ITree: a user-driven tool for interactive decision-making with classification trees

MOTIVATION

ITree is an intuitive web tool for the manual, semi-automatic, and automatic induction of decision trees. It enables interactive modifications of tree structures and incorporates Relative Expression Analysis for detecting complex patterns in high-throughput molecular data. This makes ITree a versatile tool for both research and education in biomedical data analysis.

RESULTS

The tool allows users to instantly see the effects of modifications on decision trees, with updates to predictions and statistics displayed in real time, facilitating a deeper understanding of data classification processes.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

Available online at https://itree.wi.pb.edu.pl. Source code and documentation are hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/hsokolowski/iTree and in supplement.

The FCGR2A Is Associated with the Presence of Atherosclerotic Plaques in the Carotid Arteries-A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries (APCA) are a prevalent condition with severe potential complications. Studies continuously search for innovative biomarkers for APCA, including those participating in cellular metabolic processes, cell adhesion, immune response, and complement activation. This study aimed to assess the relationship between APCA presence and a broad range of cardiometabolic biomarkers in the general population.

METHODS

The study group consisted of consecutive participants of the population study Bialystok PLUS. The proximity extension assay (PEA) technique from the Olink Laboratory (Uppsala, Sweden) was used to measure the levels of 92 cardiometabolic biomarkers.

RESULTS

The study comprised 693 participants (mean age 48.78 ± 15.27 years, 43.4% males, N = 301). APCA was identified in 46.2% of the participants (N = 320). Of the 92 biomarkers that were investigated, 54 were found to be significantly linked to the diagnosis of APCA. After adjusting for the traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis in multivariate analysis, the only biomarker that remained significantly associated with APCA was FCGR2A.

CONCLUSION

In the general population, the prevalence of APCA is very high. A range of biomarkers are linked with APCA. Nonetheless, the majority of these associations are explained by traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis. The only biomarker that was independently associated with APCA was the FCGR2A.

A comparison of different machine-learning techniques for the selection of a panel of metabolites allowing early detection of brain tumors

Metabolomics combined with machine learning methods (MLMs), is a powerful tool for searching novel diagnostic panels. This study was intended to use targeted plasma metabolomics and advanced MLMs to develop strategies for diagnosing brain tumors. Measurement of 188 metabolites was performed on plasma samples collected from 95 patients with gliomas (grade I-IV), 70 with meningioma, and 71 healthy individuals as a control group. Four predictive models to diagnose glioma were prepared using 10 MLMs and a conventional approach. Based on the cross-validation results of the created models, the F1-scores were calculated, then obtained values were compared. Subsequently, the best algorithm was applied to perform five comparisons involving gliomas, meningiomas, and controls. The best results were obtained using the newly developed hybrid evolutionary heterogeneous decision tree (EvoHDTree) algorithm, which was validated using Leave-One-Out Cross-Validation, resulting in an F1-score for all comparisons in the range of 0.476-0.948 and the area under the ROC curves ranging from 0.660 to 0.873. Brain tumor diagnostic panels were constructed with unique metabolites, which reduces the likelihood of misdiagnosis. This study proposes a novel interdisciplinary method for brain tumor diagnosis based on metabolomics and EvoHDTree, exhibiting significant predictive coefficients.

Multi-GPU approach to global induction of classification trees for large-scale data mining

This paper concerns the evolutionary induction of decision trees (DT) for large-scale data. Such a global approach is one of the alternatives to the top-down inducers. It searches for the tree structure and tests simultaneously and thus gives improvements in the prediction and size of resulting classifiers in many situations. However, it is the population-based and iterative approach that can be too computationally demanding to apply for big data mining directly. The paper demonstrates that this barrier can be overcome by smart distributed/parallel processing. Moreover, we ask the question whether the global approach can truly compete with the greedy systems for large-scale data. For this purpose, we propose a novel multi-GPU approach. It incorporates the knowledge of global DT induction and evolutionary algorithm parallelization together with efficient utilization of memory and computing GPU’s resources. The searches for the tree structure and tests are performed simultaneously on a CPU, while the fitness calculations are delegated to GPUs. Data-parallel decomposition strategy and CUDA framework are applied. Experimental validation is performed on both artificial and real-life datasets. In both cases, the obtained acceleration is very satisfactory. The solution is able to process even billions of instances in a few hours on a single workstation equipped with 4 GPUs. The impact of data characteristics (size and dimension) on convergence and speedup of the evolutionary search is also shown. When the number of GPUs grows, nearly linear scalability is observed what suggests that data size boundaries for evolutionary DT mining are fading.

