bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DC-SIGN expression on podocytes and its role in inflammatory immune response of lupus nephritis
Authors: Cai Minchao , Zhou Tong , Wang Xuan , Shang Minghua , Zhang Yueyue , Luo Maocai , Xu Chundi , Yuan Weijie 
Published: October 2015

Summary
Podocytes, the main target of immune complex, participate actively in the development of glomerular injury as immune cells. Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) is an innate immune molecular that has an immune recognition function, and is involved in mediation of cell adhesion and immunoregulation. Here we explored the expression of DC-SIGN on podocytes and its role in immune and inflammatory responses in lupus nephritis (LN). Expression of DC-SIGN and immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 was observed in glomeruli of LN patients. DC-SIGN was co-expressed with nephrin on podocytes. Accompanied by increased proteinuria of LN mice, DC-SIGN and IgG1 expressions were observed in the glomeruli from 20 weeks, and the renal function deteriorated up to 24 weeks. Mice with anti-DC-SIGN antibody showed reduced proteinuria and remission of renal function. After the podocytes were stimulated by serum of LN mice in vitro, the expression of DC-SIGN, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and CD80 was up-regulated, stimulation of T cell proliferation was enhanced and the interferon (IFN)-γ/interleukin (IL)-4 ratio increased. However, anti-DC-SIGN antibody treatment reversed these events. These results suggested that podocytes in LN can exert DC-like function through their expression of DC-SIGN, which may be involved in immune and inflammatory responses of renal tissues. However, blockage of DC-SIGN can inhibit immune functions of podocytes, which may have preventive and therapeutic effects.
Serum antibodies to human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-E, HLA-F and HLA-G in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during disease flares: Clinical relevance of HLA-F autoantibodies
Authors: Jucaud V , Ravindranath M H , Terasaki P I , Morales-Buenrostro L E , Hiepe F , Rose T , Biesen R 
Published: October 2015

Summary
T lymphocyte hyperactivity and progressive inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients results in over-expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-Ib on the surface of lymphocytes. These are shed into the circulation upon inflammation, and may augment production of antibodies promoting pathogenicity of the disease. The objective was to evaluate the association of HLA-Ib (HLA-E, HLA-F and HLA-G) antibodies to the disease activity of SLE. The immunoglobulin (Ig)G/IgM reactivity to HLA-Ib and β2m in the sera of 69 German, 29 Mexican female SLE patients and 17 German female controls was measured by multiplex Luminex®-based flow cytometry. The values were expressed as mean florescence intensity (MFI). Only the German SLE cohort was analysed in relation to the clinical disease activity. In the controls, anti-HLA-G IgG predominated over other HLA-Ib antibodies, whereas SLE patients had a preponderance of anti-HLA-F IgG over the other HLA-Ib antibodies. The disease activity index, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2000, was reflected only in the levels of anti-HLA-F IgG. Anti-HLA-F IgG with MFI level of 500–1999 was associated with active SLE, whereas inactive SLE revealed higher MFI (&gt;2000). When anti-HLA-F IgG were cross-reactive with other HLA-Ib alleles, their reactivity was reflected in the levels of anti-HLA-E and -G IgG. The prevalence of HLA-F-monospecific antibodies in SLE patients was also associated with the clinical disease activity. Anti-HLA-F IgG is possibly involved in the clearance of HLA-F shed from lymphocytes and inflamed tissues to lessen the disease's severity, and thus emerges as a beneficial immune biomarker. Therefore, anti-HLA-Ib IgG should be considered as a biomarker in standard SLE diagnostics.
