bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co‐occurrence of autoantibodies in healthy blood donors
Authors: Prüßmann Jasper , Prüßmann Wiebke , Recke Andreas , Rentzsch Kristin , Juhl David , Henschler Reinhard , Müller Susen , Lamprecht Peter , Schmidt Enno , Csernok Elena , Görg Siegfried , Stöcker Winfried , Zillikens Detlef , Ibrahim Saleh M. , Ludwig Ralf J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAutoimmune diseases are rare, but their incidence has increased over the past decades. Interestingly, the co‐occurrence of autoimmune diseases is well documented; however, data on the presence of more than one specific autoantibody in healthy individuals are not available. Here, we investigated the prevalence of several autoantibodies in a cohort of over 6000 healthy persons. While individual autoantibodies were rarely detected (i.e. ranging from 0.3% for ANCA to 4.6% for anti‐TPO), the cumulative prevalence of the tested autoantibodies was as high as 10%. Furthermore, our results demonstrate co‐occurrence of ANA with specific autoantibodies that target TPO, CCP and Dsg1/3, while ANCA and autoantibodies to PCA and BP180/BP230 were not more frequent in ANA‐positive compared to ANA‐negative samples. This indicates that shared and independent mechanisms influence loss of tolerance to distinct sets of self‐antigens.
Biological characteristics and gene expression pattern of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Hou Ruixia , Liu Ruifeng , Niu Xuping , Chang Wenjuan , Yan Xin , Wang Chunfang , Li Junqin , An Peng , Li Xinhua , Yin Guohua , Zhang Kaiming 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunoregulatory and proangiogenic effects and are suggested to be involved in the pathological processes of immune‐related diseases, including psoriasis. Biological characteristics of bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs) from patients with autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis, but not psoriasis, have been characterized. We compared the gene expression profile and biological characteristics of BMSCs from patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. Although the phenotype, differentiation potential and ability to support CD34+ cell proliferation were similar to those of normal BMSCs, psoriatic BMSCs showed aberrant proliferative activity, increased apoptosis rate and a characteristic gene expression profile. These aberrations may develop after the abnormal immune response in psoriasis and result in BMSC dysfunction. The functionally deficient BMSCs may then fail to suppress overactive immune cells, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Interactions of disulfide‐deficient selenocysteine analogs of μ‐conotoxin BuIIIB with the α‐subunit of the voltage‐gated sodium channel subtype 1.3
Authors: Green Brad R. , Zhang Min‐Min , Chhabra Sandeep , Robinson Samuel D. , Wilson Michael J. , Redding Addison , Olivera Baldomero M. , Yoshikami Doju , Bulaj Grzegorz , Norton Raymond S. 
Published: May 2014

Inhibitors of the α‐subunit of the voltage‐gated sodium channel subtype 1.3 (NaV1.3) are of interest as pharmacological tools for the study of neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury and have potential therapeutic applications. The recently described μ‐conotoxin BuIIIB (μ‐BuIIIB) from Conus bullatus was shown to block NaV1.3 with submicromolar potency (Kd = 0.2 μm), making it one of the most potent peptidic inhibitors of this subtype described to date. However, oxidative folding of μ‐BuIIIB results in numerous folding isoforms, making it difficult to obtain sufficient quantities of the active form of the peptide for detailed structure–activity studies. In the present study, we report the synthesis and characterization of μ‐BuIIIB analogs incorporating a disulfide‐deficient, diselenide‐containing scaffold designed to simplify synthesis and facilitate structure–activity studies directed at identifying amino acid residues involved in NaV1.3 blockade. Our results indicate that, similar to other μ‐conotoxins, the C‐terminal residues (Trp16, Arg18 and His20) are most crucial for NaV1 blockade. At the N‐terminus, replacement of Glu3 by Ala resulted in an analog with an increased potency for NaV1.3 (Kd = 0.07 μm), implicating this position as a potential site for modification for increased potency and/or selectivity. Further examination of this position showed that increased negative charge, through γ‐carboxyglutamate replacement, decreased potency (Kd = 0.33 μm), whereas replacement with positively‐charged 2,4‐diamonobutyric acid increased potency (Kd = 0.036 μm). These results provide a foundation for the design and synthesis of μ‐BuIIIB‐based analogs with increased potency against NaV1.3.
A role for Ral GTPase‐activating protein subunit β in mitotic regulation
Authors: Personnic Nicolas , Lakisic Goran , Gouin Edith , Rousseau Alix , Gautreau Alexis , Cossart Pascale , Bierne Hélène 
Published: May 2014

