bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Camera trocar lifting in office gasless laparoscopic sterilization under local anesthesia
Authors: BERGSTRÖM BO S. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe evaluated 35 cases of a mechanical approach to abdominal wall lifting, used in office‐based gasless laparoscopic sterilization under local anesthesia. Lifting of the abdominal wall, using the camera trocar as an anchoring device and complemented by suprapubic lifting by means of a towel clamp, led to passive intra‐abdominal air filling, giving sufficient space to identify, anesthetize, coagulate and cut the Fallopian tubes. Only mild sedation was necessary. All women walked to and from the operating room. All had successful tubal ligation. The overall satisfaction rate was 97%. The mechanical lifting moment was not painful. With the exception of one woman with failed tubal anesthesia, all women had a low mean pain score of 2.6 (VAS 0–10). No complications occurred except one wound infection. The costs were ≤ ¼ of those of traditional laparoscopic sterilization and office hysteroscopic sterilization. This approach is effective for office‐based laparoscopic sterilization. Room air, two strings and a needle replace active gas insufflation and narcosis.
Nonclinical Factors Associated with Treatment with Peritoneal Dialysis in Esrd Patients in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Hsiu-Chen , Wang Jiun-Yi , Chang Chia-Chu , Chiu Ping-Fang , Chiang Ming-Che , Yang Yu 
Published: May 2010

Objectives Less than 10% of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in Taiwan receive peritoneal dialysis (PD), which reveals the situation of underutilization of PD. We thus aimed to investigate factors associated with treatment with PD in ESRD patients in Taiwan. Patients Patients that were 18 years of age or older and had been on dialysis for at least 3 months since 2001 were recruited and interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Results 98 hemodialysis (HD) and 102 PD patients were recruited. In univariate analysis, age, sex, level of education, employment status, marital status, traffic time, family support, patient cognition, and receptivity were correlated with treatment with PD. Multivariate analysis showed that patients that were not married ( p = 0.006), that spent more time traveling to the dialysis clinic ( p = 0.006), that were not emergent at the start of dialysis ( p = 0.003), and that had better family support ( p = 0.045), a higher cognition of dialysis ( p = 0.034), and stronger receptivity to dialysis ( p < 0.001) were more likely to receive PD. Conclusions We recommend patients follow the standard process to obtain more exhaustive information, consultation, and early referral. In addition, we suggest healthcare providers remind patients to take into account such nonclinical factors as family support and patient receptivity when they choose their dialysis modality.
The Pathogen Recognition Receptor NOD2 Regulates Human FOXP3+ T Cell Survival
Authors: Rahman Meher K. , Midtling Emilie H. , Svingen Phyllis A. , Xiong Yuning , Bell Michael P. , Tung Jeanne , Smyrk Tom , Egan Larry J. , Faubion William A. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The expression of pathogen recognition receptors in human FOXP3+ T regulatory cells is established, yet the function of these receptors is currently obscure. In the process of studying the function of both peripheral and lamina propria FOXP3+ lymphocytes in patients with the human inflammatory bowel disease Crohn’s disease, we observed a clear deficiency in the quantity of FOXP3+ lymphocytes in patients with disease-associated polymorphisms in the pathogen recognition receptor gene NOD2. Subsequently, we determined that the NOD2 ligand, muramyl dipeptide (MDP), activates NF-κB in primary human FOXP3+ T cells. This activation is functionally relevant, as MDP-stimulated human FOXP3+ T cells are protected from death receptor Fas-mediated apoptosis. Importantly, apoptosis protection was not evident in MDP-stimulated FOXP3+ T cells isolated from a patient with the disease-associated polymorphism. Thus, we propose that one function of pathogen recognition receptors in human T regulatory cells is the protection against death receptor-mediated apoptosis in a Fas ligand-rich environment, such as that of the inflamed intestinal subepithelial space.
