bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron deficiency anemia and iron stores in adult and adolescent women in pregnancy
Authors: SOARES NESTOR N. , MATTAR ROSIANE , CAMANO LUIS , TORLONI MARIA R.
Published: March 2010

Objective. To determine whether primiparous adolescent pregnancy is associated with increased risk of iron deficiency anemia and iron deficiency when compared with older primiparas. Design. Prospective cohort. Setting. Caratinga city, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Sample. A total of 183 women, being 61 adolescents and 122 adults. Methods. Five peripheral vein blood samples were collected from each participant, at 9–16 and 29–36 weeks, upon admission for delivery, within the first hour after delivery and 30–60 days post‐partum. We measured hemoglobin (Hb), transferrin saturation index and ferritin. Main outcome measures. Adolescent and adult women using chi‐squared test, Student's t‐test and hotelling test. Results. There were significant differences in Hb concentration during the various sampling periods, for the whole cohort. The prevalence of anemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) did not differ significantly between adults and adolescents. The decrease in the mean transferrin levels was more intense in adolescents than in adults, especially during the second half of pregnancy. Low ferritin levels (<12 μg/l) were more frequent in adolescents than in adults during pregnancy and throughout the study period. Conclusions. Although there were no significant differences in the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) in adolescents compared to adult women, low body iron stores and ferritin (< 12 μg/l) were significantly more frequent in adolescents.
Wound length and corticosteroid administration as risk factors for surgical‐site complications following cesarean section
Authors: DE VIVO ANTONIO , MANCUSO ALFREDO , GIACOBBE ANNAMARIA , PRIOLO ANTONIO MARIA , DE DOMINICI ROSANNA , MAGGIO SAVASTA LAURA
Published: March 2010

Objective. To evaluate the effect of some specific gestational factors and other known variables associated with poor wound healing in women who delivered by cesarean section. Design. Observational, prospective study. Setting. University Hospital of Messina. Population. A total of 212 consecutive pregnant women at term delivering by elective cesarean section. Methods. All data regarding demographic and gestational characteristics were collected at admission. The subcutaneous tissue depth was intra‐operatively measured from the fascia to the skin surface, while the incision length was measured after skin closure. Main outcome measures. Onset of wound complications such as infection, seroma, hematoma, abscess or dehiscence > 1 cm. Results. Body mass index (BMI) at term [odd ratio (OR) 1.2, 95%CI 1.03–1.38; p = 0.01], wound length (OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.05; p < 0.001) and corticosteroid administration (OR 3.4, 95%CI 1.5–7.9; p = 0.004) were found to be correlated with wound complications. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis suggested a cut‐off of 31.1 for the BMI at term and 166 mm for the wound length with an OR of 2.28 (95%CI 1.18–4.39; p = 0.013) and 4.3 (95%CI 2.2–8.6; p < 0.001), respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model, applied to these variables and to corticosteroid administration, showed an independent correlation (at term BMI > 31.1: OR 2.04, 1.01–4.13, p = 0.047; wound length > 166 mm: OR 4.89, 2.36–10.14, p < 0.001; corticosteroid administration: OR 3.11, 1.38–6.95, p = 0.006). Conclusions. To avoid wound complications obstetricians should be careful in the administration of steroids before surgery, in the skin incision length that should be kept as short as possible and in carefully observing gestational BMI.
Abnormal uterine bleeding refractory to medical therapy assessed by saline infusion sonohysterography
Authors: HAUGE KIM , EKERHOVD ERLING , GRANBERG SETH
Published: March 2010

Objective. The primary aim of the study was to assess the incidence of intracavitary pathology visualized by saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) in premenopausal women suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding refractory to medical therapy. Secondary aims were to evaluate the clinical course when a minimally invasive therapeutic approach was applied and to examine the need for hysterectomy in this group of women over a follow‐up period of two years. Design. Prospective cohort study. Setting. Tertiary referral university hospital. Population. Between February 2004 and June 2006, 104 premenopausal women suffering from abnormal uterine bleeding refractory to medical treatment were included. Methods. Transvaginal ultrasonography and SIS were performed as first line procedures of the investigation. Hysteroscopy was undertaken for removal of focal intrauterine anomalies. Hysterectomy was only carried out when other approaches failed or were regarded as unsuitable. Women who did not undergo hysterectomy had regular follow‐up consultations for at least two years. Main outcome measures. Incidence of intrauterine focal anomalies, clinical course, and need for hysterectomy. Results. Following saline infusion sonohysterograhy intracavitary anomalies were visualized in 58 (55.8%) women. Over the follow‐up period 80 women had successful minimally invasive treatment, while 24 women underwent hysterectomy. Conclusions. The study shows that focal intracavitary lesions are common in premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding refractory to medical treatment. By applying minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches acceptable bleeding patterns can be re‐established in most cases, thereby resulting in a low rate of hysterectomies.
A randomized controlled trial of 24‐hour vaginal dinoprostone pessary compared to gel for induction of labor in term pregnancies with a Bishop score ≤ 4
Authors: TRIGLIA MARIA TERESA , PALAMARA FABRIZIO , LOJACONO ANDREA , PREFUMO FEDERICO , FRUSCA TIZIANA
Published: March 2010

