bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of art therapy on stress and anxiety of employees
Authors: Visnola Dace , Sprūdža Dagmāra , Ārija Baķe Mārīte , Piķe Anita 
Published: August 2010

Effects of art therapy on stress and anxiety of employeesThe study was designed to determine if art therapy has any effect on the stress and anxiety of employees. The results demonstrated that before and after art therapy in the study group, the level of the stress indicator (cortisol) over twenty-four hours and also the state of anxiety decreased significantly (P< 0.05). The mean final stress level and situational anxiety for the study group were significantly lower (P< 0.05) than those for the control group. No significant changes were found for trait anxiety in any of the groups. These findings suggest that art therapy for employees is a preventive measure for a person to understand stress situations and to be capable to manage their anxiety, react adequately and to cope with stress, thus improving the quality of life by creative means.
Immunomodulation of Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Responses by Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Associated with Bystander T Cell Apoptosis in the Draining Lymph Node
Authors: Lim Jong-Hyung , Kim Jung-Sik , Yoon Il-Hee , Shin Jun-Seop , Nam Hye-Young , Yang Seung-Ha , Kim Sang-Joon , Park Chung-Gyu 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Disease amelioration by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to be closely related to their immunomodulatory functions on the host immune system in many disease models. However, the underlying mechanisms of how these cells affect the immune cells in vivo are not fully understood. In this study, we report findings that a small but significant number of MSCs accumulate in the secondary lymphoid organs and attenuate delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response by inducing apoptotic cell death of surrounding immune cells in the draining lymph node (LN). In the migration study, i.v. infused GFP-MSCs preferentially accumulated at the boundary between the paracortical area and the germinal center in the LNs, in close proximity to various types of immune cells including T, B, and dendritic cells in a dose-dependent manner. As a result, accumulated MSCs markedly attenuated DTH response in proportion to the number of MSCs infused. During the DTH response, the infiltration of T cells in the challenged site was significantly decreased, whereas a number of apoptotic T cells were remarkably increased in the draining LN. Apoptosis was significantly induced in activated T cells (CD3+ and BrdU+), but not in the resting T cells (CD3+ and BrdU−). NO was associated with these apoptotic events. Taken together, we conclude that significant numbers of i.v. infused MSCs preferentially localize in the draining LN, where they induce apoptosis of the activated T cells by producing NO and thus attenuate the DTH response.
Suppression of Th2-Driven Airway Inflammation by Allergen Immunotherapy Is Independent of B Cell and Ig Responses in Mice
Authors: Shirinbak Soheila , Taher Yousef A. , Maazi Hadi , Gras Renée , van Esch Betty C. A. M. , Henricks Paul A. J. , Samsom Janneke N. , Verbeek J. Sjef , Lambrecht Bart N. , van Oosterhout Antoon J. M. , Nawijn Martijn C. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (IT) uniquely renders long-term relief from allergic symptoms and is associated with elevated serum levels of allergen-specific IgG and IgA. The allergen-specific IgG response induced by IT treatment was shown to be critical for suppression of the immediate phase of the allergic response in mice, and this suppression was partially dependent on signaling through FcγRIIB. To investigate the relevance of the allergen-specific IgG responses for suppression of the Th2-driven late-phase allergic response, we performed IT in a mouse model of allergic asthma in the absence of FcγRIIB or FcγRI/FcγRIII signaling. We found that suppression of Th2 cell activity, allergic inflammation, and allergen-specific IgE responses is independent of FcγRIIB and FcγRI/FcγRIII signaling. Moreover, we show that the IT-induced allergen-specific systemic IgG or IgA responses and B cell function are dispensable for suppression of the late-phase allergic response by IT treatment. Finally, we found that the secretory mucosal IgA response also is not required for suppression of the Th2-driven allergic inflammation by IT. These data are in contrast to the suppression of the immediate phase of the allergic response, which is critically dependent on the induced allergen-specific serum IgG response. Hence, IT-induced suppression of the immediate and late phases of the allergic response is governed by divergent and independent mechanisms. Our data show that the IT-induced suppression of the Th2 cell-dependent late-phase allergic response is independent of the allergen-specific IgG and IgA responses that are associated with IT treatment.
