bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Size-Dependent Attenuation of TLR9 Signaling by Gold Nanoparticles in Macrophages
Authors: Tsai Chiau-Yuang , Lu Shiou-Ling , Hu Chia-Wen , Yeh Chen-Sheng , Lee Gwo-Bin , Lei Huan-Yao 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs), which are generally thought to be bio-inert and non-cytotoxic, have become one of the most ideal nanomaterials for medical applications. Once engulfed by phagocytes, the immunological effects of GNPs are still of concern and require detailed investigation. Therefore, this study explored the immunological significance of GNPs on TLR-mediated innate immunity in murine macrophages. GNP causes specific inhibition of TLR9 (CpG oligodeoxynucleotides; CpG-ODNs) signal in macrophages. The impaired CpG-ODN–induced TNF-α production is GNP concentration- and size-dependent in murine Raw264.7 cells: a GNP of 4 nm in size is more potent than a GNP of 11, 19, 35, or 45 nm in size. Consistent with cytokine inhibition, the CpG-ODN–induced phosphorylation of NF-κB and JNK as well as NF-κB activation are suppressed by GNPs. GNPs accumulate in lysosomes after phagocytosis and also increase TLR9-associated lysosomal cathepsin expression and activities, but this is irrelevant to TLR9 inhibition by GNPs in our studies. In addition, GNPs affected TLR9 translocation in response to CpG-ODNs and to phagosomes. Further exploring how GNPs inhibited TLR9 function, we found that GNPs could bind to high-mobility group box-1 (which is involved in the regulation of TLR9 signaling) inside the lysosomes. The current studies demonstrate that size-dependent inhibition of TLR9 function by GNP may be attributed to its binding to high-mobility group box-1.
Adiponectin Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury through Suppression of Endothelial Cell Activation
Authors: Konter Jason M. , Parker Jennifer L. , Baez Elizabeth , Li Stephanie Z. , Ranscht Barbara , Denzel Martin , Little Frederic F. , Nakamura Kazuto , Ouchi Noriyuki , Fine Alan , Walsh Kenneth , Summer Ross S. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Adiponectin (APN) is an adipose tissue-derived factor with anti-inflammatory and vascular protective properties whose levels paradoxically decrease with increasing body fat. In this study, APN’s role in the early development of ALI to LPS was investigated. Intratracheal LPS elicited an exaggerated systemic inflammatory response in APN-deficient (APN−/−) mice compared with wild-type (wt) littermates. Increased lung injury and inflammation were observed in APN−/− mice as early as 4 h after delivery of LPS. Targeted gene expression profiling performed on immune and endothelial cells isolated from lung digests 4 h after LPS administration showed increased proinflammatory gene expression (e.g., IL-6) only in endothelial cells of APN−/− mice when compared with wt mice. Direct effects on lung endothelium were demonstrated by APN’s ability to inhibit LPS-induced IL-6 production in primary human endothelial cells in culture. Furthermore, T-cadherin–deficient mice that have significantly reduced lung airspace APN but high serum APN levels had pulmonary inflammatory responses after intratracheal LPS that were similar to those of wt mice. These findings indicate the importance of serum APN in modulating LPS-induced ALI and suggest that conditions leading to hypoadiponectinemia (e.g., obesity) predispose to development of ALI through exaggerated inflammatory response in pulmonary vascular endothelium.
Rapid In Vivo Conversion of Effector T Cells into Th2 Cells during Helminth Infection
Authors: Panzer Marc , Sitte Selina , Wirth Stefanie , Drexler Ingo , Sparwasser Tim , Voehringer David 
Published: December 2011

AbstractStimulation of the immune system by pathogens, allergens, or autoantigens leads to differentiation of CD4+ T cells with pro- or anti-inflammatory effector cell functions. Based on functional properties and expression of characteristic cytokines and transcription factors, effector CD4+ T cells have been grouped mainly into Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells. At least some of these T cell subsets remain responsive to external cues and acquire properties of other subsets, raising the hope that this functional plasticity might be exploited for therapeutic purposes. In this study, we used an Ag-specific adoptive transfer model and determined whether in vitro-polarized or ex vivo-isolated Th1, Th17, or Treg cells can be converted into IL-4–expressing Th2 cells in vivo by infection of mice with the gastrointestinal helminth Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Th1 and Th17 cells could be repolarized to acquire the expression of IL-4 and lose the expression of their characteristic cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17A, respectively. In contrast, both in vitro-generated and ex vivo-isolated Treg cells were largely resistant to repolarization. The helminth-induced conversion of Th1 or Th17 cells into Th2 cells may partially explain the inverse correlation between helminth infection and protection against autoimmune disorders.
