bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of lymphocyte reconstitution after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: markers of graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Zinöcker Severin , Sviland Lisbet , Dressel Ralf , Rolstad Bent 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTGVHD causes extensive morbidity and mortality in patients who receive alloHCT. Predictive and reliable markers for GVHD are currently lacking but required to improve the safety and accessibility of alloHCT. We present an experimental rat model of myeloablative total body irradiation and fully mismatched major and minor histoincompatible, T cell-depleted BMT, followed by delayed infusion of donor lymphocytes. This treatment, in contrast to marrow transplantation alone, resulted in severe aGVHD and 100% lethality within 2–6 weeks. We investigated the reconstitution kinetics and phenotypes of donor leukocyte subpopulations as well as the histopathology of selected organs that may correlate with GVHD, with the goal to find potential disease-related markers. We observed histological changes mainly confined to the skin, with degenerative changes in the basal layer. LNs and spleen showed deranged architecture with markedly increased accumulation of lymphocytes, whereas the gut, liver, and lungs appeared normal. Of the lymphocyte markers tested, donor-derived CD62L+ T cells were markedly decreased in animals suffering from GVHD. Furthermore, we observed peripheral depletion of CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+ Treg, which was in contrast to controls. The relative frequency of these lymphocyte subpopulations in blood may therefore serve as accessible cellular markers of aGVHD. We propose that the animal model presented is instructive for the identification of clinically relevant markers of GVHD, which could improve disease diagnosis and management in alloHCT.
Rat resident testicular macrophages have an alternatively activated phenotype and constitutively produce interleukin-10 in vitro
Authors: Winnall Wendy R , Muir Julie A , Hedger Mark P 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe ability of the rodent testis to tolerate graft alloantigens and spermatogenic cell autoantigens is well known. The mechanisms underlying this “immune privilege” are poorly understood, but the numerous resident TMs have been implicated. Although it has been assumed that TMs display a phenotype consistent with immune privilege, this has not been formally established. Consequently, TMs were isolated from adult rats and cultured under basal conditions and following stimulation with LPS and IFN-γ (classical activation) or IL-4 (alternative activation). BMMs matured in vitro were used as control. Expression of the classical (proinflammatory) activation markers TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, IL-6, RANTES, IL-12p40, and SOCS3 and alternative (immunoregulatory) activation markers IL-10, TGF-β1, CXCL2, and SOCS1 was measured by QPCR or ELISA. In culture, TMs were characterized by poor expression of classical activation genes and TGF-β1 but constitutively high IL-10 production and reduced costimulatory activity in a polyclonal T cell activation assay. This pattern of gene expression was associated with TMs expressing the scavenger receptor CD163, which is characteristic of tissue resident macrophages and alternative activation. By contrast, CD163-negative TMs displayed reduced inflammatory gene expression but did not constitutively produce IL-10. These data indicate that under the influence of the testicular environment, macrophages adopt an alternatively activated phenotype, involving reduced capacity for proinflammatory gene expression, constitutive IL-10 production, and impaired ability to support T cell activation, consistent with a role in maintaining testicular immune privilege.
Human PD-L1-overexpressing porcine vascular endothelial cells induce functionally suppressive human CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+ Treg cells
Authors: Ding Qing , Lu Liming , Zhou Xiaorong , Zhou Yun , Chou Kuang-Yen 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTIn xenotransplantation models, direct activation of hCD4+ T cells by porcine VECs leads to a robust proliferation of T cells. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, human antiporcine MLEC culture was used to investigate cross-species cell interactions, proliferation of hCD4+ T cells, and induction of human cytokines. We report that xenoantigen presentation by PIEC expands hCD4+ Foxp3+ Tregs and hCD4+ Foxp3– Teffs, and this process is dependent on porcine MHC-II antigen expression. Stable transfection of hPD-L1 into PIEC inhibits Teff proliferation, but Treg proliferation is not affected. Surprisingly, IL-10 production by hCD4+ T cells is augmented significantly by PIEChPD-L1. Notably, hPD-L1-induced Tregs have higher suppressive potency and mediate suppressive function partially through IL-10 and CD73. This study opens the possibility of using hPD-L1-overexpressing porcine VECs as a novel therapeutic to allow tolerance of xenotransplants and also supports the possibility of using hPD-L1 transgenic pigs as xenotransplant donors.
From Uncertainty to Nonlinearity: Solving Virtual Private Network via Single-Sink Buy-at-Bulk
Authors: Grandoni Fabrizio , Rothvoß Thomas , Sanità Laura 
Published: April 2011

