bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelin-1 Signaling Promotes Fibrosis In Vitro in a Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Model by Activating the Extrinsic Coagulation Cascade
Authors: Kambas Konstantinos , Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi , Kourtzelis Ioannis , Skordala Marianna , Mitroulis Ioannis , Rafail Stavros , Vradelis Stergios , Sigalas Ioannis , Wu You-Qiang , Speletas Matthaios , Kolios George , Ritis Konstantinos 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome can progress to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a serious pulmonary fibrotic disorder. Given the involvement of the extrinsic coagulation cascade in animal models of lung fibrosis, we examined its role in BPD. We observed a higher number of neutrophils expressing tissue factor (TF) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from infants with BPD than from those with uncomplicated respiratory distress syndrome together with a parallel decrease in TF and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in BALF supernatants during the disease course. The involvement of coagulation in the fibrotic process associated with BPD was further evaluated by treating primary human colonic myofibroblasts with BALF supernatants from infants with BPD. These human colonic myofibroblasts demonstrated an enhanced C5a- and thrombin-dependent migration. Moreover, they expressed TF in an endothelin-1–dependent manner, with subsequent activation of the extrinsic coagulation cascade and CTGF production mediated by protease-activator receptor-1 signaling. These data provide a novel mechanism for the development of BPD and indicate that endothelin-1 signaling contributes to fibrosis by upregulating a TF/thrombin amplification loop responsible for CTGF production, and offer novel and specific therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrotic disease.
Suppressive CD8+ T Cells Arise in the Absence of CD4 Help and Compromise Control of Persistent Virus
Authors: Molloy Michael J. , Zhang Weijun , Usherwood Edward J. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop novel therapies for controlling chronic virus infections in immunocompromised patients. Disease associated with persistent γ-herpesvirus infection (EBV, human herpesvirus 8) is a significant problem in AIDS patients and transplant recipients, and clinical management of these conditions is difficult. Immune surveillance failure followed by γ-herpesvirus recrudescence can be modeled using murine γ-herpesvirus (MHV)-68 in mice lacking CD4+ T cells. In contrast with other chronic infections, no obvious defect in the functional capacity of the viral-specific CD8+ T cell response was detected. We show in this article that adoptive transfer of MHV-68–specific CD8+ T cells was ineffective at reducing the viral burden. Together, these indicate the potential presence of T cell extrinsic suppressive factors. Indeed, CD4-depleted mice infected with MHV-68 express increased levels of IL-10, a cytokine capable of suppressing the function of both APCs and T cells. CD4-depleted mice developed a population of CD8+ T cells capable of producing IL-10 that suppressed viral control. Although exhibiting cell surface markers indicative of activation, the IL-10–producing cells expressed increased levels of programmed death-1 but were not enriched in the MHV-68–specific compartment, nor were they uniformly CD44hi. Therapeutic administration of an IL-10R blocking Ab enhanced control of the recrudescent virus. These data implicate IL-10 as a promising target for the restoration of immune surveillance against chronic γ-herpesvirus infection in immunosuppressed individuals.
Papillomavirus-Specific CD4+ T Cells Exhibit Reduced STAT-5 Signaling and Altered Cytokine Profiles in Patients with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: James Eddie A. , DeVoti James A. , Rosenthal David W. , Hatam Lynda J. , Steinberg Bettie M. , Abramson Allan L. , Kwok William W. , Bonagura Vincent R. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is caused by human papillomavirus type 6 (HPV-6) or HPV-11. Specific HLA-DR haplotypes DRB1*01:02 and DRB1*03:01 are associated with the development of RRP, disease severity, and Th2-like responses to HPV early proteins. Th1-like responses to HPV proteins have been shown to be protective in animal models. Therefore, we investigated the hypothesis that RRP patients have dysfunctional Th1-like, HPV-specific T cell responses. Using MHC class II tetramers, we identified immunogenic peptides within HPV-11 early proteins. Two distinct peptides (E6113–132 and E21–20) contained DRB1*01:02- or DRB1*03:01-restricted epitopes, respectively. An additional peptide (E2281–300) contained an epitope presented by both alleles. Peptide binding, tetramer, and proliferation assays identified minimal epitopes within these peptides. These epitopes elicited E2/E6-specific CD4+ T cell responses in RRP patients and healthy control subjects, allowing the isolation of HPV-specific T cell lines using tetramers. The cytokine profiles and STAT signaling of these tetramer-positive T cells were measured to compare the polarization and responsiveness of HPV-specific T cells from patients with RRP and healthy subjects. HPV-specific IFN-γ secretion was substantially lower in T cells from RRP patients. HPV-specific IL-13 secretion was seen at modest levels in T cells from RRP patients and was absent in T cells from healthy control subjects. HPV-specific T cells from RRP patients exhibited reduced STAT-5 phosphorylation and reduced IL-2 secretion, suggesting anergy. Levels of STAT-5 phosphorylation and IFN-γ secretion could be improved through addition of IL-2 to HPV-specific T cell lines from RRP patients. Therapeutic vaccination or interventions aimed at restoring Th1-like cytokine responses to HPV proteins and reversing anergy could improve clinical outcomes for RRP patients.