Regulation of the Inflammatory Response: Enhancing Neutrophil Infiltration under Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Bian Zhen , Guo YaLan , Ha Binh , Zen Ke , Liu Yuan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractNeutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMN]) infiltration plays a central role in inflammation and is also a major cause of tissue damage. Thus, PMN infiltration must be tightly controlled. Using zymosan-induced peritonitis as an in vivo PMN infiltration model, we show in this study that PMN response and infiltration were significantly enhanced in mice experiencing various types of systemic inflammation, including colitis and diabetes. Adoptive transfer of leukocytes from mice with inflammation into healthy recipients or from healthy into inflammatory recipients followed by inducing peritonitis demonstrated that both circulating PMN and tissue macrophages were altered under inflammatory conditions and that they collectively contributed to enhanced PMN infiltration. Detailed analyses of dextran sulfate sodium-elicited colitis revealed that enhancement of PMN infiltration and macrophage function occurred only at the postacute/chronic phase of inflammation and was associated with markedly increased IL-17A in serum. In vitro and ex vivo treatment of isolated PMN and macrophages confirmed that IL-17A directly modulates these cells and significantly enhances their inflammatory responses. Neutralization of IL-17A eliminated the enhancement of PMN infiltration and IL-6 production and also prevented severe tissue damage in dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice. Thus, IL-17A produced at the chronic stage of colitis serves as an essential feedback signal that enhances PMN infiltration and promotes inflammation.
The Proapoptotic Bcl-2 Family Member Bim Plays a Central Role during the Development of Virus-Induced Hepatitis
Authors: Lauer Christoph , Brunner Thomas , Corazza Nadia 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The proapoptotic Bcl-2 homolog Bim was shown to control the apoptosis of both T cells and hepatocytes. This dual role of Bim might be particularly relevant for the development of viral hepatitis, in which both the sensitivity of hepatocytes to apoptosis stimuli and the persistence of cytotoxic T cells are essential factors for the outcome of the disease. The relevance of Bim in regulating survival of cytotoxic T cells or induction of hepatocyte death has only been investigated in separate systems, and their relative contributions to the pathogenesis of T cell-mediated hepatitis remain unclear. Using the highly dynamic model system of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-mediated hepatitis and bone marrow chimeras, we found that Bim has a dual role in the development of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus-induced, T cell-mediated hepatitis. Although the absence of Bim in parenchymal cells led to markedly attenuated liver damage, loss of Bim in the lymphoid compartment moderately enhanced hepatitis. However, when both effects were combined in Bim−/− mice, the effect of Bim deficiency in the lymphoid compartment was overcompensated for by the reduced sensitivity of Bim−/− hepatocytes to T cell-induced apoptosis, resulting in the protection of Bim−/− mice from hepatitis.
MRI findings in cranial eumycetoma
Authors: Ahmed Munawwar , Sureka Jyoti , Chacko Geeta , Eapen Anu 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCranial eumycetoma (CE) due to direct inoculation of Madurella grisea into the scalp is extremely rare. We describe a case of CE caused by direct inoculation of M. grisea with the characteristic MRI findings of the "dot-in-circle" sign and a conglomeration of multiple, extremely hypointense "dots."
Lesions in the external auditory canal
Authors: Chatra Priyank S 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe external auditory canal is an S- shaped osseo-cartilaginous structure that extends from the auricle to the tympanic membrane. Congenital, inflammatory, neoplastic, and traumatic lesions can affect the EAC. High-resolution CT is well suited for the evaluation of the temporal bone, which has a complex anatomy with multiple small structures. In this study, we describe the various lesions affecting the EAC.
Organizational Development of a University-Based Interdisciplinary Health Promotion Project
Authors: Weiss Joann R. , Wallerstein Nina , MacLean Thomas 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To analyze the organizational development and implementation of an interdisciplinary health promotion project at the University of New Mexico. The effort involved three academic units in a 3-year externally funded project to institutionalize health promotion curricula in the respective schools and to develop a wellness-oriented service for students, faculty, and staff. Methods. The open systems theory was used as a framework to analyze the organizational and role issues that emerged from the data collected through interviews, staff surveys, and document review. The analysis is summarized by five thematic questions: (1) How did the project's vision affect its development? (2) How was leadership enacted, and with what effect? (3) What were the organizational issues for the staff? (4) What were the interdisciplinary dilemmas? (5) What was instituted or changed as a result of the project? Results. The analysis uncovered a series of interpersonal and organizational dilemmas involving the nature of the organizational environment, the character of interdisciplinary work, leadership, boundaries of group membership, and the structuring of a unified vision. Conclusions. Future projects should consider the strength and stability of the boundary spanners, the resource context, and the role of a unified vision for new and organizationally linked units as key issues in facilitating and sustaining change.
