bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-17 Accelerates Allograft Rejection by Suppressing Regulatory T Cell Expansion
Authors: Itoh Satoshi , Kimura Naoyuki , Axtell Robert C. , Velotta Jeffrey B. , Gong Yongquan , Wang Xi , Kajiwara Naoki , Nambu Aya , Shimura Eri , Adachi Hideo , Iwakura Yoichiro , Saito Hirohisa , Okumura Ko , Sudo Katsuko , Steinman Lawrence , Robbins Robert C. , Nakae Susumu , Fischbein Michael P. 
Published: September 2011

Background—
Interleukin-17 (IL-17), which is predominantly produced by T helper 17 cells distinct from T helper 1 or T helper 2 cells, participates in the pathogenesis of infectious, autoimmune, and allergic disorders. However, the precise role in allograft rejection remains uncertain. In the present study, we investigated the role of IL-17 in acute allograft rejection using IL-17-deficient mice.

Methods and Results—

Donor hearts from FVB mice were heterotopically transplanted into either C57BL/6J-IL-17-deficient (IL-17
−
/
−
) or -wild-type mice. Allograft survival was significantly prolonged in IL-17
−
/
−
recipient mice due to reduced local inflammation accompanied by decreased inflammatory cell recruitment and cytokine/chemokine expression. IL-17
−
/
−
recipient mice exhibited decreased IL-6 production and reciprocally enhanced regulatory T cell expansion, suggesting a contribution of regulatory T cells to prolonged allograft survival. Indeed, allografts transplanted into anti-CD25 mAb-treated IL-17
−
/
−
recipient mice (regulatory T cell-depleted) developed acute rejection similar to wild-type recipient mice. Surprisingly, we found that gamma delta T cells rather than CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells were key IL-17 producers in the allografts. In support, equivalent allograft rejection was observed in Rag-2
−/−
recipient mice engrafted with either wild-type or IL-17
−
/
−
CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells. Finally, hearts transplanted into gamma delta T cell-deficient mice resulted in decreased allograft rejection compared with wild-type controls.

Conclusions—

During heart transplantation, (1) IL-17 is crucial for acceleration of acute rejection; (2) IL-17-deficiency enhances regulatory T cell expansion; and (3) gamma delta T cells rather than CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells are a potential source of IL-17. IL-17 neutralization may provide a potential target for novel therapeutic treatment for cardiac allograft rejection.
Can user perception influence the quality of water services? Evidence from León, Nicaragua
Authors: Vásquez William F. , Trudeau Jennifer , Franceschi Dina 
Published: September 2011

This article investigates the validity of citizen feedback to evaluate the quality of water services in León, Nicaragua. Using generalized ordered logit models, this study presents a comprehensive evaluation of user satisfaction from water service characteristics. Potential asymmetries in the response of user satisfaction to relative perception of service performance are also investigated. Findings indicate that citizen satisfaction is based on basic service characteristics rather than socio-demographics, and that relativity matters. Users tend to overemphasize their frustration if they perceive that they have lower quality of water services than their peers, and understate their satisfaction if they perceive that they have better services. Points for practitioners Based on the evidence presented in this article, citizen surveys can be used as a tool to improve water services, particularly in places where public service users have no voice and alternatives to cope with low quality services do not exist. However, citizen survey results should be carefully interpreted given that users overemphasize their frustration if they perceive that they have lower quality of services than their peers. Policy design based on citizen surveys should take into account this potential asymmetry in citizen satisfaction, particularly in places with heterogeneous service performance.
Enlarged post-operative posterior condyle tightens extension gap in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Mitsuyasu H. , Matsuda S. , Fukagawa S. , Okazaki K. , Tashiro Y. , Kawahara S. , Nakahara H. , Iwamoto Y. 
Published: September 2011

