Vibrio alginolyticus infections in the Netherlands after swimming in the North Sea.
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Adolescent↗
Biomedical subjects
E van Dijk
Publications and source records attributed to E van Dijk.
Monitoring health by values of acute phase proteins.
A systemic acute phase reaction may develop during infection and inflammation, due to the action of peripherally liberated proinflammatory cytokines. Hepatic metabolism changes, and negative and positive acute phase proteins (APPs) can be measured in the blood: the APPs therefore represent appropriate analytes to assess health. While they are non-specific markers, their levels change with biological effects and this can be used to assess nutritional deficits and reactive processes, especially when positive and negative acute phase variables are combined in an index. Unfortunately, at present, no comprehensive, easy-to-use and cheap system is available to assess various acute phase proteins in serum or blood samples. Protein micro-array technology may satisfy this need; it will permit simultaneous analysis of numerous analytes in the same small volume sample and enable integration of information derived from systemic reactivity and nutrition with disease-specific variables. Applying such technology may help to address health problems in many countries.
Acute-Phase Proteins↗
Activation of alloreactive T cells by allogeneic nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells and interleukin-12 from bystander autologous professional antigen-presenting cells.
BACKGROUND: After solid organ transplantation most alloantigens are presented to the recipient's immune system by normal tissue cells, which can be considered to act as nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells (APC). It is well accepted that such nonprofessional APC fail to activate recipient resting T cells due to their inability to deliver costimulatory activity. In our study, we tested a hypothesis that such costimulatory activity may be provided by "bystander" recipient professional APC. METHODS: We set up mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) of purified T cell responders and T cell stimulator cells, the latter as nonprofessional APC carrying allogeneic MHC class I and II, and tested if responder-type autologous APC could facilitate responder T cell proliferation. In this assay also the effects of anti-CD28 antibody and interleukin- (IL) 1beta, IL-6, or IL-12 mediated costimulation on responder T cell proliferation and IL-2 production were investigated. RESULTS: Autologous APC, i.e., monocytes, were found to facilitate the proliferative response of resting T cells stimulated by allogeneic nonprofessional APC. IL-12 was identified as the most important costimulatory factor for induction of proliferation. IL-1beta enhanced IL-2 production and proliferation of allostimulated resting T cells but its presence was not essential. Although CD28 triggering alone was ineffective, this costimulatory pathway enhanced IL-2 production and proliferation when combined with IL-12 or IL-1beta. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that costimulatory activity for activation of resting human T cells by nonprofessional donor APC can be delivered through activity of bystander recipient-type autologous APC. This mechanism of allostimulation may contribute to the induction and perpetuation of alloreactivity "in vivo" in a time frame when intragraft professional donor-type APC have been replaced with professional recipient-type APC.
Antibodies↗
Decision-induced focusing in social dilemmas: give-some, keep-some, take-some, and leave-some dilemmas.
Previous research on asymmetric social dilemmas has suggested that public good dilemmas evoke different choice behaviors than do resource dilemmas. The authors propose that these differences reflect a differential focus that is dependent on the way decisions are generally presented in the dilemma types. In agreement with this, the results of 2 experimental studies suggest that, in public good dilemmas, group members are less focused on the consequences of their actions for the final outcome distribution when deciding how many endowments they give to the public good than when deciding how many endowments they keep for themselves. In resource dilemmas, group members are less focused on the final outcome distribution when deciding how many endowments they leave in the collective resource than when deciding how many endowments they take.
Adult↗
Donor-specific hyporeactivity after liver transplantation: prominent decreases in donor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor frequencies independent of changes in helper T lymphocyte precursor frequencies or suppressor cell activity.
BACKGROUND: The development of immunological donor-specific hyporeactivity may account for the low incidence of chronic rejection after clinical liver transplantation. We investigated whether hyporeactivity commonly develops after liver transplantation by analyzing precursor frequencies of donor-reactive cytotoxic (CTLp) and helper (HTLp) T lymphocytes and mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reactivity in liver allograft recipients. We further studied whether CTLp hyporeactivity correlated with changes in donor-specific HTLp frequencies or suppressor cell activity. METHODS: CTLp and HTLp frequencies and MLC reactivity against donor and third-party spleen cells were determined in pre- and posttransplantation peripheral blood samples from 18 recipients with good graft function 2 years after transplantation. By mixing posttransplantation samples (with "putative" suppressor cell activity) with pretransplantation samples (in which normal CTL activity with no suppressor cell activity is expected), the presence of suppressor cell activity in peripheral blood was analyzed. RESULTS: Two years after transplantation, all but one (94%) of the recipients had developed CTLp hyporeactivity as evidenced by reduced donor-specific CTLp frequencies. The development of hyporeactivity was not specific for any particular underlying disease. The occurrence of HTL hyporeactivity, however, was less frequent: 38% and 20% of recipients were HTLp and MLC hyporeactive, respectively. Decreases in CTLp frequencies did not correlate with decreased donor-specific HTL function or suppressor cell activity in peripheral blood samples. CONCLUSIONS: Donor-specific CTLp hyporeactivity can develop in the majority of liver allograft recipients, irrespective of underlying disease. Donor-specific HTL hyporeactivity, however, occurs infrequently. A reduction in donor-specific CTLp frequencies was found to be independent of changes in donor-specific HTLp or suppressor cell activity, suggesting that other mechanisms (e.g., clonal deletion) are operative in the reduction of donor-specific CTLp after liver transplantation.