Objective. To compare 24‐hour controlled‐release vaginal dinoprostone pessary vs. gel for induction of labor at term in women with an unfavorable cervix. Design. Randomized controlled trial. Setting. University hospital. Population. A total of 133 women with singleton pregnancies, fetal cephalic presentation, Bishop score ≤ 4, gestational age of 37–42 weeks, no previous cesarean section and intact membranes admitted for induction of labor. Methods. Random allocation to either 24‐hour 10‐mg controlled‐release vaginal dinoprostone pessary or repeat doses of 2 mg vaginal dinoprostone gel. Main outcome measures. Rate of spontaneous vaginal, operative vaginal and cesarean delivery. Results. The rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery was significantly higher in the pessary group (72%) than in the gel group (54%), paralleled by a lower rate of operative vaginal deliveries (3 vs. 15%). The difference in cesarean section rate (25 vs. 31%) did not reach statistical significance. Both methods of induction of labor appeared to be safe, with no cases of 5‐minute Apgar scores < 7 or episodes of uterine hyperstimulation in either group. The medication cost was lower in the pessary group, with a median saving of 50.20€ compared to the gel group. Conclusions. Both the 24‐hour dinoprostone vaginal pessary and the vaginal gel appear to be safe for labor induction. In women induced at term with a Bishop score ≤ 4 the pessary achieved a significantly higher rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery.
Plasma interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) levels are correlated with antioxidant vitamin coenzyme Q10 in preeclampsia
Authors: ROLAND LINDA , GAGNÉ AMÉLIE , BÉLANGER MARIE‐CLAIRE , BOUTET MARIANNE , JULIEN PIERRE , BILODEAU JEAN‐FRANÇOIS
Published: March 2010

Objective. Alteration of cytokines level and oxidative stress are both associated with preeclampsia (PE). We have investigated if IL‐6 and IL‐18 levels were related to coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant and a marker of oxidative stress in the plasma from normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies. Design. IL‐6 and IL‐18 levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays in plasmas from preeclamptic (n = 29) and normotensive pregnancies (n = 30). The concentrations of CoQ10 in the different redox forms were measured in plasma using liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Rank‐Sum test and correlations were obtained by the Spearman's Rho test. Main outcome measures. IL‐6 concentrations were 2.8‐fold higher in preeclamptic plasmas than in controls (p = 0.0006), and IL‐18 concentrations were found significantly lower in preeclamptic samples than in controls (p = 0.007). No correlation was found between IL‐18 or IL‐6 and antioxidant vitamin CoQ10 in plasmas from normotensive pregnant women. However, in PE, IL‐18 level was positively correlated with the reduced form of CoQ10 (r = 0.3680, p = 0.0495). Conclusion. This is the first demonstration that IL‐18 is potentially linked to oxidative stress in PE, since its level correlates with the concentration of the powerful antioxidant CoQ10. These results also associate the immune system with the oxidant/antioxidant imbalance observed in PE.
Male fetal sex is associated with earlier onset of placental abruption
Authors: TIKKANEN MINNA , METSÄRANTA MARJO , GISSLER MIKA , LUUKKAALA TIINA , HIILESMAA VILHO , YLIKORKALA OLAVI , PAAVONEN JORMA , ANDERSSON STURE , NUUTILA MIKA
Published: March 2010

Objective. Placental abruption is an important cause of preterm birth, and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Although more common with male fetuses, outcomes have not been evaluated by sex. Our aim was to find out whether short‐term morbidity differs by infant sex in cases with placental abruption and in controls. Design. Register‐based case‐control study. Setting. National Hospital Discharge Register and Medical Birth Register data 1987–2005. Population. The study population consisted of 4,081 women with placental abruption and singleton infant. Three control women without placental abruption were selected for each case matched by maternal age, parity, year of birth, and hospital district. A total of 3,688 cases and 12,695 controls had liveborn infants. Methods. Data on pregnancy, delivery, and perinatal outcomes were collected. Main outcome measure. Placental abruption. Results. The sex ratio (proportion of male) of cases was 0.548 and of controls 0.516 (p = 0.001). Compared with females, male fetuses in the placental abruption group were born earlier (p = 0.018). Compared with controls, cases with placental abruption were born earlier (p < 0.001), had lower birthweight (p < 0.001), were more often growth restricted (p < 0.001), had lower Apgar scores (p < 0.001) and pH (p < 0.001). Newborn cases needed special care, respirator treatment, antimicrobial and phototherapy more often (p < 0.001) than controls. There was no difference in perinatal outcomes between female and male infants in the placental abruption group. Conclusions. Placental abruption occurred earlier in pregnancy with male fetal sex but otherwise the outcomes were similar. Compared with controls newborns in the placental abruption group had a worse outcome.
Vaginal hysterectomy as a primary route for morbidly obese women
Authors: SHETH SHIRISH S.
Published: March 2010

