bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival on Dialysis Among American Indians and Alaska Natives With Diabetes in the United States, 1995–2010
Authors: Burrows Nilka Ríos , Cho Pyone , McKeever Bullard Kai , Narva Andrew S. , Eggers Paul W. 
Published: April 2014

Objectives. We assessed survival in American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) with end-stage renal disease attributed to diabetes who initiated hemodialysis between 1995 and 2009. Methods. Follow-up extended from the first date of dialysis in the United States Renal Data System until December 31, 2010, kidney transplantation, or death. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to compute survival on dialysis by age and race/ethnicity and Cox regression analysis to compute adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). Results. Our study included 510 666 persons—48% Whites, 2% AI/AN persons, and 50% others. Median follow-up was 2.2 years (interquartile range = 1.1–4.1 years). At any age, AI/AN persons survived longer on hemodialysis than Whites; this finding persisted after adjusting for baseline differences. Among AI/AN individuals, those with full Indian blood ancestry had the lowest adjusted risk of death compared with Whites (HR = 0.58; 95% confidence interval = 0.55, 0.61). The risk increased with declining proportion of AI/AN ancestry. Conclusions. Survival on dialysis was better among AI/AN than White persons with diabetes. Among AI/AN persons, the inverse relationship between risk of death and level of AI/AN ancestry suggested that cultural or hereditary factors played a role in survival.
Diabetes-Related Mortality Among American Indians and Alaska Natives, 1990–2009
Authors: Cho Pyone , Geiss Linda S. , Burrows Nilka Rios , Roberts Diana L. , Bullock Ann K. , Toedt Michael E. 
Published: April 2014

Objectives. We assessed diabetes-related mortality for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) and Whites. Methods. Study populations were non-Hispanic AI/AN and White persons in Indian Health Service (IHS) Contract Health Service Delivery Area counties; Hispanics were excluded. We used 1990 to 2009 death certificate data linked to IHS patient registration records to identify AI/AN decedents aged 20 years or older. We examined disparities and trends in mortality related to diabetes as an underlying cause of death (COD) and as a multiple COD. Results. After increasing between 1990 and 1999, rates of diabetes as an underlying COD and a multiple COD subsequently decreased in both groups. However, between 2000 and 2009, age-adjusted rates of diabetes as an underlying COD and a multiple COD remained 2.5 to 3.5 times higher among AI/AN persons than among Whites for all age groups (20–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, and ≥ 75 years), both sexes, and every IHS region except Alaska. Conclusions. Declining trends in diabetes-related mortality in both AI/AN and White populations are consistent with recent improvements in their health status. Reducing persistent disparities in diabetes mortality will require developing effective approaches to not only control but also prevent diabetes among AI/AN populations.
Molecular Characterization of Methicillin-Susceptible And Methicillin-
Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Food Handlers in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Uzunović Selma , Ibrahimagić Amir , Kamberović Farah , Rijnders Michelle I. A. , Stobberingh Ellen E. 
Published: April 2014

Objectives:
To determine the prevalence and genetic background of methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) obtained from healthy food handlers admitted to the Cantonal Public
Health Institute of Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, during 2007-2009.

Methods:
S. aureus were isolated and identified using standard microbiological methods including coagulase and catalase
tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing by disc diffusion method was performed according to the CLSI guidelines.
Methicillin resistance was confirmed by the presence of the mecA gene by PCR. The genetic characterization was
performed using spa-typing and BURP algorithm.

Results:
A total of 189 non-duplicated S. aureus isolates were collected from 13 690 nasal swabs (1.4%), of which three
were MRSA (1.6%). Among 173 MSSA analyzed, 66 spa types were clustered into nine spa-CCs, four no founders, and
singletons. The MSSA spa-CC015 associated with MLST CC45 was predominant, having 41 (24%) strains. All three
MRSA were associated with MLST 152 (spa-CC 355/595) which was not found in MSSA isolates. MRSA-related
background had 60% MSSA isolates. There were 127 (71%) MSSA and one MRSA sensitive to all antibiotic tested (the
beta-lactam compounds excepted); multi-drug resistance was found in 13 (7.3%) of MSSA.