The virtual private network problem (VPN) models scenarios in which traffic is uncertain or rapidly changing. The goal is supporting at minimum cost a given family of traffic matrices, which are implicitly given by upper bounds on the ingoing and outgoing traffic at each node. Costs are classically defined by a linear function (linear VPN), but we consider here also the more general case of concave increasing costs (concave VPN). In this paper we give the first constant factor approximation for concave VPN, and we improve the best-known approximation factor for linear VPN. Our approximation results build on a novel reduction, based on König's theorem, which allows us to turn uncertainty of traffic into nonlinearity of the objective function. This way, we are able to reduce linear VPN and concave VPN to the single-sink rent-or-buy problem (SROB) and the single-sink buy-at-bulk problem (SSBB), respectively. Using the machinery developed for the latter two problems plus additional ideas, we are able to improve the approximation ratio for VPN. Along the way we also obtain, among other results, an improved approximation algorithm for SSBB and a tighter bound on the gap between the costs of arbitrary solutions and tree solutions for VPN. Furthermore, solving an open problem, we show that VPN remains NP-hard even in the balanced case, where the sum of ingoing and outgoing traffic bounds is equal.
Familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus due to a novel mutation in the arginine vasopressin–neurophysin II gene
Authors: de Fost M , van Trotsenburg A S P , van Santen H M , Endert E , van den Elzen C , Kamsteeg E J , Swaab D F , Fliers E 
Published: April 2011

BackgroundFamilial neurohypophyseal (central) diabetes insipidus (DI) is caused by mutations in the arginine vasopressin–neurophysin II (AVP–NPII) gene. The majority of cases is inherited in an autosomal dominant way. In this study, we present the clinical features of a mother and her son with autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal DI caused by a novel mutation.CaseA thirty-four-year-old woman and her three-year-old son were evaluated because of polyuria and polydipsia since the age of 1.5 years onwards. Both patients were subjected to a water deprivation test confirming the diagnosis of central DI. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain of the mother showed a hypothalamus without apparent abnormalities and a relatively small neurohypophysis without a hyperintense signal. Mutation analysis showed a c.322G>T (p.?/p.Glu108X) in Exon 2 of the AVP–NPII gene in both mother and son.DiscussionThis study reports neurohypophyseal DI in a mother and her son due to a novel mutation in Exon 2 of the AVP–NPII gene. Clinical and pathophysiological aspects of this disease are shortly reviewed and discussed.
Altered Skeletal Muscle Lipase Expression and Activity Contribute to Insulin Resistance in Humans
Authors: Badin Pierre-Marie , Louche Katie , Mairal Aline , Liebisch Gerhard , Schmitz Gerd , Rustan Arild C. , Smith Steven R. , Langin Dominique , Moro Cedric 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
Insulin resistance is associated with elevated content of skeletal muscle lipids, including triacylglycerols (TAGs) and diacylglycerols (DAGs). DAGs are by-products of lipolysis consecutive to TAG hydrolysis by adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and are subsequently hydrolyzed by hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). We hypothesized that an imbalance of ATGL relative to HSL (expression or activity) may contribute to DAG accumulation and insulin resistance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We first measured lipase expression in vastus lateralis biopsies of young lean (n = 9), young obese (n = 9), and obese-matched type 2 diabetic (n = 8) subjects. We next investigated in vitro in human primary myotubes the impact of altered lipase expression/activity on lipid content and insulin signaling.