Vaginal hysterectomy is a least invasive and the choicest route when hysterectomy is possible by recourse to all the three available techniques. However in obese women, the common method is by the more invasive abdominal or laparoscopic route, with attendant morbidity. Vaginal hysterectomy was reviewed in 102 morbidly obese women (body mass index, BMI ≥ 40) and compared with 50 comparable morbidly obese women who underwent abdominal hysterectomy and with vaginal hysterectomy in 200 normal weight women (BMI < 25). Time for vaginal hysterectomy was slightly but significantly longer in the morbidly obese compared to those of normal weight, while the abdominal approach was significantly longer in the morbidly obese. Hospital stay was significantly longer for the abdominal operations in the obese. Surgical and anesthetic complications did not differ. In the absence of specific contraindications for vaginal hysterectomy it is recommended that the surgeon should perform hysterectomy vaginally and consider obesity as a contraindication for taking the abdominal route.
Voicing Culture: Training Korean Actors' Voices through the Namdaemun Market Projects
Authors: McAllister-Viel Tara
Published: March 2010

Over the past ten years, scholars and voice practitioners have debated issues surrounding the training of the actor's voice and addressed the actor's culture during that training. This article asks, What cultural assumptions are embedded within mainstream voice approaches and how are these transmitted within classrooms that are becoming increasingly multicultural/multilinguistic? How might re-contextualizing western voice praxis in a Korean acting conservatoire reframe issues emerging from recent debates, and offer different ways of thinking, talking, and embodying a culture–voice relationship in the training of actors' voices?

This article critically examines the ways in which the actor's voice, and by extension the training of that voice, inform the material conditions for the production of meaning in contemporary devised performance and suggests one practical way voice trainers can create a praxis that places voice and culture at the centre of the training and theatre-making process. Using the author's voice classes at the Korean National University of Arts (KNUA) in Seoul, Korea, as case studies, this article investigates issues through a practice-as-research methodological approach within a series of performance projects called the Namdaemun Market Projects.
Doxorubicin for prevention of epineurial fibrosis in a rat sciatic nerve model: outcome based on gross postsurgical, histopathological, and ultrastructural findings
Authors: Albayrak Baki S. , Ismailoglu Ozgur , Ilbay Konuralp , Yaka Umut , Tanriover Gamze , Gorgulu Askin , Demir Necdet
Published: March 2010

Object

Epineural fibrosis may complicate peripheral nerve surgeries and currently is considered as one of the main factors responsible for failed surgeries. The authors investigated the postoperative antiscarring effects of topically applied doxorubicin (DXR) on rat sciatic nerves.

Methods

The sciatic nerves were dissected from the surrounding tissue and exposed bilaterally in 20 Wistar albino adult male rats. Abrasion trauma was produced on the exposed surface of the biceps femoris muscle in the vicinity of the sciatic nerves and their main branches in all animals. In the DXR Group, cottonoid pads soaked with DXR (0.5 mg/ml) were placed around the nerves for 5 minutes, whereas cotton pads soaked with saline (0.9% NaCl) were applied to nerves of animals in the Control Group for the same duration. Twelve weeks after the procedure, all of the rats were killed and the sciatic nerves were examined. Epineural adhesions were evaluated histopathologically and ultrastructurally. Additionally, quantitative histological parameters, the scar tissue formation index and the scar density, were calculated in histological evaluation.

Results

Gross postsurgical evaluation as well as histopathological and electron microscopic examination of involved nerve segments showed significantly less epineurial adhesions in the DXR Group than in the Control Group. Quantitative analysis of the epineurium revealed a statistically significant reduction in the density and amount of epineural scarring in specimens from the DXR Group than in those from the Control Group.

Conlusions

The results of gross postsurgical anatomical evaluation and histopathological and ultrastructural studies suggested that topical application of DXR effectively reduced epineural scar formation on rat sciatic nerves. These promising findings merit further experimental and clinical studies to determine the efficacy and safe applicability of DXR in human subjects.
Oxidation of Isoeugenol by Salen Complexes with Bulky Substituents
Authors: Salanti Anika , Orlandi Marco , Tolppa Eeva-Liisa , Zoia Luca
Published: March 2010

The catalytic properties of bulky water-soluble salen complexes in the oxidation of isoeugenol(2-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl) phenol) have been investigated in aqueous ethanol solutions in order to obtain a mixture of polymeric compounds through dehydrogenative polymerization. The average molecular weight of dehydrogenated polymers (DHPs) was monitored by GPC and correlated to reaction conditions such as time, concentration of substrate, concentration of catalyst, type of oxidation agent, etc. The DHP synthesized by adopting the best reaction conditions was characterized by different analytical techniques (GPC, 13C-NMR, 31P-NMR and LC-MS) to elucidate its structure. The lignin-like polymer resulting from isoeugenol radical coupling possesses valuable biological activity and finds applications in a variety of fields, such as packaging industry and cultural heritage conservation.
Influence of Yttrium on the Thermal Stability of Ti-Al-N Thin Films
Authors: Moser Martin , Kiener Daniel , Scheu Christina , Mayrhofer Paul H.
Published: March 2010

