Saint Louis University

About: Saint Louis University is a education organization based out in St Louis, Missouri, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 18927 authors who have published 34895 publications receiving 1267475 citations. The organization is also known as: SLU & St. Louis University.

Adenovirus Vectors for Gene Therapy, Vaccination and Cancer Gene Therapy

Abstract: Adenovirus vectors are the most commonly employed vector for cancer gene therapy. They are also used for gene therapy and as vaccines to express foreign antigens. Adenovirus vectors can be replication-defective; certain essential viral genes are deleted and replaced by a cassette that expresses a foreign therapeutic gene. Such vectors are used for gene therapy, as vaccines, and for cancer therapy. Replication-competent (oncolytic) vectors are employed for cancer gene therapy. Oncolytic vectors are engineered to replicate preferentially in cancer cells and to destroy cancer cells through the natural process of lytic virus replication. Many clinical trials indicate that replication-defective and replication-competent adenovirus vectors are safe and have therapeutic activity.

Prisoner Reentry: What Works, What Does Not, and What Is Promising

Abstract: During the past decade, there has been a renewed interest in prisoner reentry. This is due to a change in many of the factors surrounding the release of prisoners and their reentry to the community. These changes include a modification of sentencing from the use of parole to determinate release with fewer ex-offenders having supervision in the community, an increased emphasis on surveillance rather than assistance for those under supervision, less community stability and availability of community social service support, and dramatically larger numbers returning to the community. More releasees are being violated and returned to the community than ever before. Therefore, it is important to identify prisoner reentry programs that work. We define reentry, categorize reentry programs, and use the Maryland Scale of Scientific Method to determine the effectiveness of program categories. We conclude that many such categories are effective in aiding reentry and reducing recidivism.

Evaluation of Intravenous Immunoglobulin as an Agent to Lower Allosensitization and Improve Transplantation in Highly Sensitized Adult Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease: Report of the NIH IG02 Trial

Abstract: Reported are the reduction of anti-HLA antibody levels and improvement of transplant rates by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Between 1997 and 2000, a total of 101 adult patients with ESRD who were highly sensitized to HLA antigens (panel reactive antibody [PRA] > or =50% monthly for 3 mo) enrolled onto an NIH-sponsored trial (IG02). Patients received IVIG or placebo. Subjects received IVIG 2 g/kg monthly for 4 mo or an equivalent volume of placebo with additional infusions at 12 and 24 mo after entry if not transplanted. If transplanted, additional infusions were given monthly for 4 mo. Baseline PRA levels were similar in both groups. However, IVIG significantly reduced PRA levels in study subjects compared with placebo. Sixteen IVIG patients (35%) and eight placebo patients (17%) were transplanted. Rejection episodes occurred in 9 of 17 IVIG and 1 of 10 placebo subjects. Seven graft failures occurred (four IVIG, three placebo) among adherent patients with similar 2-yr graft survival rates (80% IVIG, 75% placebo). With a median follow-up of 2 yr after transplant, the viable transplants functioned normally with a mean +/- SEM serum creatinine of 1.68 +/- 0.28 for IVIG versus 1.28 +/- 0.13 mg/dl for placebo. Adverse events rates were similar in both groups. We conclude that IVIG is better than placebo in reducing anti-HLA antibody levels and improving transplantation rates in highly sensitized patients with ESRD. Transplant rates for highly sensitized patients with ESRD awaiting kidney transplants are improved with IVIG therapy.