Ral proteins are small GTPases that play critical roles in normal physiology and in oncogenesis. There is little information on the GTPase‐activating proteins (GAPs) that downregulate their activity. Here, we provide evidence that the noncatalytic β subunit of RalGAPα1/2β complexes is involved in mitotic control. RalGAPβ localizes to the Golgi and nucleus during interphase, and relocalizes to the mitotic spindle and cytokinetic intercellular bridge during mitosis. Depletion of RalGAPβ causes chromosome misalignment and decreases the amount of mitotic cyclin B1, disturbing the metaphase‐to‐anaphase transition. Overexpression of RalGAPβ interferes with cell division, leading to binucleation and multinucleation, and cell death. We propose that RalGAPβ plays an essential role in the sequential progression of mitosis by controlling the spatial and temporal activation of Ral GTPases in the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) and cytokinesis. Deregulation of RalGAPβ might cause genomic instability, leading to human carcinogenesis.Structured digital abstract

RalGAP beta physically interacts with Tubulin beta5, tubulin alpha, Hsp70, EF1a, RalGAP alpha 2, DDX15 and RalGAP alpha 1 by tandem affinity purification (View interaction)

RalGAP beta and GM130 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)
The homeobox transcription factor Irxl1 negatively regulates MyoD expression and myoblast differentiation
Authors: Chuang Han‐Ni , Hsiao Kuang‐Ming , Chang Hui‐Yi , Wu Chia‐Chi , Pan Huichin 
Published: May 2014

Irxl1/Mkx (Iroquois homeobox‐like 1/Mohawk) encodes a member of the TALE subfamily of homeodomain proteins. It is expressed in multiple mesoderm‐derived tissues and has recently been shown to regulate tendon differentiation during mouse embryonic development. Previously we showed that knockdown of Irxl1 in zebrafish caused a deficit in neural crest cells which consequently resulted in deformation of craniofacial muscles and arch cartilages. Here, we further demonstrate that loss of Irxl1 function results in deformed somites with disordered muscle fibers and myotendinous junctions. Because expression of myoD is increased in the somites of Irxl1 knockdown morphants, we test whether Irxl1 negatively regulates myoD expression. When stable C2C12 myoblasts overexpressing Irxl1/Mkx were induced to differentiate, myotube formation was inhibited and protein levels of myoD and myosin heavy chain were decreased accordingly. A series of deletion constructs of myoD promoter fragments were tested by luciferase reporter assays, which identified a promoter fragment that is necessary and sufficient for Irxl1‐mediated repression. Direct interaction of Irxl1 and myoD promoter was subsequently elucidated by yeast one‐hybrid assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. Furthermore, mouse Mkx also binds to and represses myoD promoter. These results indicate that Irxl1/Mkx can repress myoD expression through direct binding to its promoter and may thus play a negative regulatory role in muscle differentiation.
LMP1 stimulates the transcription of eIF4E to promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Yi , Pang Tian‐yun , Wang Yan , Wang Sen , Kang Hai‐xian , Ding Wei‐bin , Yong Wei‐wei , Bie Yan‐hong , Cheng Xiao‐guang , Zeng Chao , Yao Yun‐hong , Li Qing , Hu Xin‐rong 
Published: May 2014