Protein Kinase CK2/PTEN Pathway Plays a Key Role in Platelet-Activating Factor-Mediated Murine Anaphylactic Shock
Authors: Kang Nam-In , Yoon Ha-Yong , Kim Han-A , Kim Kyoung-Jin , Han Myung-Kwan , Lee Young-Rae , Hwang Pyoung-Han , Soh Byoung-Yul , Shin Sook-Jeong , Im Suhn-Young , Lee Hern-Ku 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a major mediator in the induction of fatal hypovolemic shock in murine anaphylaxis. This PAF-mediated effect has been reported to be associated with PI3K/Akt-dependent eNOS-derived NO. The phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is phosphatidylinositol phosphate phosphatase, which negatively controls PI3K by dephosphorylating the signaling lipid, phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate. In this study, we examined the possible involvement of PTEN in PAF-mediated anaphylactic shock. Induction of anaphylaxis or PAF injection resulted in a rapid decrease in PTEN activity, followed by increases in PI3K activity and phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS. Systemic administration of adenoviruses carrying PTEN cDNA (adenoviral PTEN), but not the control AdLacZ, not only attenuated anaphylactic symptoms, but also reversed anaphylaxis- or PAF-induced changes in PTEN and PI3K activities, as well as phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS. We found that the decreased PTEN activity was associated with PTEN phosphorylation, the latter effect being prevented by the protein kinase CK2 inhibitor, DMAT. DMAT also inhibited anaphylactic symptoms as well as the anaphylaxis- or PAF-mediated PTEN/PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling cascade. CK2 activity was increased by PAF. The present data provide, as the key mechanism underlying anaphylactic shock, PAF triggers the upstream pathway CK2/PTEN, which ultimately leads to the activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS. Therefore, CK2/PTEN may be a potent target in the control of anaphylaxis and other many PAF-mediated pathologic conditions.
Preparing Emergency Personnel in Dialysis: A Just-in-Time Training Program for Additional Staffing During Disasters
Authors: Stoler Genevieve B. , Johnston James R. , Stevenson Judy A. , Suyama Joe 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundThere are 341 000 patients in the United States who are dependent on routine dialysis for survival. Recent large-scale disasters have emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness, including supporting dialysis units, for people with chronic disease. Contingency plans for staffing are important for providing continuity of care for a technically challenging procedure such as dialysis. PReparing Emergency Personnel in Dialysis (PREP-D) is a just-in-time training program designed to train individuals having minimum familiarity with the basic steps of dialysis to support routine dialysis staff during a disaster.MethodsA 5-module educational program was developed through a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort. A pilot study testing the program was performed using 20 nontechnician dialysis facility employees and 20 clinical-year medical students as subjects.ResultsWhen comparing pretest and posttest scores, the entire study population showed a mean improvement of 28.9%, with dialysis facility employees and medical students showing improvements of 21.8% and 36.4%, respectively (P < .05 for all comparisons).ConclusionsPREP-D participants were able to demonstrate improved tests scores when taught in a just-in-time training format. The knowledge gained by using the PREP-D program during a staffing shortage may allow for continuity of care for critical services such as dialysis during a disaster. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:272-277).
