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167
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Christen U, Thuerkauf R, Stevens R, Lesslauer W. Immune response to a recombinant human TNFR55-IgG1 fusion protein: auto-antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have neither neutralizing nor agonist activities. Hum Immunol 1999; 60:774-90. [PMID: 10527384 DOI: 10.1016/s0198-8859(99)00068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A substantial number of patients enrolled in clinical studies of TNFR55-IgG1 in TNF-neutralizing treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis developed antibodies to the recombinant human protein. To enable more detailed investigation subgroups of patients donated small blood samples. TNFR55-IgG1 reactive antibodies were affinity purified from plasma; IgM and IgG class antibodies reactive with TNFR55-IgG1 were found which varied considerably in titer and kinetics of appearance among individual patients. The affinity purified antibody fractions included specificities to the receptor moiety of TNFR55-IgG1, but also rheumatoid factor and other pre-existing antibodies directed to the IgG1 moiety. The antibodies bound to Fc receptors, but not detectably to TNFR55 at the human cell surface. No agonistic nor neutralizing activities of these antibodies were detected. Major linear epitopes clustered in the TNFR55 sequence in close proximity to the IgG1 fusion site. The relative content of antibodies to linear and conformational epitopes was highly variable among patients. Route and frequency of administration rather than underlying disease appeared to influence the major linear B cell epitopes selected.
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MESH Headings
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/blood
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/immunology
- Autoantibodies/blood
- Autoantibodies/immunology
- Cells, Cultured
- Chromatography, Affinity
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Epitope Mapping
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- HL-60 Cells
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/biosynthesis
- Multiple Sclerosis/blood
- Multiple Sclerosis/immunology
- Neutralization Tests
- Receptors, Fc/immunology
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/immunology
- Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Up-Regulation
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Lundgren L, Amodeo M, Schneider R, Ellis M, Fitzgerald T, Stevens R. African-American injection drug users: association between pre-treatment services and entry into and completion of detoxification. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 1999; 22:259-267. [PMID: 24011446 DOI: 10.1016/s0149-7189(99)00016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that African-American injection drug users, when compared with other ethnic and racial groups of injection drug users, are more likely to have no history of substance abuse treatment. The project evaluated was designed to attract African-American injection drug users to treatment by providing comprehensive pre-treatment services including street outreach, drop-in center services, case management, and motivational counseling. The overall program goal was to facilitate clients' acceptance of referral to treatment and readiness to utilize treatment. The evaluation described here examines whether, for this African-American population of hard-core drug users, utilization of pre-treatment services improved the intermediary treatment outcomes of entry into and completion of detoxification. Findings showed that high utilization of drop-in center services increased the frequency of entrance into detoxification programs. Entrance into detoxification has been shown to be significantly correlated with (a) entrance into further treatment, (b) reduced HIV/AIDS risk, and (c) successful linkage with health care and social services. Contrary to expectations, high utilization of pre-treatment services was not significantly correlated to increased completion of detoxification.
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169
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Baker PG, Goble CA, Bechhofer S, Paton NW, Stevens R, Brass A. An ontology for bioinformatics applications. Bioinformatics 1999; 15:510-20. [PMID: 10383475 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/15.6.510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION An ontology of biological terminology provides a model of biological concepts that can be used to form a semantic framework for many data storage, retrieval and analysis tasks. Such a semantic framework could be used to underpin a range of important bioinformatics tasks, such as the querying of heterogeneous bioinformatics sources or the systematic annotation of experimental results. RESULTS This paper provides an overview of an ontology [the Transparent Access to Multiple Biological Information Sources (TAMBIS) ontology or TaO] that describes a wide range of bioinformatics concepts. The present paper describes the mechanisms used for delivering the ontology and discusses the ontology's design and organization, which are crucial for maintaining the coherence of a large collection of concepts and their relationships. AVAILABILITY The TAMBIS system, which uses a subset of the TaO described here, is accessible over the Web via http://img.cs.man.ac.uk/tambis (although in the first instance, we will use a password mechanism to limit the load on our server). The complete model is also available on the Web at the above URL.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the results of a pioneering service introduced under National Health Service (NHS) cover, providing circumcision on religious grounds. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The service was offered to all male babies aged 6-14 weeks. Circumcision was carried out using the Plastibell technique under 1% lignocaine ring block/penile block anaesthesia. Between July 1996 and August 1998, 168 circumcisions were performed and assessed postoperatively by telephone enquiry, visiting at home by the nurse and review at the hospital if and when required. RESULTS Of the 168 babies, 31 required some follow-up care. In six babies the separated ring tracked back onto the shaft of the penis and had to be removed using a ring-cutter. Ten babies were referred for incomplete separation of the Plastibell ring; only two required removal, the rest of the rings detaching spontaneously within a few days. Two babies were reviewed for early separation of the ring and seven were reviewed for bleeding within 24 h of the operation. Two of these were immediately after circumcision, when the bleeding was seen to be from the torn frenulum. They were converted to a more formal circumcision without the Plastibell under the same anaesthesia. Surveillance with no intervention was required in the others, except one who needed a compression dressing. One baby had apyrexia, requiring antibiotics. Four babies had suspected wound infection but none was clinically significant. One parent remained dissatisfied and complained about the inadequate removal of the foreskin. CONCLUSION The aim of the service was to provide safe circumcision requested on religious grounds. The technique was simple and easily learned by nurses. Parents have generally been very satisfied and the complication rate was acceptable, with most problems occurring early in the series, suggesting an improvement with experience.