We investigated whether the extension gap in total knee replacement (TKR) would be changed when the femoral component was inserted. The extension gap was measured with and without the femoral component in place in 80 patients with varus osteoarthritis undergoing posterior-stabilised TKR. The effect of a post-operative increase in the size of the femoral posterior condyles was also evaluated. The results showed that placement of the femoral component significantly reduced the medial and lateral extension gaps by means of 1.0 mm and 0.9 mm, respectively (p < 0.0001). The extension gap was reduced when a larger femoral component was selected relative to the thickness of the resected posterior condyle. When the post-operative posterior lateral condyle was larger than that pre-operatively, 17 of 41 knees (41%) showed a decrease in the extension gap of > 2.0 mm. When a specially made femoral trial component with a posterior condyle enlarged by 4 mm was tested, the medial and lateral extension gaps decreased further by means of 2.1 mm and 2.8 mm, respectively. If the thickness of the posterior condyle is expected to be larger than that pre-operatively, it should be recognised that the extension gap is likely to be altered. This should be taken into consideration when preparing the extension gap.
Total hip replacement for high dislocated hips without femoral shortening osteotomy
Authors: Zhao X. , Zhu Z.-A. , Xie Y.-Z. , Yu B. , Yu D.-G. 
Published: September 2011

When performing total hip replacement (THR) in high dislocated hips, the presence of soft-tissue contractures means that most surgeons prefer to use a femoral shortening osteotomy in order to avoid the risk of neurovascular damage. However, this technique will sacrifice femoral length and reduce the extent of any leg-length equalisation. We report our experience of 74 THRs performed between 2000 and 2008 in 65 patients with a high dislocated hip without a femoral shortening osteotomy. The mean age of the patients was 55 years (46 to 72) and the mean follow-up was 42 months (12 to 78). All implants were cementless except for one resurfacing hip implant. We attempted to place the acetabular component in the anatomical position in each hip. The mean Harris hip score improved from 53 points (34 to 74) pre-operatively to 86 points (78 to 95) at final follow-up. The mean radiologically determined leg lengthening was 42 mm (30 to 66), and the mean leg-length discrepancy decreased from 36 mm (5 to 56) pre-operatively to 8.5 mm (0 to 18) postoperatively. Although there were four (5%) post-operative femoral nerve palsies, three had fully resolved by six months after the operation. No loosening of the implant was observed, and no dislocations or infections were encountered. Total hip replacement without a femoral shortening osteotomy proved to be a safe and effective surgical treatment for high dislocated hips.
A comparison of parallel and diverging screw angles in the stability of locked plate constructs
Authors: Wähnert D. , Windolf M. , Brianza S. , Rothstock S. , Radtke R. , Brighenti V. , Schwieger K. 
Published: September 2011

We investigated the static and cyclical strength of parallel and angulated locking plate screws using rigid polyurethane foam (0.32 g/cm3) and bovine cancellous bone blocks. Custom-made stainless steel plates with two conically threaded screw holes with different angulations (parallel, 10° and 20° divergent) and 5 mm self-tapping locking screws underwent pull-out and cyclical pull and bending tests. The bovine cancellous blocks were only subjected to static pull-out testing. We also performed finite element analysis for the static pull-out test of the parallel and 20° configurations. In both the foam model and the bovine cancellous bone we found the significantly highest pull-out force for the parallel constructs. In the finite element analysis there was a 47% more damage in the 20° divergent constructs than in the parallel configuration. Under cyclical loading, the mean number of cycles to failure was significantly higher for the parallel group, followed by the 10° and 20° divergent configurations. In our laboratory setting we clearly showed the biomechanical disadvantage of a diverging locking screw angle under static and cyclical loading.
The role of reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes in the development of septic loosening after total hip replacement
Authors: Peng K.-T. , Hsu W.-H. , Shih H.-N. , Hsieh C.-W. , Huang T.-W. , Hsu R. W.-W. , Chang P.-J. 
Published: September 2011

