bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Limnological Studies Related to Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Water of Santragachi and Joypur Jheel, W.B., India
Authors: Patra A. , Santra K.B. , Manna C.K. 
Published: March 2011

The present study deals with the seasonal limnological investigation related to physico-chemical characteristics of water of the Santragachi and Joypur Jheel, West Bengal, India. Besides temperature and meteorological data, 17 limnological parameters were tested following standard methods at 3 sampling sites/stations of each Jheel. The physico-chemical parameters (transparency, pH, DO, BOD, COD, free CO2, total alkalinity, conductivity, CaCO3, TSS, TDS, Chloride, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphate, etc.) showed distinct temporal or seasonal variation in both the Jheels. Higher nutrient contents (nitrate, phosphate) are present in Santragachi Jheel. This finding also signifies eutrophication/higher trophic level. Water transparency, dissolved oxygen, BOD, total alkalinity, conductivity, CaCO3 hardness, TSS, nitrate and phosphate was correlated with various physico-chemical parameters in both the Jheels. The physico-chemical characteristics of water of the two Jheels revealed the poor water quality in Santragachi Jheel than the Joypur Jheel. These characteristics showed maximum contamination of water due to sewage effluents in Santragachi Jheel. The two years (February, 2000 - January, 2002) survey reflects higher degree of pollution in Santragachi Jheel.DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4328
Efficacy of Formalin-killed <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i> and <i>Streptococcus</i> sp. Vaccine in Red Tilapia
Authors: Prasad S. , Areechon N. 
Published: March 2011

Humoral response in red tilapia against formalin-killed Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococ cus sp. vaccine administered by intraperitoneal injection was evaluated.The result indicated that A. hydrophila vaccine induced significantly differed (P<0.05) high mean peak antibody titers of 925.87±467.92 and 4983.47±1832.74 in both primary and secondary immune response, respectively. However specific antibody produced by red tilapia in response to administration of Streptococcus sp. vaccine revealed only weak secondary response of 101.33±45.38. In separate experiment, relative protection in red tilapia immunized with A. hydrophila and Streptococcus sp. vaccine was conducted. Immunization were done by direct immersion for 1 hr in vaccine suspension and then challenged 2 weeks after by immersing fingerlings for 6 hr with virulent A. hydrophila and Streptococcus sp. Percent cumulative mortality in vaccinated and unvaccinated groups was compared after 14 days of post challenge. Red tilapia immunized by A. hydrophila vaccine demonstrated a particularly high level of immunity (76.67%) compared with unvaccinated (43.33%). Streptococcus sp. vaccine greatly reduced the mortality in vaccinated (31.67%) compared with unvaccinated fish (55%) but these differences in mortality were insignificant (P>0.05). Results from this study indicated the importance of vaccine for increasing disease resistance against A. hydrophila and Streptococcus sp infection by stimulation of specific humoral immunity. However the most important factor must be the method of vaccine administration which should be effective and applicable to farm scale.DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4333
Homo Sapiens as Homo Dei: Paleoanthropology, Human Uniqueness, and the Image of God
Authors: Peterson James C. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract: The biology of Homo sapiens is continuous with other hominids and the rest of life. Yet in Homo sapiens we find emergent capabilities that constitute a unique being. It is this being to whom God introduces God's self, making possible the bearing of the imago Dei, the image of God. Much more than just a special capacity, the imago Dei is also a relationship with God and a way of life that follows. That relationship with God and resulting ethic is the highest purpose of human capacity and uniqueness, when by God's continuing provision Homo sapiens can be welcomed as Homo Dei, people of God.
A Primer in Interdisciplinarity: J. Wentzel van Huyssteen and the Post-Foundational Approach
Authors: Green Erin 
Published: March 2011

Abstract: Understanding the relationship between theological and scientific reasoning is a longstanding problem in the history of Western theology. Two paradigmatic modes of thinking—foundationalism and non-foundationalism—have shaped this discourse and have on the whole hindered, in J. Wentzel van Huyssteen's estimation, fruitful interdisciplinary dialogue. In response to the unchecked affinity for scientific rationality of the former and the relativism of the latter, van Huyssteen proposes a third way to understand interdisciplinary interaction between theology and the natural sciences—post-foundationalism. This approach promises to open a new way of understanding human reasoning by placing interdisciplinary concerns at its core and giving theology a strong public voice. This essay surveys some aspects of van Huyssteen's post-foundationalism, including an orientation to his understanding of foundationalism and non-foundationalism and their interdisciplinary potential.