The role of cardiac surgery in transvenous lead extraction (TLE) – experience from high volume center and 3207 procedures

Background

The guidelines suggest close co-operation between TLE operating team and cardiac surgery and its key role in the management of life-threatening complications remains unquestionable. But the role of cardiac surgeon seems to be much more extended.

Purpose

We have analysed the role of cardiac surgery in treatment of patients undergoing TLE procedures.

Methods

Using standard non-powered mechanical systems we have extracted ingrown PM/ICD leads from 3207 pts (38,7% female, average age 65,7-y) during the last 14 years. Non-infectious TLE indications were in 66,4% of patients. 46% had PM DDD system, 19% PM SSI, 22% ICD, 9% CRT, 4% other systems. In 12% of patients abandoned leads were found. 8% of patients had one lead, 54% - two, 15% - three and 4% - 4–6 leads in the heart. An average dwell time of all leads was 91,5 mth. The lead entry side was left in 96% of patients, right in 3% and both – 4%.

Results

Procedural success 96,1%, clinical success - 97,8%, procedure-related death 0,2%. Major complications appeared in 1,9% (cardiac tamponade 1,2%, haemothorax 0,2%, tricuspid valve damage 0,3%, stroke, pulmonary embolism <1%).

Conclusions

Rescue cardiac surgery (for severe haemorrhagic complications) is still the most frequent reason of surgical intervention (1,1%). The second area of co-operation includes supplementary cardiac surgery after (incomplete) TLE (0,8%). The third one is connected with reconstruction or replacement of tricuspid valve, which can be affected by ingrown lead or damaged during TLE procedure (0,5%). Implantation of the complete epicardial system during any surgical intervention (rescue or delayed) should be considered as a supplementation of the operation (0,65%). Some of patients after TLE need implantation of epicardial leads for permanent epicardial pacing (0,6%) and some only left ventricular lead to rebuild permanent cardiac resynchronisation (0,5%). The single experience of large TLE centre indicates the necessity of close co-operation with cardiac surgeon, whose role seems to be more comprehensive than a surgical stand-by itself.

Table 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Repeated lead extraction – the new challenge. Experience from 3207 TLE procedures

Background

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is optimal option of management of lead-related problems. Usually the procedure has favourable long-term effect. Most of patients get the new or restored pacing system and risk of following lead-related problems may occur again. The knowledge about re-extraction procedures is limited.

Methods

In high volume centre during the last 15 years 3207 TLE procedures were performed and 1–6 leads (aver 1,65, with mean oldest implant duration 96,6 mth) were extracted using as first line non-powered mechanical tools. Other tools were used if necessary. We analysed data of first TLE procedures and repeated extractions.

Results

Are presented in the table. Re-extractions include 4,3% of all TLE procedures. Re-infection is less frequent reason for re-extraction (26,8%). Most re-extractions were performed because of dysfunction or damage of lead, which was newly implanted (56) or preserved during previous TLE (20). The last one indicates, that during TLE procedure it should be considered to replace all existing leads, not only these damaged or dysfunctional.

Conclusion

Re-extractions are safe procedures with very good results. Previously performed extraction is not a risk factor for another TLE procedure. Re-extraction should not be avoided in lead management strategy.

Table 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

2407Influence of transvenous lead extraction procedure on function of tricuspid apparatus

Background

Accidental damage of tricuspid apparatus remain known complication of TLE procedure but our knowledge is limited due lack of separate analysis in the literature.

Purpose

The goal of this study was analysis of the appearance of lead extraction related tricuspid valve dysfunction using trans-chest and trans-oesophageal echocardiography.

