bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Immune Responses by Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Kalinski Pawel 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPGE2, an essential homeostatic factor, is also a key mediator of immunopathology in chronic infections and cancer. The impact of PGE2 reflects the balance between its cyclooxygenase 2-regulated synthesis and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase-driven degradation and the pattern of expression of PGE2 receptors. PGE2 enhances its own production but suppresses acute inflammatory mediators, resulting in its predominance at late/chronic stages of immunity. PGE2 supports activation of dendritic cells but suppresses their ability to attract naive, memory, and effector T cells. PGE2 selectively suppresses effector functions of macrophages and neutrophils and the Th1-, CTL-, and NK cell-mediated type 1 immunity, but it promotes Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cell responses. PGE2 modulates chemokine production, inhibiting the attraction of proinflammatory cells while enhancing local accumulation of regulatory T cells cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Targeting the production, degradation, and responsiveness to PGE2 provides tools to modulate the patterns of immunity in a wide range of diseases, from autoimmunity to cancer.
Human CD90 Identifies Th17/Tc17 T Cell Subsets That Are Depleted in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Guillot-Delost Maude , Le Gouvello Sabine , Mesel-Lemoine Mariana , Cheraï Mustapha , Baillou Claude , Simon Anne , Levy Yves , Weiss Laurence , Louafi Samy , Chaput Nathalie , Berrehar François , Kerbrat Stéphane , Klatzmann David , Lemoine François M. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
By revisiting CD90, a GPI-anchored glycoprotein, we show that CD90 is expressed by a subset of CD4+ and CD8+ human T cells. CD4+CD90+ cells share similarities with Th17 cells because they express the Th17-specific transcription factor RORC2 and produce IL-17A. CD4+CD90+ cells are activated memory T cells that express the gut mucosal markers CCR6, CD161, and the α4 and β7 integrins. Compared with CD90-depleted CCR6+ memory Th17 cells, CD4+CD90+ cells express higher levels of IL-22 and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α and GM-CSF), but they produce lower levels of IL-21 and no IL-9. Analyses of CD8+CD90+ cells reveal that they express RORC2 and are able to produce higher levels of IL-17A, IL-22, and CCL20 compared with CD90-depleted CD8+ cells. These data show that CD90 identifies Th17 and Tc17 cells with a peculiar cytokine profile. Studies of circulating CD90+ cells in HIV patients show that CD90+ cells are decreased with an imbalance of the CD4+CD90+/regulatory T cell ratio in nontreated patients compared with treated patients and healthy donors. Overall, human CD90 identifies a subset of Th17 and Tc17 cells within CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively, which are depleted during HIV infection.
Retargeting of Human Regulatory T Cells by Single-Chain Bispecific Antibodies
Authors: Koristka Stefanie , Cartellieri Marc , Theil Anke , Feldmann Anja , Arndt Claudia , Stamova Slava , Michalk Irene , Töpfer Katrin , Temme Achim , Kretschmer Karsten , Bornhäuser Martin , Ehninger Gerhard , Schmitz Marc , Bachmann Michael 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBispecific Abs hold great potential for immunotherapy of malignant diseases. Because the first components of this new drug class are now entering clinical trials, all aspects of their mode of action should be well understood. Several studies proved that CD8+ and CD4+ effector T cells can be successfully redirected and activated against tumor cells by bispecific Abs both in vitro and in vivo. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence that bispecific Abs can also redirect and activate regulatory T cells against a surface Ag, independently of their TCR specificity. After cross-linking, via a bispecific Ab, redirected regulatory T cells upregulate the activation markers CD69 and CD25, as well as regulatory T cell-associated markers, like CTLA-4 and FOXP3. The activated regulatory T cells secrete the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10, but, in contrast to CD8+ and CD4+ effector T cells, almost no inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the redirected regulatory T cells are able to suppress effector functions of activated autologous CD4+ T cells both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the potential risk for activation of regulatory T cells should be taken into consideration when bispecific Abs are applied for the treatment of malignant diseases. In contrast, an Ag/tissue-specific redirection of regulatory T cells with bispecific Abs holds great potential for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and graft rejection.
Mutations of TFAP2B in congenital heart disease patients in Mysore, South India
Authors: Lingaiah Kusuma , Sosalagere Dinesh M. , Mysore Savitha R. , Krishnamurthy B. , Narayanappa Doddaiah , Nallur Ramachandra B. 
Published: December 2011