Transversal Rationality: The Challenge of Assigning ‘Cognitive Parity’ to the Sciences and Theology
Authors: Watson Simon 
Published: March 2011

Abstract: J. Wentzel van Huyssteen uses Calvin Schrag's notion of transversal rationality to argue for a “cognitive parity” between the sciences and religion, implying a degree of separation and equality that can be problematized. Drawing on Lawrence Blum's criticism of Charles Taylor's “The Politics of Recognition,” this essay argues that culture and its diverse products, like science and religion, cannot be treated as abstract totalities to which a value can be determined and affixed. Instead, we could focus on what distinctive values are realized by the cultural form in its own right, rather than compelling a comparison using a language of equivalency. This shift in focus from “equal respect” to “cultural respect” does not mean that one cultural form is superior to the other, only that the framework of equivalency be jettisoned. Science and theology operate in different but shared dimensions, such that science might better be understood as a tool within the larger theological enterprise. The problem, then, is not the universalism of science but the exclusivity of scientism. Science should be understood then as a source within theology, in the same manner as human experience, tradition, and Scripture, and approached using rational judgment, in dialogue and discernment within a believing community.
Transsexuality: Reconciling Christianity and Science
Authors: Fehige Yiftach J.H. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract: Furthering the dialogue with J. Wentzel van Huyssteen over his way of reconciling Christianity and science while reflecting on human uniqueness, I offer a philosophical analysis of the phenomenon of transsexuality. The focus of my analysis is the implications of transsexuality for the metaphysics of reductive naturalism. Envisioning a pluralistic ontology of the sexed human body, I propose to account for human sexuality within the general framework of normative pragmatism. The context of my reflections is a theology of sexual diversity, which I believe van Huyssteen has good reasons to endorse.
Post-Foundationalism and Human Uniqueness: A Reply to Responses
Authors: van Huyssteen J. Wentzel 
Published: March 2011

Abstract: J. Wentzel van Huyssteen responds to eight essays that are related either by methodological or content considerations to his post-foundationalist approach to transversal rationality. The essay underscores the fact that human rationality is a shared resource for dialogues between theology and the sciences and that at the heart of Christian theology are multi-layered concerns that allow also for contextuality and thus eschew abstract or over-generalized approaches in its interdisciplinary discourses. The response is appreciative yet discerning enough to clarify a number of points, including his understanding of epistemic status and cognitive parity and issues of revelation, creation, imago Dei, deep incarnation, Logos Christology, human uniqueness, and sexuality.
Comparing Continuous Venovenous Hemodiafiltration and Peritoneal Dialysis in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Pilot Study
Authors: George Jacob , Varma Sandeep , Kumar Sajeev , Thomas Jose , Gopi Sreepa , Pisharody Ramdas 
Published: March 2011

Background There are few reports on the role of peritoneal dialysis in critically ill patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapies. Methods Patients with acute kidney injury and multi-organ involvement were randomly allotted to continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration(CVVHDF, group A) or to continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD, group B). Cause and severity of renal failure were assessed at the time of initiating dialysis. Primary outcome was the composite correction of uremia, acidosis, fluid overload, and hyperkalemia. Secondary outcomes were improvement of sensorium and hemodynamic instability, survival, and cost. Results Groups A and B comprised 25 patients each with mean ages of 45.32 ± 17.53 and 48.44 ± 17.64 respectively. They received 21.68 ± 13.46 hours and 66.02 ± 69.77 hours of dialysis respectively ( p = 0.01). Composite correction was achieved in 12 patients of group A (48%) and in 14 patients of group B (56%). Urea and creatinine clearances were significantly higher in group A (21.72 ± 10.41 mL/min and 9.36 ± 4.93 mL/min respectively vs. 22.13 ± 9.61 mL/min and 10.5 ± 6.07 mL/min, p < 0.001). Acidosis was present in 21 patients of group A (84%) and in 16 of group B (64%); correction was better in group B ( p < 0.001). Correction of fluid overload was faster and the amount of ultrafiltrate was significantly higher in group A (20.31 ± 21.86 L vs. 5.31 ± 5.75 L, p < 0.001). No significant differences were seen in correction of hyperkalemia, altered sensorium, or hemodynamic disturbance. Mortality was 84% in group A and 72% in group B. Factors that influenced outcome were the APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II score ( p = 0.02) and need for ventilatory support ( p < 0.01). Cost of disposables was higher in group A than in group B [INR7184 ± 1436 vs. INR3009 ± 1643, p < 0.001 (US$1 = INR47)]. Conclusions Based on this pilot study, CPD may be a cost-conscious alternative to CVVHDF; differences in metabolic and clinical outcomes are minimal.
