bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lumbar Diskal Cyst Containing Intervertebral Disk Materials
Authors: Tsuchie Hiroyuki , Nishi Tomio , Tani Takayuki , Maekawa Shigeto , Shimada Yoichi 
Published: November 2011

The diskal cyst is a relatively new clinical entity and develops clinical symptoms of a unilateral single nerve root lesion. Although many cases of diskal cyst have been reported, the pathogenesis of diskal cyst remains unclear, and several theories regarding the pathogenesis have been proposed. This article presents 2 cases of diskal cyst communicating with an adjacent herniated disk. Magnetic resonance imaging findings showed diskal cysts in the epidural space of the lumbar spine. Surgical resection was performed, and apparent connections between the corresponding disk and cysts were found. Histopathologic examinations of the cyst wall demonstrated cartilaginous tissue including nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosis. These patient’s symptoms improved remarkably postoperatively, and there was no recurrence of diskal cyst.
The hypothesis supported by many authors is hemorrhage from the epidural venous plexus. Diskal cysts arise first from an underlying intervertebral disk injury that causes an annulus fibrosis fissure in the posterior intervertebral disk. Hemorrhage from the epidural venous plexus with a rich blood flow then occurs in the space between the peridural membrane and vertebral body. However, in our cases, we confirmed that the diskal cyst could have developed from the resorption process of an intervertebral disk herniation. Only 5 cases of diskal cyst demonstrating the presence of cartilaginous tissue in the cyst have been reported. Our 2 cases are rare and support the hypothesis of resorption of intervertebral disk herniation.
Medial and Lateral Segond Fractures in a Skeletally Immature Patient: A Radiographic Marker for the Multiply Injured Knee
Authors: Kwon Oh Soo , Park Min Jung , Tjoumakaris Fotios P. 
Published: November 2011

Marginal fractures of the medial tibial plateau have been reported in the literature as a secondary type of Segond fracture. Some reports described this entity in the setting of combined injuries such as root avulsions of the medial meniscus, complete disruption of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and tears of the medial meniscus and medial collateral ligament. It has been postulated that medial marginal fractures are secondary to compression of the medial aspect of the femoral condyle and tibial plateau with a corresponding posterolateral corner injury. However, this mechanism of injury may not always be as straightforward.
This article presents a case of an alternate injury pattern in a skeletally immature patient. A 16-year-old boy sustained a varus force and twisting injury to his knee, resulting in radiographic evidence of multiple avulsion fractures of the knee, including a fibular epiphyseal avulsion fracture and medial and lateral Segond fractures. Usually, the avulsion fractures serve as markers for significant ligamentous injuries in adult patients, but our patient had minimal injury to the PCL, ACL, and posterolateral corner. Further physical examination and imaging studies revealed an anterior horn root avulsion, meniscocapsular separation, and anterior cortical rim fracture. A combination of imaging modalities helped us further characterize the injury pattern to devise the optimal surgical plan, especially the fixation of the anterior cortical fracture of the tibia.
Treatment of Severe Hand Deformities Caused by Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Tian Feng , Li Bin , Tian Li-Jie 
Published: November 2011

Little research has been done regarding the treatment of severe hand deformities caused by epidermolysis bullosa. A 14-year-old boy was diagnosed with congenital epidermolysis bullosa. He was treated in our hospital several times, but the pathogenetic condition worsened. On examination, both hands were clenched fists and had scar formation. Skin fusion was observed between the 5 fingers. Nails were absent and the thumb was in the fist. His fingers were short, and active and passive flexion and extension could not be performed. The right hand was treated first. After the adhesions were separated, we found that the 5 fingers were connected by dermis. After the dermis was separated and the hand was fixed in the extension position, there were small cutaneous deficiencies. The fingers were fixed in the functional position with Kirschner wires. The wound surface was covered with self-made aureomycin ointment gauze. After regular dressing changes for 6 weeks, the wound surface was completely healed. After 3 months of rehabilitation training, most hand function was recovered.
Based on our findings in this case, when treating patients with epidermolysis bullosa, physicians must carefully observe whether enough dermis exists to avoid an unnecessary skin graft. We also found that the quality of skin used in skingrafting is questionable due to pathological changes in the skin. If there is enough dermis and the cutaneous deficiency is smaller after contracture release, the covering of drug dressings on the cutaneous deficiency is more conducive to the recovery of limb function and the reduction of damage to the donor sites.
