Therapeutic and Diagnostic Methods and Compositions Based on Jagged/Notch Proteins and Nucleic Acids

This invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Jagged/Notch proteins and nucleic acids, and on their role in the signaling pathway relating to endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation. In addition, this invention provides a substantially purified Jagged protein, as well as a substantially purified nucleic acid or segment thereof encoding Jagged protein, or a functionally equivalent derivative, or allelic or species variant thereof. Further, this invention provides a substantially purified soluble Jagged protein and a substantially purified nucleic acid encoding same as well as a recombinant cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding a soluble Jagged protein. Soluble Jagged provides further therapeutic and diagnostic methods relating to diseases, disorders, and conditions involving Jagged/Notch signaling including, inter alia, angiogenesis, differentiation, and control of gene expression

Therapeutic And Diagnostic Methods And Compositions Based On Jagged/notch Proteins And Nucleic Acids

This invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods and compositions based on Jagged/Notch proteins and nucleic acids, and on the role of their signaling pathway in endothelial cell migration and/or differentiation. In addition, this invention provides a substantially purified Jagged protein, as well as a substantially purified nucleic acid molecule or segment thereof encoding Jagged protein, or a functionally equivalent derivative, or allelic or species variant thereof

Monomorphic post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder of the tongue: case report and review of literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a spectrum of hematological diseases arising in context of immunosuppression after organ transplantation. PTLD can involve any organ; however, it is extremely rare in oral cavity.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using morphologic and immunophenotypic approaches we have studied a case of monomorphic PTLD of the tongue that developed in a patient following unilateral kidney and pancreas transplantation on immunosuppressive therapy. Additionally, cases of PTLD in the oral cavity were reviewed in the English literature.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The neoplasm showed large cell morphology and B-cell phenotype. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus was positive. Complete remission was obtained after decreasing immunosuppressive therapy. The patient remained in remission at 790 days' follow up.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This rare case increased our awareness of PTLD in the oral cavity of patients following solid organ transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy.</p

Rituximab treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with human immunodeficiency virus failing extensive treatment with plasma exchange: a report of two cases.

In an urban area with a 3% prevalence of HIV infection, two women presented in a 1-year period with AIDS and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). TTP was diagnosed in each patient based on the presence of thrombocytopenia, schistocytes, and markedly elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Initial treatment with plasma exchange resulted in resolution of these abnormalities. However, the discontinuation of plasma exchange resulted in the prompt recurrence of laboratory abnormalities diagnostic for TTP. Treatment failure was established after observing 6 and 4 such responses requiring 41 and 40 episodes of plasma exchange for each patient, respectively. Patients were subsequently treated with 2-4 doses of weekly rituximab resulting in durable remission. These patients are now 21 and 9 months beyond rituximab treatment. Rituximab appears to be safe and effective in this setting

The epidemiology of platelet transfusions: an analysis of platelet use at 12 US hospitals

Using the Recipient and Donor Epidemiology Study-III (REDS-III) recipient and donor databases, we performed a retrospective analysis of platelet use in 12 US hospitals that were participants in REDS-III. Data were electronically extracted from participating transfusion service and blood center computer systems and from medical records of the 12 REDS-III hospitals. All platelet transfusions from 2013 to 2016 given to patients aged 18 years and older were included in the analysis. There were 28,843 inpatients and 2987 outpatients who were transfused with 163,719 platelet products (103,371 apheresis, 60,348 whole blood derived); 93.5% of platelets were leukoreduced and 72.5% were irradiated. Forty-six percent were transfused to patients with an International Classification of Diseases, 9th/10th Revision (ICD-9/10) diagnosis of leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or lymphoma. The general ward and the intensive care unit (ICU) were the most common issue locations. Only 54% of platelet transfusions were ABO identical; and 60.6% of platelet transfusions given to Rh-negative patients were Rh positive. The most common pretransfusion platelet count range for inpatients was 20,000 to 50,000/μL, for outpatients it was 10,000 to 20,000/μL. Among ICU patients, 35% of platelet transfusion episodes had a platelet count of greater than 50,000/μL; this was only 8% for general ward and 2% for outpatients. The median posttransfusion increment, not corrected for platelet dose and/or patient size, ranged from 12,000 to 20,000/μL for inpatients, and from 17,000 to 27,000/μL for outpatients. These data from one of the largest reviews of platelet transfusion practice to date provide guidance for where to focus future clinical research studies and platelet blood management programs

The epidemiology of platelet transfusions: an analysis of platelet use at 12 US hospitals.

BackgroundUsing the Recipient and Donor Epidemiology Study-III (REDS-III) recipient and donor databases, we performed a retrospective analysis of platelet use in 12 US hospitals that were participants in REDS-III.Study design and methodsData were electronically extracted from participating transfusion service and blood center computer systems and from medical records of the 12 REDS-III hospitals. All platelet transfusions from 2013 to 2016 given to patients aged 18 years and older were included in the analysis.ResultsThere were 28,843 inpatients and 2987 outpatients who were transfused with 163,719 platelet products (103,371 apheresis, 60,348 whole blood derived); 93.5% of platelets were leukoreduced and 72.5% were irradiated. Forty-six percent were transfused to patients with an International Classification of Diseases, 9th/10th Revision (ICD-9/10) diagnosis of leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or lymphoma. The general ward and the intensive care unit (ICU) were the most common issue locations. Only 54% of platelet transfusions were ABO identical; and 60.6% of platelet transfusions given to Rh-negative patients were Rh positive. The most common pretransfusion platelet count range for inpatients was 20,000 to 50,000/μL, for outpatients it was 10,000 to 20,000/μL. Among ICU patients, 35% of platelet transfusion episodes had a platelet count of greater than 50,000/μL; this was only 8% for general ward and 2% for outpatients. The median posttransfusion increment, not corrected for platelet dose and/or patient size, ranged from 12,000 to 20,000/μL for inpatients, and from 17,000 to 27,000/μL for outpatients.ConclusionsThese data from one of the largest reviews of platelet transfusion practice to date provide guidance for where to focus future clinical research studies and platelet blood management programs