bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in pemphigus foliaceus patients with erythroderma
Authors: Miyamoto D. , Sotto M.N. , Otani C.S.V. , Fukumori L.M.I. , Pereira N.V. , Santi C.G. , Maruta C.W. , Burnier M.N.N. , Rebeis M.M. , Aoki V. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundErythroderma is a clinical skin syndrome shared by patients with cutaneous disorders of distinct aetiologies as a result of the combined actions of chemokines, adhesion molecules, and cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).ObjectiveTo evaluate the profile of serum levels of VEGF and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sVEGFR‐1) in pemphigus foliaceus (PF) patients with erythroderma.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study, which included (i) a chart review of all PF patients from the Autoimmune Blistering Clinic, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, from January 1991 to December 2014, together with an evaluation of demographic variables, hospitalization duration and complications and (ii) analysis of the circulating VEGF and sVEGFR‐1 levels in PF patients with erythroderma by ELISA. The controls included patients with pemphigus vulgaris or psoriasis.ResultsWe observed higher serum VEGF levels in PF patients during erythroderma than during the non‐erythrodermic phase. PF patients showed increased serum levels of sVEGFR‐1 during the erythrodermic phase in comparison to controls. Interestingly, the sVEGFR‐1 and antidesmoglein‐1 levels were positively correlated during the non‐erythrodermic period.ConclusionErythroderma, which represents one clinical form of PF, implies more severe outcomes. The circulating levels of VEGF, a potent endothelial activator, are increased in PF patients with erythroderma; this result suggests the contribution of the blood vessel endothelium to the pathogenesis of this clinical syndrome. Interestingly, our findings showed a positive correlation between the sVEGFR‐1 and antidesmoglein‐1 antibody levels, indicating a suppressive response to VEGF augmentation during the erythrodermic phase of PF.
Two‐Piece Extraoral Prosthetic Rehabilitation to a Perineural Invasion Lip Cancer
Authors: Şahan Makbule Heval , Eskiizmir Görkem , Ateş Pınar 
Published: August 2016

AbstractLip cancers can severely affect a person in terms of function, esthetics, and psychological trauma. After surgical resection, lip defects require special rehabilitation. This clinical report describes a neck prosthesis of a male patient diagnosed with lower lip squamous cell carcinoma with perineural involvement. The neck prosthesis was connected to the mandibular complete denture with cobalt samarium magnets. Both prostheses improved the patient's mastication, deglutition, and esthetics.
Comparable Axiomatizations of Two Allocation Rules for Cooperative Games with Transferable Utility and Their Subclass of Data Games
Authors: BÉAL SYLVAIN , DESCHAMPS MARC , SOLAL PHILIPPE 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe axiom of balanced collective contributions is introduced as a collective variant of the axiom of balanced contributions proposed by Myerson. It requires the identical average impact of the withdrawal of any agent from a game on the remaining population. It turns out that the axiom of balanced collective contributions and the classical axiom of efficiency characterize the equal allocation of nonseparable costs, an allocation rule that is extensively used in cost allocation problems and in accounting. In particular, the equal allocation of nonseparable costs coincides with the nucleolus on the class of data games within the European REACH legislation. While our result does not hold on data games, extra axioms enable provision of comparable characterizations of the equal allocation of nonseparable costs and the Shapley value on this class of games.
Nonconvergent Electoral Equilibria under Scoring Rules: Beyond Plurality
Authors: CAHAN DODGE , SLINKO ARKADII 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe use Hotelling's spatial model of competition to investigate the position‐taking behavior of political candidates under a class of electoral systems known as scoring rules, though the model also has a natural interpretation in the firm location context. Candidates choose ideological positions so as to maximize their support in society. Convergent Nash equilibria in which all candidates adopt the same policy were characterized by Cox (1987). Here, we investigate nonconvergent equilibria, where candidates adopt divergent policies. We identify a number of classes of scoring rules exhibiting a range of different equilibrium properties. For some of these, nonconvergent equilibria do not exist. For others, nonconvergent equilibria in which candidates cluster at positions spread across the issue space are observed. In particular, we prove that the class of convex rules does not have Nash equilibria (convergent or nonconvergent) with the exception of some derivatives of Borda rule. We also look at “two‐party” equilibria. Implications for the firm location model are discussed.
Group Structure and Public Goods Provision in Heterogeneous Societies
Authors: LIND JO THORI 
Published: August 2016

