bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triggering of B7h by the ICOS Modulates Maturation and Migration of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Occhipinti Sergio , Dianzani Chiara , Chiocchetti Annalisa , Boggio Elena , Clemente Nausicaa , Gigliotti Casimiro Luca , Soluri Maria Felicia , Minelli Rosalba , Fantozzi Roberto , Yagi Jungi , Rojo Josè Maria , Sblattero Daniele , Giovarelli Mirella , Dianzani Umberto 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
B7h, expressed by several cell types, binds ICOS expressed by activated T cells. We have previously shown that B7h triggering by ICOS-Fc inhibits human endothelial cell adhesiveness. This work investigated the effect of ICOS-Fc on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). We found that DCs matured with LPS in the presence of ICOS-Fc (mDCsICOS) produced greater amounts of IL-23 and IL-10, and promoted a higher secretion of IL-17A and IL-17F in MLCs than did those DCs matured with LPS alone (mDCs). Moreover, mDCsICOS pulsed with the keyhole limpet hemocyanin Ag during the maturation phase were better stimulators of Ag-specific MHC class I–, but not class II–restricted T cells than mDCs. This was probably due to promotion of cross-presentation because it was not detected when the Flu-MA58–66 Ag was directly loaded on already matured DCs and mDCsICOS. Finally, ICOS-Fc inhibited the adhesion of both immature DCs and mDCs to vascular and lymphoid endothelial cells, their migratory activity, and the expression of the Rac-1 activator β-Pix involved in cell motility. These data suggest that B7h stimulation modulates DC function with effects on their maturation and recruitment into tissues. This opens a novel view on the use of interactors of the ICOS:B7h system as immunomodulatory drugs.
Endothelial MKK3 Is a Critical Mediator of Lethal Murine Endotoxemia and Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Mannam Praveen , Zhang Xuchen , Shan Peiying , Zhang Yi , Shinn Amanda S. , Zhang Yitao , Lee Patty J. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Sepsis is a leading cause of intensive care unit admissions, with high mortality and morbidity. Although outcomes have improved with better supportive care, specific therapies are limited. Endothelial activation and oxidant injury are key events in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced lung injury. The signaling pathways leading to these events remain poorly defined. We sought to determine the role of MAPK kinase 3 (MKK3), a kinase of the p38 group, in the pathogenesis of sepsis. We used a murine i.p. LPS model of systemic inflammation to mimic sepsis. Lung injury parameters were assessed in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens. Primary lung endothelial cells were cultured and assessed for mediators of inflammation and injury, such as ICAM-1, AP-1, NF-κB, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Our studies demonstrate that MKK3 deficiency confers virtually complete protection against organ injury after i.p. LPS. Specifically, MKK3−/− mice were protected against acute lung injury, as assessed by reduced inflammation, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation, endothelial injury, and ICAM-1 expression after LPS administration. Our results show that endothelial MKK3 is required for inflammatory cell recruitment to the lungs, mitochondrial oxidant-mediated AP-1, NF-κB activation, and ICAM-1 expression during LPS challenge. Collectively, these studies identify a novel role for MKK3 in lethal LPS responses and provide new therapeutic targets against sepsis and acute lung injury.
TLR4 Activation Under Lipotoxic Conditions Leads to Synergistic Macrophage Cell Death through a TRIF-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Schilling Joel D. , Machkovech Heather M. , He Li , Diwan Abhinav , Schaffer Jean E. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Macrophage dysfunction in obesity and diabetes may predispose to the development of diabetic complications, such as infection and impaired healing after tissue damage. Saturated fatty acids, such as palmitate, are present at elevated concentrations in the plasma of patients with metabolic disease and may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes and its sequelae. To examine the effect of lipid excess on macrophage inflammatory function, we determined the influence of palmitate on LPS-mediated responses in peritoneal macrophages. Palmitate and LPS led to a profound synergistic cell death response in both primary and RAW 264.7 macrophages. The cell death had features of apoptosis and necrosis and was not dependent on endoplasmic reticulum stress, ceramide generation, or reactive oxygen species production. Instead, we uncovered a macrophage death pathway that required TLR4 signaling via TRIF but was independent of NF-κB, MAPKs, and IRF3. A significant decrease in macrophage lysosomal content was observed early in the death pathway, with evidence of lysosomal membrane damage occurring later in the death response. Overexpression of the transcription factor TFEB, which induces a lysosomal biogenic program, rescued the lysosomal phenotype and improved viability in palmitate- and LPS-treated cells. Our findings provide new evidence for cross-talk between lipid metabolism and the innate immune response that converges on the lysosome.
