bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vaccine-Elicited CD8
+
T Cells Protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Strain A2-Line19F-Induced Pathogenesis in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Lee Sujin , Stokes Kate L. , Currier Michael G. , Sakamoto Kaori , Lukacs Nicholas W. , Celis Esteban , Moore Martin L. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

CD8
+
T cells may contribute to vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Compared to CD8
+
T cells responding to RSV infection, vaccine-elicited anti-RSV CD8
+
T cells are less well defined. We used a peptide vaccine to test the hypothesis that vaccine-elicited RSV-specific CD8
+
T cells are protective against RSV pathogenesis. BALB/c mice were treated with a mixture (previously termed TriVax) of an M2
82-90
peptide representing an immunodominant CD8 epitope, the Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist poly(I·C), and a costimulatory anti-CD40 antibody. TriVax vaccination induced potent effector anti-RSV CD8
+
cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Mice were challenged with RSV strain A2-line19F, a model of RSV pathogenesis leading to airway mucin expression. Mice were protected against RSV infection and against RSV-induced airway mucin expression and cellular lung inflammation when challenged 6 days after vaccination. Compared to A2-line19F infection alone, TriVax vaccination followed by challenge resulted in effector CD8
+
T cells with greater cytokine expression and the more rapid appearance of RSV-specific CD8
+
T cells in the lung. When challenged 42 days after TriVax vaccination, memory CD8
+
T cells were elicited with RSV-specific tetramer responses equivalent to TriVax-induced effector CD8
+
T cells. These memory CD8
+
T cells had lower cytokine expression than effector CD8
+
T cells, and protection against A2-line19F was partial during the memory phase. We found that vaccine-elicited effector anti-RSV CD8
+
T cells protected mice against RSV infection and pathogenesis, and waning protection correlated with reduced CD8
+
T cell cytokine expression.
Residents’ experiences in dealing with abuse in emergency department: a survey in Iran hospitals
Authors: Alimohammadi Hossein , Zolfaghari Sadrabad Akram , Bidarizerehpoosh Farahnaz , Derakhshanfar Hojjat , Shahrami Ali , Farahmand rad Reza 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundAbuse in Emergency Department (ED) as a widespread phenomenon, has negative effects on ED residents. This issue pertains to Western as well as Asian countries.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess how Iranian ED residents deal with abuse. Awareness, educational programmes, reports, causes of abuse and ways to reduce this were considered in this survey.MethodIn 2011, a cross-section survey was conducted at seven ED residencies of central hospitals in Tehran, Mashhad, Ahwaz and Tabriz. ED residents were asked about their age, sex, abuse time, awareness of abuse, educational programmes, reporting abuse, causes of reluctance to report, and how to reduce abuse. The data were analysed by SPSS V.20.ResultsA total of 215 questionnaires were completed. Abuse was reported to have occurred most frequently during night shifts (n=89, 41.4%), and most of the residents were abused by men rather than women (n=132, 61% vs n=22, 10%, p<0.05). About half the residents (n=107, 49.8%) were not aware of any abuse. Only 22% (n=46) had formal or informal education in abuse, and 74% (n=158) of them had not gone through any learning programmes. Most residents (n=175, 81%) did not know how to report abuse, and among respondents, most of the residents did not report the abuse (n=86, 40%), and the cause was mostly the uncertainty towards officials being able to solve the problem of abuse (n=67, 38%). Residents most often reported not to admit patients more than the hospital's capacity as the main solution to reduce abuse (n=61, 32%).ConclusionsBeing abused during residency is a universal problem, and there is a lack of awareness and the knowledge of how to deal with abuse, and reporting it among ED residents in Iranian hospitals.
Fixed Point of Strong Duality Pseudocontractive Mappings and Applications
Authors: Liu Baowei 
Published: September 2012

Let E be a smooth Banach space with the dual E∗, an operator T : E → E∗ is said to be α‐strong duality pseudocontractive if 〈x − y, Tx − Ty〉 ≤ 〈x − y, Jx − Jy〉 − α∥Jx − Jy − (Tx − Ty)∥2, for all x, y ∈ E, where α is a nonnegative constant. An element x ∈ E is called a duality fixed point of T if Tx = Jx. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the definition of α‐strong duality pseudocontractive mappings and to study its fixed point problem and applications for operator equation and variational inequality problems.
Health improvement for disadvantaged people in Nepal – an evaluation
Authors: Rana Ram B , Ghimire Rabindra , Shah Mahendra B , Kumal Tirtha , Whitley Elise , Baker Ian A 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
An evaluation of progress with participatory approaches for improvement of health knowledge and health experiences of disadvantaged people in eight Districts of Eastern Nepal has been undertaken.