Quality of Life in Automated and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Michels Wieneke M. , Van Dijk Sandra , Verduijn Marion , Le Cessie Saskia , Boeschoten Elisabeth W. , Dekker Friedo W. , Krediet Raymond T. 
Published: March 2011

Objective Despite a lack of strong evidence, automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is often prescribed on account of an expected better quality of life (QoL) than that expected with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Our aim was to analyze differences in QoL in patients starting dialysis on APD or on CAPD with a follow-up of 3 years. Methods Adult patients in the prospective NECOSAD cohort who started dialysis on APD or CAPD were included 3 months after the start of dialysis. The Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 [SF-36 (Medical Outcomes Trust and QualityMetric, Lincoln, RI, USA)] and Kidney Disease and Quality of Life Short Form [KDQOL-SF (KDQOL Working Group, Santa Monica, CA, USA)] questionnaires were used to measure QoL. Differences in QoL over time were calculated using linear mixed models. Patients were followed until transplantation, death, or a first switch to any other dialysis modality. Results The clinical and social characteristics of the 64 APD and 486 CAPD patients were slightly different at baseline. In the crude analysis, the pattern of the mental summary score differed between the modalities ( p = 0.03, adjusted p = 0.06), because of a different pattern for role function emotional ( p = 0.03, adjusted p = 0.05). The pattern of the physical summary score was not different between the groups. Scores on dialysis staff encouragement had a different pattern over time ( p = 0.01), because of an in-equality in scores 3 months after the start of dialysis, which disappeared after 18 months on dialysis. Over time, patients on APD scored higher on sexual function. After adjustment for age, sex, glomerular filtration rate, comorbidity, and primary kidney disease, that difference disappeared. This study showed no major differences in QoL on the KDQOL-SF and the SF-36 between the two modalities.
Time-Dependent Associations between Total Sodium Removal and Mortality in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Dong Jie , Li Yanjun , Yang Zhikai , Luo Jianfeng , Zuo Li 
Published: March 2011

Purpose To determine if the time-dependent association between total sodium removal and mortality in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is confounded by markers of diet and nutrition. Methods The study enrolled 305 incident patients who started CAPD between July 2002 and February 2007. All patients were followed until death or censoring in February 2008. Demographics, blood pressure, and markers of volume and inflammation were collected at baseline. Biochemistry, fluid and solute removal, and diet and nutrition parameters were collected quarterly and thus calculated as time-averaged values. Results Mean age of the study patients was 59.4 years, 42.3% were men, and 40.3% had diabetes. During the 31.4-month follow-up, 74 patients died. The time-averaged daily total sodium removal (TSR) in the overall cohort was 2.67 g (range: 2.02 g – 3.47 g). Participants with a high time-averaged TSR tended to experience higher fluid, sodium, urea, and creatinine removal, mainly as a result of better residual renal function (RRF). They also had a higher nutrient intake and a higher lean body mass. Time-dependent TSR was an independent predictor of death, including when adjusted for age, Charlson index, time-dependent hemoglobin, RRF, and peritoneal transport rate (hazard ratio: 0.84; 95% confidence interval: 0.70 to 1.00; p = 0.05), but the predictive effect disappeared in multivariate models after further individual adjustment for time-dependent total energy intake, total protein intake, serum albumin, and lean body mass. By contrast, the predictive effect did not disappear if the only adjustment was for time-dependent RRF. Conclusions The time-dependent association between TSR and mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis can be largely explained by diet and nutrition parameters.
