bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cutting Edge: IL-2 Signals Determine the Degree of TCR Signaling Necessary To Support Regulatory T Cell Proliferation In Vivo
Authors: Zou Tao , Satake Atsushi , Corbo-Rodgers Evann , Schmidt Amanda M. , Farrar Michael A. , Maltzman Jonathan S. , Kambayashi Taku 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
To ensure immune tolerance, regulatory T cell (Treg) numbers must be maintained by cell division. This process has been thought to be strictly dependent on the Treg TCR interacting with MHC class II. In this study, we report that Treg division does not absolutely require cell-autonomous TCR signaling in vivo, depending on the degree of IL-2–mediated stimulation provided. At steady state IL-2 levels, Tregs require cell-autonomous TCR signaling to divide. However, when given exogenous IL-2 or when STAT5 is selectively activated in Tregs, Treg division can occur independently of MHC class II and TCR signaling. Thus, depending on the amount of IL-2R stimulation, a wide range of TCR signals supports Treg division, which may contribute to preservation of a diverse repertoire of Treg TCR specificities. These findings also have therapeutic implications, as TCR signaling by Tregs may not be required when using IL-2 to increase Treg numbers for treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Proinflammatory Mediators Disrupt Glucose Homeostasis in Airway Surface Liquid
Authors: Garnett James P. , Nguyen Trang T. , Moffatt James D. , Pelham Elizabeth R. , Kalsi Kameljit K. , Baker Emma H. , Baines Deborah L. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The glucose concentration of the airway surface liquid (ASL) is much lower than that in blood and is tightly regulated by the airway epithelium. ASL glucose is elevated in patients with viral colds, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. Elevated ASL glucose is also associated with increased incidence of respiratory infection. However, the mechanism by which ASL glucose increases under inflammatory conditions is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of proinflammatory mediators (PIMs) on the mechanisms governing airway glucose homeostasis in polarized monolayers of human airway (H441) and primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. Monolayers were treated with TNF-α, IFN-γ, and LPS during 72 h. PIM treatment led to increase in ASL glucose concentration and significantly reduced H441 and HBE transepithelial resistance. This decline in transepithelial resistance was associated with an increase in paracellular permeability of glucose. Similar enhanced rates of paracellular glucose flux were also observed across excised trachea from LPS-treated mice. Interestingly, PIMs enhanced glucose uptake across the apical, but not the basolateral, membrane of H441 and HBE monolayers. This increase was predominantly via phloretin-sensitive glucose transporter (GLUT)-mediated uptake, which coincided with an increase in GLUT-2 and GLUT-10 abundance. In conclusion, exposure of airway epithelial monolayers to PIMs results in increased paracellular glucose flux, as well as apical GLUT-mediated glucose uptake. However, uptake was insufficient to limit glucose accumulation in ASL. To our knowledge, these data provide for the first time a mechanism to support clinical findings that ASL glucose concentration is increased in patients with airway inflammation.
Early active mobilisation versus immobilisation after extrinsic extensor tendon repair: A prospective randomised trial
Authors: K. Patil R. , R. Koul A. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT
Background: Whether to splint the extensor tendon repairs or to mobilise them early is debatable. Recently, mobilisation has shown favourable results in a few studies. This study was aimed to compare the two favoured protocols (immobilisation vs. early active motion) in Indian population. Patients and Methods: Between June 2005 and June 2007, patients with extensor tendon injuries in zones V-VIII were randomly distributed in two groups: Group A, early active motion; and group B, immobilisation. Their results at 8 and 12 weeks and 6 months were compared. Results: Patients in early active motion group were found to have better total active motion and early return to work. This difference was statistically significant up to 12 weeks, but not at 6 months. Conclusion: Early active motion following extensor tendon repair hastens patients′ recovery and helps patients to gain complete range of motion at earlier postoperative period. With improved grip strength, the early return to work is facilitated, though these advantages are not sustained statistically significantly over long term.
