bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased resistance to CD4+CD25hi regulatory T cell-mediated suppression in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Lawson J M , Tremble J , Dayan C , Beyan H , Leslie R D G , Peakman M , Tree T I M 
Published: November 2008

Summary
Type I diabetes (T1D) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by loss of tolerance to islet autoantigens, leading to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Peripheral tolerance to self is maintained in health through several regulatory mechanisms, including a population of CD4+CD25hi naturally occurring regulatory T cells (Tregs), defects in which could contribute to loss of self-tolerance in patients with T1D. We have reported previously that near to T1D onset, patients demonstrate a reduced level of suppression by CD4+CD25hi Tregs of autologous CD4+CD25- responder cells. Here we demonstrate that this defective regulation is also present in subjects with long-standing T1D (&gt; 3 years duration; P = 0·009). No difference was observed in forkhead box P3 or CD127 expression on CD4+CD25hi T cells in patients with T1D that could account for this loss of suppression. Cross-over co-culture assays demonstrate a relative resistance to CD4+CD25hi Treg-mediated suppression within the CD4+CD25- T cells in all patients tested (P = 0·002), while there appears to be heterogeneity in the functional ability of CD4+CD25hi Tregs from patients. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that defective regulation is a feature of T1D regardless of disease duration and that an impaired ability of responder T cells to be suppressed contributes to this defect.
Vitamin D insufficiency prior to bariatric surgery: risk factors and a pilot treatment study
Authors: Stein E. M. , Strain G. , Sinha N. , Ortiz D. , Pomp A. , Dakin G. , McMahon D. J. , Bockman R. , Silverberg S. J. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryObjective  To assess vitamin D status and the influences of race, sun exposure and dietary vitamin D intake on vitamin D levels, and to evaluate two vitamin D repletion regimens in extremely obese patients awaiting bariatric surgery.Methods  A cross‐sectional analysis of dietary vitamin D, sun exposure, PTH [intact (iPTH) and PTH(1‐84)] and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD; differentiated 25OHD2 and 25OHD3) in 56 obese [body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m2] men and women (age 20–64 years). In a pilot clinical trial, 27 subjects with 25OHD levels < 62 nmol/l were randomized to receive ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol for 8 weeks.Results  Serum 25OHD was low (mean 45 ± 22 nmol/l) and was inversely associated with BMI (r = −0·36, P < 0·01). Each BMI increase of 1 kg/m2 was associated with a 1·3 nmol/l decrease in 25OHD (P < 0·01). BMI, sun exposure, African American race and PTH predicted 40% of the variance in 25OHD (P < 0·0001). Serum 25OHD significantly increased at 4 and 8 weeks in both treatment groups (P < 0·001), whereas PTH(1‐84) declined significantly in subjects treated with cholecalciferol (P < 0·007) and tended to decrease following ergocalciferol (P < 0·09).Conclusions  In severely obese individuals, those who are African American, have higher BMI and limited sunlight exposure are at greatest risk for vitamin D insufficiency. These demographic factors can help to identify at‐risk patients who require vitamin D repletion prior to bariatric surgery. Commonly prescribed doses of ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol are effective in raising 25OHD. Further investigation is needed to evaluate whether these regimens have differential effects on PTH, and to determine the optimal regimen for vitamin D repletion in the extremely obese patient.
The T‐cell receptor repertoire of regulatory T cells
Authors: Pacholczyk Rafal , Kern Joanna 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe CD4+ CD25+ regulatory population of T cells (Treg cells), which expresses the forkhead family transcription factor (Foxp3), is the key component of the peripheral tolerance mechanism that protects us from a variety of autoimmune diseases. Experimental evidence shows that Treg cells recognize a wide range of antigenic specificities with increased reactivity to self antigens, although the affinity of these interactions remains to be further defined. The Treg repertoire is highly diverse with a distinct set of T‐cell receptors (TCRs), and yet is overlapping to some extent with the repertoire of conventional T cells (Tconv cells). The majority of Treg cells are generated in the thymus. However, the role of the TCR specificity in directing thymic precursors to become Treg or Tconv cells remains unclear. On the one hand, the higher self reactivity of Treg cells and utilization of different TCRs in Treg and Tconv repertoires suggest that in TCR interactions an initial decision is made about the ‘suitability’ of a developing thymocyte to become a Treg cell. On the other hand, as Treg cells can recognize a wide range of foreign antigens, have a diverse TCR repertoire, and show some degree of overlap with Tconv cells, the signals through the TCR may be complementary to the TCR‐independent process that generates precursors of Treg cells. In this review, we discuss how different features of the Treg repertoire influence our understanding of Treg specificities and the role of self reactivity in the generation of this population.