Templating Synthesis of SnO2 Nanotubes Loaded with Ag2O Nanoparticles and Their Enhanced Gas Sensing Properties
Authors: Chen Xing , Guo Zheng , Xu Wei‐Hong , Yao Hong‐Bin , Li Min‐Qiang , Liu Jin‐Huai , Huang Xing‐Jiu , Yu Shu‐Hong 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA new kind of SnO2 nanotubes loaded with Ag2O nanoparticles can be synthesized by using Ag@C coaxial nanocables as sacrificial templates. The composition of silver in SnO2 nanotubes can be controlled by tuning the compositions of metallic Ag in Ag@C sacrificial templates, and the morphology of tubular structures can be changed by use of nanocables with different thicknesses of carbonaceous layer. This simple strategy is expected to be extended for the fabrication of similar metal‐oxide doped nanotubes using different nanocable templates. In contrast to SnO2@Ag@C nanocables as well as to other types of SnO2 reported previously, the Ag2O‐doped SnO2 nanotubes exhibit excellent gas sensing behaviors. The dynamic transients of the sensors demonstrated both their ultra‐fast response (1–2 s) and ultra‐fast recovery (2–4 s) towards ethanol, and response (1–4 s) and recovery (4–5 s) towards butanone. The combination of SnO2 tubular structure and catalytic activity of Ag2O dopants gives a very attractive sensing behavior for applications as real‐time monitoring gas sensors with ultra‐fast responding and recovering speed.
Silver Stars: Silver–Polymer Composite Stars: Synthesis and Applications (Adv. Funct. Mater. 9/2011)
Authors: Homan Kimberly A. , Chen Jeffrey , Schiano Adriane , Mohamed Mona , Willets Katherine A. , Murugesan Sankaran , Stevenson Keith J. , Emelianov Stanislav 
Published: April 2011

AbstractColloidal “silver stars” were synthesized upon poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid nanosphere templates via a facile two‐step silver reduction method. Myriad dendrimer‐like Ag star morphologies were synthesized by varying the amount of poly(vinyl alcohol) and trisodium citrate used during silver reduction. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed that star‐shaped silver–polymer composites possessing nanoscopic, fractal morphologies with diameters ranging from 500 nm to 7 μm were produced. These composites have broad applications from antibacterial agents to catalysis; two such applications were tested here. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) studies showed multiple hot spots of SERS activity within a single star. Electrochemical catalysis experiments demonstrated the feasibility of using the silver stars instead of platinum for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline fuel cells.
Titania Nanotubes: Protein‐Enabled Layer‐by‐Layer Syntheses of Aligned, Porous‐Wall, High‐Aspect‐Ratio TiO2 Nanotube Arrays (Adv. Funct. Mater. 9/2011)
Authors: Berrigan John D. , Kang Tae‐Sik , Cai Ye , Deneault James R. , Durstock Michael F. , Sandhage Kenneth H. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAn aqueous, protein‐enabled (biomimetic), layer‐by‐layer titania deposition process is developed, for the first time, to convert aligned‐nanochannel templates into high‐aspect‐ratio, aligned nanotube arrays with thin (34 nm) walls composed of co‐continuous networks of pores and titania nanocrystals (15 nm ave. size). Alumina templates with aligned open nanochannels are exposed in an alternating fashion to aqueous protamine‐bearing and titania precursor‐bearing (Ti(IV) bis‐ammonium‐lactato‐dihydroxide, TiBALDH) solutions. The ability of protamine to bind to alumina and titania, and to induce the formation of a Ti–O‐bearing coating upon exposure to the TiBALDH precursor, enables the layer‐by‐layer deposition of a conformal protamine/Ti–O‐bearing coating on the nanochannel surfaces within the porous alumina template. Subsequent protamine pyrolysis yields coatings composed of co‐continuous networks of pores and titania nanoparticles. Selective dissolution of the underlying alumina template through the porous coating then yields freestanding, aligned, porous‐wall titania nanotube arrays. The interconnected pores within the nanotube walls allow enhanced loading of functional molecules (such as a Ru‐based N719 dye), whereas the interconnected titania nanoparticles enable the high‐aspect‐ratio, aligned nanotube arrays to be used as electrodes (as demonstrated for dye‐sensitized solar cells with power conversion efficiencies of 5.2 ± 0.4%).