Micro-RNA 155 Is Required for Optimal CD8+ T Cell Responses to Acute Viral and Intracellular Bacterial Challenges
Authors: Lind Evan F. , Elford Alisha R. , Ohashi Pamela S. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Recent studies have begun to define the role of micro-RNAs in regulating the immune response. Micro-RNA155 (mir-155) has been shown to play a role in germinal center formation, T cell inflammation, and regulatory T cell development. In this study, we evaluated the role of mir-155 in cytotoxic T cell function. We report in this study that mice lacking mir-155 have impaired CD8+ T cell responses to infections with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and the intracellular bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. We show by a series of adoptive transfer studies that the impaired CD8+ T cell response to L. monocytogenes is T cell intrinsic. In addition, we observed that CD8+ T cells lacking mir-155 have impaired activation of the prosurvival Akt pathway after TCR cross-linking. These data suggest that mir-155 may be a good target for therapies aimed at modulating immune responses.
Pheochromocytoma with Catecholamine-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Not an Appropriate Case for Laparoscopic Procedure
Authors: Jain Anuj , Singh Surendra 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT
Laparoscopic surgery results in multiple postoperative benefits, allowing for quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay, but this is not a panacea. Catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy (CIC) is well known in patients with persistently elevated catecholamine levels in the blood. The complex interaction between existing cardiac pathology and laparoscopy associated cardiovascular changes may precipitate heart failure in patients with limited cardiac reserve. We report a diagnosed case of adrenal pheochromocytoma undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy. A 2D echocardiography done at the time of presentation demonstrated dilated left ventricle (LV) with global hypokinesia and ejection fraction (EF) of 25% with moderate mitral regurgitation (MR). The patient received phenoxybenzamine, 20 mg TDS; propanolol, 10 mg TDS; ramipril, 2.5 mg OD and Amlodipine, 5 mg BD for medical optimization prior to excision of pheochromocytoma. Echocardiography after the start of medical therapy now showed a normal sized LV with EF of 40% with no regional wall motion abnormality with mild MR. Pneumoperitoneum was created with carbon dioxide. Subsequent to peritoneal insufflation patient developed features of left ventricular failure. The laparoscopy was abandoned and laparotomy was done. The surgery could proceed successfully without major intraoperative and postoperative problems.

How to cite this article
Jain A, Singh S. Pheochromocytoma with Catecholamine-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Not an Appropriate Case for Laparoscopic Procedure. World J Endoc Surg 2012;4(3):105-107.
Corporate Social Responsibility Practices (CSR) and CSR Performance in Malaysian Automotive Industry
Authors: Fuzi Nursyazwani Mohd , Desa Auni Fatin Nadia Chiek , Hibadullah Siti Norhafizan , Zamri Farah Izzaida Mohd , Habidin Nurul Fadly 
Published: December 2012

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is increasing interest in Malaysian automotive industry. The aim of this study is to review the structural relationship between CSR practices and CSR performance in Malaysian Automotive Industry. Thus, this paper seeks to explore the CSR practices (employee involvement, customer focus, environment, corporate governance, community and society, human right) and corporate social responsibility performance (environmental performance and social performance). This study concludes that CSR has an importance practices to improve performance. Based on the proposed conceptual model and reviewed, research hypotheses are being developed.