In this study of 41 patients, we used proteomic, Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses to show that several reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes are expressed differentially in patients with primary osteoarthritis and those with non-loosening and aseptic loosening after total hip replacement (THR). The patients were grouped as A (n = 16, primary THR), B (n = 10, fixed THR but requiring revision for polyethylene wear) and C (n = 15, requiring revision due to aseptic loosening) to verify the involvement of the identified targets in aseptic loosening. When compared with Groups A and B, Group C patients exhibited significant up-regulation of transthyretin and superoxide dismutase 3, but down-regulation of glutathione peroxidase 2 in their hip synovial fluids. Also, higher levels of superoxide dismutase 2 and peroxiredoxin 2, but not superoxide dismutase 1, catalase and glutathione perioxidase 1, were consistently detected in the hip capsules of Group C patients. We propose that dysregulated reactive oxygen species-related enzymes may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of aseptic loosening after THR.
Application of Frequency Selective Circuits for Crack Detection in Concrete Elements
Authors: Pour-Ghaz Mohammad , Weiss Jason 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated that cracking can be monitored in concrete using conductive surface elements. One complication with using conductive surface elements is that each element requires a separate data acquisition channel. To overcome this hurdle, a frequency selective circuit (FSC) has been developed to rapidly and simultaneously interrogate the response of multiple conductive surface elements. The response of the FSC is analyzed using numerical methods and the use of the FSC is demonstrated using a pilot study in which conductive surface coatings were used to simultaneously monitor the time of cracking of multiple restrained concrete rings. Results indicate that the FSC can be used to monitor a large number of surface coating elements. This technology could be extended to other resistance based sensors. The FSC approach has the potential to be used for health monitoring of infrastructure elements where a large number of sensors are used.
DU-145 prostate carcinoma cells that selectively transmigrate narrow obstacles express elevated levels of Cx43
Authors: Szpak Katarzyna , Wybieralska Ewa , Niedziałkowska Ewa , Rak Monika , Bechyne Iga , Michalik Marta , Madeja Zbigniew , Czyż Jarosław 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe formation of aqueous intercellular channels mediating gap junctional intercellular coupling (GJIC) is a canonical function of connexins (Cx). In contrast, mechanisms of GJIC-independent involvement of connexins in cancer formation and metastasis remain a matter of debate. Because of the role of Cx43 in the determination of carcinoma cell invasive potential, we addressed the problem of the possible Cx43 involvement in early prostate cancer invasion. For this purpose, we analysed Cx43-positive DU-145 cell subsets established from the progenies of the cells most readily transmigrating microporous membranes. These progenies displayed motile activity similar to the control DU-145 cells but were characterized by elevated Cx43 expression levels and GJIC intensity. Thus, apparent links exist between Cx43 expression and transmigration potential of DU-145 cells. Moreover, Cx43 expression profiles in the analysed DU-145 subsets were not affected by intercellular contacts and chemical inhibition of GJIC during the transmigration. Our observations indicate that neither cell motility nor GJIC determines the transmigration efficiency of DU-145 cells. However, we postulate that selective transmigration of prostate cancer cells expressing elevated levels of Cx43 expression may be crucial for the “leading front” formation during cancer invasion.
Progressive Facial Hemiatrophy Revisited
Authors: Guo Zhen-Ni , Zhang Hong-Liang , Zhou Hong-Wei , Lan Wen-Jing , Wu Jiang , Yang Yi 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo report a case of progressive facial hemiatrophy with unusual features of contralateral brain atrophy and transcranial Doppler ultrasound evidence of autonomic dysfunction.DesignCase report.SettingA teaching hospital.PatientA 63-year-old man who presented with a 10-year history of progressive right-sided facial atrophy and recent facial pain.ResultsBrain magnetic resonance imaging revealed left frontoparietal atrophy. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound demonstrated evidence of autonomic dysfunction ipsilateral to brain atrophy.ConclusionThis case expands the spectrum of findings in progressive facial hemiatrophy to include contralateral brain atrophy and suggests that sympathetic dysfunction might play a pathogenic role in progressive facial hemiatrophy.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers, Education, Brain Volume, and Future Cognition
Authors: Roe Catherine M. , Fagan Anne M. , Grant Elizabeth A. , Marcus Daniel S. , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Mintun Mark A. , Holtzman David. M. , Morris John C. 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundCross-sectional studies suggest that the cognitive impact of Alzheimer disease pathology varies depending on education and brain size.ObjectiveTo evaluate the combination of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of β-amyloid42(Aβ42), tau, and phosphorylated tau (ptau181) with education and normalized whole-brain volume (nWBV) to predict incident cognitive impairment.DesignLongitudinal cohort study.SettingCharles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 197 individuals 50 years and older with normal cognition (Clinical Dementia Rating of 0) at baseline observed for a mean of 3.3 years.Main Outcome MeasureTime to Clinical Dementia Rating ≥ 0.5.ResultsThree-factor interactions among the baseline biomarker values, education, and nWBV were found for Cox proportional hazards regression models testing tau (P = .02) and ptau (P = .008). In those with lower tau values, nWBV (hazard ratio [HR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31-0.91;P = .02), but not education, was related to time to cognitive impairment. For participants with higher tau values, education interacted with nWBV to predict incident impairment (P = .01). For individuals with lower ptau values, there was no effect of education or nWBV. Education interacted with nWBV to predict incident cognitive impairment in those with higher ptau values (P = .02).ConclusionIn individuals with normal cognition and higher levels of cerebrospinal fluid tau and ptau at baseline, time to incident cognitive impairment is moderated by education and brain volume as predicted by the cognitive/brain reserve hypothesis.
Ordered Hierarchical Mesoporous/Microporous Carbon Derived from Mesoporous Titanium‐Carbide/Carbon Composites and its Electrochemical Performance in Supercapacitor
Authors: Liu Hai‐Jing , Wang Jie , Wang Cong‐Xiao , Xia Yong‐Yao 
Published: September 2011