The Prostaglandin E2 E-Prostanoid 4 Receptor Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Brain Innate Immunity
Authors: Shi Ju , Johansson Jenny , Woodling Nathaniel S. , Wang Qian , Montine Thomas J. , Andreasson Katrin 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Peripheral inflammation leads to immune responses in brain characterized by microglial activation, elaboration of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, and secondary neuronal injury. The inducible cyclooxygenase (COX), COX-2, mediates a significant component of this response in brain via downstream proinflammatory PG signaling. In this study, we investigated the function of the PGE2 E-prostanoid (EP) 4 receptor in the CNS innate immune response to the bacterial endotoxin LPS. We report that PGE2 EP4 signaling mediates an anti-inflammatory effect in brain by blocking LPS-induced proinflammatory gene expression in mice. This was associated in cultured murine microglial cells with decreased Akt and I-κB kinase phosphorylation and decreased nuclear translocation of p65 and p50 NF-κB subunits. In vivo, conditional deletion of EP4 in macrophages and microglia increased lipid peroxidation and proinflammatory gene expression in brain and in isolated adult microglia following peripheral LPS administration. Conversely, EP4 selective agonist decreased LPS-induced proinflammatory gene expression in hippocampus and in isolated adult microglia. In plasma, EP4 agonist significantly reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, indicating that peripheral EP4 activation protects the brain from systemic inflammation. The innate immune response is an important component of disease progression in a number of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, recent studies demonstrated adverse vascular effects with chronic administration of COX-2 inhibitors, indicating that specific PG signaling pathways may be protective in vascular function. This study supports an analogous and beneficial effect of PGE2 EP4 receptor signaling in suppressing brain inflammation.
Diversity of TCRs on Natural Foxp3+ T Cells in Mice Lacking Aire Expression
Authors: Daniely Danielle , Kern Joanna , Cebula Anna , Ignatowicz Leszek 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells expressing the Aire gene play a critical role in the induction of tolerance to tissue-specific Ags (TSAs). It was postulated that recognition of Aire-controlled TSAs by immature thymocytes results in the selection of natural CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and enriches this repertoire in self-reactive receptors, contributing to its vast diversity. In this study, we compared the TCRs on individual Tregs in Aire+ and Aire− mice expressing a miniature TCR repertoire (TCRmini) along with GFP driven by the Foxp3 promoter (Foxp3GFP). The Treg TCR repertoires in Aire+ and Aire− TCRminiFoxp3GFP mice were similar and more diverse than their repertoires on CD4+ Foxp3− thymocytes. Further, TCRs found on potentially self-reactive T cells, with an activated phenotype (CD4+Foxp3−CD62Llow) in Aire− TCRminiFoxp3GFP mice, appear distinct from TCRs found on Tregs in Aire+ TCRminiFoxp3GFP mice. Lastly, we found no evidence that TSAs presented by medullary thymic epithelial cells in Aire+TCRmini mice are often recognized as agonists by Treg-derived TCR hybridomas or CD4+CD25+ thymocytes, containing both natural Tregs and precursors. Thus, positive selection and self-reactivity of the global Treg repertoire are not controlled by Aire-dependent TSAs.
An Independent Subset of TLR Expressing CCR2-Dependent Macrophages Promotes Colonic Inflammation
Authors: Platt Andrew M. , Bain Calum C. , Bordon Yvonne , Sester David P. , Mowat Allan McI. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Macrophages (Mϕs) in the large intestine are crucial effectors of inflammatory bowel disease, but are also essential for homeostasis. It is unclear if these reflect separate populations of Mϕs or if resident Mϕs change during inflammation. In this study, we identify two subsets of colonic Mϕs in mice, whose proportions differ in healthy and inflamed intestine. Under resting conditions, most F4/80+ Mϕs are TLR− CCR2− CX3CR1hi and do not produce TNF-α in response to stimulation. The lack of TLR expression is stable, affects all TLRs, and is determined both transcriptionally and posttranscriptionally. During experimental colitis, TLR2+ CCR2+ CX3CR1int Ly6Chi Gr-1+, TNF-α–producing Mϕs come to dominate, and some of these are also present in the normal colon. The TLR2+ and TLR2− subsets are phenotypically distinct and have different turnover kinetics in vivo, and these properties are not influenced by the presence of inflammation. There is preferential CCR2-dependent recruitment of the proinflammatory population during colitis, suggesting they are derived from independent myeloid precursors. CCR2 knockout mice show reduced susceptibility to colitis and lack the recruitment of TLR2+ CCR2+ Gr-1+, TNF-α–producing Mϕs. The balance between proinflammatory and resident Mϕs in the colon is controlled by CCR2-dependent recruitment mechanisms, which could prove useful as targets for therapy in inflammatory bowel disease.