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171
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Balendiran GK, Molina JA, Xu Y, Torres-Martinez J, Stevens R, Focia PJ, Eakin AE, Sacchettini JC, Craig SP. Ternary complex structure of human HGPRTase, PRPP, Mg2+, and the inhibitor HPP reveals the involvement of the flexible loop in substrate binding. Protein Sci 1999; 8:1023-31. [PMID: 10338013 PMCID: PMC2144341 DOI: 10.1110/ps.8.5.1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Site-directed mutagenesis was used to replace Lys68 of the human hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRTase) with alanine to exploit this less reactive form of the enzyme to gain additional insights into the structure activity relationship of HGPRTase. Although this substitution resulted in only a minimal (one- to threefold) increase in the Km values for binding pyrophosphate or phosphoribosylpyrophosphate, the catalytic efficiencies (k(cat)/Km) of the forward and reverse reactions were more severely reduced (6- to 30-fold), and the mutant enzyme showed positive cooperativity in binding of alpha-D-5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) and nucleotide. The K68A form of the human HGPRTase was cocrystallized with 7-hydroxy [4,3-d] pyrazolo pyrimidine (HPP) and Mg PRPP, and the refined structure reported. The PRPP molecule built into the [(Fo - Fc)phi(calc)] electron density shows atomic interactions between the Mg PRPP and enzyme residues in the pyrophosphate binding domain as well as in a long flexible loop (residues Leu101 to Gly111) that closes over the active site. Loop closure reveals the functional roles for the conserved SY dipeptide of the loop as well as the molecular basis for one form of gouty arthritis (S103R). In addition, the closed loop conformation provides structural information relevant to the mechanism of catalysis in human HGPRTase.
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172
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Palacio-Cayetano J, Kanowith-Klein S, Stevens R. UCLA's outreach program of science education in the Los Angeles schools. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 1999; 74:348-351. [PMID: 10219207 DOI: 10.1097/00001888-199904000-00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The UCLA School of Medicine's Interactive Multi-media Exercises (IMMEX) Project began its outreach into pre-college education in the Los Angeles area in 1993. The project provides a model in which software and technology are effectively intertwined with teaching, learning, and assessment (of both students' and teachers' performances) in the classroom. The project has evolved into a special collaboration between the medical school and Los Angeles teachers. UCLA faculty and staff work with science teachers and administrators from elementary, middle, and high schools. The program benefits ethnically and racially diverse groups of students in schools ranging from the inner city to the suburbs. The project's primary goal is to use technology to increase students' achievement and interest in science, including medicine, and thus move more students into the medical school pipeline. Evaluations from outside project evaluators (West Ed) as well as from teachers and IMMEX staff show that the project has already had a significant effect on teachers' professional development, classroom practice, and students' achievement in the Los Angeles area.
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Makkar S, Nissan R, Wilkinson D, Sela M, Stevens R. OR 6 Porphyromonas endodontalis and symptoms from teeth with endodontic infections. J Endod 1999. [DOI: 10.1016/s0099-2399(99)80166-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Fisher J, Scott C, Stevens R, Marconi B, Champion L, Freedman G, Asari F, Pilepich M, Gagnon J, Wong G. 166 Randomized study comparing best supportive care to biafine as a prophylactic agent for radiation-induced skin toxicity for women undergoing breast irradiation: Radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) 97-13. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1999. [DOI: 10.1016/s0360-3016(99)90184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Kleinman B, Frey K, Stevens R. The fast flush test--is the clinical comparison equivalent to its in vitro simulation? J Clin Monit Comput 1998; 14:485-9. [PMID: 10385857 DOI: 10.1023/a:1009987329163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An in vitro simulation of the fast flush (FL) test has previously been used to prove that the FL test-measures the dynamic response of entire the blood pressure monitoring system. This simulation has also been used to confirm that the FL test is equivalent to the "gold standard" test for determining dynamic response, namely the square wave (SW) test. The conditions of the in vitro simulation can be reproduced in vivo during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and circulatory arrest. Therefore the present objective was to verify that the previous conclusions about the validity of the FL test, obtained from an in vitro model, are equally valid when applied to in vivo clinical conditions. A secondary objective was to determine whether the patient's arterial tree has any affect on the dynamic characteristics of fluid-filled manometers. METHODS Fourteen patients were studied during surgery that required CPB. We measured the dynamic response of the fluid filled arterial manometer during pulsatile conditions prior to the initiation of CPB, and then repeated the measurements during non-pulsatile CPB. In four of the fourteen patients we measured the dynamic response during circulatory arrest. A manometer, consisting of a fluid-filled tubing component, measured the patient's arterial blood pressure as well as the damped sinusoidal wave form created by the fast flush tests. The fluid-filled tubing was connected to a transducer (Utah Medical Products, Inc., Midvale, UT). The arterial pressures and the results of flush testing were recorded and displayed by a monitor (Marquette 7010, Marquette Electronics Inc., Milwaukee, WI). In an additional three patients we measured the dynamic response of the manometer in vitro and then in vivo. RESULTS The dynamic response of the arterial pressure measuring system was the same during normal pulsatile flow, CPB and circulatory arrest. In addition, the dynamic response of the fluid-filled manometer was the same in vivo as in vitro. CONCLUSIONS The clinical conditions during CPB and particularly during circulatory arrest duplicate the in vitro FL test simulation model. These results confirm the validity of the FL test in vivo as well as proving that the dynamic characteristics of a fluid-filled manometer are independent of the patient's vasculature.
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