bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic immune mechanisms at the neuromuscular synapse: the role of specific antibody‐binding epitopes in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Huijbers M. G. , Lipka A. F. , Plomp J. J. , Niks E. H. , van der Maarel S. M. , Verschuuren J. J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAutoantibodies against three different postsynaptic antigens and one presynaptic antigen at the neuromuscular junction are known to cause myasthenic syndromes. The mechanisms by which these antibodies cause muscle weakness vary from antigenic modulation and complement‐mediated membrane damage to inhibition of endogenous ligand binding and blocking of essential protein–protein interactions. These mechanisms are related to the autoantibody titre, specific epitopes on the target proteins and IgG autoantibody subclass. We here review the role of specific autoantibody‐binding epitopes in myasthenia gravis, their possible relevance to the pathophysiology of the disease and potential implications of epitope mapping knowledge for new therapeutic strategies.
Tupistra chinensis extract attenuates murine fulminant hepatitis with multiple targets against activated T lymphocytes
Authors: Wu Xuefeng , Fan Jinjin , Ouyang Zijun , Ning Rui , Guo Wenjie , Shen Yan , Wu Xudong , Sun Yang , Xu Qiang 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The extract of Tupistra chinensis (TCE) is traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases in southwestern China for hundreds of years. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of the TCE against experimental hepatitis and to illustrate its potential mechanisms.

Methods
Effects of TCE were investigated on Con A-induced hepatitis. Profiles of multiple cytokines were measured with biometric immuno-sandwich ELISA. Proliferation, activation and apoptosis of T lymphocytes were evaluated using Western blot, MTT analysis and flow cytometry.

Key findings
TCE significantly inhibited levels of serum transaminases and lactic dehydrogenase in mice with Con A-induced hepatitis, accompanied with marked alleviation of the liver microscopic appearances. Moreover, it decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner both in vivo and in vitro. It also suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinases and NF-κB-signalling in liver. These effects of TCE are attributed to its inhibition on activated T cells but not to hepatocytes protection. Flow cytometry and immunoblot assay data showed its effects on STAT1/NF-κB-signalling blockage and apoptosis induction in activated T cells.

Conclusion
Our findings illustrate the significant potential of TCE as a novel approach for treatment of T cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.
An efficient reverse genetics platform in the model legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Cheng Xiaofei , Wang Mingyi , Lee Hee‐Kyung , Tadege Million , Ratet Pascal , Udvardi Michael , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Wen Jiangqi 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Medicago truncatula is one of the model species for legume studies. In an effort to develop legume genetics resources, > 21 700 Tnt1 retrotransposon insertion lines have been generated.

To facilitate fast‐growing needs in functional genomics, two reverse genetics approaches have been established: web‐based database searching and PCR‐based reverse screening. More than 840 genes have been reverse screened using the PCR‐based approach over the past 6 yr to identify mutants in these genes. Overall, c. 84% (705 genes) success rate was achieved in identifying mutants with at least one Tnt1 insertion, of which c. 50% (358 genes) had three or more alleles.

To demonstrate the utility of the two reverse genetics platforms, two mutant alleles were isolated for each of the two floral homeotic MADS‐box genes, MtPISTILATA and MtAGAMOUS. Molecular and genetic analyses indicate that Tnt1 insertions in exons of both genes are responsible for the defects in floral organ development.

In summary, we have developed two efficient reverse genetics platforms to facilitate functional characterization of M. truncatula genes.
Laterally resolved speciation of arsenic in roots of wheat and rice using fluorescence‐XANES imaging
Authors: Kopittke Peter M. , de Jonge Martin D. , Wang Peng , McKenna Brigid A. , Lombi Enzo , Paterson David J. , Howard Daryl L. , James Simon A. , Spiers Kathryn M. , Ryan Chris G. , Johnson Alexander A. T. , Menzies Neal W. 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Accumulation of arsenic (As) within plant tissues represents a human health risk, but there remains much to learn regarding the speciation of As within plants.