Cutting Edge: Expression of the Transcription Factor E74-Like Factor 4 Is Regulated by the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway in CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Gierach Kirsten , Lee Ping-Hsien , Wang Xiaohong , Lacorazza H. Daniel 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
T cell receptor activation inhibits expression of the E74-like factor (ELF) 4 and Krüppel-like factor 4 genes to release naive CD8+ T cells from their quiescent state. In this study, we show that ELF4 controls the ERK-mediated proliferative response by maintaining normal levels of dual-specificity phosphatases 1 and 5 in CD8+ T cells. In activated CD8+ T cells, the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway inhibits ELF4 and Krüppel-like factor 4 expression downstream of ERK and PI3K signaling. Our findings demonstrate that rapamycin could be used to modulate expression of this transcriptional network involved in cell-cycle regulation.
Inflammasome-Dependent Release of the Alarmin HMGB1 in Endotoxemia
Authors: Lamkanfi Mohamed , Sarkar Anasuya , Vande Walle Lieselotte , Vitari Alberto C. , Amer Amal O. , Wewers Mark D. , Tracey Kevin J. , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi , Dixit Vishva M. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Endotoxin administration recapitulates many of the host responses to sepsis. Inhibitors of the cysteine protease caspase 1 have long been sought as a therapeutic because mice lacking caspase 1 are resistant to LPS-induced endotoxic shock. According to current thinking, caspase 1-mediated shock requires the proinflammatory caspase 1 substrates IL-1β and IL-18. We show, however, that mice lacking both IL-1β and IL-18 are normally susceptible to LPS-induced splenocyte apoptosis and endotoxic shock. This finding indicates the existence of another caspase 1-dependent mediator of endotoxemia. Reduced serum high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels in caspase 1-deficient mice correlated with their resistance to LPS. A critical role for HMGB1 in endotoxemia was confirmed when mice deficient for IL-1β and IL-18 were protected from a lethal dose of LPS by pretreatment with HMGB1-neutralizing Abs. We found that HMGB1 secretion from LPS-primed macrophages required the inflammasome components apoptotic speck protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC), caspase 1 and Nalp3, whereas HMGB1 secretion from macrophages infected in vitro with Salmonella typhimurium was dependent on caspase 1 and Ipaf. Thus, HMGB1 secretion, which is critical for endotoxemia, occurs downstream of inflammasome assembly and caspase 1 activation.
Immature NK Cells, Capable of Producing IL-22, Are Present in Human Uterine Mucosa
Authors: Male Victoria , Hughes Tiffany , McClory Susan , Colucci Francesco , Caligiuri Michael A. , Moffett Ashley 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
NK cells are the dominant population of immune cells in the endometrium in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and in the decidua in early pregnancy. The possibility that this is a site of NK cell development is of particular interest because of the cyclical death and regeneration of the NK population during the menstrual cycle. To investigate this, we searched for NK developmental stages 1–4, based on expression of CD34, CD117, and CD94. In this study, we report that a heterogeneous population of stage 3 NK precursor (CD34−CD117+CD94−) and mature stage 4 NK (CD34−CD117−/+CD94+) cells, but not multipotent stages 1 and 2 (CD34+), are present in the uterine mucosa. Cells within the uterine stage 3 population are able to give rise to mature stage 4-like cells in vitro but also produce IL-22 and express RORC and LTA. We also found stage 3 cells with NK progenitor potential in peripheral blood. We propose that stage 3 cells are recruited from the blood to the uterus and mature in the uterine microenvironment to become distinctive uterine NK cells. IL-22 producers in this population might have a physiological role in this specialist mucosa dedicated to reproduction.
Th17 Cells Contribute to Viral Replication in Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Acute Viral Myocarditis
Authors: Yuan Jing , Yu Miao , Lin Qiong-Wen , Cao Ai-Lin , Yu Xian , Dong Ji-Hua , Wang Jin-Ping , Zhang Jing-Hui , Wang Min , Guo He-Ping , Cheng Xiang , Liao Yu-Hua 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Acute viral myocarditis (AVMC) is characterized by virus-triggered myocardial inflammation, and Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is the primary pathogen. We previously proved that Th17 cells, besides having proinflammatory effects, were involved in AVMC by enhancing humoral response. However, the relationship between Th17 cells and CVB3 replication remains unknown. In this experiment, we infected BALB/c mice with CVB3 for establishing AVMC models and then found that, with the increase of viral replication, the expressions of splenic Th17 cells, serum IL-17, and cardiac IL-17 mRNA were elevated significantly, accompanied by the progressive cardiac injuries of AVMC. Furthermore, on day 5, the peak time for viral replication, correlation was positive between cardiac IL-17 mRNA and CVB3 RNA (correlation index = 0.835; p &lt; 0.01). Although the expressions of Th1 and CD8+ T cells, which could secrete the antiviral cytokine IFN-γ and damage the heart, were also elevated, along with Th17 cells, in AVMC, the neutralization of IL-17 further upregulated the percentages of splenic Th1 and CD8+ T cells and the levels of cardiac IFN-γ mRNA. The cardiac pathological changes were obviously improved after neutralization, with reduced viral replication followed by decreases in the cardiac inflammatory cytokines IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-1β. These data suggest that Th17 cells contribute to CVB3 replication in AVMC, and that IL-17 might be an important target for regulating the balance of antiviral immunities.
