bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of outcomes from sepsis between patients with and without pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction: a case-control analysis
Authors: Ouellette Daniel R , Shah Sadia Z 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences between patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction and those with normal antecedent left ventricular function during a sepsis episode in terms of in-hospital mortality and mortality risk factors when treated in accordance with a sepsis treatment algorithm.

Methods
We performed a retrospective case-control analysis of patients selected from a quality improvement database of 1,717 patients hospitalized with sepsis between 1 January 2005 and 30 June 2010. In this study, 197 patients with pre-existing left ventricular systolic dysfunction and sepsis were compared to 197 case-matched patients with normal prior cardiac function and sepsis.

Results
In-hospital mortality rates (P = 0.117) and intubation rates at 24 hours (P = 0.687) were not significantly different between cases and controls. There was no correlation between the amount of intravenous fluid administered over the first 24 hours and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio at 24 hours in either cases or controls (r2 = 0.019 and r2 = 0.001, respectively). Mortality risk factors for cases included intubation status (P = 0.016, OR = 0.356 for no intubation), compliance with a sepsis bundle (P = 0.008, OR = 3.516 for failed compliance), a source of infection other than the lung (P = 0.019, OR = 2.782), and the initial mixed venous oxygen saturation (P = 0.004, OR = 0.997). Risk factors for controls were the initial platelet count (P = 0.028, OR = 0.997) and the serum lactate level (P = 0.048, OR = 1.104). Patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction who died had a lower initial mean mixed venous oxygen saturation than those who survived (61 ± 18% versus 70 ± 16%, P = 0.002).

Conclusions
Clinical outcomes were not different between septic patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction and those with no cardiac disease. There was no correlation between fluid administration and oxygenation at 24 hours in either cohort. The mortality risk factor profile of patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction was different when compared with control patients, and may be related to oxygen delivery determinants.
The impact of food price increases on nutrient intake in Lebanon
Authors: Zaki Souhad Abou , Chaaban Jad , Nasreddine Lara , Chalak Ali 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We evaluate the impact of the recent increases in major food prices on the intake of essential nutrients in Lebanon, a small heavily import-dependent economy. Using nationally representative households’ expenditure micro data, we derive food demand elasticities by estimating an Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) model, and then use these elasticities to evaluate the impact of rising prices on the intake of major macro/micronutrients among Lebanese households. Our results show that the intake of nutrients such as calcium, zinc, iron, and folate decreased significantly following the recent food price shocks, especially in central urban areas. Our results highlight the pressing need for public interventions to fight and prevent nutrients’ deficiencies, especially in small import dependent economies.
Evaluation of Alveolar Bone Density at Furcation Sites Using Computer Tomography in Patients with Horizontal Bone Loss
Authors: Dumitrescu Alexandrina L. , Zetu L. , Teslaru S. , Haba D. 
Published: April 2014

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to evaluate quantitatively bone density in the maxillary and mandibular interradicular sites and to establish his determinants as assessed on computer tomography images.
Methods: Sections of 0.5 mm thickness horizontal CT sections were selected to measure bone density of the interradicular and interdentally septum in CTs from 29 individuals (17 females, mean age 40.44 years).
Results: There were statistically significant differences of mean value and of bone density at specific bone depth levels in the furcation area according to age, gender, tooth type and between the maxilla and mandible (P < 0.05). The multiple linear regression analyses showed, for both mean furcation alveolar bone density value as well as particular values at different bone level as dependent variable, a strong association with gender, distance from the furcation roof to the alveolar bone septum, presence of restorative treatment of caries, presence of endodontic treatment and mean alveolar bone density of the mesial and distal alveolar septum (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions: Using the CT in periodontology has demonstrated to be a valid support to diagnose the changes in the alveolar bone, to monitor the treatment results with a higher precision and to point out possible error sources.