We developed synchrotron‐based fluorescence‐X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (fluorescence‐XANES) imaging in hydrated and fresh plant tissues to provide laterally resolved data on the in situ speciation of As in roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rice (Oryza sativa) exposed to 2 μM As(V) or As(III).

When exposed to As(V), the As was rapidly reduced to As(III) within the root, with As(V) calculated to be present only in the rhizodermis. However, no uncomplexed As(III) was detected in any root tissues, because of the efficient formation of the As(III)–thiol complex – this As species was calculated to account for all of the As in the cortex and stele. The observation that uncomplexed As(III) was below the detection limit in all root tissues explains why the transport of As to the shoots is low, given that uncomplexed As(III) is the major As species transported within the xylem and phloem.

Using fluorescence‐XANES imaging, we have provided in situ data showing the accumulation and transformation of As within hydrated and fresh root tissues.
Validating a new device for measuring tear evaporation rates
Authors: Rohit Athira , Ehrmann Klaus , Naduvilath Thomas , Willcox Mark , Stapleton Fiona 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPurposeTo calibrate and validate a commercially available dermatology instrument to measure tear evaporation rate of contact lens wearers.MethodsA dermatology instrument was modified by attaching a swim goggle cup such that the cup sealed around the eye socket. Results for the unmodified instrument are dependent on probe area and enclosed volume. Calibration curves were established using a model eye, to account for individual variations in chamber volume and exposed area. Fifteen participants were recruited and the study included a contact lens wear and a no contact lens wear stage. Day and diurnal variation of the measurements were assessed by taking the measurement three times a day over 2 days. The coefficient of repeatability of the measurement was calculated and a linear mixed model assessed the influence of humidity, temperature, contact lens wear, day and diurnal variations on tear evaporation rate. The associations between variables were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient.ResultsAbsolute evaporation rates with and without contact lens wear were calculated based on the new calibration. The measurements were most repeatable during the evening with no lens wear (COR = 49 g m−2 h) and least repeatable during the evening with contact lens wear (COR = 93 g m−2 h). Humidity (p = 0.007), and contact lens wear (p < 0.01), significantly affected the tear evaporation rate. However, temperature (p = 0.54) diurnal variation (p = 0.85) and different days (p = 0.65) had no significant effect after controlling for humidity.ConclusionTear evaporation rates can be measured using a modified dermatology instrument. Measurements were higher and more variable with lens wear consistent with previous literature. Control of environmental conditions is important as a higher humidity results in a reduced evaporation rate.
Infarct Characteristics by CMR Identifies Substrate for Monomorphic VT in Post‐MI Patients with Relatively Preserved Systolic Function and ns‐VT
Authors: YALIN KIVANC , GOLCUK EBRU , BUYUKBAYRAK HAKAN , YILMAZ RAVZA , ARSLAN MUHAMMET , DURSUN MEMDUH , BILGE AHMET KAYA , ADALET KAMIL 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundThe extent of peri‐infarct zone (PIZ) by contrast‐enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (ce‐CMR) has been related to inducibility of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. However, this relationship has not been established in postmyocardial infarction (post‐MI) patients with relatively reserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function yet. In this study, we investigated myocardial scar size and characteristics and its relationship with ventricular arrhythmia inducibility in patients with relatively preserved LV systolic function.MethodsThis study enrolled 28 post‐MI patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction between 40% and 50% and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia who underwent programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) for risk stratification. Cine and gadolinium‐enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed before PVS. A computer‐assisted algorithm quantified the total scar (TS) size and divided it into the dense scar (DS) and the PIZ based on signal intensity thresholds (>6 standard deviations [SDs] and 2 to 6 SDs above remote normal myocardium, respectively). Scar measurements were determined and compared among noninducible (n = 19) and inducible patients (n = 9).ResultsThe groups had similar baseline clinical characteristics. The LV masses, volumes, and ejection fractions did not differ significantly between the groups. For the inducible versus noninducible patients, DS percent was similar (3.11 ± 1.02% vs 3.44 ± 0.79%, P = NS). PIZ percent (28.02 ± 7.49% vs 19.86 ± 7.82%, P = 0.01) and TS percent (31.14 ± 7.96% vs 23.31 ± 8.21%, P = 0.02) were associated with inducibility of monomorphic VT. