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T Spencer

Publications and source records attributed to T Spencer.

114 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

In vitro generation of Epstein-Barr virus-specific cytotoxic T cells in patients receiving haplo-identical allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Use of a partially mismatched related donor (PMRD) is an option for patients who require allogeneic transplantation but do not have a matched sibling or unrelated donor. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced lymphoma is a major cause of mortality after PMRD transplantation. In this study, we present a clinical grade culture system for donor-derived EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) that do not recognize haplo-identical recipient cells. The EBV-specific CTLs were tested for cytolytic specificity and other functional properties, including ability to transgress into tissues, propensity for apoptosis, degree of clonality, stability of dominant T-cell clones, and Tc and Th phenotypes. The EBV-specific CTLs were routinely expanded to greater than 80 x 10(6) over a period of 5 weeks, which is sufficient for clinical application. A CD8+ phenotype predominated, and the CTLs were highly specific for donor lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) without killing of recipient targets or K562. Vbeta spectratyping showed an oligoclonal population that was stable on prolonged culture. The EBV-specific CTLs were activated (D-related human leukocyte antigen [HLA-DR+], L-selectin+/-) and of memory phenotype (CD45RO+). Expression of the integrin VLA-4 suggested that these CTLs could adhere to endothelium and migrate into tissues. The Bcl-2 message was upregulated, which may protect the CTLs from the apoptosis. The first demonstration of overexpression of bcl-2 in human memory CTLs. In addition, we show that lymphoblastoid cell lines used to generate CTLs are readily genetically modified with recombinant lentivirus, indicating that genetically engineered antigen presentation is feasible.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults a valid disorder?

Concerns have been raised regarding the validity of the diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults. The purpose of this report is to evaluate critically whether this diagnosis in adults meets acceptable standards for diagnostic validity. A systematic search was conducted of the psychiatric and psychological literature for empirical studies dealing with adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder with childhood onset. These studies were examined for evidence of descriptive, predictive, and concurrent validity. The literature shows that this disorder can be reliably diagnosed in adults and that the diagnosis confers considerable power to forecast complications and treatment response. In addition, evidence is mounting for genetic transmission, specific treatment responses, and abnormalities in brain structure and function in affected individuals. Evidence from the literature is increasingly pointing to the validity of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dynamic thermal responses of five commercially available infant radiant warmer systems.

Five commercially available infant radiant warmer systems were characterized through radiant-energy measurements at the mattress surface under identical environmental conditions. Average irradiance levels for each warmer were then calculated. In addition, all systems were thermally evaluated for warm-up time using the International IEC standard black anodized aluminum disk simulator. Warm-up time and radiant-energy bed mapping tests were conducted in manual mode. To assess thermal performance under dynamic conditions, skin and core temperatures were measured using a patient simulator test-load device. Dynamic patient simulator response-time data and side-wall temperature data are provided. The radiative heat contribution from the warmer side walls on patient simulator core and skin temperatures was demonstrated. Extreme differences in warmer performances and energy to the mattress surface are documented. Differences in infant radiant warmer performances are principally due to heater-element composition, reflector design, and heater-to-mattress distance.

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