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is the rate‐limiting translation initiation factor for many oncogenes. Previous studies have shown eIF4E overexpression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We aimed to study whether viral oncogene latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) stimulates the transcription of eIF4E to promote NPC malignancy. In NPC cell lines (CNE1 and CNE2), ectopic LMP1 significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of eIF4E and the transcriptional activity of the eIF4E promoter in a LMP1–plasmid‐transfected dose‐dependent manner. As a backward experiment, knocking down of LMP1 significantly reduced eIF4E mRNA in B95‐8 cells. In the high LMP1 expression condition, knocking down of c‐Myc significantly reduced eIF4E mRNA in both NPC and B95‐8 cells, and knocking down of eIF4E significantly inhibited the tumor proliferation, migration and invasion promoted by LMP1. The results indicated that LMP1 stimulates the transcription of eIF4E via c‐Myc to promote NPC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence that LMP1 stimulates the transcription of eIF4E. This might be an important cause of the overexpression of eIF4E in NPC and be the novel mechanism by which LMP1 initiates cancer. LMP1‐stimulated eIF4E initiates the translation of those oncogenes transcriptionally activated by LMP1 to amplify and pass down the carcinogenesis signals launched by LMP1.
Temperature‐dependent Li isotope ratios in Appalachian Plateau and Gulf Coast Sedimentary Basin saline water
Authors: Macpherson G. L. , Capo R. C. , Stewart B. W. , Phan T. T. , Schroeder K. , Hammack R. W. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractLithium (Li) concentrations of produced water from unconventional (horizontally drilled and hydraulically fractured shale) and conventional gas wells in Devonian reservoirs in the Appalachian Plateau region of western Pennsylvania range from 0.6 to 17 mmol kg−1, and Li isotope ratios, expressed as in δ7Li, range from +8.2 to +15‰. Li concentrations are as high as 40 mmol kg−1 in produced waters from Plio‐Pleistocene through Jurassic‐aged reservoirs in the Gulf Coast Sedimentary Basin analyzed for this study, and δ7Li values range from about +4.2 to +16.6‰. Because of charge‐balance constraints and rock buffering, Li concentrations in saline waters from sedimentary basins throughout the world (including this study) are generally positively correlated with chloride (Cl), the dominant anion in these fluids. Li concentrations also vary with depth, although the extent of depth dependence differs among sedimentary basins. In general, Li concentrations are higher than expected from seawater or evaporation of seawater and therefore require water–mineral reactions that remove lithium from the minerals. Li isotope ratios in these produced waters vary inversely with temperature. However, calculations of temperature‐dependent fractionation of δ7Li between average shale δ7Li (−0.7‰) and water result in δ7Liwater that is more positive than that of most produced waters. This suggests that aqueous δ7Li may reflect transport of water from depth and/or reaction with rocks having δ7Li lighter than average shale.
Transformation of deep‐water methane bubbles into hydrate
Authors: Egorov Alexander V. , Nigmatulin Robert I. , Rozhkov Aleksey N. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis study focuses on the mechanics of methane bubble phase behavior in the gas hydrate stability zone. The transformation of deep‐water methane bubbles into solid hydrate was investigated in Lake Baikal in situ. After being released from the lake bottom, methane bubbles were caught by different traps with transparent walls. When bubbles entered the internal spaces of the traps, the bubbles could be transformed into two different solid hydrate structures depending on the ambient conditions. The first structure was hydrate granular matter consisting of solid fragments with sizes on the order of 1 mm. The second structure was a highly porous solid foam consisting of solid bubbles with sizes on the order of 5 mm. The granular matter did not change as it was brought up to the top border of the gas hydrate stability zone, whereas in the solid foam, free methane rapidly exsolved from the sample during depressurization. We conclude that the decrease in depth and the decrease in the bubble flux rate were key factors in the formation of the hydrate granular matter, whereas the increase in the depth of bubble sampling and the increase in the bubble flux rate facilitated the conversion of bubbles into a highly porous solid hydrate foam.
Effect of mixed surfactants on stratum corneum: a drying stress and Raman spectroscopy study
Authors: Purohit P. , Chandar P. , Vilinska A. , Ananthapadmanabhan K. P. , Somasundaran P. 
Published: May 2014