Methods

Between March 2006 and December 2018 we performed 2900 TLE procedures using conventional mechanical sheaths in 1760 male and 1140 female patients (mean age 66.6y). 4811 leads (mean implant duration 91.5 months) were removed due to non-infective indications in 65.3%. Full radiological success was obtained in 95.7% procedures, partial in 4.0%, clinical success in 98.0%, full procedural success in 96.1%. Major complications (MC) appeared in 8 (1.8%).

Results

Results are presented in the table

Conclusions

TLE using conventional mechanical sheaths is effective. Tricuspid valve dysfunction different degree is frequent finding in candidates for TLE. TLE procedure brings risk (7.2%) of different degree damage of tricuspid leflet (significant in 1.5%) or even chordae tendinae (4%). Patients with severe lead extraction related tricuspid valve dysfunction needs exact follow-up and some of them can be candidates for cardiac surgery. On the other hand in not so rare cases of lead related tricuspid valve dysfunction – lead removal/replacement can to bring improvement of tricuspid valve function (6.1%).

Smokers with airway obstruction are more likely to quit smoking

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), usually caused by tobacco smoking, is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Smoking cessation at an early stage of the disease usually stops further progression. A study was undertaken to determine if diagnosis of airway obstruction was associated with subsequent success in smoking cessation, as advised by a physician.

METHODS

4494 current smokers (57.4% men) with a history of at least 10 pack-years of smoking were recruited from 100 000 subjects screened by spirometric testing for signs of airway obstruction. At the time of screening all received simple smoking cessation advice. 1177 (26.2%) subjects had airway obstruction and were told that they had COPD and that smoking cessation would halt rapid progression of their lung disease. No pharmacological treatment was proposed. After 1 year all subjects were invited for a follow up visit. Smoking status was assessed by history and validated by exhaled carbon monoxide level.

RESULTS

Nearly 70% attended a follow up visit (n = 3077): 61% were men, mean (SD) age was 52 (10) years, mean (SD) tobacco exposure 30 (17) pack-years, and 33.3% had airway obstruction during the baseline examination. The validated smoking cessation rate in those with airway obstruction was 16.3% compared with 12.0% in those with normal spirometric parameters (p = 0.0003). After correction for age, sex, nicotine dependence, number of cigarettes smoked daily, and lung function, success in smoking cessation was predicted by lower lung function, lower nicotine dependence, and lower tobacco exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Simple smoking cessation advice combined with spirometric testing resulted in good 1 year cessation rates, especially in subjects with airway obstruction.

The structure of the lowest electronic Rydberg state of CdAr complex determined by laser double resonance method in a supersonic jet-expansion beam

The lowest E1(3Sigma(+)) Rydberg state of the CdAr van der Waals (vdW) complex was investigated by means of an optical-optical double resonance (OODR) method of laser spectroscopy in conjunction with a free jet-expansion molecular beam. Two dye lasers were employed for the two-step excitation. The A0(+)(3Pi(+)) and B1(3Sigma(+)) states were used as intermediates in the excitation process from the X0(+)(1Sigma(+)) ground state. Two types of bound-bound excitation spectra of the E1<--A0(+) and E1<--B1 transitions were recorded indicating the existence of two, well defined minima in the E1-state potential energy (PE) curve. First, considerably deep, with the well depth of D(e)'(E1(2))=1309.0 cm(-1) and second, separated by a positive PE barrier, with D(e)'(E1(2))=24.2 cm(-1). Combination of bound-bound and first-time observed bound-free excitation spectra enabled a complete determination of the spectroscopical parameters of the PE curve of the E1-Rydberg state, the height of the PE barrier and its approximate location. In the excitation spectra of the E1<--B1 transition, a nodal structure of the bound-free transitions was observed and elucidated by a projection of the B1-state vibrational wave-functions onto the E1-state potential barrier and/or onto the repulsive part of the E1-state PE curve. The experimental results of our investigation coincides well with recently published results of ab initio calculation of Czuchaj and co-workers [Chem. Phys. 248 (1999) 1; Chem Phys. 263 (2001) 7; Theor. Chem Acc. 105 (2001) 219].