Ti1-xAlxN coated tools are commonly used in high-speed machining, where the cutting edge of an end-mill or insert is exposed to temperatures up to 1100 °C. Here, we investigate the effect of Yttrium addition on the thermal stability of Ti1-xAlxN coatings. Reactive DC magnetron sputtering of powder metallurgically prepared Ti0.50Al0.50, Ti0.49Al0.49Y0.02, and Ti0.46Al0.46Y0.08 targets result in the formation of single-phase cubic (c) Ti0.45Al0.55N, binary cubic/wurtzite c/w-Ti0.41Al0.57Y0.02N and singe-phase w-Ti0.38Al0.54Y0.08N coatings. Using pulsed DC reactive magnetron sputtering for the Ti0.49Al0.49Y0.02 target allows preparing single-phase c-Ti0.46Al0.52Y0.02N coatings. By employing thermal analyses in combination with X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy investigations of as deposited and annealed (in He atmosphere) samples, we revealed that Y effectively retards the decomposition of the Ti1-x-yAlxYyN solid-solution to higher temperatures and promotes the precipitation of c-TiN, c-YN, and w-AlN. Due to their different microstructure and morphology already in the as deposited state, the hardness of the coatings decreases from ~35 to 22 GPa with increasing Y-content and increasing wurtzite phase fraction. Highest peak hardness of ~38 GPa is obtained for the Y-free c-Ti0.45Al0.55N coating after annealing at Ta = 950 °C, due to spinodal decomposition. After annealing above 1000 °C the highest hardness is obtained for the 2 mol % YN containing c-Ti0.46Al0.52Y0.02N coating with ~29 and 28 GPa for Ta = 1150 and 1200 °C, respectively.
Development of Fabrication Methods of Filler/Polymer Nanocomposites: With Focus on Simple Melt-Compounding-Based Approach without Surface Modification of Nanofillers
Authors: Tanahashi Mitsuru
Published: March 2010

Many attempts have been made to fabricate various types of inorganic nanoparticle-filled polymers (filler/polymer nanocomposites) by a mechanical or chemical approach. However, these approaches require modification of the nanofiller surfaces and/or complicated polymerization reactions, making them unsuitable for industrial-scale production of the nanocomposites. The author and coworkers have proposed a simple melt-compounding method for the fabrication of silica/polymer nanocomposites, wherein silica nanoparticles without surface modification were dispersed through the breakdown of loose agglomerates of colloidal nano-silica spheres in a kneaded polymer melt. This review aims to discuss experimental techniques of the proposed method and its advantages over other developed methods.
Bis(oxazolines) based on glycopyranosides – steric, configurational and conformational influences on stereoselectivity
Authors: Minuth Tobias , Boysen Mike M K
Published: March 2010

In previous studies we found that the asymmetric induction of bis(oxazolines) based on D-glucosamine strongly depended on the steric demand of the 3-O-substituents. To further probe the impact of the 3-position of the pyranose scaffold, we prepared 3-epimerised and 3-defunctionalised versions of these ligands as well as a 3-O-formyl derivative. Application of these new ligands in asymmetric cyclopropanation revealed strong steric and configurational effects of position 3 on asymmetric induction, further dramatic effects of the pyranose conformation were also observed.
Cutting Edge: H-2Ld Class I Molecule Protects an HIV N-Extended Epitope from In Vitro Trimming by Endoplasmic Reticulum Aminopeptidase Associated with Antigen Processing
Authors: Infantes Susana , Samino Yolanda , Lorente Elena , Jiménez Mercedes , García Ruth , Del Val Margarita , López Daniel
Published: March 2010

In the classical MHC class I Ag presentation pathway, antigenic peptides derived from viral proteins by multiple proteolytic cleavages are transported to the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and are then exposed to ami-nopeptidase activity. In the current study, a long MHC class I natural ligand recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes was used to study the kinetics of degradation by aminopeptidase. The in vitro data indicate that this N-extended peptide is efficiently trimmed to a 9-mer, unless its binding to the MHC molecules protects the full-length peptide.
Cutting Edge: Critical Role of IκB Kinase α in TLR7/9-Induced Type I IFN Production by Conventional Dendritic Cells
Authors: Hoshino Katsuaki , Sasaki Izumi , Sugiyama Takahiro , Yano Takahiro , Yamazaki Chihiro , Yasui Teruhito , Kikutani Hitoshi , Kaisho Tsuneyasu
Published: March 2010

A plasmacytoid dendritic cell (DC) can produce large amounts of type I IFNs after sensing nucleic acids through TLR7 and TLR9. IκB kinase α (IKKα) is critically involved in this type I IFN production through its interaction with IFN regulatory factor-7. In response to TLR7/9 signaling, conventional DCs can also produce IFN-β but not IFN-α in a type I IFN-independent manner. In this study, we showed that IKKα was required for production of IFN-β, but not of proinflammatory cytokines, by TLR7/9-stimulated conventional DCs. Importantly, IKKα was dispensable for IFN-β gene upregulation by TLR4 signaling. Biochemical analyses indicated that IKKα exerted its effects through its interaction with IFN regulatory factor-1. Furthermore, IKKα was involved in TLR9-induced type I IFN-independent IFN-β production in vivo. Our results show that IKKα is a unique molecule involved in TLR7/9-MyD88–dependent type I IFN production through DC subset-specific mechanisms.
CD22 × Siglec-G Double-Deficient Mice Have Massively Increased B1 Cell Numbers and Develop Systemic Autoimmunity
Authors: Jellusova Julia , Wellmann Ute , Amann Kerstin , Winkler Thomas H. , Nitschke Lars
Published: March 2010

