bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thoughts Engendered by Bretscher's Two‐Step, Two‐Signal Model for a Peripheral Self–Non‐Self Discrimination and the Origin of Primer Effector T Helpers
Authors: Cohn M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThere are three questions under re‐examination here that have been inspired by Bretscher's ‘Two‐step, Two‐signal’ model. First, what is the nature of the steps required in order for antigen‐responsive cells to become effectors? Second, how does the immune system get started? Third and the most troublesome, what is the mechanism that relates the delivery of the two signals? To answer the first question, Bretscher proposes a pathway that I will place in another context by comparing it with what had been envisaged under the Associative Recognition of Antigen (ARA) model. The second question, how does the immune system gets started, is crucial to our understanding of the self–non‐self discrimination. This problem boils down to, what is the origin of the first effector T helper (eTh) cells required to activate all antigen‐responsive cells including the T helpers themselves (the primer problem)? To deal with this question, I proposed an antigen‐independent pathway to primer eTh. Bretscher presents us with an antigen‐dependent pathway to primer eTh. As competing models are precious in clarifying thinking and in guiding experimentation, I felt it important to reanalyse the two models and look for ways to decide between them. The third question deals with the requirement for and the mechanism of associative (linked) recognition of antigen (ARA). The concept of ARA is so compelling at both the experimental and theoretical levels that to save it, a new perspective will be introduced.
Short duplication within theRHCEgene associated with an in cis deletedRHDcausing aRhnullamorph phenotype in an immunized pregnant woman with anti‐Rh29
Authors: Silvy Monique , Beley Sophie , Peyrard Thierry , Ouchari Mouna , Abdelkefi Saadia , Jemni Yacoub Saloua , Chiaroni Jacques , Bailly Pascal 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe rare amorphRhnullphenotype is caused by silent alleles at theRHlocus and usually arises in consanguineous families. To date, only five molecular backgrounds have been identified in five unrelated families. Subjects withRhnullred blood cells (RBCs) readily produce alloantibodies to high‐prevalenceRh antigens.Study Design and MethodsRBCs from a pregnant woman (G5P3) fromLibya, with a positive indirect antiglobulin test were phenotyped by hemagglutination.RHDandRHCEgenes were analyzed at the genomic level and mutation inheritance pattern was assessed in the patient's family.ResultsHemagglutination testing showed aD–C–E–c–e– phenotype in the proposita associated with the presence of a high titer anti‐Rh29 (4096). Molecular analysis revealed a deletion ofRHDand presence of a novelRHCEallele with a 7‐bp duplication inExon 7. This duplication is predicted to introduce a frameshift afterHis350, a newC‐terminal sequence, and a premature stop codon resulting in shortened predicted protein with only 402 amino acids. The mutated allele was found at homozygous state in the proposita and heterozygous state in her parents and one brother.ConclusionThis report describes a novelRHCEmutation causing the loss ofRhCEantigen expression in association withRHDdeletion, leading to an amorphRhnullphenotype.
Iron depletion with a novel apheresis system in patients with hemochromatosis