Laser spectroscopy of CdKr molecules in ultraviolet region

Excitation spectra of the A0+(5(3)P1)<--X0+(5(1)S0), B1(5(3)P1)<--X0+ and D1(5(1)P1)<--X0+ transitions as well as a fluorescence spectrum of the D1(v') = 16 --> X0+ transition in CdKr van der Waals molecule has been recorded in an experiment of a continuous supersonic molecular beam crossed with a pulsed dye laser beam. A rigorous analysis of the excitation spectra based on Birge-Sponer and LeRoy-Bernstein methods aided with a computer calculation, utilizing a program of near dissociation expansion lead to the X0+- and improved A0+-, B1- and D1-state characterizations. Evidence of a theoretically predicted potential barrier within the B1-state well was found and discussed with regard to the latest result of ab initio calculation. An analysis of bound-bound and bound-free parts of the fluorescence spectrum confirmed a v'-assignment and indicated that Morse and Maitland-Smith M-S (n0, n1) functions are adequate representations of the bound well and repulsive wall of the X0+-state potential energy curve, respectively. All spectroscopic characteristics obtained in this work are compared with newest theoretical studies of this complex.

Double-well potential energy curve of cadmium-krypton molecule in the B1(5(3)P1) excited state

The real shape of a double-well B1(5(3)P1)-state potential in CdKr van der Waals molecule was reconstructed applying both the experimental data, using a Birge-Sponer method-based analysis of the B1 <-- X0+(5(1)S0) transition in excitation spectrum, and theoretical result of recent ab initio calculation. An inverse perturbation approach method was used for defining an accurate B1-state potential energy curve.

Laser excitation spectrum and spectroscopic potential parameters of Cd2 molecule in the 1u(5(3)P2) energy state

Excitation spectrum of Cd2 van der Waals complex was observed in a supersonic free-jet expansion beam. Cadmium dimers were seeded in argon environment (a carrier gas) while a pulsed dye laser served as an excitation light source. Well resolved structures of vibrational bands arising from transition between 1u(3pi(u)) and X0g+ (1sigmag+) states were observed. Using a Birge-Sponer method for analyzing the vibrational excitation spectrum, the first-time determination of the spectroscopical potential parameters of the 1u molecular state was performed. We obtained D'e = 723 +/- 10 cm(-1), omega'e = 28.9 +/- 1.0 cm(-1), omega'e x'e = 0.260 +/- 0.002 cm(-1) and R'e = 3.93 +/- 0.05 A. The latter value was estimated with the help of the computer-simulation of the spectrum. The results are compared with recent results of ab initio calculation of Czuchaj et al. (Chem. Phys. Lett. 225 (1994) 233) and demonstrate a reasonable agreement.

Treatment of intestinal Behçet's syndrome with chimeric tumour necrosis factor alpha antibody

Few patients with Behçet's syndrome have gastrointestinal ulceration. Such patients are difficult to treat and have a higher mortality. Faced with refractory symptoms in two patients with intestinal Behçet's, we used the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) monoclonal antibody infliximab to induce remission. Both women (one aged 27 years, the other 30 years) presented with orogenital ulceration, pustular rash, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea due to colonic ulceration, weight loss, and synovitis. One had thrombophlebitis, digital vasculitis, perianal fistula, and paracolic abscess; the other had conjunctivitis and an ulcer in the natal cleft. Treatment with prednisolone, methyl prednisolone, and thalidomide in one and prednisolone, colchicine, and cyclosporin in the other was ineffective. After full discussion, infliximab (3 mg/kg, dose reduced because of recent sepsis in one, and 5 mg/kg in the other) was administered. Within 10 days the ulcers healed, with resolution of bloody diarrhoea and all extraintestinal manifestations. A second infusion of infliximab was necessary eight weeks later in one case, followed by sustained (>15 months) remission on low dose thalidomide. Remission was initially sustained for 12 months in the other but thalidomide had to be stopped due to intolerance, and a good response to retreatment lasted only 12 weeks without immunosuppression, before a third infusion. The cause of Behçet's syndrome is unknown but peripheral blood CD45 gammadelta T cells in Behçet's produce >50-fold more TNF-alpha than controls when stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate and anti-CD3. Infliximab could have a role for inducing remission in Behçet's syndrome.