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that PIZ percent (P = 0.021, OR [odds ratio] 1.18, 95% CI [confidence interval] 1.03–1.35), and TS percent (P = 0.03, OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01–1.30) were independent predictors of inducibility.ConclusionsHigher PIZ percent and TS percent were correlated with increased ventricular inducibility. These data support the hypothesis that ce‐CMR may be used to identify the substrate for ventricular arrhythmia in this cohort.
Cardiac Perforation and Lead Dislodgement after Implantation of a MR‐Conditional Pacing Lead: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: ELMOUCHI DARRYL A. , ROSEMA SHELLY , VANOOSTERHOUT STACIE M. , KHAN MOHSIN , DAVIS ALAN T. , GAURI ANDRE J. , FINTA BOHUSLAV , WOELFEL ALAN K. , CHALFOUN NAGIB T. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveThe purpose of our study was to determine if the rate of lead‐related complications was increased with the Medtronic CapSureFix MRI™ SureScan™ 5086 MRI pacing lead (5086; Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) compared to the previous generation of Medtronic CapSureFix Novus™ 5076 pacing lead (5076).BackgroundThe 5086 lead is a newly introduced active‐fixation pacemaker lead designed to be used conditionally in a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. This lead has specific design changes compared to the previous generation of 5076 pacing leads.MethodsThis study was a retrospective case control study of 65 consecutive patients implanted with two 5086 leads compared to 92 consecutive control patients implanted with two 5076 leads over a 14‐month period at a high‐volume tertiary care hospital.ResultsPericarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, or death within 30 days of implant were seen in eight patients from the 5086 cohort and two from the 5076 cohort (odds ratio 6.3, 95% confidence interval 1.3–30.8, P = 0.02). Lead dislodgement occurred in four of the 5086 patients and in none of the 5076 patients (P < 0.03).ConclusionsIn a high‐volume center, the incidence of pericarditis, cardiac perforation, tamponade, death, and lead dislodgement was significantly higher with the MR‐conditional Medtronic 5086 lead when compared to the previous generation Medtronic 5076 lead.
Macroevolutionin silico: scales, constraints and universals
Authors: Solé Ricard V. , Valverde Sergi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractLarge‐scale evolution involves several layers of complexity spanning multiple scales, from genes and organisms to whole ecosystems. In this article, we review several models involving the macroevolution of artificial organisms, communities or ecosystems, highlighting their importance and potential role in expanding the Modern Synthesis. Afterwards, we summarize the key results obtained from our model of artificially evolved ecosystems where individuals are defined as embodied entities within a physical, simulated world where they can evolve different traits and exploit multiple resources. Starting from an initial state where single cells with identical genotypes are present, the system evolves towards complex communities where the feedbacks between population expansion, evolved cell adhesion and the structure of the environment lead to a major innovation resulting from the emergence of ecosystem engineering. The tempo and mode of this process illustrates the relevance in considering a physical embedding as part of the model description and the feedbacks between different scales within the evolutionary hierarchy. The future steps in modelling macroevolution by means ofin silicomodels and how they might contribute to the Modern Synthesis are outlined.
Detection of viruses and atypical bacteria associated with acute respiratory infection of children in Hubei, China