Expression of galectins‐1, ‐3 and ‐4 varies with strain and type of experimental colitis in mice
Authors: Mathieu Anne , Nagy Nathalie , Decaestecker Christine , Ferdinande Liesbeth , Vandenbroucke Klaas , Rottiers Pieter , Cuvelier Claude A. , Salmon Isabelle , Demetter Pieter 
Published: November 2008

SummaryGalectins are increasingly the focus of biomedical research. Although they are involved at different stages in inflammation, data on galectins in colitis remain scarce. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the expression of galectins in acute and chronic experimental colitis in mice. Immunohistochemistry for galectins‐1, ‐3 and ‐4 was performed on colon tissue from C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice with acute dextran sodium sulphate colitis and from 129 Sv/Ev IL‐10 knock‐out (IL‐10−/−) mice. From these three mouse strains, we first detected major differences in galectin expression related to the genetic background in the control animals. With regard to inflammation, chronic colitis in IL‐10−/− mice was associated with increased galectin‐4 expression; in contrast with the two other models, no galectin‐1 and ‐3 alterations were observed in IL‐10−/− mice. Acute colitis in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice showed increased galectin‐3 expression in the lamina propria and the crypt epithelium, together with a decreased nuclear expression. These results suggest an involvement of galectins in the development and perpetuation of colonic inflammation and illustrate that the choice of the mouse strain for studying galectins might influence the outcome of the experiments.
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and acute non‐oxidative hepatic injury induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanin
Authors: Cheluvappa Rajkumar , Cogger Victoria C. , Kwun Sun Young , O’Reilly Jennifer N. , Le Couteur David G. , Hilmer Sarah N. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) is damaged by many toxins, including oxidants and bacterial toxins. Any effect on LSECs of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factor, pyocyanin, may be relevant for systemic pseudomonal infections and liver transplantation. In this study, the effects of pyocyanin on in vivo rat livers and isolated LSECs were assessed using electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and biochemistry. In particular, the effect on fenestrations, a crucial morphological aspect of LSECs was assessed. Pyocyanin treatment induced a dose‐dependent reduction in fenestrations in isolated LSECs. In the intact liver, intraportal injection of pyocyanin (11.9 μM in blood) was associated with a reduction in endothelial porosity from 3.4 ± 0.2% (n = 5) to 1.3 ± 0.1% (n = 7) within 30 min. There were decreases in both diameter and frequency of fenestrations in the intact endothelium. There was also a decrease in endothelial thickness from 175.8 ± 5.8 to 156.5 ± 4.0 nm, an endothelial pathology finding previously unreported. Hepatocyte ultrastructure, liver function tests and immunohistochemical markers of oxidative stress (3‐nitrotyrosine and malondialdehyde) were not affected. Pyocyanin induces significant ultrastructural changes in the LSEC in the absence of immunohistochemical evidence of oxidative stress or hepatocyte injury pointing to a novel mechanism for pyocyanin pathogenesis.