Authors: Grabmer Christoph , Schmid Doris , Mayer Georg , Aigner Elmar , Wagner Andrej , Streif Doris , Schallmoser Katharina , Rohde Eva 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundPhlebotomy represents the standard treatment option for iron overload in hemochromatosis (HC). Recently, red blood cell (RBC) apheresis has increasingly been used to remove iron. In this study we evaluated the depletion program of the newly developed Spectra Optia device.Study Design and MethodsAdult male patients (n = 11) with HC were RBC depleted with the Spectra Optia device (Terumo BCT). In total, 24 procedures were performed. A volume of 300 to 550 mL of RBCs was withdrawn per single treatment.ResultsNo significant adverse events were recorded. A median blood volume of 857.3 ± 23.3 mL was processed. The median procedure time was 12.0 ± 0.4 minutes. The mean reduction of Hct value in each procedure was approximately 6% (Hct pre 42.6 ± 0.5% vs. Hct post 36.6 ± 0.6%) and iron removed per procedure was 405.2 ± 23.3 mg.ConclusionThe Spectra Optia device proved to be highly efficient in depleting RBCs in HC patients and allows for short procedure time. The Optia device can be safely used in this clinical setting. We recommend its use in case of severe iron overload if rapid iron depletion needs to be achieved and in case of cardiac compromise due to less blood volume removed.
The Geoglobus acetivorans Genome: Fe(III) Reduction, Acetate Utilization, Autotrophic Growth, and Degradation of Aromatic Compounds in a Hyperthermophilic Archaeon
Authors: Mardanov Andrey V. , Slododkina Galina B. , Slobodkin Alexander I. , Beletsky Alexey V. , Gavrilov Sergey N. , Kublanov Ilya V. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya Elizaveta A. , Skryabin Konstantin G. , Ravin Nikolai V. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Geoglobus acetivorans
is a hyperthermophilic anaerobic euryarchaeon of the order
Archaeoglobales
isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. A unique physiological feature of the members of the genus
Geoglobus
is their obligate dependence on Fe(III) reduction, which plays an important role in the geochemistry of hydrothermal systems. The features of this organism and its complete 1,860,815-bp genome sequence are described in this report. Genome analysis revealed pathways enabling oxidation of molecular hydrogen, proteinaceous substrates, fatty acids, aromatic compounds,
n
-alkanes, and organic acids, including acetate, through anaerobic respiration linked to Fe(III) reduction. Consistent with the inability of
G. acetivorans
to grow on carbohydrates, the modified Embden-Meyerhof pathway encoded by the genome is incomplete. Autotrophic CO
2
fixation is enabled by the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Reduction of insoluble poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxide depends on the transfer of electrons from the quinone pool to multiheme
c
-type cytochromes exposed on the cell surface. Direct contact of the cells and Fe(III) oxide particles could be facilitated by pilus-like appendages. Genome analysis indicated the presence of metabolic pathways for anaerobic degradation of aromatic compounds and
n
-alkanes, although an ability of
G. acetivorans
to grow on these substrates was not observed in laboratory experiments. Overall, our results suggest that
Geoglobus
species could play an important role in microbial communities of deep-sea hydrothermal vents as lithoautotrophic producers. An additional role as decomposers would close the biogeochemical cycle of carbon through complete mineralization of various organic compounds via Fe(III) respiration.
Draft Genome Sequences of Geobacillus stearothermophilus Strains 22 and 53, Isolated from the Garga Hot Spring in the Barguzin River Valley of the Russian Federation
Authors: Rozanov Aleksey S. , Logacheva Maria D. , Peltek Sergey E. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Geobacillus stearothermophilus
strains 22 and 53 were isolated from sediment samples isolated from the Garga hot spring (72°C) located in the valley of the river Barguzin (the Baikal region, Russian Federation) (54°19′3.72″N, 110°59′38.4″E).
Draft Genome Sequence of
Cryobacterium roopkundensis
Strain RuGl7, Isolated from a Soil Sample in the Vicinity of Roopkund Lake, Himalayas, India
Authors: Sathyanarayana Reddy Gundlapally , Sreenivas Ara , Shivaji Sisinthy 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