Interatomic potentials of cadmium-argon B1(3sigma+) and X0+(1sigma+) states based on near-dissociation expansion and 'hot' bands observed in the B1 <-- X0+ excitation spectrum

B1(3sigma+) <-- X0+(1sigma+) excitation spectrum of the cadmium-argon van der Waals molecule has been recorded in the experiment of a continuous supersonic molecular beam crossed with a pulsed dye laser beam. The B1-state dissociation energy was directly observed and a long-range behavior of the B1-state intermolecular potential was derived using a near-dissociation expansion procedure of LeRoy and Bernstein. A first-time direct determination of the X0+ ground state characteristics based on 'hot' bands observed is presented as well. The new result is compared with other experimental and theoretical reports available in the literature.

Generation and characterization of an anti-idiotypic antibody specific for intercellular adhesion molecule-1

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is an inducible ligand for the LFA-1/MAC-1 family of leukocyte adhesion molecules. The results reported herein show that a mouse monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody, CA3, specific for R6.5 anti-ICAM-1 mAb, shares conformational homology with the original epitope bound by R6.5. The CA3 bound specifically to R6.5 F(ab) fragments and blocked the binding of R6.5 to its ICAM-1 epitope; no CA3 binding was detected to a second anti-ICAM-1 mAb F(ab) fragment nor to control mouse IgG F(ab) fragments. Similarly, the interaction of CA3 with R6.5 was inhibited by sICAM-1. However, CA3 was ineffective in inhibiting CD18-dependent cell aggregation. A rabbit anti-CA3 response (Ab3) further indicated that CA3 is of the Ab2 beta type. Significant binding of anti-CA3 to sICAM-1 was demonstrated and anti-CA3 competed with R6.5 for binding to sICAM-1. Anti-CA3 bound to both soluble and cell-surface-associated ICAM-1. However, unlike R6.5, significant binding both to reduced sICAM-1 and to native sICAM-1 was exhibited by anti-CA3, whereas the binding of R6.5 to reduced sICAM-1 was undetectable.

A form of circulating ICAM-1 in human serum

A circulating form of the usually membrane-bound intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was identified and characterized in normal human serum, and in sera from patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD). The molecule, designated circulating ICAM-1 (cICAM-1) was detected and quantitated by sandwich ELISA. Levels of cICAM-1 in sera from normal individuals ranged from 100 to 200 ng/ml. Sera from LAD patients had elevated cICAM-1 levels ranging from 200 to 700 ng/ml. The elevated levels of cICAM-1 in LAD sera may be due to an inability to adsorb cICAM-1 to cell-bound LFA-1 or may be an indirect result of the pathology accompanying the syndrome. cICAM-1 bound to mAb specific for four distinct ICAM-1 epitopes localized in domains D1, D2, D4, and D5, and displayed similar molecular size properties as recombinant soluble ICAM-1 on FPLC size-exclusion chromatography. When immobilized via a domain D5-specific mAb, cICAM-1 mediated function (LFA-1)-dependent lymphocyte adhesion equivalent to sICAM-1. These data indicate that cICAM-1 contains most, if not all, of the five extracellular domains of membrane ICAM-1, as well as the ability to bind specifically to LFA-1. The cellular source of cICAM-1 appeared to be from mononuclear cells; only lymphoid cell lines or primary PBMC cultures had detectable levels of cICAM-1 in cell culture supernatants. Because cICAM-1 retains the ability to bind specifically to LFA-1, it may act to regulate cell adhesion by promoting de-adhesion. Alternatively, cICAM-1 may be the indirect consequence of inflammation or tissue damage. As such, the detection of cICAM-1 could be useful as a marker of inflammatory disease.