Embryonic stem cells reduce liver fibrosis in CCl4‐treated mice
Authors: Moriya Kei , Yoshikawa Masahide , Ouji Yukiteru , Saito Ko , Nishiofuku Mariko , Matsuda Ryosuke , Ishizaka Shigeaki , Fukui Hiroshi 
Published: November 2008

SummaryWe transplanted undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells into the spleens of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐treated mice to determine their effects on liver fibrosis. Carbon tetrachloride at 0.5 ml/kg of body weight was injected intraperitoneally into C57BL/6 mice twice weekly for up to 20 weeks. Four weeks after the first injection, the mice were divided into two groups and those in group 1 received 1 × 105 ES cells genetically labelled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the spleens, while group 2 mice received 0.1 ml of phosphate‐buffered saline. In group 1, GFP‐immunopositive cells were retained and found in areas of fibrosis in the liver, and reduced liver fibrosis was observed as compared with group 2. Secondary transplantation of ES cells at 12 weeks after the initial transplantation enhanced the reduction in liver fibrosis. No teratoma formation or uncontrolled growth of ES cells in organs, including the liver and spleen, was observed in any of the mice. In the livers of group 1 mice, metalloproteinase 9‐immunopositive cells derived from ES cells as well as those from the recipient were observed. These cells were also found to be immunopositive for the hepatoblast marker Delta‐like (DlK‐1), a member of the DlK‐1 family of transmembrane proteins. These results suggest that ES‐based cell therapy is potentially useful for liver fibrosis treatment and that reduction in CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis by transplantation of ES cells may be related closely to the emergence of metalloproteinase‐producing hepatoblast‐like cells.
The histone methylase KMTox interacts with the redox‐sensor peroxiredoxin‐1 and targets genes involved in Toxoplasma gondii antioxidant defences
Authors: Sautel Céline F. , Ortet Philippe , Saksouk Nehmé , Kieffer Sylvie , Garin Jérôme , Bastien Olivier , Hakimi Mohamed‐Ali 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe ability of living cells to alter their gene expression patterns in response to environmental changes is essential for viability. Oxidative stress represents a common threat for all aerobic life. In normally growing cells, in which hydrogen peroxide generation is transient or pulsed, the antioxidant systems efficiently control its concentration. Intracellular parasites must also protect themselves against the oxidative burst imposed by the host. In this work, we have investigated the role of KMTox, a new histone lysine methyltransferase, in the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. KMTox is a nuclear protein that holds a High Mobility Group domain, which is thought to recognize bent DNA. The enzyme methylates both histones H4 and H2A in vitro with a great preference for the substrate in reduced conditions. Importantly, KMTox interacts specifically with the typical 2‐cys peroxiredoxin‐1 and the binding is to some extent enhanced upon oxidation. It appears that the cellular functions that are primarily regulated by the KMTox are antioxidant defences and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. KMTox may regulate gene expression in T. gondii by providing the rapid re‐arrangement of chromatin domains and by interacting with the redox‐sensor TgPrx1 contribute to establish the antioxidant ‘firewall’ in T. gondii.
In situ immune responses to interstitial pneumonitis in human visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: TUON F. F. , GUEDES F. , FERNANDES E. R. , PAGLIARI C. , AMATO V. S. , SEIXAS DUARTE M. I. 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARY Lung disease during active human visceral leishmaniasis is frequently reported. As such, studies have associated pulmonary symptoms to interstitial pneumonitis with a mononuclear infiltrate. However, the immune response in this condition has never been described before. The aim of this study was to determine the immunophenotypic pattern and cytokine profile of lung involvement (IPL) in human visceral leishmaniasis. Quantitative methods of analysis were performed using immunohistochemistry, and were compared with a control group of normal lung. Interstitial macrophages and cd8 cells were increased in IPL, and IL‐4 as well as TNF‐α displayed increased expression when compared to the control group. This inflammatory process with a Th2 pattern, as suggested by increased IL‐4 and low IFN‐γ expression, is consistent with the immune response in other organs of visceral leishmaniasis. The microenvironment of the immune response in this condition is associated with lung disease in patients with interstitial pneumonitis related to visceral leishmaniasis, increasing the chance of bacterial infection.
An improved method for the determination of Fc function of immunoglobulins
Authors: Georgakopoulos T. , Tatford O. C. , Tan C. S. , Gurevich V. , Bertolini J. 
Published: November 2008

Background and Objectives  The Fc function assay of immunoglobulin G is performed to ensure that the biological activity of the molecule is not compromised during purification and storage. The current British Pharmacopoeia (BP) method is cumbersome, time consuming and requires a continuous source of fresh red blood cells. We have modified the technique to improve the convenience, throughput and reproducibility of the assay by using frozen red blood cells, a microtitre plate format and electronic derivative analysis for processing results.Materials and Method  Immunoglobulin G samples were assayed using either the BP Fc function procedure or a new procedure incorporating frozen cells, microtitre format and electronic derivative analysis.Results  The Fc function results demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the BP and the new improved procedure.Conclusion  In this study, we demonstrated that a new Fc function assay incorporating frozen red blood cells, microtitre format and derivative analysis of haemolysis curves has been shown to be comparable to the standard BP procedure. It offers a more convenient and quicker means of performing analysis of Fc function of immunoglobulins.