Humans Differ from Other Hominids in Lacking an Activating NK Cell Receptor That Recognizes the C1 Epitope of MHC Class I
Authors: Moesta Achim K. , Graef Thorsten , Abi-Rached Laurent , Older Aguilar Anastazia M. , Guethlein Lisbeth A. , Parham Peter 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Modulation of human NK cell function by killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR) and MHC class I is dominated by the bipartite interactions of inhibitory lineage III KIR with the C1 and C2 epitopes of HLA-C. In comparison, the ligand specificities and functional contributions of the activating lineage III KIR remain poorly understood. Using a robust, sensitive assay of KIR binding and a representative panel of 95 HLA class I targets, we show that KIR2DS1 binds C2 with ~50% the avidity of KIR2DL1, whereas KIR2DS2, KIR2DS3, and KIR2DS5 have no detectable avidity for C1, C2, or any other HLA class I epitope. In contrast, the chimpanzee has activating C1- and C2-specific lineage III KIR with strong avidity, comparable to those of their paired inhibitory receptors. One variant of chimpanzee Pt–KIR3DS2, the activating C2-specific receptor, has the same avidity for C2 as does inhibitory Pt–KIR3DL4, and a second variant has ~73% the avidity. Chimpanzee Pt–KIR3DS6, the activating C1-specific receptor, has avidity for C1 that is ~70% that of inhibitory Pt–KIR2DL6. In both humans and chimpanzees we observe an evolutionary trend toward reducing the avidity of the activating C1- and C2-specific receptors through selective acquisition of attenuating substitutions. However, the extent of attenuation has been extreme in humans, as exemplified by KIR2DS2, an activating C1-specific receptor that has lost all detectable avidity for HLA class I. Supporting such elimination of activating C1-specific receptors as a uniquely human phenomenon is the presence of a high-avidity activating C1-specific receptor (Gg–KIR2DSa) in gorilla.
Viral Inhibitory Peptide of TLR4, a Peptide Derived from Vaccinia Protein A46, Specifically Inhibits TLR4 by Directly Targeting MyD88 Adaptor-Like and TRIF-Related Adaptor Molecule
Authors: Lysakova-Devine Tatyana , Keogh Brian , Harrington Barry , Nagpal Kamalpreet , Halle Annett , Golenbock Douglas T. , Monie Tom , Bowie Andrew G. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractTLRs are critical pattern recognition receptors that recognize bacterial and viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns leading to innate and adaptive immune responses. TLRs signal via homotypic interactions between their cytoplasmic Toll/IL-1R (TIR) domains and TIR domain-containing adaptor proteins. Over the course of evolution, viruses have developed various immune evasion strategies, one of which involves inhibiting TLR signaling pathways to avoid immune detection. Thus, vaccinia virus encodes the A46 protein, which binds to multiple TIR-domain containing proteins, ultimately preventing TLRs from signaling. We have identified an 11-aa–long peptide from A46 (termed viral inhibitor peptide of TLR4, or VIPER), which, when fused to a cell-penetrating delivery sequence, potently inhibits TLR4-mediated responses. VIPER was TLR4 specific, being inert toward other TLR pathways, and was active in murine and human cells and in vivo, where it inhibited LPS-induced IL-12p40 secretion. VIPER also prevented TLR4-mediated MAPK and transcription factor activation, suggesting it acted close to the TLR4 complex. Indeed, VIPER directly interacted with the TLR4 adaptor proteins MyD88 adaptor-like (Mal) and TRIF-related adaptor molecule (TRAM). Viral proteins target host proteins using evolutionary optimized binding surfaces. Thus, VIPER possibly represents a surface domain of A46 that specifically inhibits TLR4 by masking critical binding sites on Mal and TRAM. Apart from its potential therapeutic and experimental use in suppressing TLR4 function, identification of VIPER’s specific binding sites on TRAM and Mal may reveal novel therapeutic target sites. Overall, we demonstrate for the first time disruption of a specific TLR signaling pathway by a short virally derived peptide.