Experimental study of domestic waste material using magnetic resonance measurements
Authors: Clément Rémi , Legchenko Anatoly , Quetu Mathieu , Descloitres Marc , Oxarango Laurent , Guyard Hélène , Girard Jean‐François 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we present results of a laboratory and in situ study of a domestic waste landfill using magnetic resonance measurements. For our study, we used a laboratory Earth’s field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrument developed at LTHE and a large‐scale commercial magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) system NUMISLITE from IRIS Instruments. We show that NMR could be a tool for investigating different processes in water‐saturated waste samples.Our results show that domestic waste material contains ferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles that perturb the homogeneity of the geomagnetic field at a microscopic scale and render an NMR signal short. Consequently, only the spin echo technique can be applied for measuring. At a macroscopic scale, waste and different buried objects may also perturb the natural geomagnetic field. While investigating the landfill, we observed that magnetic anomalies (±2500 nT) are localized around some cells. This is probably linked to the presence of a higher percentage of metallic objects within the waste disposal.Our first appraisal of the possibility of investigating water‐saturated waste in a laboratory using an Earth’s field NMR instrument shows that, with existing instruments, waste samples can be studied when the dry density of waste is less than approximately 450 kg/m3.Because the relaxation times of magnetic resonance signals in landfill may be short ( and ), existing large‐scale MRS instrumentation is not adapted to the investigation of domestic waste landfills.
Conjunctival Goblet Cell Secretion Stimulated by Leukotrienes Is Reduced by Resolvins D1 and E1 To Promote Resolution of Inflammation
Authors: Dartt Darlene A. , Hodges Robin R. , Li Dayu , Shatos Marie A. , Lashkari Kameran , Serhan Charles N. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that covers the sclera and lines the inside of the eyelids. Throughout the conjunctiva are goblet cells that secrete mucins to protect the eye. Chronic inflammatory diseases such as allergic conjunctivitis and early dry eye lead to increased goblet cell mucin secretion into tears and ocular surface disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the actions of the inflammatory mediators, the leukotrienes and the proresolution resolvins, on secretion from cultured rat and human conjunctival goblet cells. We found that both cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptors, CysLT1 and CysLT2, were present in rat conjunctiva and in rat and human cultured conjunctival goblet cells. All leukotrienes LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4, as well as PGD2, stimulated goblet cell secretion in rat goblet cells. LTD4 and LTE4 increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and LTD4 activated ERK1/2. The CysLT1 receptor antagonist MK571 significantly decreased LTD4-stimulated rat goblet cell secretion and the increase in [Ca2+]i. Resolvins D1 (RvD1) and E1 (RvE1) completely reduced LTD4-stimulated goblet cell secretion in cultured rat goblet cells. LTD4-induced secretion from human goblet cells was blocked by RvD1. RvD1 and RvE1 prevented LTD4- and LTE4-stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i, as well as LTD4 activation of ERK1/2. We conclude that cysteinyl leukotrienes stimulate conjunctival goblet cell mucous secretion with LTD4 using the CysLT1 receptor. Stimulated secretion is terminated by preventing the increase in [Ca2+]i and activation of ERK1/2 by RvD1 and RvE1.
Vaccination against Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection in MHC Class II-Deficient Mice
Authors: Holst Peter Johannes , Christensen Jan Pravsgaard , Thomsen Allan Randrup 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The impact of prophylactic vaccination against acute and chronic infection in a Th-deficient host has not been adequately addressed because of difficulties in generating protective immunity in the absence of CD4+ T cell help. In this study, we demonstrated that a broad CD8+ T cell immune response could be elicited in MHC class II-deficient mice by vaccination with adenovirus encoding lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) glycoprotein tethered to MHC class II-associated invariant chain. Moreover, the response induced conferred significant cytolytic CD8+ T cell-mediated protection against challenge with a high dose of the invasive clone 13 strain of LCMV. In contrast, vaccination with adenovirus encoding unlinked LCMV glycoprotein induced weak virus control in the absence of CD4+ T cells, and mice may die of increased immunopathology associated with incomplete protection. Acute mortality was not observed in any vaccinated mice following infection with the less-invasive Traub strain. However, LCMV Traub infection caused accelerated late mortality in unvaccinated MHC class II-deficient mice; in this case, we observed a strong trend toward delayed mortality in vaccinated mice, irrespective of the nature of the vaccine. These results indicated that optimized vaccination may lead to efficient protection against acute viral infection, even in Th-deficient individuals, but that the duration of such immunity is limited. Nevertheless, for select immunodeficiencies in which CD4+ T cell deficiency is incomplete or transient, these results are very encouraging.