TGF-β–Induced Myelin Peptide-Specific Regulatory T Cells Mediate Antigen-Specific Suppression of Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Zhang Hong , Podojil Joseph R. , Chang Judy , Luo Xunrong , Miller Stephen D. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The low number of natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) in the circulation specific for a particular Ag and concerns about the bystander suppressive capacity of expanded nTregs presents a major clinical challenge for nTreg-based therapeutic treatment of autoimmune diseases. In the current study, we demonstrate that naive CD4+CD25−Foxp3− T cells specific for the myelin proteolipid protein (PLP)139–151 peptide can be converted into CD25+Foxp3+ induced Treg cells (iTregs) when stimulated in the presence of TGF-β, retinoic acid, and IL-2. These PLP139–151-specific iTregs (139-iTregs) have a phenotype similar to nTregs, but additionally express an intermediate level of CD62L and a high level of CD103. Upon transfer into SJL/J mice, 139-iTregs undergo Ag-driven proliferation and are effective at suppressing induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induced by the cognate PLP139–151 peptide, but not PLP178–191 or a mixture of the two peptides. Furthermore, 139-iTregs inhibit delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to PLP139–151, but not PLP178–191, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35–55, or OVA323–339 in mice primed with a mixture of PLP139–151 and the other respective peptides. Additionally, 139-iTregs suppress the proliferation and activation of PLP139–151-, but not MOG35–55-specific CD4+ T cells in SJL/B6 F1 mice primed with a combination of PLP139–151 and MOG35–55. These findings suggest that Ag-specific iTregs are amplified in vivo when exposed to cognate Ag under inflammatory conditions, and these activated iTregs suppress CD4+ responder T cells in an Ag-specific manner.
Small Interfering RNA Screen for Phosphatases Involved in IgE-Mediated Mast Cell Degranulation
Authors: Zhang Juan , Mendoza Mary , Guiraldelli Michel F. , Barbu Emilia Alina , Siraganian Reuben P. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Mast cells play pivotal roles in the initiation of the allergic response. To gain an understanding of the functions played by phosphatases in IgE-mediated mast cell activation, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) library that targets all mouse phosphatase genes was screened in a mouse mast cell line, MMC-1. Of 198 targets, 10 enhanced and 7 inhibited FcεRI-induced degranulation. For seven of the strongest hits, four different siRNAs per target were tested, and at least two out of the four single siRNA per target had similar effects as the pool suggesting that these were true hits. Bone marrow-derived mast cells from normal mice further validated these results for six definite positive targets. The mechanism of the reduced mast cell degranulation due to calcineurin B deficiency was investigated. Calcineurin B deficiency reduced the phosphorylation of MAPKs and the phosphorylation of protein kinase D/protein kinase Cμ and protein kinase Cδ, which are involved in FcεRI signaling. The screen, therefore, has identified several new molecules that are critical for FcεRI-induced degranulation. Regulating the function of these proteins may be potential targets for the treatment of allergic inflammation. The result also indicates that the system used is efficient for searching molecules implicated in complex receptor-induced signaling.