AbstractI consider a society with heterogeneous individuals who can form organizations for the production of a differentiated public good. A decentralized arrangement of organizations is said to be split‐up stable whenever there is no majority to split any of the organizations. Compared to the social optimum, decentralization yields too few organizations if they provide broad services and potentially too many if they are highly specialized. Conclusions are broadly similar in the presence of an outside opportunity where only some individuals join organizations.
Expression, Purification, and Characterization of Hemolytic Toxin from Virulent Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Dong Jing , Ruan Jing , Xu Ning , Yang Yibin , Ai Xiaohui 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAeromonas hydrophila is a major pathogen in aquaculture in China; it is also an emerging pathogen in humans and animals. In recent years, several severe diseases, such as gastroenteritis, meningitis, and skin and soft tissue infections, have been found to be caused by A. hydrophila. Aerolysin and hemolysin are the most important virulence factors secreted by A. hydrophila. Therefore, new drugs targeted at these two toxins can be found in the therapy for A. hydrophila infections, reducing the usage of antibiotics. In this paper, we expressed and purified the aerolysin and hemolysin using a prokaryotic expression system. We found that aerolysin was more toxic than hemolysin, both in vitro and in vivo. The lethal dose (LD50) of aerolysin and hemolysin was 0.4 and 2.3 µg per fish, respectively.
Experience of nursing support from the perspective of patients with cancer in mainland China
Authors: Song Yongxia , Lv Xiaoqing , Liu Jingjing , Huang Dan , Hong Jingfang , Wang Weili , Wang Wenru 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis study was conducted to understand patients’ experiences of nursing support, to identify gaps between patients’ expected needs and the nursing support they received, and to explore reasons for such disparity. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was used. A purposive sample of 22 patients with different types of cancer was recruited and interviewed using semistructured guidelines. The data were analyzed using phenomenological analytic methods. Several needs regarding nursing support were expressed, including informational, psychological, clinical, care coordination and communication needs, and there were some unmet or partially‐met needs. Reasons for the disparities covered both patient‐ and nurse‐related factors, including patients’ lack of awareness regarding how to acquire professional assistance and reluctance to express their needs, and nurses’ lack of active communication with patients, inability to provide specific support, and limited resources for coordination. The expectations of nursing support did not always correspond with the actual delivery of nursing care. A tailored intervention is warranted to meet patients’ expectations, which might contribute to quality‐of‐care improvements.
Mating system transitions in Solanum habrochaites impact interactions between populations and species
Authors: Broz Amanda K. , Randle April M. , Sianta Shelley A. , Tovar‐Méndez Alejandro , McClure Bruce , Bedinger Patricia A. 
Published: August 2016

Summary

In plants, transitions in mating system from outcrossing to self‐fertilization are common; however, the impact of these transitions on interspecific and interpopulation reproductive barriers is not fully understood. We examined the consequences of mating system transition for reproductive barriers in 19 populations of the wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites.

We identified S. habrochaites populations with self‐incompatible (SI), self‐compatible (SC) and mixed population (MP) mating systems, and characterized pollen–pistil interactions among S. habrochaites populations and between S. habrochaites and other tomato species. We examined the relationship between mating system, floral morphology, interspecific and interpopulation compatibility and pistil SI factors.

We documented five distinct phenotypic groups by combining reproductive behavior with molecular data. Transitions from SI to MP were not associated with weakened interspecific reproductive barriers or loss of known pistil SI factors. However, transitions to SC at the northern range margin were accompanied by loss of S‐RNase, smaller flowers, and weakened (or absent) interspecific pollen−pistil barriers. Finally, we identified a subset of SC populations that exhibited a partial interpopulation reproductive barrier with central SI populations.

