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Dalton C, Farrah G, Weston S. Unilateral congenital lip pits affecting the cutaneous aspect of the lower lip. Australas J Dermatol 2023; 64:573-574. [PMID: 37700735 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.14156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C Dalton
- Dermatology Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - G Farrah
- Dermatology Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - S Weston
- Dermatology Department, Perth Children's Hospital, Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
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2
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Reading S, Chamberlain A, Dluzniewsk P, Killian J, Weston S, Bjorkenstam E, Cohen S. 454 Cardiovascular Events and Deaths in High Cardiovascular Risk Patients With Multiple Events. Heart Lung Circ 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2020.09.461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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3
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Pyett A, Holmes C, Enever C, Fryer A, Paynter D, Rixham P, Weston S. EP-1807 Use of SPC techniques to generate assessment criteria for transit dosimetry analysis. Radiother Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(19)32227-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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4
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Weston S, Thompson C, Esmail A, Rixham P, Paynter D. EP-1775 Determination of tolerance criteria for the sliding leaf gap dynamic IMRT test. Radiother Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(19)32195-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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5
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Smith SE, Busse DC, Binter S, Weston S, Diaz Soria C, Laksono BM, Clare S, Van Nieuwkoop S, Van den Hoogen BG, Clement M, Marsden M, Humphreys IR, Marsh M, de Swart RL, Wash RS, Tregoning JS, Kellam P. Interferon-Induced Transmembrane Protein 1 Restricts Replication of Viruses That Enter Cells via the Plasma Membrane. J Virol 2019; 93:e02003-18. [PMID: 30567988 PMCID: PMC6401438 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02003-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The acute antiviral response is mediated by a family of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), providing cell-intrinsic immunity. Mutations in genes encoding these proteins are often associated with increased susceptibility to viral infections. One family of ISGs with antiviral function is the interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs), of which IFITM3 has been studied extensively. In contrast, IFITM1 has not been studied in detail. Since IFITM1 can localize to the plasma membrane, we investigated its function with a range of enveloped viruses thought to infect cells by fusion with the plasma membrane. Overexpression of IFITM1 prevented infection by a number of Paramyxoviridae and Pneumoviridae, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), mumps virus, and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). IFITM1 also restricted infection with an enveloped DNA virus that can enter via the plasma membrane, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). To test the importance of plasma membrane localization for IFITM1 function, we identified blocks of amino acids in the conserved intracellular loop (CIL) domain that altered the subcellular localization of the protein and reduced antiviral activity. By screening reported data sets, 12 rare nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in human IFITM1, some of which are in the CIL domain. Using an Ifitm1-/- mouse, we show that RSV infection was more severe, thereby extending the range of viruses restricted in vivo by IFITM proteins and suggesting overall that IFITM1 is broadly antiviral and that this antiviral function is associated with cell surface localization.IMPORTANCE Host susceptibility to viral infection is multifactorial, but early control of viruses not previously encountered is predominantly mediated by the interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) family. There are upwards of 300 of these genes, the majority of which do not have a clearly defined function or mechanism of action. The cellular location of these proteins may have an important effect on their function. One ISG located at the plasma membrane is interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1). Here we demonstrate that IFITM1 can inhibit infection with a range of viruses that enter via the plasma membrane. Mutant IFITM1 proteins that were unable to localize to the plasma membrane did not restrict viral infection. We also observed for the first time that IFITM1 plays a role in vivo, and Ifitm1-/- mice were more susceptible to viral lung infection. These data contribute to our understanding of how ISGs prevent viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Smith
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Kymab Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - D C Busse
- Mucosal Infection and Immunity Group, Section of Virology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Binter
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Kymab Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - S Weston
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - C Diaz Soria
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - B M Laksono
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Clare
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - S Van Nieuwkoop
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - M Clement
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - M Marsden
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - I R Humphreys
- Division of Infection and Immunity/Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - M Marsh
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - R L de Swart
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R S Wash
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Kymab Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - J S Tregoning
- Mucosal Infection and Immunity Group, Section of Virology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - P Kellam
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Mucosal Infection and Immunity Group, Section of Virology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, London, United Kingdom
- Kymab Ltd., Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Clarke D, Sinha A, Ion L, Weston S, Jones L, Kham M, Harries S. Abstract P3-03-11: Intraoperative assessment of the sentinel node in breast cancer by one step nucleic acid assay: Experience of over 1100 patients. Cancer Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs18-p3-03-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
The intraoperative assessment of the sentinel node in women with breast cancer enables an immediate axillary node clearance to be done as part of the same operative procedure if the sentinel node is positive. This has significant benefits for the Patient, the Surgeon and the Health Care Provider. There are a variety of methods for the intra-operative assessment of the sentinel node which include: Touch Imprint Cytology, Frozen Section Analysis and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based molecular assays. OSNA is an automated molecular assay using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which detects the presence of cytokeratin 19 in the sentinel node. We report our experience of OSNA for the intraoperative assessment of the sentinel node in our institution with 1148 patients.
Methods
All patients with operable breast cancer who were found to be node negative on clinical and radiological assessment of the axilla, and who had their axilla staged by a sentinel node biopsy at the Breast Unit at Warwick Hospital, UK over a 7 year period were included in this study. Data was collected from a prospective database maintained at the Breast Unit. The axillary node positivity rate and the number of patients with macrometastatic and micrometastatic disease as detected by OSNA was collected and compared with a group of 411 patients who had the intraoperative assessment by Touch Imprint Cytology and final histology by conventional Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) assessment, prior to the introduction of OSNA. The Chi-square test were used for statistical significance.
Results
1148 patients had their sentinel node assessed intraoperatively using OSNA in this 7 year study period. The sentinel node was positive in 376 patients (32.8%). Of those who had a positive node, 183 (15.9%) had macro-metastatic disease and 193 (16.8%) had micro-metastatic disease. When compared to 411 patients in the pre-OSNA period, that were assessed by Touch Imprint Cytology and H&E sections, the node positivity rate increased from 23.8% to 32.8% (p<0.05) with the introduction of OSNA. Whilst there was no significant increase in the rate of macrometastatic disease – 20.4% versus 15.9 % ( p0.038), there was a significant increase in the patients who had micrometastases detected on OSNA - 3.4% versus 16.8 % ( p<0.05) as shown in the table.
Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that OSNA is a more sensitive test for picking up metastatic disease, especially micrometastatic disease, in the sentinel node. Whilst this did cause some anxiety initially, the results of recent trials like ACSOG Z-11 and IBCSG 23-01 have shown that small volume disease or micrometastases in the sentinel node do not require an axillary node clearance. Intraoperative assessment of the sentinel node with OSNA significantly upstages the axillary nodal status, especially with regard to micrometastatic disease, but the ability to proceed to an axillary node clearance at the same operation as the sentinel node biopsy, still has significant advantages for the Patient, Surgeon and Health Care Providers.
Citation Format: Clarke D, Sinha A, Ion L, Weston S, Jones L, Kham M, Harries S. Intraoperative assessment of the sentinel node in breast cancer by one step nucleic acid assay: Experience of over 1100 patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-03-11.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Clarke
- Warwick Hospital, Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
| | - A Sinha
- Warwick Hospital, Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
| | - L Ion
- Warwick Hospital, Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
| | - S Weston
- Warwick Hospital, Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
| | - L Jones
- Warwick Hospital, Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
| | - M Kham
- Warwick Hospital, Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
| | - S Harries
- Warwick Hospital, Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
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Bingham E, Squillante B, Seiple S, Carney L, Weston S, Dean A, Bailer J, Boyden S, Meyers R, Smith B. Process to Improve the Consistency and Accuracy of Diagnosing Malnutrition in a Large Pediatric Academic Hospital. J Acad Nutr Diet 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2018.06.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Fabbri M, Finney Rutten L, Manemann S, Boyd C, Wolff J, Chamberlain A, Weston S, Yost K, Griffin J, Killian J, Roger V. P902Patient-centered communication and outcomes in heart failure. Eur Heart J 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy564.p902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Fabbri
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | | | - S Manemann
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - C Boyd
- Johns Hopkins University of Baltimore, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - J Wolff
- Johns Hopkins University of Baltimore, Baltimore, United States of America
| | | | - S Weston
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - K Yost
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - J Griffin
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - J Killian
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
| | - V Roger
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States of America
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Chamberlain A, Cohen S, Killian J, Weston S, Okerson T, Monda K. P174Changes in lipid-lowering therapy prescription patterns following a second cardiovascular disease event. Eur Heart J 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx501.p174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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10
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Weston S, Edmonds G, Hampson S, Hill P. PERSONALITY TRAITS PREDICT DIETARY HABITS IN MIDDLE-TO-OLDER ADULTS. Innov Aging 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.1504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Weston
- Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, Evanston, Illinois,
- Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois,
| | - G. Edmonds
- Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, Oregon
| | - S. Hampson
- Oregon Research Institute, Eugene, Oregon
| | - P. Hill
- Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, Evanston, Illinois,
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Plank L, Lovell JEJ, McCallum JN, Mayer D, Reynolds C, Quick J, Weston S, Titov O, Shabala SS, Böhm J, Natusch T, Nickola M, Gulyaev S. The AUSTRAL VLBI observing program. J Geod 2016; 91:803-817. [PMID: 32025105 PMCID: PMC6979662 DOI: 10.1007/s00190-016-0949-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The AUSTRAL observing program was started in 2011, performing geodetic and astrometric very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) sessions using the new Australian AuScope VLBI antennas at Hobart, Katherine, and Yarragadee, with contribution from the Warkworth (New Zealand) 12 m and Hartebeesthoek (South Africa) 15 m antennas to make a southern hemisphere array of telescopes with similar design and capability. Designed in the style of the next-generation VLBI system, these small and fast antennas allow for a new way of observing, comprising higher data rates and more observations than the standard observing sessions coordinated by the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). In this contribution, the continuous development of the AUSTRAL sessions is described, leading to an improvement of the results in terms of baseline length repeatabilities by a factor of two since the start of this program. The focus is on the scheduling strategy and increased number of observations, aspects of automated operation, and data logistics, as well as results of the 151 AUSTRAL sessions performed so far. The high number of the AUSTRAL sessions makes them an important contributor to VLBI end-products, such as the terrestrial and celestial reference frames and Earth orientation parameters. We compare AUSTRAL results with other IVS sessions and discuss their suitability for the determination of baselines, station coordinates, source coordinates, and Earth orientation parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Plank
- University of Tasmania, Private Bag 37, Hobart, 7001 Australia
| | - J. E. J. Lovell
- University of Tasmania, Private Bag 37, Hobart, 7001 Australia
| | - J. N. McCallum
- University of Tasmania, Private Bag 37, Hobart, 7001 Australia
| | - D. Mayer
- Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - C. Reynolds
- ICRAR/Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Present Address: CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science, Kensington, Australia
| | - J. Quick
- Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, Krugersdorp, South Africa
| | - S. Weston
- Institute for Radio Astronomy and Space Research, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - O. Titov
- Geoscience Australia, Canberra, Australia
| | - S. S. Shabala
- University of Tasmania, Private Bag 37, Hobart, 7001 Australia
| | - J. Böhm
- Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - T. Natusch
- Institute for Radio Astronomy and Space Research, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - M. Nickola
- Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, Krugersdorp, South Africa
| | - S. Gulyaev