Conclusion:
Very low prevalence of S. aureus, as well as MRSA was noted. MSSA were more heterogeneous than
MRSA. Although the number of MSSA with a genetic background common to MRSA clones was high, the prevalence of
MRSA was low, and MLST CC152 of MRSA was not found among MSSA isolates suggesting that MRSA did not arise
from predominant MSSA clones.
First Use of Model Predictive Control in Outpatient Wearable Artificial Pancreas
Authors: Del Favero Simone , Bruttomesso Daniela , Di Palma Federico , Lanzola Giordano , Visentin Roberto , Filippi Alessio , Scotton Rachele , Toffanin Chiara , Messori Mirko , Scarpellini Stefania , Keith-Hynes Patrick , Kovatchev Boris P. , DeVries J. Hans , Renard Eric , Magni Lalo , Avogaro Angelo , Cobelli Claudio ,   on behalf of the AP@home Consortium
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE
Inpatient studies suggest that model predictive control (MPC) is one of the most promising algorithms for artificial pancreas (AP). So far, outpatient trials have used hypo/hyperglycemia-mitigation or medical-expert systems. In this study, we report the first wearable AP outpatient study based on MPC and investigate specifically its ability to control postprandial glucose, one of the major challenges in glucose control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A new modular MPC algorithm has been designed focusing on meal control. Six type 1 diabetes mellitus patients underwent 42-h experiments: sensor-augmented pump therapy in the first 14 h (open-loop) and closed-loop in the remaining 28 h.

RESULTS
MPC showed satisfactory dinner control versus open-loop: time-in-target (70–180 mg/dL) 94.83 vs. 68.2% and time-in-hypo 1.25 vs. 11.9%. Overnight control was also satisfactory: time-in-target 89.4 vs. 85.0% and time-in-hypo: 0.00 vs. 8.19%.

CONCLUSIONS
This outpatient study confirms inpatient evidence of suitability of MPC-based strategies for AP. These encouraging results pave the way to randomized crossover outpatient studies.
Three-year Clinical Evaluation of Different Restorative Resins in Class I Restorations
Authors: Yazici AR , Ustunkol I , Ozgunaltay G , Dayangac B 
Published: April 2014