Our results support the hypothesis that shifts in mating system, followed by additional loss‐of‐function mutations, impact reproductive barriers within and between species.
Tooth agenesis in osteogenesis imperfecta related to mutations in the collagen type I genes
Authors: Malmgren B , Andersson K , Lindahl K , Kindmark A , Grigelioniene G , Zachariadis V , Dahllöf G , Åström E 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundOsteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of disorders of connective tissue, mainly caused by mutations in the collagen type I genes (COL1A1 and COL1A2). Tooth agenesis is a common feature of OI. We investigated the association between tooth agenesis and collagen type I mutations in individuals with OI.Subjects and methodsIn this cohort study, 128 unrelated individuals with OI were included. Panoramic radiographs were analyzed regarding dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI) and congenitally missing teeth. The collagen I genes were sequenced in all individuals, and in 25, multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification was performed.ResultsMutations in the COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes were found in 104 of 128 individuals. Tooth agenesis was diagnosed in 17% (hypodontia 11%, oligodontia 6%) and was more frequent in those with DGI (P = 0.016), and in those with OI type III, 47%, compared to those with OI types I, 12% (P = 0.003), and IV, 13% (P = 0.017). Seventy‐five percent of the individuals with oligodontia (≥6 missing teeth) had qualitative mutations, but there was no association with OI type, gender, or presence of DGI.ConclusionThe prevalence of tooth agenesis is high (17%) in individuals with OI, and OI caused by a qualitative collagen I mutation is associated with oligodontia.
Fusion of foreign T‐cell epitopes and addition of TLR agonists enhance immunity against Neospora caninum profilin in cattle
Authors: Mansilla F. C. , Quintana M. E. , Cardoso N. P. , Capozzo A. V. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryWe demonstrated recently that immunization with recombinant Neospora caninum profilin (rNcPRO) induces limited protection and a regulatory T‐cell response in mice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune response elicited by rNcPRO in cattle and assess a strategy to enhance its immunogenicity, combining the addition of T‐cell epitopes and immune modulators. We developed a chimeric recombinant profilin fused to functional T‐cell epitopes present in the N‐terminal sequence of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) glycoprotein G (rNcPRO/G). Groups of three cattle were immunized with two doses (2 weeks apart) of rNcPRO or rNcPRO/G formulated with alum hydroxide or a nanoparticulated soya‐based adjuvant enriched with Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR9 agonists, aimed to tackle the MyD88 pathway (AVECplus). rNcPRO induced only a primary immune response (IgM mediated), while antibodies in rNcPRO/G‐vaccinated animals switched to IgG1 after the booster. The vaccine formulated with rNcPRO/G and AVECplus improved the production of systemic IFN‐γ and induced long‐term recall B‐cell responses. Overall, our study provides data supporting the use of T‐cell epitopes from VSV glycoprotein G and TLR agonists to enhance and modulate immunity to peptide antigens in bovines, particularly when using small proteins from parasites for which immune responses are usually feeble.
Effective implementation of a patient blood management programme for platelets
Authors: Sekhar M. , Clark S. , Atugonza R. , Li A. , Chaudhry Z. 
Published: August 2016