- Institute for Radio Astronomy and Space Research, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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Johnson D, Thwaites D, Cosgrove V, Weston S. EP-1504: Evaluation of transmission detector model using Monte Carlo simulation of VMAT delivery. Radiother Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(16)32754-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Löwenthal D, Herzog L, Rogits B, Bulla K, Weston S, Meyer F, Halloul Z, Pech M, Ricke J, Dudeck O. Identification of predictive CT angiographic factors in the development of high-risk type 2 endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair in patients with infrarenal aortic aneurysms. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2014; 187:49-55. [PMID: 25226234 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1385123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE An extensive analysis of the value of computed tomography (CT) parameters as potential predictors of the clinical outcome of type 2 endoleaks after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS Initial CT scans of 130 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) were retrospectively reviewed. On the basis of postoperative CT scans and angiographies, patients were stratified into a low-risk group (LRG; without or transient type 2 endoleak; n = 80) and a high-risk group (HRG, persistent type 2 endoleak or need for reintervention; n = 50). Statistical analysis comprised a univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS Anatomical, thrombus-specific, as well as aortic side branch parameters were assessed on the initial CT scan. Of all anatomical parameters, the diameter of the immediate infrarenal aorta was significantly different in the univariate analysis (LRG 22.4 ± 3.8 mm; HRG 23.6 ± 2.5 mm; p = 0.03). The investigation of the thrombus-specific parameters showed a trend towards statistical significance for the relative thrombus load (LRG 31.7 ± 18.0%; HRG 25.3 ± 17.5%; p = 0.09). Assessment of aortic side branches revealed only for the univariate analysis significant differences in the patency of the inferior mesenteric artery (LRG 71.3%; HRG 92.0%; p = 0.003) and their diameter (LRG 3.3 ± 0.7 mm; HRG 3.8 ± 0.9 mm; p = 0.004). In contrast, the number of lumbar arteries (LAs; LRG 2.7 ± 1.4; HRG 3.6 ± 1.2; univariate: p = 0.01; multivariate: p = 0.006) as well as their diameter (LRG 2.1 ± 0.4 mm; HRG 2.4 ± 0.4 mm; univariate: p < 0.001; multivariate: p = 0.006) were highly significantly associated with the development of type 2 endoleaks of the HRG. CONCLUSION The most important predictive factors for the development of high-risk type 2 endoleaks were mainly the number and the diameter of the LAs which perfused the AAA. KEY POINTS • This study is a very detailed and comprehensive analysis of the value of various CT parameters as potential predictors of the clinical outcome of type 2 endoleaks after EVAR. • Anatomical as well as thrombus-specific parameters were unsuitable as predictors. • The most important predictive factors were mainly the number and the diameter of the LAs which perfused the AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Löwenthal
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Magdeburg
| | - L Herzog
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Magdeburg
| | - B Rogits
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Magdeburg
| | - K Bulla
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Magdeburg
| | - S Weston
- Biometry and Medical Informatics, University Magdeburg
| | - F Meyer
- General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University Magdeburg
| | - Z Halloul
- General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, University Magdeburg
| | - M Pech
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Magdeburg
| | - J Ricke
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Magdeburg
| | - O Dudeck
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Magdeburg
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Abstract
Interferon inducible transmembrane (IFITM) proteins are a recently discovered family of cellular anti-viral proteins that restrict the replication of a number of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. IFITM proteins are located in the plasma membrane and endosomal membranes, the main portals of entry for many viruses. Biochemical and membrane fusion studies suggest IFITM proteins have the ability to inhibit viral entry, possibly by modulating the fluidity of cellular membranes. Here we discuss the IFITM proteins, recent work on their mode of action, and future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Smith
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - S Weston
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - P Kellam
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK; MRC/UCL Centre for Medical Molecular Virology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - M Marsh
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Cranmer-Sargison G, Liu PZY, Weston S, Suchowerska N, Thwaites DI. Small field dosimetric characterization of a new 160-leaf MLC. Phys Med Biol 2013; 58:7343-54. [DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/58/20/7343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Dawoud S, Mason J, Bond I, Ward G, Rixham P, Huckle A, Sykes J, Weston S. EP-1292: Measuring photon beam energy through EPID image analysis of physically wedged fields. Radiother Oncol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(15)33598-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Johnson D, Cosgrove V, Weston S, Thwaites D. EP-1163: In vivo verification of IMRT delivery using a transmission detector, not requiring pre-treatment time on a linac. Radiother Oncol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(15)33469-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Liu P, Cranmer-Sargison G, Ralston A, Gajewski R, Simpson E, Weston S, Thwaites D, McKenzie D, Suchowerska N. OC-0065: Small field dosimetry in flattening filter free (FFF) beams: comparison of diode, film and scintillation dosimeters. Radiother Oncol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(15)32371-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Cranmer-Sargison G, Weston S, Evans JA, Sidhu NP, Thwaites DI. Monte Carlo modelling of diode detectors for small field MV photon dosimetry: detector model simplification and the sensitivity of correction factors to source parameterization. Phys Med Biol 2012; 57:5141-53. [DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/57/16/5141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Cranmer-Sargison G, Weston S, Evans J, Sidhu N, Thwaites D. OC-0513 DIODE DETECTOR MODELLING FOR SMALL FIELD DOSIMETRY AND CORRECTION FACTOR SENSITIVITY TO SOURCE PARAMETERIZATION. Radiother Oncol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(12)70852-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Cranmer-Sargison G, Weston S, Evans JA, Sidhu NP, Thwaites DI. Implementing a newly proposed Monte Carlo based small field dosimetry formalism for a comprehensive set of diode detectors. Med Phys 2011; 38:6592-602. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3658572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Johnson D, Coveney F, Weston S, Cosgrove V, Thwaites D. 951 poster INITIAL EVALUATION OF THE DEVICE FOR ADVANCED VERIFICATION OF IMRT DELIVERIES (DAVID) AS AN IN-VIVO DOSIMETER. Radiother Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(11)71073-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Cranmer-Sargison G, Weston S, Sidhu N, Thwaites D. 375 oral EXPERIMENTAL SMALL FIELD OUTPUT FACTOR ANALYSIS FOR VARIOUS DIODE DETECTOR AND ACCELERATOR COMBINATIONS. Radiother Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(11)70497-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Esmail A, Coveney F, Rixham P, Weston S, Bourel P. 1479 poster EVALUATION OF THE FIELD SIZE AND LEAF CALIBRATION USING AQUILAB MLC 80 LEAF MODULE. Radiother Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(11)71601-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Cranmer-Sargison G, Weston S, Sidhu N, Thwaites D. 1126 poster APPLICATION OF A RECENTLY PROPOSED MONTE CARLO BASED SMALL FIELD DOSIMETRY FORMALISM FOR A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF DIODE DETECTORS. Radiother Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(11)71248-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Rust MK, Denholm I, Dryden MW, Payne P, Blagburn BL, Jacobs DE, Bond R, Mencke N, Schroeder I, Weston S, Vaughn M, Coleman G, Kopp S. Large-scale monitoring of imidacloprid susceptibility in the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. Med Vet Entomol 2011; 25:1-6. [PMID: 21138459 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2010.00934.