bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of anti‐ABO blood group antibodies after minor ABO‐incompatible bone marrow transplantation in NOD/SCID/gamma(c)(null) mice
Authors: Tomita Hirofumi , Fuchimoto Yasushi , Mori Takehiko , Kato Jun , Uemura Tomoe , Handa Makoto , Tazawa Hirofumi , Ohdan Hideki , Okamoto Shinichiro , Kuroda Tatsuo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractABO incompatibility is a barrier for solid organ transplantation, but not for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To investigate tolerance induction, we enrolled patients who had undergone minor ABO‐incompatible (O into A group, n = 6) and ABO‐identical (O into O group, n = 4) bone marrow transplantation (BMT). None of the six O into A patients were positive for recipient‐specific (anti‐blood group A) isohemagglutinins, whereas all four O into O patients were. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were engrafted into NOD/SCID/gamma(c)(null) (NOG) mice, followed by sensitization of blood group A red blood cells. Anti‐blood group A antibodies (Abs) in the sera of the patients and the human PBMC‐engrafted NOG mice were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Anti‐blood group A Abs in the patients' sera were significantly correlated with anti‐A isohemagglutinin titers (p < 0.01). In the human PBMC‐engrafted NOG mice, anti‐blood group A Abs were significantly lower in the O into A group than in the O into O group (p < 0.05), despite ex vivo restimulation of B cells. The results of this study suggest that long after receiving minor ABO‐incompatible BMT, B cells derived from newly engrafted donor precursor cells were induced tolerance to recipient‐specific antigens.
Cytodiagnosis of endometrial carcinoma and hyperplasia on imprint smears with additional immunocytochemistry using Ki‐67 and p53 biomarkers
Authors: Apostolou G. , Apostolou N. , Nikolaidou C. , Kavantzas N. , Patsouris E. , Athanassiadou P. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveIt is said to be difficult to interpret the different endometrial lesions by cytomorphology; however, evaluation of the microarchitecture of the cell clumps and application of immunocytochemistry can improve diagnostic accuracy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate cytolomorphological features and correlate them with the histological diagnosis of benign and malignant endometrial lesions, and to investigate certain immunocytochemical biomarkers to achieve a more accurate cytodiagnosis.MethodsIn the present study, we graded the cytomorphology on imprint smears of 35 low‐grade endometrial endometrioid carcinomas compared with 23 cases of endometrium ranging from disordered proliferative to benign hyperplastic. Additionally, 10 cases of high‐grade endometrial carcinoma and 11 cases of atrophic endometrium were evaluated. Ki‐67 and p53 biomarkers were applied to the cytological smears.ResultsA total cytological score less than six, resulting from nuclear overlapping, nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, the presence of a branched pattern, vesicular cytoplasm and loss of cohesiveness, distinguished all the cases of disordered proliferative and benign hyperplastic endometrium from low‐grade endometrioid carcinomas of endometrium (P < 0.0001). The application of different cut‐off values for Ki‐67 and p53 helped differentiate certain endometrial lesions in our study. The integration of the immunocytochemical score of Ki‐67 and p53 into the cytological score resulted in a final score that was also diagnostically useful.ConclusionsThe results of the present study demonstrated that evaluation of certain cytological features along with specific immunocytochemical findings could improve the accuracy of endometrial cytodiagnosis but our findings need to be tested in a routine clinical situation, using pre‐operative cytological samples, to ascertain whether the diagnostic criteria are reproducible.
A 36‐week retrospective open trial comparing the efficacy of biological therapies in nail psoriasis
Authors: Bardazzi Federico , Antonucci Valentina A. , Tengattini Vera , Odorici Giulia , Balestri Riccardo , Patrizi Annalisa 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundNail psoriasis occurs in about 50% of psoriatic patients and can be psychologically devastating since it appears on visible areas. Up to now there is no evidence about what biological drugs is the most effective on nail psoriasis.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to determine if one of the four biological drugs approved in our country (infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, ustekinumab) is more effective than the others for nail psoriasis.Materials and methodsA single‐center, retrospective study was conducted to assess the efficacy of biological therapies in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis with nail involvement. NAPSI was evaluated in all psoriatic patients. Kruskal‐Wallis and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze the data.ResultsA global statistically significant improvement in mean NAPSI from baseline to 12, 24 and 36 weeks was observed in all patients. At 12 weeks 27.78% of the patients reach NAPSI 75, at 24 weeks 81.48% and at 36 weeks 88.89%. The improvement in nail psoriasis is not significantly different between groups. An improvement in the mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score was also achievedConclusionsBiological therapies have shown to ameliorate psoriatic nail lesions. We did not find any statistically significant differences between the four biological drugs investigated.