Background & objectives:
Cardiac malformations in the young constitute a major portion of clinically significant birth defects. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common congenital cardiac birth defect, affecting nearly 1 per cent of all live births. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is clinically significant foetal circulation anomaly, second most common form of CHD which constitutes approximately 10 per cent of total CHDs. The study aimed to screen for TFAP2B mutations in CHD patients of Mysore.

Methods:
With informed consent, 100 clinically diagnosed CHD patients and 50 healthy controls in Mysore, south India, were recruited for the analysis of screening of mutations. MassARRAY analysis of 5 prominent mutations of TFAP2B was performed.

Results:
The analysis did not show any of the five mutations of TFAP2B screened by massARRAY in patients and controls, indicating that these mutations were not involved in the manifestation of CHD in the patients at Mysore, south India.

Interpretation & Conclusions:
The findings suggest the lack of involvement of known mutations of TFAP2B with syndromic or nonsyndromic CHDs in Mysore patients.
Assessing the adhesion of putative indigenous probiotic lactobacilli to human colonic epithelial cells
Authors: Duary Raj Kumar , Rajput Yudhishthir Singh , Batish Virender Kumar , Grover Sunita 
Published: December 2011

Background & objectives:
Adherence of bacteria to epithelial cells and mucosal surfaces is a key criterion for selection of probiotic. We assessed the adhesion property of selected indigenous probiotic Lactobacillus strains based on their hydrophobicity and ability to adhere to human epithelial cells.

Methods:
Five human faecal Lactobacillus isolates, one from buffalo milk and one from cheese were assessed for hydrophobicity following the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons (MATH) method and colonization potentials based on their adherence to Caco2 and HT-29 colonic adenocarcinomal human intestinal epithelial cell lines. Lactobacillus strains that adhered to Caco2 and HT-29 cell lines were quantified by plating after trypsinization and simultaneously the adhered bacteria were also examined microscopically after staining with Geimsa stain and counted in different fields.

Results:
Among the tested faecal isolates, L. plantarum Lp91 showed maximum percentage hydrophobicity (35.73±0.40 for n-hexadecane and 34.26±0.63 for toluene) closely followed by L. plantarum Lp9 (35.53±0.29 for n-hexadecane and 33.00±0.57 for toluene). Based on direct adhesion to epithelial cells, L. plantarum Lp91 was the most adhesive strain to HT-29 and Caco2 cell lines with per cent adhesion values of 12.8 ± 1.56 and 10.2 ± 1.09, respectively. L. delbrukeii CH4, was the least adhesive with corresponding figures of 2.5 ± 0.37 and 2.6 ± 0.20 per cent on HT-29 and Caco2 cell lines. Adhesion of the six isolated Lactobacillus strain to HT-29 cell and Caco2 lines as recorded under microscope varied between 131.0 ± 13.9 (Lp75) to 342.7 ± 50.52 (Lp91) and 44.7 ± 9.29 (CH4) to 315.7± 35.4 (Lp91), respectively.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Two Indigenous probiotic Lactobacillus strains (Lp9, Lp91) demonstrated their ability to adhere to epithelial cell and exhibited strong hydrophobicity under in vitro conditions, and thus could have better prospects to colonize the gut with extended transit
Non invasive real-time monitoring of bacterial infection & therapeutic effect of anti-microbials in five mouse models
Authors: Barman Tarani Kanta , Rao Madhvi , Bhati Ashish , Kishore Krishna , Shukla Gunjan , Kumar Manoj , Mathur Tarun , Pandya Manisha , Upadhyay Dilip J. 
Published: December 2011

Background & objectives:

In vivo imaging system has contributed significantly to the understanding of bacterial infection and efficacy of drugs in animal model. We report five rapid, reproducible, and non invasive murine pulmonary infection, skin and soft tissue infection, sepsis, and meningitis models using Xenogen bioluminescent strains and specialized in vivo imaging system (IVIS).