SAP-Mediated Inhibition of Diacylglycerol Kinase α Regulates TCR-Induced Diacylglycerol Signaling
Authors: Baldanzi Gianluca , Pighini Andrea , Bettio Valentina , Rainero Elena , Traini Sara , Chianale Federica , Porporato Paolo E. , Filigheddu Nicoletta , Mesturini Riccardo , Song Shuping , Schweighoffer Tamas , Patrussi Laura , Baldari Cosima T. , Zhong Xiao-Ping , van Blitterswijk Wim J. , Sinigaglia Fabiola , Nichols Kim E. , Rubio Ignacio , Parolini Ornella , Graziani Andrea 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) metabolize diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid. In T lymphocytes, DGKα acts as a negative regulator of TCR signaling by decreasing diacylglycerol levels and inducing anergy. In this study, we show that upon costimulation of the TCR with CD28 or signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM), DGKα, but not DGKζ, exits from the nucleus and undergoes rapid negative regulation of its enzymatic activity. Inhibition of DGKα is dependent on the expression of SAP, an adaptor protein mutated in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, which is essential for SLAM-mediated signaling and contributes to TCR/CD28-induced signaling and T cell activation. Accordingly, overexpression of SAP is sufficient to inhibit DGKα, whereas SAP mutants unable to bind either phospho-tyrosine residues or SH3 domain are ineffective. Moreover, phospholipase C activity and calcium, but not Src-family tyrosine kinases, are also required for negative regulation of DGKα. Finally, inhibition of DGKα in SAP-deficient cells partially rescues defective TCR/CD28 signaling, including Ras and ERK1/2 activation, protein kinase Cθ membrane recruitment, induction of NF-AT transcriptional activity, and IL-2 production. Thus SAP-mediated inhibition of DGKα sustains diacylglycerol signaling, thereby regulating T cell activation, and it may represent a novel pharmacological strategy for X-linked lymphoproliferative disease treatment.
A Critical Role for Macrophages in Promotion of Urethane-Induced Lung Carcinogenesis
Authors: Zaynagetdinov Rinat , Sherrill Taylor P. , Polosukhin Vasiliy V. , Han Wei , Ausborn Jamie A. , McLoed Allyson G. , McMahon Frank B. , Gleaves Linda A. , Degryse Amber L. , Stathopoulos Georgios T. , Yull Fiona E. , Blackwell Timothy S. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Macrophages have established roles in tumor growth and metastasis, but information about their role in lung tumor promotion is limited. To assess the role of macrophages in lung tumorigenesis, we developed a method of minimally invasive, long-term macrophage depletion by repetitive intratracheal instillation of liposomal clodronate. Compared with controls treated with repetitive doses of PBS-containing liposomes, long-term macrophage depletion resulted in a marked reduction in tumor number and size at 4 mo after a single i.p. injection of the carcinogen urethane. After urethane treatment, lung macrophages developed increased M1 macrophage marker expression during the first 2–3 wk, followed by increased M2 marker expression by week 6. Using a strategy to reduce alveolar macrophages during tumor initiation and early promotion stages (weeks 1–2) or during late promotion and progression stages (weeks 4–16), we found significantly fewer and smaller lung tumors in both groups compared with controls. Late-stage macrophage depletion reduced VEGF expression and impaired vascular growth in tumors. In contrast, early-stage depletion of alveolar macrophages impaired urethane-induced NF-κB activation in the lungs and reduced the development of premalignant atypical adenomatous hyperplasia lesions at 6 wk after urethane injection. Together, these studies elucidate an important role for macrophages in lung tumor promotion and indicate that these cells have distinct roles during different stages of lung carcinogenesis.
Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein Pglyrp2 Protects Mice from Psoriasis-like Skin Inflammation by Promoting Regulatory T Cells and Limiting Th17 Responses
Authors: Park Shin Yong , Gupta Dipika , Hurwich Risa , Kim Chang H. , Dziarski Roman 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Skin protects the body from the environment and is an important component of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Psoriasis is a frequent inflammatory skin disease of unknown cause determined by multigenic predisposition, environmental factors, and aberrant immune response. Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (Pglyrps) are expressed in the skin, and we report in this article that they modulate sensitivity in an experimentally induced mouse model of psoriasis. We demonstrate that Pglyrp2−/− mice (but not Pglyrp3−/− and Pglyrp4−/− mice) are more sensitive to the development of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate–induced psoriasis-like inflammation, whereas Pglyrp1−/− mice are less sensitive. The mechanism underlying this increased sensitivity of Pglyrp2−/− mice to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate–induced psoriasis-like inflammation is reduced recruitment of regulatory T cells to the skin and enhanced production and activation of Th17 cells in the skin in Pglyrp2−/− mice, which results in more severe inflammation and keratinocyte proliferation. Thus, in wild type mice, Pglyrp2 limits overactivation of Th17 cells by promoting accumulation of regulatory T cells at the site of inflammation, which protects the skin from the exaggerated inflammatory response.
Characterization of a Human Cervical CD4+ T Cell Subset Coexpressing Multiple Markers of HIV Susceptibility
Authors: McKinnon Lyle R. , Nyanga Billy , Chege Duncan , Izulla Preston , Kimani Makobu , Huibner Sanja , Gelmon Lawrence , Block Katharine E. , Cicala Claudia , Anzala A. Omu , Arthos James , Kimani Joshua , Kaul Rupert 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The HIV pandemic disproportionately affects women, with most infections acquired through receptive vaginal sex. Although the target cells by which HIV establishes infection in the female genital tract remain poorly defined, it is known that immune activation results in CD4+ T cells with enhanced susceptibility, as does expression of the mucosal integrin α4β7 and the HIV coreceptor CCR5. Blood and cervical cytobrush specimens were collected from female sex workers (FSWs) in Nairobi, Kenya. Genital infection diagnostics were performed, T cell populations were defined by multiparameter flow cytometry based on their expression of surface receptors relevant to mucosal homing and/or HIV acquisition, and cytokine production was assayed by intracellular cytokine staining. The integrin α4β7 was expressed on 26.0% of cervical CD4+ T cells, and these cells were more likely to express both the HIV coreceptor CCR5 (p &lt; 0.0001) and the early activation marker CD69 (p &lt; 0.0001) but not CXCR4 (p = 0.34). Cervical Th17 frequencies were enhanced compared with blood (7.02 versus 1.24%; p &lt; 0.0001), and cervical IL-17A+ CD4+ T cells preferentially coexpressed α4β7 and CCR5. Expression of IFN-γ and IL-22 was greater in cervical Th17 cells than in blood Th17 cells. In keeping with the hypothesis that these cells are preferential HIV targets, gp120 preferentially bound CCR5+ cervical T cells, and cervical Th17 cells were almost completely depleted in HIV+ FSWs compared with HIV− FSWs. In summary, a subset of Th17 CD4+ T cells in the cervical mucosa coexpresses multiple HIV susceptibility markers; their dramatic depletion after HIV infection suggests that these may serve as key target cells during HIV transmission.
Antimicrobial Peptides Inhibit Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid-Induced Immune Responses
Authors: Hasan Maroof , Ruksznis Catarina , Wang Yan , Leifer Cynthia Anne 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Viral proteins and nucleic acids stimulate TLRs to elicit production of cytokines, chemokines, and IFNs. Because of their immunostimulatory activity, several TLR agonists are being developed as vaccine adjuvants and cancer immunotherapeutics. However, TLR signaling is modified by disease state, which could enhance or impair therapeutic efficacy. For example, in the skin of psoriasis patients, the human cationic antimicrobial peptide LL37 is highly expressed and binds to host DNA. Association with LL37 enhances DNA uptake into intracellular compartments, where it stimulates TLR9-dependent overproduction of IFNs. Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), an analog of viral dsRNA, is recognized by TLR3 and is currently in preclinical trials as an inducer of type I IFN. If LL37 similarly enhanced IFN production, use of poly(I:C) might be contraindicated in certain conditions where LL37 is elevated. In this study, we show that TLR3 signaling was not enhanced, but was dramatically inhibited, by LL37 or mouse cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide in macrophages, microglial cells, and dendritic cells. Inhibition correlated with formation of a strong complex between antimicrobial peptides and poly(I:C), which partially inhibited poly(I:C) binding to TLR3. Therefore, after injury or during existing acute or chronic inflammation, when LL37 levels are elevated, the therapeutic activity of poly(I:C) will be compromised. Our findings highlight the importance of using caution when therapeutically delivering nucleic acids as immunomodulators.
Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Is Critical for the Homing and Retention of Marginal Zone B Lineage Cells and for Efficient T-Independent Immune Responses
Authors: Basu Sreemanti , Ray Avijit , Dittel Bonnie N. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has emerged as an important regulator of immune responses, with the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) and its principle ligand 2-archidonoylglycerol playing a major role. How CB2 regulates B cell functions is not clear, even though they express the highest levels of CB2 among immune cell subsets. In this study, we show that CB2-deficient mice have a significant reduction in the absolute number of marginal zone (MZ) B cells and their immediate precursor, transitional-2 MZ precursor. The loss of MZ lineage cells in CB2−/− mice was shown to be B cell intrinsic using bone marrow chimeras and was not due to a developmental or functional defect as determined by B cell phenotype, proliferation, and Ig production. Furthermore, CB2−/− B cells were similar to wild type in their apoptosis, cell turnover, and BCR and Notch-2 signaling. We then demonstrated that CB2−/− MZ lineage B cells were less efficient at homing to the MZ and that their subsequent retention was also regulated by CB2. CB2−/− mice immunized with T-independent Ags produced significantly less Ag-specific IgM. This study demonstrates that CB2 positively regulates T-independent immune responses by controlling the localization and positioning of MZ lineage cells to the MZ.
Pilot Clinical Trial of Type 1 Dendritic Cells Loaded with Autologous Tumor Lysates Combined with GM-CSF, Pegylated IFN, and Cyclophosphamide for Metastatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Alfaro Carlos , Perez-Gracia Jose L. , Suarez Natalia , Rodriguez Javier , Fernandez de Sanmamed Miguel , Sangro Bruno , Martin-Algarra Salvador , Calvo Alfonso , Redrado Miriam , Agliano Alice , Gonzalez Alvaro , Rodriguez Inmaculada , Bolaños Elixabet , Hervás-Stubbs Sandra , Perez-Calvo Javier , Benito Alberto , Peñuelas Ivan , Vigil Carmen , Richter José , Martinez-Forero Ivan , Melero Ignacio 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Twenty-four patients with metastatic cancer received two cycles of four daily immunizations with monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC). DC were incubated with preheated autologous tumor lysate and subsequently with IFN-α, TNF-α, and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid to attain type 1 maturation. One DC dose was delivered intranodally, under ultrasound control, and the rest intradermally in the opposite thigh. Cyclophosphamide (day −7), GM-CSF (days 1–4), and pegIFN alpha-2a (days 1 and 8) completed each treatment cycle. Pretreatment with cyclophosphamide decreased regulatory T cells to levels observed in healthy subjects both in terms of percentage and in absolute counts in peripheral blood. Treatment induced sustained elevations of IL-12 in serum that correlated with the output of IL-12p70 from cultured DC from each individual. NK activity in peripheral blood was increased and also correlated with the serum concentration of IL-12p70 in each patient. Circulating endothelial cells decreased in 17 of 18 patients, and circulating tumor cells markedly dropped in 6 of 19 cases. IFN-γ–ELISPOT responses to DC plus tumor lysate were observed in 4 of 11 evaluated cases. Tracing DC migration with [111In] scintigraphy showed that intranodal injections reached deeper lymphatic chains in 61% of patients, whereas with intradermal injections a small fraction of injected DC was almost constantly shown to reach draining inguinal lymph nodes. Five patients experienced disease stabilization, but no objective responses were documented. This combinatorial immunotherapy strategy is safe and feasible, and its immunobiological effects suggest potential activity in patients with minimal residual disease. A randomized trial exploring this hypothesis is currently ongoing.