Validation of a family‐centred outcome questionnaire for pinnaplasty: a cross‐sectional pilot study
Authors: Fraser L. , Montgomery J. , James H. , Wynne D.M. , MacGregor F.B. , Clement W.A. , Morrissey M.S.C. , Kubba H. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesComparison of pinnaplasty techniques is difficult due to variation in the reporting of outcomes. We aimed to develop a family‐centred outcome questionnaire for use after pinnaplasty and assess it for reliability and validity.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingTertiary referral paediatric otolaryngology centre.Participants20 prospective and 71 retrospective pinnaplasty patients and their parent(s).MethodsThe Post‐Operative Pinnaplasty Questionnaire (POPQ) was developed after semi‐structured interview with families of children undergoing pinnaplasty. Children aged 4–16 were recruited. Three different ear measurements (auriculocephalic angle, helix‐mastoid distance and Walker's ratio) were performed pre‐operatively. Children were reviewed 3 months post‐operatively and asked to complete a POPQ and Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory with their parent(s). Ear measurements were repeated and data collected on surgical technique and complications. 200 retrospective pinnaplasty patients were posted a POPQ and Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory and data collected on surgical technique, complication rate and Walker's angle.Main outcomes measuresValidity and reliability of the POPQ.ResultsAge range was 4–16 (median 12). POPQ correlated well with Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (Spearman's rho = 0.776, P < 0.001). There was no correlation of POPQ scores with age, sex, complication or surgical technique. POPQ score was not associated with severe prominence pre‐op nor change or degree of prominence post‐op. POPQ displayed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.850) and ease‐of‐use scores.ConclusionsWe have developed a family‐focused outcome tool for pinnaplasty that displays good face validity, internal consistency and correlation with health‐related quality of life and that is simple and easy to use. No correlation was seen with more traditional measures of outcome such as complications or ear measurements. Further refinement and testing of validity and reliability on a larger sample is planned.
Enhanced interannual precipitation variability increases plant functional diversity that in turn ameliorates negative impact on productivity
Authors: Gherardi Laureano A. , Sala Osvaldo E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAlthough precipitation interannual variability is projected to increase due to climate change, effects of changes in precipitation variance have received considerable less attention than effects of changes in the mean state of climate. Interannual precipitation variability effects on functional diversity and its consequences for ecosystem functioning are assessed here using a 6‐year rainfall manipulation experiment. Five precipitation treatments were switched annually resulting in increased levels of precipitation variability while maintaining average precipitation constant. Functional diversity showed a positive response to increased variability due to increased evenness. Dominant grasses decreased and rare plant functional types increased in abundance because grasses showed a hump‐shaped response to precipitation with a maximum around modal precipitation, whereas rare species peaked at high precipitation values. Increased functional diversity ameliorated negative effects of precipitation variability on primary production. Rare species buffered the effect of precipitation variability on the variability in total productivity because their variance decreases with increasing precipitation variance.
Different effects of five depigmentary compounds, rhododendrol, raspberry ketone, monobenzone, rucinol and AP736 on melanogenesis and viability of human epidermal melanocytes
Authors: Lee Chang Seok , Joo Yung Hyup , Baek Heung Soo , Park Miyoung , Kim Jeong‐Hwan , Shin Hong‐Ju , Park Nok‐Hyun , Lee John Hwan , Park Young‐Ho , Shin Song Seok , Lee Hae‐Kwang 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNumerous medications are used to treat hyperpigmentation. However, several reports have indicated that repeated application of some agents, such as rhododendrol (RD), raspberry ketone (RK) and monobenzone (MB), can be toxic to melanocytes. Although these agents had severe side effects in human trials, no current in vitro methods can predict the safety of such drugs. This study assessed the in vitro effects of five depigmentary compounds including leukoderma‐inducing agents. In particular, we determined the effects of different concentrations and exposure times of different depigmentary agents on cell viability and melanogenesis in the presence and absence of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Concentrations of RD, RK and MB that inhibit melanogenesis are similar to concentrations that are cytotoxic; however, concentrations of rucinol (RC) and AP736 that inhibit melanogenesis are much lower than concentrations that are cytotoxic. Furthermore, the concentrations that cause toxic effects depend on exposure duration, and prolonged exposure to RD, RK and MB had more cytotoxic effects than prolonged exposure to RC and AP736. The cytotoxic effects of RD and RK appear to be mediated by apoptosis due to increased expression of caspase‐3 and caspase‐8; UVB radiation increased the cytotoxicity of these agents and also increased caspase activity. Our results indicate that different leukoderma‐inducing compounds have different effects on the viability of normal epidermal melanocytes and suggest that the in vitro assay used here can be used to predict whether an investigational compound that induces leukoderma may lead to adverse effects in human trials.