Methods:
The progression of bacterial infection in different target organs was evaluated by the photon intensity and target organ bacterial counts. Genetically engineered bioluminescent bacterial strains viz. Staphylococcus aureus Xen 8.1, 29 and 31; Streptococcus pneumoniae Xen 9 and 10 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Xen-5 were used to induce different target organs infection and were validated with commercially available antibiotics.

Results:
The lower limit of detection of colony forming unit (cfu) was 1.7-log10 whereas the lower limit of detection of relative light unit (RLU) was 4.2-log10. Recovery of live bacteria from different target organs showed that the bioluminescent signal correlated to the live bacterial count.

Interpretation & conclusions:
This study demonstrated the real time monitoring and non-invasive analysis of progression of infection and pharmacological efficacy of drugs. These models may be useful for pre-clinical discovery of new antibiotics.
The World Health Organization/World Bank’s First World Report on Disability
Authors: Seelman Katherine D. 
Published: December 2011

In June, 2011 at the United Nations (UN) in New York City, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank launched the first World Report on Disability. This short overview of the Report provides information about its purpose, development and content, intended audiences, and outcomes. Special attention is directed to the sections of the Report which address telerehabilitation and information and communication technology.
Family Relationship of Children with Behavior Disorders
Authors: Al-Qaisy Lama Majed , Turki Jihad 
Published: December 2011

Abstract The present study aims to determine the relationship of the families of children with childhood behavior disorders. In a sample of 263 students in the age group of 10-12 years studying in 4th, 5th and 6th standards in the elementary schools of Tafila city. The researcher analyzed the family relationship of the three groups of families based on two factors such as cohesion and conflict. Investigator also compared these factors in the families of children with no behavior disorders, with that of families of children with mild and severe behavior disorders. The results of the study reveals that, a high cohesion and less conflict is found among the families of children with no behavior problems and low cohesion and conflict in the families of children with severe behavior problems. Keywords: family, relationship, children, behavior disorders
Role of Instructional Technology in Private Teacher Training Colleges in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (Pakistan)
Authors: Suleman Qaiser , Hussain Ishtiaq 
Published: December 2011

Abstract Instructional technology plays a fundamental and crucial role in facilitating teaching learning process and makes it more effective, interesting and successful. Therefore, the study was conducted to investigate the availability, usability, usefulness and on the other hand barriers to the successful integration of instructional technology in private teacher training colleges in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (Pakistan). The main objectives of the study were to investigate the availability and usability of instructional technology in private teacher training colleges, the usefulness of instructional technology in teacher training programmes, and to find out the main barriers in the way of successful integration of instructional technology in teacher training programs. All the principals, teachers and prospective teachers working and studying in private teacher training colleges in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa constituted as the population of this study. In total, 24 private colleges out of 48 were selected randomly and from each of these colleges, one principal, 5 teachers and 15 prospective teachers were selected randomly as the sample of this ongoing research. The study was descriptive in nature. Three questionnaires were developed for principals, teachers and for prospective teachers as research instruments for the collection of data. After analysis of data, the researcher arrived at the conclusion that most of the important instructional technologies are not available in private teacher training colleges. Teachers do not use even the available instructional technologies into teaching learning process. The researchers noted that poor availability of instructional technologies is the main barrier to the technology integration. In addition, lack of technical and administrative support, lack of funding, lack of necessary skills and knowledge, excessive electricity failures, lack of training opportunities, and lack of preparation time were also observed during data collection. Key Words: Teacher Education, Teachers Training Colleges, Instructional Technology, Barriers to the successful integration of instructional technology
The Effect of Extrinsic Product Cues and Customer Services/Sales Personnel on Restaurant Image, KPK, Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Murad , Ullah Hafiz , Manzoor Sheikh Raheel , Iqbal Khurshed 
Published: December 2011