Humans↗
Donor-specific immunological non-responsiveness after liver transplantation.
Since the rate of immunological losses of liver allograft after the immediate posttransplant period is much lower than in other organs, we studied the immune responses against donor HLA antigens in 18 patients with a good long-term outcome to determine whether the development of a state of immunological non-responsiveness to donor antigens might account for this favorable outcome. The reactivity against donor spleen cells was measured before and 2 years after transplantation. The reactivity in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) and the frequencies of cytotoxic T cell precursors (CTLp) were determined. Responses against third-party spleen cells were determined concurrently to exclude a generalized reduction of immunocompetence due to chronic immunosuppressive treatment. Before orthotopic liver transplantation, the majority of patients had normal T cell responses against donor antigens that were comparable to those against third-party antigens. Two years after transplantation, donor-specific MLC non-reactivity had developed in 10 of the 18 (56%) patients. In addition, 15 of 18 (83%) patients had developed donor-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) non-responsiveness; 2 had reduced numbers of CTLp against both donor and third-party cells, while the remaining patient had maintained reactivity against donor antigens. In conclusion, donor-specific non-responsiveness is present in the majority of patients 2 years after successful liver transplantation, but occurs predominantly at the CTL level.
Humans↗
Correction factors for the NMi free-air ionization chamber for medium-energy x-rays calculated with the Monte Carlo method.
A new method is described for the determination of x-ray quality dependent correction factors for free-air ionization chambers. The method is based on weighting correction factors for mono-energetic photons, which are calculated using the Monte Carlo method, with measured air kerma spectra. With this method, correction factors for electron loss, scatter inside the chamber and transmission through the diaphragm and front wall have been calculated for the NMi free-air chamber for medium-energy x-rays for a wide range of x-ray qualities in use at NMi. The newly obtained correction factors were compared with the values in use at present, which are based on interpolation of experimental data for a specific set of x-ray qualities. For x-ray qualities which are similar to this specific set, the agreement between the correction factors determined with the new method and those based on the experimental data is better than 0.1%, except for heavily filtered x-rays generated at 250 kV. For x-ray qualities dissimilar to the specific set, differences up to 0.4% exist, which can be explained by uncertainties in the interpolation procedure of the experimental data. Since the new method does not depend on experimental data for a specific set of x-ray qualities, the new method allows for a more flexible use of the free-air chamber as a primary standard for air kerma for any x-ray quality in the medium-energy x-ray range.
Air↗
Peptide vaccine against canine parvovirus: identification of two neutralization subsites in the N terminus of VP2 and optimization of the amino acid sequence.
The N-terminal domain of the major capsid protein VP2 of canine parvovirus was shown to be an excellent target for development of a synthetic peptide vaccine, but detailed information about number of epitopes, optimal length, sequence choice, and site of coupling to the carrier protein was lacking. Therefore, several overlapping peptides based on this N terminus were synthesized to establish conditions for optimal and reproducible induction of neutralizing antibodies in rabbits. The specificity and neutralizing ability of the antibody response for these peptides were determined. Within the N-terminal 23 residues of VP2, two subsites able to induce neutralizing antibodies and which overlapped by only two glycine residues at positions 10 and 11 could be discriminated. The shortest sequence sufficient for neutralization induction was nine residues. Peptides longer than 13 residues consistently induced neutralization, provided that their N termini were located between positions 1 and 11 of VP2. The orientation of the peptides at the carrier protein was also of importance, being more effective when coupled through the N terminus than through the C terminus to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The results suggest that the presence of amino acid residues 2 to 21 (and probably 3 to 17) of VP2 in a single peptide is preferable for a synthetic peptide vaccine.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
[Diagnosis of dermatomycoses using the sellotape-KOH method].
In a group of 84 adult male workers in an industrial plant, who used a common shower room, the applicability of the adhesive tape-KOH technique for routine mycologic examination was investigated. The tape technique was compared with the conventional cover slip technique in interdigital and plantar lesions. The tape technique gave more frequent positive results than the cover slip technique (74% and 57% respectively). However, examination of the tapes was more difficult than that of the cover slips. The latter method therefore appears more appropriate for routine microscopical mycologic examination.
Adult↗
Systemic therapy with fumaric acid derivates: new possibilities in the treatment of psoriasis.