AbstractNovel ordered hierarchical mesoporous/microporous carbon (OHMMC) derived from mesoporous titanium‐carbide/carbon composites was prepared for the first time by synthesizing ordered mesoporous nanocrystalline titanium‐carbide/carbon composites, followed by chlorination of titanium carbides. The mesostructure and microstructure can be conveniently tuned by controlling the TiC contents of mesoporous TiC/C composite precursor, and chlorination temperature. By optimal condition, the OHMMC has a high surface area (1917 m2g−1), large pore volumes (1.24 cm3g−1), narrow mesopore‐size distributions (centered at about 3 nm), and micropore size of 0.69 and 1.25 nm, and shows a great potential as electrode for supercapacitor applications: it exhibits a high capacitance of 146 Fg−1 in noaqueous electrolyte and excellent rate capability. The ordered mesoporous channel pores are favorable for retention and immersion of the electrolyte, providing a more favorable path for electrolyte penetration and transportation to achieve promising rate capability performance. Meanwhile, the micropores drilled on the mesopore‐walls can increase the specific surface area to provide more sites for charge storage.
A 10‐year experience with treatment of high and standard risk Hodgkin disease: Six cycles of tailored BEACOPP, with interim scintigraphy, are effective and female fertility is preserved
Authors: Dann Eldad J. , Blumenfeld Zeev , Bar‐Shalom Rachel , Avivi Irit , Ben‐Shachar Menachem , Goor Odelia , Libster Diana , Gaitini Diana , Rowe Jacob M. , Epelbaum Ron 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTherapy of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is designed to prolong survival and minimize toxicity. A total of 124 patients with newly diagnosed HL and adverse prognostic factors were prospectively studied between July, 1999 and August, 2005. Patients with early unfavorable and advanced disease were eligible for the study. Patients were assigned to therapy based on international prognostic score (IPS). Those with IPS ≥ 3 received three cycles of escalated BEACOPP (EB). All others received two cycles of standard BEACOPP (SB). Subsequent therapy was prospectively assigned according to early interim GA67 or positron emission tomography (PET)/computerized tomography (CT). Four cycles of EB or SB were administered following a positive or negative scan, respectively. Complete remission rate, 10‐year progression free (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were 97, 87, and 88%, respectively, at a median follow‐up of 89 months (5–144). PFS and OS were similar in both groups. Fertility status was assessed in 38 females aged <40 years; 94% of females younger than 40 years preserved their cyclic ovarian function. Nineteen conceived during follow‐up for 30 pregnancies, delivering 24 babies. Deliveries were reported up to 7 years from diagnosis. Predictive value of negative interim Ga67 or PET/CT was 87 and 93%, respectively. Six cycles of tailored BEACOPP, for patients with adverse prognostic factors, provide encouraging long‐term PFS and OS, and fertility is preserved in most females. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of [PtCl2(phen)] Binding Modes in Amyloid‐β Peptide and the Mechanism of Aggregation Inhibition
Authors: Ma Guolin , Huang Fan , Pu Xuewei , Jia Liangyuan , Jiang Tao , Li Lianzhi , Liu Yangzhong 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPlatinum phenanthroline complexes inhibit amyloid‐β (Aβ) aggregation and reduce Aβ‐caused neurotoxicity [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 2008, 105, 6813–6818]. In this study, we investigated the interactions of Aβ1–16 with [PtCl2(phen)] (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) using HPLC, ESI‐MS, and NMR spectroscopy , and characterized the identity of products using tandem mass spectrometry. Results indicated that the phenanthroline ligand could induce noncovalent interactions between Aβ peptide and platinum complexes, leading to rapid Aβ platination. Multiple products were generated in the reaction, in which His6/His14 chelation was preferentially formed. Coordination of Asp7, His13, and Lys16 was also detected in other products. The majority of products were monoplatinated adducts with binding of the {Pt(phen)} scaffold, which impeded intermolecular interactions between Aβ peptides. Moreover, noncovalent interactions were confirmed by the interaction between Aβ peptide and [Pt(phen)2]Cl2. The synergistic roles of the phen ligand and platinum(II) atom in the inhibition of Aβ aggregation are discussed.