The outcome of Jarcho-Levin syndrome treated with a functional latissimus dorsi flap - A series of three cases
Authors: Gangurde Bipin A. , Raut Binita , Mehta Rujuta , Thatte Mukund R. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Jarcho-Levin syndrome is manifested by vertebral body and rib malformations. Large rib defects with paradoxical chest motion lead to early deathdue to progressive respiratory insufficiency, hence it is a lethal syndrome. The only means of improving survival is early stabilisation of the chest wall defect by containing the thoracic herniation. Nitcher et al. and Thatte et al. showed that reconstruction of the chest wall was life saving. Thatte et al. had postulated that early coverage of the lungs and thoracic contents with functional latissimus dorsi may prevent the visceral overgrowth and secondary pleural changes. Materials and Methods: Our three cases which had medium- and long-term follow-up help to support this postulation. Three patients were assessed retrospectively. Their ages at surgery were 6 months, 8 months and 1 year, respectively. All had laboured breathing and paradoxical respiration. All of them were operated with ipsilateral latissimus dorsi flap. Results: The results were evaluated clinically. The patients had reduced or no respiratory infections. The lung compliance improved and they had no tachypnoea on walking, running or playing. Conclusion: Hence, this can be used as a life-saving procedure for Jarcho-Levin syndrome on a long-term basis.
Skin paddle vascularity of free fibula flap - A study of 386 cases and a classification based on contribution from axial vessels of the leg
Authors: Yadav Prabha S. , Ahmad Quazi G. , Shankhdhar Vinay K. , Nambi G.I. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT
Objective: The skin paddle of the free fibula flap receives its vascular supply from septocutaneous perforators, musculocutaneous perforators or from both, and these perforators might originate from the peroneal or posterior tibial vessels or from both. The objective of this study was to classify the skin paddles based on the dominance of vascular contribution by these axial vessels through their different perforator systems. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 5-year data of 386 free fibula flaps used in oro-mandibular reconstruction was done and the skin paddle vascularity was studied. While majority of the skin paddles received their blood supply from the peroneal septocutaneous perforators, a few had their dominant supply from the soleus musculocutaneous perforators in addition to peroneal septocutaneous perforators. In few cases, the soleus musculocutaneous perforators were the sole source of blood supply to the skin paddle. The limitation in this study was the inability to augment the clinical observation with cadaveric study. Results: The skin paddle of the free fibula flap was classified into four different types (a-d) based on the dominance of vascular contribution by axial vessels of the leg. Conclusion: The skin paddle of the free fibula flap has reliable blood supply, but a thorough knowledge of the variations in vascular pattern of the skin paddle is required especially to salvage the larger paddles used in the reconstruction complex oro-mandibular defects.
Determining anatomical position of the umbilicus in Iranian girls, and providing quantitative indices and formula to determine neo-umbilicus during abdominoplasty
Authors: Parnia Rafi , Ghorbani Ladan , Sepehrvand Nariman , Hatami Sanaz , Bazargan-Hejazi Shahrzad 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: The umbilicus plays an important role in the aesthetic appearance of the abdomen. So, its restoration during reconstructive surgeries, such as an abdominoplasty, is a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate quantitative indices based on constant skeletal points in the anterior wall of abdomen in order to provide an appropriate site of a neo-umbilicus during an abdominoplasty. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, we enrolled 65 young adult girls (20-25 years old) who were nulliparous, nulligravid, and without any history of surgery. Weight, height, distance from xiphoid to umbilicus (Xu), distance from the pubic symphysis to xiphosternum (Xp), and anterior superior iliac spine (interASIS) distance of the subjects were measured. Data were analysed by SPSS ver. 16 using descriptive statistics and multiple regression tests in order to present a formula (equation). Results: Mean age was 22.74 ± 1.51 years, mean weight 54.98 ± 6.51 kg, mean height 160.91 ± 4.11 cm and body mass index (BMI) was calculated to be 21.25 ± 2.61 kg/m 2 . Mean Xp distance was 32.26 ± 2.23 cm and mean Xu distance was 17.11 ± 1.64 cm. Xu/Xp ratio (ratio of umbilicoxiphoid distance to puboxiphoid distance) was 53.06 ± 3.9%. Data were analysed using multiple regression test and likelihood ratio. The formula used in determining the appropriate site of neo-umbilicus during abdominoplasty was suggested: Xu=−0.98 + 0.91Xp − 0.07H. Conclusion: By applying these quantitative methods, the natural site of neo-umbilicus could be determined. This may reduce practice errors and increase patient satisfaction. In addition, these findings provide plausible evidence to defend against possible legal complaints.