CA-125 of fetal origin can act as a ligand for dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing non-integrin
Authors: Mitić Ninoslav , Milutinović Bojana , Janković Miroslava 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCA-125 (coelomic epithelium-related antigen) forms the extracellular portion of transmembrane mucin 16 (MUC16). It is shed after proteolytic degradation. Due to structural heterogeneity, CA-125 ligand capacity and biological roles are not yet understood. In this study, we assessed CA-125 as a ligand for dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN), which is a C-type lectin showing specificity for mannosylated and fucosylated structures. It plays a role as a pattern recognition molecule for viral and bacterial glycans or as an adhesion receptor. We probed a human DC-SIGN-Fc chimera with CA-125 of fetal or cancer origin using solid- or fluid-phase binding and inhibition assays. The results showed that DC-SIGN binds to CA-125 of fetal origin and that this interaction is carbohydrate-dependent. By contrast, cancerderived CA-125 displayed negligible binding. Inhibition assays indicated differences in the potency of CA-125 to interfere with DC-SIGN binding to pathogen-related glycoconjugates, such as mannan and Helicobacter pylori antigens. The differences in ligand properties between CA-125 of fetal and cancer origin may be due to specificities of glycosylation. This might influence various functions of dendritic cells based on their subset diversity and maturation-related functional capacity.
Monitoring of membrane phospholipid scrambling in human erythrocytes and K562 cells with FM1-43 — a comparison with annexin V-FITC
Authors: Wróbel Anna , Bobrowska-Hägerstrand Małgorzata , Lindqvist Christer , Hägerstrand Henry 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe styryl dye FM1-43 becomes highly fluorescent upon binding to cell membranes. The breakdown of membrane phospholipid asymmetry in ionophore-stimulated T-lymphocytes further increases this fluorescence [Zweifach, 2000]. In this study, the capacity of FM1-43 to monitor membrane phospholipid scrambling was explored using flow cytometry in human erythrocytes and human erythrocyte progenitor K562 cells. The Ca2+-dependent phosphatidylserine-specific probe annexin V-FITC was used for comparison. The presented data show that the loss of phospholipid asymmetry that could be induced in human erythrocytes by elevated intracellular Ca2+ or by structurally different membrane intercalated amphiphilic compounds increases the FM1-43 fluorescence two- to fivefold. The profile of FM1-43 fluorescence for various treatments resembles that of phosphatidylserine exposure reported by annexin V-FITC. FM1-43 detected the onset of scrambling more efficiently than annexin V-FITC. The amphiphile-induced scrambling was shown to be a Ca2+-independent process. Monitoring of scrambling in K562 cells caused by NEM-induced Ca2+-release from intracellular stores and by Ca2+ and ionophore A23187 treatment showed that the increase in FM1-43 fluorescence correlated well with the number of annexin V-FITC-detected phosphatidylserine-positive cells. The results presented here show the usefulness of FM1-43 as a Ca2+-independent marker of dissipation in asymmetric membrane phospholipid distribution induced by various stimuli in both nucleated and non-nucleated cells.
“Remove Your Mask”: Character Psychology in Introspective Musical Theatre – Sondheim’sFollies, LaChiusa’sThe Wild Party, and Stew’sPassing Strange
Authors: Roost Alisa 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT:While earlier musicals, which developed popular songs, tended to focus on romance, differing backgrounds of the two members of a romantic couple, and their acceptance of each other and into a community, introspective musicals, which Stephen Sondheim pioneered after rock ’n’ roll began to define popular music, often dramatize psychological layers by exploring the discrepancy between the persona a character constructs and the character’s true inner self. I examine the way introspective musicals construct a paradigm of psychological growth, which usually involves characters’ creating strong masks/personae to hide their authentic selves and then ultimately gaining the courage to remove those masks. By looking at the construction of personae and their eventual attempts to accept emotional vulnerability – in Stephen Sondheim’s Follies, Michael John LaChiusa’s The Wild Party, and Stew’s Passing Strange – I explicate the way smaller, post-Sondheim musicals have shifted toward dramatizing an isolated character’s emotional development.