We report the 4.36-Mb genome of
Cryobacterium roopkundensis
strain RuGl7, isolated from a soil sample collected in the periphery of Roopkund Lake, Himalayas, India. The draft genome consists of 4,356,863 bp, 4,048 protein-coding sequences, and 50 RNAs, with 65.3% G+C DNA content.
Influence of Acupuncture on Bioelectrical Impedance Measures in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Grundmann Oliver , Yoon Saunjoo L , Williams Joseph J 
Published: November 2014

Background Patients with gastrointestinal cancers often suffer from malnutrition and cachexia caused by inflammatory processes due to malignancy and therapeutic intervention. Evaluation of nutritional status and well-being of patients is essential to prevent or slow down the progression of cachexia. In addition, acupuncture as a complementary intervention may help reduce cachexia and unintentional weight loss. Methods Seven patients with cancers of the gastrointestinal tract enrolled in this pilot study were provided with eight acupuncture sessions in addition to their regular treatment schedule. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurements were taken at every other acupuncture session to evaluate the body composition of patients. BIA is a fast, inexpensive and non-invasive method for evaluating fluid, fat and muscle mass distribution which correlates with nutritional status. Results All patients enrolled in the pilot study completed the acupuncture intervention and BIA measurements. The average weight loss and reduction in body weight was 1.3%, which is less than the average weight loss of 5% reported in the literature. Both phase angle and fat-free mass decreased in patients, indicating a worsening of the condition. However, a shift from intracellular to extracellular fluid was not observed, which is usually associated with a loss of cell integrity. Conclusions This pilot study indicates that patients tolerate acupuncture treatments well. The BIA results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. A larger randomised placebo-controlled study is currently being conducted to further investigate the influence of acupuncture and to provide insights into BIA as a reliable tool for evaluating body composition in patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
Using black shales to constrain possible tectonic and structural influence on foreland-basin evolution and cratonic yoking: late Taconian Orogeny, Late Ordovician Appalachian Basin, eastern USA
Authors: Ettensohn Frank R. , Lierman R. Thomas 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Black shales are integral parts of most foreland-basin deposits and, because they typically reflect maximum basin subsidence, their distributions serve as proxies for the extent of foreland-basin development. In the United States Appalachian area, the distribution of Middle–Upper Ordovician black shales suggests that the Taconian Orogeny proceeded from south to north along the eastern Laurentian margin and that Taconian tectophases were mediated by convergence at continental promontories. In the Late Ordovician Taconic tectophase, changes in the distribution of the Martinsburg and Utica black shales support a reversal of subduction polarity that effected the reactivation of basement structures and basin migration sufficient to yoke the Appalachian foreland basin with adjacent intracratonic basins. Shale distribution suggests that early Chatfieldian (late Sandbian–early Katian), east-verging subduction early in the tectophase generated a cratonic extensional regime with a narrow foreland basin that developed along reactivated Iapetan basement structures. Abruptly, in late Chatfieldian–early Edenian (early Katian) time, westwards migration of basinal Utica black shales and an underlying unconformity suggests change to a compressional regime and westwards subduction vergence. The coincidence of changes in basin shape and migration with the shifts in subduction polarity suggests a causal relationship.
Coronary artery endothelial cells and microparticles increase expression of VCAM-1 in myocardial infarction
Authors: Radecke Christopher , Warrick Alexandra , Singh Gagan , Rogers Jason , Armstrong Ehrin , Simon Scott 
Published: November 2014