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Although on-animal topical treatment with compounds such as imidacloprid has revolutionized the control of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), the development of insecticide resistance is a continuing threat. As part of a highly co-ordinated and unprecedented resistance monitoring programme for C. felis, 1437 flea isolates were collected by veterinary clinics in Australia, Germany, France, the U.K. and 29 states in the U.S.A. from 2002 to 2009. About 65% of the collections were made from June to October each year and 71% of the collections were from cats. Collections of flea eggs were sent to one of five different laboratories, where they were tested with a diagnostic dose of imidacloprid (3 p.p.m.) applied to larval flea-rearing medium. Of the 1437 collections received, 1064 contained adequate numbers of eggs for testing. Of these isolates, untreated eggs failed to hatch in 22.7% and were not considered valid bioassays. Survival rates >5% and development of adult fleas (a threshold for further testing) occurred in only 22 isolates. They were re-tested with the same diagnostic dose and none produced >5% adult emergence. Complete dose-response bioassays were performed on three of the isolates that had triggered a second test and produced slopes, intercepts and LC(50) values similar to those for existing susceptible laboratory strains. Results confirmed sustained susceptibility of C. felis to imidacloprid, despite its widespread use for over a decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Rust
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521-0314, USA.
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Khor YH, Teoh AKY, Lam SM, Mo DCQ, Weston S, Reid DW, Walters EH. Increased vascular permeability precedes cellular inflammation as asthma control deteriorates. Clin Exp Allergy 2009; 39:1659-67. [PMID: 19860817 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03349.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway microcirculation is abnormal in asthma but the role of vascular changes in asthma deteriorations remains poorly defined. We prospectively assessed the vascular changes accompanying worsening of asthma control by using an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose-reduction model. OBJECTIVES To evaluate airway vascularity, vascular permeability and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in early asthma deterioration induced by ICS back-titration. METHODS Twenty mild-to-moderate persistent symptomatic asthmatics on low-to-moderate ICS were recruited and treated with 4 weeks of high-dose fluticasone propionate (1000 microg/day) to achieve symptom control. This was followed by dose reduction to half of the pre-study doses for 4-8 weeks until the symptoms began to return. Endobronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were obtained after both treatment periods. RESULTS Vascularity as measured by the number and size of blood vessels, as well as VEGF expression did not change following ICS reduction. Even on high-dose ICS, perivascular albumin staining and BAL microalbumin levels in asthmatic subjects, as markers of permeability, were elevated when compared with normal subjects and both further increased significantly after ICS reduction. There was a significant association between changes in vascular leakiness and clinical deterioration. Increases in airway albumin correlated with previously reported increases in airway wall infiltration with T lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that airway vascular leakage is a major pathophysiologic feature of early asthma deterioration, occurring before recrudescence of cellular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Khor
- Respiratory Research Group, Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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Dunstan JA, Hale J, Breckler L, Lehmann H, Weston S, Richmond P, Prescott SL. Atopic dermatitis in young children is associated with impaired interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma responses to allergens, vaccines and colonizing skin and gut bacteria. Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 35:1309-17. [PMID: 16238790 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02348.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant proportion of children with food allergy and more severe forms of atopic dermatis (AD) go on to develop persistent forms of allergic disease such asthma. Defining immune dysregulation in these children will be of great value in understanding disease pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE In this study we characterized the immune responses of young infants (6-18 months of age) with moderate-to-severe AD (a modified SCORAD>or=25) and compared these (n=53) with responses of non-allergic children with no history of dermatitis or sensitization of the same age (n=20). METHODS Mononuclear cell cytokine responses to allergens (egg ovalbumin (OVA), beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), house dust mite (HDM)), vaccines (tetanus toxoid (TT), diphtheria toxoid (DT)), intestinal flora (heat-killed Lactobacillus species (HKLB)), heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus (HKSA), S. aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) and mitogen (phytohaemaglutinin (PHA)) were compared in children with AD with unaffected children. RESULTS Children with AD had significantly lower spontaneous (unstimulated) production of regulatory cytokine IL-10 (P<0.001), as well as IFN-gamma (P<0.001) and TNF-alpha (P<0.001) compared with the unaffected children. After allowing for differences in baseline levels IL-10 responses to virtually all stimuli (food allergens (P=0.003), vaccines P=0.01, intestinal flora (heat-killed Lactobacillus species (HKLB), P=0.005) and skin flora (heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus (HKSA), P=0.003)) were also significantly attenuated in children with AD. The only exception was HDM, to which responses were stronger in children with AD [P=0.05]. Although there were no significant correlations between HDM IgE and HDM cytokine responses at this age, T-helper type 2 (Th2) IL-5 (P=0.014) and IL-13 (P=0.004) responses to HDM were significantly more frequent in the children with AD. However, while children with AD showed significantly attenuated Th1 IFN-gamma responses to food allergens (OVA, P=0.007 and BLG, P<0.001) and vaccines (DT, P=0.008 and TT, P<0.001), these children showed no difference in Th1 IFN-gamma responses to HDM or microbial agents (HKSA and HKLB). CONCLUSION A increase in propensity for Th2 responses to aeroallergens in children with AD is associated with early impaired production of IL-10 regulatory cytokine to a broad range of environmental stimuli including foods, intestinal flora, S. aureus, and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Dunstan