Methods
A random selection of Village Development Committees and households, within the eight Districts where participation and a Rights-based Approach had been promoted specifically by local NGOs were compared with similar villages and households in eight Districts where this approach had not been promoted. Information was sought by structured interview and observation by experienced enumerators from both groups of householders. Health knowledge and experiences were compared between the two sets of households. Adjustments were made for demographic confounders.

Results
Complete data sets were available for 628 of the 640 households. Health knowledge and experiences were low for both sets of households. However, health knowledge and experiences were greater in the participatory households compared with the non-participatory households. These differences remained after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions
The study was designed to evaluate progress with participatory processes delivered by non-governmental organisations over a five year period. Improvements in health knowledge and experiences of disadvantaged people were demonstrated in a consistent and robust manner where interventions had taken place.
Correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms in CYP4F2 and warfarin dosing in chinese valve replacement patients
Authors: Li Jie-Hui , Ma Guo-Guo , Zhu Shu-Qiang , Yan Hao , Wu Yong-Bing , Xu Jian-Jun 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with implanted mechanical valve prostheses require lifelong anticoagulation therapy with warfarin. The narrow therapeutic index of warfarin makes it difficult to dose and maintain proper anticoagulation. A number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting vitamin K or warfarin metabolism have been shown to affect warfarin dosing. Our aim was to study the effect of the CYP4F2 rs2108622-1347 (C > T) variant on warfarin dosing in Chinese patients.MethodsWe studied 352 patients after heart valve replacement surgery. Warfarin dosing for patients was adjusted to achieve 1.8 ≤ INR ≤ 2.5. We determined the presence of SNPs in CYP4F2 in these patients and investigated their association with warfarin dosing.ResultsWe found the frequency of the CYP4F2 rs2108622 C allele was 79.5% and T-allele frequency was 20.5%. The warfarin dose requirement for CC individuals was significantly lower than that for CT or TT individuals (P < 0.05). TT-homozygous individuals required a 0.56 mg/day higher dose of warfarin than their CC counterparts.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that CYP4F2 rs2108622 significantly affects the warfarin dose requirement to achieve adequate anticoagulant activity in Chinese individuals. Genotyping of this SNP may allow clinicians to determine the initiation dose for patients following valve-replacement surgery in China.
Effect of enzyme therapy and prognostic factors in 69 adults with Pompe disease: an open-label single-center study
Authors: de Vries Juna M , van der Beek Nadine AME , Hop Wim CJ , Karstens Francois PJ , Wokke John H , de Visser Marianne , van Engelen Baziel GM , Kuks Jan BM , van der Kooi Anneke J , Notermans Nicolette C , Faber Catharina G , Verschuuren Jan JGM , Kruijshaar Michelle E , Reuser Arnold JJ , van Doorn Pieter A , van der Ploeg Ans T 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in adults with Pompe disease, a progressive neuromuscular disorder, is of promising but variable efficacy. We investigated whether it alters the course of disease, and also identified potential prognostic factors.

Methods
Patients in this open-label single-center study were treated biweekly with 20 mg/kg alglucosidase alfa. Muscle strength, muscle function, and pulmonary function were assessed every 3–6 months and analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results
Sixty-nine patients (median age 52.1 years) were followed for a median of 23 months. Muscle strength increased after start of ERT (manual muscle testing 1.4 percentage points per year (pp/y); hand-held dynamometry 4.0 pp/y; both p < 0.001). Forced vital capacity (FVC) remained stable when measured in upright, but declined in supine position (−1.1 pp/y; p = 0.03). Muscle function did not improve in all patients (quick motor function test 0.7 pp/y; p = 0.14), but increased significantly in wheelchair-independent patients and those with mild and moderate muscle weakness.
Relative to the pre-treatment period (49 patients with 14 months pre-ERT and 22 months ERT median follow-up), ERT affected muscle strength positively (manual muscle testing +3.3 pp/y, p < 0.001 and hand-held dynamometry +7.9 pp/y, p < 0.001). Its effect on upright FVC was +1.8 pp/y (p = 0.08) and on supine FVC +0.8 (p = 0.38). Favorable prognostic factors were female gender for muscle strength, and younger age and better clinical status for supine FVC.