High-resolution ice-thickness mapping in South Greenland
Authors: Morlighem M. , Rignot E. , Mouginot J. , Seroussi H. , Larour E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAirborne radar sounding is difficult in South Greenland because of the presence of englacial water, which prevents the signal from reaching the bed. Data coverage remains suboptimal for traditional methods of ice-thickness and bed mapping that rely on geostatistical techniques, such as kriging, because important features are missing. Here we apply two alternative approaches of high-resolution (~300m) ice-thickness mapping, that are based on the conservation of mass, to two regions of South Greenland: (1) Qooqqup Sermia and Kiattuut Sermiat, and (2) Ikertivaq. These two algorithms solve optimization problems, for which the conservation of mass is either enforced as a hard constraint, or as a soft constraint. For the first region, very few measurements are available but there is no gap in ice motion data, whereas for Ikertivaq, more ice-thickness measurements are available, but there are gaps in ice motion data. We show that mass-conservation algorithms can be used as validation tools for radar sounding. We also show that it is preferable to apply mass conservation as a hard constraint, rather than a soft constraint, as it better preserves elongated features, such as glacial valleys and ridges.
Plastic faulting in saltwater ice
Authors: Golding Narayana , Snyder Scott A. , Schulson Erland M. , Renshaw Carl E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCompression experiments on laboratory-grown columnar S2 saltwater ice loaded triaxially through proportional loading atT= –20°C at applied strain rates ofdemonstrate that plastic (P) faulting is a mode of failure in saltwater ice when rapidly loaded under a high degree of confinement. In terms of microstructure, mechanical behavior and strength, saltwater ice that fails via P-faulting is almost indistinguishable from columnar S2 freshwater ice that fails via P-faulting loaded under the same conditions. The results also demonstrate that saltwater ice loaded rapidly may exhibit yet another mode of failure, in addition to P-faulting, through what appears to be a mechanism of pore collapse.
IFN-γ-Inducible T Cell α Chemoattractant Is a Potent Stimulator of Normal Human Blood T Lymphocyte Transendothelial Migration: Differential Regulation by IFN-γ and TNF-α
Authors: Mohan Karkada , Ding Ziqiang , Hanly John , Issekutz Thomas B. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that the CXC chemokine, IFN-γ-inducible T cell α chemoattractant (I-TAC), was chemotactic for IL-2-activated human T lymphocytes, which express abundant CXCR3. However, because most memory T lymphocytes are also CXCR3+, the ability of I-TAC to promote the migration of normal human blood T cells across HUVEC monolayers in Transwell chambers was examined. I-TAC induced a marked (4- to 6-fold) increase in transendothelial migration (TEM) of T cells across unstimulated HUVEC from 5.6 to 28% of input T cells and was substantially more active than IFN-γ-inducible protein-10, another CXCR3 ligand. I-TAC significantly enhanced TEM of T cells across TNF-α, but not across IFN-γ or IFN-γ plus TNF-α-activated HUVEC. IFN-γ or IFN-γ plus TNF-α-activated HUVEC produced substantial amounts of I-TAC, in contrast to TNF-α-treated EC. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells migrated in response to I-TAC to a similar extent, while memory T cells migrated several fold better than naive T cells. Blockade of LFA-1 strongly inhibited I-TAC-induced T cell TEM across unstimulated HUVEC, and ∼50–60% of the TEM across cytokine-activated HUVEC. However, blocking both LFA-1 and very late Ag-4 abolished I-TAC induced T cell TEM. In vivo significant levels of I-TAC were detected in arthritic synovial fluid. Thus, I-TAC is one of the most potent chemoattractants of normal human blood CD4 and CD8 T cell TEM and is likely a major mediator of blood memory T lymphocyte migration to inflammation.