Occupational Stress, Physician-Excused Absences, and Absences Not Excused by a Physician
Authors: Heaney Catherine A. , Clemans Jill 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. This study explores two possible mechanisms through which occupational stress is linked to absenteeism. The extent to which physician-excused absenteeism and absenteeism not excused by a physician are related to employee reports of perceived stress is assessed. Design. A plantwide survey was conducted in January 1990. Employee reports of occupational stress gained from this survey were linked with 1990 absenteeism data from the employees' records. Setting. A mid-sized manufacturing plant. Sample. Complete data were available for 998 of the 1534 (65%) unionized employees in the plant. Measures. Measures of both physician-excused absences and absences not excused by a physician were created. Stressors included role ambiguity, lack of control over work pace, and being paid on a piece-rate basis. Perceived stresses included role conflict, physical environment stresses, and overall work stress. Results. For physician-excused absenteeism, role conflict (OR, 1.54, p <.01), overall work stress (OR 1.24, p <.05), and physical environment stress (OR 1.34, p <.05) had significantly elevated odds ratios, even after adjusting for demographics. For absences not excused by a physician, none of the stressors or stresses had significant odds ratios after controlling for demographic characteristics. Conclusions. Employees in this plant were not using short-term voluntary absenteeism as a way of coping with work stress. However, high levels of perceived work stress were associated with subsequent physician-excused absences.
Determinants of Intention to Adopt a Low-Fat Diet in Men 30 to 60 Years Old: Implications for Heart Health Promotion
Authors: Nguyen Minh Nguyet , Otis Joanne , Potvin Louise 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to identify the determinants of intention to have a law-fat diet in 30- to 60-year-old men. Design. The survey design was cross-sectional and consisted of a self-administered questionnaire. The dependent variable was the intention to have a low-fat diet within the next 4 months, and the independent variables were those suggested by the theory of planned behavior. Setting. The study population was drawn from three districts representing a modal sample of Laval, the second most populous city (N = 314,398) in the province of Quebec. Subjects. The sample comprised 3200 people. Of the 3200 questionnaires sent out, 2583 were received and 2269 were eligible (i.e., were answered by 30- to 60-year-old men), giving a response rate of 70.9%. Of the 2269 questionnaires, 430 were incomplete, resulted in 1839 being usable for analysis. Measures. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable, the intention to have a low-fat diet. The independent variables were (1) direct and indirect determinants of intention as suggested in the theory of planned behavior and (2) sociodemographic and concomitant variables and their interactions. Discriminant analysis was used on the significant variables obtained in the regression to establish the cognitive profile of respondents' intention, strong or weak. Results. In the final model, five variables explained 51 % of the total variance. Respondents who had a stronger intention perceived that their important referents would approve them having a low-fat diet. They scored higher in seeing the advantages of adopting the target behavior and had a more positive attitude toward the behavior. They also perceived themselves as having control over the target behavior, and scored higher in terms of recognizing the perceived power of this control factor. Conclusions. The results suggest that the theory of planned behavior can be an effective tool in the planning of heart health promotion. They indicate that low-fat diet programs for men should target the work site and peer-group organizations, and place emphasis on adapting usual recipes. Though accenting the health and nutritional benefits of a low-fat diet, messages should appeal to emotion as well as reason.
The Effects of the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health Intervention on Psychosocial Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Behavior among Third-Grade Students
Authors: Edmundson Elizabeth , Parcel Guy S. , Perry Cheryl L. , Feldman Henry A. , Smyth Mary , Johnson Carolyn C. , Layman Ann , Bachman Kathryn , Perkins Theresa , Smith Kevin , Stone Elaine 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health is a multi-site study of a school-based intervention designed to reduce or prevent the development of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The goal was to change (or prevent) related risk behaviors and the psychosocial variables that theoretically influence those behaviors. Design. A nested design was used in which schools served as the primary unit of analysis. Twenty-four schools participated at each of four sites (Austin, San Diego, Minneapolis, and New Orleans). Each site had 10 control and 14 intervention schools. Setting and Subject. Ninety-six schools (with more than 6000 students) in the four sites were randomized to three treatment conditions: control, school-based interventions, and school-plus-family interventions. The sample included approximately equal numbers of males and females and was 67.5% white, 13.9% African-American, 13.9% Hispanic, and 4.7% other. Measures. The psychosocial determinants measured included improvements in dietary knowledge, intentions, self-efficacy, usual behavior, perceived social reinforcement for healthy food choices, and perceived reinforcement and self-efficacy for physical activity. Results. The findings indicated significant improvements in all the psychosocial determinants measured (p < .0001). The results revealed a greater impact in the school-plus-family intervention schools for two determinants, usual dietary behavior and intentions to eat heart-healthy foods. Conclusions. These findings support theory-based interventions for changing selected psychosocial determinants of cardiovascular disease risk behavior among children.