Conclusions
We conclude that ERT positively alters the natural course of Pompe disease in adult patients; muscle strength increased and upright FVC stabilized. Functional outcome is probably best when ERT intervention is timely.
Kisspeptin and the Hypothalamic Control of Reproduction: Lessons from the Human
Authors: George Jyothis T. , Seminara Stephanie B. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The hypothalamic hormone GnRH is a central driver of pituitary gonadotropin secretion, controlling pulsatile gonadotropin secretion, modulating gonadal steroid feedback, and bringing about full fertility in the adult. Thus, understanding GnRH neuronal regulation is essential to understanding the neurohumoral control of human reproduction. Genetic tools were used in patients with GnRH deficiency (i.e. idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism), a clinical syndrome that results from the failure of a normal pattern of pulsatile GnRH, to discover upstream modulators of GnRH secretion (1). In 2003, homozygosity mapping of two consanguineous pedigrees led to the identification of loss of function mutations in KISS1R (a G protein coupled receptor) by two groups (2, 3). In parallel, the Kiss1r−/− mouse was shown to be a phenocopy of the human GnRH-deficient state, demonstrating that the function of KISS1R/Kiss1r is conserved across mammalian species (4). Just before these human genetic discoveries, the ligand for kisspeptin-1 receptor [KISS1R; also known as G protein coupled receptor 54 (GPR54)], was discovered to be kisspeptin. Soon thereafter a large array of experimental studies began assembling genetic, expression, physiologic, transgenic, knockdown, and electrophysiological data to characterize the physiology of kisspeptin and its seminal role in modulating GnRH release.
Sink fast and swim harder! Round-trip cost-of-transport for buoyant divers
Authors: Miller Patrick J. O. , Biuw Martin , Watanabe Yuuki Y. , Thompson Dave , Fedak Mike A. 
Published: September 2012

SUMMARYEfficient locomotion between prey resources at depth and oxygen at the surface is crucial for breath-hold divers to maximize time spent in the foraging layer, and thereby net energy intake rates. The body density of divers, which changes with body condition, determines the apparent weight (buoyancy) of divers, which may affect round-trip cost-of-transport (COT) between the surface and depth. We evaluated alternative predictions from external-work and actuator-disc theory of how non-neutral buoyancy affects round-trip COT to depth, and the minimum COT speed for steady-state vertical transit. Not surprisingly, the models predict that one-way COT decreases (increases) when buoyancy aids (hinders) one-way transit. At extreme deviations from neutral buoyancy, gliding at terminal velocity is the minimum COT strategy in the direction aided by buoyancy. In the transit direction hindered by buoyancy, the external-work model predicted that minimum COT speeds would not change at greater deviations from neutral buoyancy, but minimum COT speeds were predicted to increase under the actuator disc model. As previously documented for grey seals, we found that vertical transit rates of 36 elephant seals increased in both directions as body density deviated from neutral buoyancy, indicating that actuator disc theory may more closely predict the power requirements of divers affected by gravity than an external work model. For both models, minor deviations from neutral buoyancy did not affect minimum COT speed or round-trip COT itself. However, at body-density extremes, both models predict that savings in the aided direction do not fully offset the increased COT imposed by the greater thrusting required in the hindered direction.
Smoking affects mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic proteins in human periosteum
Authors: Chassanidis C. G. , Malizos K. N. , Varitimidis S. , Samara S. , Koromila T. , Kollia P. , Dailiana Z. 
Published: September 2012