SUMMARYObjectivesTo implement a patient blood management (PBM) programme in platelet transfusion.AimsTo improve the appropriate use of blood components, reduce wastage and generate savings.BackgroundPBM is a multidisciplinary, evidence‐based approach to optimising the care of patients who need blood transfusion and to use blood products appropriately. Strategies for PBM ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment with the transfusion of components when indicated, at the same time avoiding or reducing unnecessary transfusions. Typically, PBM initiatives have addressed the use of red cells. PBM initiatives in platelets (PBM‐P) are an important aspect of Transfusion Medicine.MethodsWe present data from an initiative for PBM‐platelets (PBM‐P) comprising a service improvement programme through the role of a ‘platelet co‐ordinator’ (PBM‐Pc) to optimise the use of platelets in a large complex tertiary care hospital in a National Health Service (NHS) setting.ResultsAnalysis at 18 months of the role showed sustained improvement in compliance with quality standards defined by British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) guidelines and significant financial savings due to improved use and reduced wastage. The appropriate use of platelets increased by 17, 23 and 18% in the prophylactic, pre‐procedure and peri‐procedure categories, respectively. Importantly, despite concurrent increases of patient activity, platelet issues and cost reduced by 21% over the period of analysis.ConclusionsOur model has been efficacious in delivering the effective stewardship of platelets and can be successfully implemented in NHS.
Bioactive lipids accumulate in stored red blood cells despite leukoreduction: a targeted metabolomics study
Authors: Fu Xiaoyun , Felcyn Jacob R. , Odem‐Davis Katherine , Zimring James C. 
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUNDAccumulation of bioactive lipids during red blood cell (RBC) storage has been identified as a potential source of posttransfusion sequelae in vulnerable populations. Typically, white blood cells (WBCs) have been implicated in the generation of bioactive lipids, and leukoreduction has been seen as a solution to this issue.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe developed a targeted metabolomics approach with isotope dilution to quantify a panel of bioactive lipids in both leukoreduced (LR) and nonleukoreduced (NLR) RBC units over the course of storage.RESULTSLeukoreduction greatly attenuated the production of 12‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 12‐hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid, and 14‐hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (HDoHE), all three of which are mediated by 12‐lipoxygenase present in WBCs and platelets. However, despite leukoreduction, micromolar levels of linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were observed in the RBC units stored for 42 days. These major polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their oxidation products (oxylipins) also significantly increased with storage time, including 5‐, 8‐, 9‐, 11‐, 12‐, and 15‐ HETEs from AA; 9‐ and 13‐hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE); 9‐, 10‐, and 12,13‐dihydroxyoctadecenoic acids from LA; and 14‐, 16‐, and 17‐HDoHEs from DHA. The majority of PUFAs and oxylipins accumulated in the supernatant fraction. Large donor‐to‐donor variations were observed in both LR‐RBC and NLR‐RBC units.CONCLUSIONWhile the exact role the accumulation of PUFAs and oxylipins plays in RBC unit quality and transfusion medical outcomes remains undetermined, the analytes of interest in this study may serve as biomarkers for lipid degradation and oxidation during storage and may induce changes in human physiology upon transfusion.
Idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: strongest risk factor for relapse from remission is having had a relapse
Authors: Mai Falk Jennifer , Scharrer Inge 
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUNDThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, episodic clinical syndrome involving the production of thrombi in the microvasculature accompanied by thrombocytopenia and symptoms of organ ischemia. Idiopathic TTP develops when a patient produces antibodies that react with the protease ADAMTS13. The course after an episode is unpredictable; patients may relapse frequently or never. There is no laboratory value that can reliably predict potential relapse.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTo assess diagnostic and predictive values for risk of relapse, plasma samples from 27 patients with idiopathic TTP in remission were analyzed for anti‐ADAMTS13 immunoglobulin (Ig)G, ADAMTS13 activity, and ADAMTS13 inhibitor titer. Patients were recruited at the Department of Hematology at the University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.RESULTSAnti‐ADAMTS13 IgG was detected in 12 patients (44%); their median level of ADAMTS13 activity was nondetectable. Patients with anti‐ADAMTS13 IgG had a median number of three previous relapses, whereas the 15 patients without presence of IgG (56%) had a median number of one previous relapse (p < 0.001; Mann‐Whitney U test). The concentration of free anti‐ADAMTS13 IgG and the levels measuring inhibitory activity (Bethesda unit) were positively correlated.CONCLUSIONA subgroup of TTP patients in remission with anti‐ADAMTS13 IgG and nondetectable ADAMTS13 activity showed an increased risk for relapsing disease as demonstrated by their number of past relapses. The positive correlation we observed between anti‐ADAMTS13 IgG and inhibitor levels supports the theory of ADAMTS13 inhibition as the crucial mechanism causing severe deficiency in ADAMTS13 activity in TTP.
Effect of Regional Intravenous Limb Perfusate Volume on Synovial Fluid Concentration of Amikacin and Local Venous Blood Pressure in the Horse
Authors: Moser Darla K. , Schoonover Mike J. , Holbrook Todd C. , Payton Mark E. 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of volume of amikacin perfusate for intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) via the cephalic vein in standing, sedated horses on (1) amikacin concentrations in the synovial fluid of the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and, (2) amikacin concentration in the systemic circulation, and (3) regional intravenous pressure.Study DesignRandomized cross‐over design.AnimalsSix adult horses.MethodsEach horse received IVRLP using 4 perfusate volumes (10, 30, 60 & 120 ml) in random order, after a minimum of 1 week washout. After application of a pneumatic tourniquet, IVRLP with 1 g of amikacin in 0.9% NaCl was performed. Synovial fluid from the RCJ and DIPJ, and systemic and regional venous blood were sampled, and regional blood pressure was measured, immediately before perfusion (time 0), and 15 and 30 minutes after perfusion but before tourniquet release.ResultsNo difference was observed in the mean amikacin concentration of synovial fluid for the 4 perfusate volumes (P>.09). For all volumes, mean amikacin concentration for DIPJ synovial fluid was higher than for RCJ (P<.0001). The mean amikacin concentration in DIPJ synovial fluid was therapeutic for resistant pathogens using the 10, 60, and 120 mL volumes but the mean amikacin concentration for RCJ synovial fluid was not therapeutic for resistant pathogens with any perfusate volume. All volumes resulted in an immediate increase in mean regional intravascular pressure after perfusion (P<.0001) but was not different across the 4 perfusate volumes.ConclusionCephalic IVRLP of 1 g of amikacin diluted to a volume of 10–120 mL with 0.9% NaCl will achieve amikacin concentrations therapeutic for resistant pathogens in the synovial fluid from the DIPJ. Concentrations below therapeutic levels for resistant pathogens are reached in the synovial fluid from the RCJ.
NEW RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS, TECHNOLOGY, AND SCIENCE: THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE E‐METER IN SCIENTOLOGY TEACHINGS
Authors: Bigliardi Stefano 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis article is aimed at contributing to the study of the relationship that new religious movements entertain with technology and science. It focuses on an object that is central in Scientology's teachings and practice: the Electropsychometer or E‐meter. In interaction with the general public, such as in a 2014 TV Super Bowl advertisement, Scientology seems to claim a unique relationship with science and technology in the form of a “combination” and a “connection” evoked while displaying this very E‐meter. Hence, exploring the teachings related to it is relevant in order to understand how such combination or connection is conceptualized.
Structure of the voltage-gated K
+
channel Eag1 reveals an alternative voltage sensing mechanism
Authors: Whicher Jonathan R. , MacKinnon Roderick 
Published: August 2016