Ricci Solitons and Geometry of Four-dimensional Non-reductive Homogeneous Spaces
Authors: Calvaruso Giovanni , Fino Anna 
Published: November 2011

Abstract We study the geometry of non-reductive 4-dimensional homogeneous spaces. In particular, after describing their Levi-Civita connection and curvature properties, we classify homogeneous Ricci solitons on these spaces, proving the existence of shrinking, expanding and steady examples. For all the non-trivial examples we find, the Ricci operator is diagonalizable.
Equivariant Forms: Structure and Geometry
Authors: Elbasraoui Abdelkrim , Sebbar Abdellah 
Published: November 2011

Abstract.In this paper we study the notion of equivariant forms introduced in the authors' previous works. In particular, we completely classify all the equivariant forms for a subgroup of SL2(ℤ) by means of the cross-ratio, weight 2 modular forms, quasimodular forms, as well as differential forms of a Riemann surface and sections of a canonical line bundle.
Rethinking the Role of Leadership in General Education Reform
Authors: Gano-Phillips Susan , Barnett Robert W. , Kelsch Anne , Hawthorne Joan , Mitchell Nancy D. , Jonson Jessica 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
This article addresses the importance of leadership in general education reform, using three case studies. We argue that campus leadership that fosters collaboration, trust, and a sense of stewardship among constituents is more likely to be successful in the challenging task of substantially reforming general education curricula.
Prevalence of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Women with Obesity Syndrome: Assessment by Pancreatic Fecal Elastase 1
Authors: Teichmann J. , Riemann J. F. , Lange U. 
Published: November 2011

Background. Previous research on the combined association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and exocrine pancreas insufficiency may have been limited by restricted age variability and a lack of representation of both body weight and body mass index. There are still too few conclusive reports about conspicuous vitamin D metabolism according to pancreatic fecal elastase 1 (FE1) in obese patients.Methods. Between May 2004 and July 2008, we investigated in 125 female patients with obesity syndrome at an average age of approximately 52.9 years as well as in age-matched 80 healthy female controls the prevalence of pancreas insufficiency. Serum levels of PTH, total calcium, and D3vitamins calcitriol and calcifediol, as well as the concentration of fecal elastase 1 (FE1) were determined in patients and controls.Results. In 75 female nondiabetic patients with obesity syndrome (BMI35≤40 kg/m2), calcifediol was markedly decreased (25.0±4.9 ng/mL) compared to controls (50.2±14.7 nmol/L;P<0.01). FE1 level was significantly decreased in obese subjects compared to controls ( P<0.01). Calcifediol was significantly lower in patients with morbid obesity (for calcifediol, P<0.05).Conclusion. In obese females, pancreatic FE1 in feces confirms the extent of vitamin D supply, and thus shows a vitamin D3deficiency, depending on the loss of stool content. There seems to be a connection between the loss of exocrine function and the increasing body mass index. Pancreas insufficiency, as detected by low FE1 concentrations, is frequent in obese patients. However, the BMI is an additional factor for lowered fecal excretion of FE1.
Development of a Novel Direct Bioautography–Thin-Layer Chromatography Test: Optimization of Growth Conditions for Gram-Negative Bacteria, Escherichia coli
Authors: Grzelak Edyta M , Majer-Dziedzic Barbara , Choma Irena M 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
With the aim of developing a TLC-direct bioautography assay using Escherichia coli as test bacteria, various parameters influencing the viability of microorganisms on TLC plates were examined and checked for flumequine standards. The optimal times for preincubation and incubation of bacterial broth were 20 h at 37°C and 2 h at 37°C, respectively. The optimal viscosity of the broth was obtained for 0.05% agarose solution in Mueller-Hinton broth. Various incubation times of the seeded TLC plates were also tested (5 h proved to be optimal). After incubation, the plates were sprayed with 0.2% aqueous [3-(4,5-dimethyldiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) solution and incubated for 0.5 h at 37°C. The precision of the method was evaluated by the repeatability (intraday assay) and intermediate precision (interday assay). The regression coefficients were 0.9977 and 0.9968, respectively, for intraday and interday curves. The calibration curves show good linearity in the range of 0.005–0.50 μg (0.5–50.0 μg/mL). The established LOD of flumequine equaled 0.5 μg/mL, i.e., 5 ng flumequine in the spot. The developed direct bioautography test significantly enhances the sensitivity of the TLC method.