Nonsyndromic types of ichthyoses – an update
Authors: Traupe Heiko , Fischer Judith , Oji Vinzenz 
Published: October 2013

SummaryIchthyoses are genetically determined Mendelian disorders of cornification (MEDOC) that are characterized by universal scaling. Today we distinguish between non‐syndromic and syndromic forms. Ichthyosis vulgaris is the most frequent type (prevalence 1:100) and is caused by autosomal semi‐dominant filaggrin mutations. It is associated with a higher risk for the development of atopic diseases, such as atopic eczema and allergic rhinitis. Recessive X‐linked ichthyosis (RXLI) occurs almost exclusively in boys; in Germany it has a prevalence of around 1:4,000. It is caused by steroid sulfatase deficiency and is often associated with further clinical problems, such as cryptorchidism (∼20%) or social communication deficits, such as attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome (40%) or autism (25%). Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is genetically very heterogeneous and 8 different genes have been identified so far. The most frequent cause of ARCI is a transglutaminase 1 deficiency (prevalence 1:200, 000). Mutations in keratin genes are the cause of the keratinopathic ichthyoses, such as epidermolytic ichthyosis. They manifest at birth and often feature episodes of blistering. Most of these types are inherited as autosomal dominant traits, but autosomal recessive forms have also been described on occasion.
The Competitive Impact of Targeted Television Advertisements Using DVR Technology
Authors: Ghosh Bikram P. , Galbreth Michael R. , Shang Guangzhi 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTDigital video recorders (DVRs) are an emerging technology that is fundamentally changing the competitive landscape in industries that advertise on television. Perhaps the most familiar impact of DVR technology is that it enables consumers to avoid advertisements (ads) by fast forwarding through them. However, this “zipping” of ads is only one aspect of the impact of DVR technology. DVRs also collect a wealth of information at the consumer level that can be used by firms to target their ads more effectively. We examine how this targeting capability moderates the impact of ad avoidance in a competitive setting. Insights are provided on how best to manage this emerging technology in terms of the key managerial decisions of product pricing and advertising efforts, as well as its impact on profits in a competitive (duopoly) marketplace.
Effect of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist on insulin resistance and endothelial function in obese subjects
Authors: Garg R. , Kneen L. , Williams G. H. , Adler G. K. 
Published: October 2013

AimObese individuals have high aldosterone levels that may contribute to insulin resistance (IR) and endothelial dysfunction leading to obesity‐induced cardiovascular disease. We conducted a study to evaluate the effect of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism on IR and endothelial function in obese individuals. This was a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group study (NCT01406015).MethodsThirty‐two non‐diabetic, obese subjects [body mass index (BMI) 30 to 45 kg/m2] with no other medical problems were randomized to 6 weeks of treatment with spironolactone 50 mg daily or placebo. Insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was assessed by Matsuda method, endothelial function by flow mediated vasodilatation (FMD) of brachial artery and renal plasma perfusion by clearance of para‐aminohippurate (PAH).ResultsThere was no change in weight, BMI or plasma potassium during the study period. Treatment with spironolactone led to increases in serum aldosterone (7.6 ± 6.6 vs. 3.2 ± 1.3 ng/dl; p < 0.02, post‐treatment vs. baseline) and urine aldosterone (11.0 ± 7 vs. 4.8 ± 2.4 µg/g creatinine; p < 0.01) and decreases in systolic blood pressure (116 ± 11 vs. 123 ± 10 mmHg; p < 0.001). There were no changes in these variables in the placebo group. Neither spironolactone nor placebo treatment had a significant effect on ISI or other indices of glucose metabolism [insulin resistance by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), area under the curve for insulin, area under the curve for glucose], brachial artery reactivity or the renal plasma perfusion values. Changes in these variables were similar in two groups.ConclusionsWe conclude that 6 weeks of treatment with spironolactone does not change insulin sensitivity or endothelial function in normotensive obese individuals with no other comorbidities.