Firecracker injuries during Diwali festival: The epidemiology and impact of legislation in Delhi
Authors: Tandon R. , Agrawal K. , Narayan R.P. , Tiwari V.K. , Prakash V. , Kumar S. , Sharma S. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT
Setting and Design: A hospital-based retrospective study of firecracker-related injuries was carried out at a government sponsored hospital in Delhi. Materials and Methods: 1373 patients attended the emergency burn care out-patients clinic during 2002-2010 pre-Diwali, Diwali and post-Diwali days. Every year, a disaster management protocol is revoked during these 3 days under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Results: There was an increase in the number of patients of firecracker-related injuries in Delhi national capital region from the year 2002 to 2010, based on the hospital statistics. During the study period, the hospital received approximately one patient with firecracker-related injury per 100,000 population of the city. 73.02% of the victims were 5-30 years old. Majority (90.87%) of them sustained <5% total body surface area burn. Conclusions: In spite of legislations and court orders, the number of patients is on the rise. The implementation agencies have to analyse the situation to find a way to control this preventable manmade accident. Websites, emails, SMS, social sites, etc. should be used for public education, apart from conventional methods of public awareness.
Supplementation of bone marrow aspirate-derived platelet-rich plasma for treating radiation-induced ulcer after cardiac fluoroscopic procedures: A preliminary report
Authors: Nishimoto Soh , Fukuda Kenji , Kawai Kenichiro , Fujiwara Toshihiro , Tsumano Tomoko , Fujita Kazutoshi , Kakibuchi Masao 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT
Background: The frequency of encountering radiodermatitis caused by X-ray fluoroscopic procedures for ischaemic heart disease is increasing. In severe cases, devastating ulcers with pain, for which conservative therapy is ineffective, emerge. Radiation-induced ulcers are notorious for being difficult to treat. Simple skin grafting often fails because of the poor state of the wound bed. A vascularized flap is a very good option. However, the non-adherence of the well-vascularized flap with the irradiated wound bed is frequently experienced. Aim: To ameliorate the irradiated wound bed, bone marrow-derived platelet-rich plasma (bm-PRP) was delivered during the surgery. Materials and Methods: Four patients with severe cutaneous radiation injury accompanied by unbearable pain after multiple fluoroscopic procedures for ischaemic heart disease were treated. Wide excision of the lesion and coverage with a skin flap supplemented with bm-PRP injection was performed. Results: All patients obtained wound closure and were relieved from pain. No complication concerning the bone marrow aspiration and delivery of bm-PRP was observed. Conclusions: Supplementation of bm-PRP can be an option without major complications, time, and cost to improve the surgical outcome for irradiated wounds.
Pulmonary tuberculosis as differential diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: Bhatt MLB , Kant Surya , Bhaskar Ravi 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPatients with lung cancer are often misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis leading to delay in the correct diagnosis as well as exposure to inappropriate medication. Several factors are responsible for this situation in developing countries, including lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure and socio-economic factors. This article outlines the differences between the two diseases as well as features that would make a clinician suspect the right diagnosis early.