CD22 and Siglec-G are inhibitory coreceptors for BCR-mediated signaling. Although CD22-deficient mice show increased calcium signaling in their conventional B2 cells and a quite normal B cell maturation, Siglec-G–deficient mice have increased calcium mobilization just in B1 cells and show a large expansion of the B1 cell population. Neither CD22-deficient, nor Siglec-G–deficient mice on a pure C57BL/6 or BALB/c background, respectively, develop autoimmunity. Using Siglec-G × CD22 double-deficient mice, we addressed whether Siglec-G and CD22 have redundant functions. Siglec-G × CD22 double-deficient mice show elevated calcium responses in both B1 cells and B2 cells, increased serum IgM levels and an enlarged population of B1 cells. The enlargement of B1 cell numbers is even higher than in Siglecg−/− mice. This expansion seems to happen at the expense of B2 cells, which are reduced in absolute cell numbers, but show an activated phenotype. Furthermore, Siglec-G × CD22 double-deficient mice show a diminished immune response to both thymus-dependent and thymus-independent type II Ags. In contrast, B cells from Siglec-G × CD22 double-deficient mice exhibit a hyperproliferative response to stimulation with several TLR ligands. Aged Siglec-G × CD22 double-deficient mice spontaneously develop anti-DNA and antinuclear autoantibodies. These resulted in a moderate form of immune complex glomerulonephritis. These results show that Siglec-G and CD22 have partly compensatory functions and together are crucial in maintaining the B cell tolerance.
SHIP1 Inhibition Increases Immunoregulatory Capacity and Triggers Apoptosis of Hematopoietic Cancer Cells
Authors: Brooks Robert , Fuhler Gwenny M. , Iyer Sonia , Smith Michelle J. , Park Mi-Young , Paraiso Kim H. T. , Engelman Robert W. , Kerr William G.
Published: March 2010

Genetic studies revealed that SHIP1 limits blood cell production and immune regulatory cell numbers in vivo. We postulated that molecular targeting of SHIP1 might enhance blood cell production and increase immunoregulatory capacity. In this study, we report the identification of a chemical inhibitor of SHIP1, 3 α-aminocholestane (3AC). Treatment with 3AC significantly expands the myeloid immunoregulatory cell compartment and impairs the ability of peripheral lymphoid tissues to prime allogeneic T cell responses. In addition, 3AC treatment profoundly increases granulocyte production without triggering the myeloid-associated lung consolidation observed in SHIP1−/− mice. Moreover, 3AC also enhances RBC, neutrophil, and platelet recovery in myelosuppressed hosts. Intriguingly, we also find that chemical inhibition of SHIP1 triggers apoptosis of blood cancer cells. Thus, SHIP1 inhibitors represent a novel class of small molecules that have the potential to enhance allogeneic transplantation, boost blood cell production, and improve the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
Constitutive Association of TGF-β–Activated Kinase 1 with the IκB Kinase Complex in the Nucleus and Cytoplasm of Human Neutrophils and Its Impact on Downstream Processes
Authors: Ear Thornin , Fortin Carl F. , Simard François A. , McDonald Patrick P.
Published: March 2010

Neutrophils influence innate and adaptative immunity by generating numerous mediators whose regulation largely depends on the IκB kinase (IKK)/IκB/NF-κB signaling cascade. A singular feature of neutrophils is that they express several components of this pathway (namely, NF-κB/Rel proteins and IκB-α) in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. We recently reported that the IKK complex of neutrophils is similarly expressed and activated in both cellular compartments. However, the upstream IKK kinase has not yet been identified. In this study, we report that neutrophils express the mitogen-activated protein 3 kinase, TGF-β–activated kinase 1 (TAK1), as well as its associated partners, TAK1-binding protein (TAB) 1, TAB2, and TAB4, in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Following cell stimulation by TNF-α or LPS, TAK1 becomes rapidly and transiently activated. Blocking TAK1 kinase activity with a highly selective inhibitor (5z-7-oxozeaenol) attenuated the phosphorylation of nuclear and cytoplasmic IKKα/β, IκB-α, and RelA, and also impaired IκB-α degradation and NF-κB DNA binding in activated neutrophils. Moreover, TAK1 was found to be involved in the activation of p38 MAPK and ERK, which also influence cytokine generation in neutrophils. As a result, inflammatory cytokine expression and release were profoundly impaired following TAK1 inhibition. Similarly, the delayed apoptosis observed in response to LPS or TNF-α was reversed by TAK1 inhibition. By contrast, IKKγ phosphorylation and STAT1 activation were unaffected by TAK1 inhibition. Our data establish the central role of TAK1 in controlling nuclear and cytoplasmic signaling cascades in primary neutrophils, making it a promising target for therapeutic intervention in view of the foremost role of neutrophils in several chronic inflammatory conditions.
IL-7 Promotes T Cell Viability, Trafficking, and Functionality and Improves Survival in Sepsis
Authors: Unsinger Jacqueline , McGlynn Margaret , Kasten Kevin R. , Hoekzema Andrew S. , Watanabe Eizo , Muenzer Jared T. , McDonough Jacquelyn S. , Tschoep Johannes , Ferguson Thomas A. , McDunn Jonathan E. , Morre Michel , Hildeman David A. , Caldwell Charles C. , Hotchkiss Richard S.
Published: March 2010