- School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Prescott SL, Dunstan JA, Hale J, Breckler L, Lehmann H, Weston S, Richmond P. Clinical effects of probiotics are associated with increased interferon-γ responses in very young children with atopic dermatitis. Clin Exp Allergy 2005; 35:1557-64. [PMID: 16393321 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02376.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently demonstrated that administration of probiotics resulted in significant clinical improvement in very young children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). The purpose of this study was to determine the underlying immunological effects that are associated with these apparent clinical benefits. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from children (n = 53) at baseline and at the end of an 8-week supplementation period during which they received a probiotic (Lactobacillus fermentum PCCtrade mark) (n = 26) or a placebo (n = 27). A further sample was collected at 16 weeks (8 weeks after ceasing the supplement). Cytokine (IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha) responses to allergens (egg ovalbumin (OVA), beta lactoglobulin (BLG), house dust mite (HDM)), vaccines (tetanus toxoid (TT)), diphtheria toxoid (DT)), intestinal flora (heat-killed Lactobacillus (HKLB)), heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus (HKSA), Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) and mitogen (phytohaemaglutinin (PHA)) were compared. RESULTS The administration of probiotics was associated with a significant increase in T-helper type 1(Th1-type) cytokine IFN-gamma responses to PHA and SEB at the end of the supplementation period (week 8: P = 0.004 and 0.046) as well as 8 weeks after ceasing supplementation (week 16: P = 0.005 and 0.021) relative to baseline levels of response. No significant changes were seen in the placebo group. The increase in IFN-gamma responses to SEB was directly proportional to the decrease in the severity of AD (r = -0.445, P = 0.026) over the intervention period. At the end of the supplementation period (week 8) children receiving probiotics showed significantly higher TNF-alpha responses to HKLB (P = 0.018) and HKSA (P = 0.011) but this was no longer evident when supplementation ceased (week 16). Although IL-13 responses to OVA were significantly reduced in children receiving probiotics after 8 weeks (P = 0.008), there were no other effects on allergen-specific responses, and this effect was not sustained after ceasing supplementation (week 16). There were no effects on vaccine-specific responses, or on responses to any of the stimuli assessed. CONCLUSION The improvement in AD severity with probiotic treatment was associated with significant increases in the capacity for Th1 IFN-gamma responses and altered responses to skin and enteric flora. This effect was still evident 2 months after the supplementation was ceased. The lack of consistent effects on allergen-specific responses suggests that the effects of probiotics may be mediated through other independent pathways, which need to be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Prescott
- School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of probiotics on moderate or severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in young children. METHODS Fifty six children aged 6-18 months with moderate or severe AD were recruited into a randomised double blind placebo controlled trial in Perth, Western Australia; 53 children completed the study. The children were given a probiotic (1x10(9)Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-033 PCC; Probiomics) or an equivalent volume of placebo, twice daily for 8 weeks. A final assessment at 16 weeks was performed. RESULTS The main outcome measures were severity and extent of AD at the end of the study, as measured by the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. The reduction in the SCORAD index over time was significant in the probiotic group (p = 0.03) but not the placebo group. Significantly more children receiving probiotics (n = 24, 92%) had a SCORAD index that was better than baseline at week 16 compared with the placebo group (n = 17, 63%) (p = 0.01). At the completion of the study more children in the probiotic group had mild AD (n = 14, 54%) compared to the placebo group (n = 8, 30%). CONCLUSION Supplementation with probiotic L fermentum VRI-003 PCC is beneficial in improving the extent and severity of AD in young children with moderate or severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Weston
- School of Paediatrics and Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
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Bown MJ, Weston S, Horsburgh T, Nicholson ML, Bell PRF, Sayers RD. A comparison of methods for determining genotypes at the tumour necrosis factor-alpha-308, interleukin (IL)-1beta+3953, IL-6 -174 and IL-10 -1082/-819/-592 polymorphic loci. Int J Immunogenet 2005; 32:83-90. [PMID: 15787640 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-313x.2005.00494.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Induced heteroduplex genotyping (IHG) is one of many methods that can be used to determine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). It is relatively new in comparison to other polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques. The aim of this study was to compare the results of genotyping using IHG with the results of genotyping using either polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) or polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for SNPs in the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and IL-10 genes. Ninety patients who consented to participate in the study had their genotypes determined by IHG and either PCR-SSP (TNF-alpha-308 and IL-10 -1082/-819/-592) or PCR-RFLP (IL-1beta +3953 and IL-6 -174). Results for each locus were compared between techniques by calculating the Kappa statistic as a measure of agreement. The IHG and more traditional genotyping methods produced very similar results at all loci. The Kappa statistics for each locus were as follows: TNF-alpha -308, K = 0.727; IL-1beta +3953, K = 0.886; IL-6 -174, K = 0.909; IL-10 -1082, K = 0.876; IL-10 -592, K = 0.920. IHG is a valid method for the determination of genotypes at the loci examined in this study and produces comparable results to those of more traditional methods of genotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Bown
- Department of Surgery, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK.
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Chuah MI, Choi-Lundberg D, Weston S, Vincent AJ, Chung RS, Vickers JC, West AK. Olfactory ensheathing cells promote collateral axonal branching in the injured adult rat spinal cord. Exp Neurol 2004; 185:15-25. [PMID: 14697315 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2003.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, injection of olfactory ensheathing cells (ECs) into the spinal cord has been used as an experimental strategy to promote regeneration of injured axons. In this study, we have compared the effects of transplanting encapsulated ECs with those injected directly into the spinal cord. The dorsal columns of adult rats were cut at T(8-9) and rats in experimental groups received either EC-filled porous polymer capsules or culture medium (CM)-filled capsules with ECs injected at the injury site. Control rats were in three groups: (1) uninjured, (2) lesion with transplantation of CM-filled capsules and (3) lesion with transplantation of CM-filled capsules and injections of CM. Three weeks after injury, Fluororuby was injected into the hindlimb motor and somatosensory cortex to label corticospinal neurons. Observations indicated that there were a few regenerating fibres, up to 10, in the EC-treated groups. In rats that received encapsulated ECs, regenerating fibres were present in close association with the capsule. Rats that received EC injections demonstrated a significant increase in the number of collateral branches from the intact ventral corticospinal tract (vCST) compared with the corresponding control, CM-injected group (P=0.003), while a trend for increased collateral branches was observed in rats that received encapsulated ECs (P=0.07).