RESULTS
Muscle ATGL protein was negatively associated with whole-body insulin sensitivity in our population (r = −0.55, P = 0.005), whereas muscle HSL protein was reduced in obese subjects. We next showed that adenovirus-mediated ATGL overexpression in human primary myotubes induced DAG and ceramide accumulation. ATGL overexpression reduced insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis (−30%, P &lt; 0.05) and disrupted insulin signaling at Ser1101 of the insulin receptor substrate-1 and downstream Akt activation at Ser473. These defects were fully rescued by nonselective protein kinase C inhibition or concomitant HSL overexpression to restore a proper lipolytic balance. We show that selective HSL inhibition induces DAG accumulation and insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS
Altogether, the data indicate that altered ATGL and HSL expression in skeletal muscle could promote DAG accumulation and disrupt insulin signaling and action. Targeting skeletal muscle lipases may constitute an interesting strategy to improve insulin sensitivity in obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Fasting Plasma Glucose and Clustering of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Normoglycemic Outpatient Children and Adolescents
Authors: Di Bonito Procolo , Sanguigno Eduardo , Forziato Claudia , Saitta Francesco , Iardino Maria Rosaria , Capaldo Brunella 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether fasting plasma glucose (FPG) within a normoglycemic range is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) among children and adolescents in an outpatient setting.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Subjects (780; age 6–16 years) with FPG &lt;100 mg/dL were divided into tertiles of FPG.

RESULTS
BMI, waist circumference, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, systolic blood pressure, and white blood cell (WBC) count (P &lt; 0.0001) increased across tertiles of FPG. Subjects with high-normal FPG (89–99 mg/dL) showed a higher risk of insulin resistance, hypertension, and high WBC count compared with subjects with low-normal FPG, independent of BMI z score.

CONCLUSIONS
In outpatient children and adolescents, higher FPG within the normal range is associated with several CMRF, independent of obesity. Thus the simple measurement of FPG may help identify subjects who warrant some monitoring in relation to cardiovascular risk.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Therapeutic Doses of Basal Insulins NPH, Glargine, and Detemir After 1 Week of Daily Administration at Bedtime in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
Authors: Lucidi Paola , Porcellati Francesca , Rossetti Paolo , Candeloro Paola , Cioli Patrizia , Marzotti Stefania , Andreoli Anna Marinelli , Fede Raffaela , Bolli Geremia B. , Fanelli Carmine G. 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
To compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of NPH, glargine, and detemir insulins in type 2 diabetic subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This study used a single-blind, three-way, cross-over design. A total of 18 type 2 diabetic subjects underwent a euglycemic clamp for 32 h after a subcutaneous injection of 0.4 units/kg at 2200 h of either NPH, glargine, or detemir after 1 week of bedtime treatment with each insulin.

RESULTS
The glucose infusion rate area under the curve0–32 h was greater for glargine than for detemir and NPH (1,538 ± 688; 1,081 ± 785; and 1,170 ± 703 mg/kg, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). Glargine suppressed endogenous glucose production more than detemir (P &lt; 0.05) and similarly to NPH (P = 0.16). Glucagon, C-peptide, free fatty acids, and β-hydroxy-butyrate were more suppressed with glargine than detemir. All 18 subjects completed the glargine study, but two subjects on NPH and three on detemir interrupted the study because of plasma glucose &gt;150 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS
Compared with NPH and detemir, glargine provided greater metabolic activity and superior glucose control for up to 32 h.
Serum Carotenoids and Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Women With Type 1 Diabetes and Preeclampsia
Authors: Azar Madona , Basu Arpita , Jenkins Alicia J. , Nankervis Alison J. , Hanssen Kristian F. , Scholz Hanne , Henriksen Tore , Garg Satish K. , Hammad Samar M. , Scardo James A. , Aston Christopher E. , Lyons Timothy J. 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
Increased oxidative stress and immune dysfunction are implicated in preeclampsia (PE) and may contribute to the two- to fourfold increase in PE prevalence among women with type 1 diabetes. Prospective measures of fat-soluble vitamins in diabetic pregnancy are therefore of interest.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Maternal serum carotenoids (α- and β-carotene, lycopene, and lutein) and vitamins A, D, and E (α- and γ-tocopherols) were measured at first (12.2 ± 1.9 weeks [mean ± SD], visit 1), second (21.6 ± 1.5 weeks, visit 2), and third (31.5 ± 1.7 weeks, visit 3) trimesters of pregnancy in 23 women with type 1 diabetes who subsequently developed PE (DM PE+) and 24 women with type 1 diabetes, matched for age, diabetes duration, HbA1c, and parity, who did not develop PE (DM PE−). Data were analyzed without and with adjustment for baseline differences in BMI, HDL cholesterol, and prandial status.