SummaryCoronary artery disease (CAD) is characterised by progressive atherosclerotic plaque leading to flow-limiting stenosis, while myocardial infarction (MI) occurs due to plaque rupture or erosion with abrupt coronary artery occlusion. Multiple inflammatory pathways influence plaque stability, but direct assessment of endothelial inflammation at the site of coronary artery stenosis has largely been limited to pathology samples or animal models of atherosclerosis. We describe a technique for isolating and characterising endothelial cells (ECs) and EC microparticles (EMPs) derived directly from the site of coronary artery plaque during balloon angioplasty and percutaneous coronary intervention. Coronary artery endothelial cells (CAECs) were identified using imaging flow cytometry (IFC), and individual CAEC and EMP expression of the pro-atherogenic adhesion molecule vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was assessed immediately following angioplasty. Patients with MI registered 73 % higher VCAM-1 expression on their CAECs and 79 % higher expression on EMPs compared to patients with stable CAD. In contrast, VCAM-1 expression was absent on ECs in the peripheral circulation from these same subjects. VCAM-1 density was significantly higher on CAECs and EMPs among patients with MI and positively correlated with markers of myocardial infarct size. We conclude that increased VCAM-1 expression on EC and formation of EMP at the site of coronary plaque is positively correlated with the extent of vascular inflammation in patients with myocardial infarction.
Prolonged QTc Interval Predicts Poststroke Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hoshino Takao , Nagao Takehiko , Shiga Tsuyoshi , Maruyama Kenji , Toi Sono , Mizuno Satoko , Ishizuka Kentaro , Shimizu Satoru , Uchiyama Shinichiro , Kitagawa Kazuo 
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose—
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is often difficult to detect in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to assess the predictive value of a prolonged QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) in PAF detection after acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—
We enrolled 972 patients with acute ischemic stroke consecutively extracted from our observational stroke registry system. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) AF on the initial 12-lead ECG (n=171); (2) previously diagnosed PAF (n=47); and (3) the use of a cardiac pacemaker (n=10). Of the 972 patients, 744 (mean age, 67.6 years; men, 62.6%) were eligible for analysis. The clinical characteristics and 12-lead ECG findings of the patients with and without PAF were compared, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of poststroke PAF.

Results—

The poststroke cardiac work-up yielded 69 (9.3%) de novo PAF cases among the 744 patients. The QTc interval was significantly longer in patients with PAF than in those without PAF (436 versus 417 ms;
P
<0.001). Each 10-ms increase in the QTc interval was associated with an increased risk of PAF after multivariate adjustments (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–1.61;
P
<0.001). The optimal threshold value of QTc interval calculated by a receiver-operating characteristic curve was 438 ms, and the area under the curve was 0.73 in this data set.

Conclusions—
The QTc interval prolongation is potentially a strong and useful predictor for poststroke PAF.
Albania’s Difficult Path towards Democracy
Authors: Cierco Teresa 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAlbania began the democratic transformation process in 1991 with a heavy post-communist legacy. Since then, it has continued to experience many difficulties in its path towards democracy, especially in relation to two critical issues: respect for the rule of law and corruption. Following the theories of transition, this paper analyses important pillars of the rule of law: horizontal accountability, effective and legitimate institutions of governance, and transparent public administration, in order to understand why it is so difficult to establish the rule of law in Albania. This paper aims to bring to focus Albania’s democratization process by looking at the institutionalization of political society. Based on the assumption that corruption is tied up with the issue of governance, we try to show how endemic corruption in the state apparatus undermines the basis of the rule of law in Albania by eroding state capacity, civil society and legal culture.
The lesser occipital nerve visualized by high-resolution sonography—normal and initial suspect findings
Authors: Platzgummer Hannes , Moritz Thomas , Gruber Gerlinde Maria , Pivec Christopher , Wöber Christian , Bodner Gerd , Lieba-Samal Doris 
Published: November 2014

Background The lesser occipital nerve (LON) supplies the lateral part of the occiput and is—together with the greater occipital nerve (GON)—involved in headache pathogenesis. While the GON was described in high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS), the same does not apply to the LON. We aimed at characterizing the LON in HRUS, and present cases of suspect findings in the course of the LON identified by HRUS. Methods The LON was examined bilaterally in eight anatomical specimens with HRUS ( n = 16). HRUS-guided ink marking and consecutive dissection was performed. Further, measurements of the LON diameter were performed in 10 healthy volunteers ( n = 20), and patient charts were reviewed to identify patients who were considered to have possible pathology of the LON. Results The LON was identified correctly in all cadavers on both sides and all volunteers except for one side ( n = 19). The average diameter was 1.08 ± 0.30 mm. Four patients with pain within the LON territory and presumed peripheral origin of headache (defined as resolution of headache after diagnostic HRUS-guided selective blockade) were identified, and three of these showed interference of the LON with lymph nodes or an accessory muscle belly. Discussion We confirm the possibility of visualization of the LON using HRUS. HRUS may be a helpful adjunct tool in the assessment of patients with atypical headache.
Drug-induced thrombotic microangiopathy: a systematic review of published reports
Authors: Al-Nouri Zayd L. , Reese Jessica A. , Terrell Deirdra R. , Vesely Sara K. , George James N. 
Published: November 2014