SynopsisObjectiveStratum corneum (SC) lipids are known to play an important role in barrier properties of skin by maintaining the optimal hydration levels. The disruption of SC lipids by cleanser surfactants is believed to lead to dry skin damage which can be a precursor to other skin disorders. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of commonly used anionic and zwitterionic surfactants sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) and cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) on the generation of drying stresses in SC and the role played by lipids.MethodsStratum corneum separated from pig skin was treated with various surfactants (SDS, SLES and CAPB) their mixtures and solvents. The tensile response to these treatments was measured by using a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer. A Raman spectroscopy study of the treated samples was performed to investigate the effects of lipid modification (lipid chain conformational order and lipid removal) on stress generation in SC.ResultsThe effects of commonly used anionic and zwitterionic surfactants on the generation of drying stresses in SC were studied. Although known to be milder in comparison with SDS, both SLES and CAPB generated high drying stresses individually. In mixtures, SLES–CAPB at 4 : 1 ratio leads to lower drying stress as compared to water alone. A Raman spectroscopic study of surfactant‐treated SC shows changes in lipid chain conformational order as well as a decrease in lipid–protein ratio in SC. A chloroform–methanol 2 : 1 treatment leads to the highest drying stress as well delipidization of SC.ConclusionThe results show a correlation between generation of drying stress in SC and extent of lipid modification. We propose that the changes in lipid conformational order and removal of lipid components affect the stress relaxation properties of SC leading to high drying stresses.
Genome‐wide gene expression profiling reveals unsuspected molecular alterations in pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Malheiros Danielle , Panepucci Rodrigo A. , Roselino Ana M. , Araújo Amélia G. , Zago Marco A. , Petzl‐Erler Maria Luiza 
Published: May 2014

SummaryPemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by bullous skin lesions and the presence of antibodies against desmoglein 1. In this study we sought to contribute to a better understanding of the molecular processes in endemic PF, as the identification of factors that participate in the pathogenesis is a prerequisite for understanding its biological basis and may lead to novel therapeutic interventions. CD4+ T lymphocytes are central to the development of the disease. Therefore, we compared genome‐wide gene expression profiles of peripheral CD4+ T cells of various PF patient subgroups with each other and with that of healthy individuals. The patient sample was subdivided into three groups: untreated patients with the generalized form of the disease, patients submitted to immunosuppressive treatment, and patients with the localized form of the disease. Comparisons between different subgroups resulted in 135, 54 and 64 genes differentially expressed. These genes are mainly related to lymphocyte adhesion and migration, apoptosis, cellular proliferation, cytotoxicity and antigen presentation. Several of these genes were differentially expressed when comparing lesional and uninvolved skin from the same patient. The chromosomal regions 19q13 and 12p13 concentrate differentially expressed genes and are candidate regions for PF susceptibility genes and disease markers. Our results reveal genes involved in disease severity, potential therapeutic targets and previously unsuspected processes involved in the pathogenesis. Besides, this study adds original information that will contribute to the understanding of PF's pathogenesis and of the still poorly defined in vivo functions of most of these genes.
How Aging and Intergeneration Disparity Influence Consumption Inequality in China
Authors: Zhang Juwei , Xiang Jing 
Published: May 2014

