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Four regulatory phenomena appear to regulate differentially the activation of TH1, TH2, and CTL clones. First, IFN-gamma selectively inhibits proliferation of TH2 but not TH1 cells; lymphokine production by TH2 cells is not affected by IFN-gamma. In addition, when fresh OVA-specific HTL clones are derived in the presence of rIL-2 TH2 cells are preferentially obtained, whereas TH1 cells predominate if cloning is performed in rIL-2 plus rIFN-gamma. These results suggest that the presence of IFN-gamma during the course of an immune response would result in the preferential expansion of HTL of the TH1 phenotype. Proliferation of CTL clones is not influenced by IFN-gamma. Second, different APC populations appear to differentially activate TH1 and TH2 clones. Purified splenic B cells stimulate optimal proliferation of TH2 but not TH1 cells, whereas macrophage/dendritic cells appear to stimulate optimal proliferation of TH1 but not TH2 cells. Since both APC types stimulate lymphokine production by each of the HTL subsets, these results suggest the existence of TH1- and TH2-specific cofactors for growth. Third, high doses of immobilized anti-CD3 mAb inhibit IL-2-dependent proliferation of TH1 but not TH2 clones. Since this effect appears to require calcium, this observation suggests that TCR-mediated signalling events might differ between the two HTL subsets. Indeed, little or no increase in [Ca++]i can be detected in TH2 clones stimulated with Con-A, while such an increase is easily discernible in TH1 cells. Although high concentrations of immobilized anti-CD3 mAb inhibit IL-2-dependent proliferation of CTL clones, proliferation of these cells in response to immobilized anti-CD3 alone reaches a plateau. Since activation with anti-CD3 is thought to mimic antigenic stimulation, these results suggest that antigen concentration may play a role in determining which predominant T-cell types proliferate in a particular immunological situation. Fourth, pretreatment of TH1 cells, but not TH2 cells or CTL, with IL-2 results in decreased lymphokine production and proliferation in response to subsequent stimulation via the TCR. This antigen-responsive state appears to involve a defect in calcium-dependent signalling, providing additional evidence for different signalling mechanisms in TH1 and TH2 clones.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

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The insertion of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters results in device migration at rates that exceed 50% in some studies, although the clinical significance of migration remains in question. These filters can also erode or penetrate the IVC wall, injuring adjacent retroperitoneal and abdominal structures. The risk of erosion or perforation is estimated to be as much as 25%, although clinical symptoms are observed far less frequently in patients with these complications. We describe the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of a patient with an IVC strut protruding into the duodenum. This case report discusses complications, presenting symptoms, and treatment of patients with IVC filters complications.

No abstract

Failure of initial IV antibiotic therapy in hospitalized adults with cIAIs is associated with longer hospitalization, higher hospital charges, and a higher mortality rate.

To assess the effects that the physical and chemical properties of lignin might have on the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosic substrates, protease treated lignin (PTL) and cellulolytic enzyme lignin (CEL) fractions, isolated from steam and organosolv pretreated corn stover, poplar, and lodgepole pine, were prepared and characterized. The adsorption of cellulases to the isolated lignin preparations corresponded to a Langmuir adsorption isotherm. It was apparent that, rather than the physical properties of the isolated lignin, the carboxylic acid functionality of the isolated lignin, as determined by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, had much more of an influence when lignin was added to typical hydrolysis of pure cellulose (Avicel). An increase in the carboxylic content of the lignin preparation resulted in an increased hydrolysis yield. These results suggested that the carboxylic acids within the lignin partially alleviate non‐productive binding of cellulases to lignin. To try to confirm this possible mechanism, dehydrogenative polymers (DHP) of monolignols were synthesized from coniferyl alcohol (CA) and ferulic acid (FA), and these model compounds were added to a typical enzymatic hydrolysis of Avicel. The DHP from FA, which was enriched in carboxylic acid groups compared with the DHP from CA, adsorbed a lower mount of cellulases and did not decrease hydrolysis yields when compared to the DHP from CA, which decreased the hydrolysis of Avicel by 8.4%. Thus, increasing the carboxylic acid content of the lignin seemed to significantly decrease the non‐productive binding of cellulases and consequently increased the enzymatic hydrolysis of the cellulose. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:538–548. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Although a technically challenging procedure, laparoscopic adrenalectomy provides clear advantages over open procedures for the vast majority of adrenal neoplasms. Our data support the conclusion that laparoscopic adrenalectomy should be considered for all patients with benign adrenal neoplasms.