Periosteum is important for bone homoeostasis through the release of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their effect on osteoprogenitor cells. Smoking has an adverse effect on fracture healing and bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of smoking on the expression of the BMPs of human periosteum. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for BMP-2,-4,-6,-7 gene expression in periosteal samples obtained from 45 fractured bones (19 smokers, 26 non-smokers) and 60 non-fractured bones (21 smokers, 39 non-smokers). A hierarchical model of BMP gene expression (BMP-2 > BMP-6 > BMP-4 > BMP-7) was demonstrated in all samples. When smokers and non-smokers were compared, a remarkable reduction in the gene expression of BMP-2, -4 and -6 was noticed in smokers. The comparison of fracture and non-fracture groups demonstrated a higher gene expression of BMP-2, -4 and -7 in the non-fracture samples. Within the subgroups (fracture and non-fracture), BMP gene expression in smokers was either lower but without statistical significance in the majority of BMPs, or similar to that in non-smokers with regard to BMP-4 in fracture and BMP-7 in non-fracture samples. In smokers, BMP gene expression of human periosteum was reduced, demonstrating the effect of smoking at the molecular level by reduction of mRNA transcription of periosteal BMPs. Among the BMPs studied, BMP-2 gene expression was significantly higher, highlighting its role in bone homoeostasis.
Early micromovement of the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) femoral component
Authors: Penny J. O. , Ding M. , Varmarken J. E. , Ovesen O. , Overgaard S. 
Published: September 2012

Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) can detect early micromovement in unstable implant designs which are likely subsequently to have a high failure rate. In 2010, the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) was withdrawn because of a high failure rate. In 19 ASR femoral components, the mean micromovement over the first two years after implantation was 0.107 mm (sd 0.513) laterally, 0.055 mm (sd 0.204) distally and 0.150 mm (sd 0.413) anteriorly. The mean backward tilt around the x-axis was -0.08° (sd 1.088), mean internal rotation was 0.165° (sd 0.924) and mean varus tilt 0.238° (sd 0.420). The baseline to two-year varus tilt was statistically significant from zero movement, but there was no significant movement from one year onwards. We conclude that the ASR femoral component achieves initial stability and that early migration is not the mode of failure for this resurfacing arthroplasty.
Correlating the deep inferior epigastric artery branching pattern with type of abdominal free flap performed in a series of 145 breast reconstruction patients
Authors: Molina AR , Jones ME , Hazari A , Francis I , Nduka C 
Published: September 2012

INTRODUCTIONThe deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is currently viewed as the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction. We studied three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (CTA) in 145 patients undergoing free abdominal flap breast reconstruction to try to correlate deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) branching pattern with the type of flap performed and patient outcome. Today, reconstructive breast surgeons have become more experienced in raising DIEP flaps and operative times are becoming more acceptable. However, there remains significant interest in finding ways to aid this challenging dissection.METHODSWe retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients between January 2007 and August 2008. CTAs were analysed using the Moon and Taylor (1988) classification of the DIEA branching pattern. Data gathered included pre-operative morbidity, type of abdominal wall free flap performed, length of operation, length of stay and complications.RESULTSSome 150 breast reconstructions were performed in 145 patients. There were 67 DIEP flaps, 69 MS-2 transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flaps and 14 MS-1 TRAM flaps (where MS-1 spares the lateral muscle and MS-2 spares both lateral and medial segments). Proportionally more DIEP flaps were performed in patients with a type 2 branching pattern. There was one flap loss (0.67%).CONCLUSIONSIn this large CTA series, we found a type 1 (single artery) DIEA pattern most frequently, in contrast to the predominance of the type 2 bifurcating pattern observed previously. The higher proportion of DIEP flaps performed in the type 2 pattern patients is consistent with the documented shorter intramuscular course in this group. We have found CTA useful for faster selection of the best hemiabdomen for dissection and flap loss rates in our unit have reduced from 1.5% to 0.67%.
Circulating 5α-dihydrotestosterone, abdominal obesity and adipocyte characteristics in women
Authors: Côté Julie A. , Lessard Julie , Mailloux Jacques , Laberge Philippe , Rhéaume Caroline , Tchernof André 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background: The association between circulating androgen levels and fat distribution in women has been widely inconsistent among existing studies.

Objective: We sought to investigate the relation between plasma adrenal and gonadal androgen levels and body fat distribution, as well as abdominal adipocyte characteristics.