Human Intestinal Lamina Propria CD1c+ Dendritic Cells Display an Activated Phenotype at Steady State and Produce IL-23 in Response to TLR7/8 Stimulation
Authors: Dillon Stephanie M. , Rogers Lisa M. , Howe Rawleigh , Hostetler Lydia A. , Buhrman Jonathan , McCarter Martin D. , Wilson Cara C. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Intestinal dendritic cells (DCs) play key roles in mediating tolerance to commensal flora and inflammatory responses against mucosal pathogens. The mechanisms by which intestinal “conditioning” influences human DC responses to microbial stimuli remain poorly understood. Infections with viruses, such as HIV-1, that target mucosal tissue result in intestinal epithelial barrier breakdown and increased translocation of commensal bacteria into the lamina propria (LP). It is unclear whether innate LP DC responses to concurrent viral and bacterial stimuli influence mucosal HIV-1 pathogenesis. In this study, direct ex vivo phenotype and in vitro constitutive cytokine production of CD1c+ DCs in human intestinal LP were compared with those in peripheral blood (PB). To evaluate innate responses to viral and bacterial stimuli, intracellular cytokine production by LP and PB DCs following stimulation with ligands for TLRs 2, 4, 5, and 7/8 was evaluated. At steady state, LP CD1c+ DCs expressed higher levels of activation markers (CD40, CD83, CD86, HLA-DR, and CCR7) than did PB CD1c+ DCs, and higher frequencies of LP CD1c+ DCs constitutively produced IL-6 and -10 and TNF-α. LP DCs had blunted cytokine responses to TLR4 ligand and TLR5 ligand stimulation relative to PB DCs, yet similarly produced IL-10 in response to TLR2 ligand. Only synthetic TLR7/8 ligand, a mimic of viral ssRNA, induced IL-23 production by LP CD1c+ DCs, and this proinflammatory cytokine response was synergistically enhanced following combined TLR7/8 and TLR4 stimulation. These findings highlight a potential mechanism by which viruses like HIV-1 may subvert homeostatic mechanisms and induce inflammation in the intestinal mucosa.
B Cell Development in GALT: Role of Bacterial Superantigen-Like Molecules
Authors: Severson Kari M. , Mallozzi Michael , Driks Adam , Knight Katherine L. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Intestinal bacteria drive the formation of lymphoid tissues, and in rabbit, bacteria also promote development of the preimmune Ab repertoire and positive selection of B cells in GALT. Previous studies indicated that Bacillus subtilis promotes B cell follicle formation in GALT, and we investigated the mechanism by which B. subtilis stimulates B cells. We found that spores of B. subtilis and other Bacillus species, including Bacillus anthracis, bound rabbit IgM through an unconventional, superantigen-like binding site, and in vivo, surface molecules of B. anthracis spores promoted GALT development. Our study provides direct evidence that B cell development in GALT may be driven by superantigen-like molecules, and furthermore, that bacterial spores modulate host immunity.
African-Derived Genetic Polymorphisms in TNFAIP3 Mediate Risk for Autoimmunity
Authors: Lodolce James P. , Kolodziej Lauren E. , Rhee Lesley , Kariuki Silvia N. , Franek Beverly S. , McGreal Nancy M. , Logsdon Mark F. , Bartulis Sarah J. , Perera Minoli A. , Ellis Nathan A. , Adams Erin J. , Hanauer Stephen B. , Jolly Meenakshi , Niewold Timothy B. , Boone David L. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The TNF α-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) is an ubiquitin-modifying enzyme and an essential negative regulator of inflammation. Genome-wide association studies have implicated the TNFAIP3 locus in susceptibility to autoimmune disorders in European cohorts, including rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, psoriasis, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There are two nonsynonymous coding polymorphisms in the deubiquitinating (DUB) domain of TNFAIP3: F127C, which is in high-linkage disequilibrium with reported SLE-risk variants, and A125V, which has not been previously studied. We conducted a case–control study in African-American SLE patients using these coding variants, along with tagging polymorphisms in TNFAIP3, and identified a novel African-derived risk haplotype that is distinct from previously reported risk variants (odds ratio = 1.6, p = 0.006). In addition, a rare protective haplotype was defined by A125V (odds ratio = 0.31, p = 0.027). Although A125V was associated with protection from SLE, surprisingly the same allele was associated with increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease. We tested the functional activity of nonsynonymous coding polymorphisms within TNFAIP3, and found that the A125V coding-change variant alters the DUB activity of the protein. Finally, we used computer modeling to depict how the A125V amino acid change in TNFAIP3 may affect the three-dimensional structure of the DUB domain to a greater extent than F127C. This is the first report of an association between TNFAIP3 polymorphisms and autoimmunity in African-Americans.