A different gate design
The voltage-gated potassium channel Eag1 is overexpressed in tumor cells from a range of cancers, and inhibiting Eag1 reduces tumor growth. Whicher and Mackinnon determined the structure of a mammalian Eag1 bound to the inhibitor calmodulin at 3.78 Å resolution (see the Perspective by Toombes and Swartz). The organization of the voltage-sensing and pore domains differs from that of other potassium channels, indicating that the gating mechanism is distinct. The structure also shows how the channel can be closed by a ligand, independently of the position of the voltage sensor.

Science
, this issue p.
664
; see also p.
646
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Thermophilic Spore Formers Isolated from a Dairy-Processing Environment
Authors: Caspers Martien P. M. , Boekhorst Jos , de Jong Anne , Kort Remco , Nierop Groot Masja , Abee Tjakko 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Spores of thermophilic spore-forming bacteria are a common cause of contamination in dairy products. Here, we report draft genome sequences of four thermophilic strains from a milk-processing plant or standard milk, namely, a
Geobacillus
thermoglucosidans
isolate (TNO-09.023),
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
TNO-09.027, and two
Anoxybacillus flavithermus
isolates (TNO-09.014 and TNO-09.016).
Complete Genome Sequence of
Ornithogalum
Mosaic Virus Infecting
Gladiolus
spp. in South Korea
Authors: Cho Sang-Yun , Lim Seungmo , Kim Hongsup , Yi Seung-In , Moon Jae Sun 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

We report here the first complete genome sequence of
Ornithogalum
mosaic virus (OrMV) isolated from Taean, South Korea, in 2011, which was obtained by next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing. The sequence information provided here may serve as a potential reference for other OrMV isolates.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Oncolytic
Sendai virus
Strain Moscow
Authors: Zainutdinov Sergei S. , Tikunov Artem Y. , Matveeva Olga V. , Netesov Sergei V. , Kochneva Galina V. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Sendai virus
Moscow strain. Anecdotal evidence for the efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy exists for this strain. The RNA genome of the Moscow strain is 15,384 nucleotides in length and differs from the nearest strain, BB1, by 18 nucleotides and 11 amino acids.