Transgenic Expression of a Human Polyreactive Ig Expressed in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Generates Memory-Type B Cells That Respond to Nonspecific Immune Activation
Authors: Widhopf George F. , Brinson Diana C. , Kipps Thomas J. , Tighe Helen 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
We generated transgenic mice, designated SMI, expressing unmutated H and L chain Ig genes encoding a low-affinity, polyreactive human (h)IgM/κ rheumatoid factor. These animals were compared with control AB29 transgenic mice expressing a hIgM/κ rheumatoid factor specific for human IgG, with no detectable reactivity with mouse proteins. SMI B cells expressed significantly lower levels of surface hIgM/κ than did the B cells of AB29 mice, but still could be induced to proliferate by surface Ig cross-linking in vitro and could be deleted with anti-Id mAb in vivo. Transgene-expressing B cells of AB29 mice had a B-2 phenotype and were located in the primary follicle. In contrast, a relatively high proportion of hIgM-expressing B cells of SMI mice had the phenotype of B-1 B cells in the peritoneum or marginal zone B cells in the spleen, where they were located in the periarteriolar sheath, marginal zone, and interfollicular areas that typically are populated by memory-type B cells. Although the relative proportions of transgene-expressing B cells in both types of transgenic mice declined with aging, SMI mice experienced progressive increases in the serum levels of IgM transgene protein over time. Finally, SMI transgene-expressing B cells, but not AB29 transgene-expressing B cells, were induced to secrete Ab when cultured with alloreactive T cells. These results indicate that expression of polyreactive autoantibodies can allow for development of B cells that are neither deleted nor rendered anergic, but instead have a phenotype of memory-type or Ag-experienced B cells that respond to nonspecific immune activation.
Distinct Expression Profiles of the Peripheral Cannabinoid Receptor in Lymphoid Tissues Depending on Receptor Activation Status
Authors: Rayman Nazik , Lam King H. , Laman Jon D. , Simons Peter J. , Löwenberg Bob , Sonneveld Pieter , Delwel Ruud 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Using two distinct anti-CB2 receptor Abs, we investigated the expression patterns of the peripheral cannabinoid receptor CB2 in human secondary lymphoid organs. Immunohistochemical analysis using an N-terminal specific anti-CB2 Ab revealed high protein expression in the germinal centers (GCs) of secondary follicles. A C-terminal specific anti-CB2 Ab, which only recognizes a nonphosphorylated inactive receptor, showed positivity in the mantle zones (MZs) and marginal zones (MGZs) of the secondary follicles where resting cells reside, and in the primary follicles. In contrast, no positivity was observed in GCs using the C-terminal Ab, suggesting that active CB2 receptors are mainly present on cells in the GCs. Dual immunohistochemical analysis revealed that B lymphocytes express the CB2 protein abundantly. In contrast to B cells in the MZ or MGZ, CB2-expressing cells in the GCs coexpress the costimulatory membrane protein CD40, which is mainly expressed in the GCs and at very low levels in the MZs and MGZs and the proliferation marker Ki-67. Using the human Raji B cell line as a model, we demonstrate in a transwell assay that moderate migration occurs upon stimulation of the CB2 receptor with the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol, which is enhanced by CD40 costimulation. Our findings, that GC-related cells express active CB2 and that CB2-dependent migration requires CD40 costimulation, suggest that CB2 is involved in B cell activation.
Molecular Characterization of Human 4Ig-B7-H3, a Member of the B7 Family with Four Ig-Like Domains
Authors: Steinberger Peter , Majdic Otto , Derdak Sophia V. , Pfistershammer Katharina , Kirchberger Stefanie , Klauser Christoph , Zlabinger Gerhard , Pickl Winfried F. , Stöckl Johannes , Knapp Walter 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In an effort to characterize molecules with immunoregulatory potential, we raised mAbs to human dendritic cells. We selected an Ab that recognizes a molecule that is induced on monocytes differentiated in vitro toward dendritic cells. Retroviral expression cloning identified this molecule as B7-H3, a member of the B7 family described recently. In contrast to an earlier report, in which B7-H3 was described as a molecule consisting of two Ig-like domains, our cDNA encoded a type I membrane protein with four Ig-like domains, and the molecule identified by us was therefore named 4Ig-B7-H3. mRNA analysis as well as Western blotting experiments performed by us did not reveal evidence for a small B7-H3. B7-H3 is not expressed on peripheral blood lymphocytes, monocytes, or granulocytes. Upon in vitro stimulation, the expression of B7-H3 is induced on T cells, B cells, and NK cells. A number of different approaches were used to investigate the function of human B7-H3. In contrast to an earlier report, our data do not support a costimulatory role of B7-H3 in anti-CD3-mediated activation of the TCR-complex resulting in T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production.