Sepsis is a highly lethal disorder characterized by widespread apoptosis-induced depletion of immune cells and the development of a profound immunosuppressive state. IL-7 is a potent antiapoptotic cytokine that enhances immune effector cell function and is essential for lymphocyte survival. In this study, recombinant human IL-7 (rhIL-7) efficacy and potential mechanisms of action were tested in a murine peritonitis model. Studies at two independent laboratories showed that rhIL-7 markedly improved host survival, blocked apoptosis of CD4 and CD8 T cells, restored IFN-γ production, and improved immune effector cell recruitment to the infected site. Importantly, rhIL-7 also prevented a hallmark of sepsis (i.e., the loss of delayed-type hypersensitivity), which is an IFN-γ– and T cell-dependent response. Mechanistically, rhIL-7 significantly increased the expression of the leukocyte adhesion markers LFA-1 and VLA-4, consistent with its ability to improve leukocyte function and trafficking to the infectious focus. rhIL-7 also increased the expression of CD8. The potent antiapoptotic effect of rhIL-7 was due to increased Bcl-2, as well as to a dramatic decrease in sepsis-induced PUMA, a heretofore unreported effect of IL-7. If additional animal studies support its efficacy in sepsis and if current clinical trials continue to confirm its safety in diverse settings, rhIL-7 should be strongly considered for clinical trials in sepsis.
Carbohydrate Oxidation Acidifies Endosomes, Regulating Antigen Processing and TLR9 Signaling
Authors: Lewis Colleen J. , Cobb Brian A.
Published: March 2010

Phagocytes kill encapsulated microbes through oxidative cleavage of surface carbohydrates, releasing glycan fragments and microbial contents that serve as ligands for immune receptors, which tailor the immune response against the offending pathogen. The glycan fragments serve as MHC class II (MHC II) ligands and innate receptor agonists, whereas microbial proteins serve as substrates for proteolytic cleavage and MHC II presentation, and released nucleic acids activate innate pattern-recognition receptors (e.g., TLR9). In the current study, confocal microscopy of live macrophages and dendritic cells revealed that endocytosis of carbohydrates lead to vesicular acidification independent of proton pump activity. Acidification was dependent on NO-mediated oxidation in the presence of the ingested carbohydrate and was sufficient to negatively regulate T cell-dependent polysaccharide Ag cleavage, promote acid-dependent protein Ag processing, and facilitate CpG-mediated TLR9 signaling. Our findings lead to a model in which oxidation of carbohydrates from encapsulated microbes facilitates adaptive immune responses against microbial protein and carbohydrate Ags through promoting Ag processing for MHC II-mediated presentation as well as innate responses against released microbial DNA via TLR9 signaling.
Cutting Edge: Caspase-1 Independent IL-1β Production Is Critical for Host Resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Does Not Require TLR Signaling In Vivo
Authors: Mayer-Barber Katrin D. , Barber Daniel L. , Shenderov Kevin , White Sandra D. , Wilson Mark S. , Cheever Allen , Kugler David , Hieny Sara , Caspar Patricia , Núñez Gabriel , Schlueter Dirk , Flavell Richard A. , Sutterwala Fayyaz S. , Sher Alan
Published: March 2010

To investigate the respective contributions of TLR versus IL-1R mediated signals in MyD88 dependent control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, we compared the outcome of M. tuberculosis infection in MyD88, TRIF/MyD88, IL-1R1, and IL-1β–deficient mice. All four strains displayed acute mortality with highly increased pulmonary bacterial burden suggesting a major role for IL-1β signaling in determining the MyD88 dependent phenotype. Unexpectedly, the infected MyD88 and TRIF/MyD88-deficient mice, rather than being defective in IL-1β expression, displayed increased cytokine levels relative to wild-type animals. Similarly, infected mice deficient in caspase-1 and ASC, which have critical functions in inflammasome-mediated IL-1β maturation, showed unimpaired IL-1β production and importantly, were considerably less susceptible to infection than IL-1β deficient mice. Together our findings reveal a major role for IL-1β in host resistance to M. tuberculosis and indicate that during this infection the cytokine can be generated by a mechanism that does not require TLR signaling or caspase-1.
Business ethics of private general practitioners in KwaDuKuza, Kwazulu-Natal
Authors: Govendor Indiran , Morris Gary
Published: March 2010

Background: Private general practitioners (GPs) have been criticised by the lay press citing unethical practice and the acceptance of kickbacks. In 2003, the Ethics Institute of South Africa conducted a national study of all doctors and also accused private GPs of unethical practice. In countries such as South Africa, with a practice of fee-for-service payments, there may be a temptation to put material interests above the best interests of patients. Private GPs, on the other hand, are of the opinion that the press and the Ethics Institute publication have unfairly singled them out.Objective: To detect whether private GPs in KwaDukuza perceive their colleagues to be practising ethically.Method: The study entailed a cross-sectional descriptive study design, in which all 30 private GPs based in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire during 2003. The survey was done on a voluntary basis and anonymity and confidentiality was maintained.Results: Twenty-five doctors returned completed questionnaires (an 83.3% response rate). Seventy per cent perceived their peers to be practicing ethically, while 48% (12/25) reported that they did not observe any medical misconduct by their colleagues. The majority of the respondents (76%) reported that they did not know of any colleague who supplemented his or her income through the over-servicing of patients. The majority of the respondents (84%) also reported that their colleagues never accepted cash payments that were not declared for income tax purposes. Medically unnecessary tests are a form of unethical behaviour pertaining to over-servicing, and 64% of the respondents reported that medically unnecessary tests to satisfy patient requests were not an important reason for performing these tests. The doctors expressed high stress levels from multiple stressors in their occupation.Conclusion: GPs in KwaDukuza indicated that they were under stress, but still practised ethically. The GPs emphasised the need for more training in medical ethics at all levels of the medical career. The majority of GPs of KwaDukuza perceive their colleagues to be practising ethically.
Census for Proteome Quantification
Authors: Park Sung Kyu , Yates John R.
Published: March 2010