RESULTS
In unadjusted analysis, in DM PE+ versus DM PE−, α-carotene and β-carotene were 45 and 53% lower, respectively, at visit 3 (P &lt; 0.05), before PE onset. In adjusted analyses, the difference in β-carotene at visit 3 remained significant. Most participants were vitamin D deficient (&lt;20 ng/mL), and vitamin D levels were lower in DM PE+ versus DM PE− throughout the pregnancy, although this did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS
In pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, low serum α- and β-carotene were associated with subsequent development of PE, and vitamin D deficiency may also be implicated.
Normal Fasting Plasma Glucose and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Brambilla Paolo , La Valle Elisa , Falbo Rosanna , Limonta Giuseppe , Signorini Stefano , Cappellini Fabrizio , Mocarelli Paolo 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association of normal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and the risk for type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Data concerning 13,845 subjects, aged 40–69 years, who had their FPG measured at least three times between 1992 and 2008 were extracted from a database. Three FPG groups were defined (51–82, 83–90, and 91–99 mg/dL). A Cox proportional hazards analysis was applied to estimate the risk of incident diabetes adjusted for other risk factors.

RESULTS
During 108,061 person-years of follow-up (8,110 women and 5,735 men), 307 incident cases of type 2 diabetes were found. The final model demonstrated a hazard ratio of 2.03 (95% CI 1.18–3.50) for 91–99 mg/dL and 1.42 (0.42–4.74) for 83–90 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that FPG between 91 and 99 mg/dL is a strong independent predictor of type 2 diabetes and should be used to identify people to be further investigated and aided with preventive measures.
Diapression: An Integrated Model for Understanding the Experience of Individuals With Co-Occurring Diabetes and Depression
Authors: Ciechanowski Paul 
Published: April 2011

IN BRIEF
One in eight individuals with diabetes has major depression, and another one-fifth may have less severe but clinically significant depressive symptoms. Diabetes patients with comorbid depression can have worse self-care and treatment adherence, glycemic control, and increased morbidity and mortality. The symptoms of diabetes and depression often intertwine in what can be termed “diapression.” Approaching diapression in an integrated manner may be a novel approach to improve patient care.
Diabetes in the Emergency Department: Acute Care of Diabetes Patients
Authors: McNaughton Candace D. , Self Wesley H. , Slovis Corey 
Published: April 2011

IN BRIEF
This article reviews the most common and immediately life-threatening diabetes-related conditions seen in hospital emergency departments: diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, and hypoglycemia. It also addresses the evaluation of patients with hyperglycemia and no previous diagnosis of diabetes.
Interdisciplinary Team Care for Diabetic Patients by Primary Care Physicians, Advanced Practice Nurses, and Clinical Pharmacists
Authors: Willens David , Cripps Rebecca , Wilson Amy , Wolff Kathleen , Rothman Russell 
Published: April 2011