Methods: Paired omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were surgically obtained from 60 women (age, 47±5 years; body mass index, 26±5 kg/m2) undergoing gynecological surgery. Body composition and fat distribution were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography, respectively. Adipocyte diameter, basal lipolysis, and heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase activity were measured. Steroids were quantified using high-performance gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Results: Significant negative associations were found between plasma dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels and total adiposity (body mass index, r=–0.35, p<0.05; fat mass, r=–0.31, p<0.05) as well as computed tomography assessments of abdominal adiposity (r=–0.30, p<0.05 and r=–0.44, p<0.005 for subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue area, respectively). The association between DHT levels and visceral adipose tissue area was independent of total body fat mass. A significant negative association was also observed between plasma DHT and omental adipocyte diameter (r=–0.27, p<0.05). When expressed as the omental/subcutaneous ratio, heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase activity was negatively and significantly related to plasma DHT, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels.

Conclusion: Abdominally obese women with large, metabolically active omental adipocytes appear to be characterized by reduced endogenous levels of DHT. The assumption that high androgen levels are associated with an android body fat distribution pattern in women should be critically re-examined.
IGF-I receptor phosphorylation is impaired in cathepsin X-deficient prostate cancer cells
Authors: Kraus Steffen , Fruth Maximilian , Bunsen Thea , Nägler Dorit K. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The cysteine-type peptidase cathepsin X is highly upregulated in several cancers and presumably promotes tumor invasion through bypassing cellular senescence. Here, we present first evidence that the underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, a well-known activator of proliferating tumor cells. Cathepsin X deficiency leads to a reduced phosphorylation of the IGF-I receptor in response to IGF-I stimulation. In addition, downstream signaling through focal adhesion kinase was also affected. Taken together, our results indicate that cathepsin X is able to assist in IGF signaling, which may be an important progress toward understanding cathepsin X-dependent tumorigenesis.
Business and the Black Revolt
Authors: Palmieri Victor H. 
Published: September 2012

The Deputy Director of the Kerner Commission speaks on the meaning and challenge of the black revolt and the role of business in meeting that challenge. Stressing the positive aspects of the Black Power movement, and its worldwide implications, the author gives an analysis of the causes of the black revolt. By working to create an affluent society, business itself has acted as a catalyst in the urban unrest. Four areas in which the business community can work to solve urban problems are outlined.
A Capital Market Plan for the Urban Areas
Authors: Ritter Lawrence S. 
Published: September 2012

One wonders how many more cities will have to go up in flames amid riot and bloodshed before we realize that we have no choice, merely in terms of our own individual self-interest, but to rouse ourselves from immersion in private pursuits and set about the job of putting things right? Dr. Ritter presents a proposal for the dramatic reconstruction of American cities … what we must do if we are to stop an accelerating trend toward virtual polarization of American society along primarily racial lines. The issues in the nation, at large are more than just economic, and they reach far beyond the boundaries of our cities. But a start must be made somewhere and it is in the interest of such a beginning—with full awareness that it is only that—that the proposal below is presented.
Audit Partner Tenure and Cost of Equity Capital
Authors: Azizkhani Masoud , Monroe Gary S. , Shailer Greg 
Published: September 2012

SUMMARY
We examine whether audit engagement partner tenure and rotation affect investors' perceptions, as proxied by the ex ante cost of equity capital. We find that partner tenure has a nonlinear relation with the ex ante cost of equity capital for non-Big 4 audit engagements prior to the introduction of partner rotation requirements, and that the imputed gains from partner tenure appear similar to the imputed gains of having a Big 4 auditor. Consistent with the tenure results, we also find that partner rotation is associated with increased ex ante cost of equity capital. Our results are very robust to a variety of sensitivity tests and raise important questions for future research. It is not known to what extent investors or analysts are aware of the audit partner's identity or pay attention to audit partner tenure; if investors or analysts do not consider partner tenure, future research may identify omitted variables that have the same nonlinear relationship with the ex ante cost of capital that we observe for non-Big 4 audit partner tenure.
JEL Classifications: M42; M48.
Data Availability: The data used are from public sources identified in the manuscript.