Post‐progression survival and progression‐free survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated by sorafenib
Authors: Terashima Takeshi , Yamashita Tatsuya , Takata Noboru , Nakagawa Hidetoshi , Toyama Tadashi , Arai Kuniaki , Kitamura Kazuya , Yamashita Taro , Sakai Yoshio , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimAlthough sorafenib is a standard drug for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), little is known about a patient's clinical course after treatment. We investigated the effect of post‐progression survival (PPS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) on overall survival (OS) in patients whose advanced HCC was treated by sorafenib.MethodsWe searched in the PubMed database for reports with survival data of patients with HCC treated with sorafenib monotherapy, and selected reports with 20 or more patients each that provided data for both OS and PFS or time to progression (TTP). Median PPS (mPPS) was defined as the period obtained by subtracting median PFS or TTP (mPFS/TTP) from median OS (mOS). We identified 56 reports with 5803 patients. We investigated the correlation of mOS and either mPPS or mPFS/TTP using weighted linear regression.ResultsMedian PPS correlated with mOS (r = 0.834) very strongly, whereas mPFS/TTP did not correlate with mOS as highly as PPS did (r = 0.546). When we stratified survival data by Child–Pugh classification, a significantly greater average percentage of mPPS to mOS was seen in Child–Pugh class A (54.4 ± 17.6%) than in Child–Pugh class B (32.0 ± 11.6%) (P = 0.015).ConclusionPPS highly correlated with OS, and its importance should be more emphasized for advanced HCC patients treated after sorafenib therapy, whereas we need to take more care in interpreting the results of PFS to evaluate treatment efficacy in clinical trials of advanced HCC.
Ethical markets in the artisan economy: Portland DIY
Authors: Curtis Renée Bogin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article reviews a study of Portland's artisan economy with a focus on the do‐it‐yourself craft sector. Portland is recognized nationally within the United States and internationally for its prominent craft sector. Through interviews, field observations and archival research, the study looks for indicators of ethical market practices and supports for these practices. Findings identify values that drive participation and enabling place‐based characteristics, yet global forces remain relevant. The study highlights locally based ethical markets as an alternative to the uneven North/South consumption/production relationships of neoliberal globalization.
Comparative analysis of mediastinal fat‐associated lymphoid cluster development and lung cellular infiltration in murine autoimmune disease models and the corresponding normal control strains
Authors: Elewa Yaser Hosny Ali , Ichii Osamu , Kon Yasuhiro 
Published: October 2015

SummaryWe previously discovered mediastinal fat‐associated lymphoid clusters (MFALCs) as novel lymphoid clusters associated with mediastinal fat tissue in healthy mice. However, no data about their morphology in immune‐associated disease conditions, and their relationship with lung infiltration, is available to date. In the present study, we compared the morphological features of MFALCs in 4‐month‐old male murine autoimmune disease models (MRL/MpJ‐lpr mice and BXSB/MpJ‐Yaa mice) with those of the corresponding control strains (MRL/MpJ and BXSB/MpJ, respectively). In addition, we analysed their correlation with lung infiltration. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry for CD3, B220, Iba1, Gr1 and BrdU was performed to detect T cells and B cells, macrophages, granulocytes and proliferating cells, respectively. The spleen weight to body weight ratios and anti‐double‐stranded DNA autoantibody titres were found to be significantly higher in the autoimmune models than in the control strains. Furthermore, the autoimmune model presented prominent MFALCs, with a significantly greater ratio of lymphoid cluster area to total mediastinal fat tissue area, and more apparent diffused cellular infiltration into the lung lobes than the other studied strains. Higher numbers of T and B cells, macrophages and proliferating cells, but fewer granulocytes, were observed in the autoimmune models than in the control strains. Interestingly, a significant positive Pearson's correlation between the size of the MFALCs and the density of CD3‐, B220‐ and Iba1‐positive cells in the lung was observed. Therefore, our data suggest a potentially important role for MFALCs in the progression of lung disease. However, further investigation is required to clarify the pathological role of MFALCs in lung disease, especially in inflammatory disorders.