Key Points
Published data describe 78 drugs suspected of causing TMA. Only 22 (28%) of the 78 drugs have evidence supporting a definite causal association with TMA.
Patterns of suspected wheat‐related allergy: a retrospective single‐centre case note review in 156 patients
Authors: Christensen Morten J , Eller Esben , Mortz Charlotte G , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundAllergy to wheat can present clinically in different forms: Sensitization to ingested wheat via the gastrointestinal tract can cause traditional food allergy or in combination with exercise, Wheat‐Dependent Exercise‐Induced Anaphylaxis (WDEIA). Sensitization to inhaled wheat flour may lead to occupational rhinitis and/or asthma.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the case notes of 156 patients (age 0.7 – 73.3 years) with a case history of wheat allergy. The population was divided into three groups, 1: Wheat allergy elicited by ingestion, 2: By inhalation and 3: WDEIA. All patients were examined with detailed case history, specific IgE (sIgE), Skin Prick Test (SPT) and wheat challenge (nasal or oral ± exercise). Details of the case history were extracted from the patients´ case records.ResultsGroup 1: Twenty one of 95 patients were challenge positive (15 children, 6 adults). All children had atopic dermatitis, and most (13/15) outgrew their wheat allergy. Most children (13/15) had other food allergies. Challenge positive patients showed significantly higher levels of sIgE to wheat and significantly more were SPT positive than challenge negative.Group 2: Eleven out of 13 adults with occupational asthma or rhinitis were challenge positive. None outgrew their allergy. Seven had positive sIgE and 10 had positive SPT to wheat.Group 3: Ten of 48 (adolescent/adults) were positive when challenged during exercise. Challenge positive patients showed significantly higher levels of sIgE to ω‐5‐gliadin. The natural course is presently unknown.ConclusionWheat allergy can manifest in different disease entities, rendering a detailed case history and challenge mandatory. Patient age, occupation, concomitant allergies (food or inhalant) and atopic dermatitis are important factors for evaluation.
Intravenous immunoglobulin for severe sepsis and septic shock: clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and value of a further randomised controlled trial
Authors: Soares Marta O , Welton Nicky J , Harrison David A , Peura Piia , Shankar-Hari Manu , Harvey Sheila E , Madan Jason , Ades Anthony E , Rowan Kathryn M , Palmer Stephen J 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Prior to investing in a large, multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT), the National Institute for Health Research in the UK called for an evaluation of the feasibility and value for money of undertaking a trial on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as an adjuvant therapy for severe sepsis/septic shock.

Methods
In response to this call, this study assessed the clinical and cost-effectiveness of IVIG (using a decision model), and evaluated the value of conducting an RCT (using expected value of information (EVI) analysis). The evidence informing such assessments was obtained through a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Further primary data analyses were also undertaken using the Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre Case Mix Programme Database, and a Scottish Intensive Care Society research study.

Results
We found a large degree of statistical heterogeneity in the clinical evidence on treatment effect, and the source of such heterogeneity was unclear. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of IVIG is within the borderline region of estimates considered to represent value for money, but results appear highly sensitive to the choice of model used for clinical effectiveness. This was also the case with EVI estimates, with maximum payoffs from conducting a further clinical trial between £137 and £1,011 million.

Conclusions
Our analyses suggest that there is a need for a further RCT. Results on the value of conducting such research, however, were sensitive to the clinical effectiveness model used, reflecting the high level of heterogeneity in the evidence base.