Impact of an invasive alien ant, Wasmannia auropunctata Roger., on a specialised plant–ant mutualism, Barteria fistulosa Mast. and Tetraponera aethiops F. Smith., in a Gabon forest
Authors: MIKISSA JEAN B. , JEFFERY KATHRYN , FRESNEAU DOMINIQUE , MERCIER JEAN L. 
Published: October 2013

In tropical West Africa, the ant Tetraponera aethiops obligately inhabits the domatia of Barteria fistulosa trees, aggressively defending the trees from herbivory and pruning off lianas.
We compared the occurrence of ants and lianas on B. fistulosa trees in areas of Gabon, where the invasive little fire ant, Wasmannia auropunctata, was absent (uninfested area) and present (infested area).
We found that T. aethiops occurred significantly more often in larger B. fistulosa trees, and that occurrence rates were much higher in the uninfested area versus the infested area: on < 1 m trees: 17% vs. 0%; 1–5 m trees: 58% vs. 3%; > 5 m trees: 90% vs. 10%).
In contrast, lianas occurred significantly less often in the uninfested area versus the infested area: on < 1 m trees: 0% vs. 100%; 1–5 m trees: 0% vs. 77%; > 5 m trees: 10% vs. 63%).
In the infested area, W. auropunctata occurred significantly less often in larger B. fistulosa trees (on < 1 m trees: 100%; 1–5 m trees: 97%; > 5 m trees: 90%). Here T. aethiops and W. auropunctata coexisted on few trees (on < 1 m trees: 0%; 1–5 m trees: 1%; > 5 m trees: 4%).
The negative consequences for the trees are already evident, and the situation for native ants is likely to decline further in future because they will not be able to generate the large (relatively resistant) colonies found on large trees.
MYC translocation partner gene determines survival of patients with large B‐cell lymphoma with MYC‐ or double‐hit MYC/BCL2 translocations
Authors: Pedersen Mette Ø. , Gang Anne O. , Poulsen Tim S. , Knudsen Helle , Lauritzen Anne F. , Nielsen Signe L. , Klausen Tobias W. , Nørgaard Peter 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL) MYC‐ and MYC/BCL2 double‐hit (DH) translocations have been associated with inferior survival. We hypothesised that the negative prognostic impact of MYC translocation was determined by an immunoglobulin MYC translocation partner gene (IG‐MYC), as opposed to a non‐immunoglobulin partner gene (nonIG‐MYC). In a prospective, unselected cohort of 237 LBCL patients MYC and BCL2 translocations were identified by Flourescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) with split probes. MYC translocation partner gene was identified by IGH/MYC fusion probes and/or kappa/lambda split probes. Clinical data were collected from patient files. MYC translocation was identified in 28/225 patients. IG‐MYC translocation partner gene was identified in 12/24 patients. DH translocation was identified in 23/228 patients. IG‐MYC translocation partner gene was identified in 9/19 DH patients. Neither MYC‐nor DH translocation showed correlation with survival. However, MYC translocation with IG‐MYC translocation partner gene was associated with worse OS compared with both MYC translocation with nonIG‐MYC translocation partner gene (P = 0.02) as well as absence of MYC translocation (P = 0.03). In patients with DH a similar, however, stronger correlation was seen (P = 0.003 and P = 0.0004 respectively). MYC – or DH translocation with nonIG‐MYC translocation partner gene was not associated with worse overall survival (P = 0.2 and P = 0.3 respectively). Most patients received Rituximab (86%) and CHOP/CHOP‐like chemotherapy regimes (81%). We suggest that prognostic stratification of LBCL patients by MYC and/or DH translocations should include identification of MYC translocation partner gene because approximately half of the cases harbour nonIG‐MYC translocation partner genes with no or minor influence on survival.