Can PEP‐3 Provide a Cognitive Profile in Children with ASD? A Comparison Between the Developmental Ages of PEP‐3 and IQ of Leiter‐R
Authors: De Giacomo Andrea , Craig Francesco , Cristella Arcangelo , Terenzio Vanessa , Buttiglione Maura , Margari Lucia 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundThe assessment of the intelligence quotient (IQ) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is important to plan a detailed therapeutic‐educative programme. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of the Psychoeducational Profile‐third edition (PEP‐3) to estimate the general cognitive development of children with ASD.MethodWe recruited 30 children with ASD assessed with the Leiter International Performance Scale‐Revised (Leiter‐R) and the PEP‐3. We compared the IQ of the Leiter‐R with the developmental level (DL) of PEP‐3.ResultsThe findings showed a significant positive correlation between IQ with DL of the cognitive verbal/pre‐verbal (P = 0.0005), DL of the area of expressive language (P = 0.0004), DL of the area of receptive language (P = 0.0001), DL of fine motor (P = 0.0066), DL of gross motor (P = 0.0217), DL of visuo‐motor imitation (P = 0.02), DL of communication (P = 0.0001) and DL of motor (P = 0.0063).ConclusionsThese findings show that the DLs could be considered as indicators of cognitive functioning in ASD.
Revisiting the relationship between attributional style and academic performance
Authors: Houston Diane M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPrevious research into the relationship between attributions and academic performance has produced contradictory findings that have not been resolved. The present research examines the role of specific dimensions of attributional style in predicting subsequent academic performance in a sample of pupils (N = 979) from both high‐ and low‐achieving schools. Hierarchical regression and moderation analyses indicate that internal, stable, and global, attributional styles for positive events predict higher levels of academic performance. Global attributions for negative events were related to poorer performance across all schools. Stable attributions for negative events were related to higher levels of performance in high‐achieving schools but not in low‐achieving schools. Higher levels of internality for negative events were associated with higher performance only in low achieving schools.
Determinants and Valuation Implications of Compulsory Stock Option Disclosures in a Weak Regulatory Setting—The Case of France
Authors: Goh Lisa , Joos Philip , Soonawalla Kazbi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUsing a sample of listed French firms in 2005, the year of mandatory IFRS adoption in the European Union (EU), we investigate the determinants of disclosure compliance of stock option expenses under IFRS 2, Share‐based Payment. Stock options are a popular means of executive compensation in France relative to other EU countries. Prior to 2005, French accounting standards and corporate governance regulations did not require recognition of option expense amounts and required minimal supplementary disclosures. There was also a perception that enforcement was imperfect, in particular with respect to IFRS 2. Given this setting, we explore what factors influence the willingness of firms to follow compulsory IFRS requirements in a weak regulatory setting. We find that overall compliance with IFRS 2 disclosure requirements increases with U.S. and U.K. institutional ownership, U.S. cross‐listing, provision of English language statements, and decreases with CEO and family ownership of the firm. We also investigate how stock market prices are affected by the recognition and disclosure of stock option expenses according to IFRS 2 in this regulatory setting and find that investors value option expenses positively, particularly when accompanied by high‐disclosure compliance. Our findings have implications for other jurisdictions in the process of adopting or converging to IFRS.