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Chuah
- NeuroRepair Group, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
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Abstract
One of the limitations in the use of induced sputum to measure indices of airway inflammation is the perceived need to process the sample within 2 h. Therefore, the authors investigated whether the processing of induced sputum could be delayed. Induced sputum samples obtained from asthmatic subjects (n=30) were examined. Each sample was stored at 4 degrees C. A portion was selected and processed within 2 h and the remaining expectorate (sputum plus saliva) was refrigerated. Later an equal amount was selected and processed at either 9 (n=15) or 18 (n=15) h. The sputum was examined for cell counts and viability, fluid-phase eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and fibrinogen. Repeatability of measurements was assessed by the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Measurements obtained at 9 h did not differ from those made at 2 h and the repeatability was excellent (ICC 0.88-0.99). However, by 18 h the median cell viability was reduced from 65.0% to 43.0% and the ICC was generally lower: 0.10 for total cell count, 0.24 for viability, 0.60 for neutrophils, 0.90 for eosinophils, 0.56 for macrophages, 0.76 for ECP, 0.82 for IL-8 and 0.84 for fibrinogen. The results indicate that when induced sputum from subjects with asthma is kept at 4 degrees C, examination of cell counts can be delayed for < or = 9 h and for the fluid-phase indices measured for < or = 18 h. Further investigation of this issue is required for spontaneous sputum, other airway diseases and other inflammatory markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Efthimiadis
- Asthma Research Group, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St Joseph's Healthcare and McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Ebert MA, Zavgorodni SF, Kendrick LA, Weston S, Harper CS. Multi-isocenter stereotactic radiotherapy: implications for target dose distributions of systematic and random localization errors. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2001; 51:545-54. [PMID: 11567831 DOI: 10.1016/s0360-3016(01)01683-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This investigation examined the effect of alignment and localization errors on dose distributions in stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) with arced circular fields. In particular, it was desired to determine the effect of systematic and random localization errors on multi-isocenter treatments. METHODS AND MATERIALS A research version of the FastPlan system from Surgical Navigation Technologies was used to generate a series of SRT plans of varying complexity. These plans were used to examine the influence of random setup errors by recalculating dose distributions with successive setup errors convolved into the off-axis ratio data tables used in the dose calculation. The influence of systematic errors was investigated by displacing isocenters from their planned positions. RESULTS For single-isocenter plans, it is found that the influences of setup error are strongly dependent on the size of the target volume, with minimum doses decreasing most significantly with increasing random and systematic alignment error. For multi-isocenter plans, similar variations in target dose are encountered, with this result benefiting from the conventional method of prescribing to a lower isodose value for multi-isocenter treatments relative to single-isocenter treatments. CONCLUSIONS It is recommended that the systematic errors associated with target localization in SRT be tracked via a thorough quality assurance program, and that random setup errors be minimized by use of a sufficiently robust relocation system. These errors should also be accounted for by incorporating corrections into the treatment planning algorithm or, alternatively, by inclusion of sufficient margins in target definition.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Ebert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To identify indicators of osteoporosis and to determine the rate of bone loss in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). METHODS Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and hip was measured at annual intervals over 7 years of follow-up in 176 patients with PBC. RESULTS Osteoporosis (t-score below -2.5) was found in 20% of patients and occurred 32.1 times more frequently in patients with PBC than expected. Patients with histologic stage 3 or 4 disease had a 5.4-fold increased risk of osteoporosis compared to patients with stage 1 or 2. Age, body mass index, advanced stage (3 or 4), and history of fractures were the only independent indicators of osteoporosis. After 3 years of follow up, the rate of bone loss in patients with stage 1 or 2 increased and equaled that seen in patients with stage 3 or 4. Serum bilirubin level was the only variable independently associated with the rate of bone loss over time. CONCLUSIONS Severity of the liver disease contributes significantly to the severity of bone disease in PBC. PBC patients who are older, thinner and have more advanced liver disease may have the most benefit from bone density measurements and treatment for their osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Menon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
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Charlton M, Kasparova P, Weston S, Lindor K, Maor-Kendler Y, Wiesner RH, Rosen CB, Batts KP. Frequency of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis as a cause of advanced liver disease. Liver Transpl 2001; 7:608-14. [PMID: 11460228 DOI: 10.1053/jlts.2001.25453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has generally been considered a benign condition, the increasing prevalence and severity of obesity has heightened concerns about the frequency with which NASH progresses to end-stage liver disease. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency, clinical features, and posttransplantation history of decompensated liver disease secondary to NASH. The frequency of NASH as a cause of end-stage liver disease was prospectively determined in patients evaluated for liver transplantation. NASH was considered to be the primary cause of liver disease in patients who had histological evidence of steatohepatitis and in whom chronic liver diseases other than NASH were excluded. Posttransplantation histological characteristics were also determined in patients with NASH and compared with those of patients with pretransplantation diagnoses of cholestatic liver diseases, alcoholic disease, and hepatitis C. Of 1,207 patients evaluated for liver transplantation during the study period, 31 patients (2.6%) had NASH as the primary cause of liver disease. In the same period, 546 liver transplantations were performed, 16 of which (2.9%) were for end-stage disease secondary to NASH. Posttransplantation steatosis was seen in 60% of transplant recipients with NASH versus 5% of those with cholestatic disease, 15% of those with alcoholic disease, and 15% of those with hepatitis C. Steatohepatitis recurred in 33% of transplant recipients with NASH, with progression to cirrhosis in 12.5%. NASH can progress to end-stage liver disease in a minority of affected patients and was the primary cause of liver disease in 2.9% of patients evaluated for liver transplantation at our center. Recurrence of steatosis and NASH is frequent and can be severe after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Charlton