The Ecology of Urban Violence: Its Relationship to Health Promotion Behaviors in Low-Income Black and Latino Communities
Authors: Sanders-Phillips Kathy 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The purpose of this review is to identify and examine relationships between exposure to violence and health promotion behaviors in low-income black and Latino groups. Design. Based on computer surveys of the psychologic, public health, medical, and sociologic literature, approximately 90 previous studies of the impact of exposure to violence on psychologic functioning, perceptions of health and well-being, and health decisions and behavior were identified. This article reviews those studies that examine the relationships between experiences of violence and subsequent feelings of alienation, powerlessness, and hopelessness, and perceptions of health and well-being and studies that examine relationships between alienation, hopelessness, and powerlessness and health promotion behaviors. Studies of health promotion behavior that did not examine or address the impact of exposure to violence are not reviewed in this article. Results. Violence affects low-income communities directly by contributing to rates of mortality, and indirectly by affecting health promotion behaviors. Exposure to violence can result in feelings of powerlessness, hopelessness, and alienation that significantly limit motivation, the extent of involvement, and persistence in overcoming barriers to health promotion behavior. Conclusions. Future researchers must consider the confounding effects of exposure to violence when investigating differences in health promotion behaviors for low-income black and Latino groups. Community empowerment programs that address the impact of violence and focus on developing control over life and health outcomes may be needed to successfully address the effect of violence on health promotion behavior in low-income, black and Latino communities.
Coorscreen: A Low-Cost, on-Site Mammography Screening Program
Authors: Greenwood Mary , Henritze Joanne 
Published: December 2011

Setting. Coors Brewing Company is a self-insured corporation of 10,600 employees located in Golden, Colorado. Management has long believed in the value of a healthy workforce and has instituted ongoing health and wellness programming since 1981. Program design. Coorscreen was started in September 1985 to create an ongoing awareness of breast cancer screening and prevention for all female employees, spouses, and retirees and to lower the health care costs for the company through early detection of breast cancer. Program impact. From 1985 through 1993, 12,210 mammograms were completed on 3729 employees, spouses, and retirees. The participation rate was 83%. Forty-seven malignant conditions were confirmed during the first 8 years. Pathology reports confirmed 43 early detections (10 employees) and four late detections (two employees). The 10 cases of malignant disease detected early among employees cost an average of $12,388 in terms of direct medical costs, short-term disability, temporary replacement, and ongoing benefits. The two cases detected late among employees cost an average of $143,398. Among spouses, cases of malignant disease detected late have cost an average of $69,230 more than cases detected early. On the basis of early detection for 10 employees and 26 spouses, the total savings are estimated to be $3,110,000. Discussion. The Coorscreen program cost savings for the first 8 years were $3,110,080 because of the lower cost of early versus late detection. Total screening and procedural costs to the company have equaled $668,690. Thus the company has realized a total cost savings of $2,441,190.
The Shape up Challenge: A Community-Based Worksite Exercise Competition
Authors: Blake Susan M. , Caspersen Carl J. , Finnegan John , Crow Richard A. , Mittlemark Maurice B. , Ringhofer Kevin R. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To assess organizational and employee participation during three community-wide worksite exercise competitions in two communities. Design. A one-group, posttest-only design was used. Lack of controls, exercise baseline, and the short-term nature of the interventions were limitations. Setting. The Minnesota Heart Health Program conducted annual exercise campaigns between 1982 and 1989 within three intervention communities to reduce behavioral risk for cardiovascular disease. The Shape Up Challenge was a worksite exercise competition designed, in conjunction with other campaign activities, to increase levels of physical activity. Subjects. A total of 119 participating companies in two Minnesota communities, and 17,626 employees within these worksites, composed the subjects in this study. Intervention. Eligible worksites were invited to participate in a month-long competition during which employees recorded minutes spent daily in aerobic activities. Incentives were established to promote intragroup cooperation and intergroup competition. Companies competed for awards that were based on average minutes of exercise per employee versus per participant. Measures. Numbers of companies recruited and participating, campaign activities, minutes of exercise, and costs were recorded on implementation logs. Companies completed surveys describing business type, number and sex of employees, existing health promotion programs, and perceived benefits of participation. Results. Of the 365 companies invited to participate, 33 % participated (range 15 % to 50%). Participating companies were more likely than nonparticipating companies to offer other health promotion programs and perceived greater benefits from participation. Women and smaller companies had significantly greater participation rates than men and larger companies. Average employee participation rates ranged from as high as 84% in smaller organizations to as low as 16% as organization size increased. Conclusions. Community-based worksite exercise competitions appear to be a viable strategy for promoting employee exercise, particularly in smaller companies. Group-based contingencies applied in natural work units may facilitate employee participation. Further research is needed to assess the relative efficacy of this approach, compare alternative incentives, and identify strategies to enhance exercise maintenance after the intervention has ceased.