Abstract This research study analyzes the effect of extrinsic product cues (store name, brand name, price) and customer service on restaurant image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. The self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the customers of six well known restaurants of two cities of KPK, Pakistan. The names of these two cities are Peshawar and Kohat. This research study uses regression and correlation techniques in order to analyze the relationship as well as effect between extrinsic product cues (store name, brand name, price) and customer service on restaurant image. The result of the study demonstrates that there is a significant positive impact of predictors on the response variable. The study recommends favorable extrinsic product cues and customer services enhance the image of the restaurant. Future research areas have also been indicated in this study. Key words: Brand name, Store name, Price, Customer service & Restaurant image
Minimizing Potential Issues in Higher Education by Professionally Developing University Teachers
Authors: Siddiqui Anam , Aslam Hassan Danial , Farhan Hafiz Muhammad , Luqman Adeel , Lodhi Muhammad Arfan 
Published: December 2011

Abstract The major purposes of this paper is to firstly explore the relationship among three variables namely professional development of faculty members, teachers’ performance and quality of higher education, and secondly to provide solution to perceived issues and challenges faced by higher education system with the help of comprehensive model. Authors have deeply reviewed previous research studies conducted by researchers and have elaborated their views in connection with the current debate. This paper is purely qualitative in nature and authors have formulated comprehensive model that can be helpful for the policy makers and administrators of the higher education system. This comprehensive model clearly explains that if teachers are equipped with proper and well organized pedagogical as well as administrative training programs then their performance can be greatly improved which can further enhance the quality of education delivered to the students. Both pre-service and in-service professional development programs should be organized for faculty members that will improve their knowledge, skills and abilities, which in turn will further improve their academic, pedagogical and administrative job performance resulting the improvement of overall quality education. Moreover the relation that has been explored can be used to minimize many emerging problems, and perceived issues and challenges faced by higher education system. The model proposed by authors will be useful for policy makers who can then make better policies and can design improved procedures to enhance quality of education. Besides all this, the model is also helpful for management/administrators of higher education system to train and develop their faculty members on specified patterns to inculcate healthy learning among their students. Key words: Professional Development of faculty members, Perceived Issues and Challenges to Higher Education, Quality, Quality of Education, Professional Development Programs, Performance of Faculty Members.
Effect of Teamwork on Employee Performance
Authors: Manzoor Sheikh Raheel , Ullah Hafiz , Hussain Murad , Ahmad Zulqarnain Muhammad 
Published: December 2011

Abstract This research study analyzes the effect of teamwork on employee performance about the staff members of Higher Education Department of Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa (KPK), Peshawar Province of Pakistan. Several measures of employee performance were analyzed including esprit de corps, team trust and recognition and rewards. There is clear evidence that teamwork and other measures of employee performance are positively related with employee performance. The self-administered questionnaires were distributed within the Directorate of Higher Education, (KPK) Peshawar, including four Government Degree Colleges (GDC’s) of boys and girls located in Peshawar and Kohat area. The research study uses regression and correlation techniques in order to analyze the relationship between two variables that is Teamwork and Employee Performance. The result of the study shows that there is a significant positive impact of predictors on the response variable. The study recommends that to adapt teamwork activities in order to enhance the employee performance. Future research areas have also been indicated in this study. Keywords: Employee performance, teamwork, team trust, esprit de corps & recognition & rewards
Novel protein photocrosslinking and cryopolymerization method for cryogel‐based antibacterial material synthesis
Authors: Say Rıdvan , Biçen Özlem , Yılmaz Filiz , Hür Deniz , Öziç Rasime , Denizli Adil , Ersöz Arzu 
Published: December 2011