Withdrawal from extended‐access cocaine self‐administration results in dysregulated functional activity and altered locomotor activity in rats
Authors: Calipari Erin S. , Beveridge Thomas J. R. , Jones Sara R. , Porrino Linda J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMuch work has focused on determining the consequences of cocaine self‐administration on specific neurotransmitter systems, thus neglecting the global changes that occur. Previous imaging studies have focused on the effects of cocaine self‐administration in the presence of high blood levels of cocaine, but have not determined the functional effects of cocaine self‐administration after cocaine has cleared. Extended‐access cocaine self‐administration, where animals administer cocaine for 6 h each day, results in escalation in the rate of cocaine intake and is believed to model the transition from recreational use to addiction in humans. We aimed to determine the functional changes following acute (48 h) withdrawal from an extended‐access, defined‐intake self‐administration paradigm (5 days, 40 injections/day, 6 h/day), a time point when behavioral changes are present. Using the 2‐[14C]deoxyglucose method to measure rates of local cerebral glucose metabolism, an indicator of functional activity, we found reductions in circuits related to learning and memory, attention, sleep, and reward processing, which have important clinical implications for cocaine addiction. Additionally, lower levels of functional activity were found in the dorsal raphe and locus coeruleus, suggesting that cocaine self‐administration may have broader effects on brain function than previously noted. These widespread neurochemical reductions were concomitant with substantial behavioral differences in these animals, highlighted by increased vertical activity and decreased stereotypy. These data demonstrate that behavioral and neurochemical impairments following cocaine self‐administration are present in the absence of drug and persist after cocaine has been cleared.
In vitro intrinsic optical imaging can be used for source determination in cortical slices
Authors: Borbély Sándor , Körössy Csaba , Somogyvári Zoltán , Világi Ildikó 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn the last decades intrinsic optical imaging has become a widely used technique for monitoring activity in vivo and in vitro. It is assumed that in brain slices the source of intrinsic optical signals (IOSs) is the change in light scattering caused by cell swelling or shrinkage. The aim of the present study was to find a correlation between electrical activity and parallel optical characteristics, elicited by 4‐aminopyridine‐containing or Mg2+‐free medium in rat cortical brain slices. Electrophysiological signals and reflected light alterations were recorded during spontaneous seizure activity. Current source density (CSD) analysis was performed on the electrophysiological records. Direct correlation analysis of IOS to CSD was made, and source distribution provided by IOS and CSD methods was compared by determining Matthews correlation coefficient. The gradual development of seizure‐like activity elicited the reduction of light reflectance. The main findings of our experiments are that long‐term epileptiform activity resulted in persistent alteration in IOSs of brain slices. The observed IOS pattern remained stable after 1 h incubation in convulsants. The pattern of IOS shows good correlation with the data obtained from the CSD analysis. Persistent IOS changes provide information about the area‐specific changes of basic excitability, which can serve as a background for ictal and interictal‐like epileptiform activity. We can conclude that changes in IOSs correlate well with electrophysiological recordings under different conditions. Our experiments provide evidence that underlying synchronised neuronal processes produce parallel alterations in IOSs and electrophysiological activity.
Fiscal Policy, Public Debt and the World Crisis
Authors: Eggertsson Gauti B. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
This study summarizes a theory of the origin of the current world economic crisis and the role of fiscal policy in mitigating its effect. The perspective is dynamic stochastic general equilibrium analysis. Overall, the model analysis suggests a strong case for fiscal policy if the monetary authority is unable/unwilling to close the output gap. This remains the case, even when explicitly taking into account public debt dynamics.
Application of long‐chain alcohols as diet‐composition markers in sheep fed on grass–white clover and heather–gorse plant species
Authors: Ferreira L. M. M. , Celaya R. , Santos A. S. , Mayes R. W. , Rodrigues M. A. M. , Osoro K. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractUtilization of long‐chain alcohols (LCOH) as diet‐composition markers in sheep consuming six diets composed of improved pasture species (Lolium perenneandTrifolium repens) with heather–gorse components (Ericaspp.,Calluna vulgarisandUlex gallii) was evaluated. Twenty‐four adult cross‐bred sheep were housed in individual stalls. Diet composition was estimated fromLCOHconcentrations, combined or not with alkanes and long‐chain fatty acid (LCFA) data using least‐squares procedures. Prior to calculations, faecal concentrations were corrected using mean treatment (faecal recovery 1,FR1) recoveries and mean recoveries across diets (FR2). Estimates were compared with those obtained without faecal correction (FR0) and known values. Large differences between plant species and plant parts were found inLCOHpatterns and totalLCOHconcentrations.LCOHprovided complementary information to that given by alkanes andLCFA. Even‐chainLCOHcomprised the largest fraction, representing on average 0·894 of total concentrations. Faecal recovery was incomplete and tended to increase with carbon‐chain length (CCL) in a curvilinear manner (FR = −7·872 + 0·580 × CCL − 0·010 × CCL2;P < 0·001;r2 = 0·752). Diet composition influenced (P < 0·001)LCOHrecovery, although variability within (CVof 9·0%) and between (CVof 13·3%) diets was low. Accuracy of estimates was influenced (P < 0·001) by faecal‐correction method and markers used, and the best estimate was obtained combiningLCOHand alkanes. Improvement in estimate accuracy can be achieved if suitable correction ofLCOHfaecal concentrations is performed prior to calculations. Results indicated thatLCOHshowed lower dependence than alkanes andLCFAon the use of accurate faecal‐correction data.