TLR8 Activates HIV from Latently Infected Cells of Myeloid-Monocytic Origin Directly via the MAPK Pathway and from Latently Infected CD4+ T Cells Indirectly via TNF-α
Authors: Schlaepfer Erika , Speck Roberto F. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
We previously showed that the TLR7/8 agonist, R-848, activated HIV from cells of myeloid-monocytic origin. In this work, we show that this effect was solely due to triggering TLR8 and that NF-κB was involved in the TLR8-mediated activation of HIV from latently infected cells of myeloid-monocytic origin. Inhibition of Erk1/2 or p38α resulted in attenuation of TLR8-mediated activation of NF-κB. Western blots confirmed that TLR8 triggering activated Erk1/2 and p38α but, surprisingly, not JNK. Although the Erk1/2 inhibitors resulted in a less attenuated TLR8-mediated NF-κB response than did p38α inhibitors, they had a more pronounced effect on blocking TLR8-mediated HIV replication, indicating that other transcription factors controlled by Erk1/2 are involved in TLR8-mediated HIV activation from latently infected cells. TNF-α, which was secreted subsequent to TLR8 triggering, contributed to the activation of HIV from the latently infected cells in an autocrine manner, revealing a bimodal mechanism by which the effect of TLR8 triggering can be sustained. We also found that TNF-α secreted by myeloid dendritic cells acted in a paracrine manner in the activation of HIV from neighboring latently infected CD4+ T cells, which do not express TLR8. Notably, monocytes from highly active antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV+ patients with suppressed HIV RNA showed a robust TNF-α secretion in response to TLR8 agonists, pointing to a functional TLR8 signaling axis in HIV infection. Thus, triggering TLR8 represents a very promising strategy for attacking the silent HIV from its reservoir in HIV+ patients treated successfully with highly active antiretroviral therapy.
IL-17+ Regulatory T Cells in the Microenvironments of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer
Authors: Kryczek Ilona , Wu Ke , Zhao Ende , Wei Shuang , Vatan Linhua , Szeliga Wojciech , Huang Emina , Greenson Joel , Chang Alfred , Roliński Jacek , Radwan Piotr , Fang Jingyuan , Wang Guobin , Zou Weiping 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells inhibit immune responses and temper inflammation. IL-17+CD4+ T (Th17) cells mediate inflammation of autoimmune diseases. A small population of IL-17+Foxp3+CD4+ T cells has been observed in peripheral blood in healthy human beings. However, the biology of IL-17+Foxp3+CD4+ T cells remains poorly understood in humans. We investigated their phenotype, cytokine profile, generation, and pathological relevance in patients with ulcerative colitis. We observed that high levels of IL-17+Foxp3+CD4+ T cells were selectively accumulated in the colitic microenvironment and associated colon carcinoma. The phenotype and cytokine profile of IL-17+Foxp3+CD4+ T cells was overlapping with Th17 and Treg cells. Myeloid APCs, IL-2, and TGF-β are essential for their induction from memory CCR6+ T cells or Treg cells. IL-17+Foxp3+CD4+ T cells functionally suppressed T cell activation and stimulated inflammatory cytokine production in the colitic tissues. Our data indicate that IL-17+Foxp3+ cells may be “inflammatory” Treg cells in the pathological microenvironments. These cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis through inducing inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting local T cell immunity, and in turn may mechanistically link human chronic inflammation to tumor development. Our data therefore challenge commonly held beliefs of the anti-inflammatory role of Treg cells and suggest a more complex Treg cell biology, at least in the context of human chronic inflammation and associated carcinoma.