Estimates of heritability for reproductive traits in captive rhesus macaque females
Authors: Gagliardi Christine , Falkenstein Kathrine P. , Franke Donald E. , Kubisch H. Michael 
Published: May 2010

AbstractRecords from a colony of captive Indian rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were used to estimate heritability for a number of reproductive traits. Records were based on a total of 7,816 births by 1,901 females from 1979 to 2007. Heritability was estimated with a linear animal model using a multiple trait derivative free REML set of programs. Because no male parents were identified, the numerator relationship matrix contained female kinships established over six generations. Reproductive traits included female age at the birth of the first, second and last infant, age at death, inter‐birth intervals, number of infants born per female and infant survival. Heritability for each trait was estimated as the ratio of the additive genetic variance to phenotypic variance adjusted for significant fixed effects. Estimates of heritability for early reproduction ranged from 0.000±0.072 for birth interval after the first reproduction to 0.171±0.062 for age of female at the first infant. Higher estimates of heritability were found for female longevity [0.325±0.143] and for productivity of deceased females born before 1991 [0.221±0.138]. Heritability for infant survival ranged from 0.061±0.018 for survival from 30 days to 1 year to 0.290±0.050 for survival from birth to 30 days when adjusted to an underlying normal distribution. Eight of the 13 estimates of heritability for reproductive traits in this study were different from zero [P<0.05]. Generally, heritability estimates reported in this study for reproductive traits of captive rhesus macaque females are similar to those reported in the literature for free‐ranging rhesus macaque females and for similar reproductive traits of other species. These estimates of heritability for reproductive traits appear to be among the first for a relatively large colony of captive rhesus macaque females. Am. J. Primatol. 72:811–819, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Catalysts for water–gas shift processing of coal‐derived syngases
Authors: Hla San Shwe , Duffy G. J. , Morpeth L. D. , Cousins A. , Roberts D. G. , Edwards J. H. , Park D. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAlthough the gasification of coal is an efficient means of producing syngas, the carbon content of coal is such that gasification produces significantly higher ratios of carbon oxides to hydrogen than those obtained by the steam reforming of natural gas. The CO:H2 ratio can be adjusted, and more hydrogen produced, by the subsequent application of the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction. This article presents a review of technologies associated with the catalytic WGS reaction in a fixed‐bed reactor that might be incorporated into a coal gasification‐based system for H2 production with CO2 capture. The main output from this review is the identification of key project areas requiring further research. The performance of existing, commercially available catalysts—designed for use in natural gas reforming processes—with coal‐derived syngases is an important aspect of developing technologies for coal‐based H2 production. This article presents an experimental assessment of the performance of selected commercially available WGS catalysts, two high‐temperature catalysts (HT01 and HT02) and a sour shift catalyst (SS01), with such syngases. For the three commercial catalysts investigated in this study, CO reaction order is found to be in a range of 0.75–1. The effect of changes in H2O concentration over HT01 is insignificant, whereas H2O reaction orders determined using HT02 and SS01 are found to be significantly positive even at high H2O:C ratios. The CO conversion rate is significantly reduced by increasing CO2 concentration, whereas increasing H2 concentration also causes a slight reduction in CO conversion rate for the three commercial catalysts investigated. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equilibrium and extraction kinetics of tannins from chestnut tree wood in water solutions
Authors: Capparucci Claudio , Gironi Fausto , Piemonte Vincenzo 
Published: May 2010

AbstractTannins are natural water‐soluble products, characterized by a phenolic structure and the ability to bind and precipitate proteins. They are widely found in natural products, and their ‘historical’ utilization was in tanning animal hides into leather. Nowadays, tannins are extensively used in the food and beverage industry and in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries for their positive effects on human health. In conventional processes, tannins are extracted from vegetable material by using water as a solvent in a temperature range of 40–90 °C; other polyphenols are always extracted and classified as nontannins. The scope of this work is to characterize chestnut tree wood in terms of the total extractable tannins. To this aim, analytic methods, reported in the literature, for the quantitative determination of these compounds in aqueous solution of unknown composition have been assessed. Experimental data on equilibrium distribution of tannins between solid (wood) and liquid (water) at a temperature of 80 °C are presented. The obtained results have been correlated by means of the Freundlich isotherm. Experimental data are also reported on the extraction kinetics of tannins from the solid phase. Experimental extraction curves were simulated by a plug flow model, and an overall mass transfer coefficient was evaluated. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.