Tracking Groundwater Discharge to a Large River using Tracers and Geophysics
Authors: Harrington Glenn A. , Gardner W. Payton , Munday Tim J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFew studies have investigated large reaches of rivers in which multiple sources of groundwater are responsible for maintaining baseflow. This paper builds upon previous work undertaken along the Fitzroy River, one of the largest perennial river systems in north‐western Australia. Synoptic regional‐scale sampling of both river water and groundwater for a suite of environmental tracers (4He, 87Sr/86Sr, 222Rn and major ions), and subsequent modeling of tracer behavior in the river, has enabled definition and quantification of groundwater input from at least three different sources. We show unambiguous evidence of both shallow “local” groundwater, possibly recharged to alluvial aquifers beneath the adjacent floodplain during recent high‐flow events, and old “regional” groundwater introduced via artesian flow from deep confined aquifers. We also invoke hyporheic exchange and either bank return flow or parafluvial flow to account for background 222Rn activities and anomalous chloride trends along river reaches where there is no evidence of the local or regional groundwater inputs. Vertical conductivity sections acquired through an airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey provide insights to the architecture of the aquifers associated with these sources and general groundwater quality characteristics. These data indicate fresh groundwater from about 300 m below ground preferentially discharging to the river, at locations consistent with those inferred from tracer data. The results demonstrate how sampling rivers for multiple environmental tracers of different types—including stable and radioactive isotopes, dissolved gases and major ions—can significantly improve conceptualization of groundwater—surface water interaction processes, particularly when coupled with geophysical techniques in complex hydrogeological settings.
In silico calculated affinity of FVIII‐derived peptides for HLA class II alleles predicts inhibitor development in haemophilia A patients with missense mutations in the F8 gene
Authors: Pashov A. D. , Calvez T. , Gilardin L. , Maillère B. , Repessé Y. , Oldenburg J. , Pavlova A. , Kaveri S. V. , Lacroix‐Desmazes S. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryForty per cent of haemophilia A (HA) patients have missense mutations in the F8 gene. Yet, all patients with identical mutations are not at the same risk of developing factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors. In severe HA patients, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype was identified as a risk factor for onset of FVIII inhibitors. We hypothesized that missense mutations in endogenous FVIII alter the affinity of the mutated peptides for HLA class II, thus skewing FVIII‐specific T‐cell tolerance and increasing the risk that the corresponding wild‐type FVIII‐derived peptides induce an anti‐FVIII immune response during replacement therapy. Here, we investigated whether affinity for HLA class II of wild‐type FVIII‐derived peptides that correspond to missense mutations described in the Haemophilia A Mutation, Structure, Test and Resource database is associated with inhibitor development. We predicted the mean affinity for 10 major HLA class II alleles of wild‐type FVIII‐derived peptides that corresponded to 1456 reported cases of missense mutations. Linear regression analysis confirmed a significant association between the predicted mean peptide affinity and the mutation inhibitory status (P = 0.006). Significance was lost after adjustment on mutation position on FVIII domains. Although analysis of the A1‐A2‐A3‐C1 domains yielded a positive correlation between predicted HLA‐binding affinity and inhibitory status (OR = 0.29 [95% CI: 0.14–0.60] for the high affinity tertile, P = 0.002), the C2 domain‐restricted analysis indicated an inverse correlation (OR = 3.56 [1.10–11.52], P = 0.03). Our data validate the importance of the affinity of FVIII peptides for HLA alleles to the immunogenicity of therapeutic FVIII in patients with missense mutations.