Authors: Wu Zegang , Li Yan , Gu Jian , Zheng Hongyun , Tong Yongqing , Wu Qing 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveAcute respiratory infection is the major cause of disease and death in children, particularly in developing countries. However, the spectrum of pathogenic viruses and atypical bacteria that exist in many of these countries remains incompletely characterized. The aim of this study was to examine the spectrum of pathogenic viruses and atypical bacteria associated with acute respiratory infection in children under the age of 16.MethodsA total of 10 435 serum sera specimens were collected from hospitalized children presenting with acute respiratory infection symptoms. Indirect immunofluorescence assays were performed to detect immunoglobulin M antibodies against nine common pathogens: mycoplasma pneumonia, influenza virus B, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, influenza virus A, legionella pneumophila, coxiella burnetii and chamydophila pneumonia.ResultsOf the 10 435 specimens examined, 7046 tested positive for at least one pathogen. Among all of the tested pathogens, mycoplasma pneumonia had the highest detection rate (56.9%). Influenza virus A and influenza virus B epidemics occurred during both winter and summer. The detection rate of respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus was higher in spring. Cases of mixed infection were more complex: 4136 specimens (39.6%) tested positive for ≥2 pathogens. There were statistically significant difference in detection rates of mycoplasma pneumonia, influenza virus B, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, influenza virus A, legionella pneumophila and chamydophila pneumonia among different age groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe most common pathogens causing acute respiratory infection among children in Hubei of China were mycoplasma pneumonia, influenza virus B and respiratory syncytial virus. The detection rates for each pathogen displayed specific seasonal and age group variations.
Eliminativism, Dialetheism and Moore's Paradox
Authors: Williams John N. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractJohn Turri gives an example that he thinks refutes what he takes to be “G.E.Moore's view” that omissive assertions such as “It is raining butIdo not believe that it is raining” are “inherently ‘absurd'”. This is that ofEllie, an eliminativist who makes such assertions. Turri thinks that these are perfectly reasonable and not even absurd. Nor does she seem irrational if the sincerity of her assertion requires her to believe its content. A commissive counterpart ofEllie isDi, a dialetheist who asserts or believes thatTheRussell set includes itself butIbelieve that it is not the case that theRussell set includes itself.Since any adequate explanation ofMoore's paradox must handle commissive assertions and beliefs as well as omissive ones, it must deal withDi as well as engageEllie.Igive such an explanation.Iargue that neitherEllie's assertion nor her belief is irrational yet both are absurd. Likewise neitherDi's assertion nor her belief is irrational yet in contrast neither is absurd.Iconclude that not allMoore‐paradoxical assertions or beliefs are irrational and that the syntax of Moore's examples is not sufficient for the absurdity found in them.
Under reporting of road traffic injuries in the district of Kandy, Sri Lanka
Authors: Periyasamy Nithershini , Lynch Catherine A , Dharmaratne Samath D , Nugegoda DB , Østbye Truls 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesTo conduct a community survey to estimate the degree to which road traffic injuries (RTIs) are under reported and to compare the characteristics of RTI reported to the police to those not reported.DesignA cross-sectional population-based study.SettingKandy district, Sri Lanka.ParticipantsRTIs and deaths during the preceding 12 months were identified through a community-based cross-sectional survey with a sample size of 3080 households. A stratified multistage cluster sampling with population proportion to size was used. ‘Events reported’ to the police were cross checked against events in the police records of the given or adjacent police stations, and either were ‘Events found’ or ‘Not found’. ‘Under reported’ included those ‘Not reported’ and those reported but ‘Not found’ in the police dataset.ResultsInformation about 11 724 persons were obtained from 3080 households, identifying 149 persons who suffered an RTI. Of these, 57% were ‘Events reported’, and of these 43.6% (n=65) were‘Events found’ in police records (95% CI, 36.0 to 51.6). There were 42 events ‘Not reported’ to police while an additional 7 were ‘Not found’ in the police records of the given police station. Although they were claimed to have been reported to the police, 33% (95% CI 25.8 to 40.7) were ‘Under reported’. There were significant differences in age (p=0.02), family income (p<0.001), road user type (p=0.001), injury severity (p<0.001) and injury category (p=0.01) between ‘Events found’ in the police records and ‘Under reported’ events.ConclusionsIn the Kandy district, 33% of RTIs were ‘under reported’. These findings could be used as evidence for policy planning to prevent RTIs, and highlights the need for a nation-wide community-based survey to determine the true rates of RTI for a better understanding of the reasons for under reporting.
Hyperuricemia is independently associated with endothelial dysfunction in postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women