Expression Patterns of Endothelial and Inducible Nitric Oxide Isoforms in the Porcine Umbilical Cord
Authors: Chruściel M , Andronowska A , Postek A 
Published: November 2008

ContentsStable fetal–placental blood pressure and flow are extremely important in fetal growth and development. Uncontrolled and long‐standing increased or decreased vascular blood pressure in the umbilical cord (UC) affects hyperaemia or ischaemia and consequently causes fetal death. Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most active factors controlling blood flow through relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle. In this study, we investigated endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) nitric oxide synthase expression and NADPH‐diaphorase activity (NADPH‐d) in the porcine UC at various stages of pregnancy. The UCs were collected from pigs on days 40, 60, 75 and 90 of pregnancy and postpartum. Western blot analysis as well as immunohistchemical staining revealed protein presence for eNOS and iNOS in the UC of the pig. The eNOS expression was maintained at a significantly higher level in all analysed days of pregnancy when compared with postnatal stage. Additionally, a significant protein increase for eNOS was observed in a periplacental part of UC on day 90. There were no obvious differences in iNOS protein level in UC samples derived from different stages of pregnancy. NADPH‐diaphorase histochemical activity was correlated with NOS immunoreactivity during all analysed days of pregnancy. These results suggest that NOS isoforms are responsible for regulation of blood circulation in UC and immune responses.
Refrigerated Storage of Red Deer Epididymal Spermatozoa in the Epididymis, Diluted and with Vitamin C Supplementation
Authors: Fernández‐Santos MR , Domínguez‐Rebolledo AE , Esteso MC , Garde JJ , Martínez‐Pastor F 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe have approached the problem of refrigerated storage of epididymal sperm samples from red deer by comparing three options: storing the genital (testicles within the scrotum), diluting the semen in extender or diluting the semen in extender supplemented with an anti‐oxidant. Twenty‐nine pairs of testes were collected. Spermatozoa from one of each of the pairs were immediately recovered, and diluted to 400 × 106 sperm/ml in Tris‐citrate‐fructose with 20% egg yolk. Control group was stored as such, and Anti‐oxidant group was supplemented with 0.8 mm vitamin C. The remaining epididymides and the diluted samples were stored at 5°C and spermatozoa were analysed at 0, 24, 96 and 192 h for: motility [computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA)], acrosomal integrity, sperm viability (eosine/nigrosine staining), normal tails and chromatin status [sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA)]. In general, seminal quality decreased with storage time. Vitamin C supported progressive motility better at 24 h (median 42% vs 23% Control and 15% epididymis), reduced the incidence of tail abnormalities and protected chromatin. Storing the semen in the epididymis slowed down motility loss, but slightly increased the occurrence of tail abnormalities and viability was lower at 192 h. However, regarding chromatin status, sperm stored in the epididymis was protected similarly to those diluted in the medium supplemented with vitamin C. Although the differences between the three groups were small, there were some advantages in supplementing the extender with vitamin C. Besides, refrigerating the epididymis may be a good option when immediate processing is not available.
Expression and Hormonal Regulation of IL‐11Rα in Canine Uterus During Early Pregnancy
Authors: Guo B , Han B‐C , Tian Z , Zhao T‐Y , Zeng L , Yang Z‐M , Yue Z‐P 
Published: November 2008

ContentsEmbryo implantation is critical for the successful establishment of pregnancy. Interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) is essential for adequate decidualization in the mouse and human via binding to the specific IL‐11 receptor α (IL‐11Rα). But the expression and regulation of IL‐11 and IL‐11Rα in the canine endometrium remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential expression of IL‐11Rα in canine uterus during early pregnancy and its regulation under different conditions by in situ hybridization. Interleukin‐11Rα mRNA was mainly localized in glandular epithelium in canine uterus. There was a low level of IL‐11Rα expression in the glandular epithelium on days 6, 12 and 17 of pregnancy. On day 20 of pregnancy when embryo implanted, IL‐11Rα mRNA was highly expressed in the glandular epithelium surrounding the embryo, but not in the luminal epithelium and stroma. On day 23 of pregnancy, the expression of IL‐11Rα mRNA maintained a constant level compared with the expression of day 20 and increased on day 28 of pregnancy. During the oestrous cycle, a high level of IL‐11Rα mRNA expression was seen in the oestrous uterus. Progesterone slightly induced the expression of IL‐11Rα mRNA in the ovariectomized canine uterus. These results suggest that IL‐11Rα expression is closely related to canine implantation and up‐regulated by progesterone.