A form of circulating ICAM-1 in human serum

A circulating form of the usually membrane-bound intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was identified and characterized in normal human serum, and in sera from patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD). The molecule, designated circulating ICAM-1 (cICAM-1) was detected and quantitated by sandwich ELISA. Levels of cICAM-1 in sera from normal individuals ranged from 100 to 200 ng/ml. Sera from LAD patients had elevated cICAM-1 levels ranging from 200 to 700 ng/ml. The elevated levels of cICAM-1 in LAD sera may be due to an inability to adsorb cICAM-1 to cell-bound LFA-1 or may be an indirect result of the pathology accompanying the syndrome. cICAM-1 bound to mAb specific for four distinct ICAM-1 epitopes localized in domains D1, D2, D4, and D5, and displayed similar molecular size properties as recombinant soluble ICAM-1 on FPLC size-exclusion chromatography. When immobilized via a domain D5-specific mAb, cICAM-1 mediated function (LFA-1)-dependent lymphocyte adhesion equivalent to sICAM-1. These data indicate that cICAM-1 contains most, if not all, of the five extracellular domains of membrane ICAM-1, as well as the ability to bind specifically to LFA-1. The cellular source of cICAM-1 appeared to be from mononuclear cells; only lymphoid cell lines or primary PBMC cultures had detectable levels of cICAM-1 in cell culture supernatants. Because cICAM-1 retains the ability to bind specifically to LFA-1, it may act to regulate cell adhesion by promoting de-adhesion. Alternatively, cICAM-1 may be the indirect consequence of inflammation or tissue damage. As such, the detection of cICAM-1 could be useful as a marker of inflammatory disease.

Granulocyte migration ability in subjects hypersensitive to aspirin

The reported study was carried out on 32 patients with atopic asthma. Twenty-seven patients had atopic asthma and were hypersensitive to aspirin. Twenty patients were hypersensitive only to aspirin. At the time of the investigation the patients were in the remission period at the beginning of the investigations and the lowest aspirin dose producing hypersensitivity symptoms was established in each case. It ranged from 0.05 to 0.5 g. In the group of patients hypersensitive to aspirin were included those in whom spirometric measurements demonstrated a FEV1 fall below 20% of the initial level. In all the patients and controls studied the "in vitro" granulocyte migration test was done by Clausen's method and "in vivo" by Southam's method. As shown in the presented results, patients with aspirin hypersensitivity have a defect in the migration of granulocytes of the vascular and tissue pools.

Kinetics and characterization of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression on keratinocytes in various inflammatory skin lesions and malignant cutaneous lymphomas

The kinetics of expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were studied on keratinocytes in skin biopsy specimens of sensitive persons in whom the haptens were applied in a standardized format for allergic contact dermatitis testing. There was no ICAM-1 expressed on keratinocytes of normal skin; ICAM-1 was induced as early as 4 hours after the application of the patch in some subjects. By 48 hours after the application of the patch, all specimens contained ICAM-1-positive keratinocytes. This was concurrent with a heavy mononuclear cell dermal infiltrate and maximum clinical manifestations. Expression of human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-DR or other inducible surface proteins on keratinocytes under these conditions was much less frequent. When specimens from primary irritant dermatitis were used, only 1 of 14 cases had keratinocytes expressing ICAM-1 at 48 hours, the time of maximum clinical manifestation. Among benign inflammatory lesions, most cases resembled the allergic patch test specimens in that ICAM-1 was expressed to a large degree on keratinocytes. Again, the expression of HLA-DR was variable. Malignant skin lesions, on the other hand, were much less consistent and generally lower in terms of ICAM-1 expression on keratinocytes. Furthermore, in contrast to the benign cutaneous conditions, some malignant skin lesions contained keratinocytes that expressed class II antigens or other inducible surface proteins in the absence of ICAM-1. These data suggest that ICAM-1 plays a role in the specific immune response by facilitating either antigen presentation or lymphocytic infiltration.

[The most frequent complications during long-term corticotherapy]

In 274 outpatients with chronic spastic bronchitis long-term treatment with corticosteroids was used due to their clinical condition. In patients treated for 6 years with daily doses of 1-2 mg of prednisolone no corticosteroid-induced complications were observed. Transient ecchymoses occurred in patients treated for longer time periods with prednisolone 4 mg daily. In 12.5% of patients pityriasis versicolor developed, and muscle weakness was the complaint in 3.1% of cases. In patients treated with 6 mg daily of prednisolone petechiae were noted in 35% of cases, in 10% subcutaneous tissue atrophy, in 2.5% osteoporosis was observed, and menstruation disturbances were reported in 25% of the treated women. In patients receiving prednisolone 8 mg daily subcutaneous extravasations developed in 80% of cases, skin atrophy in 50%, myopathy in 25%, crural thrombophlebitis in 5%, cushingoid features in 7.5%. In patients receiving prednisolone 12 mg daily, besides the above complications, fractures occurred in 14.2% of cases, and psychotic symptoms in 7%.