SUMMARY
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the three-year clinical performance of a nanofilled resin composite, a packable resin composite, and silorane-based resin restorations in Class I occlusal cavities. Twenty-eight patients with at least three similar-sized occlusal lesions in molar teeth participated in the study. A total of 84 Class I occlusal restorations were placed: 28 with nanofilled resin composite (Filtek Supreme), 28 with packable resin composite (P60), and 28 with silorane-based resin (Filtek Silorane). Filtek Supreme and P60 were used with their respective etch-and-rinse adhesive system, Adper Single Bond 2, and Filtek Silorane was used with its respective self-etch adhesive, Filtek Silorane Adhesive. All restorations were placed by the same operator. The restorations were evaluated at baseline, at six months, and annually for three years according to modified US Public Health Service criteria by two calibrated examiners who did not know which restorative resin had been used. The three restorative materials for each category were compared using the χ2 test at a significance level of 0.05. Cochran's Q test was used to compare the changes across the five time points for each restorative material. McNemar's test followed by Bonferroni adjustment was used when significance differences were found. At the end of the three years, 60 restorations were evaluated in 20 patients, with a recall rate of 71.4%. The retention rate was 100% for all restorative resins. Eight restorations from the P60 group, ten from the Filtek Supreme group, and nine from the Filtek Silorane group were rated Bravo for marginal discoloration. For marginal adaptation, three P60, five Filtek Supreme, and 11 Filtek Silorane restorations were rated Bravo. No statistically significant differences in overall clinical performance were found between the restorative materials except for marginal adaptation. P60 showed the best marginal adaptation at the end of the three years. No differences were observed between the restorative resins for any of the evaluation criteria tested (p&gt;0.05). None of the restorations showed postoperative sensitivity, secondary caries, or loss of anatomic form. All restorative resins performed equally well in clinical conditions during the three-year evaluation, and no significant differences were found among them, except for marginal adaptation, in which P60 showed superior results.
Bound state of solution of Dirac-Coulomb problem with spatially dependent mass
Authors: Olğar Eser , Dhahir Hayder , Mutaf Haydar 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe bound state solution of Coulomb Potential in the Dirac equation is calculated for a position dependent mass function M(r) within the framework of the asymptotic iteration method (AIM). The eigenfunctions are derived in terms of hypergeometric function and function generator equations of AIM.
Cigarette Smoke Exposure Exacerbates Lung Inflammation and Compromises Immunity to Bacterial Infection
Authors: Lugade Amit A. , Bogner Paul N. , Thatcher Thomas H. , Sime Patricia J. , Phipps Richard P. , Thanavala Yasmin 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The detrimental impact of tobacco on human health is clearly recognized, and despite aggressive efforts to prevent smoking, close to one billion individuals worldwide continue to smoke. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are susceptible to recurrent respiratory infections with pathogens, including nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI), yet the reasons for this increased susceptibility are poorly understood. Because mortality rapidly increases with multiple exacerbations, development of protective immunity is critical to improving patient survival. Acute NTHI infection has been studied in the context of cigarette smoke exposure, but this is the first study, to our knowledge, to investigate chronic infection and the generation of adaptive immune responses to NTHI after chronic smoke exposure. After chronic NTHI infection, mice that had previously been exposed to cigarette smoke developed increased lung inflammation and compromised adaptive immunity relative to air-exposed controls. Importantly, NTHI-specific T cells from mice exposed to cigarette smoke produced lower levels of IFN-γ and IL-4, and B cells produced reduced levels of Abs against outer-membrane lipoprotein P6, with impaired IgG1, IgG2a, and IgA class switching. However, production of IL-17, which is associated with neutrophilic inflammation, was enhanced. Interestingly, cigarette smoke–exposed mice exhibited a similar defect in the generation of adaptive immunity after immunization with P6. Our study has conclusively demonstrated that cigarette smoke exposure has a profound suppressive effect on the generation of adaptive immune responses to NTHI and suggests the mechanism by which prior cigarette smoke exposure predisposes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients to recurrent infections, leading to exacerbations and contributing to mortality.
Cutting Edge: Inflammatory Responses Can Be Triggered by TREM-1, a Novel Receptor Expressed on Neutrophils and Monocytes
Authors: Bouchon Axel , Dietrich Jes , Colonna Marco 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We have identified new activating receptors of the Ig superfamily expressed on human myeloid cells, called TREM (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells). TREM-1 is selectively expressed on blood neutrophils and a subset of monocytes and is up-regulated by bacterial LPS. Engagement of TREM-1 triggers secretion of IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and TNF-α and induces neutrophil degranulation. Intracellularly, TREM-1 induces Ca2+ mobilization and tyrosine phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase 1 (ERK1), ERK2 and phospholipase C-γ. To mediate activation, TREM-1 associates with the transmembrane adapter molecule DAP12. Thus, TREM-1 mediates activation of neutrophil and monocytes, and may have a predominant role in inflammatory responses.