The Treatment of Risk and Uncertainty in the US Social Cost of Carbon for Regulatory Impact Analysis
Authors: Dietz Simon 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis note considers the treatment of risk and uncertainty in the recently established ‘social cost of carbon’ (SCC) for analysis of federal regulations in the United States. It argues that the analysis of the US Interagency Working Group on Social Cost of Carbon did not go far enough into the tail of low-probability, high-impact scenarios, and, via its approach to discounting, it mis-estimated climate risk, possibly hugely. Given the uncertainty about estimating the SCC, the note concludes by arguing that there is in fact much to commend an approach whereby a quantitative, long-term emissions target is chosen, and the price of carbon for regulatory impact analysis is then based on estimates of the marginal cost of abatement to achieve that very target.
Concise Review: Cell Therapies: The Route to Widespread Adoption
Authors: Foley Lucy , Whitaker Michael 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
We identify three dimensions with which to classify heuristically the routes to widespread adoption of cellular therapies. The first dimension is based on the relative involvement of clinicians and companies in a particular cellular therapy. The second dimension is based on cell type and consequent scale of manufacture. The third dimension classifies the therapeutic intervention as a procedure or product and has perhaps received less attention. We suggest that for those cellular therapies that require therapeutic procedures, close collaboration between companies and clinicians will reduce the time to widespread adoption. For selected cellular therapies we make predictions of the likely time to widespread adoption.
Cell Therapy with Human Renal Cell Cultures Containing Erythropoietin-Positive Cells Improves Chronic Kidney Injury
Authors: Yamaleyeva Liliya M. , Guimaraes-Souza Nadia K. , Krane Louis S. , Agcaoili Sigrid , Gyabaah Kenneth , Atala Anthony , Aboushwareb Tamer , Yoo James J. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
New therapeutic strategies for chronic kidney disease (CKD) are necessary to offset the rising incidence of CKD and donor shortage. Erythropoietin (EPO), a cytokine produced by fibroblast-like cells in the kidney, has recently emerged as a renoprotective factor with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties. This study (a) determined whether human renal cultures (human primary kidney cells [hPKC]) can be enriched in EPO-positive cells (hPKC(F+)) by using magnetic-bead sorting; (b) characterized hPKC(F+) following cell separation; and (c) established that intrarenal delivery of enriched hPKC(F+) cells would be more beneficial in treatment of renal injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress than unsorted hPKC cultures in a chronic kidney injury model. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis revealed higher expression of EPO (36%) and CD73 (27%) in hPKC(F+) as compared with hPKC. After induction of renal injury, intrarenal delivery of hPKC(F+) or hPKC significantly reduced serum creatinine, interstitial fibrosis in the medulla, and abundance of CD68-positive cells in the cortex and medulla (p &lt; .05). However, only hPKC(F+) attenuated interstitial fibrosis in the renal cortex and decreased urinary albumin (3.5-fold) and urinary tubular injury marker kidney injury molecule 1 (16-fold). hPKC(F+) also significantly reduced levels of renal cortical monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (1.8-fold) and oxidative DNA marker 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) (2.4-fold). After 12 weeks, we detected few injected cells, which were localized mostly to the cortical interstitium. Although cell therapy with either hPKC(F+) or hPKC improved renal function, the hPKC(F+) subpopulation provides greater renoprotection, perhaps through attenuation of inflammation and oxidative stress. We conclude that hPKC(F+) may be used as components of cell-based therapies for degenerative kidney diseases.