Which Cooperative Ownership Model Performs Better? A Financial‐Decision Aid Approach
Authors: Kalogeras Nikos , Pennings Joost M.E. , Benos Theo , Doumpos Michael 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTIn this article the financial/ownership structures of agribusiness cooperatives are analyzed to examine whether new cooperative models perform better than the more traditional ones. The assessment procedure introduces a new financial decision‐aid approach, which is based on data‐analysis techniques in combination with a preference ranking organization method of enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE II). The application of this multicriteria decision‐aid approach allows the rank ordering of cooperatives based on the most prominent financial ratios. The financial ratios were selected using principal component analysis. This analytical procedure reduces the dimensionality of large numbers of interrelated financial performance measures. We assess the financial success of Dutch agribusiness cooperatives for the period 1999–2010. Results show that there is no clear‐cut evidence that cooperative models used to attract extra members’ investments and/or outside equity perform better than the more traditional models. This suggests that ownership structure of cooperatives is not always a decisive factor for their financial success. [EconLit citations: Q130, G320, C440].
Room temperature polymerization of vinylic monomers by azo initiator
Authors: Kumar Krishna , Adhikary Pubali , Krishnamoorthi S. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe azo initiator, sodium‐{4‐(4‐hydroxy‐phenylazo)‐benzenesulfonate (SHPBS)}, has been synthesized by coupling reaction with sodium‐(p‐sulfonate benzene diazonium chloride) and phenol. Unsymmetrical azo group leading to weak azo bond in case of SHPBS resulted in dissociation at lower temperature (25°C) to produce free radicals. Its versatile solubility (soluble in aqueous and organic solvents), generation of free radicals at 25°C, and its application without mechanical stirring are the added greater advantage over commercially available azo initiators (AIBN, etc.). The SHPBS has been characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR spectroscopies, and thermal analysis. It has been observed that various monomers such as AM, AA, IPAM, and AMPS which have been polymerized with SHPBS have led to high molecular weight polymers at shorter reaction time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
A water‐soluble acrylamide hydrophobically associating polymer: Synthesis, characterization, and properties as EOR chemical
Authors: Lai Nanjun , Dong Wan , Ye Zhongbin , Dong Jun , Qin Xiaoping , Chen Weili , Chen Ke 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA water‐soluble acrylamide hydrophobically associating terpolymer for polymer flooding was successfully synthesized via free radical polymerization using acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), and N,N‐divinylnonadeca‐1,10‐dien‐2‐amine (DNDA) as raw materials. The terpolymer was characterized by IR spectroscopy and fluorescence spectra. Compared with partially hydrolyzed polyacryamide (HPAM), the terpolymer showed a stronger link and better dimensional network structure under the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The results of rheology indicated that the terpolymer (AM‐NaAA‐DNDA) showed an excellent shear‐resistance in high shear rate (1000 s−1) and remarkable temperature‐tolerance (above 110°C). The salt‐resisting experiment revealed that this terpolymer had a better anti‐salt ability. According to the core flooding test, it could be obtained that oil recovery was enhanced more than 15% under conditions of 2000 mg/L terpolymer in the mineralization of 8000 mg/L at 60°C. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Expansion of Autoreactive Unresponsive CD21−/low B Cells in Sjögren's Syndrome–Associated Lymphoproliferation
Authors: Saadoun D. , Terrier B. , Bannock J. , Vazquez T. , Massad C. , Kang I. , Joly F. , Rosenzwajg M. , Sene D. , Benech P. , Musset L. , Klatzmann D. , Meffre E. , Cacoub P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivePrimary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease associated with a high risk of developing non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. This study was undertaken to determine the nature of B cells driving lymphoproliferation in primary SS.MethodsB cell subsets and function were analyzed in peripheral blood from 66 adult patients with primary SS (including 14 patients with B cell lymphoproliferative disease [LPD]) and 30 healthy donors, using flow cytometry, calcium mobilization, and gene array analysis. The reactivity of recombinant antibodies isolated from single B cells from patients with primary SS and LPD was tested using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsWe observed an expansion of an unusual CD21−/low B cell population that correlated with lymphoproliferation in patients with primary SS. A majority of CD21−/low B cells from patients with primary SS expressed autoreactive antibodies, which recognized nuclear and cytoplasmic structures. These B cells belonged to the memory compartment, since their Ig genes were mutated. They were unable to induce calcium flux, become activated, or proliferate in response to B cell receptor and/or CD40 triggering, suggesting that these autoreactive B cells may be anergic. However, CD21−/low B cells from patients with primary SS remained responsive to Toll‐like receptor (TLR) stimulation. Molecules specifically expressed in CD21−/low B cells that are likely to induce their unresponsive stage were detected in gene array analyses.ConclusionPatients with primary SS who display high frequencies of autoreactive and unresponsive CD21−/low B cells are susceptible to developing lymphoproliferation. These cells remain in peripheral blood controlled by functional anergy instead of being eliminated, and chronic antigenic stimulation through TLR stimulation may create a favorable environment for breaking tolerance and activating these cells.
Simultaneous Stabilization and Constant Reference Tracking of LTI, MIMO Systems
Authors: Gündeş A. N. , Nanjangud A. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIt is shown that any finite number of plants that belong to certain classes of multi‐input multi‐output systems with no zeros in the region of instability can be simultaneously stabilized using linear, time‐invariant integral‐action controllers. These plants may be stable or unstable and their poles are not restricted; they may also have any number of zeros in the stable region of the complex plane. The classes of systems under consideration include plants with blocking or transmission zeros at infinity. The common controller achieves asymptotic tracking of step‐input references with zero steady‐state error and has a low order transfer‐function. Systematic synthesis methods are presented, and a parametrization of all simultaneously stabilizing controllers with integral‐action is also provided.
Risk analysis in bioequivalence and biowaiver decisions
Authors: Kubbinga Marlies , Langguth Peter , Barends Dirk 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTThis article evaluates the current biowaiver guidance documents published by the FDA, EU and WHO from a risk based perspective. The authors introduce the use of a Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) risk calculation tool to show that current regulatory documents implicitly limit the risk for bioinequivalence after granting a biowaiver by reduction of the incidence, improving the detection and limiting the severity of any unforeseen bioinequivalent product. In addition, the authors use the risk calculation to expose yet unexplored options for future extension of comparative in vitro tools for biowaivers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between reported venlafaxine use in early pregnancy and birth defects, national birth defects prevention study, 1997–2007
Authors: Polen Kara N. D. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Riehle‐Colarusso Tiffany , Reefhuis Jennita ,   and the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: December 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDFew epidemiologic studies have investigated the use of venlafaxine (Effexor XR capsules, Product Monograph, Wyeth, Montreal, Canada), an antidepressant used to treat major depression and anxiety disorders in adults, during pregnancy. Our objective was to determine whether use of venlafaxine during pregnancy is associated with specific birth defects.METHODSWe used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), a population‐based, case‐control study in the United States. Our analysis included mothers with pregnancies affected by one of 30 selected birth defects (cases) and babies without birth defects (controls) with estimated dates of delivery between 1997 and 2007. Exposure was any reported use of venlafaxine from 1 month preconception through the third month of pregnancy. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% Fisher Exact confidence intervals (CIs) for 24 birth defect groups for which at least 400 case mothers were interviewed. Our adjusted analyses controlled for maternal age and race/ethnicity.RESULTSAmong the 27,045 NBDPS participants who met inclusion criteria, 0.17% (14/8002) of control mothers and 0.40% (77/19,043) of case mothers reported any use of venlafaxine from 1 month preconception through the third month of pregnancy. Statistically significant associations were found for anencephaly, atrial septal defect (ASD) secundum, or ASD not otherwise specified, coarctation of the aorta, cleft palate, and gastroschisis.CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest associations between periconceptional use of venlafaxine and some birth defects. However, sample sizes were small, CIs were wide, and additional studies are needed to confirm these results. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Objective quantification of aortic valvular structures by cardiac computed tomography angiography in patients considered for transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Korosoglou Grigorios , Gitsioudis Gitsios , Waechter‐Stehle Irina , Weese Juergen , Krumsdorf Ulrike , Chorianopoulos Emmanuel , Hosch Waldemar , Kauczor Hans‐Ulrich , Katus Hugo A. , Bekeredjian Raffi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPurposeTo test the ability of a model‐based segmentation of the aortic root for consistent assessment of aortic valve structures in patients considered for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) who underwent 256‐slice cardiac computed tomography (CT).MethodsConsecutive patients (n = 49) with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis considered for TAVI and patients without aortic stenosis (n = 17) underwent cardiac CT. Images were evaluated by two independent observers who measured the diameter of the aortic annulus and its distance to both coronary ostia (1) manually and (2) software‐assisted. All acquired measures were compared with each other and to (3) fully automatic quantification.ResultsHigh correlations were observed for 3D measures of the aortic annulus conducted on multiple oblique planes (r = 0.87 and 0.84 between observers and model‐based measures, and r = 0.81 between observers). Reproducibility was further improved by software‐assisted versus manual assessment for all the acquired variables (r = 0.98 versus 0.81 for annulus diameter, r = 0.94 versus 0.85 for distance to the left coronary ostium, P < 0.01 for both). Thus, using software‐assisted measurements very low limits of agreement were observed for the annulus diameter (95%CI of −1.2 to 0.6 mm) and within very low time‐spent (0.6 ± 0.1 min for software‐assisted versus 1.6 ± 0.3 min per patient for manual assessment, P < 0.001). Assessment of the aortic annulus using the 3D model‐based instead of manual 2D‐coronal measurements would have modified the implantation strategy in 12 of 49 patients (25%) with aortic stenosis. Four of 12 patients with potentially modified implantation strategy yielded postprocedural moderate paravalvular regurgitation, which may have been avoided by implantation of a larger prosthesis, as suggested by automatic 3D measures.ConclusionOur study highlights the usefulness of software‐assisted preprocedural assessment of the aortic annulus in patients considered for TAVI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physical Activity Behavior Two to Six Years Following Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Socioecological Analysis
Authors: Bentley Danielle , Khan Shazareen , Oh Paul , Grace Sherry , Thomas Scott 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground:Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) promotes long‐term positive health behaviours, such as physical activity (PA), in patients following a cardiovascular event. We have limited knowledge of long‐term PA and its correlates. Therefore, this research examined both PA behaviour and socioecological correlates among elderly graduates 2‐6 years following CR.Hypothesis:CR graduates will have a moderate PA level in the long term. Greater PA will be associated with various multilevel correlates.Methods:This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional study which quantified PA using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and collected information about socioecological correlates at the intrapersonal, interpersonal and health service levels. Both univariate and multivariate analyses assessed PA and PA correlates.Results:The majority of the 584 participants were older (69.8 ± 9.8), male (80.3%), and well educated (75.4% ≥ some post‐secondary). Average time since CR graduation was 41.5 ± 11.5 months. Seventy five percent of CR graduates reported current weekly PA levels that met, or exceeded, Canadian PA guidelines (>150 minutes of moderate‐vigorous PA). Univariate analyses identified 13 PASE score correlates. Multivariate analyses identified age, PA enjoyment, current work status, CR staff support, location of primary residence, and perceived health as significantly associated with higher PASE scores (p < 0.001).Conclusions:Three and a half years post‐CR graduates had high PA levels. Greater PA was associated with several modifiable multilevel correlates at all levels of influence. Understanding correlates of long‐term PA behaviour among CR graduates will help identify groups at risk for nonadherence and assist with continued program development.The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.