Charge‐Transfer Interactions: An Efficient Tool for Recycling Bis(oxazoline)‐Copper Complexes in Asymmetric Henry Reactions
Authors: Didier Dorian , Magnier‐Bouvier Caroline , Schulz Emmanuelle 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAn anthracenyl‐modified chiral bis(oxazoline) copper complex has been demonstrated to efficiently promote nitroaldol reactions between structurally varying aldehydes and nitromethane or nitroethane. The catalyst was recovered through formation of a charge transfer complex between the chiral ligand and trinitrofluorenone and its subsequent precipitation with pentane. The efficiency of this procedure was proved through several consecutive catalytic cycles that allowed the sturdy formation of the expected product with a high enantioselectivity. The catalyst′s stability was also put to the test in an original multi‐substrate procedure. Following the same recovery concept, a new heterogeneous procedure was tested for which trinitrofluorenone was covalently linked to a silica support. Asymmetric heterogeneous catalysis was performed under these conditions as one of the few examples demonstrating the potential catalyst recycling in nitroaldol reactions through reversible, non‐covalent interactions.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Aldol Reaction of Ketones with β,γ‐Unsaturated α‐Keto Esters: An Efficient Access to Chiral Tertiary Alcohol Skeletons
Authors: Li Pengfei , Chan Sau Hing , Chan Albert S. C. , Kwong Fuk Yee 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis update describes a highly efficient organocatalytic aldol reaction of ketones and β,γ‐unsaturated α‐keto esters for constructing the chiral tertiary alcohol motif. With the application of 9‐amino(9‐deoxy)epi‐Cinchona alkaloid and an acidic additive as catalysts, both acyclic and cyclic ketones react with β,γ‐unsaturated α‐keto esters smoothly to afford aldol adducts in good to excellent yields and asymmetric induction. This protocol offers a new pathway for the construction of adjacent chiral carbon centers and the synthesis of chiral β‐hydroxy carbonyl compounds.
Ligand‐Free Reusable Palladium‐Catalyzed Heck‐Type Coupling Reactions of Hypervalent Iodine Reagents under Mild Conditions
Authors: Qu Xiaoming , Sun Peng , Li Tingyi , Mao Jincheng 
Published: April 2011

AbstractHighly effective palladium‐catalyzed Heck‐type couplings of hypervalent iodine reagents are reported for the first time. It is noteworthy that such reactions could be carried out in the absence of ligand at 40 °C and the catalytic system could be easily reused for five times.
Percolation transitions in the hard‐sphere fluid
Authors: Woodcock Leslie V. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe number densities (ν/V) above or below which “pockets” of additional‐sphere excluded volume (ρpe) and available volume (ρpa) begin to percolate the whole volume of the system, sometimes referred to as percolation thresholds, have been determined for the equilibrium hard‐sphere fluid of diameter σ using a Monte Carlo (MC) approach. Values obtained are ρpeσ3 = 0.0785 ± 0.01 and ρpaσ3 = 0.537 ± 0.005. The present value of ρpeσ3 agrees with an interpolation of previous data for the percolation diameter (σp) for various densities from Heyes et al. The available volume (Va) can be resolved as a “radial acceptance function” (u(r)), which is easily obtained from MC acceptance ratio statistics providing a direct route to the chemical potential up to liquid‐like densities. The closed‐virial equation‐of‐state of the hard‐sphere fluid is found to deviate slightly, but significantly from thermodynamic pressures at densities exceeding ρpa. Knowledge of the hard‐sphere fluid percolation transitions could lead to a more formal description of the critical point and origins of the liquid state, in the spirit of van der Waals. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
A combined complete pore blocking and cake filtration model for steady‐state electric field‐assisted ultrafiltration