Authors: Maruhashi Tatsuya , Nakashima Ayumu , Soga Junko , Fujimura Noritaka , Idei Naomi , Mikami Shinsuke , Iwamoto Yumiko , Kajikawa Masato , Matsumoto Takeshi , Hidaka Takayuki , Kihara Yasuki , Chayama Kazuaki , Goto Chikara , Noma Kensuke , Tomiyama Hirofumi , Takase Bonpei , Yamashina Akira , Higashi Yukihito 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between uric acid, endothelial function and cardiovascular risk factors and to investigate whether menopausal status was associated with the relationship between uric acid and endothelial function in women.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting3 general hospitals in Japan.Participants749 Japanese women aged 30–74 years recruited from people who underwent health-screening examinations with agreement for measurement of vascular function.MeasuresWe measured serum concentrations of uric acid and flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). Percentage of FMD (peak diameter−baseline diameter/baseline diameter) was used for analysis. Endothelial dysfunction was defined as FMD ≤4.90%, division point for the lowest tertile and the middle tertile of FMD. Menopause women were defined as participants without menstruation for over 1 year or participants with a history of hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy.ResultsOf the 749 participants, 368 (49.1%) were premenopausal women and 381 (50.9%) were postmenopausal women. Age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, estimated glomerular filtration rate and Framingham risk score were significantly correlated with serum uric acid level. FMD showed a gradual decrease in accordance with the serum uric acid level in the entire study population (<4 mg/dL, 6.85±3.65%; 4 to <5 mg/dL, 6.79±3.60%; 5 to <6 mg/dL, 6.24±3.58%; ≥6 mg/dL, 5.27±3.18%; p=0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that uric acid was a significantly independent risk factor for endothelial dysfunction in postmenopausal women (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.50), but not in premenopausal women.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that uric acid can be used as a risk marker of endothelial dysfunction in a female population, and particularly as an independent risk factor in postmenopausal women but not in premenopausal women.Registration number of the studyUMIN000003409.
Geochemical evaluation of East Sirte Basin (Libya) petroleum systems and oil provenance
Authors: Burwood R. , Redfern J. , Cope M. J. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
With cumulative reserves exceeding 23 gigabarrels oil recoverable (GBOR), the East Sirte Basin is a prolific oil province hosting supergiants such as the Amal, Augila-Nafoora and Sarir fields. Production from Precambrian-Oligocene reservoirs yields low sulphur and often highly waxy oils.
The Late Mesozoic-Cenozoic Agedabia and older Hameimat, Maragh and Sarir troughs provide the main structural features of the habitat and control hydrocarbon prospectivity. Paleogene subsidence has facilitated the generative process with Mesozoic basin-fill sediments hosting source rocks for productive petroleum system(s). Traditionally the marine Upper Cretaceous Sirte Shale Formation source was thought to provide the dominant charge. Application of geochemical inversion procedures to oil data, however, indicates a greater diversity in oil provenance. Delineation of eight end-member generic oil families indicates a number of complex contributory petroleum systems, mixed-system hybrid oils also being evident. Non-marine (lacustrine) source inputs are also in evidence, enhanced waxiness differentiating petroleums of such provenance. Systematic screening of the stratigraphic section has additionally identified source potential in Nubian (Triassic and Lower Cretaceous), Rachmat-Tagrifet (Upper Cretaceous), Harash (Paleocene) and Eocene formations.
Assignment of oil provenance has been achieved via multivariate oil data analysis and application of a carbon isotope-based source kerogen-oil correlation procedure. End-member petroleum systems have been definitively identified involving the Sirte Shale Formation, Rachmat-Tagrifet Formations and Nubian (Triassic) as the contributory sources. The remaining major systems rely upon Pre-Upper Cretaceous lacustrine sediments specific to the Hameimat and Sarir troughs. Whereas numerous archetypal Sirte Shale Formation oils were recognized (e.g. Messla, Hamid, Sarir-L etc.), reserves for many of the giant fields, including Amal, Augila-Nafoora and Sarir-C, rely on hybrid system charging.
These results confirm that the prospectivity of the Sirte Basin is not exclusively dependent upon the Sirte Shale Formation, with other petroleum systems in operation, often involving hybrid-sourcing.