Cutting Edge: A Role for CD1 in the Pathogenesis of Lupus in NZB/NZW Mice
Authors: Zeng Defu , Lee Mi-Kyeong , Tung James , Brendolan Andrea , Strober Samuel 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSince anti-CD1 TCR transgenic T cells can activate syngeneic B cells via CD1 to secrete IgM and IgG and induce lupus in BALB/c mice, we studied the role of CD1 in the pathogenesis of lupus in NZB/NZW mice. Approximately 20% of B cells from the spleens of NZB/NZW mice expressed high levels of CD1 (CD1high B cells). The latter subset spontaneously produced large amounts of IgM anti-dsDNA Abs in vitro that was up to 25-fold higher than that of residual CD1int/low B cells. T cells in the NZB/NZW spleen proliferated vigorously to the CD1-transfected A20 B cell line, but not to the parent line. Treatment of NZB/NZW mice with anti-CD1 mAbs ameliorated the development of lupus. These results suggest that the CD1high B cells and their progeny are a major source of autoantibody production, and activation of B cells via CD1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of lupus.
Cutting Edge: The IgG Response to the Circumsporozoite Protein Is MHC Class II-Dependent and CD1d-Independent: Exploring the Role of GPIs in NK T Cell Activation and Antimalarial Responses
Authors: Molano Alberto , Park Se-Ho , Chiu Ya-Hui , Nosseir Sandy , Bendelac Albert , Tsuji Moriya 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBiochemical analysis has suggested that self GPI anchors are the main natural ligand associated with mouse CD1d molecules. A recent study reported that Vα14+ NK T cells responded to self as well as foreign (parasite-derived) GPIs in a CD1d-dependent manner. It further reported that the IgG response to the Plasmodium berghei malarial circumsporozoite (CS) protein was severely impaired in CD1d-deficient mice, leading to a model whereby NK T cells, upon recognition of CD1d molecules presenting the CS-derived GPI anchor, provide help for B cells secreting anti-CS Abs. We tested this model by comparing the anti-CS Ab responses of wild-type, CD1d-deficient, and MHC class II-deficient mice. We found that the IgG response to the CS protein was solely MHC class II-dependent. Furthermore, by measuring the response of a broad panel of CD1d-autoreactive T cells to GPI-deficient CD1d-expressing cells, we found that GPIs were not required for autoreactive responses.
Cutting Edge: Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 Is a Costimulator for CD4+ T Cell Activation
Authors: Nanki Toshihiro , Lipsky Peter E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractStromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 is a chemoattractant for T cells, precursor B cells, monocytes, and neutrophils. SDF-1α was also found to up-regulate expression of early activation markers (CD69, CD25, and CD154) by anti-CD3-activated CD4+ T cells. In addition, SDF-1α costimulated proliferation of CD4+ T cells and production of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10. Stimulation with SDF-1α alone did not induce activation marker expression, proliferation, or cytokine production by the CD4+ T cells. SDF-1α-mediated costimulation was blocked by anti-CXC chemokine receptor-4 mAb. RANTES also increased activation marker expression by anti-CD3-stimulated peripheral CD4+ T cells, but less effectively than SDF-1α did, and did not up-regulate IL-2 production and proliferation. These results indicate that SDF-1 and CXC chemokine receptor-4 interactions not only play a role in T cell migration but also provide potent costimulatory signals to Ag-stimulated T cells.
Cutting Edge: The Human CytomegalovirusUL40Gene Product Contains a Ligand for HLA-E and Prevents NK Cell-Mediated Lysis
Authors: Ulbrecht Matthias , Martinozzi Silvia , Grzeschik Mariola , Hengel Hartmut , Ellwart Joachim W. , Pla Marika , Weiss Elisabeth H. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHuman CMV has evolved multiple strategies to interfere with immune recognition of the host. A variety of mechanisms target Ag presentation by MHC class I molecules resulting in a reduced class I cell-surface expression. This down-regulation of class I molecules is expected to trigger NK cytotoxicity, which would have to be counteracted by the virus to establish long-term infection. Here we describe that the human CMV open reading frame UL40 encodes a canonical ligand for HLA-E, identical with the HLA-Cw03 signal sequence-derived peptide. Expression of UL40 in HLA-E-positive target cells conferred resistance to NK cell lysis via the CD94/NKG2A receptor. Generation of the UL40-derived HLA-E ligand was also observed in TAP-deficient cells. The presence of a functional TAP-independent HLA-E ligand in the UL40 signal sequence implicates this viral gene as an important negative regulator of NK activity.
Quantification of Cell Turnover Kinetics Using 5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine1
Authors: Bonhoeffer Sebastian , Mohri Hiroshi , Ho David , Perelson Alan S. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) is frequently used to measure the turnover of cell populations in vivo. However, due to a lack of detailed mathematical models that describe the uptake and loss of BrdU in dividing cell populations, assessments of cell turnover kinetics have been largely qualitative rather than quantitative. In this study, we develop a mathematical framework for the analysis of BrdU-labeling experiments. We derive analytical expressions for the fraction of labeled cells within cell populations that are growing, declining, or at equilibrium. Fitting the analytical functions to data allows us to quantify the rates of cell proliferation and cell loss, as well as the rate of cell input from a source. We illustrate this for the BrdU labeling of T lymphocytes of uninfected and SIV-infected rhesus macaques.