Quantitative analysis has become increasingly important in the proteomics field; however, the large amount of mass spectrometric data and the different types of quantitative strategies make data analysis ever challenging. Here we describe a quantitative software tool called Census to analyze high‐throughput mass spectrometry data from shotgun proteomics experiments in an efficient way. Census is capable of analyzing various stable isotope labeling experiments (using, e.g., 15N, 18O, SILAC, iTRAQ, TMT) in addition to labeling‐free experiments. With high‐resolution data, Census increases the quantitative accuracy by minimizing the contributions of interfering peaks and chemical noise with a small accuracy tolerance for each isotope peak. Census provides various scoring algorithms including least‐squares correlation, weight average, singleton peptide detection with discriminant analysis, and probability score for each peptide. Furthermore, Census has built‐in multiple statistical filters to maintain robust quality control on quantitative results. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 29:13.12.1‐13.12.11. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
DigitAlia – The Other Digital Practice
Authors: Colletti Marjan
Published: March 2010

Marjan Colletti, the guest‐editor of this issue, defines a clear political agenda for DigitAlia as an alternative mode of digital practice. He outlines how it potentially absorbs the latest digital techniques while embracing the poetic and knowledge of cultural traditions and pushing the very boundaries of creativity. The scope of Colletti's ideas is illustrated by images from his own practice with Marcos Cruz, marcosandmarjan architects, and those of his students at the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), the University of Westminster in London and Innsbruck University in Austria. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interiorities
Authors: Rahim Ali
Published: March 2010

Ali Rahim emphasises the importance for design of overlaying a mastery of digital techniques with a nuanced and developed aesthetic sensibility. Here he illustrates his fascination with the formal with his exploration of ‘interiorities’, or internal logics of tectonic structures, in his design research at the University of Pennsylvania. The strive to create variation and atmosphere in buildings effectively places a stress on different part‐to‐whole relationships, organisations, material qualities and colours and their various rates of transformation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exuberant Couture
Authors: Clark Judith
Published: March 2010

Is the exuberant confined to architecture? Judith Clark, curator and lecturer in the history and theory of fashion, looks into the sartorial equivalent of digital exuberance. She describes how exuberance in fashion is largely performance‐based expressed on the catwalk, as epitomised by Hussein Chalayan's dramatic staging of his shows. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Let's Rock over Barock
Authors: Prix Wolf D
Published: March 2010

Since the 17th century, Austria has been a stronghold of the Baroque. Here Wolf D Prix of Coop Himmelb(l)au recognises the deep pull of this cultural tradition in contemporary Austrian architecture, as it continues to endow its designers with an aptitude for spatial sequence and a tendency to prefer to design complex spaces over simplified boxes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Winter Olympic Buildings, Vancouver 2010
Authors: Littlefield David
Published: March 2010

Visiting Vancouver in advance of the 2010 Winter Olympics, David Littlefield discovered that the city was pressing two architectural agendas particularly hard: legacy and timber – the Canadian Northwest's principal natural resource. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Francis‐Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT)
Authors: Watson Fleur , Hook Martyn
Published: March 2010

The output of FJMT varies greatly in scale and location. The practice has completed community schemes in Sydney's suburbs as well as accommodation for prestigious institutions in the city centre. It has adapted existing structures on heritage sites as well as producing high‐tech newbuilds. As Fleur Watson and Martyn Hook explain, what FJMT's projects have in common is an unwavering commitment to the enhancement of the public realm. The firm embraces the full responsibility of building in the sensitive urban and topographic context of this harbour city with its ridges and coastal inlets. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biodiversity Targets as the Basis for Green Design
Authors: Wells Mike , Yeang Ken
Published: March 2010

Mike Wells, the Director of Biodiversity by Design, and Ken Yeang outline the need for biodiversity targets in architecture to provide a more far‐reaching basis for green design. Rather than just literally ‘greening’ a building by covering it with foliage, they seek to encourage designers to engage with wider ecological processes and in more specific detail. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urban Interactive
Authors: Croci Valentina
Published: March 2010

Valentina Croci profiles the work of entertainment design office Area/Code which foregrounds urban locations in its games. As Croci explains the approach of this NewYork‐based partnership, which delivers sat nav‐inspired gaming to the mobile phone, demonstrates an inherent understanding of the importance of the physical in enhancing the imaginary. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Warm Laser Shock Peening Driven Nanostructures and Their Effects on Fatigue Performance in Aluminum Alloy 6160
Authors: Ye Chang , Liao Yiliang , Cheng Gary J.
Published: March 2010