Comparison of the health‐promoting lifestyles of nursing and non‐nursing students in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Can Gulbeyaz , Ozdilli Kursat , Erol Ozgul , Unsar Serap , Tulek Zeliha , Savaser Sevim , Ozcan Seyda , Durna Zehra 
Published: November 2008

AbstractUndertaking a health‐related course at university can facilitate an awareness of health‐promoting lifestyles. We carried out a descriptive and cross‐sectional study with 1616 university students in Istanbul, Turkey. Students from the nursing schools were compared to those from the schools of social sciences using a Turkish version of the Health‐promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) II after a validation study. The nursing students had more positive health‐promoting lifestyles than those of the non‐nursing students. Furthermore, fourth‐year nursing students had higher scores in most of the subscales of the HPLP II than did the students from the lower years; conversely, the fourth‐year non‐nursing students had lower scores. The sociodemographic variables, self‐perceived health status, relations with family and friends, and self‐perceived academic performance were associated with the HPLP. The implications are discussed for the curricula and on‐campus facilities that focus on health promotion activities.
Bibliometrics, citation indexing, and the journals of nursing
Authors: Smith Derek R. , Hazelton Michael 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBibliometric research has risen in popularity during recent years and an increasing number of investigations now have examined the nursing literature. Our article provides a comprehensive overview of citation‐based research in the nursing profession, as well as a discussion of bibliometrics, journal impact factors, and international publishing trends. The debate on evidence‐based practice and its potential influence and relevance for nursing scholars is also covered. Although journal performance indicators are, no doubt, important for the contemporary nursing academic, it is the core research skills and attributes that nursing scholars, academics, and educators will need to consider more carefully in future if the next generation of professional nurse researchers is to truly flourish.
An introduction to understanding elevation‐based topography: how elevation data are displayed – a review
Authors: Belin Michael W , Khachikian Stephen S 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe increased frequency of refractive surgery and the shift towards the correction of higher‐order aberrations necessitates a more detailed understanding of corneal shape. Early topography systems were based on Placido technology, as this was initially more intuitive for the general refractive surgeon. Newer computerized corneal modelling has increased our knowledge beyond what was previously possible. Elevation‐based systems utilize a direct triangulation technique to measure the corneal surface. Elevation‐based Scheimpflug imaging has advantages in that it allows for the measurement of both the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. Posterior measurements are often the first indicators of future ectatic disease, in spite of completely normal anterior curvature. Examination of the posterior corneal surface can often reveal pathology that would otherwise be missed if one was relying on anterior analysis alone. Although there is little disagreement in diagnosing clinically evident keratoconus, agreement on what constitutes ‘form fruste’ or preclinical keratoconus remains elusive. The ability of elevation‐based topography to analyse both anterior and posterior corneal surfaces adds significantly to our ability to identify eyes believed to be ‘at risk’. As more knowledge is gained, it is appreciated that a full understanding of the workings of the human eye requires knowledge obtained from more than just one surface.
Clinical and research applications of anterior segment optical coherence tomography – a review
Authors: Ramos Jose Luiz Branco , Li Yan , Huang David 
Published: November 2008

AbstractOptical coherence tomography (OCT) is being employed more and more often to image pathologies and surgical anatomy within the anterior segment, specifically in anterior chamber biometry, corneal pachymetric mapping, angle evaluation and high‐resolution cross‐sectional imaging. The cross‐sectional imaging capability of OCT is similar to ultrasound, but its higher resolution allows OCT to measure and visualize very fine anatomic structures. No contact is required. In this review, we describe the utility and limitations of anterior segment OCT.