CD40 Engagement on Synovial Fibroblast Up-Regulates Production of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Cho Chul-Soo , Cho Mi-La , Min So-Youn , Kim Wan-Uk , Min Do-June , Lee Shin-Seok , Park Sung-Hwan , Choe Jongseon , Kim Ho-Youn 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe tested the impact of CD40 engagement on the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. Fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) were prepared from the synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis patients and cultured in the presence of CD40 ligand-transfected (CD40L+) L cells. VEGF levels were determined in the culture supernatants by ELISA. Stimulation of FLS by CD40L+ L cells increased the production of VEGF by 4.1-fold over the constitutive levels of unstimulated FLS. The CD40L on activated T cells from rheumatoid synovial fluid also up-regulated VEGF production from FLS. Neither indomethacin nor Abs to IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β did affect CD40L-induced VEGF production. Stimulation of FLS with TNF-α, IL-1β, and TGF-β increased VEGF production by 1.6-, 2.0-, and 5.2-fold, respectively, and displayed an additive effect on the production of VEGF by CD40L. VEGF mRNA expression was also up-regulated by the stimulation of FLS with membranes from the CD40L+ L cells. Dexamethasone completely abrogated CD40L-induced VEGF production. In addition, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate partially down-regulated CD40L-induced VEGF production, showing that the NF-κB pathway was partly involved in the signaling of CD40L leading to VEGF production. Collectively, these results suggest that the interaction between CD40 on synovial fibroblasts and CD40L expressed on activated T lymphocytes may be directly involved in the neovascularization in rheumatoid synovitis by enhancing the production of VEGF.
Bioactivities of Fas Ligand-Expressing Retroviral Particles
Authors: Jodo Satoshi , Strehlow David , Ju Shyr-Te 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCulture supernatants from retroviral packaging cells carrying the human Fas ligand (FasL) gene killed both human (Jurkat) and mouse (LB27.4) targets within 5 h of incubation. Cytotoxicity was found both in a fraction ≥500 kDa and a fraction between 50 and 500 kDa. Following ultracentrifugation, the activity in the ≥500-kDa fraction was concentrated in the pellet (FasL vector preparation (VP)), which was also infective when added to NIH-3T3 cells. Both Polybrene and poly-l-lysine significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of FasL VP but not anti-Fas mAb, soluble FasL (sFasL), and cell-associated FasL. In the presence of Polybrene, FasL VP killed targets that are resistant to anti-Fas mAb and sFasL. The infectivity but not FasL cytotoxicity of FasL VP was sensitive to irradiation and heat shock. By contrast, cytotoxicity of FasL VP could be enhanced or inhibited depending on the doses of anti-FasL mAb. Interestingly, the infectivity of FasL VP was specifically enhanced by anti-FasL mAb, suggesting that a nonviral gene product could be used to regulate the behavior of the retroviral vector. Thus, in addition to expressing potent FasL cytotoxicity, the FasL VP exhibits unique properties heretofore not attributed to anti-Fas mAb, sFasL, and cell-associated FasL. Our study raises the possibility of using the retroviral gene-packaging technology to make powerful, versatile, and regulatable bioactive vesicles expressing a predetermined function of the protein encoded by the target gene.
The Mouse Tumor Cell Lines EL4 and RMA Display Mosaic Expression of NK-Related and Certain Other Surface Molecules and Appear to Have a Common Origin
Authors: Gays Frances , Unnikrishnan Meera , Shrestha Sunil , Fraser Karen P. , Brown Adam R. , Tristram Colin M. G. , Chrzanowska-Lightowlers Zosia M. A. , Brooks Colin G. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAs a potential means for facilitating studies of NK cell-related molecules, we examined the expression of these molecules on a range of mouse tumor cell lines. Of the lines we initially examined, only EL4 and RMA expressed such molecules, both lines expressing several members of the Ly49 and NKRP1 families. Unexpectedly, several of the NK-related molecules, together with certain other molecules including CD2, CD3, CD4, CD32, and CD44, were often expressed in a mosaic manner, even on freshly derived clones, indicating frequent switching in expression. In each case examined, switching was controlled at the mRNA level, with expression of CD3ζ determining expression of the entire CD3-TCR complex. Each of the variable molecules was expressed independently, with the exception that CD3 was restricted to cells that also expressed CD2. Treatment with drugs that affect DNA methylation and histone acetylation could augment the expression of at least some of the variable molecules. The striking phenotypic similarity between EL4 and RMA led us to examine the state of their TCRβ genes. Both lines had identical rearrangements on both chromosomes, indicating that RMA is in fact a subline of EL4. Overall, these findings suggest that EL4 is an NK-T cell tumor that may have retained a genetic mechanism that permits the variable expression of a restricted group of molecules involved in recognition and signaling.