Authors: Sarkar Biswajit , De Sirshendu 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAn analysis for the flux decline and identification of dominant fouling mechanism in electric field enhanced cross‐flow ultrafiltration (UF) is proposed. The model is developed based on the modification of Hérmia's approach for constant pressure dead‐end filtration laws. Electric field‐assisted cross‐flow UF experiments of synthetic juice (a mixture of pectin and sucrose) are performed in a rectangular flow channel. Using the flux decline data, the dominant fouling mechanism is identified by estimation of model parameters. The effect of various operating conditions such as electric field, feed solute concentration, cross‐flow velocity, and transmembrane pressure on the flux decline and the corresponding fouling mechanism are studied. Experimental results show that electric field has significant effect on the onset of cake formation as well as on the enhancement in permeate flux. Model‐predicted results are successfully compared with the experimental data. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Identification of p.A684V missense mutation in the WFS1 gene as a frequent cause of autosomal dominant optic atrophy and hearing impairment
Authors: Rendtorff Nanna D. , Lodahl Marianne , Boulahbel Houda , Johansen Ida R. , Pandya Arti , Welch Katherine O. , Norris Virginia W. , Arnos Kathleen S. , Bitner‐Glindzicz Maria , Emery Sarah B. , Mets Marilyn B. , Fagerheim Toril , Eriksson Kristina , Hansen Lars , Bruhn Helene , Möller Claes , Lindholm Sture , Ensgaard Stefan , Lesperance Marci M. , Tranebjaerg Lisbeth 
Published: April 2011

AbstractOptic atrophy (OA) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are key abnormalities in several syndromes, including the recessively inherited Wolfram syndrome, caused by mutations in WFS1. In contrast, the association of autosomal dominant OA and SNHL without other phenotypic abnormalities is rare, and almost exclusively attributed to mutations in the Optic Atrophy‐1 gene (OPA1), most commonly the p.R445H mutation. We present eight probands and their families from the US, Sweden, and UK with OA and SNHL, whom we analyzed for mutations in OPA1 and WFS1. Among these families, we found three heterozygous missense mutations in WFS1 segregating with OA and SNHL: p.A684V (six families), and two novel mutations, p.G780S and p.D797Y, all involving evolutionarily conserved amino acids and absent from 298 control chromosomes. Importantly, none of these families harbored the OPA1 p.R445H mutation. No mitochondrial DNA deletions were detected in muscle from one p.A684V patient analyzed. Finally, wolframin p.A684V mutant ectopically expressed in HEK cells showed reduced protein levels compared to wild‐type wolframin, strongly indicating that the mutation is disease‐causing. Our data support OA and SNHL as a phenotype caused by dominant mutations in WFS1 in these additional eight families. Importantly, our data provide the first evidence that a single, recurrent mutation in WFS1, p.A684V, may be a common cause of ADOA and SNHL, similar to the role played by the p.R445H mutation in OPA1. Our findings suggest that patients who are heterozygous for WFS1 missense mutations should be carefully clinically examined for OA and other manifestations of Wolfram syndrome. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High patient satisfaction after secondary rhinoplasty in cleft lip patients
Authors: Hens Greet , Picavet Valerie A. , Poorten Vincent Vander , Schoenaers Joseph , Jorissen Mark , Hellings Peter W. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjectivesWe surveyed the subjective outcome of secondary rhinoplasty in cleft lip patients.MethodsQuestionnaires were sent to 38 patients who had undergone a secondary rhinoplasty. A total of 30 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Patients were asked to score their preoperative and postoperative nasal function and form. The validated Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire was supplemented with questions on the subjective burden of the procedure and general satisfaction. In parallel, the objective aesthetic outcome was judged by 2 surgeons using preoperative and postoperative photographs.ResultsThere was a significant subjective improvement in ROE scores (from 39.3 ± 3.1 to 73.1 ± 2.0, p < 0.001), and in specific scores for nasal aesthetical appearance (from 3.6 ± 0.3 to 7.9 ± 0.2, p < 0.0001) and breathing capacity (from 4.9 ± 0.4 to 6.8 ± 0.3, p < 0.01). Subjective improvement in nasal aesthetics was generally evaluated to be better than improvement in nasal breathing. In retrospect, all patients would undergo the procedure again. Patient satisfaction did not correlate with the surgeon's appreciation of the aesthetic outcome of the rhinoplasty.ConclusionPatient satisfaction after secondary rhinoplasty in cleft lip patients is high and comparable to that of non–cleft lip rhinoplasty patients. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.