Construction of Hevein (Hev b 6.02) with Reduced Allergenicity for Immunotherapy of Latex Allergy by Comutation of Six Amino Acid Residues on the Conformational IgE Epitopes
Authors: Karisola Piia , Mikkola Jari , Kalkkinen Nisse , Airenne Kari J. , Laitinen Olli H. , Repo Susanna , Pentikäinen Olli T. , Reunala Timo , Turjanmaa Kristiina , Johnson Mark S. , Palosuo Timo , Kulomaa Markku S. , Alenius Harri 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Recently we have established that IgE Abs bind to conformational epitopes in the N- and C-terminal regions of the major natural rubber latex allergen, hevein (Hev b 6.02). To identify the critical amino acid residues that interact with IgE, the hevein sequence was scanned by using site-specific mutations. Twenty-nine hevein mutants were designed and produced by a baculovirus expression system in insect cells and tested by IgE inhibition-ELISA using sera from 26 latex allergic patients. Six potential IgE-interacting residues of hevein (Arg5, Lys10, Glu29, Tyr30, His35, and Gln38) were identified and characterized further in detail. Based on these six residues, two triple mutants (HΔ3A, HΔ3B) and hevein mutant where all six residues were mutated (HΔ6), were designed, modeled, and produced. Structural and functional properties of these combinatory mutants were compared experimentally and in silico with those of recombinant hevein. The IgE-binding affinity of the mutants decreased by three to five orders of magnitude as compared with that of recombinant hevein. Skin prick test reactivity of the triple mutant HΔ3A was drastically reduced and that of the six-residue mutant HΔ6 was completely abolished in all patients examined in this study. The approach presented in this paper offers tools for identification and modification of amino acid residues on conformational epitopes of allergens that interact with IgE. Hevein with a highly reduced ability to bind IgE should provide a valuable candidate molecule for immunotherapy of latex allergy and is anticipated to have a low risk of systemic side effects.
A Synthetic Peptide Homologous to Functional Domain of Human IL-10 Down-Regulates Expression of MHC Class I and Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing 1/2 in Human Melanoma Cells
Authors: Kurte Mónica , López Mercedes , Aguirre Adam , Escobar Alejandro , Aguillón Juan Carlos , Charo Jehad , Larsen Christian G. , Kiessling Rolf , Salazar-Onfray Flavio 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTumor cells treated with IL-10 were shown to have decreased, but peptide-inducible expression of MHC class I, decreased sensitivity to MHC class I-restricted CTL, and increased NK sensitivity. These findings could be explained, at least partially, by a down-regulation of TAP1/TAP2 expression. In this study, IT9302, a nanomeric peptide (AYMTMKIRN), homologous to the C-terminal of the human IL-10 sequence, was demonstrated to mimic these previously described IL-10 effects on MHC class I-related molecules and functions. We observed a dose-dependent down-regulation of MHC class I at the cell surface of melanoma cells after 24-h treatment with IT9302. The IL-10 homologue peptide also caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the IFN-γ-mediated surface induction of MHC class I in a melanoma cell line. We demonstrated, using Western blot and flow cytometry, that IT9302 inhibits the expression of TAP1 and TAP2 proteins, but not MHC class I H chain or low molecular protein molecules. Finally, peptide-treated melanoma cells were shown to be more sensitive to lysis by NK cells in a dose-dependent way. Taken together, these results demonstrate that a small synthetic peptide derived from IL-10 can mimic the Ag presentation-related effects mediated by this cytokine in human melanomas and increase tumor sensitivity to NK cells, which can be relevant in the designing of future strategies for cancer immune therapy.