- Liver Transplant Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Hughes J, Weston S, Bennetts B, Prasad M, Angulo R, Jaworskit R, Jolles S, Kossard S, Fox S, Benson E. The application of a PCR technique for the detection of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangements in fresh or paraffin-embedded skin tissue. Pathology 2001; 33:222-5. [PMID: 11358058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Although detection of a clonal sequence of the heavy chain gene of immunoglobulin by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is frequently used to assess lymphoid infiltrates in skin biopsy specimens, there are no data on the sensitivity and specificity of this test in detecting clonal B cell populations. Having refined a PCR technique for the detection of immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene rearrangement in both fresh and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin samples, we undertook to define the role of this assay in the diagnostic setting. Thirty-one cases of cutaneous B cell lymphoma (CBCL), 19 cases of B cell pseudolymphoma (lymphocytoma cutis), 34 cases of benign lymphocytic infiltrates of the skin and one case of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) were studied using the polymerase chain reaction assay. All biopsies were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded skin sections apart from 13 of the 31 CBCL specimens which were fresh skin specimens. DNA from the framework region 3 (FR3) sequence of the IgH genes was amplified to ascertain the presence of a clonal IgH gene rearrangement. The findings were correlated with histological and immunophenotyping results on all samples. The assay performed with 73% sensitivity and 100% specificity, comparable to results obtained examining fresh lymphoid tissue specimens from patients with B cell tumours. The results indicate that this technique is a useful tool in the work up of suspected CBCL and in differentiating between CBCL and mixed lymphocytic infiltrates, a clearly important distinction with regards to prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hughes
- Department of Immunopathology, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
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Cheung KH, Miller P, Sherman A, Weston S, Stratmann E, Schultz M, Snyder M, Kumar A. Graphically-enabled integration of bioinformatics tools allowing parallel execution. Proc AMIA Symp 2000:141-5. [PMID: 11079861 PMCID: PMC2243957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid analysis of large amounts of genomic data is of great biological as well as medical interest. This type of analysis will greatly benefit from the ability to rapidly assemble a set of related analysis programs and to exploit the power of parallel computing. TurboGenomics, which is a software package currently in its alpha-testing phase, allows integration of heterogeneous software components to be done graphically. In addition, the tool is capable of making the integrated components run in parallel. To demonstrate these abilities, we use the tool to develop a Web-based application that allows integrated access to a set of large-scale sequence data analysis programs used by a transposon-insertion based yeast genome project. We also contrast the differences in building such an application with and without using the TurboGenomics software.
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Affiliation(s)
- K H Cheung
- Center for Medical Informatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Weston S, Phillips J, Willis M. Nurse heroes of the century. Interview by Jeannette Davidson. Nurs Times 1999; 95:24-6. [PMID: 10786594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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Abstract
The distribution of substance P (SP)-containing synaptic terminals in the hypoglossal nucleus (XII) of adult rats was examined by retrograde peroxidase labelling and immunocytochemistry. From the location of peroxidase injections into the tongue and of labelled neurones in the ventral lamina of XII, motor neurones that supply intrinsic vertical, longitudinal and transverse fibres as well as the extrinsic muscle genioglossus appear to have been labelled. SP-containing terminals were found making contact, and sometimes dual synapses, with unlabelled neuronal dendrites but not with retrogradely labelled somata or dendrites. These findings suggest that SP terminals may contact dendrites of interneurones or of neurones supplying other extrinsic muscles located in the anterior part of the tongue. Dual SP-containing synapses between XII motor neurones may be the means by which tongue muscle fibres are recruited and their function synchronized.
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Affiliation(s)
- C F Hinrichsen
- Division of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Tasmania, Australia.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical and motility findings in 62 patients with systemic sclerosis or related disorders referred for evaluation of upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. METHODS Methods included retrospective clinical record review and quantitation of esophageal, LES antral, and duodenal motility (3 h fasting, 2 h fed) were compared with results of 10 symptomatic patients with normal gastric emptying. RESULTS A total of 46 patients had systemic sclerosis, eight mixed connective tissue disease, and eight polymyositis-systemic sclerosis overlap; systemic manifestations were almost invariably present. GI symptoms were: heartburn (77%), nausea/vomiting (58%), dysphagia (61%), diarrhea (53%), constipation (31%), and fecal incontinence (13%). Anatomical studies showed esophageal erosions or GERD (53%), aperistalsis (34%), stricture (29%), and Barrett's metaplasia (16%); megaduodenum, small bowel dilation, or diverticulae (42%); and pneumatosis intestinalis (8%). A total of 36 patients underwent esophageal and 26 esophagogastrointestinal manometry. Postprandial antral motility index was abnormal in 22 of 26; amplitudes and frequency in the antrum (34 +/- 3 mm Hg and 0.6 +/- 0.1/min, respectively) and duodenum (7.3 +/- 0.9 mm Hg and 1.8 +/- 0.5/min) were significantly lower than controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION In patients with GI symptoms associated with systemic sclerosis and related disorders, the amplitude and frequency of intestinal contractions are typically <10 mm Hg and <2/min. Antral amplitude is low (<40 mm Hg) when antral hypomotility is observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Weston
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Steinberg BJ, Trestman R, Mitropoulou V, Serby M, Silverman J, Coccaro E, Weston S, de Vegvar M, Siever LJ. Depressive response to physostigmine challenge in borderline personality disorder patients. Neuropsychopharmacology 1997; 17:264-73. [PMID: 9326751 DOI: 10.1016/s0893-133x(97)00051-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between mood and hormonal responses to cholinergic challenge with physostigmine in order to assess cholinergic system responsiveness in borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients, other non-BPD personality disorder patients, and normal controls. Thirty-four personality disorder patients, 10 of whom met criteria for BPD and 24 of whom met criteria for other, non-borderline, personality disorders, and 11 normal controls participated in a double blind, placebo controlled physostigmine challenge paradigm. The Profile of Mood States depression subscale (POMS-D) self report measure was obtained at baseline and following the physostigmine or placebo infusions. A repeated measures ANOVA of POMS-D scores in placebo and drug conditions indicated a significantly greater depressive response in the total cohort of personality disorder patients than in the normal comparison group (p < 0.05). However, the depressive response to physostigmine was significantly greater in BPD patients, but not other personality disorder patients, compared to normal controls (p < 0.05). There was a correlation between the peak placebo-corrected depressive response to physostigmine and a group of BPD traits related to affective instability but not a group of BPD traits related to impulsivity. There was no correlation in any group between mood response to physostigmine and changes in plasma cortisol, prolactin, or growth hormone, or to nausea or other side effects following physostigmine infusion. These data suggest that there is an association between BPD and acute depressive responses to physostigmine challenge, and that the cholinergic system may be involved in the regulation of affect in Axis II disorders.