Induction of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on primary and continuous cell lines by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Regulation by pharmacologic agents and neutralizing antibodies

The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on primary human fibroblasts, a human fibrosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and adenocarcinoma cell line in response to IL-1, TNF-alpha, or IFN-gamma was studied using an ELISA with anti-ICAM-1 mAb. The induction of ICAM-1 by these cytokines was neutralized by cytokine-specific antisera as well as some steroids and the glycosylation inhibitor, tunicamycin. Cyclohexamide up-regulated the expression of ICAM-1 on chondrosarcoma cells but had little or no effect on carcinoma cells. These data indicate different mechanisms in the regulation and expression of ICAM-1 on the various cell types and provide some insight into the anti-inflammatory effects of some pharmacologic agents.

Induction of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on primary and continuous cell lines by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Regulation by pharmacologic agents and neutralizing antibodies

The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on primary human fibroblasts, a human fibrosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and adenocarcinoma cell line in response to IL-1, TNF-alpha, or IFN-gamma was studied using an ELISA with anti-ICAM-1 mAb. The induction of ICAM-1 by these cytokines was neutralized by cytokine-specific antisera as well as some steroids and the glycosylation inhibitor, tunicamycin. Cyclohexamide up-regulated the expression of ICAM-1 on chondrosarcoma cells but had little or no effect on carcinoma cells. These data indicate different mechanisms in the regulation and expression of ICAM-1 on the various cell types and provide some insight into the anti-inflammatory effects of some pharmacologic agents.

Membrane-associated interleukin 1 activity on human U937 tumor cells: stimulation of PGE2 production by human chondrosarcoma cells

Membrane-associated interleukin 1 (IL 1) activity was induced on the human macrophage tumor cell line, U937, by pretreatment with phorbol myristic acid (PMA). Incubation of PMA-treated, paraformaldehyde-fixed U937 cells with the murine cell line D10.G4.1 in the presence of concanavalin A caused an increase in DNA synthesis as measured by the uptake of tritiated thymidine. Paraformaldehyde-fixed U937, not pretreated with PMA, showed little or no activity. A rabbit polyclonal antibody directed against human IL 1 neutralized all membrane-associated IL 1-like activity, as measured by the inhibition of D10.G4.1 cell proliferation. PMA-treated U937 caused a pronounced enhancement of PGE2 production from a human chondrosarcoma cell line, SW-1353. Membrane-associated IL 1 induced a more potent PGE2 response than did a maximal concentration of soluble IL 1. Rabbit antihuman IL 1 neutralized membrane-bound IL 1 induction of PGE2. The data presented here raise the possibility that membrane-bound IL 1 may play a primary role in the pathophysiology of the inflammatory disease process.

Membrane-associated interleukin 1 activity on human U937 tumor cells: stimulation of PGE2 production by human chondrosarcoma cells

Membrane-associated interleukin 1 (IL 1) activity was induced on the human macrophage tumor cell line, U937, by pretreatment with phorbol myristic acid (PMA). Incubation of PMA-treated, paraformaldehyde-fixed U937 cells with the murine cell line D10.G4.1 in the presence of concanavalin A caused an increase in DNA synthesis as measured by the uptake of tritiated thymidine. Paraformaldehyde-fixed U937, not pretreated with PMA, showed little or no activity. A rabbit polyclonal antibody directed against human IL 1 neutralized all membrane-associated IL 1-like activity, as measured by the inhibition of D10.G4.1 cell proliferation. PMA-treated U937 caused a pronounced enhancement of PGE2 production from a human chondrosarcoma cell line, SW-1353. Membrane-associated IL 1 induced a more potent PGE2 response than did a maximal concentration of soluble IL 1. Rabbit antihuman IL 1 neutralized membrane-bound IL 1 induction of PGE2. The data presented here raise the possibility that membrane-bound IL 1 may play a primary role in the pathophysiology of the inflammatory disease process.