AbstractConcurrent with market economic reforms, China is facing an increasing income gap and an aging population. The question addressed in the present paper is how much aging contributes to the rising disparity in consumption. Based on the model established by Ohtake and Saito (1998), our study shows that cohort effects contribute close to 60 percent of the rising consumption inequality, while approximately 10 percent is the result of aging. The growth of aggregate consumption inequality caused by the cohort effect has various implications. Strengthening the redistribution system, especially the tax system, may enable the economy to avoid further increases in income inequality.
A delineation of the cognitive processes manifested in a social annotation environment
Authors: Li S.C. , Pow J.W.C. , Cheung W.C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis study aims to examine how students' learning trajectories progress in an online social annotation environment, and how their cognitive processes and levels of interaction correlate with their learning outcomes. Three different types of activities (cognitive, metacognitive and social) were identified in the online environment. The time series of different levels of cognitive and metacognitive activities correlate with one another, indicating that a kind of symbiotic or ecological relationship exists among the cognitive and metacognitive processes. The multiple regression results show that low‐cognitive level activities mediate the effect of high‐cognitive level activities on student's performance in the group inquiry learning project. The results of multilevel analysis indicate that the average number of highlighted texts posted per person in a group accounted for over 50% of the variance of the group inquiry learning project scores. Further, the results also indicate that the level of collaboration within a group explains over 70% of the variance of the high‐level cognitive and metacognitive activities across different groups. In sum, group collaboration is found to be conducive to fostering high‐level cognitive and metacognitive activities.
Is gingival bleeding a symptom of patients with type 1 von Willebrand disease? A case–control study
Authors: Weickert Lisa , Miesbach Wolfgang , Alesci Sonja Rosa , Eickholz Peter , Nickles Katrin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundVon Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherent bleeding disorder resulting in prolonged bleeding time. Gingival bleeding is a frequently reported symptom of VWD. However, gingival bleeding is also known as a leading symptom of plaque‐induced gingivitis and untreated periodontal disease. Gingival bleeding in VWD patients (VWD) may be triggered by gingival inflammation and not a genuine symptom. Thus, this study evaluated whether type 1 VWD determines an increased susceptibility to gingival bleeding in response to the oral biofilm.MethodsFifty cases and 40 controls were examined haematologically (VWF antigen, VWF Ristocetin cofactor, factor VIII activity) and periodontally [Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), bleeding on probing (BOP), Plaque Control Record (PCR), periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), vertical probing attachment level].ResultsGBI was significantly higher in controls (12.2%) than in VWD (10%). The study failed to find a significant difference regarding BOP between VWD (17%) and controls (17.2%). Multiple regressions identified PCR and PISA to be associated with GBI and BOP. VWD was negatively associated with GBI. Smoking and number of remaining teeth was negatively associated with BOP.ConclusionVWD is not associated with a more pronounced inflammatory response to the oral biofilm in terms of GBI and BOP.
The diets of school‐aged Aboriginal youths in Canada: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Gates A. , Skinner K. , Gates M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundMost national surveys examining diet leave large segments of the Aboriginal population under‐represented. The present study aimed to: (i) review primary research studies that investigated the dietary intakes of Canadian school‐aged Aboriginal youths; (ii) summarise the tools and methodologies currently used to measure diet in this population; and (iii) identify knowledge gaps and suggest areas of future research.MethodsA systematic review of research published between January 2004 and January 2014 related to the diets of Canadian school‐aged (6–18 years) Aboriginal youths was undertaken, including Medline, Scopus, ERIC, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. Studies were summarised based on purpose, year, sample population, setting, dietary assessment method and main findings.ResultsTwenty‐four studies were reviewed, all of which were cross‐sectional in design. Most (n = 16; 67%) were from Ontario or Quebec, investigated the diets of First Nations (n = 21; 88%) youths and took place in remote or isolated settings (n = 18; 75%). Almost all of the studies used the 24‐h recall to assess intake (n = 19; 79%), of which 89% used a single recall. The findings suggest that the diets of Aboriginal youths could be improved. Of particular concern are inadequate intakes of vegetables and fruit, milk and alternatives, fibre, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D, concomitant with an excess consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, snacks and fast foods. Traditional foods remain important but tend to be consumed infrequently.ConclusionsThe diets of Canadian Aboriginal youths are energy‐dense and nutrient‐poor. The diets of Inuit and Métis youths, in particular, and perceptions of a balanced diet warrant further investigation.
Comparisons of phenotype and immunomodulatory capacity among rhesus bone‐marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, multipotent adult progenitor cells, and dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Sindberg Gregory M. , Lindborg Beth A. , Wang Qi , Clarkson Christina , Graham Melanie , Donahue Robert , Hering Bernhard J. , Verfaillie Catherine M. , Bansal‐Pakala Pratima , O'Brien Timothy D. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundPotent immunomodulatory effects have been reported for mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), and fibroblasts. However, side‐by‐side comparisons of these cells specifically regarding immunophenotype, gene expression, and suppression of proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte populations have not been reported.MethodsWe developed MAPC and MSC lines from rhesus macaque bone marrow and fibroblast cell lines from rhesus dermis and assessed phenotypes based upon differentiation potential, flow cytometric analysis of immunophenotype, and quantitative RT‐PCR analysis of gene expression. Using allogeneic lymphocyte proliferation assays, we compared the in vitro immunomodulatory potency of each cell type.Results and ConclusionsExtensive phenotypic similarities exist among each cell type, although immunosuppressive potencies are distinct. MAPCs are most potent, and fibroblasts are the least potent cell type. All three cell types demonstrated immunomodulatory capacity such that each may have potential therapeutic applications such as in organ transplantation, where reduced local immune response is desirable.