Warm laser shock peening is an innovative manufacturing process that integrates laser shock peening and dynamic aging to improve materials' fatigue performance. Compared to traditional laser shock peening (LSP), warm laser shock peening (WLSP) – i.e., LSP at elevated temperatures – provides better performance in many aspects. WLSP can induce nanoscale precipitation and high density dislocation arrangement, resulting in higher surface strength and lower surface roughness than LSP, which are both beneficial for fatigue life improvement. Due to pinning of the dislocation structure by nanoscale precipitates – so‐called dislocation pinning effects – the relaxation of residual stress and surfaces dislocation arrangement is significantly reduced. In this study, AA6061 alloy is used to evaluate the WLSP process. It is found that the fatigue life improvements after WLSP are not only caused by large compressive residual stress and high density dislocations but also by the higher stability of the residual stresses and surface strength during cyclic loading.
Process Cost Comparison for Conventional and Near‐Net‐Shape Cermet Fabrication
Authors: Xiong Yuhong , Schoenung Julie M.
Published: March 2010

Tungsten carbide–cobalt (WC–Co) is a widely used cermet that is generally fabricated into bulk parts via conventional powder metallurgy (P/M) methods. Because this material (and other cermets) is very hard and wear resistant, diamond grinding is generally required to fabricate complex parts. As an alternative, studies have shown the Laser Engineering Net Shaping (LENS) process to be a technically feasible method, allowing for fabrication of near‐net‐shape parts. The economic trade‐offs, however, have not been previously characterized. In this work, technical cost modeling (TCM) is applied to compare the costs of fabricating WC–Co parts with the P/M process to those of the LENS process. Cost drivers are identified and sensitivity analysis is conducted. Results reveal that the uncertainty in functional unit has a significant effect on relative process costs, and the cost is sensitive to order size only if less than ten parts are produced. It is concluded that the LENS process is economically preferable if part size is small or part shape is complex. The P/M process is more suitable to produce large parts in simple shapes.
Ordering of Disordered Nanowires: Spontaneous Formation of Highly Aligned, Ultralong Ag Nanowire Films at Oil–Water–Air Interface
Authors: Shi Hong‐Yan , Hu Bo , Yu Xiao‐Chun , Zhao Rong‐Li , Ren Xi‐Feng , Liu Shi‐Lin , Liu Jian‐Wei , Feng Mei , Xu An‐Wu , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: March 2010

One‐dimensional nanomaterials and their assemblies attract considerable scientific interest in the physical, chemical, and biological fields because of their potential applications in electronic and optical devices. The interface‐assembly method has become an important route for the self‐assembly of nanoparticles, nanosheets, nanotubes, and nanorods, but the self‐assembly of ultralong nanowires has only been successful using the Langmuir–Blodgett approach. A novel approach for the spontaneous formation of highly aligned, ultralong Ag nanowire films at the oil–water–air interface is described. In this approach, the three‐phase interface directs the movement and self‐assembly process of the ultralong Ag nanowires without the effect of an external force or complex apparatus. The ordered films exhibit intrinsic large electromagnetic fields that are localized in the interstitials between adjacent nanowires. This new three‐phase‐interface approach is proven to be a general route that can be extended to self‐assemble other ultralong nanowires and produce ordered films.
Nanocrystalline Electroplated Cu–Ni: Metallic Thin Films with Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Tunable Magnetic Behavior
Authors: Pellicer Eva , Varea Aïda , Pané Salvador , Nelson Bradley J. , Menéndez Enric , Estrader Marta , Suriñach Santiago , Baró Maria Dolors , Nogués Josep , Sort Jordi
Published: March 2010

Nanocrystalline 3 µm thick Cu1–xNix (0.45 ≤ x ≤ 0.87) films are electrodeposited galvanostatically onto Cu/Ti/Si (100) substrates, from a citrate‐ and sulphate‐based bath containing sodium lauryl sulphate and saccharine as additives. The films exhibit large values of reduced Young's modulus (173 < Er < 192 GPa) and hardness (6.4 < H < 8.2 GPa), both of which can be tailored by varying the alloy composition. The outstanding mechanical properties of these metallic films can be ascribed to their nanocrystalline nature—as evidenced by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy—along with the occurrence of stacking faults and the concomitant formation of intragranular nanotwins during film growth. Due to their nanocrystalline character, these films also show very low surface roughness (root mean square deviation of around 2 nm). Furthermore, tunable magnetic properties, including a transition from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic behavior, are observed when the Ni percentage is increased. This combination of properties, together with the simplicity of the fabrication method, makes this system attractive for widespread technological applications, including hard metallic coatings or magnetic micro/nano‐electromechanical devices.
Combination of Enantioselective Metal Catalysis and Organocatalysis: Enantioselective Sequential Hydroformylation/ Aldol Reactions
Authors: Chercheja Serghei , Nadakudity Sailendra K. , Eilbracht Peter
Published: March 2010

This work reports the possibility of controlling the sense of enantio‐ and diastereoinductions in the sequential hydroformylation and aldol reactions via the judicious combination of a chiral metal catalyst with a chiral organocatalyst. The diastereoselectivity of the reaction between styrene, syngas and acetone can be increased by using a matched pair of catalysts, [rhodium/(2S,4S)‐Chiraphite]/(S)‐organocatalyst and decreased, but not inverted, by using a mismatched pair of catalysts, [rhodium/(2R,4R)‐Chiraphite]/(S)‐organocatalyst.