Optimized Processing of Growth Factor Mobilized Peripheral Blood CD34+ Products by Counterflow Centrifugal Elutriation
Authors: Tran Chy-Anh , Torres-Coronado Monica , Gardner Agnes , Gu Angel , Vu Hieu , Rao Anitha , Cao Lan-Feng , Ahmed Amira , DiGiusto David 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Cell separation by counterflow centrifugal elutriation has been described for the preparation of monocytes for vaccine applications, but its use in other current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) operations has been limited. In this study, growth factor-mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cell products were collected from healthy donors and processed by elutriation using a commercial cell washing device. Fractions were collected for each product as per the manufacturer's instructions or using a modified protocol developed in our laboratory. Each fraction was analyzed for cell count, viability, and blood cell differential. Our data demonstrate that, using standard elutriation procedures, &gt;99% of red blood cells and platelets were removed from apheresis products with high recoveries of total white blood cells and enrichment of CD34+ cells in two of five fractions. With modification of the basic protocol, we were able to collect all of the CD34+ cells in a single fraction. The CD34-enriched fractions were formulated, labeled with a ferromagnetic antibody to CD34, washed using the Elutra device, and transferred directly to a magnetic bead selection device for further purification. CD34+ cell purities from the column were extremely high (98.7 ± 0.9%), and yields were typical for the device (55.7 ± 12.3%). The processes were highly automated and closed from receipt of the apheresis product through formulation of target-enriched cell fractions. Thus, elutriation is a feasible method for the initial manipulations associated with primary blood cell therapy products and supports cGMP and current good tissue practice-compliant cell processing.
High Plasticity of Pediatric Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells: Too Much for Selective Skeletogenic Differentiation?
Authors: Guasti Leonardo , Prasongchean Weerapong , Kleftouris Georgios , Mukherjee Sayandip , Thrasher Adrian J. , Bulstrode Neil W. , Ferretti Patrizia 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Stem cells derived from adipose tissue are a potentially important source for autologous cell therapy and disease modeling, given fat tissue accessibility and abundance. Critical to developing standard protocols for therapeutic use is a thorough understanding of their potential, and whether this is consistent among individuals, hence, could be generally inferred. Such information is still lacking, particularly in children. To address these issues, we have used different methods to establish stem cells from adipose tissue (adipose-derived stem cells [ADSCs], adipose explant dedifferentiated stem cells [AEDSCs]) from several pediatric patients and investigated their phenotype and differentiation potential using monolayer and micromass cultures. We have also addressed the overlooked issue of selective induction of cartilage differentiation. ADSCs/AEDSCs from different patients showed a remarkably similar behavior. Pluripotency markers were detected in these cells, consistent with ease of reprogramming to induced pluripotent stem cells. Significantly, most ADSCs expressed markers of tissue-specific commitment/differentiation, including skeletogenic and neural markers, while maintaining a proliferative, undifferentiated morphology. Exposure to chondrogenic, osteogenic, adipogenic, or neurogenic conditions resulted in morphological differentiation and tissue-specific marker upregulation. These findings suggest that the ADSC “lineage-mixed” phenotype underlies their significant plasticity, which is much higher than that of chondroblasts we studied in parallel. Finally, whereas selective ADSC osteogenic differentiation was observed, chondrogenic induction always resulted in both cartilage and bone formation when a commercial chondrogenic medium was used; however, chondrogenic induction with a transforming growth factor β1-containing medium selectively resulted in cartilage formation. This clearly indicates that careful simultaneous assessment of bone and cartilage differentiation is essential when bioengineering stem cell-derived cartilage for clinical intervention.
Linking Porosity to Rolling Reduction and Fatigue Lifetime of Hot Rolled AA7xxx Alloys by 3D X‐Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Wu Xiaomin , Schlangen Erik , van der Zwaag Sybrand 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA set of hot rolled 7xxx aluminum alloys with different casting conditions and modification of processing conditions were analyzed on their fatigue life time as well as the internal microstructure using 3D computed X‐ray tomography with a lab scale scanner and optical microscopy. It is shown that large retained casting pores exist in samples with low reduction rate. The modification on the hot rolling process is now proved to be much more effective on removing large casting pores in the alloy. It is also found that with the improved casting conditions and the additional deformation imposed by increased rolling reduction, this advantage is getting retarded. The combination of porosity analysis with low cycle fatigue test at peak stress of 300 MPa indicates that reduction of the size of large pores in the sample down to 10 µm will lead to greatly improved fatigue life times.