Earlier age of onset of BRCA mutation‐related cancers in subsequent generations
Authors: Litton Jennifer K. , Ready Kaylene , Chen Huiqin , Gutierrez‐Barrera Angelica , Etzel Carol J. , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Gonzalez‐Angulo Ana M. , Le‐Petross Huong , Lu Karen , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Arun Banu K. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Women who are diagnosed with a deleterious mutation in either breast cancer (BRCA) gene have a high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers at young ages. In this study, the authors assessed age at diagnosis in 2 generations of families with known mutations to investigate for earlier onset in subsequent generations.METHODS:Of the 132 BRCA‐positive women with breast cancer who participated in a high‐risk protocol at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Gen 2), 106 women could be paired with a family member in the previous generation (Gen 1) who was diagnosed with a BRCA‐related cancer (either breast cancer or ovarian cancer). Age at diagnosis, location of the mutation, and year of birth were recorded. A previously published parametric anticipation model was applied in these genetically predisposed families.RESULTS:The median age of cancer diagnosis was 42 years (range, 28‐55 years) in Gen 2 and 48 years (range, 30‐72 years) in Gen 1 (P < .001). In the parametric model, the estimated change in the expected age at onset for the entire cohort was 7.9 years (P < .0001). Statistically significant earlier ages at diagnosis also were observed within subgroups of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, maternal inheritance, paternal inheritance, breast cancer only, and breast cancer‐identified and ovarian cancer‐identified families.CONCLUSIONS:Breast and ovarian cancers in BRCA mutation carriers appeared to be diagnosed at an earlier age in later generations. The authors concluded that patients who are younger at the onset of BRCA‐related cancers should continue to be tracked to offer appropriate screening modalities at appropriate ages. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
DNA methylation profiling reveals a predominant immune component in breast cancers
Authors: Dedeurwaerder Sarah , Desmedt Christine , Calonne Emilie , Singhal Sandeep K. , Haibe‐Kains Benjamin , Defrance Matthieu , Michiels Stefan , Volkmar Michael , Deplus Rachel , Luciani Judith , Lallemand Françoise , Larsimont Denis , Toussaint Jérôme , Haussy Sandy , Rothé Françoise , Rouas Ghizlane , Metzger Otto , Majjaj Samira , Saini Kamal , Putmans Pascale , Hames Gérald , van Baren Nicolas , Coulie Pierre G. , Piccart Martine , Sotiriou Christos , Fuks François 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBreast cancer is a molecularly, biologically and clinically heterogeneous group of disorders. Understanding this diversity is essential to improving diagnosis and optimizing treatment. Both genetic and acquired epigenetic abnormalities participate in cancer, but the involvement of the epigenome in breast cancer and its contribution to the complexity of the disease are still poorly understood. By means of DNA methylation profiling of 248 breast tissues, we have highlighted the existence of previously unrecognized breast cancer groups that go beyond the currently known ‘expression subtypes’. Interestingly, we showed that DNA methylation profiling can reflect the cell type composition of the tumour microenvironment, and in particular a T lymphocyte infiltration of the tumours. Further, we highlighted a set of immune genes having high prognostic value in specific tumour categories. The immune component uncovered here by DNA methylation profiles provides a new perspective for the importance of the microenvironment in breast cancer, holding implications for better management of breast cancer patients.