AbstractLysozyme (Lys), also known as muramidase or N‐acetylmuramide glycanhydrolase, is a family of enzymes that damage bacterial cell walls by catalyzing the hydrolysis of 1,4‐β‐linkages between N‐acetylmuramic acid and N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine residues in a peptidoglycan and between N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine residues in chitodextrins. In this study, Lys was enhanced with a photosensitive facility by ruthenium chelate based monomers with a photosensitization and conjugation approach [amino acid (monomer) decorated and light underpinning conjugation approach]. Then, photosensitive Lys was allowed to interact with methacryloyl amido tyrosine (MATyr) monomer, which included tyrosine parts in its structure similar to those in the Lys structure. Two different types of cryogels including Lys–MATyr in their macropores were synthesized, Lys–MATyr cryogel and Lys–MATyr–clay cryogel. These two materials were used for the measurement of the antibacterial activity on Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The effects of the modified Lys on Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus were determined with a dilution plate method. The effects on Escherichia coli and S. aureus were determined with a turbidity method. According to the data, the Lys–MATyr–clay modified embedded cryogel was effective on Gram‐positive bacteria, and the Lys–MATyr modified embedded cryogel was so effective on Gram‐negative bacteria. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Bonding properties of poly(vinyl chloride)‐based wood–plastic composites bonded with epoxy adhesive
Authors: Cheng Rui‐Xiang , Li Ying , Wang Qing‐Wen , Zhang Li 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article studied the bonding properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)‐based wood–plastic composite (WPC) materials bonded with epoxy adhesive. The results show that the dry compression shear strength of bonded specimens glued with epoxy adhesive could reach 72% of the strength of the PVC‐based WPCs themselves. That meant the bonding connection with epoxy resin was feasible in the application of PVC‐based WPCs. The results show that the compression shear strength after the damp cycle was 0.981 times the compression shear strength without any treatment. In addition, the retention rate of the compression shear strength was 87.7% after the UV aging test process set in this study. In this study, the surface morphologies of bonded specimens glued with epoxy adhesive after a boiling–drying treatment and UV aging were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of SEM show that the glue line became rough in different degrees after the damp cycle and UV aging. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Crosslinking kinetics of the formation of lignin‐aminated polyol‐based polyurethane foam
Authors: Huo Shu‐Ping , Nie Ming‐Cai , Kong Zhen‐Wu , Wu Guo‐Min , Chen Jian 
Published: December 2011

AbstractFTIR‐ATR (Fourier Transform Infrared‐Attenuated Total Reflectance) spectroscopic analysis was used to study the kinetics of the formation of the polyurethane foam, which was prepared by reacting a mixture of lignin‐aminated polyol (LAP) and glycol (PEG) with diphenylmethane diisocyanates (MDI‐50) in the presence of water as blowing agent. The crosslinking reactions were followed by monitoring the change of the absorbance of the NCO group at 2270 cm−1 in FTIR‐ATR spectra. The apparent activation energy (Ea) calculated according to n‐th order reaction model was 16.44 kJ/mol, and the frequency factor (A′) was 2.69 min−1. Furthermore, the crosslinking reaction is approximated to be a first‐order reaction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Improved texture analysis for hydrogel characterization: Gel cohesiveness, adhesiveness, and hardness
Authors: Hurler Julia , Engesland André , Poorahmary Kermany Bahador , Škalko‐Basnet Nataša 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe texture properties of formulation are an important parameter in optimization of topical formulations. These properties will affect applicability of the formulation at the administration site and therapy outcome. Our aim was to develop a fast and reliable method to characterize texture properties of hydrogels, namely cohesiveness, adhesiveness, and hardness. During the method development, we realized that the measurements setup needed to be adjusted for each hydrogel type, namely Carbopol, chitosan, and poloxamer hydrogels. The influence of the polymer concentration, pH, and incorporation of additives such as glycerol, drug solution, or liposomes on the texture properties, as determined by Texture Analyzer, was evaluated. In addition, the new method was applied to determine the changes during the accelerated stability testing. While Carbopol and poloxamer gels showed a linear relationship between the polymer concentration and texture properties, for low molecular weight chitosan gels the properties increased in exponential manner with increasing polymer concentration. The effect of incorporated liposomes on the gel properties was found to be dependent on the type of hydrogel. The hydrogel hardness was affected by the temperature as seen in accelerated stability testing. The method represents a valuable tool in pharmaceutical and cosmetics formulation development. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012