IN BRIEF
Most diabetic patients are managed by primary care physicians, but clinical inertia and limited time with patients hamper efforts to meet treatment goals. Successfully caring for the medical and psychosocial needs of the expanding diabetic population seen in primary care will require new strategies. This article reviews interdisciplinary efforts by primary care physicians, advanced practice nurses, and clinical pharmacists that can achieve improvements in clinical processes and outcomes at reasonable costs.
Anaerobic treatment of biodiesel by-products in a pilot scale reactor
Authors: Kolesárová Nina , Hutňan Miroslav , Špalková Viera , Kuffa Rastislav , Bodík Igor 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this work, long-term operation of a pilot scale mixed anaerobic reactor processing crude glycerol and rapeseed meal is discussed. These materials are generated as by-products of biodiesel production. Mixed reactor was operated under mesophilic conditions for the period of 654 days. Total cumulative production of biogas reached 379 m3 (at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature). Maximum volumetric loading achieved during the operation was 2.17 kg m−3 d−1 for the crude glycerol dose of 2 L. When dosing crude glycerol as a single substrate, average specific production of biogas of 0.76 m3 per L of the g-phase was achieved. The lack of nutrients in the g-phase had to be compensated by an addition of ammonium nitrogen in the form of urea into the reactor. Long term processing of crude glycerol demonstrated that accumulation of dissolved inorganic salts in the reactor can lead to inhibition of the methanogenic activity of microorganisms, causing breakdown of the system. Co-fermentation of crude glycerol with rapeseed meal provided stable biogas production and it was shown to be a feasible way of anaerobic degradation of these substrates. At the maximum volumetric load of 1.33 kg m−3 d−1 (500 mL of g-phase and 500 g of rapeseed meal), the average biogas production reached 0.58 m3 d−1.
Theoretical thermo-optical patterns relevant to glass crystallisation
Authors: Kocifaj Miroslav , Kovár Vladimír , Majling Ján 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMie computations are performed to evaluate light scattering on the virtual microstructures relevant to lithium disilicate glass internal crystallisation. The computations are expressed in the form of optical transmission (OT) patterns evolved on a scale of growing lithium disilicate crystals. Input data include the crystals number density, their size, the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic radiation, the indices of refraction of the lithium disilicate glassy and crystalline phases and the thickness of the virtual glass slab. In the computations, the spherical shape of crystals and their random distribution are assumed. The results reveal the quantitative effects of individual input data constants on the overall course of the computed OT patterns. They also relate the computed OT data magnitudes to the corresponding glass crystallinity (α). In addition, they point to singular combinations of the input data constants defining the conditions under which the OT data could potentially stand for the kinetically important α data. Finally, the results aid better recognition of some fundamental as well as practical properties of the optical thermal methods based on the optical transmission measurements.
Microfluidic fuel cell systems
Authors: Ho Bernard , Kjeang Erik 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
A microfluidic fuel cell is a microfabricated device that produces electrical power through electrochemical reactions involving a fuel and an oxidant. Microfluidic fuel cell systems exploit co-laminar flow on the microscale to separate the fuel and oxidant species, in contrast to conventional fuel cells employing an ion exchange membrane for this function. Since 2002 when the first microfluidic fuel cell was invented, many different fuels, oxidants, and architectures have been investigated conceptually and experimentally. In this mini-review article, recent advancements in the field of microfluidic fuel cell systems are documented, with particular emphasis on design, operation, and performance. The present microfluidic fuel cell systems are categorized by the fluidic phases of the fuel and oxidant streams, featuring gaseous/gaseous, liquid/gaseous, and liquid/liquid systems. The typical cell configurations and recent contributions in each category are analyzed. Key research challenges and opportunities are highlighted and recommendations for further work are provided.
The role of collapsing and cone rafting on eruption style changes and final cone morphology: Los Morados scoria cone, Mendoza, Argentina
Authors: Németh Karoly , Risso Corina , Nullo Francisco , Kereszturi Gabor 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Payún Matru Volcanic Field is a Quaternary monogenetic volcanic field that hosts scoria cones with perfect to breached morphologies. Los Morados complex is a group of at least four closely spaced scoria cones (Los Morados main cone and the older Cones A, B, and C). Los Morados main cone was formed by a long lived eruption of months to years. After an initial Hawaiian-style stage, the eruption changed to a normal Strombolian, conebuilding style, forming a cone over 150 metres high on a northward dipping (∼4°) surface. An initial cone gradually grew until a lava flow breached the cone’s base and rafted an estimated 10% of the total volume. A sudden sector collapse initiated a dramatic decompression in the upper part of the feeding conduit and triggered violent a Strombolian style eruptive stage. Subsequently, the eruption became more stable, and changed to a regular Strombolian style that partially rebuilt the cone. A likely increase in magma flux coupled with the gradual growth of a new cone caused another lava flow outbreak at the structurally weakened earlier breach site. For a second time, the unstable flank of the cone was rafted, triggering a second violent Strombolian eruptive stage which was followed by a Hawaiian style lava fountain stage. The lava fountaining was accompanied by a steady outpour of voluminous lava emission accompanied by constant rafting of the cone flank, preventing the healing of the cone. Santa Maria is another scoria cone built on a nearly flat pre-eruption surface. Despite this it went through similar stages as Los Morados main cone, but probably not in as dramatic a manner as Los Morados. In contrast to these examples of large breached cones, volumetrically smaller cones, associated to less extensive lava flows, were able to heal raft/collapse events, due to the smaller magma output and flux rates. Our evidence shows that scoria cone growth is a complex process, and is a consequence of the magma internal parameters (e.g. volatile content, magma flux, recharge, output volume) and external conditions such as inclination of the pre-eruptive surface where they grew and thus gravitational instability.