Assessing physical activity in persons with knee osteoarthritis using accelerometers: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative
Authors: Song Jing , Semanik Pamela , Sharma Leena , Chang Rowland W. , Hochberg Marc C. , Mysiw W. Jerry , Bathon Joan M. , Eaton Charles B. , Jackson Rebecca , Kwoh C. Kent , Nevitt Michael , Dunlop Dorothy D. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractObjectivePhysical activity measured by accelerometers requires basic assumptions to translate the output into meaningful measures. We used accelerometer data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative to investigate in the context of knee osteoarthritis (OA) the following data processing assumptions derived from the general US adult population: nonwear (a period the monitor was removed), based on zero activity exceeding 60 minutes; and a valid day of monitoring, based on wear time evidence exceeding 10 hours.MethodsWe examined the influence of nonwear thresholds ranging from 20 to 300 minutes of zero activity on mean daily activity minutes (counts >0), mean daily activity counts, and mean daily moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes. The effect of selecting minimums of 8, 10, or 12 wear hours to signify a valid day of monitoring on data retention was examined.ResultsOur sample of 3,536 days of accelerometer data from 519 persons with knee OA showed that mean daily activity minutes increased with the nonwear threshold until stabilizing at 463 minutes per day, corresponding to the 90‐minute nonwear threshold. Similar patterns were observed for mean daily activity counts. Varying the nonwear threshold had no effect on mean daily moderate to vigorous physical activity minutes. Choosing the 90‐minute nonwear threshold and a minimum of 10 wear hours to constitute a valid day provided 94% data retention.ConclusionData supported applying the 90‐minute nonwear threshold to the knee OA population instead of the 60‐minute threshold for the general population, while retaining the 10‐hour valid day threshold.
Fibronectin Functionalized Hydroxyapatite Coatings: Improving Dermal Fibroblast Adhesion In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Pendegrass Catherine J. , Middleton Claire A. , Blunn Gordon W. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSkin‐penetrating devices including intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prostheses (ITAP) and external fixator pins rely on a skin‐implant seal to prevent infection. In this study, we assess the effectiveness of fibronectin (Fn) functionalized hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings for promoting dermal fibroblast and dermal tissue attachment and ingrowth in vitro and in vivo. By measuring the number of focal adhesions per unit cell area we have demonstrated that HA significantly promotes dermal fibroblast attachment compared with titanium alloy. Dermal fibroblast attachment is promoted further using Fn functionalized HA coatings incorporated into an implant design with 700 µm pores, which significantly increased dermal tissue ingrowth and attachment compared with non‐functionalized HA and titanium alloy controls incorporating 500 or 1000 µm pores. We postulate that Fn functionalized HA coatings applied to transdermal implants may promote and sustain the skin‐implant interface and assist in preventing infection long term.
Nanostructured Complexes of Polyelectrolytes and Charged Polypeptides
Authors: Müller Martin , Ouyang Wuye , Bohata Karolina , Keßler Bernd 
Published: August 2010

AbstractNanoparticles and films of complexes between polyelectrolytes (PELs) and oppositely charged polypeptides emphasizing the influence of PEL molecular stiffness on the generated nanostructures are reported. Homopolypeptides like cationic poly(L‐lysine) (PLL) and anionic poly(L‐glutamic acid) (PLG) were used, whose conformations can be changed from random coil to α‐helix by salt type or pH value. PLL and PLG were complexed with standard commercial polyanions (PA) like poly(vinylsulfate) (PVS) or poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAC) and polycations (PC) like poly(diallyldimethylammoniumchloride) (PDADMAC), respectively. In situ attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR‐IR), circular dichroism (CD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used for surface and bulk characterization. Randomly coiled PLL caused spherical PEC particles and isotropically structured PEM films. Whereas, α‐helical PLL resulted in needle‐like or worm‐like PEC particles and anisotropic PEM films. For PEM films consisting of PDADMAC/PLG PLG terminating PEM‐6 was proteininert, while PDADMAC terminating PEM‐7 was proteinactive. PEM films consisting of PDL/PSS showed higher enantiospecific adsorption of α‐helical myoglobin compared to PLL/PSS. These nanoparticles and films are envisioned as bioinert and bioactive material substrates, unidirectional cell growth, polymer/cell scaffolds, and nanocarriers.