Neuregulin1‐β decreases interleukin‐1β‐induced RhoA activation, myosin light chain phosphorylation, and endothelial hyperpermeability
Authors: Wu Limin , Ramirez Servio H. , Andrews Allison M. , Leung Wendy , Itoh Kanako , Wu Jiang , Arai Ken , Lo Eng H. , Lok Josephine 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNeuregulin‐1 (NRG1) is an endogenous growth factor with multiple functions in the embryonic and postnatal brain. The NRG1 gene is large and complex, transcribing more than twenty transmembrane proteins and generating a large number of isoforms in tissue and cell type‐specific patterns. Within the brain, NRG1 functions have been studied most extensively in neurons and glia, as well as in the peripheral vasculature. Recently, NRG1 signaling has been found to be important in the function of brain microvascular endothelial cells, decreasing IL‐1β‐induced increases in endothelial permeability. In the current experiments, we have investigated the pathways through which the NRG1‐β isoform acts on IL‐1β‐induced endothelial permeability. Our data show that NRG1‐β increases barrier function, measured by transendothelial electrical resistance, and decreases IL‐1β‐induced hyperpermeability, measured by dextran‐40 extravasation through a monolayer of brain microvascular endothelial cells plated on transwells. An investigation of key signaling proteins suggests that the effect of NRG1‐β on endothelial permeability is mediated through RhoA activation and myosin light chain phosphorylation, events which affect filamentous actin morphology. In addition, AG825, an inhibitor of the erbB2‐associated tyrosine kinase, reduces the effect of NRG1‐β on IL‐1β‐induced RhoA activation and myosin light chain phosphorylation. These data add to the evidence that NRG1‐β signaling affects changes in the brain microvasculature in the setting of neuroinflammation.
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We propose the following events for neuregulin‐1‐mediated effects on Interleukin‐1 β (IL‐1β)‐induced endothelial hyperpermeability: IL‐1β leads to RhoA activation, resulting in an increase in phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC). Phosphorylation of MLC is known to result in actin contraction and alterations in the f‐actin cytoskeletal structure. These changes are associated with increased endothelial permeability. Neuregulin‐1β acts through its transmembrane receptors to activate intracellular signaling pathways which inhibit IL‐1β‐induced RhoA activation and MLC phosphorylation, thereby preserving the f‐actin cytoskeletal structure and endothelial barrier function.
Phosphorylation Alters Oestrogen Receptor β‐Mediated Transcription in Neurones
Authors: Pinceti E. , Shults C. L. , Rao Y. S. , Mott N. N. , Pak T. R. 
Published: October 2015

Nuclear steroid hormone receptors are ubiquitously expressed transcription factors whose activity can be altered by post‐translational modifications, such as phosphorylation. The consequences of post‐translational modifications have been described for several members of the nuclear steroid hormone receptor superfamily; however, little is known about the effects of oestrogen receptor (ER)β phosphorylation in the brain. Moreover, to our knowledge, the presence of phosphorylated ERβ has not been detected in the brain of any species to date. Oestrogen receptor β is highly expressed in several regions of the brain and in vitro studies have demonstrated that it can be phosphorylated at two serine residues (S87 and S105) in the N‐terminal AF‐1 region. The present study aimed to determine whether phosphorylated ERβ is detectable in the hippocampus of aged female rats, as well as the functional consequences of ERβ S87 and S105 phosphorylation on transcriptional activity in neuronal cells. First, we used a novel PhosTag™ approach to detect phosphorylated forms of ERβ in the dorsal hippocampus of aged female rats. The data obtained demonstrated abundant forms of phosphorylated ERβ in the dorsal hippocampus, suggesting that this post‐translational modification might be an important regulator of ERβ function. To assess the functional consequences of ERβ phosphorylation in neuronal cells, we created phospho‐mimetic (S87E, S105E) and phospho‐null (S87A, S105A) ERβ receptors that were transiently transfected in a hippocampal‐derived cell line. Collectively, our results showed that phosphorylation of S87 and S105 altered both ligand‐independent and ligand‐dependent ERβ transcriptional regulation. Overall, these data demonstrate that phosphorylated forms of ERβ are present in the brain of aged female rats and that phosphorylation of ERβ could differentially alter ERβ‐mediated gene expression.