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Weston S. Simon Weston: lessons for rehabilitative care. Interview by George Castledine. Br J Nurs 1997; 6:714. [PMID: 9238922 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.1997.6.12.714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Simon Weston, the Welsh Guard who sustained nearly 50% burns at Bluff Cove in the Falklands when his ship was hit by an Argentine bomb. A fireball swept through the ship killing 46 soldiers and injuring 97 others. After 15 years and 60 operations, Simon still has disfigurement to his face and hands but feels that he is lucky to be a live. Seeing what he has achieved since that day makes one realize that he is no ordinary person.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Weston
- University of Central England, Birmingham
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Combe C, Burton CJ, Dufourco P, Weston S, Horsburgh T, Walls J, Harris KP. Hypoxia induces intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on cultured human tubular cells. Kidney Int 1997; 51:1703-9. [PMID: 9186857 DOI: 10.1038/ki.1997.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The adverse effects of acute renal ischemia are partly mediated through an infiltration of inflammatory cells into the tubulointerstitium. The expression of adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by resident renal cells (endothelial cells and tubular cells) may facilitate this process. We investigated whether hypoxia stimulates the expression of ICAM-1 by cultured human proximal tubular cells (HPTC). Hypoxic culture conditions (PO2 < 4 kPa) stimulated the expression of ICAM-1 by HPTC in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.0001) as demonstrated by quantitative flow cytometry analysis. Quantitative PCR demonstrated an increase in ICAM-1 transcription. Re-oxygenation of tubular cells did not increase ICAM-1 expression further. TNF alpha concentration in culture supernatants increased with hypoxia, but blocking experiments demonstrated that TNF alpha was not implicated in hypoxia-induced expression of ICAM-1. Furthermore, the cytokines IL-6 and IL-1 beta were not involved, but the effect of hypoxia was blocked by PDTC, an antioxidant that may inhibit the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappa B. These data demonstrate that hypoxia is a stimulus that induces the synthesis and expression of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1, presumably via the activation of NF-kappa B.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Combe
- Department of Nephrology, Leicester General Hospital, England, United Kingdom.
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Tsai FT, Singh OM, Skarzynski T, Wonacott AJ, Weston S, Tucker A, Pauptit RA, Breeze AL, Poyser JP, O'Brien R, Ladbury JE, Wigley DB. The high-resolution crystal structure of a 24-kDa gyrase B fragment from E. coli complexed with one of the most potent coumarin inhibitors, clorobiocin. Proteins 1997; 28:41-52. [PMID: 9144789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Coumarin antibiotics, such as clorobiocin, novobiocin, and coumermycin A1, inhibit the supercoiling activity of gyrase by binding to the gyrase B (GyrB) subunit. Previous crystallographic studies of a 24-kDa N-terminal domain of GyrB from E. coli complexed with novobiocin and a cyclothialidine analogue have shown that both ligands act by binding at the ATP-binding site. Clorobiocin is a natural antibiotic isolated from several Streptomyces strains and differs from novobiocin in that the methyl group at the 8 position in the coumarin ring of novobiocin is replaced by a chlorine atom, and the carbamoyl at the 3' position of the noviose sugar is substituted by a 5-methyl-2-pyrrolylcarbonyl group. To understand the difference in affinity, in order that this information might be exploited in rational drug design, the crystal structure of the 24-kDa GyrB fragment in complex with clorobiocin was determined to high resolution. This structure was determined independently in two laboratories, which allowed the validation of equivalent interpretations. The clorobiocin complex structure is compared with the crystal structures of gyrase complexes with novobiocin and 5'-adenylyl-beta, gamma-imidodiphosphate, and with information on the bound conformation of novobiocin in the p24-novobiocin complex obtained by heteronuclear isotope-filtered NMR experiments in solution. Moreover, to understand the differences in energetics of binding of clorobiocin and novobiocin to the protein, the results from isothermal titration calorimetry are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- F T Tsai
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
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Horsburgh T, Lycett A, Mistry N, Nicholson M, Underwood I, Veitch PS, Weston S. Crossmatching for renal transplantation--a 5-year review of different cytotoxic and flow cytometric methods showing importance of the IgG anti-B-lymphocyte FACS crossmatch. Transplant Proc 1997; 29:1458-9. [PMID: 9123380 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(96)00565-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T Horsburgh
- Department of Surgery, Leicester General Hospital, UK
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Weston S, Derbyshire D, Breeze A, Pauptit R. 1.7 Å structure of the C-terminal SH2 domain of the P85 subunit of human phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Acta Crystallogr A 1996. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767396091696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Pauptit R, Tucker A, Weston S, Gordon B. The structure of human cathepsin-L at 2 Å resolution. Acta Crystallogr A 1996. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767396094998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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