Atomically Defined Rare‐Earth Scandate Crystal Surfaces
Authors: Kleibeuker Josée E. , Koster Gertjan , Siemons Wolter , Dubbink David , Kuiper Bouwe , Blok Jeroen L. , Yang Chan‐Ho , Ravichandran Jayakanth , Ramesh Ramamoorthy , ten Elshof Johan E. , Blank Dave H. A. , Rijnders Guus 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe fabrication of well‐defined, atomically sharp substrate surfaces over a wide range of lattice parameters is reported, which is crucial for atomically regulated epitaxial growth of complex oxide heterostructures. By applying a framework for controlled selective wet etching of complex oxides on the stable rare‐earth scandates (REScO3), apseudocubic = 0.394 – 0.404 nm, the large chemical sensitivity of REScO3 to basic solutions is exploited, which results in reproducible, single‐terminated surfaces. Time‐of‐flight mass‐spectroscopy measurements show that after wet etching the surfaces are predominantly ScO2 ‐terminated. Moreover, the morphology study of SrRuO3 thin‐film growth gives no evidence for mixed termination. Therefore, it is concluded that the REScO3 surfaces are completely ScO2 ‐terminated.
Ultrasensitive and Selective Detection of a Prognostic Indicator in Early‐Stage Cancer Using Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Wang Chunyan , Qu Konggang , Song Yujun , Ren Jinsong , Miyoshi Daisuke , Sugimoto Naoki , Qu Xiaogang 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCyclin A2 is a prognostic indicator in early‐stage cancer. However, since most of peptide‐protein bindings do not produce an easily measurable output signal, this severely hinders homogeneous detection of protein using peptide as detection probe. Cyclin A2 can be detected as low as 0.6 μM using a well‐known p21(WAF‐1) consensus senquence for a specific cyclin A2 binding motif, which is incorporated into a Tb3+ chelating macrocycle by chemical modification at the N‐terminus of CMB. Herein, a simple, ultra‐sensitive, and selective signal‐on fluorescence assay is developed for detection of a prognostic indicator in early‐stage cancer, cyclin A2. Graphene oxide (GO) is even superior to SWNTs for cyclin A2 detection. The direct detection limit using graphene oxide is 0.5 nM, 10‐fold better than using SWNTs, and 1200‐fold better than the latest reported value of 0.6 μM using the Tb3+ chelating macrocycle modified p21(WAF‐1) peptide.
Dry Autoclaving for the Nanofabrication of Sulfides, Selenides, Borides, Phosphides, Nitrides, Carbides, and Oxides
Authors: Pol Vilas G. , Pol Swati V. , Gedanken Aharon 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis review compiles various nanostructures fabricated by a distinct “dry autoclaving” approach, where the chemical reactions are carried out without solvents; above the dissociation temperature of the chemical precursor(s) at elevated temperature in a closed reactor. The diversity to fabricate carbides (SiC, Mo2C, WC), oxides (VOx‐C, ZnO, Eu2O3, Fe3O4, MoO2), hexaborides (LaB6, CeB6, NdB6, SmB6, EuB6, GdB6), nitrides (TiN, NbN, TaN), phosphides (PtP2, WP), sulfides (ZnS, FeS/C, SnS/C, WS2, WS2/C), and selenides (Zn1‐xMnxSe/C, Cd1‐xMnxSe/C), with various shapes and sizes is accounted with plausible applications. This unique single‐step, solvent‐free synthetic process opens up a new route in the growing nanomaterials science; owing to its considerable advantages on the existing approaches.
Endoscopic and heat transfer effects on the peristaltic flow of a third‐order fluid with chemical reactions
Authors: Nadeem S. , Akbar Noreen Sher 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis article analyzes the peristaltic pumping characteristics of a third‐order fluid in an endoscope. The governing momentum energy and concentration equations are simplified by using low Reynold's number and long wavelength approximations. The resulting, highly nonlinear equations are solved by (1) perturbation method and (2) shooting method. The solutions obtained by using both the methods are presented graphically to interpret physical behavior of the various parameters appearing in the problem. Trapping phenomena are also discussed at the end of the article. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.