For the past two decades fumaric acid (FA) therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment in Western Europe for psoriasis. FA therapy originally was developed by Schweckendiek and subsequently standardized by Schäfer. Schäfer's fumaric acid compound therapy (FACT) consists of the oral intake of dimethylfumaric acid ester (DMFAE) and several salts of monoethylfumaric acid ester (MEFAE) in combination with topical fumaric acid therapy (1% to 3% MEFAE in an ointment or FA in bathing oils) and a diet. Schäfer claimed excellent results in a large number of patients. Preliminary studies by German dermatologists, however, revealed contradictory therapeutic results and serious side effects, and FA treatment was soon abandoned by dermatologists. To assess the value of FA therapy we conducted an open pilot study of 36 patients in which FACT therapy appeared to be rather effective. Thereafter, several controlled studies with MEFAE sodium in two different dosages versus placebo, and DMFAE versus placebo, were done. The results indicated that MEFAE sodium in dosages up to 240 mg daily was ineffective, whereas daily dosages of 720 mg resulted in a significant decrease in scaling and itching but did not affect extension of the eruption. DMFAE, 240 mg daily, produced a significant amelioration and prevented extension. Side effects of FA treatment were nausea, diarrhea, general malaise, and severe stomachache. Mild disturbances of liver and kidney function during treatment were observed with the 720 mg dosage of MEFAE and with the 240 mg dosage of DMFAE. Moreover, a relative lymphopenia with a selective decrease of suppressor T lymphocytes occurred in about 50% of the patients treated with DMFAE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Administration, Oral↗
Geographic stomatitis and psoriasis.
5 new cases of geographic stomatitis are presented and added to a review of 32 similar cases reported in the literature up to 1987. Furthermore, a series of 70 consecutive patients with psoriasis were examined for oral mucosal lesions. Based upon the findings of the literature and the results of the present study, there seems insufficient proof to consider geographic stomatitis an oral manifestation of psoriasis.
Adolescent↗
To perfuse or not to perfuse? A retrospective comparative study to evaluate the effect of adjuvant isolated regional perfusion in patients with stage I extremity melanoma with a thickness of 1.5 mm or greater.
The use of isolated regional perfusion in an adjuvant setting for stage I melanoma of the extremity continues to be controversial. The present retrospective study evaluates the past 20 years' experience by comparing 227 perfused patients from Groningen with 238 matched controls from five hospitals in The Netherlands and Westphalia (a region of West Germany bordering the Netherlands). All patients underwent wide local excision for a primary extremity melanoma of 1.5 mm or greater in thickness. A proportional hazards regression analysis for recurrence of disease and survival identified the significant prognostic factors, of which tumor thickness was the most important. Corrected for these factors, it was not possible to demonstrate a statistically significant effect for perfusion in terms of time to limb recurrence (P = .61), time to regional lymph node metastasis (P = .11), time to distant metastasis (P = .73), disease-free interval (P = .42), and survival (P = .90). No statistically significant differences were seen for adjuvant perfusion in any of the subgroups.
Adult↗
Experimental verification of the air kerma to absorbed dose conversion factor Cw,u.
In a recently published code of practice for the dosimetry of high-energy photon beams, the absorbed dose to water is determined using an ionization chamber having an air kerma calibration factor and applying the air kerma to absorbed dose conversion factor Cw,u. The consistency of these Cw,u values has been determined for four commonly employed types of ionization chambers in photon beams with quality varying between 60Co gamma-rays and 25 MV X-rays. Using a graphite calorimeter, Cw,u has been determined for a graphite-walled ionization chamber (NE 2561) for the same qualities. The values of Cw,u determined with the calorimeter are within the experimental uncertainty equal to Cw,u values determined according to any of the recent dosimetry protocols.
Calorimetry↗
Is pseudoepitheliomatous, micaceous and keratotic balanitis synonymous with verrucous carcinoma?
Two cases of pseudoepitheliomatous, micaceous and keratotic balanitis are presented and their clinical and histological features are discussed. This rare condition of the glans penis was originally thought to be benign, but more recent evidence indicates that the lesion is a manifestation of verrucous carcinoma. Consequently, the treatment of choice is excision with a wide margin. We suggest the new name, micaceous and verrucous malignant balanitis.
Aged↗
The enigma of juvenile plantar dermatosis.
Juvenile plantar dermatosis, which is sometimes accompanied by palmar changes, is a chronic condition. It is characterized by shiny redness, anhidrosis, and fissuring of the skin. Microscopically, focal inflammatory changes at the junctions of sweat-gland ducts and acrosyringia are seen. The pathogenesis is unknown. We surmise that individual susceptibility, bacterial colonization, and the use of man-made leather substitutes and fibers are the main causative factors.
Adolescent↗
[Fumaric acid in the treatment of patients with psoriasis].
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Adult↗
[Comparative clinical study of pyogenic granuloma and amelanotic melanoma of the skin].
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Adult↗
Acrokeratoelastoidosis: a spectrum of diseases.
Two familial cases of acrokeratoelastoidosis (AKE) are reported. As a quite uncommon feature, both showed a distinct violaceous hue in addition to the characteristic clinicopathological changes. Furthermore a case of keratoelastoidosis marginalis of the hands, also showing involvement of the feet, is described. This latter syndrome may cause confusion with AKE, but appears to be a separate entity. The classification of AKE is discussed. It is suggested that AKE is a syndrome with a broad spectrum of clinical and histological abnormalities.
Adult↗